India is a Country of contrasts. From Temples to Tigers, colourful paint throwing festivals to white sand beaches, India has something to tease every type of emotion.
Our visit to India changed our view of travelling. It opened our eyes to a different culture, opened our hearts to locals who waved enthusiastically, and welcomed us with big smiles. The sights, sounds and smells of India awaken your senses, and a ride in a tuk-tuk will definitely make you feel alive!
Feet Do Travel will help with all you need to know about visiting India, from what to wear to obtaining a visa. We show you why India should be on your bucket list.
Our visit to India changed our view of travelling. It opened our eyes to a different culture, opened our hearts to locals who waved enthusiastically, and welcomed us with big smiles. The sights, sounds and smells of India awaken your senses, and a ride in a tuk-tuk will definitely make you feel alive!
Feet Do Travel will help with all you need to know about visiting India, from what to wear to obtaining a visa. We show you why India should be on your bucket list.
Wondering what to pack for India? Let us help you with the essentials in our Ultimate Packing List for Worldwide Travel (tried and tested!)
At-a-Glance Travel Information
- When to visit:
- April & May are unbearably hot
- June – Sept have the monsoon rains
- An India Visa is required for most nationalities but you can apply for an e-visa online
- Currency is the Indian Rupee (INR)
- India is the second most populous country in the world after China
- Hindi is the national language, however India is the second largest English speaking country
No trip to India is complete without visiting the Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal for Sunrise
If you haven’t visited the Taj Mahal, you haven’t visited India! This was on my bucket list for years, and did it live up to its reputation? Yes it most certainly did!
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is just before the sun rises. At this time of day there are less crowds, and to witness the sun’s rays creeping across the white stone marble is something you will never forget.
If you need help choosing a camera to capture this amazing spectacle, visit Cameraseals whoc
If you haven’t visited the Taj Mahal, you haven’t visited India! This was on my bucket list for years, and did it live up to its reputation? Yes it most certainly did!
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is just before the sun rises. At this time of day there are less crowds, and to witness the sun’s rays creeping across the white stone marble is something you will never forget.
If you need help choosing a camera to capture this amazing spectacle, visit Cameraseals whoc
Seeing a tiger in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan is a spectacular sight
Tiger Safari
Have you watched “Life of Pi” and want to view this majestic creature for yourself? Ranthambore National Park is the place to go. Located in Rajasthan, Ranthambore is an easy add-on to a Golden Triangle Tour which also takes in the Taj Mahal.
We had the most incredible encounters with two tigers. Watching the true King of the Jungle walking in front of us, admiring their characteristic markings and piercing cat eyes, it was the best game drive safari I had been on (and I have been on over 20 across Africa).
Have you watched “Life of Pi” and want to view this majestic creature for yourself? Ranthambore National Park is the place to go. Located in Rajasthan, Ranthambore is an easy add-on to a Golden Triangle Tour which also takes in the Taj Mahal.
We had the most incredible encounters with two tigers. Watching the true King of the Jungle walking in front of us, admiring their characteristic markings and piercing cat eyes, it was the best game drive safari I had been on (and I have been on over 20 across Africa).
Fishermen on Palolem Beach, Goa
Beaches of Goa
Goa became famous in the 60’s & 70’s as a hippy-haven, and a place for backpackers to escape life, hang out on beautiful beaches and to party. Today, the bohemian north of Goa holds a lot of historical culture, but it’s the south which has the best beaches. Cavelossim, Palolem, Agonda, Butterfly, and if you visit Galgibaga December to February, you may be lucky enough to see the olive ridley sea turtles.
Goa became famous in the 60’s & 70’s as a hippy-haven, and a place for backpackers to escape life, hang out on beautiful beaches and to party. Today, the bohemian north of Goa holds a lot of historical culture, but it’s the south which has the best beaches. Cavelossim, Palolem, Agonda, Butterfly, and if you visit Galgibaga December to February, you may be lucky enough to see the olive ridley sea turtles.
Rishikesh is the birthplace of Yoga, and known as the Yoga capital of the world
Take a Class in the Birthplace of Yoga
I have a few yoga teacher friends, and all of them visited India for their training. Rishikesh in the foothills of the Himalayas is known as the birthplace of yoga, and as the Yoga capital of the world, it is THE place to practice. Whether you are a beginner and want to tick this off your bucket list, or experienced and want to become a teacher, there is no better place for yoga than India.
