India Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

New Delhi.

Geography:

India shares borders to the northwest with Pakistan, to the north with China, Nepal and Bhutan, and to the east with Bangladesh and Myanmar. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, to the east the Bay of Bengal and to the south the Indian Ocean. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Indian territory but lie off the coast of Thailand in the Bay of Bengal. Sri Lanka lies off the southeast coast, and the Maldives off the southwest coast.

The far north-eastern states and territories are all but separated from the rest of India by Bangladesh as it extends northwards from the Bay of Bengal towards Bhutan. India is separated from the rest of Asia by mountain ranges, forest, and desert -the Himalayan mountain range in the north, the Thar Desert in the west and the Chin Hills and Patkai ranges in the east. The Indus River runs through the northern disputed territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The most sacred of rivers, the Ganges, is in the east.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The major national airline in India is Air India (www.airindia.in). There are also several primarily domestic Indian airlines that have international destinations on their schedules such as IndiGo (www.goindigo.in) and SpiceJet, (www.spicejet.com). British Airways (www.ba.com) and Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) fly direct to India from the UK. Indirect flights are available with many airlines including Emirates (www.emirates.com) via Dubai from London Gatwick Airport. Prices are steady throughout the year but become more expensive in June and July.

Major airports are: Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Chennai International Airport, Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Gaya Airport, Kempegowda International Airport, Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Goa International Airport, Trivandrum International Airport, Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Departure Tax

Included in the airfare.

Flight Times

From London: to Delhi - 8 hours 10 minutes; Kolkata (Calcutta) - 12 hours 25 minutes (including stopover); Chennai (Madras) - 10 hours; Mumbai (Bombay) - 9 hours.

From New York: to Delhi is 14 hours 45 minutes; Kolkata (Calcutta) - 19 hours (including stopover); Chennai (Madras) - 18 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); Mumbai - 15 hours.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Air carriers service all major Indian cities and most large towns. Domestic carriers include Air India (www.airindia.com), GoAir (www.goair.in), IndiGo (www.goindigo.com), Jet Airways (www.jetairways.com) and SpiceJet (www.spicejet.com).

Car Hire

Self-drive cars are not as widely available as chauffeur-driven ones. Driving around India is not necessarily recommended, as the nature of driving standards can be challenging.

There are a large number of chauffeur-driven tourist cars (some air conditioned) available in the main tourist centres. These unmetered tourist cars are usually cheaper than taxis if booked for an extended period of time. Shop around for the best deals and hire from a reputable firm.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit is required. If importing your vehicle into India, procure the latest documentation requirements from the Indian embassy in your home country.

Getting Around By Rail

The Indian internal railway system is state-run by Indian Railways (www.indianrail.gov.in). There are several classes of travel including: first-class air-conditioned, first-class sleeper, second-class air conditioned, second-class, sleeper class, third-class air-conditioned and air-conditioned chair car. Major trains carry restaurant cars.

Special trains: The Palace on Wheels (www.palacesonwheels.com) is a luxury train especially popular with foreign tourists. Tariff includes cost of travel, full catering and conducted sightseeing tours. Itinerary: Delhi-Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur-Chittorgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur/Agra-Delhi.

The Golden Chariot (www.goldenchariottrain.com) is a luxury train journey through Karnataka and includes a stop in Goa. Currently undergoing renovations, it is scheduled for re-opening in October 2019.

The Deccan Odyssey (www.deccan-odyssey-india.com) offers an eight-day jaunt through Maharashtra, pausing in Goa.

The Fairy Queen (www.royalindiantrains.com) is the oldest oldest working steam locomotive in the world. The journey is a two-day round trip from Delhi to Alwar. Guests are taken to Sariska Tiger Reserve for a jeep safari and stay overnight in a hotel.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway operates from New Jalpaiguri/Kurseong to Darjeeling. It climbs 2,100m (6,890ft).

Other trains: The Rajdhani Express trains are deluxe super-fast trains connecting Delhi with a plethora of centres including Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai (Madras), Bengaluru (Bangalore), Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad and Ajmer.

Shatabdi Express: Super-fast trains operated by Indian Railways, that connect major and secondary city centres. Snacks and meals are provided.

Konkan Express: This route is Mumbai-Goa-Mangalore.

Getting Around By Road

A modern expressway links Delhi with Agra, where the Taj Mahal is situated; this has reduced travel times by road from five hours to around three hours.

Note: Travelling in rural areas during the monsoon season can be hazardous and care should be taken. Monsoon rains can cause flooding and landslides that cut off some towns and villages for days at a time.

Road Quality

Outside the major cities, main roads and other routes are often poorly maintained, often lacking warning markers and street lights.

Side Of Road

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Urban Travel

Taxis and auto rickshaws are available in large cities and fares should be charged by the kilometre. If present, visitors should insist on the meter being flagged, as fares can fluctuate. Fares do not always conform to the reading on the meter, but drivers should always have a copy of the latest fare chart available for inspection. Kolkata (Calcutta), Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai (Madras) have metro systems.

Getting Around By Water

There are ferries from Kolkata (Calcutta) and Chennai (Madras) to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. Contact the Shipping Corporation of India (www.shipindia.com) for details. There are also services from Kochi and Calicut to the Lakshadweep Islands (http://lakport.nic.in). Services are often seasonal and are generally suspended during the monsoon. There are seasonal catamaran services from Mumbai (Bombay) to Goa. One particularly attractive boat journey is the 'backwaters' excursion in the vicinity of Kochi in Kerala. Several local tours are available.

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel 

India-Pakistan border area

FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border, except for at Wagah where travellers can cross the border.

Jammu and Kashmir

FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for:

• travel by air to and from the city of Jammu
• travel within the city of Jammu
• travel within the region of Ladakh

Manipur

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur including the capital, Imphal. Curfews and restrictions continue in parts of Manipur following violent ethnic clashes that broke out in 2023. Intermittent incidents have continued and escalated in September 2024.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these regions.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of India's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in India set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the High Commission of India in London or another Indian consulate in the UK. 

