India is a popular South Asian destination that is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, vibrant festivals, mouthwatering cuisines and spirituality. The natural and diverse landscape of India makes it special to visit, as you get to spot hills, mountain ranges, rainforests, beaches, valleys, deserts and many more. If you have not narrowed down the list of places you intend to travel to in India, we have gathered information on India to help you attain significant insights and make your holiday memorable. Have a look at the details below to learn more about the popular holiday destinations to visit in India.
Information on India
| Time Zone | GMT+5:30 |
| Official Language | Hindi |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Nick Name | The Golden Sparrow |
| Capital | Delhi |
| Population | 1.43 billion (as of 2023) |
Why Visit India for a Holiday?
Cultural Hub
India has people of various religions, making it a cultural hub. You can find people of different religions and beliefs living in India, offering you a diverse feeling.
Mouth Watering Cuisines
India offers a flavorful array of cuisines, from street foods to gourmet dishes, to match your taste, as well as offering you the opportunity to experience the Indian culinary expertise.
Iconic Landmarks
Around India, you find a number of iconic landmarks holding history and offering scenic beauty. Among these wonders, you can also spot one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal.
Stunning Natural Wonders
India boasts a stunning natural beauty, ranging from deserts to snow-capped mountains to stunning beaches to breathtaking waterfalls.
Amazing National Parks
Experience the wilderness by visiting some of the popular national parks around India and getting a close encounter with the wild animals, adding thrill to your India tour.
Seasons of India
India has six different seasons, offering you different climatic conditions and making certain places around India ideal to visit during that very season. Check out the six seasons of India below:
Winter (January to February)
You will find the coldest time in India during the winter (Shishir) season, when the temperatures around India drop significantly. Tourists during this time tend to visit the sites that are snow-covered or are unbearable to visit during the summer.
Spring (February to March)
A pleasant season in India is the spring (Vasant) season, when the weather starts shifting from cold to warm. You can witness the reappearance of leaves in trees and explore various destinations around India.
Summer (March to May)
The summer (Grishma) season is the hottest month in India, as well as the brightest one, when you get high temperatures and humidity. At certain paces when the temperature spikes, you may face heat waves and high dehydration, also impacting your skin and body. Tourists generally tend to travel to cooler places like hill stations, quaint villages by the hills and similar ones.
Monsoon (June to September)
If you love heavy showers, then monsoon (Varsha) is the month. The heavy rain impacts all the transportation systems around India, whereas light showers refresh the surroundings. You can also consider it as the off season, when the prices of flights and accommodations drop. There are a few places in India which will serve you as perfect getaway destinations.
Autumn (October to November)
Autumn (Sharad) season marks the disappearance of humidity and heat and is considered the low season. You can also witness the celebration of the major Hindu festivals during this season. You can also travel to different destinations around India. However, it is one of the peak seasons in India.
Pre-Winter (January to February)
Pre-Winter (Hemant) marks the onset of winter in India, when the days start becoming shorter than the nights. The pleasant weather allows you to explore the dry and arid regions around India, which would be difficult to enjoy during other seasons.
How to Commute in India?
India offers you a wide range of transportation to help you commute from one place to another. Being a developing country, it has a wide network of services allowing you to travel easily. You can find metros in some cities, others offer local trains, taxis, bikes and scooters. You can also rent a car or bike with an international driving license to travel at your own pace.
Estimated Length of Stay to Explore India
In order to explore India, visiting its iconic attractions, enjoying various activities and feasting on delicious cuisines, you can expect 2 to 4 weeks of time. Exploring this epic country takes time, as every state has its own offerings in terms of places, culture, traditions, culinary delights and many others. While exploring the states in the four cardinal directions, you will be amazed to see the variations among people, food and weather.
Places to Visit in India
Here are some destinations around India that will offer you an amazing vacation experience as well as allowing you to gain a closer look into the Indian culture, traditions and contemporary lifestyle.
Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, is a must-visit place, where you can expect to land to start your holiday tour. In this bustling city, you will be amazed to spot some of the architectural wonders and places with a spiritual ambience. Take a walk down the famous streets of Delhi and feel the local culture. Also, make sure to try out the popular street foods of Delhi and explore its bustling markets.
Popular Attractions in Delhi
- Red Fort
- India Gate
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Best Time to Visit Delhi: Between October and March.
Amritsar
Popular Attractions in Amritsar
- Sri Harmandir Sahib
- Jallianwala Bagh
- The Partition Museum
- Shri Durgiana Temple
- Mata Lal Devi Mandir
Best Time to Visit Amritsar: Between October and March.
Agra
In ancient times, Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire in India and was controlled by several Mughal emperors, from Babur to Shah Jahan. The city is renowned for holding one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, which stands as a symbol of love. This incredible marble mausoleum is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides, you can also explore a number of destinations that testify to the rich history and past events held there.
Popular Attractions in Agra
- Taj Mahal
- Agra Fort
- Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal
- Itmad-ud-Daula
- Mehtab Bagh
Best Time to Visit Agra: Between October and February.
Kolkata
Take a tour to one of the cheap holiday destinations in India, Kolkata, also known as the “City of Joy”. You can find traces of the British era in the standing architecture and vintage buildings around the city. You get to explore the Bengali culture, their traditional dishes and various points of interest, holding the whispers from the past.
Popular Attractions in Kolkata
- Victoria Memorial
- Howrah Bridge
- Indian Museum
- South Park Street Cemetery
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Best Time to Visit Kolkata: Between October and February.
Goa
The Beach Capital of India is a standout choice for tourists seeking a beach holiday destination in India. You can relax at this sun-kissed state or indulge in a plethora of water activities, adding thrill to your vacation. You can find the traces of Portuguese colonisation in different parts of Goa. Also, make sure to try out the fresh seafood and enjoy the vibrant nightlife, especially the beach parties.
