India Travel Guide

Delhi (IGI) and Mumbai (CSIA) are the main international gateways. From there, India's extensive domestic network reaches virtually every corner of the country. Book domestic flights at least 2 weeks ahead for best prices.

Indian Railways is one of the world's great train networks — book on IRCTC at least 60 days in advance for popular routes. For the Himalayas, domestic flights are often the most practical option. Ola and Uber work reliably in all major cities.

Drink only bottled or filtered water. Carry Oral Rehydration Salts. Consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for forested areas in summer. Travel insurance that covers evacuation from the Himalayas is essential for mountain travel.

Get a local SIM on arrival — Airtel and Jio have the best coverage. Note that foreign passport holders must register in person at a store with their passport; the process takes 20–30 minutes but the result is cheap, fast data that works almost everywhere.

Remove shoes before entering homes, temples and mosques. Dress modestly at religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Using your right hand for eating and giving/receiving is respectful. Learning a few words of the local language — even just "Namaste" and "Shukriya" (thank you) — makes an enormous difference.