I have a few yoga teacher friends, and all of them visited India for their training. Rishikesh in the foothills of the Himalayas is known as the birthplace of yoga, and as the Yoga capital of the world, it is THE place to practice. Whether you are a beginner and want to tick this off your bucket list, or experienced and want to become a teacher, there is no better place for yoga than India.
Immerse yourself in the Holi Festival known as the festival of colours
Attend the Holi festival
Known as the Festival of Colours, Holi Festival is a fun and vibrant bucket list tick off! Celebrated in March, it signifies good beating evil and is a time to forgive and forget. Rajasthan is a popular destination for foreigners.
Buckets of water and a handful of coloured powder are thrown around by anyone and everyone, whether you are participating or not. Young, old, Hindu or foreign, no one is exempt from the fun and frolics as people run around in high spirits “colouring” each other.
Tip: Wear something old as the paint may permanently stain. If you have light coloured hair, put coconut oil through it to help the paint come out or wear a bandana.
Known as the Festival of Colours, Holi Festival is a fun and vibrant bucket list tick off! Celebrated in March, it signifies good beating evil and is a time to forgive and forget. Rajasthan is a popular destination for foreigners.
Buckets of water and a handful of coloured powder are thrown around by anyone and everyone, whether you are participating or not. Young, old, Hindu or foreign, no one is exempt from the fun and frolics as people run around in high spirits “colouring” each other.
Tip: Wear something old as the paint may permanently stain. If you have light coloured hair, put coconut oil through it to help the paint come out or wear a bandana.
Travel Essentials for India
Visa
A tourist visa is required for most nationalities, but it’s best to check with your country’s Embassy. The easiest visa is the e-visa India which can be done online. It’s easy to apply for, you receive the visa via email as a PDF which you show at airport immigration.
Vaccinations & Medication
There are no required vaccinations to enter India, unless you’re arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever. For best health practice, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended, and ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date. Other vaccinations to consider are Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies. Malaria tablets such as Malarone may be needed, depending on where you are travelling. Visit your Doctor or Healthcare Professional before you travel, or check this list of recommended vaccines.
Sickness Prevention
Almost all travellers become sick at some point, you’ve probably heard of “Delhi Belly”. In your basic first aid kit, ensure you have a good supply of rehydration/electrolytes such as Dioralyte which will replace lost body salts from diarrhoea or sickness. Pack Activated Charcoal tablets and take at the first sign of diarrhoea and you should be right as rain! Carry antibacterial gel or hand sanitiser in your bag and use it often, including after handling money. Try to avoid salads as they may have been washed in water, instead eat foods that can be peeled.
What to Wear
This is especially important for female travellers. As a conservative country, avoid bare shoulders, cleavage and lots of leg. Loose fitting, flowing dresses or trousers are perfect to keep you cool as well as covered, and if you don’t wish to wear a t-shirt, wrap a scarf around your shoulders.
For all travellers, during the evening to avoid mosquito bites, it’s recommended you wear clothing that covers as much as possible, and use a natural Citronella mosquito repellent.
Travel Essentials for India
Visa
A tourist visa is required for most nationalities, but it’s best to check with your country’s Embassy. The easiest visa is the e-visa India which can be done online. It’s easy to apply for, you receive the visa via email as a PDF which you show at airport immigration.
Vaccinations & Medication
There are no required vaccinations to enter India, unless you’re arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever. For best health practice, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended, and ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date. Other vaccinations to consider are Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies. Malaria tablets such as Malarone may be needed, depending on where you are travelling. Visit your Doctor or Healthcare Professional before you travel, or check this list of recommended vaccines.
Sickness Prevention
Almost all travellers become sick at some point, you’ve probably heard of “Delhi Belly”. In your basic first aid kit, ensure you have a good supply of rehydration/electrolytes such as Dioralyte which will replace lost body salts from diarrhoea or sickness. Pack Activated Charcoal tablets and take at the first sign of diarrhoea and you should be right as rain! Carry antibacterial gel or hand sanitiser in your bag and use it often, including after handling money. Try to avoid salads as they may have been washed in water, instead eat foods that can be peeled.
What to Wear
This is especially important for female travellers. As a conservative country, avoid bare shoulders, cleavage and lots of leg. Loose fitting, flowing dresses or trousers are perfect to keep you cool as well as covered, and if you don’t wish to wear a t-shirt, wrap a scarf around your shoulders.
For all travellers, during the evening to avoid mosquito bites, it’s recommended you wear clothing that covers as much as possible, and use a natural Citronella mosquito repellent.
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