Popular Attractions in Goa
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Dudhsagar Falls
- Candolim Beach
- Shree Mangueshi Temple
- Fort Aguada
Best Time to Visit Goa: Between November and March.
Darjeeling
Popular Attractions in Darjeeling
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Peace Pagoda
- Batasia Loop
- Tiger Hill
- Shrubbery Nightingale Park
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling: Between October and February.
Mumbai
Get ready to explore the City of Seven Islands, Mumbai, which is also known for its Bollywood hub, a popular Indian film industry. Being an ideal 3-night holiday destination in India, this city will help you explore a number of iconic attractions, both inland as well as on an island located a few hours from the mainland. During British rule, this city served as the gateway to British freight and cargo ships.
Popular Attractions in Mumbai
- Elephanta Caves and Island
- Gateway of India
- Global Vipassana Pagoda
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
Best Time to Visit Mumbai: Between January and February.
Jaipur
Planning for a family holiday in India with a touch of royal ambience and elegance, then Jaipur, also called The Pink City, is a standout choice. Marvel at the stunning beauty of the UNESCO Heritage Sites dotted around the city, offering you a deep history to learn and step back into the past. Certain accommodations have been built by remodelling ancient palaces, offering you a majestic stay. Don’t forget to feast on its Rajasthani Thali, offering a blend of aromatic spices and flavors.
Popular Attractions in Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal
- Albert Hall Museum
- The City Palace
- Jantar Mantar
- Jal Mahal
Best Time to Visit Jaipur: Between November and March.
Udaipur
The City of Lakes, Udaipur, is one of the best family holiday destinations in India, offering you picturesque scenery. The city is surrounded by seven lakes and is an amalgamation of royal elements and natural landscape. The ancient temples, astounding places and magnificent forts make this destination a must-visit. From astonishing sites to delicious Rajasthani food, the city has everything to complete a vacation.
Popular Attractions in Udaipur
- Jagdish Temple
- Saheliyon ki bari
- Ambrai Ghat
- Monsoon Palace
- Bagore Ki Haveli
Best Time to Visit Udaipur: Between October and March.
Shimla
Take a trip to the scenic destination of Shimla, renowned for its colonial architecture, spectacular shrines, pleasant climate and natural landscapes. You can consider it an ideal summer getaway destination offering you cool weather. You get a number of tourist spots to explore and mouth watering dishes to taste, offering you an experience of the local gastronomy culture. Moreover, you also get the charming views of the Himalayas and its snow-peaked mountains.
Popular Attractions in Shimla
- Christ Church
- Shree Hanuman Temple
- Himalayan Bird Park
- The Army Heritage Museum
- Jakhoo Temple
Best Time to Visit Shimla: Between March and June.
Things to Do on Your Trip to India
- Explore the symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, with a guided tour, learning about various facts and history.
- Explore the castles and forts on your Rajasthan trip to witness their grandeur and learn about their history.
- Visit ancient places like Kuldhara Village and Bhangarh Fort, surrounded by mystery and spooky stories.
- Go for a boat trip over the Ganges on your trip to Varanasi and also witness sacred ceremonies and practices.
- Enjoy and relax in a backwater experience by staying in a houseboat on your trip to Kerala.
- Indulge in a wide array of dishes in different parts of India, each with distinct tastes, ingredients and flavors.
- Go for a religious journey to heighten your spirituality to places like Vaishnodevi, Haridwar, Varanasi and others.
- Go to marvellous temples around South India, offering you great sights and the spiritual significance of deities in Indian culture.
- If you are travelling during any festivals, make sure to indulge in its charming vibe and gain an unforgettable experience.
- Go on jeep safaris at some of the stunning national parks around India, and capture sights of endangered species.
- Take a sip of the finest teas when visiting Darjeeling, as well as learn about the tea cultivation process.
Traditional Indian Cuisines to Try
Indian cuisine reflects their long-standing regional identities and cultures, offering you a blend of spices and flavors. At present, you can witness the influence of various countries in the cuisines of India, but if you want a depth of flavors, species and ingredients, you ought to try their traditional cuisines. Some of these cuisines are listed below:
- Butter Chicken
- Palak Paneer
- Chicken Tikka
- Samosa
- Panipuri
- Chole Bhature
- Vada Pav
- Idli
- Dosa
- Dhokla
Where to Stay in India?
India offers a wide range of accommodation options based on your choice and budget. From luxurious hotels to royal palaces to tree houses to homestays with homely vibes, you can choose based on the location. There are also a number of all-inclusive hotels around India, offering a pocket-friendly experience.
Conclusion
India is a country of vibrant colors and a tapestry of possibilities to be explored. With a huge diversity in various fields, the country welcomes all kinds of tourists from different corners of the planet throughout the year to help them spend their vacation. When you start exploring, you will start learning about the fantastic destinations in every corner of the country, making your journey to India a wonderful experience.
You can check out our India packages to help you select your preferred one, allowing you to travel in a hassle-free manner. You can also customize your itinerary based on your choices by contacting our travel expert, who will design an itinerary based on your budget and preferences.
FAQs
Is a holiday in India cheap?
Yes, a holiday in India can be cheap due to its weak monetary value as well as options in food, transportation and accommodation.
Which is the best month for a holiday in India?
The time between October and March is considered to be the best months for a holiday in India.
What are the popular places to visit in India?
Some of the popular places to visit in India are Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, Mumbai and many more.
Do UK travellers need a visa to visit India?
Yes, UK travellers need a visa to visit India.
How long does it take to travel from the UK to India?
The travel time from the UK to India may vary between 9 hours and 14 hours.
