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Volunteer in India

Home | Written by Brina | Updated 3rd May 2024.

F or a volunteer experience involving all of the senses, look no further than India. A land of cows, yoga , chai, and chutney, India’s vibrance will leave a lifelong imprint upon you.

With its famous festivals like Holi and Diwali , India is also rich in culture and history. It’s no wonder that many people say that it’s a place like nowhere else.

Though the subcontinent is vast, it offers something for every kind of traveler. We want you to have the best possible experience volunteering in India, so we’ve put together a guide that will help lead you through the process.

Table of contents

Why volunteer in india.

Types of volunteering opportunities.

Who should volunteer in India?

The best time to visit.

Cultural and linguistic expectations.

Volunteer skills needed in India.

Is it safe to volunteer in India?

When to start planning.

Do I need a visa to volunteer in India?

Applying to volunteer in India.

Building your profile.

Writing your volunteer application.

Getting there and backup plans.

Explore available opportunities.

India is known for its stunning mausoleums and culinary delights. We believe it’s a stellar country for helpers, and here’s why:

Captivating nature - Whether you want to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Himalayas, dip your toes in the Arabian sea, or camp out with camels in the desert, India has it all.

The cost of living in India is incredibly low. It’s an ideal country to visit on a budget .

India is known for its generosity. Locals are very kind to foreigners , making it easy to feel welcome.

Diversity - With 29 states, 122 major languages, and over 1.2 billion people, India is a melting pot of its own . 

Cuisine - Indian food is packed with flavor and loaded with an array of spices. Vegetarianism is practiced widely throughout the country, making it a great choice for travelers who don’t eat meat. 

Types of volunteering opportunities

There is a multitude of projects from which to choose. Here are some of the main categories:

Teaching English & TEFL in India - Opportunities include assisting in schools, volunteering with children in orphanages, and teaching English to young students.

Hospitality - Opportunities involve working reception at hostels, helping to set up a backpacker hostel, assisting with marketing operations at an eco lodge, and teaching yoga at a hostel.

Social Issues and NGOs - Opportunities include working with women and children in slums, helping charities, and interning with NGOs.

Farming - Opportunities involve learning about and helping with organic farming practices, as well as partaking in permaculture projects.

Anyone with a high level of motivation would make a great volunteer in India. If you’re open-minded, willing to adapt, and ready to be challenged , you’ll do just fine.

The great thing is, many of our projects allow you to utilize the skills and passions you already have. If you love children, why not opt to teach English in one of the schools? Enjoy raising awareness about important causes? Help out at one of the NGOs! Love working with your hands? Choose one of the farm projects!

The best time to visit

Between late October and March, most of India experiences cooler, drier, and sunnier weather, making it the optimal time to visit. If you’re headed to one of the northern states, it can be quite chilly during this time, so bear that in mind. The monsoon season runs from June to September.

Cultural and linguistic expectations

India is a conservative country. Women should wear modest clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Everyone should bring lighter, breathable fabrics, such as cotton. You may also want to purchase traditional Indian clothing when you arrive, such as a salwar kameez (women) or a kurta (men).

Prior to entering someone’s home, always remove your shoes (unless instructed otherwise). Shoes should also never be worn in temples.

Many Indians eat using their hands. When touching another individual, always use your right hand, as the left hand is considered impure. Though western toilets are becoming more common, squat toilets are still the norm in most households and public places.

Hindi and English are India’s official languages. In larger cities, it’s common to come across English speakers, but in rural areas, English is more limited. While slow and simple communication usually suffices and can overcome language barriers, it can be helpful to learn some basic phrases. Do note that Hindi is spoken primarily in the northern part of the country. 

Volunteer skills needed in India

There isn’t a specific skill in high demand, only a desire to put forth your best efforts .

India is generally a safe country. The biggest issues are scams and pickpocketing, particularly in congested metropolitan areas and tourist hubs. Be sure to keep your valuables in a secure place. Always watch where you’re walking and look out for cars, as infrastructure in certain areas is still developing, and traffic laws are lax.

We recommend obtaining travel insurance before your trip. This will serve as a safety net and allow for peace of mind in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Our preferred insurance partner is SafetyWing.

When to start planning

It’s best to begin planning your trip at least 3-4 months in advance. This will allow you plenty of time to find the right host , book your flight, gather your belongings, and sort out other logistics of your trip.

Yes. All foreign nationals visiting India must have a visa to enter the country. (Those from the Maldives, however, may enter visa-free for up to 90 days).

Depending on your nationality, you can apply for either a regular paper visa or an e-Visa. The exception lies for those from Japan, South Korea, or the UAE, who can obtain a visa on arrival. An e-Visa is good for up to 1 year upon arrival, and each stay must not exceed 90 days. If you are from Canada, Japan, the U.K., or the U.S., you may stay for 180 days. The Government of India’s visa website has more information regarding visa applications and specifics.

All of our volunteer opportunities at HelpStay fall under the tourist visa category .

Applying to volunteer in India

As a non-member, you can read up on various work exchange projects in India. Once you’ve read up on all of the information, you can become a member , which will allow you to begin planning your stay.

The membership fee enables you to directly message hosts, using our secure messaging system.

Building your profile

Once you’ve become a member, you can also start to complete the “About You” section of your dashboard. Be sure to include these in your profile:

Your photo.

Your nationality.

Where you want to go.

When you plan to travel.

Project types that are of interest to you.

Information about you— This is where you play up your best talents and attributes to make a great impression!

As soon as all of these fields are complete, you may message hosts. 

Writing your volunteer application

Your messages with potential hosts are important, and you will want to present yourself in the best light. Be respectful, as this will go a long way.

Here are some pointers on how to make your application shine:

Thoroughly read the host listing so you have a clear idea of what is expected.

Be clear about how long you hope to stay. Mention what dates you’re available, and whether or not they’re flexible.

Express why you want this particular host’s project.

Say what other kinds of activities and excursions you hope to do when you’re not helping with the project.

Lay out what special talents or skills you have that make you a great fit for this particular project. This will be very helpful for the host!

List any dietary restrictions you may have.

Getting there and backup plans

After you’ve found the right host, you can book your flight to India. India is well-connected by air travel , making it easy to fly into whichever city is nearest to your destination. There is also an extensive railway system throughout the country, allowing travelers to move within India more easily. Additionally, local buses and rickshaws can help you get from place to place locally.

As with any major thing in life, it’s always wise to have a plan B. In our volunteer abroad guide , we highlight the importance of having a backup plan. 

Explore available opportunities

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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India Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

I’ve never been to India. I know. Crazy, right? It’s not that I don’t want to go but life has just always gotten in the way. However, India is a place a lot of people visit and, since I can’t write about it, I want to bring in someone who can: my friend Mariellen Ward. She’d a travel writer who has been going to India since 2005 and runs the website Breathedreamgo . We’ve known each other since 2010. Today, she’s going to share some tips on how to visit India for first-time visitors.

I will never forget my first time visiting India. My first car trip in Delhi felt like a roller-coaster ride. Cars and trucks of every size, overloaded bicycles and motorcycles, and even the occasional bullock cart, seemed to be coming at me from every direction. No one was paying any attention to lanes or the rules of the road. Vehicles were driving the wrong way. I couldn’t make sense of what was happening.

I had heard about the “sensory overload” travelers feel in India, and now I was experiencing it. It was exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure. And just a taste of things to come.

I spent six months crisscrossing the subcontinent on my first trip, back in 2005 and was often overwhelmed by the huge crowds, the foreign traditions, the perplexing bureaucracy, the mind-boggling complexity, and the bewildering culture shock.

These things combined make India a challenging — though very exciting and rewarding —destination.

However, if you read and follow these travel tips for first-time visitors, they could help smooth out some of the more disorienting bumps.

1. Slow down

It takes time and some know-how to successfully navigate in India. This is not a place for hurried travel. Don’t try and see as much as you can; that is not the right approach. It’s tiring to travel in India, and the object should be to experience it, not to check things off a list.

As a general rule, for every two weeks you are in India, pick one region. For a one-month trip, just pick two regions — say, two weeks in Rajasthan and two weeks in Kerala . You can even sit in one place and still not miss anything. No matter what, if you are in India, you will experience India.

2. Adjust your attitude

Likewise, accept that things will not go as planned. Cultivate the philosophy that things happen the way they are supposed to, not the way they are planned. This attitude can lead to the most marvelous adventures.

3. Be careful who you trust

Having said that it’s a good idea to be open, a healthy level of skepticism also comes in really handy in India. There are many con men there, especially in the travel and hospitality sector. They have a sixth sense for first-time visitors and will try and take advantage.

So, learn the prices by asking locals and other travelers before negotiating with auto-rickshaw drivers and market vendors. Don’t believe drivers — or random people you come across at airports, train stations, and tourist attractions — who tell you things such as your hotel burned down, or the train you want was canceled.

Often, an opportunity to make money off of you will spur creative tactics, and some of these scams can easily catch you off guard. Once, I was looking for a new iPhone case and the vendor showed me one and told me it was made by Apple. But a close look revealed four spelling mistakes in one short sentence engraved inside the case.

4. Practice safe travel

There are also anecdotal reports of women being molested, especially in busy, crowded places. Follow basic precautions and safe travel strategies, and use common sense in India.

Here are several safety travel tips (please read my top tips for women traveling in India for more details):

• Buy a local SIM card so that you can make local calls and stay in touch.
• Research carefully where you want to go, ensuring it is an area frequented by other travelers, with good infrastructure and hotels.
• Plan your travel so you don’t arrive late at night; travel during daylight hours only.
• Be careful when posting to social media, so that you are not revealing your current location.
• Stay alert to your surroundings, and keep a close eye on your handbag and luggage.
• Keep the Tourist Helpline number handy and call if you need any assistance: 1-800-111363.

5. Try a small group tour

For your first time in India, try taking a small group or custom tour to help you get your feet wet. My company, India for Beginners , was founded to help women travel safely and well in India. We offer a few small group tours, but we specialize in creating custom tours and providing a high level of personal service, such as meeting travelers at the airport and assigning a tour manager who is available 24/7. We hold your hand in India!

6. Take the train

Taking a train in India is a great experience and should not be missed. However, you need some basic knowledge about the classes and the trains. You may not want to dive into sleeper class or general class immediately; I would recommend 2AC (second class with air conditioning) or CC (chair car). Or even 1AC (first class with air conditioning) or EC (executive chair car).

Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains are among the best in India, so try and book one of these. Overnight trains can be a problem because they don’t clean the toilets at night, so keep that in mind when you book.

7. Eat the food

India is one of the world’s great culinary destinations, and first-time visitors should not shy away from trying all the delicious cuisine on offer, even street food. Some of the famous Indian items you shouldn’t miss are masala chai, sweet lassi, biryani, pakoras, dosas, and sweets such as gulab jamun and kheer.

It’s hard to avoid getting sick in India, though, because you never know when a tainted item will cross your plate. It could be at a street stall or a five-star restaurant. However, you can reduce the chances of getting sick by following these basic rules:

• Drink filtered or bottled water only.
• Watch for undistilled water in ice or sauces.
• Avoid salad and other raw food unless you can peel it (such as an orange or banana).
• Eat only food that is freshly cooked.
• Look for busy stalls and restaurants with high turnover.

8. Get a local SIM card

Everything in India runs on WhatsApp, one-time password (OTP) verification, and text messages. Because of this, you need a local number. To do so, get a local SIM at the airport when you arrive. Still, you may have trouble paying for things online with a foreign credit card, as India requires OTP verification, and getting registered with Indian Railways so you buy train tickets online is nearly impossible.

