India Travel Guide
Everything a client needs to plan a seamless journey across India — forward this once the itinerary is confirmed, or use it to answer the logistics questions upfront.
Essential travel tips
From visa requirements and climate to culture, payments and local experiences — everything to know before travelling to India.
Climate & Best Time
India's geography spans several climate zones. October to March is the strongest window for most regions — pleasant, clear, ideal for sightseeing. Northern India turns cool in winter while the south stays comfortably warm. Summers (April–June) get extremely hot, especially in Delhi and Jaipur. The monsoon (July–September) brings lush greenery and suits Kerala well, though heavy rain can affect travel in some areas.
Visa Information
India's e-Visa system covers tourism, business and medical visits for travellers from many countries, including Australia, with validity from 30 days to a year depending on type. Processing typically takes 3–5 working days. Clients should carry a printed e-Visa approval and a passport valid at least six months beyond arrival. Applications go through the Government of India's official e-Visa portal.
Time Zone
India runs on a single time zone, Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC +5:30), with no daylight saving — one less variable when planning flights, transfers and tour timings. Clients arriving from a significant time difference should expect some jet lag; a relaxed first day is worth building into the itinerary.
Health & Safety
India is generally safe for well-planned journeys with reliable local support. Recommend bottled or filtered water, caution with uncooked street food in unfamiliar places, and basic travel insurance. Major cities have strong healthcare facilities and accessible emergency services — the usual precautions go a long way.
Money & Payments
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and major stores, and UPI-based digital payments (Google Pay, PhonePe) are extremely common. Still worth carrying some cash for markets, small vendors and rural areas — ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist centres.
Dining
India's culinary range runs from street food to world-class fine dining, with distinct regional flavours and spice traditions throughout. Vegetarian cuisine is widely available and central to Indian dining culture, and spice levels can be adjusted for international guests. Luxury hotels typically offer global cuisine alongside authentic Indian dishes.
Festivals
Diwali (lights), Holi (colour) and Durga Puja are among India's most vivid celebrations — rich with ritual, music and dance. Travelling during a festival window can be genuinely rewarding, but accommodation and services book out fast, so plan well ahead if dates align with a client's trip.
Culture & Etiquette
Modest dress is expected at temples and religious sites. Shoes come off before entering homes and places of worship. The right hand is used for giving and receiving items. Respecting these norms goes a long way toward a warmer, more genuine local welcome.
Nightlife
Mumbai, Delhi and Goa offer the strongest nightlife scenes — bars, lounges and clubs, with closing hours varying by city.
Shopping
Textiles, handicrafts and jewellery are the standout categories. Bargaining is expected in markets, while malls and fixed-price shops don't require it.
What to Pack
Light cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and modest attire for temple visits cover most of the trip.
Language & Phrases
English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourism. A few basic Hindi phrases — Namaste (hello), Dhanyavaad (thank you) — go a long way with local hosts and guides.
Useful Hindi phrases
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| Hello | Namaste |
| How are you | Aap kaise hain |
| Thank you | Dhanyavaad |
| Yes | Haan |
| No | Nahi |
| How much? | Kitna hai? |
| Please | Kripya |
| Number | Hindi |
|---|---|
| One | Ek |
| Two | Do |
| Three | Teen |
| Four | Char |
| Five | Panch |
| Ten | Das |
| Hundred | Ek sau |
Questions on a specific itinerary?
We're happy to talk through visa timing, seasonal fit or logistics for a specific client brief.
Ask our team