Passport validity requirements

To enter India, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.

India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for your travel.

You could be refused entry or deported for having the wrong visa. You could also be banned from entering India in the future.

For the latest information on Indian visas and immigration requirements, see the Indian Bureau of Immigration.

Applying for a visa or e-visa

Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration. Depending on your requirements, you may be able to apply for a:

• regular (paper) visa
• e-visa (check the website's FAQs for restrictions on airports and seaports of entry)

Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply. Allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.

Applicants of Pakistani origin

If you are of Pakistani origin, a British-Pakistani dual national or hold a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), the visa processing time will be substantially longer than other visa applications. More information is available from the High Commission of India. 

If you are a British-Pakistani dual national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport. If you have renounced your Pakistani nationality, or cancelled your Pakistani passport, you will need to submit documentary proof of this.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders

If you hold a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, you can use this, along with your valid British passport, to visit India. You do not need a visa. If you have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card. More information is available from the High Commission of India and the Indian Bureau of Immigration.

Extending your visa

It's illegal to overstay your visa in India. Make sure you leave the country before your visa expires or get an official extension if needed. More information is available from the Indian Bureau of Immigration.  

If you're hospitalised

If you or someone you're travelling with has a short-term tourist visa and is hospitalised, you may be able to extend or convert to a medical visa.

Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport when you arrive in India. You'll need to show it when you leave, so border control officers know you have not overstayed your visa.  

Registering with the authorities

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register foreign guests with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Make sure your accommodation provider registers you.

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, you must register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. You could be denied permission to leave if you do not do this.

You may need to register your stay depending on the type of visa you hold, check if you need to.   

Exit requirements

When you leave India, officials will check when you entered the country. If you do not have an entry stamp, for example if you have a newly issued passport, you must apply for a special exit visa before you travel. This must be done online and can take between 5 and 15 working days for straightforward applications. Factor this into your timeframe to leave India when you are booking flights.   

Vaccine requirements

To enter India, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a:

• yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• polio vaccine if you're coming from a polio-affected country

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's India guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of India. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into India

There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including residents and tourists, must follow Reserve Bank of India guidelines.

If you're visiting India, you can bring cash, travellers cheques (in British pounds or another foreign currency) or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees in India.

You must declare any amount above 5,000 US dollars in notes, or 10,000 US dollars in notes and travellers cheques combined.

Access permits in north-east India

You need a permit to travel to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Apply at least 3 months in advance.

In India, apply at the liaison office of the state for which you need a permit or the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Permit regulations can change at any time. Contact the relevant state liaison office or the Indian Bureau of Immigration for the latest guidance.

If you're travelling to Mizoram, you need to register online with the Superintendent of Police in Aizawl or state CID on the e-FRRO online portal.

If you are travelling to Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland, check guidelines issued by local authorities. Blockades and protests may disrupt traffic along the national highways connecting them with each other and with Assam, particularly in border areas.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of India.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in India

There is a heightened risk of terrorism in some Indian regions. Read our advice on regional risks in India for more information.   

Terrorist and insurgent groups operating in India include:

• Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LET) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) in Kashmir
• Naxalite (radical communist insurgent) groups active in some of the India's eastern, southern and central states
• Khalistani extremists operating mainly in Punjab
• Daesh, Al Qa'ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and other groups may also be planning attacks

Terrorist attacks have mainly targeted Indian government interests. Security has been strengthened, including at major hotels and transport hubs. However, terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

• restaurants, hotels, bars and markets
• stations and airports
• places of worship and tourist attractions
• festivals, sports venues and beaches

Take particular care during periods of national or religious significance, such as:

• Republic Day (26 January)
• Independence Day (15 August)
• Diwali (usually in October or November)
• Eid (date changes each year)

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Strikes (sometimes referred to as 'bandh' or 'hartal'), political rallies and demonstrations happen frequently and can become violent. The risks are higher during elections and after the death of party or government leaders. Protests may also happen at short notice, especially around days of national importance. Local authorities may impose curfews and other restrictions. Transport and public services including mobile networks and internet may be disrupted.

You should:

• avoid protests or large gatherings, including at religious sites
• follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company
• monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions

Crime

If you're the victim of crime in India, call:

• police helpline: 100
• national emergency number: 112
• women helpline: 1091

Protecting your belongings

Keep a copy of your passport, visa and flight ticket separately from originals when travelling. Leave copies at home where others can access them, and store copies electronically. If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the police immediately and get a police report. You will need the police report for your exit visa application.  

Take care of your possessions on buses, trains and in crowds. Criminals may ride past on motorbikes and snatch valuables.

Be cautious in tourist areas, where scammers, pickpockets and ticket touts target foreign nationals.

Scams

Cybercrime, internet scamming, card skimming and confidence scams are common. These scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss.

Criminals often use the details of British high commissions and embassies. Be cautious and check the authenticity of details before responding.

Drink and food spiking

Be wary of accepting drinks or food from strangers or leaving drinks unattended. There have been reports of spiked drinks and food, with British nationals being robbed or assaulted.

Sexual assault

There is a risk of sexual assault, including attacks on female foreign national visitors in tourist areas and cities.

Female travellers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Serious sexual attacks involving both Indian and foreign nationals have been reported. British women have been victims of sexual assault, including rape, in multiple states in India. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day.

See advice for women travelling abroad.

Laws and cultural differences

Dress code

Respect local dress and customs, particularly when visiting religious sites and rural areas. 

Alcohol laws and bans

Laws on alcohol, including buying, drinking and the legal drinking age, vary by state. Get advice from your travel agent, hotel or the authorities about the laws in areas you are visiting.

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places, such as parks.

In some states, foreign nationals and non-resident Indians can buy 30-day alcohol permits.

There is often a ban on the sale of alcohol during major religious festivals, national holidays and elections.