9. Remember where you are

For example, unless you’re on the beach in Goa, it’s wise to wear modest clothing in India . Long, loose, and flowing are key for dressing for the climate and the culture.

It’s also best to be very respectful, especially with regard to the myriad religions. And be aware that genders relate differently in India, and overfriendliness can be misconstrued. Be polite, but with strangers, and especially those working in the hospitality sector, it’s usually best to dial back effusive friendliness.

10. Follow the seasons

Weather and the season matter in India. It’s incredibly hot almost everywhere in May and June, the monsoon season is July to August, and it’s surprisingly cold in north India in winter, December to February. Do some research and find out the best places to visit in India by season .

So, when it’s cold in north India, head down to tropical Kerala or Goa and hit the beach. In the heat of summer, check out Ladakh, a high desert plateau that sometimes seems otherworldly. Note: Fall is festival season, so you can experience Durga Puja in Kolkata, Diwali in Jaipur, or the Camel Fair in Pushkar.

11. Visit attractions in the morning

(However, this rule does not apply to shopping. Stores, and even restaurants, tend not to open until 10 or even 11 am. Urban Indians tend to do everything late. Breakfast and lunch are late, and dinner can be very late indeed.)

12. Head into the countryside

You can go trekking in the mountains, take a tiger safari , visit one of the many national parks, camp out overnight on a sand dune in Rajasthan, or take a boat cruise on the Brahmaputra River.

And don’t forget the rural areas. Most Indians still live in villages. It’s really worthwhile to meander through the quaint villages of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, or Uttarakhand.

India is not an easy place to travel. It’s not a relaxing vacation destination. It is, though, an experience — often a life-changing experience. Start by doing research, read books about India , watch movies about the country, learn about the cultures and various destinations, and get ready for a transformative travel experience.

Like many before you — from The Beatles to Steve Jobs to Elizabeth Gilbert — you may just fall in love with the place. As writer Rumer Godden said, “Once you have felt the dust of India, you will never be free of it.”

Mariellen Ward fell in love with India, with travel, and with travel blogging on her first trip to the country in 2005. She has spent more than seven years of the last 18 in India, and now lives there. Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen considers India to be her “soul culture.” With her travel blog, Breathedreamgo , she tries to encourage and help other female travelers to go after their dreams. And her custom tour company, India for Beginners , is dedicated to helping women travel safely and well in India.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The 15 most spectacular places to visit in India

Dec 11, 2023 • 14 min read

Expect fairy-tale-like drama against a desert backdrop in magical Jaisalmer, Rajasthan © Andrii Lutsyk/ Getty Images

India’s astonishing variety of sights has to be seen to be believed. Travelers have devoted lifetimes to exploring the famous places and forgotten corners of this incredible country, driven onwards by the certainty that there’s always more to see.

Mughal palaces, towering Hindu temples, mountain monasteries, lost kingdoms, cultured cities, and genteel hill stations in the foothills of the Himalayas all jostle for attention in a country that is proudly shaking off the legacy of colonialism and repositioning itself as a global superpower. With such incredible diversity on offer, there’s just one question – where do you start?

Well, our advice is to not take on too much during a single visit. Pick an area – the tropical south perhaps, or the northern plains, or the mountain valleys of the Himalayas – and give yourself time to pause and soak up the atmosphere as you work through your must-see list .

Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed a mind-expanding and exhilarating blast of color, soul-soaring splendor, earth-shaking history and moments of pure serenity. Equal parts magic and mayhem, this mix is what makes traveling to India such an intense and addictive experience.

While this was no easy list to compile, we’re proud to present our pick of the ten best places to visit in India.

1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Best for romantics and fans of Mughal history

At the top of everyone’s bucket list, the Taj Mahal is as glorious as people imagine it would be – a magnificent monument to lost love, executed in pearl-white marble. Views of the world’s most beautiful building framed by a Mughal archway or floating above the misty Yamuna River will be one of the defining moments of any trip to India.

But there’s more to the former Mughal capital than the Taj. Add on a couple of days so you can visit the architecturally stunning tomb of  Emperor Akbar , his rose-red sandstone former capital at Fatehpur Sikri and sprawling Agra Fort , one of India’s most epic fortifications. Thronged by millions of visitors, Agra is not always relaxing, but it’s eternally fascinating.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Best for intense spirituality

There are few places as beguiling and bewitching as the sacred Hindu city of Varanasi . Millennia-old death rituals play out daily at the cremation ghats that line the bank of the sacred River Ganges, while the maze-like alleyways of the nearby old town reveal dizzying surprises at every turn. We defy anyone to visit without experiencing some internal soul-searching about their place in the universe.

Be ready for some challenges. The hard-edged realities of life and death and the inequalities that continue to cause hardship for many in India are obvious on the streets of the world’s oldest living city. But there are also moments of gentleness – rise at dawn and wander the ghats (riverside steps) and you’ll see Varanasi at its most spiritual, with its attention focused on the sacred river, before the tourist bustle changes the mood.

Planning tip: The best way to appreciate Varanasi’s famous ghats is from a rowboat. Boatmen offer their services from first light at boat stations along the west bank of the Ganges, providing views of a riverfront that has changed only superficially in seven centuries.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Best for urban explorers and Bollywood hopefuls

Mumbai is the perfect place to take the pulse of modern India. The most densely populated city in the subcontinent is home to Bollywood film stars, enterprising market vendors, bankers and executives rushing to work in offices, and fishing families who can trace their origins back to the days when this mighty metropolis was just a humble village.

To understand more about the disparities of life in contemporary Mumbai, take a socially responsible tour through the city’s huge and disadvantaged Dharavi district with Reality Tours & Travel ; 80% of the profits go back to social projects providing opportunities for those left behind by Mumbai’s push for success.

The city’s can’t-miss excursion is the boat trip to the 1500-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut temples of Elephanta Island , but fantastic street food is the city’s great leveler. Don’t leave without sampling Mumbai's signature snack, bhel poori – puffed rice and fried dough with lentils, onions, herbs and savory chutneys, best sampled on the beach at Chowpatty or Juhu.

Detour: With time to spare in Mumbai, head to the northern suburbs, where Sanjay Gandhi National Park protects a sprawl of dry forest, home to leopards, deer, monkeys and serene Buddhist cave temples.

Best for an extraordinary taste of Tibet

In the far northwest of India, sheltered from the monsoon by the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the former Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh is culturally and geographically closer to western Tibet than anywhere in India. In this high-altitude moonscape, towering Tibetan monasteries melt into a landscape of barren rock and wind-sculpted hoodoos (don’t miss fabulous Hemis and Thiksey on the road linking Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh ). 

Most visitors start in the atmospheric capital, Leh , before roaming to neighboring valleys for homestay treks and trips to view turquoise salt lakes and colorful masked dances at ancient monasteries. Ladakh wasn't touched by China’s Cultural Revolution, so this is perhaps the closest independent travelers can come to experiencing the original culture of Tibet.

Planning tip: Getting to Ladakh is half the fun. Flights run to Leh even in the depths of winter, but the most enjoyable way in is overland, by road from either Srinagar in Kashmir or Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Buses and shared 4WDs run as long as the passes are open from June to the end of September, or you can tackle the route on a rented Enfield motorcycle.

5. Kolkata, West Bengal 

Best for culture vultures

The capital of colonial British India until 1911, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is India’s third-biggest metropolis and the country's intellectual and artistic capital. Spend a few days exploring the energetic bazaars, cultured museums and British-era landmarks, and you’ll soon fall in love with Kolkata’s irrepressible energy.

To really get to know Kolkata, sign up for a Bengali cooking course and visit the revered temple at Kalighat , where the goddess Kali is appeased with sacrifices. With more time to spare, book an overnight wildlife-watching tour to the nearby Sundarbans Tiger Reserve , a legendary stalking ground for royal Bengal tigers.

Planning tip: Try to time your visit to coincide with the festival of Durga Puja in September or October, when vividly colorful effigies of the goddess are displayed in pandals (ceremonial tents) all over the city.   

6. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Best for desert drama

The desert state of Rajasthan shows India at its most romantic and soft-filtered. Expect a mirage of camel caravans, ornate palaces, mighty forts, turbaned traders and intense colors, set against a backdrop of shifting desert sands. It’s unbelievably photogenic, but also firmly on the tourist map, so expect to share the experience with a crowd.

The pink-sandstone monuments of Jaipur , the ice-white lakeside palaces of Udaipur , and views of blue-hued Jodhpur from its lofty fort are all stunning experiences, but the city that delivers the biggest jolt to the senses is Jaisalmer , seeming sculpted from the living rock of the desert.

Its tangled lanes, towering fortress and beautifully ornate haveli (traditional houses) could have been plucked from the pages of One Thousand and One Nights , and the surrounding desert is the evocative setting for overnight camel safaris.

Planning tip: While it is possible to stay inside the fortified city, visitor numbers are having an impact on Jaisalmer’s historic heart. We recommend staying outside the walls instead – there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses within strolling distance of the fort.

7. The Kerala Backwaters

Best for lovers of slow travel

After the dusty, densely populated northern plains, tropical South India offers a lusher, more laid-back travel experience. The quintessential trip here is a slow-paced canal cruise through the emerald-green backwaters of Kerala , a 900-mile network of languid, coconut-fringed waterways, offering views of an ever-changing tableaux of South Indian life.

Hire a traditional houseboat in Alappuzha for a multiday trip, then settle in for a succulent Keralan seafood curry prepared by your personal chef as the sunset blushes over shimmering waters and silhouetted palm fronds. Post-cruise, it’s just a short hop up the coast to historic Kochi (Cochin) , with its cantilevered fishing nets and Kathakali dance theaters.

8. Bodhgaya, Bihar

Best for budding Buddhists

As the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism (plus countless smaller faiths), India is defined by sacred geography. Even here, however, few places resonate more powerfully than the Bodhi tree where Prince Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment to become the Buddha (Awakened One).

The town that has grown up around this sacred spot is home to dozens of Tibetan and Southeast Asian–style temples and monasteries, with a busy program of Buddhist teachings and courses. It’s the ideal destination for any spiritual explorer.

To get a feel for Bodhgaya ’s rhythms, come early to the Mahabodhi complex and settle in beside chanting Tibetan pilgrims to meditate on the nature of impermanence. Travel experiences don’t get much more profound than this.

Planning tip: Bodhgaya is just one stop on the so-called "Buddhist circuit," taking in key locations from the life of the historical Buddha. Local buses run to nearby Rajgir, the site of one of the first Buddhist monasteries, and Nalanda's ancient Buddhist university complex.  

9. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Best for a premium cup of tea with a view

Fanned by the cool breezes of the eastern Himalayas, surrounded by manicured tea estates and basking in front of epic Himalayan views, Darjeeling is easy to fall for.

For a perfect day, watch the dawn break over 8586m (20,169ft) Kangchenjunga, learn the difference between first-flush and white teas on a plantation tour, linger over an afternoon cuppa at the  Windamere Hotel , then learn about the Tibetan experience at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre .

The classiest way to arrive is via the nostalgic, narrow-gauge toy train ; book tickets in advance and check to see if the steam service is running (the diesel train follows the same route, but has less charm). Don’t miss the Buddhist gompas (monasteries) dotted around the city. Below Darjeeling on the fringes of Ghum, historic Yiga Choeling Gompa has a special magic.

