What is the best time to visit India?

The best time to visit India depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Taj Mahal. Check weather patterns for Asia before booking.

What currency does India use?

India uses the Indian rupee (₹). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in India?

Butter Chicken is one of India's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Biryani and Masala Dosa. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit India visa-free?

3 countries can enter India without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. 3 more get a visa on arrival. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is India safe for tourists?

India is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

India

India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia.

Capital

New Delhi

Language

English, Hindi

Currency

Indian rupee (₹)

Population

1.4B

Timezone

UTC+05:30

Visa-free access

3 countries

Travelling to India

India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area; the most populous country since 2023; and.

India is located in Southern Asia, Asia. The capital is New Delhi, and the official languages are English and Hindi and Tamil. The local currency is the Indian rupee (₹). With a population of 1.4B, India is one of the larger country in Asia.

India requires advance visa applications from the majority of travellers. Just 3 passport holders can enter without a visa for stays up to 90 days. 3 more qualify for a visa on arrival. 161 nationalities can apply online through an eVisa portal. Everyone else — 31 countries — must apply at a India embassy or consulate.

Top places to visit in India

Taj Mahal

The zenith of Mughal architecture commissioned in 1632; a symmetrical white Makrana marble mausoleum inlaid with jasper; jade; and turquoise lapidary; the four minarets lean slightly outward to protect the central dome from seismic collapse; arrive at the Yamuna riverbank at 5:30 am when the translucent marble transitions from a cold moon-grey to a soft; incandescent violet before the heat hazes the horizon.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

The spiritual threshold of the 3;000-year-old city where stone steps descend into the Ganges; the site of the nightly Ganga Aarti ritual involving brass lamps and rhythmic Sanskrit chanting; the smell of camphor; sandalwood; and funeral pyre smoke hangs heavy in the humid air; watch from a wooden boat at dusk when thousands of marigold-filled leaf lamps drift across the ink-black water; reflecting the flickering orange firelight.

Harmandir Sahib

The holiest shrine of Sikhism; featuring a 16th-century central pavilion plated in 750 kilograms of 24-karat gold and surrounded by the 'Pool of Nectar'; the four entrances symbolise openness to all humanity; join the pre-dawn Palki Sahib ceremony when the Guru Granth Sahib is carried amidst the scent of clarifies butter and rose petals; the gold reflects brilliantly off the white marble walkways under the mercury vapour lamps.

Nubra Valley

A high-altitude cold desert at 3;000 metres elevation where the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges collide; the landscape is defined by white sand dunes and the Shyok River's braided silt-channels; the double-humped Bactrian camels are relics of the ancient Silk Road trade; stand on the Hunder dunes at sunset when the jagged granite peaks turn deep ochre; the thin air carries the sound of prayer flags snapping in the wind.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

A 1888 masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival fused with traditional Indian palace architecture; the sandstone facade is populated by hand-carved stone lions; tigers; and gargoyles representing the fusion of British and Mughal aesthetics; enter the main concourse at the 6 pm rush hour; the sound of five million daily commuters echoes under the massive masonry dome while the smell of diesel and sea salt drifts from the nearby docks.

Ajanta Caves

Thirty rock-cut Buddhist prayer halls and monasteries dating from the 2nd century BCE carved into a sheer basalt horseshoe cliff; the tempera murals are the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art; displaying intricate anatomical detail and lapis lazuli pigments; enter Cave 1 at 10 am; the low sun illuminates the Bodhisattva Padmapani; revealing the textured brushstrokes and the cool; damp scent of the ancient stone.

See all 20 places in India →

What to eat in India

Explore all India dishes →

India visa requirements

Visa-free

Visa on arrival

161

eVisa / eTA

Visa required

Countries that can visit India visa-free

3 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Asia

Nepal

Visa on arrival in India

3 countries can get a visa at the airport. Bring your passport, a photo, and cash for the fee.

Asia

Japan

South Korea

United Arab Emirates

eVisa and eTA for India

161 countries can apply online before travelling. Processing typically takes 1–7 business days.

Europe

Asia

Americas

Africa

Oceania

Before you go to India

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. India immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Visa on arrival

If arriving on a visa on arrival, bring passport photos and cash for the fee. Processing takes 15–60 minutes at immigration.

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Currency: Indian rupee

The local currency is ₹. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: English

English is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check India's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for India

Select your passport for an instant result.

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India 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore India

20 places, 7 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · India

India — your questions

It depends on your passport. 3 countries can enter India visa-free. 3 more get a visa on arrival. 161 can apply for an eVisa online. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.