The consumption, production or transportation of alcohol is illegal in:

• Bihar
• Gujarat
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
• the region of Lakshadweep

If you drink or possess alcohol in these states, you could be arrested and held without bail. You could face a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke in most public places. Only smoke in designated smoking areas.

E-cigarettes and related products are banned. You cannot buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not get involved with any illegal drugs. Drugs are not categorised as they would be in the UK, into Class A, B and C and possession of any illegal drug could lead to sentencing. You could face a minimum sentence of 6 months for possession of small amounts deemed for personal consumption only, up to a 10-year sentence for other amounts. The judicial process is slow, and you could be detained for several years while your case is processed.

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas

Activities involving cameras and binoculars, like photography, birdwatching or plane spotting, may be misunderstood. Be particularly careful near military sites, government buildings, airports and railway stations.

Satellite phones and other devices  

It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence. British nationals have been arrested or detained for bringing satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices into the country without prior permission. Contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication to request a licence.

You may also need prior permission from the Indian authorities to bring equipment like listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras or binoculars into India. Contact the High Commission of India for advice.

Swimming safety

There are strong currents off many coasts and people drown every year. Most beaches do not have warning signs, flags or lifesaving equipment. Take local advice and follow warnings and instructions issued by lifeguards. Emergency service standards may differ from those in the UK.  

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Trekking in India

Trekkers should:

• travel in groups
• use reputable local guides and stay on established routes
• check if you need any special permits

Leave details of where you're going and when you expect to return with your accommodation. You are extremely unlikely to have a phone signal in the mountains, so make sure your accommodation provider registers your whereabouts using the online C-form.

It is illegal to possess or operate satellite phones without prior permission of the Indian authorities.

Hazards when trekking exist throughout the year, especially above 3,000 metres, including:

• altitude sickness
• sudden weather changes, including thunderstorms
• avalanches and snow drifts
• landslides, flooding and rock falls

Make sure your insurance policy covers you for altitudes over 2,400m and mountain rescue and helicopter costs.

There are no commercial mountain rescue services operating above 3,000m. In some border areas only the Indian Air Force can carry out air rescues. However, they are under no obligation to perform them and only carry out rescues during working hours.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relationships are legal in India. However same-sex marriage is illegal. Indian society is conservative. This includes attitudes to LGBT+ people, which can be less accepting than in the UK. There is a risk of harassment and discrimination, especially outside of big cities. Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

See more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Child custody and family law

Indian family law is very different from UK law. Special caution is needed when child custody becomes an issue. In case of dispute, consult a lawyer in India to find out more about the relevant laws.

Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreign nationals in India. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can seek legal guidance on surrogacy if at least one partner is an Indian passport holder.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. India has a strong legal framework to regulate and restrict wildlife trade and is also a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). If you're caught purchasing or trafficking these illegally, you will be prosecuted and receive a prison sentence or fine.

Sexual offences against children

There are severe penalties for any form of sexual offence against a child. There is a minimum jail term of 20 years, which may go up to life in prison or a death sentence, for anyone convicted of raping a child aged 12 or under.

Transport risks

Driving in India

If you are planning to drive in India, see information on driving abroad.

You'll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Rules on how long you can drive on a UK licence vary from state to state.

Road safety

India has a high death rate from road accidents. Comply with the police if they are at the scene. If the police are not present, it could be unsafe to remain at the scene. If safe to do so, go to the nearest police station.

Driving can be dangerous in urban and rural areas due to wandering livestock. Accidents involving cows can draw crowds and potentially lead to violence. Anyone in the vehicle involved may be attacked or targeted for extortion. It is common to use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence on the road.

Avoid travelling at night and in fog as accidents are common due to low visibility and there is a higher risk of crime at night. Always travel in a well-maintained vehicle.

If you travel by motorbike, wear a helmet and proper footwear.

Buses are often driven fast and recklessly. Accidents are common.

Be careful when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas and especially at night, as vehicles sometimes drive on the wrong side of the road.

Taxis and rickshaws

Avoid travelling alone and hailing taxis on the street, especially at night. App-based taxis like Uber and Ola are widely available, including in all airport terminal buildings. Pre-paid taxi services are also available and many hotels offer transfers. If a hotel driver is collecting you at the airport by, make sure they properly identify themselves before you set off.

If you book a taxi online, there's usually a way to share journey details with your contacts who can then follow your location.

Seatbelts are not common in 3-wheel taxis (autos) or in the back seats of taxis. Try to use taxis that have seatbelts.

Air travel

When travelling through an airport, allow enough time to complete check-in and security procedures, as your baggage may need to go through screening equipment and checks. Allow time for transiting between flights if you need to change from international terminals to domestic terminals, even if using the airport shuttle service.

If you arrive on a charter flight booked through a tour operator, you can only fly into and out of the country with the same charter operator. Chartered flight passengers are not allowed to fly into or out of the country using a scheduled airline. 

Rail travel

Train travel in India is generally safe, however accidents happen and have previously resulted in death and serious injury. There are police or guards on trains and stations if you need help.

When travelling by train:

• do not accept food or drinks from strangers
• take care of your passport and valuables as thefts are common
• avoid people at railway stations offering tickets and tours as you may be scammed

Sea travel

Tourist boats and other small craft rarely carry life-saving equipment.

Although piracy has not so far affected India's territorial waters, it poses a significant threat in parts of the Indian Ocean. Mariners should follow shipping industry guidelines on precautions to take.