Planning tip: Darjeeling isn’t the only interesting stop in the area. Shared 4WDs buzz from Darjeeling to Kalimpong , another historic township with colorful Buddhist monasteries, Himalayan views and pretty flower nurseries. 

10. Hampi, Karnataka

Best for a full immersion in history

Between the 14th and 16th centuries CE, the capital of the Vijayanagar empire at Hampi was home to half a million people, but this ancient metropolis was almost completely abandoned, leaving 3700 stone monuments scattered across a surreal plain of boulders.

This is a place to linger, strolling between the boulders to find carved masonry, forgotten shrines and the handsome remains of some of South India’s most dramatic stone temples.

Glance up as you wander and you’ll see rock climbers tackling bouldering routes using chisel marks made by ancient masons. Rent a motorcycle or scooter and you can roam further afield, taking in the hilltop temple marking the spot where the monkey god Hanuman first met Lord Rama.

Planning tip: Hampi is a short bus ride from the town of Hosapete – get here by overnight train from Goa’s beaches, historic Hyderabad or the cosmopolitan southern city of Bengaluru .

11. Arunachal Pradesh

Best for stepping off the map

Tucked away near Bangladesh, the eight Northeast States – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim – are India’s wild frontier. Until the 1990s, this region of rugged mountain valleys was mostly off-limits to foreigners, and visitor numbers are still small – people who travel here earn the right to call themselves proper explorers. 

Sikkim is the most famous destination in the Northeast States, but we’d encourage you east towards the forested foothills and jagged mountains of Arunachal Pradesh , where tribal communities follow a diverse range of traditional belief systems, from the Buddhist Monpa people of Tawang to the animist Apatani people of the Ziro valley. 

Planning tip: Travel takes a bit of effort in Arunachal Pradesh; you’ll need to apply for a permit to enter the state, and local transport is patchy. By far the easiest way to explore is with a chartered 4WD and driver (easily arranged in Guwahati in Assam).  

12. Amritsar, Punjab

Best for experiencing the power of devotion

India has pilgrimage destinations to spare, but few come close to the vibrant energy of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The most sacred site for the Sikh religion is a gleaming jewel box, floating in a mirror-like sacred pool, thronged day and night by an unbelievable mass of pilgrims. You don’t have to be spiritually inclined to feel its powerful rhythms. 

Joining devotees at the Sri Harmandir Sahib – the gold-paneled shrine at the heart of the complex – is incredibly moving. Staying overnight in the pilgrims' hostels that flank the temple compound only adds to the intensity. A donation is much appreciated for accommodation if possible, though pilgrims of all means will be accommodated if space is available. You can also sit down for meals at the temple langar (kitchen), which provides cost-free nourishment to a staggering 100,000 people per day (again, a donation is appreciated if you have the means).

Planning tip: Don’t limit your explorations to the Golden Temple – the surrounding bazaars buzz with energy and atmosphere, with vendors selling everything from embroidered chappals (sliders) to brass and polished steel pots and pans.   

13. Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka

Best for feeling like a Maharaja

The atmospheric South Indian city of Mysuru has multiple charms: towering temples, one of India’s most evocative marketplaces, and the almost impossibly extravagant crib that is Mysuru Palace , the ancestral home of the Wadiyar maharajas. No building conjures up the extravagant lives of India’s royal rulers quite so vividly – every room is a fantasy, every ornament an heirloom. 

Around the palace are busy bazaars, rewarding museums and a string of Hindu temples in the classic Dravidian (Southern Indian) architectural style. Devote several days to wandering the streets, hiking up to the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill and feasting on fiery vegetarian  thalis (plate meals) in Mysuru’s restaurants.  

14. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Best for tiger encounters

The national parks of Madhya Pradesh are some of the best places on the planet to get close to royal Bengal tigers. Seeing one of these striped superstars loping out of the jungle will stay with you for a lifetime – as well as leaving you heartbroken at the thought of how few tigers still survive in the wild.

Everyone has their favorite tiger reserve, but we rate Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve near Jabalpur for the density of wildlife in its central Tala range. Around 70 tigers roam these dry forests, alongside leopards, monkeys, deer and gaur – India’s gigantic wild buffalo. There’s a high likelihood of sightings if you devote several days to 4WD safaris (elephant safaris should be avoided as riding can be harmful to these vulnerable animals). 

Planning tip: The best time to see tigers is first thing in the morning – safaris start at 5:30am to catch tigers before they stake out a shady spot in the undergrowth to sleep through the heat of the day. 

15. Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Best for religious splendor

South India's Hindu temples are a joyous celebration of the divine, decorated inside and out with vividly colorful depictions of deities and supernatural beings, both fearsome and sublime. In the southern city of Madurai , the towering gopurams (gateway towers) of the Meenakshi Amman Temple provide a three-dimensional guide to the main deities of the Hindu pantheon.

The current temple was constructed in the 17th century, but the site has been sacred to Meenakshi, the queen of the Pandya kingdom and an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, for at least 2000 years. Come early in the morning to watch sunrise bring the temple to life, then pop to the nearest branch of Murugan Idli Shop for some of the south’s best idli (steamed rice and lentil cakes).  

Detour: A short bus or train ride from Madurai, Tiruchirappalli – aka Trichy – is another top spot for temple enthusiasts. The looming Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the world’s largest Hindu shrines, covering 155 acres (63 hectares) and topped by 21 deity-encrusted towers. More temples crown the rocky outcrop at the heart of the city, offering epic views over the rooftops.  

This article was first published Mar 20, 2022 and updated Dec 11, 2023.

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• Insurance for Volunteering

Considering travelling to volunteer in India? Volunteer opportunities in India can include volunteering in an orphanage, educational projects, animal care, spreading environmental awareness, teaching English, farm helping or volunteering with a benevolent cause.

Check out our guide to volunteering in India , we show you how to get the foundations in place so you can start applying with confidence to go volunteering in India.

How HelpStay works? Volunteer in India for free and you’ll get to see India while enjoying a low cost work away adventure with HelpStay. HelpStay is a skills-based volunteering platform that connects travellers with hosts of great projects around the world. The platform makes travelling meaningful and affordable by allowing helpers to exchange work for accommodation. The host opportunities featured on the site have been vetted and reviewed by the HelpStay staff. This keeps helpers safe and the community strong.

Browse Opportunities: Helpers can browse the profiles of different hosts by location or type of help activity. They’ll see photos and information on what type of help activity is being sought and how many hours they can expect to put in for their stay. If a helper finds a hosting opportunity that they’re interested in, they can send the host a message directly. The message should include some information about the helper and why they think they’ll be a good fit.

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Indian author, top travel blogger & life coach – Anamika Mishra

How to Travel for Free in India? Is it Really Possible?

I am a travel blogger and I have been getting paid to travel since over a decade. But being a travel blogger is not easy. It is full-time job that requires a lot of efforts, skills and years of hard work. It is not like you open a wordpress account, write 10 articles and you become a travel blogger. You need to write well, research, invest from your own pocket, work hard, try difficult things, challenge your comfort zone, write informative and original content and years of hard work in building a community and set of loyal audience.

But this is not the only way to travel for free. There are many ways to travel for free in India. With ‘travel for free’ I mean you don’t have to pay for tickets and accommodation because this is the major chunk of expense where one has to put money. You will have to do something in order to get to travel for free or almost free. Here’s how:

There are many organisations and NGO in the off-beat locations and villages of India who need volunteers.There are many organisations hiring teachers, social media managers, home-stay managers, singers, painters, techies and more, to help them run their organisation or do good work for the area. Simply search on google and apply!

Tip: Search a suitable option here on https://freevolunteering.net/volunteer-india/ website. They have plenty options!

Become a photographer

This one requires good photography skills. You can become a photographer and apply for a job in a production house or events company. Once you get this job, you will get to travel for free as all the expenses are taken care by your company.

Work for barter

If you are a regular follower of this blog, you must remember the time when I traveller to Amritsar with StayOnSkill ? Well, this is something that you too can do. There are many companies like Stay-On-Skill who offer barter options where you work with the home-stay or hostel and you get to stay and eat for free. Sometimes, these properties also take care of your tickets. You need to check availability beforehand.

House-keeper

Many NRIs and expats have their holiday homes and guest houses in the tourist places of India. They are often looking for housekeepers or managers for their properties. Search, apply and you might get lucky!

Travel Jobs

Like I mentioned about the photography Job, there are many jobs such as event managers, driver, pilot, air-hostess and cabin crew, tour leader, where you work and get to travel along. But most of these require skills that you should know.

Blogger/Youtuber

And now, the most popular way to travel for free – becoming a travel blogger or youtuber. BUT let me burst a bubble here. As I mentioned in the first paragraph, you don’t just become a travel blogger or youtuber just like that for the sake of travelling for free. You need to have an intention to seek, explore and share the information genuinely. As fancy as it may seem, but this work is simply not for everyone. In order to become a blogger, you need good writing and photography skills while in order to become a travel blogger, you need good videography and editing skills. Also, this doesn’t just give you the freedom to travel for free from the day1. Initially you have to invest from your pocket and create a community with good number of viewers and readers. After some time, you will start to get collaborations and get to travel with brands for free.

I will share how to become a travel blogger and other things related to this in another post. But for now, I really hope this helped!

8 Ways to Travel Like a Millionaire on a Budget

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How do I afford traveling once per month? Do I have a trip budget planner? Of course, I do

If you like reading novels, do check out my bestselling novels as well. Do follow me on my instagram and facebook and be a part of my social media fam to get realtime updates from me! And just in case you don’t know, I also have a Youtube Channel, subscribe me there for my travel vlogs and other interesting stuff. And lastly but most importantly, Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER to receive updates from this blog via email. 

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11 Free Things to Do in India

Some of the Best Attractions in India are Free

Some of the best things in India are free! While many of India's important monuments and historical sights do charge admission fees (which are unfortunately much higher for foreigners, and can substantially add to the expense of your vacation), there are plenty of fabulous things to do in India that won't cost you anything at all. Even people-watching is engaging. Here are the top 10 free things to do in India.

Enjoy a Festival

Being a spiritual country, festivals are at the heart of people’s lives in India. The numerous and varied festivals that are held throughout the year offer a unique way of seeing Indian culture at its best. But, best of all? They're free!

Dance with Lord Ganesh in the streets for Ganesh Chaturthi , throw colored powder and water all over people on Holi , watch brilliant fireworks displays at Diwali , marvel over guys forming a human pyramids on Krishna Janmashtami, witness hordes of camels converge on the small desert town of Pushkar for the camel fair , and admire the beautiful floral displays during Onam. Kerala is also renowned for its spectacular temple festivals. Indian festivals are unforgettable!

Visit a Temple or Place of Worship

Shraddha Gosavi / TripSavvy

India's temples are captivating in their construction, with so much intricate detail. Some major places of worship that don't require a contribution include the dazzling Golden Temple in Amritsar , Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi, the Lotus Temple in Delhi, Haji Ali mosque in Mumbai, the Galta Monkey Temple in Jaipur, Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai , Brihadeeswara Temple in Tanjore, Mahabodhi Buddhist Temple in Bodhgaya, Karni Mata (rat temple) near Bikaner, and Belur Math in Kolkata. Discover more top temples in Delhi and top temples in Bangalore , plus where to see magnificent south Indian temples .

The holy Hindu places Haridwar , Rishikesh , and Varanasi also have many cost-free attractions to offer visitors. The temples and ghats (steps leading down to the river) in these cities are enchanting. Don't miss the evening candlelit Ganga aarti prayer ceremonies by the river.

Kolkata is well regarded as the cultural capital of India. Art enthusiasts will find the Academy of Fine Arts on Cathedral Road. It's one of the oldest art societies in India, and offers an absorbing journey through history of Bengal art. The Gallery of Contemporary Art, and carpet museum are part of the complex.

Mumbai has a dedicated arts precinct called Kala Ghoda (Black Horse), between Colaba and the Fort. It's full of art galleries, with the most famous being the Jehangir Art Gallery . It displays interesting works by Indian artists. In Jaipur, head to the Juneja Art Gallery to see artwork by contemporary Rajasthani artists. The Modern Art Gallery there is also worth a look.

In Delhi, the Delhi Art Gallery in Hauz Khas Village is popular. The Lodhi Art District has some vibrant street art on the walls of buildings too.

Learn About Gandhi and Indian History

Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately referred to as the "Father of the Nation" has a special place in Indian history for his efforts in facilitating the country's freedom from the British.

In Delhi, a visit to Gandhi Smriti will show you the exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948. He lived in the house for 144 days up until the time of his death. The Gandhi Memorial Museum, at Raj Ghat where Gandhi was cremated, displays the pistol with which he was assassinated.

In Mumbai, the engrossing Mani Bhavan museum is where Gandhi stayed during his visits to the city from 1917-1934. You'll be able to see the room that Gandhi occupied, picture gallery, library hall, and the terrace where Gandhi was arrested on January 4, 1932.

Marvel at the Architecture

TripSavvy / Gautier Houba

Elaborate architecture from India's past empires and rulers can be found all over the country. Many of India's cities are made up of old and new parts. It's fascinating to simply explore the narrow lanes of the old cities, and see where they lead.

Mumbai's ensemble of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco buildings is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of these buildings are in the vicinity of Oval Maidan and Marine Drive . Notable examples of architecture in Mumbai include the High Court, CSMVS Prince of Wales Museum , CSTM Victoria Terminus railway station, and the buildings of Horniman Circle in the Fort area.

Drive through the Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan and you'll come across beautifully painted old havelis (mansions). Many parts of ancient abandoned cities such as Hampi and Mandu are free to enter (although some of their monuments have charges).

Visit Free Monuments and Attractions

Some of India's most recognizable monuments are free to visit! These include the Gateway of India in Mumbai and India Gate in New Delhi .

Mumbai is also home to the massive open-air laundry known as the dhobi ghat , and renowned dabbawalas who are responsible for delivering over 200,000 packed lunches to office workers.

In Kolkata , a walk across Howrah Bridge is excellent entertainment value. It's said to be the busiest bridge in the world. The sheer volume and variety of traffic it carries is astonishing. The grassy expanse of the Maidan is an attractive place to have a stroll through. You'll come across several monuments there, such as Fort William, Shahid Minar, Saint Paul's Cathedral, and Victoria Memorial.

Roam Around Rajpath

Kriangkrai Thitimakorn/Getty Images

Rajpath is the iconic ceremonial boulevard that connects India Gate with vast Rashtrapati Bhavan (where the President of India resides) in Delhi. This immaculately maintained part of the city is occupied by the offices of the Indian government including the parliament. It was constructed in the early 20th century during British rule and is known as Lutyens’ Delhi, named after the architect who designed it. Originally the capital of British India, the indeliable imprint of opulence and power remains.

Go for a Nature Walk

There are some pleasant gardens in India, which are free of cost. Many of them are in Delhi. One of the best is Lodhi Gardens , built around the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. Mehrauli Archaeological Park, next to Qutub Minar , is also free and has numerous interesting historical monuments.

In Mumbai, Hanging Garden and Kamala Nehru Park are both free. There's an unbeatable view of Marine Drive and the beach, a giant shoe for children to play in, and a motley menagerie of topiary animals.

In Bangalore, head to Cubbon Park and the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens. Entry to Lal Bagh is free from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bangalore's Ulsoor Lake, on the eastern outskirts of of the city, is peaceful as well.

India's mountains and hill stations are also full of refreshing scenery, perfect for hiking or a relaxing walk.

Window Shop at a Market

TripSavvy / Shraddha Gosavi

The markets in India are so lively and mesmerizing, you don't have to buy anything to enjoy them. They include Chandni Chowk and Asia's largest spice market in Delhi, New Market and Old Chinatown in Kolkata, Johari Bazaar and Chameliwala Market in Jaipur, and Chor Bazaar and Crawford Market in Mumbai. These chaotic and congested markets will keep you absorbed for hours, as you explore their winding lanes, marvel at the array of goods for sale, and watch the interaction between buyers and sellers. The Kolkata flower market and Dadar flower market in Mumbai also make interesting viewing.

Relax on the Beach

If you're feeling tired from traveling, or just love the beach and want to chill out for a while, there are plenty of options for an India beach vacation. India has some incredibly scenic beaches that offer everything from action to solitude, and of course parties. The best beaches in India can be found on the west coast and Andaman Islands . The beaches on the east coast tend not to be as clean or appealing, with Mahabalipuram near Chennai being the pick of the bunch on that side. There's a bounty of pristine beaches in Odisha but infrastructure is lacking.

Most people flock to the beaches in Goa. However Gokarna and Varkala are picturesque and quieter alternatives further down the coast. If you really want to relax and unwind, try Marari Beach in Kerala.

In Mumbai, city beaches such as Girgaum Chowpatty are popular hangout spots, especially at sunset.

Check Out the Nightlife

If you're a female, you're in luck! Many bars in Indian cities have ladies nights during the week, often on Tuesday or Wednesday nights, where admission and drinks for women are complimentary. The easiest way to find these events is to have a look at the local entertainment guides, such as Time Out , when you arrive in a city. Or, check social media.

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How to Survive Travel to India as a Beginner, What to Eat & Drink, Women-Specific Tips, Scams to Avoid & Everything Else You Need to Know

We’re Asher & Lyric.

We’ve traveled to India over 10 times during the past 10 years (that’s us pictured). It’s one of our favorite places on Earth – we absolutely love it!

Here’s the deal :

Tips for eating in India to avoid sickness:

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for eating Indian food safely.

1) Only eat freshly cooked food. This is the best way to avoid getting sick due to bacteria or a parasite. Cooking kills everything.

2) Don’t eat salads, juices or anything raw. Uncooked food will inevitably be washed with contaminated water which will make you go running for the toilet. If you’re a raw foodist, I recommend you change your diet while in India.

3) Eat exclusively from respectable restaurants that are busy. Also try the 4 and 5 star hotels if you want to be certain of amazingly delicious, safe food.

5) Probiotics and charcoal are amazing. Probiotics boost the good bacteria in your stomach, improve digestion and increase natural immunity. They are a must before traveling to India and especially during your travels. Charcoal tablets on the other hand are an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and preventing dysentery. It quickly absorbs the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem. As always, be sure to get advice form your doctor.

6) Avoid too much spicy food, especially chilli’s. Some spices are good but in my experience chilli’s act as a laxative which is probably something you don’t want.

7) Consider becoming a vegetarian while you’re there. India has the lowest meat consumption rates in the world (see graph below). The meat I’ve seen looks very unsafe, often hanging in the warm, open air with flies buzzing around. In fact, due to Hindu religious reasons, the state of Maharashtra has banned beef altogether. If you can, I recommend being a vegetarian while in India to reduce the chances of getting serious food poisoning.

8) Don’t overeat. It will weaken your digestion and immunity which makes you an easy target for bacteria. To help with my digestion and overall health I also take Organic Amla Berry tablets and another immunity boosting, ayurvedic herb called Bio-Immune .

10) Local’s restaurants offer all-you-can-eat meals for $1! Be wary of hygiene and only go to the best, busy restaurants you can find. Get advice from the locals.

11) Family home dining is a pleasure but take precautions. I’ve had the best food of my life at peoples homes. Again, it is important to be cautious and don’t drink tap water, only have cooked food. Also don’t eat too fast because they will keep piling the food on your plate and expect you to eat it and even force-feed you if you’re not careful! 🙂

– Doug Rexford , India travel expert & Himalayan monk with the Maharishi Purusha Program .

Read my full article for more details: 9 Tips for Eating in India as a Tourist Who Avoids Getting Sick Back to top

How to deal with water while traveling in India

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for drinking water in India.

13) Only drink bottled water. All the tap water in India is contaminated with pollutants and amoebas. By only drinking good bottled mineral water you will help avoid getting sick. The only brands I recommend are Bisleri, Kinley & Aquafina. Other brands are not trustworthy .

14) Stay well hydrated. India is typically hot and dry. Drink at least 2 liters (1/2 gallon) per day to stay healthy and strong.

15) If you’re trekking, bring a water filter. In rare cases where bottled water isn’t available such as while trekking, you’ll need a Katadyn Pocket Water Filter or at least a LifeStraw so that you can get safe water from flowing rivers. Boil it as well if possible and you can also use Iodine tablets to be extra safe.

17) Chai is great in the early morning. Chai is good for digestion because it has ginger and cardamom added. It should be safe to drink as long as you see them boiling it and you’re certain the cup is clean. Price should be no more than 10 rupees.

18) Coca-Cola can be a godsend. There’s a popular folklore that Coke kills bacteria and aids a disturbed stomach. This may or may not be true but it sure is nice to have a cold Coke on a hot afternoon in India!

19) Electrolytes are a must. If you get dysentery, electrolytes are a must for staying hydrated. I recommend bringing one box from home because otherwise they can be low quality and taste a bit nasty if bought in India.

20) Avoid ice in drinks. Since the ice is most likely created from a poor quality water source I advise you to not have any drinks with ice in it. If the drink such as Coke has been chilled in the fridge, that is of course fine.

22) Shower with care. Don’t open your mouth or eyes in the shower to help avoid the water getting in any unwanted orifice.

23) Bathe in holy rivers at your own risk. Taking a dip in the Ganges can be a magical experience but again, close your eyes and mouth and block your nose and ears to avoid getting too much water in the wrong hole.

– Matt Pelletier , travel blogger at Traveling Monkeys .

Read my full article for more details: 9 Tips for Safe Drinking Water in India – A Tourists Perspective Back to top

How to NOT get scammed or ripped off in India

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for avoiding scams in India.

25) Know that a “gift” can quickly turn into a sale. No matter what the “gift” is, be sure it is actually a gift before accepting it. Otherwise you can be quickly hit with a bill.

26) All shop keepers will try to rip you off. A simple way to minimize this is to only go to “fixed rate” shops, bring a local with you or you’ll need to quickly learn how to bargain like an Indian .

27) Don’t give money to beggars. This can attract an army of beggars after you and helps sustain their often drug-driven “profession”.

29) Learn to avoid fake “information offices”. The way to know is that everything looks dodgy, there are no computers (or not many), no proper desks and they tell you that all trains or hotels are fully booked out due to some “event”. This can be a front for the mafia so be careful and make sure it’s legit before following directions from them.

30) Children may want pens and beggars want milk. In both cases, they often have an arrangement with a shop to return the item for cash after you leave!

31) Trinket and gemstone scams. At any tourist location there are likely to be people touting trinkets and sometimes gemstones for sale. Unless you’re buying something as a souvenir don’t entertain their hype and always bargain them way down. The “gemstones” won’t have real value and can be a popular scam for unsuspecting tourists.

32) Watch out for people tampering with food or drink. Always check beverage bottle caps to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with and don’t accept food from strangers.