Ships and crew must have the necessary authorisation and paperwork before entering Indian territorial waters and follow Indian laws and regulations. If carrying weapons on board ships in Indian territorial waters, you must follow Indian laws and regulations.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

India can experience extreme weather events that threaten life and disrupt infrastructure, including buildings, roads and communications.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

You should:

• plan your travel so that you are aware of seasonal weather events, such as monsoon rains
• follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company
• check the Indian Meteorological Department for weather updates

Monsoons

The monsoon season in India usually runs from June to October. Monsoon rains can cause:

• flooding and landslides, sometimes leading to significant loss of life
• towns and villages to be cut off
• serious disruption to road and train travel
• disruption in big cities due to flooding
• disruption to services including telephone lines, internet services and electricity

Cyclones and tropical storms

Tropical cyclones are a risk in India, particularly in:

• the east coast of India, from September to December
• the Bay of Bengal, from April to June and September to December
• south India, from June to November

Tropical cyclones can cause:

• high winds, which can damage or destroy buildings, bring down trees and power and telephone lines
• storm surges, which can cause a temporary rise in sea level of several metres which can flood coastal areas and damage buildings on the shoreline
• heavy rainfall, which can cause flooding and mudslides

Earthquakes

Several parts of India lie on highly active fault zones, including areas of the north and north-east. The most active are along the length of the Himalayas. Tremors are common in these regions and can cause landslides. Limited emergency response vehicles, equipment and medical facilities could increase an earthquake's impact.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

This section has safety advice for regions of India. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice for India.

India-Pakistan border area and western India

FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border, except for at Wagah where travellers can cross the border.

The India-Pakistan border in Gujarat and Rajasthan is unmarked in some areas. Approaching it away from an official crossing point could be dangerous. Where it is unmarked, you could enter Pakistan illegally. 

Jammu and Kashmir 

FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for:

• travel by air to and from the city of Jammu
• travel within the city of Jammu
• travel within the region of Ladakh

There have been frequent terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. There is a continuing threat, mainly towards Indian government targets. See Terrorism.

There is a heavy security presence in the Kashmir Valley. This, combined with violent protests and operations by security forces, has resulted in a number of deaths and serious casualties.

The authorities can impose and lift curfews and other restrictions frequently and quickly. Stay vigilant, monitor local media, and follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company.

Foreign nationals are vulnerable in rural districts and outside the main population centres and tourist areas. There is a risk of unpredictable violence, including bombings, grenade attacks, shootings and kidnapping. The long-standing policy of the UK government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The level of consular assistance that the British High Commission in India can provide in Jammu and Kashmir is severely limited.

Manipur

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur. Some insurgent groups are active in north-east India in the state of Manipur.

In 2023 violent ethnic clashes broke out across Manipur, including in the state capital, Imphal. Intermittent incidents have continued and escalated in September 2024. There may be curfews and other restrictions including transport disruptions and the suspension of internet services at short notice in some parts of the state.

You should:

• avoid protests or large gatherings
• follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company
• monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions

Other north-eastern states

Sudden flareups and skirmishes may happen along inter-state borders in north-east India and there could be incidents of violence in some of the north-eastern states. Please check with local authorities before traveling in the region.

There have been:

• violent clashes along the disputed border between Assam and Mizoram and Assam-Meghalaya that led to deaths
• reports of violent communal and political clashes in Tripura
• security forces killing a number of civilians in Nagaland near the Myanmar border

There have been skirmishes on the India-Bangladesh border. Travellers are advised to check with local authorities that it is safe to travel before visiting these areas.

Protests and large gatherings are common in India's north-eastern states. They can happen without warning and occasionally result in disorder. Avoid protests and leave as soon as possible if a crowd develops. Review your security arrangements carefully and follow the advice of local authorities.

Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

Naxalite (radical Maoist communist) insurgents target police officers, paramilitary forces and government officials leading to injuries and deaths (150 in 2023 and around 100 until May 2024). Seek advice from your travel provider and local authorities if you plan to travel to rural areas of the following 12 districts, which the Indian government has identified as the worst affected.

In Chhattisgarh:

• Bastar
• Bijapur
• Dantewada
• Kanker
• Narayanpur
• Mohalla-Manpur-Ambaragh Chowki
• Sukma

In Jharkhand:

• West Singhbhum – there is risk of violent crime in rural areas

In Odisha:

• Kandhamal
• Kalahandi

In Madhya Pradesh:

• Gadchiroli

In Maharashtra:

• Balaghat

Foreign tourists and researchers must keep to security guidelines during visits to tribal areas in Odisha.

Goa

Many opportunistic criminals operate in Goa because of the high number of tourists.

There have been some serious incidents involving British nationals in recent years, including sexual assaults and the murder of a young female traveller.

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places in Goa. If you drink alcohol outside the limits of a licensed premises, you could be fined or given a prison sentence. You can drink within the limits of a registered beach shack or bar, for example, but not on an open beach or road.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for India
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in India, including:

• dengue and malaria
• Zika
• chikungunya
• poor air quality

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts India. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Air pollution

Severe air pollution is a major health hazard, especially during the winter months from October to February. North Indian cities are most affected by extremely high levels of pollution. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. If you're pregnant or have a respiratory or heart condition you may wish to consult a medical practitioner before you travel.  

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in India

Medical facilities differ from those in the UK, especially in more remote areas. Specialised treatment may not be available outside major cities. In major cities, government and more expensive private medical care is available 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in India where some staff will speak English.

Transplant surgery

If you're travelling to India for organ transplant surgery, check in advance with the hospital what proof they need about your circumstances in the UK. You may need to submit evidence of your marriage and birth of your children before the operation can take place. You can get copies of marriage and birth certificates from the General Register Office in the UK. You may want to get your documents legalised before travelling. The British High Commission cannot provide guarantees and certificates on your behalf.

If you are considering travelling to India for medical treatment:

• read more advice on going abroad for medical treatment and elective surgery
• discuss plans with your UK doctor before going ahead with any medical procedures abroad
• do your own research – private companies have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad and the information they provide should not be your only source of information

Find further advice on medical tourism from TravelHealthPro and NHS guidance on going abroad for medical treatment and cosmetic surgery abroad.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in India

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

These services provide support in English, Hindi and additional languages.

You can also download the 112 India mobile app which can track your location to support response in an emergency.