33) Be careful when exchanging money. ATM’s are the safest way to get cash because the machine won’t scam you. 🙂

35) Keep away from the mafia. If something is fishy then it probably is a scam or trap (sometimes organized by the mafia). Do your research and have your wits about you especially around train stations, popular tourist attractions (e.g Taj Mahal) and cheap hotels.

Also please note: I recently wrote an article explaining the 9 key reasons why you need to have good travel insurance for India .

36) Get experience with true local pricing. To do this, you’ll need to know what the locals would pay for the same product or service and then you’ll know how low the shop keeper, driver or hotel etc is willing to go. An Indian friend (or stranger) or guide can help you with this.

37) SIM cards for your cell phone might not work. It can be surprisingly difficult to get a SIM card in India and usually involves quite a lot of paper work. If you don’t fill out the paperwork correctly there is a good chance that you got scammed with a defunct or used SIM card. To avoid this, I recommend getting your SIM from an official office of the carrier such as Airtel or Idea.

38) Do your research before arriving at a particular place. Look up your destination on the Internet, study maps, get advice from other travelers and read the latest Lonely Planet guide book. This will help you get insider knowledge before you arrive, making you more prepared to deal with the possible onslaught of scams that await you.

Read my full article for more details: Biggest scams in India to watch out for

Also check out my article on doing business in India Back to top

A sample packing list for India travel

See our full India packing list for more tips on what to bring and what to wear when going on a trip to India.

1. Neck Wallet

I keep my money and credit cards in this pouch under my shirt so that I don’t have to have a wallet in my pocket. I have had beggars put their hand in my pocket and have found this small concealed passport pouch invaluable.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Charcoal tablets

They’re an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and preventing dysentery (Delhi Belly). It quickly absorbs the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem and keeps you strong. As always, be sure to get advice from your doctor.

3. Female Urination Device

Okay, don’t get weirded out by this one. India is a place with limited toilets and when you do find a toilet they are often absolutely disgusting. For guys this is not a problem because we can stand at the side of the road to pee but for women that’s not possible. This little device enables women to stand and pee with no mess and no embarrassment. My wife uses it and says it’s great.

4. Probiotics

They boost the good bacteria in your stomach, improve digestion and increase natural immunity. They are a must before traveling to India, especially during your travels and afterwards when you get home. They’re also generally good for all round digestive health, even when you’re not planning a trip to India.

5. India power adapter

After trying countless different brands, I decided to take matters into my own hands. My company, Hero Travel Supply, sources and sells these quality power adapters that are individually tested in the USA. Every order also comes with a corresponding free ebook which teaches you how to avoid frying your electronics in India. I wrote this comprehensive guide based on years of experience in dealing with the unpredictable, often surging power supply in India which can ruin your devices (I know because my $2000 Macbook got fried)!

6. Electrolytes

Electrolytes save lives on a daily basis. When someone has dysentery they get very dehydrated and these will save you. Even if you don’t get sick it is important to stay well hydrated in the hot, dry weather of India and these satchels can easily be added to your bottled water for an extra boost of hydration.

7. First aid kit

It’s inevitable that you’ll get a cut or scrape or some little thing that would need a first aid kit. The item I use most are band aids to help prevent infection in a wound.

8. Lifestraw

I generally only drink bottled water while traveling in India but occasionally it’s not available. In that case I bust out my LifeStraw filter which removes all bacteria, amoebas and other pollutants in the water. It’s only $20 and it doesn’t weigh much so it’s totally worth having for emergencies.

9. Travel Insurance

In India, you need to expect the unexpected. Having a travel insurance plan gives me the peace of mind to go on the adventure while knowing I have support if I get into an emergency or have all my belongings stolen! (This, unfortunately happened to a close friend. He had no insurance and so had to replace his belongings out of pocket). We recommend using TravelInsurance.com because you can compare policies from top companies and find the best option for you and your travel plans.

Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

10. Lonely Planet guide book

I highly recommend getting the latest India guide book before you go because it’s like a bible that gives all the insider tips of the most popular (and not so popular) locations around India.

11. FREE Step-By-Step Guide to India Travel

I have written a 39 page ebook with all my best tips for India Travel which you can download for free. I was compelled to write this ebook to help people learn how to survive, thrive and have a more enjoyable trip to India.

Check out my other packing lists!

– Anjuli Ayer , travel blogger at Traveling Monkeys .

Etiquette at Hindu temples

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for visiting Hindu temples.

40) Bring temple “offerings”. Whenever you go to a Hindu temple, be sure to get some flowers before entering. You can then offer these at the main statue as a sign of respect or in prayer.

41) Always remove your shoes at the entrance. The safest place to leave them is at the shop where you buy flowers because they have a vested interest in making sure no one steals them. Otherwise there is always an off chance someone will fancy your shoes or sandals, especially if they look nice or expensive.

42) Wear ear plugs. The temples in India can be extremely chaotic and noisy with bells, people yelling, babies screaming and guards pushing you through the lines. Wearing ear plugs helps dampen the sound and make it easier for you to enjoy the inner spiritual power that seems to pervade all temples in India.

44) Be inward and don’t get overwhelmed by the chaos. As I’ve mentioned, I recommend to be as inward as possible when visiting temples. Just be simple and quiet within yourself and you’ll have the best possible experience.

45) Get “special darshan” arranged at the temple office. Darshan means “receiving blessings from the divine”. Often the lines are so long at temples that you can be standing in the hot sun for hours before seeing the statue and then you’re quickly pushed out. If you go to the temple office and pay for “VIP” entry then you can skip the line and spend more time in front of the statue. It’s well worth it and won’t cost more than a few $5 to $10.

46) Have small change ready for donations. Many people will want your money at temples and it can be a bit overwhelming. If you feel to give something then have a wad of 10 rupee notes ready so that you don’t hurt your budget too quickly. 🙂

48) Stay at a hotel near the temple if you’re digging the vibes. I find that a hotel right outside the temple can be amazing because you’ll be in that “spiritual aura” 24/7 while you’re there and so the experience will be deeper and more long lasting. It also means you may be able to leave your valuables and shoes etc in your room which can be very convenient.

– Lyric Fergusson , singer-songwriter & author of French Kissing God .

Read my full article for more details: 11 Tips For Enjoying The Indian Temples Back to top  

How To Navigate Indian Airports

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for arriving at the airport and getting to you hotel safely.

50) Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Things can often change at the last minute such as sudden traffic delays. Therefore, leave early and make sure you get multiple opinions of how long it takes to get to the airport.

52) Security screen your bags before going up to the check-in desk. If you don’t do this, you’ll be sent back and delay getting through security. Be sure to line up at the correct screening machine for your airline.

53) Make sure your bags don’t weigh too much! Domestic Indian flights have weight limits of 15kgs for checked bags and 7kgs for carry-on bags. All bags are strictly weighed and excess baggage fees are around $5 (300rs) per kilogram.

54) Get carry-on bag tags at check-in. Your bags will not be given the “stamp of approval” unless you have the tags attached to each carry-on item when going through security.

56) Don’t trust the airport food. In my opinion, most airports have food that isn’t safe to eat because it’s been sitting for too long. Instead, bring your food or only buy packaged food that you feel is okay.

57) You’ll probably have to ride on a bus to your plane. Find your gate and wait for your flight to be called and then you’ll line up to catch a bus over to your plane.

58) Have your ticket ready for getting off the plane. If your flight continues on after your destination, you’ll need to show your boarding pass to get off the plane.

59) Hire a pre-paid taxi for getting to your hotel from the airport. Inside the airport there are always pre-paid taxi stands available which will give you a fair price from a reputable driver. If you don’t do this you’ll swamped by a group of untrustworthy drivers screaming for your attention and asking too much for their service.

– Shivya Nath , award-winning Indian travel blogger at The Shooting Star .

Read my full article for more details: Navigating Indian airports – it’s harder than you think! Back to top  

Handling money in India

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for handling money in India.

61) You will need to carry cash. Credit cards are only accepted at larger businesses or hotels. Therefore you will always need to carry some cash so that you can pay for taxis, auto rickshaws, cheap hotels and your food etc. I keep all my large bills concealed under my clothing in my neck wallet .

62) Airports give poor currency exchange rates. Use an ATM instead or if that’s not possible only get a few thousand rupees exchanged at the airport because their rates are usually the worst in the whole country.

63) Use a Citibank ATM to withdraw more than 10,000rs at one time. As far as I know, all other ATMs across India will not let you withdraw more than $150 (10,000rs). With all the fees you may have in your home country this can be quite annoying and costly. Citibank allows you to withdraw whatever your daily maximum in your home country is e.g $500.

65) Conceal your money & passport under clothing: I have had pickpockets and beggars put their hand in my pocket looking for money. Since I keep my valuables on my chest, concealed under my clothing in a neck wallet , I’ve never had anything stolen.

66) Use PayPal or Western Union to send money to India. If for some reason you need to send money to an Indian from your home country, I recommend PayPal and if that doesn’t work then try Western Union.

Communication advice for tourists in India

68) Learn to understand the famous “head wobble”. This subtle gesture conveys a lot of meaning depending on the context and degree to which the head is wobbled. It can take some time to learn but when mastered it’s actually a very natural and enjoyable form of human communication.

69) Know that “yes” can mean “I don’t understand”. Sometimes a driver or shopkeeper may want to please you or simply won’t understand what you’re saying and so they will say “yes”. My friend who’s been working in India for 10 years says that he doesn’t take “yes” for an answer!

71) Memorize a few key phrases. I recommend learning a few words of the local language because it shows you have an interest in the culture. It will almost always be very well received and help you quickly make friends with the locals.

72) Have plenty of patience. It can be very frustrating when for example, someone says “yes” to every question you ask. Try to find someone who speaks better English and calmly sort through the miscommunication that may be occurring.

73) Be amused by funny communication rather than angered. You’ll have a much more enjoyable trip if you see the humor in it rather than getting angered and annoyed. These people are doing their best with a second or third language and so give them some compassion.

Read my full article for more details: Communication in India – learn the head wobble! Back to top  

Transportation throughout India

75) Indians drive on the left side of the road. Since the British influenced the first Indian cars they follow suit with driving on the left. Although, crazy driving often may lead to seeing cars, motorbikes and people on the wrong side of the road.

76) Ride a train at least once in your trip. Only travel in 2AC or first class and make sure you book your tickets early enough that they’re not sold out. Trains are the best way to travel long distances if you’re on a budget. Avoid the food they provide unless it’s been packaged.

77) Air travel is the most luxurious by far. If you can afford it, the most comfortable and obviously fastest way to get around is by plane. My favorite website for booking domestic Indian flights and trains is Cleartrip.com.

79) Traveling via an AC taxi is nice for shorter journeys if you can afford it. The car provides comfort with the windows up and the cool AC air but the zig-zagging can get a bit much if the trip is more than a couple of hours. If you value your life I recommend that you demand a working seat belt before you get in the car. Be persistent and they should be able to hook you up.

80) Auto rickshaw journeys are memorable to say the least! Auto rickshaw’s are great for short rides but I recommend ear plugs , sun glasses and a bandana or dust mask to avoid to much bombardment on the senses. Also it’s best to not ride one for more than 20 to 30 minutes or you’ll be exhausted.

81) As mentioned, try to avoid long journeys by road. The roads in India are wildly dangerous and often uncomfortably bumpy. If there is an option to get a plane, train or bus then I would take it instead. Otherwise you might get car sick or just really tired from all the insanity of weaving between head on traffic.

– Rachel Jones , popular India travel blogger at Hippie in Heels .