Indian Ministry of Tourism helpline

Telephone: 1800 11 1363

The tourism helpline provides:

• advice on reputable sites and services
• the option to make a complaint about a company

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO provides guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in India
• dealing with a death in India
• being arrested in India
• getting help if you're a victim of rape or sexual assault abroad or victim of rape or sexual assault in India
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• if you are in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in India on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks. 

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	No*
Typhoid	Yes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Yes
Malaria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Yes

Overview:

Healthcare facilities are available in all major cities, but facilities in rural areas are often limited. Travellers are strongly advised to take out full comprehensive medical insurance before departing for India. It is advisable to bring specific medicines from the UK. There are state-operated facilities in all towns and cities and private consultants and specialists in urban areas.
On leaving India: Visitors leaving for countries, which impose health restrictions on arrivals from India, are required to be in possession of a valid certificate of inoculation and vaccination.

Vaccinations Note:

* Any person (including infants over six months old) arriving by air or sea from an infected country must obtain a yellow fever certificate (includes passengers who have been transit in a country in the endemic zone). The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all travellers who intend to visit the states of Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram in the northeast of the country.

Food Drink:

Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check that the seal on bottled water is unbroken.

Other Risks:

Vaccinations are sometimes advised for hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, tuberculosis (for infants), polio and typhoid. Dengue and malaria are both caused by mosquito bites and are prevalent in hot and humid conditions. There are occasional, seasonal outbreaks of dengue fever. Travellers should vigilantly protect themselves against mosquito bites.

There were confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Jaipur, Rajasthan state in late 2018; travellers should take the necessary precautions.

Malaria prevention is strongly recommended so use insect repellent and wear protective clothing. Obtain anti-malarial medicine from your doctor before travelling.

Even seasoned travellers may find themselves at the mercy of travellers’ diarrhoea. Hygiene standards vary across India. If possible, travel with soap or antibacterial gel in order to clean your hands. The culprits that cause diarrhoea are often the microorganisms found in local water supplies, so decrease your chances by drinking bottled or boiled water. You can have alcoholic drinks but say no to ice. Drink carbonated beverages or those with only boiled water like coffee and tea.

Carry rehydration solution packets, Pepto Bismol or Imodium in case you are afflicted with diarrhoea. Before your travel, seek medical advice about what to take for self-treatment.

Wear adequate sunscreen or do like the locals to beat the heat and avoid the sun between 1200 and 1600 when it is at its harshest; don a cotton kameez to keep covered and cool.

Currency Information:

Rupee (INR; symbol Rs) = 100 paise. Notes are in denominations of Rs2,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rs10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 paise.

The Indian government's decision to take 500 and 1,000 rupee notes out of immediate circulation in November 2016 caused widespread cash shortages, although a different 500 rupee note was later introduced. Updates can be found on the Reserve Bank of India's website.

Note: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Sometimes smaller vendors will not take bills larger than Rs 500. It is best to carry a range of rupee notes if you are shopping at bazaars and local markets.

Credit Cards:

In major cities, banks cards are generally accepted including debit cards, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. However, in smaller towns and villages, choice is generally narrowed to cash or MasterCard and Visa.

ATMs:

24-hour ATM can be found in all the major cities and most large towns, however, the number of ATMs is declining. Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Plus are amongst the most commonly accepted cards.

Travellers Cheques:

Travellers cheques are increasingly hard to cash in India and are no longer recommended.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 1000-1600; Sat 1000-1600.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency (cash and traveller’s cheques) must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency Exchange:

Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
INR	Rs

Exchange Rates

41.62

70.94

84.19

67.87

Language

Hindi is the official language of India and, used by about 40% of the population, India’s most widely spoken. English is also enshrined in the constitution for a wide range of official purposes. In addition, 22 regional languages are recognised by the constitution. These include Bengali, Gujarati, Oriya and Punjabi, which are used in respective regions, and Tamil and Telugu, which are common in the south. Other regional languages include Kannada, Malayalam and Marathi.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
Republic Day	2024-01-26 00:00:00	0
Mahashivratri	2024-03-08 00:00:00	0
Holi	2024-03-25 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)	2024-04-10 00:00:00	0
Mahavir Jayanti	2024-04-21 00:00:00	0
Buddha Purnima (Buddha's Birthday)	2024-05-23 00:00:00	0
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)	2024-06-16 00:00:00	0
Muharram (Islamic New Year)	2024-07-08 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-08-15 00:00:00	0
Krishna Janmashtami	2024-08-26 00:00:00	0
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)	2024-09-16 00:00:00	0
Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday	2024-10-02 00:00:00	0
Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami)	2024-10-12 00:00:00	0
Diwali (Festival of Lights)	2024-11-01 00:00:00	0
Guru Nanak Jayanti	2024-11-15 00:00:00	1
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
Boxing Day	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0

Note:

Only the secular holidays of Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday are universally observed.

(a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last up to several days, depending on the region.

(b) Hindu festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly.

Overview:

The following goods may be imported into India by foreign travellers over 18 without incurring customs duty:
• 100 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 125g of tobacco.
• 2L of spirits or wine.
• Gifts to the value of Rs 15,000

Visitors can now file declarations of dutiable items and currency with Indian Customs by using the ATITHI @Indian Customs app.

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited items include e-cigarettes, narcotics, pornography, counterfeit goods, antiquities and firearms. Foreigners also cannot import gold and silver.

Restricted items include ammunition, live birds and animals, plants and their produce (fruits and seeds), and endangered species.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to major towns but is increasing all the time.

Internet:

The Internet can be reliably accessed from an increasing number of hotels and from Internet cafés across the country, many now with Wi-Fi.

Post

Mail services are generally good, but delivery times are variable. Airmail service to Western Europe or the US takes up to two weeks.

Post Office Hours:

There are regional variations, but generally Mon-Sat 0800-1300 and 1330-1600 in bigger towns and cities.

Media:

The state's TV monopoly was broken in 1992, resulting in a boom of private channels. News and entertainment shows are especially popular and a number of 24-hour news channels operate in India. India’s cable TV market is one of the world’s largest. Public TV is run by Doordarshan, while STAR Plus, owned by Star India, is one of the most popular private channels. Private radio stations were sanctioned in 2000, but only public All India Radio (AIR) is allowed to broadcast news. As of January 2019, private radio stations are allowed to broadcast AIR news titles. Newspaper circulation has risen, thanks to a growing middle class, as has the number of Internet users to over 100 million. Many newspapers are in English; the most important include The Economic Times, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Deccan Herald, The Statesman, The Pioneer and The Times of India.

Kerala: escape the city

For a complete break from India’s urban hubs, cruise along the tropical backwaters of Kerala and pause en route to peruse country villages, peaceful beaches and scattered temples. On board, you can sample one of India’s best-loved cuisines, with delicious seafood cooked in coconut curries. For something really unique, see Kerala’s kathakali dancers perform their elaborate routines.

India’s national parks: spot the tigers

India boasts more than 100 national parks, 500 wildlife sanctuaries and 18 biosphere reserves, that provide a much needed home for endangered and rare species such as tigers, Asiatic elephants and one-horned Indian rhinos. Among the best-known reserves are Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan), Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand) and Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal).

Ajanta and Ellora: discover an architectural masterpiece

The stunning rock-cut cave temples at Ajanta and Ellora are considered the crowning glory of Indian religious art. Carved into the walls of a high basalt cliff near Aurangabad, the caves stand as a testament to ancient India. The temples of Ellora were hewn by Buddhist, Hindu and Jain stone-carvers from the 5th to the 10th century. The nearby Ajanta caves are even older, with exquisite murals that may date back as far as the 2nd century BCE. The richly decorated caves are considered masterpieces of craftsmanship, earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983.

The River Ganges: witness an ancient tradition

The mighty River Ganges is a direct channel to the divine for India’s Hindu population. The wondrous city of Varanasi, one of India's holiest Hindu pilgrimage towns, is blessed by the sacred waters, offering prayer and ablution to those who come to bathe at its riverside. Riverside ghats are mobbed daily at sunrise and sunset. A symbol of spirituality, philosophy and mysticism, Varanasi is a city not to be missed.

Yoga: find your inner zen

India is the birthplace of yoga, one of the world’s best-loved traditional therapies. Ashrams and yoga retreats across India offer first class instruction from the legacies of those who invented the fine art. Head to Haridwar or Rishikesh in the Uttarkhand hills to experience yoga at its spiritual source.

Buddhist India: explore India’s Buddhist communities

When the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, he found sanctuary, along with the exiled Tibetan administration, in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Today, Tibetan Buddhist communities thrive across India, from the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh to the mountains of Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, and beyond to remote Arunachal Pradesh, offering a whole different take on Indian spirituality.

Goa: a sun-seekers paradise

Although less mellow than the happy-go-lucky days of the 1960s, the hippy hangouts of Goa have evolved into India’s favourite seaside resorts. The occasional full moon party can still be found in places such as Anjuna, but today, sunbathing, sipping local spirits and sampling the Portuguese-influenced coastal cuisine is more the vibe. The only state where pork is readily served, you can feast on locally made choriço (Goan sausage) and sample spicy variations of Vindaloo.

India’s beaches: grab your towel

Mumbai (Bombay) has Juhu and Chowpatty, and Chennai (Madras) has Marina Beach, but the best beaches of all are down in the south. Goa offers some of the nation's top strips of sand, while Kerala offers an even steamier version of the tropical south. Then there are the beaches of the Andamans – pure tropical perfection.

India’s temples: get in touch with your spiritual side

India overflows with temples, from modern marvels like Delhi’s Akshardham to the timeless glory of the erotic temples of Khajuraho. Amritsar’s Golden Temple is the most sacred site for the Sikh religion, with a daily throng of devotees that crowd its gilded interior. A tantalising blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, its glowing gold dome tops an inner sanctum of intricately crafted ‘pietra dura’ work. In the east, Konark is also one of India’s treasures, built in the shape of a vast stone chariot; while the temples at Ranakpur in the west see hordes of Jain Pilgrims.

The Highland Region: a blend of east and west

India’s hill stations are a bizarre facsimile of England, transported to the forested highlands of India. In towns such as Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Ooty (Tamil Nadu), Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu), you’ll find grand colonial hotels, whitewashed churches and dainty teahouses set against a spectacular backdrop of Himalayan peaks.

Kashmir: adventure awaits

Kashmir manages to be both India’s most serene spot, and historically its most turbulent. The legendary Kashmir Valley is mesmerising, with its ancient mosques, Mughal gardens and houseboats drifting over its tranquil Dal Lake. Hikers will revel in Kasmir, with exceptional mountain views framing sleepy towns such as Sonamarg. Ladakh is also worth a visit, with the peaceful refrain of Buddhist temple bells tolling across its traditional whitewashed stupas.

Bollywood: move to Indian rhythms

From the show-tunes of Bollywood to the haunting melodies of the sitar and shehnai (Indian oboe), Indian music has a way of getting into the blood. You’ll hear it everywhere, from temple courtyards and dinner shows to buses and marketplaces, where the singers of the latest movie soundtracks are treated with the kind of adulation normally seen for Beyoncé and Justin Beiber.

Andaman Islands: a taste of the tropics

For the real tropical paradise experience, there’s really only one choice. Floating off the east coast of India, the Andaman Islands are densely forested, ringed by sand and fringed by coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. This remote archipelago is also home to Adivasi tribal people whose ancient way of life endures despite the challenges of modernisation.

India’s northeast tea plantations: grab a cuppa

Discover the origins of the humble cuppa on a tour of one of India’s tea plantations. Spreading out like green carpets, the plantations around Darjeeling, Assam and the Nilgiri Hills of south India are vivid and lush. On a plantation tour, you’ll meet workers picking tea in a landscape of brilliant emerald and get a chance to sample India’s finest brews. For true tea lovers, the annual Tea Festival in the Jorhat region of Assam takes place between November and January and is truly an assault on the senses.