Read my full article for more details: Travel on Indian Trains, Planes, Buses, Cars & Auto Rickshaws Back to top  

Tips for better hotel experiences while traveling in India

83) It’s possible to stay at $2 “el cheapo” hotels. If you’re on a real tight budget and don’t mind about basic conditions: no pillow, no bed sheets, squat toilet and cold showers, then it’s totally possible to find a $2/night “hotel”. You may have to ask around but in every town outside of big cities you will be able find such accommodation. I recommend you be careful when staying at an Airbnb .

84) It’s also possible to stay at $500, 5 star palaces. If you’re wanting a luxury vacation then India also offers some of the best hotel experiences in the world.

85) Mid range hotels are a balanced blend of comfort and price. The hotels in the $40 to $70 range offer mostly Western standards e.g clean sheets, hot water and a normal toilet. For these kind of hotels and the 5 star palaces, I recommend doing research on TripAdvisor to get real opinions from other travelers.

87) Wear flip flops in the shower. The bathroom floors may not be the cleanest place and so I recommend you use flip flops to keep you feet hygenic. This is especially true in low budget hotels that usually don’t get cleaned properly.

88) Remember, only brush your teeth with bottled water. It’s easy to forget, especially if you stay at a fancy hotel but the water everywhere in India is questionable and brushing your teeth is no exception.

89) Cheaper hotels don’t provide towels. The $2 hotels definitely won’t give you a towel and the mid range hotels will probably give you an old towel that you won’t want to use. For this reason I bring a light weight travel towel just in case.

91) Tip your staff appropriately. Whenever you get room service of any kind at a hotel I recommend you tip between 10 and 20 rupees. If you’re staying at a more fancy hotel you may want to tip between 30 and 50 rupees. This should will help you get better service and more alert staff.

92) Squat toilets are common at budget hotels. These toilets are fine once you get used to squatting but it’s good to be aware of if you’d prefer not to use them. All mid-range and above hotels have normal Western toilets.

93) Watch out for smoking DDT at mid to high end hotels!! Unfortunately many mid to high end ($50 to $90/ night) hotels have a “mosquito management” practice where they have a pot of burning DDT that they carry through the corridors on a daily basis. The fumes of course get into your room and it can be unbearable. If you’re sensitive to this like me, you may want to call ahead before booking a hotel to see what they do for “mosquito management”. This practice probably won’t happen at cheap or 5 star hotels.

– Doug Rexford , India travel expert & Himalayan monk with the Maharishi Purusha Program .

Read my full article for more details: 10 tips to have the best hotel experience in India Back to top  

How to bargain like an Indian

95) Learn how to bargain like an Indian: I would say that Indian’s are the best negotiators or bargainers I have ever encountered. They are incredibly good at going for your emotions, very comfortable with numbers and know how to up sell until the cows come home. If you want good deals, this is an essential skill and in fact may help you with negotiation once you return to your home country.

96) Quickly learn how the bargaining process works. The main thing is start out real low and then immediately offer a little higher so that they know you want to bargain.

Here is a sample sequence:

I was in a clothing shop in a town called Bhopal. When I asked how much a certain sweater was, the owner said, “2000rs” (US $40). I instantly replied, “50rs”. He laughs and says, “no way”. I reply, “100rs”. He says, “1000rs”. I reply, “200rs”. He says, “800rs”. I reply, “300rs”. He says, “700rs”. At this point I say, “too much” and start to leave the shop. He freaks out and says, “500rs sir! this is best price, I have wife and baby at home”. While standing at the door of the shop I say “400rs is my best price” and start to move away. He comes running and says “okay, deal” with a slight grin on his face.

98) Know that “maximum retail price” is not the price tag. Most items that are packaged will have MRP written on it. This is the maximum retail price but it is always possible to bargain that price down but you definitely shouldn’t pay more than that price.

99) Shop around and compare prices. Before making large purchases and if you have the energy you can get better deals by comparing prices. Usually certain shops (such as jewelry) are grouped together making it easier to shop around.

100) Ask help from some local friends. If you befriend a local, they will likely get great joy helping you bargain down to rock bottom prices. Although, you may have to be out of sight so the shop owner doesn’t know what’s going on.

101) Have fun with it. The main thing is to not take things too seriously (especially since your savings may only be few dollars) and enjoy the process. Otherwise it can quickly get very emotionally and physically draining.

– Tim Ferriss , bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek .

Read my full article for more details: How to bargain like an Indian Back to top  

Pollution in India is the worst in the world

103) Piles of burning plastic are everywhere. As far as I can tell, there are no real waste management programs offered for household waste. Instead what happens is the plastic items are swept into a pile and then set on fire!

105) Exhaust fumes are asphyxiating. The large cities have an absurdly large number of vehicles all releasing toxic exhaust fumes.

106) Wear a gas mask or at least a bandana. If you have sensitive lungs, I highly recommend you bring a quality gas mask to overcome the asphyxiating pollution problem. A bandana will work somewhat but won’t be able to stop the fine particles such as exhaust fumes and burning plastic pollution.

107) Avoid the big cities like the plague. According to the World Health Organization , New Delhi is now the world’s most polluted city and is 2.5x more polluted than Beijing and a whopping 15x more polluted than Washington D.C. (as shown below). Therefore, I highly recommend you avoid big cities when traveling in India and be aware of this problem which is country wide.

Peggy O’Neill is a motivational & diversity keynote speaker who loves traveling to India and Nepal..

Advice specifically for women traveling in India

These tips were provided by my friend, Rohini Grace.

122) Speak up and just say, “no!” Usually, it’s not in our female nature to be aggressive or assertive, but when you show strength and confidence this tends to show people that you know what you are doing and you have less chance of being taken advantage of.

124) Plan ahead, and know exactly where you’re going. I cannot emphasize this enough. Talk to your friends who have been there, consult tour guides or groups, read Lonely Planet and research your destinations on the Internet beforehand.

125) Avoid going out after dark. I don’t recommend heading out on your own after dark unless you have a buddy or group to explore with. You will notice there are not many local women out after the early evening.

128) Seriously, put a ring on it. When locals find out you aren’t married, be prepared for a lot of (usually disapproving) feedback. I often wear a simple band around my finger just to keep unwanted questions and interest at bay. If you are already married then you’ve got it made. 🙂

– Rohini Grace , owner of a boutique India tour company, Goddess Travels .

Understanding the cultural differences between India & the Western world

Interesting facts about India

130) India has the second largest population in the world. According to the 2011 census it is now over 1.2 billion and growing incredibly fast. It is the 31st most densely populated nation with 991 people per square mile. Some sources say it’s the oldest continuous civilization on the planet.

131) India is the world’s largest democracy. It became independant of the British occupation in 1947 and is considered a “Federal parliamentary constitutional republic”.

132) There are over 17 languages. Sanskrit is the most ancient known language and is the mother of all the European languages. Luckily for us, English is spoken almost everywhere (making it the largest English speaking country in the world). The number of distinctly different languages highlights the fact that India is extremely culturally diverse and in many ways like a collection of countries rather than one country. Where ever you visit, it’s helpful to learn a few phrases of the local language.

133) The predominant religion is Hinduism at over 78%. Below is pie chart based off the 2011 census showing the spread of popular religions in India. Even though Christianity is only 2.5% there are over 30 million Christians in India!

134) India is home to the world’s largest religious pilgrimage site. Approximately 30,000 people visit Venkateshwar (The Vishnu Temple) in Tirupati everyday and there are 12,000 temple staff. What’s more is that annual donations exceed $100 million dollars!

136) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income. According to the International Money Fund the Indian GDP is $2.3 trillion which is the 7th largest worldwide, whereas per capita income is $1,800 annually which is the 141st in the world.

137) 100’s of millions of Indians live on less than $2/ day. 27% of the Indian population live below the poverty line while at the same time India also has the 4th highest number of billionaires at 90.

138) Cricket is by far the most popular sport. For those who don’t know, it’s similar to baseball and in almost every field you pass in India you’ll see kids (and adults) playing the sport.

Good cultural differences

140) The people are so genuine & friendly. I have met some of the most kind hearted and generous people I’ve ever known during my travels to India. Even though these people didn’t have much money, they welcomed me into their homes and spoiled me with the most delicious food ever.

141) Spirituality and religion thrives. Upon every street corner is some statue or place of worship. The history and power of the land is so strong and sometimes over powering and it is the mecca for mass yoga and meditation.

142) Indian’s try to offer amazing service. India is known for being a “service oriented culture” and everyone works hard to please. India has a lot of people and time on it’s hands making it possible to hire someone to do practically anything. Sometimes the quality of the service may not be ideal but the effort is almost always there.

144) The resourcefulness and ingenuity is mind blowing. While driving the streets you will find the most eye opening resourcefulness. From people carrying a bed frame or sheet of glass on the back of a motorcycle to a truck so over laden with goods that the driver can barely see out the front window. This no doubt stems from the poverty and need to survive.

145) India is a mostly peaceful nation. In fact, India has never invaded another country in at least 1000 years. Although India itself has been invaded countless times by other countries. Crime rate is lower than in the U.S and if you avoid big cities you will feel very safe.

146) Some of the best food in the world. It of course depends on your taste but the unbelievable diversity of flavors and textures, colors and presentation of the food can be a divine experience. Many dishes take hours upon hours to prepare and if you have a sweet tooth you won’t be disappointed.

Possibly uncomfortable cultural differences

147) Chaos is everywhere. Almost all road rules including red lights will be ignored. The streets are bustling with people, livestock and every kind of vehicle you can think of all tooting their horns. This can be quite a contrast from the quiet streets of the West. Furthermore, you may find it hard to locate your seat belt making it rather unsafe.

149) The caste system still exists. It’s composed of “priests” (Brahmins), “warriors” (Kshatriyas), “merchants” (Vaishyas) & “workers” (Shudras). Unfortunately this division seems to cause discrimination between the castes and can get confusing without knowing the ins and outs.

150) Most animals get abused, except for cows. Be it a dog, cat, chicken (meant for consumption), an ox (drawing a cart), animal abuse in India can be shocking and seems to be everywhere. It is a conundrum as to why this happens especially since India is the birthplace of the concept of Ahimsa or “non-violence”. The one animal that is largely exempt from this abuse is the cow because it holds particular importance in the Hindu religion. Although, you often see cows eating trash which is different kind of abuse.

151) Almost everyone will try to get your money. Since hundreds of millions of Indians are living on less than $2/day the struggle for survival is a real issue. The main thing is to have your wits about yourself and be compassionate but I advice you do not ever give money to beggars.

153) Lying or bending the truth. It may be due to communication difficulties, but it seems that often Indians don’t have a problem with lying. Whether it’s a taxi driver or a shop owner – there’s a good chance they will bend the truth or lie if it helps them make a sale. I suggest you try to get informed beforehand and ask the right questions, ones that can’t be simply answered by “yes”.

154) Expect to see spitting. A lot of men use chewing tobacco (known as “paan”) which means there can be a lot of spitting on the street. Many women also don’t have a problem spitting when they need to.

155) Littering and trash are ubiquitous across India. It is yet to be understood that littering is a bad thing and so the streets act as open trash cans. The trash then piles up and the solution is normally to set it (mostly plastic) on fire. This is why I always bring a dust mask to help me breathe!