Hindu festival’s: a calendar of culture

The 33 million deities of Hinduism are celebrated in all their vivid glory at festivals such as Durga Puja (September/October) in Kolkata (Calcutta), where thousands of rainbow-coloured idols are immersed in rivers and pools. Other must-see celebrations include Holi, the festival of colours (March), Diwali, the festival of light (October/November), and the Kumbh Mela, the largest human gathering on Earth.

Jaisalmer: take a desert safari

Mughal India was the crowning glory of the Islamic world and the ancient cities of north India still swim with the romance of Arabian Nights. For the full experience, get out into the India's sprawling deserts on camel-back from Jaisalmer, and camp beneath an unbelievably clear panorama of stars.

Kolkata: the capital of arts and atmosphere

Where Mumbai is all razzle and dazzle, Kolkata exudes an air of calm sophistication. India’s unofficial capital of the arts is a fascinating collection of bustling bazaars, sprawling parks, and grand, decaying colonial monuments that once housed the government of British India. Life here may move to the same timeless rhythm as the turgid Hooglhy River, but a hipster culture also runs deep, with grand Bengali clubs nestled in its dynamic centre.

Mumbai (Bombay): the beating heart of India

Delhi may have the history and architecture, but Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India’s capital of fashion, film, finance and fun. Mumbai is a city of phenomenal contrasts, where India’s tallest skyscrapers rise against a backdrop of ramshackle bazaars and slums. Attractions include ancient cave temples, colonial monuments, fine dining restaurants and the movie studios of Bollywood.

Rajasthan: home to forts and palaces

From the glorious capital, Jaipur, to the Blue City of Jodhpur and the White City of Udaipur, Rajasthan is awash with desert fortresses, terrific temples and the palaces of Maharaja. For the ultimate Rajasthani experience, head for the desert citadel of Jaisalmer, where camel safaris into the Thar Desert offer a little taste of what life was like in India’s glorious past.

The Taj Mahal: the most romantic building in the world

India’s Golden Triangle offers a mesmerising circuit through Delhi, Jaipur and Agra; but it's the Taj Mahal that everyone comes to see. Described as the greatest monument ever built for love, it’s perhaps the most aesthetically perfect building on earth, constructed from gleaming white marble by the heart-broken Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, for his favourite wife.

Delhi: the capital of India

India’s capital is a riot of sounds, smells and sensations. Eight ancient cities have risen up on this site over the centuries, ruled by a string of empires. The heart of the city is Old Delhi, which overflows with forts, mosques and maze-like bazaars; south of the old city, the colonial architect Lutyens laid out New Delhi in wide avenues that house the grand Mughal gardens.

Overview

Each region has its own specialities, and each town its own local craftspeople with particular skills passed down from generation to generation. For fabrics, silverware, carpets, leatherwork, gems and antiques, India is a shopper's paradise. Bazaars and well-organised melas can be found in cities and many regional hotspots – Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore.

Shopping is as varied as India’s topography. There are specialised wholesale markets for specific items like spices, coffee and tea (Old Dehli’s Chandni Chowk) and single streets in Jaipur allotted to one item category such as clothing, chappals and jewellery. Prices are not usually visible and bargaining is the norm at most local bazaars. Be aware, there is a tourist premium affixed to many items. If you are uncomfortable with bargaining, many tourist spots across India will have state-run emporia where reasonable prices can be found. Delhi’s Baba Kharak Singh Marg or the Aparant outlet in Goa is perfect for this. Cash is the usual form of payment.

India has one of the world's largest carpet industries and exquisite Persian rugs can be found nationally. If you prefer to shop direct head to Jammu & Kashmir and Leh to pick up hand-woven carpets and pashmina shawls. However, be wary of Shahtoosh shawls, as these are illegal to buy or sell.

Other goods you should expect to see include pickles, spices, Indian tea, perfumes, soap, handmade paper, incense, puppets and musical instruments.

The best time to shop is around festival time at Diwali, which generally runs from late October to early November. This is high season and many retailers from around the country will converge at the large melas in major cities to sell their goods.

Shopping can also have charitable benefits if you buy directly from the producers at the bazaars. Alternatively, there are a few non-governmental organisations (NGOs) supported through items they make and sell in their own shops. Try the Craft Revival Trust site (https://asiainch.org/) which lists information about the history of crafts around India.

There is a veto on the export of antiques, art objects over 100 years old, livestock, animal skins, products made from animal skins, live plants, human skeletons, illicit drugs, weapons, ivory, products made from ivory, animal horns, endangered shells, antiques, gold and silver bullion.

Opening Hours

Shopping hours are Mon-Sat around 0930-1900 in most large stores; variable hours in bazaars.

Overview

Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Many of the spices we now take for granted – pepper, cardamom and turmeric – hail from India’s plains and jungles. The flavour of each Indian dish is a carefully judged balance of herbs, seasonings and spices, and each cook carefully maintains their own recipe for garam masala– literally ‘hot mix’.

Rice is the foundation stone of Indian cooking, but you’ll also find many kinds of bread, from light, flat chapattis to fat, roasted naan. As often as not, Indian meals are served as thalis, with rice, sabzi (vegetables), soups, and side orders, all served on a single plate.

The north of India specialises in meaty stews and kebabs, while the south favours highly spiced vegetarian curries and dosas (rice-flour pancakes). India’s finest seafood can be found in Bengal and the beaches of Goa and Kerala.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.

Drinking Age

18-25 (depending on the state) and is also illegal in some states.

Hotels

Hotels in India offer the whole gamut of possibilities, from premier 5-star establishments and Heritage Hotels (converted historic palace buildings) to budget backpacker affairs and delightful back-to-basics beach huts. Modern and boutique hotels are available in all large cities and popular tourist centres. Business people are also well catered for. To experience full-on lavishness there are a number of palace hotels in Rajasthan and Shimla. Hotel services in the luxury and business range are comparable with other major cities and therefore can be very pricey particularly during tourist high season which runs from early October to February. However, even if you are not staying in 5-star hotels, you can still enjoy some of the luxury by booking in a spa service or have a meal at one of the hotel restaurants.

Hotel bills may be subject to a 10% expenditure tax, 7-15% luxury tax and a variable service charge.

Grading: Hotels in India range from 5-star deluxe, 5- and 4-star hotels, which are fully air-conditioned with all luxury features, 3-star hotels, which are functional and have air-conditioned rooms, to 2- and 1-star hotels, which offer basic amenities.

Camping Caravaning

Campsites are scattered throughout India, but are few and far between. Some hotels may permit camping on their grounds for a small fee which includes bathroom use. The easiest way to camp in India is with a tour operator.

Other

History

India was home to one of the oldest civilisations, which rose in the Indus Valley in the 3rd millennia BCE. The intervening 5,000 years have seen hundreds of invasions and the rise and fall of myriad empires, from the Muslim Mughals who built the Taj Mahal, to the Portuguese – the first European powers to arrive and the last to leave, in 1961 – and the French, who carved out their own Indian enclave at Puducherry (Pondicherry).

The most well-known of India’s colonisers were the British, who came as traders in the 17th century, and, through the machinations of the East India Company, managed to take over the entire subcontinent. Under British rule, railways were built, great cities rose and government was centralised, but the maharajas and sultans were reduced to servants of the empire, and India became an engine to further the fortunes of a foreign power.

The Indian Mutiny in 1857 marked the transition of power to the British monarchy, and also the beginning of organised resistance to British rule. While India fought alongside Britain in two world wars, intellectuals and spiritual leaders were sowing the seeds of rebellion. These ideas were crystallised by one man: Mahatma Gandhi, a former lawyer who preached a doctrine of equality to be gained through passive resistance.

In 1942, Gandhi launched the ‘Quit India’ campaign, which started with gestures of civil disobedience, strikes and non-violent demonstrations and ended with Indian Independence in 1947. Tragically, communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims led to India being wrenched apart, with Muslim areas separating to become West and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Millions died in the process and a Hindu zealot in Delhi killed Gandhi himself in 1948.

Over 70 years later, and the consequences of Partition are still felt, with India and Pakistan existing in a state of some tension. Nevertheless, in other areas, India is boldly marching forwards. India has become a major technology hub, and the Indian economy is predicted to overtake China. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is spearheading reforms and speeding development, despite accusations of bias towards the Hindu community.

Did you know?
• India is the world’s largest democracy, with over 800 million eligible voters.
• Many of the most common terms in the English language are from India, including shampoo, jungle, mugger, dinghy, loot and bungalow.
• India was the source of all the world’s diamonds until the discovery of diamond deposits in Brazil in the 18th century.

Religion

About 80% Hindu, 14% Muslim, with Sikh, Christian, Jain, Parsi and Buddhist minorities.

Social Conventions

The traditional Hindu greeting is to fold the hands, tilt the head forward and say Namaste. Indian women generally prefer not to shake hands. All visitors are asked to remove footwear when entering places of religious worship. Most Indians also remove their footwear when entering their homes; visitors should follow suit. Many Hindus are vegetarian and many, especially women, do not drink alcohol. Most Sikhs and Parsis do not smoke. Women are expected to dress modestly and men should also dress respectfully. Women should not wear short skirts and tight or revealing clothing, although there is a more casual approach to clothing in Goa.

Best Time To Visit:

The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end ofNovember to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.

Western Himalayas: Srinagar is best from March to October; July to August can be cold and damp in winter. Shimla is higher and therefore colder in winter. Places like Gulmarg, Manali and Pahalgam are usually under several feet of snow from December to March and temperatures in Ladakh, which is a high-altitude desert, can be extremely cold. The mountain passes of Ladakh are accessible from July to October.

Northern Plains: Cities like New Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow and Patna experience an extreme range of temperatures and are typically warm from April to mid-June, falling to almost freezing at night in winter between November and February. Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September.

Central India: Madhya Pradesh state escapes the very worst of the hot season, but monsoons are heavy between July and September. Temperatures fall at night in winter.

Western India: November to February is most comfortable, although evenings can be fairly cold. Summers can be extremely hot with monsoon rainfall between mid June and mid September.

Eastern India: Weather in states like Orissa (which is flood-prone) are defined by cooler weather from October to February, scorching heat from March to May and unavoidable drenching from the monsoons from June to October.

Southwest: The most pleasant weather is from November to March. Monsoon rains fall anywhere between late April and July. Summer temperatures are not as high as Northern India although humidity is extreme. The coast benefits from some cooling breezes. Inland, Mysore and Bijapur have pleasant climates with relatively low rainfall.

Southeast: Tamil Nadu experiences a northeast monsoon between October and December and temperatures and humidity are high all year. The hills can be cold in winter.

Northeast: March to June and September to November are the driest and most pleasant periods. The rest of the year has extremely heavy monsoon rainfall.

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Required Clothing

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are best along the coast and during the dry season in most of India between March and June. When the heat becomes intolerable, you may sweat a lot and want to change a few times a day.

Layer up if you’re visiting the highlands even in the summer as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Also, wrap up warmly if you’re visiting the northern plains, particularly from November to February.

To avoid offending local sensibilities, female travellers should wear clothes that cover the arms and legs, and pack a cotton scarf to cover your head/neck for extra modesty, especially when visiting temples and holy sites. At tourist seaside resorts such as Goa and Mumbai, female travellers can swim in bikinis but beyond tourist areas, it is best for female tourists to swim in t-shirts and shorts as they can help deflect unwanted attention.

Dialing Code:

+91

Area(sq km):

3,287,263

Population:

1.380.004.385

Population Density(per sq km):

450

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

102