Cultural Do’s & Don’ts

Below I’ve listed some of the most important points to remember to avoid cultural awkwardness.   156) DO be patient & have a sense of humor. 158) DO have an open heart & mind. 160) DO make friends with the locals. 162) DO wear Indian clothes at special occasions. 164) DO remove your shoes at peoples homes. 166) DO wash your hands & use hand sanitizer. 168) DO only use your right hand while eating. 170) DO learn to understand the “head wobble”. 172) DO try to pay if at restaurants with Indians. 174) DO know that 1 min means 5 to 10 mins. 176) DO be prepared to have your photo taken. 178) DO bring a small gift if you stay at a home. 180) DO touch the feet of someone you respect.

– J.D Viharini , author of guidebook: Enjoying India .

Back to top  

Why should you go to India?

183) Have the experience of a lifetime. India will blow your mind. You’ll see some of the most crazy sights of your life. It’ll be a sensory overload (mostly in a good way). If you’re open you’ll meet some of the nicest people on Earth and your heart will expand. Every time I go to India which is now 7 times, my life improves for the better and my mind gets broadened from the experience.

184) The history is mind blowing. India is quite possibly the oldest civilization in the world. Many of the famous monuments are ancient yet so beautiful. You can just feel the history in the land.

185) Indulge in the best food you’ve ever had. I have had by far some of the best food ever while traveling in India. The exquisite flavors and care with preparation are to die for. 🙂

187) Discover wonderful cultural diversity. There is an incredible mosaic of cultural differences that exist in peaceful unity in India. It’s a delightful experience to travel from far north India through central Maharashtra state down to the southern tip at Kanyakumari. The diversity of food, dress, customs, language and landscapes are limitless.

188) There are endless things to see. India is jam packed with sights and experiences that exist nowhere else. From the Himalayas around Uttar Kashi to the beaches of Kerala and from the Taj Mahal to the tiger reserve at Bandhavgarh you won’t be let down.

• 190) Diwali – Festival of lights . The biggest and most important holiday in the Hindu calendar. Watch out for loud fireworks, extra pollution and wild parties.
• 191) Holi – Festival of colors or festival of love . This one is where everyone throws colored powder on each other. Wear clothes you don’t mind ruining and enjoy the fun!
• 192) Durga Puja – Festival of Durga . The celebration of the victory of “good” over “evil”. It can be a great spiritual experience.
• 193) Onam – The harvest festival . Celebrated in the state of Kerala. Wear new clothes and admire the beautiful flower arrangements outside peoples homes.
• 194) Raksha Bandhan – Festival of love & protection between brothers and sisters . Tie a string around your sister or brothers wrist to show your love.
• 195) Maha Shivaratri – The great night of Lord Shiva . Celebrating the convergence or marriage of Shiva (silence) and Shakti (dynamism) which are two fundamental energies in the universe. It can be an incredibly powerful spiritual experience.
• 196) Christmas, Kerala style – Celebrating the birth of Jesus . In Kerala there are a lot of Christians and they have their own style of Christmas which can be quite fun to witness!

197) Relax and rejuvenate. India is an incredible place to be pampered, relax and just chill-out. The ancient Indian healthcare system known as Ayurveda offers amazing treatments including massage and other rejuvenation techniques. Find a health spa you like and you’ll unwind like never before.

198) Bargain until the cows come home. India naturally has amazing shopping opportunities not just because of the great prices but also because of the unique items that are available. There is good reason why the Dutch East India Trading Company made so many trips to India and this holds true to this day.

199) You’ll help their economy. Last but not least, going to India will help boost their economy of which tourism is a major part. Since there are so many people in India living below the poverty line it feels good to be able to help even if in a small way.

So, What’s The Bottom Line?

India truly is a remarkable place, but in order to enjoy it fully, you must be prepared.

I believe my tips will give you all you need. And, my free ebook is a handy way to bring all these tips with you on your trip.

Here’s one last dose of inspiration, from the wise words of Mark Twain. Even though it was written in 1899, he captures the essence of India perfectly!

Enjoy your India travel!

Get my FREE Step-By-Step Guide to India Travel

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Asher Fergusson

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
• Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for India.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter in either on a paper visa, valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa.

Required for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from an infected area; others are suggested.

The possession of satellite phones is prohibited in India; Currency in excess of USD $5,000 must be declared. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency into India.

Check local law for reporting requirements for exiting with large quantities of foreign currency and Indian rupees.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi   serves American citizens in the Indian states of  Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

U.S. Consulate General Mumbai (Bombay) C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022. Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata (Calcutta) 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) 99030 42956 or +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Assam. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras) 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services.(Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44) ) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry and Lakshwadeep Islands. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Phone: 040 6932 8000

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to the U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. [email protected]

Destination Description

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India. Indian visa regulations and instructions change frequently, often with little advance notice. Travelers are urged to check the  website of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.  before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days prior to their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.  

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services to individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa .

Diplomatic and Official visa applications are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must obtain country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps with you at all times. Consider downloading these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit visa from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take four or five business days.   

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to  study, do research, work, or act as missionaries,  as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days,  are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)  closest to where they will be staying in addition  to having the appropriate visa  when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the  Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)  section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa, or otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country. Generally, you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit  the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal  to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing of an exit permit under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India  at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in Atlanta ,  Chicago , Houston ,  New York , or  San Francisco . Outside the United States, inquiries should be made at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the  Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS:  There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of India  before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings (including local customs and etiquette) and keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly.  Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.   

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur at any time.  Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity.  In eastern India’s Bihar state, 10 security personnel were killed and five injured in a Naxalite-triggered Improvised Explosive Device blast on July 18, 2016.  In the eastern state of Jharkhand, seven policemen were killed and eight others injured in a landmine blast by Naxalites on January 27, 2016.   

Beyond the threat from terrorism and insurgencies, demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook  page, and enroll with the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will post information about routine demonstrations on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General websites, under the heading “Demonstration Notices.” Please monitor our websites regularly for information about protest activities in the country. Please note that the Embassy and Consulates General will issue emergency/security messages for other purposes, as necessary.

Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing religiously chauvinistic agendas. There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in the past. 

Swimming in India:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

If you visit the Andaman Islands, be aware that there have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt water resulting in fatalities.  Ask local residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.

Wildlife safaris:  India offers opportunities for observation of wildlife in its natural habitat and many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is a good idea to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks.

Trekking in India:  Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually or with one or two companions. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be as high as 25,170 feet (7,672 m); please make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to ensure that you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel:  India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India generally is safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in the death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State strongly recommends that you avoid travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Since 1989, as many as 70,000 people (terrorists, security forces, and civilians) have been killed in the Kashmir conflict. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below).

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you avoid travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern states:  Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India:  Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Restricted/Protected areas:  While the Indian Government has designated that travelers to “portions” of certain areas need special advance permission, actual practice has been to require a permit to enter any portion of certain states or territories. Areas requiring a permit include:

• The state of Arunachal Pradesh
• Portions of the state of Sikkim
• Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
• Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
• The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
• Portions of the state of Manipur
• Portions of the state of Mizoram
• Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s  Bureau of Immigration .

“Restricted Area Permits" are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, be aware the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in  STEP  to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the  U.S. Embassy in New Delhi  as well as the U.S. Consulates General in  Mumbai  (Bombay),  Chennai (Madras),  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata  (Calcutta).

CRIME:  Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If you are traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent years there has been a modest increase. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. ATM card scams have been used to clone credit card details to withdraw money.

Sexual Assault:  Travelers should be aware that there have been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. citizens traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Women traveling in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Customary everyday dress for Indian women throughout the country is conservative, and even more so in non-urban areas,  with women wearing clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of the major cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and can quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in market places, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping. The Government of India has focused greater attention on addressing issues of gender violence. One outcome has been greater reporting of incidences of sexual assault country-wide, and Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of reported crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas across India underline the fact that foreign women are at risk and should exercise vigilance.

Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding use of public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones).

Scams:  Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay.  There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.

You should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents to book trips. Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their name on a sign when they leave the airport. Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and use the distraction to rob them of their valuables. Tourists have also been given drugged drinks or tainted food to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. Even food or drink prepared in front of the traveler from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, gemstones, or other expensive items that may not be of the quality promised. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints.

There have been a number of other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad.  In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary.  In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on  international financial scams . 

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and/or consulates are unable to provide legal advice or intervene on behalf of United States citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters.  A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

In another common scam, family members in the United States, particularly older people, are approached for funds to help callers claiming to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on  Emergency Assistance to Americans Abroad . 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.                      

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Please note that you should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally are unable to take any meaningful action without the filing of a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, you should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A FIR is required by the Indian government in order for you to obtain an exit visa to leave India if the lost passport contained your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days, but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to determine if you have been injured and to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that in order for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

There are a number of resources in India for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad one can dial 1-800-425-2908 or 1098 for crimes in general.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our  information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol purchase and consumption. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Drugs:  Several U.S. citizens have been arrested at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India.  All claimed that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics.  Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide: Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef.  In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual nationality: India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment. The OCI program is similar to the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card except that PIO holders must still register with Indian immigration authorities, and PIO cards are not issued for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for PIO or OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington, or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens are required to travel on a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Religious activities and faith-based travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .  If you plan to engage in religious proselytizing you are required by Indian law to have a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the general public is invited, may violate immigration law if the traveler does not hold a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religious faith to another. If you intend to engage in missionary activity, you may wish to seek legal advice to determine whether the activities you intend to pursue are permitted under Indian law.

Tourists should also be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.  

Customs restrictions: Before traveling to or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and clothing thoroughly to ensure they do not inadvertently contain prohibited items. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained when airport security officials discovered loose ammunition (even spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could be charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported from India.

In addition, U.S. citizens have been arrested for possession of satellite phones. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and hand-held GPS devices are illegal in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from India of such items as, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. Permission from the Government of India is required to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If you are charged with any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have an attorney review any document before you sign it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs .

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or email USCIB for details. Please see our section on Customs Information for more information.

Natural disaster threats: Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehra Dun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life.  Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings.  Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and inavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility: While in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Students:  See our   Students Abroad  page and FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Section 377 of India’s penal code makes same-sex sexual acts illegal in India. On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared unconstitutional the application of Section 377, barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, effectively legalizing homosexuality in India. Reports of widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Zika is present in India. See the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India.  Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you could be subjected to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccination is recommended for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza is transmitted from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India), and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all travelers during the flu season.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam. For further information on pandemic influenza, please refer to the Department of State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Sheet .

Malaria prophylaxis depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the CDC website for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. The highest number of cases is reported from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. Daytime insect precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent are recommended by the CDC.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. For further information, please consult the CDC’s Travel Notice on TB .

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you.  The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Current air quality data can be found on the Embassy’s Air Quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly.

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia.

For emergency services, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Medical Tourism: Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information.

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices.

Surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation.  For additional information, visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy . 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in taxis’ back seats. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles.Travel at night is particularly hazardous.

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise.

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.

Public Transportation: Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite common.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed.

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver.

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station. Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Emergency Numbers: The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata:

• Fire Brigade 101
• Ambulance 102

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast. 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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This is how 28-year-old Ansh is travelling across the country without any money

Samonway Duttagupta Samonway Duttagupta / Times Travel Editor / TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA / Updated : Mar 23, 2018, 19:38 IST

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Travelling the world is a dream a lot of us want to see come true. However, there are only a few of us who can actually see it getting fulfilled. Also, nowadays there is a growing trend of people who are leaving behind their regul … Read more

Travelling the world is a dream a lot of us want to see come true. However, there are only a few of us who can actually see it getting fulfilled. Also, nowadays there is a growing trend of people who are leaving behind their regular lives and setting out to live the rest of their days by travelling. Read less

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Be aware of current health issues in India. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Cholera is  presumed to be present  in India. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to India.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to India. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to India.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for India.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in India. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in India, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to India. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

• Arrive within 6 days of leaving an area with risk for YF virus transmission, or
• Have been in such an area in transit (exception: passengers and members of flight crews who, while in transit through an airport in an area with risk for YF virus transmission, remained in the airport during their entire stay and the health officer agrees to such an exemption), or
• Arrive on a ship that started from or touched at any port in an area with risk for YF virus transmission ≤30 days before its arrival in India, unless such a ship has been disinsected in accordance with the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), or
• Arrive on an aircraft that has been in an area with risk for YF virus transmission and has not been disinsected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules, 1954, or as recommended by WHO.
• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
• Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad only), Venezuela

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in India, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in India. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in India—such as dengue, Zika, filariasis, and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in India include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis and leptospirosis, infections that can be spread in fresh water, are found in India. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call India’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in India. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of India may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in India, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in India, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for India .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in India.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in India, dial 100 or, from a mobile phone, 112. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about India before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on India from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for India for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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The Government Will Pay You To Holiday In 15 Destinations Across India & Here’s How To Avail The Offer

A dream job that we all long for is travelling to scenic destinations and also getting paid for it. The good news is, this dream can finally come true for us. The Ministry of Tourism, India has decided to reward travellers who can visit at least 15 locations across India by 2022. Wondering what’s the reward? You will get the travel expenses of these trips sponsored as an incentive. To bag the fundings, you will have to visit the destinations, click stunning pictures and upload the photos on the website. But first and foremost, you need to take the pledge for travelling by filling out a form.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kamiya Jani (@kamiya_jani)

How To Take The Pledge?

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Incredible India, has launched an initiative that will allow domestic travellers to get paid for exploring destinations. To take part in the “My Resolve For Dekho Apna Desh” campaign, interested candidates need to visit the My Gov Pledge website and click on Take Pledge. A form will appear where the applicant needs to provide details like name, date of birth, pin code, state, district, e-mail and mobile number. After filling in the details, they can download the certificate from the website or receive it on phone or e-mail.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Himani Sharma – Travel (@zeal_to_fly)

Also Read:  5 Serene Homestays In Himachal Perfect To Work From The Mountains

What Are The Conditions?

Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel had announced this ‘Paryatan Parv’ campaign back in 2020, where he had stated, “Tourism Ministry will fund the travel expenses of tourists who visit 15 destinations in the country in a year and submit the photos to our website.” To get the incentive, the travellers will have to tour within India and they also need to travel out of their own state. To become eligible for the reward, one needs to complete travelling to all 15 destinations in the span of a year.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Suchismita Pal (@piusuchi30)

Also Read:  Rangaroon Near Darjeeling Surrounded By Kanchenjunga Is Perfect For A Tranquil Break Among Hills

This is definitely an offer of a lifetime. So, go and grab it without delay.

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Most Beautiful Visa-Free Countries For Indians

Here is the list of 76 most beautiful visa-free countries for indians, 1. thailand - the gateway to southeast asia..

This country in South-East Asia is popular for its opulent temples, delicious food, rich cultural heritage and extremely friendly locals. The hospitality of the Thai people is unmatched and this can be seen from every corner of the country. Some of the islands like Koh Samui, Phi Phi and Koh Pha Ngan have also become a tourist hotspot. Visa:  E-Visa  Requirements: Passport with at least 6-months validity, A digital photo of you taken in the last 3 months, Your travel dates, Airline Confirmation, Accommodation Details, Credit/debit card or PayPal account for payment Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate ( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

2. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a land of ancient ruins, religious relics, palm-fringed beaches and colourful reefs, balmy rainforests, and local legends. Southern India meets Buddhist Asia. Visa:  E-visa and Visa-on-arrival Requirements:  ETA  A passport that is valid for a minimum period of 6 months. Airside transit and exit from Srilanka. Travel Documents Proof of sufficient funds for stay Booking details of the stay

3. Malaysia - Truly Asia

Malaysia is actually Asia in true sense. The extremely diverse Malaysia is like two countries clubbed into one separated in half by the South China Sea. While one side if Malaysia is a peninsular region which constitutes of the bustling cities, modern towns, colonial buildings, tea plantations; the other side are the widespread jungles. The only thing that unites everything is FOOD! Visa:  E-Visa Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity Travel Documents Travel itinerary Return flight ticket with E-Ticket number Hotel reservation or invitation letter from your host Work or Residence Permit if living abroad Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

4. Maldives - A Tropical Haven For Honeymooners

Known For : Stay in an Overwater Bungalow Diving in Maldives Snorkelling in Maldives

This archipelago found in the Indian Ocean south-west of Sri Lanka attracts a large number of travellers because of their white sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean waters. Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: Valid for 30 days. Can be extended to 90 days Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Best Time: December to April

103 Maldives Attractions

5. Bhutan - The Happiest Country in All of Asia

Bhutan is one of India's neighbours and a country with which we share good relations. It is known for being the pioneers of the concept of Gross National Happiness Index. Bhutan is a beautiful country with a diverse landscape and wildlife. It promotes tourism and welcomes foreigners but also imposes a fee of USD 250 per day which covers the environmental impact tourism has on the country. But for Indians, no such tax is imposed nor do they require any visa. One can travel to Bhutan by their only national airlines Druk Air or by land. The Government of Bhutan is acutely aware of its unique culture and environment and only allows a limited number of tourists to enter the country at a time. Visa: No Visa (open from 23rd September 2022)  Condition: Seven-day entry-cum-stay permit from the border offices Requirements: 6-month valid Indian Passport Two passport-sized photograph Voter ID Booking Details of your stay A copy of the marriage certificate for couples Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

6. Nepal - On Top of the World

Nepal is India's Northern neighbour, and both share a 'special relationship' which allows the citizens of both the country to move freely across the border. One can go to Nepal without any passport or a visa and can stay and work in the country. Being home to the world's highest mountain Mount Everest, Nepal receives a flock of tourists. Nepal is a beautiful country which has landscapes of various elevations and beautiful countryside. The sights are enthralling and so is the culture and as an Indian citizen, you can easily visit this country by air or road. Moreover, if you are a trekking enthusiast, you cannot give Nepal a miss. Being it next to India, this visa-free country for Indians can also be visited via a road trip! Visa: No Visa Condition: Indian citizens can work and live in Nepal according to the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Requirements: Indian Nationals must possess any of the following documents: Passport Voter ID Driving License Ration Card An ID issued by Embassy of India in Kathmandu.

7. Indonesia - Where Culture Meets Nature

Indonesia is a kaleidoscope of taste, sight, sound, and smells bottled up in the world's largest archipelago. Spread out over a mind-boggling 17,000 islands, the country offers a vast melange of experiences begging to be sampled by visitors from across the world. Ranging from the smouldering volcanoes of central Java to the verdant expanses of Bali's rice terraces, from Jakarta's sprawling luxury malls to the untouched marine biosphere of Rajah Ampat and the lush rainforests of Borneo, Indonesia is ripe for adventure for the eager tourist. Visa: Visa on arrival Requirements: A valid passport that does not expire for another 6 months from the date of your arrival Return Tickets Vaccination:  Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

8. Turkey - A Land of Culture with Modern Twist

Settled on the border of Asia and Europe, Turkey is an archive of Islamic Middle East impact and the influence of Christian European West. Turkey at present represents a modern and westernised culture that exists along with its more exotic and esoteric side hidden from the outside world. Explore the dual sides of the country with the natural panoramic landscape, historic places, fertile valleys, huge mountain ranges, rugged coastline and quaint villages. The capital city of Istanbul is the heartbeat of the country buzzing with cafes, bustling bazaars, the aroma of spices, enchanting belly dancers, nightclubs and hammams. Visa: E-Visa Conditions: Indians can apply for E-visa or get a visa on arrival if they are passport holders with a valid visa or resident permit from UK/US/Schengen/Ireland states. Requirements: A 6-month valid passport and other travel documents Return ticket Booking details of the stay Sufficient funds, at least USD 50 per day Travel Insurance Vaccination:  Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

9. Cambodia - A Country Rich in Heritage & Natural Beauty

Cambodia is a country steeped in history. In spite of years and years of struggle, the country has emerged today as a nation with an infectious spirit seen in its people and a tourism business that is flourishing. Home of the famous Angkor Wat and numerous other temples, this country is intoxicating in its beauty, to say the least. Apart from the historical and the cultural, Cambodia is also urbane, boasting of beautiful Phnom Penh, the capital and tonnes of restaurants serving delicious cuisine. Visa:  E-Visa and Visa on Arrival Conditions:  Stay valid for 30 days Applicant Photo,  Passport Personal Details Scan,  Last Page of Passport

10. Seychelles, Seychelles - The Honeymoon Paradise

Known For : Anse Lazio Snorkeling in Seychelles Sunbathing in Seychelles

This smallest populated country but a group of over 100 islands within the African archipelago across the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is officially called the “Republic of Seychelles”. A member of the African Union, the more substantial portion of Seychelles is uninhabited and expanded with nature and her resources. Although sultry in climate, prominent parts of the islands are known to be tropical rainforests. Increased humidity is felt between December and April with March and April as the torrid months. Visa:  Visa on Arrival Condition: No entry for Kosovo passport holders Requirements: Visitor’s permit Valid passport from the period of arrival to departure Minimum of 1 blank page for passport stamping Valid round-trip air tickets Yellow fever certificate, if coming from a prone country

Best Time: April to May, September to October

96 Seychelles Attractions

11. Laos - The Land of Serenity and Bountiful Nature

This South-East Asian country shares a border with Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. Known for its spectacular landscape, the country comprises of lofty mountains, lush jungles, glistening rice fields and tea leaves covering the mountain surface. The remote tribal villages, ancient Buddhist caves, rich cultural heritage. Visa: E-visa Conditions: Only single entry allowed. One can stay for 30 days after entry. Requirements: Applicant Photo Passport Personal Details Scan A passport valid for more than 6 months on the day of arrival in Laos.

12. Kenya - The Country That'll Leave You With Memories For a Lifetime

Best known for the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya has a rich history and the tribal culture of the capital city is well depicted by the astounding landmarks, attracting vacationers from all across the globe. The perfect blend of people and attractions has the most thrilling national park, beautiful museums and great markets. Visa:  E-visa and Visa on Arrival Conditions: Visa is valid for 90 days Requirements: Last Page of Passport, Applicant Photo, Passport Personal Details Scan, Proof of Accommodation, Airline Confirmation Vaccination: Should have a   valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

13. Mauritius - Indian Ocean's Island Paradise.

Known For : Black River Gorges National Park Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel Scuba Diving in Mauritius

Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean which was once colonised by the Dutch, French and British. It is a diverse country which is home to people of various ethnicities and religious communities. Mauritius is a beautiful country surrounded by white sandy beaches and one of the world's most extensive coral reefs. It has a tropical climate and is home to rare species of flora and fauna. It is visited by a huge number of tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands. Indians can visit the country without any visa and can stay in the country for a maximum of 60 days. Visa: Visa on Arrival Condition: 60 Day Visa on arrival Requirements: Booking Details of stay Sponsor letter 6-month valid Indian Passport Two recent passport size photo Confirmed return ticket 60 days Sufficient funds (USD 100 for per day expense) Vaccination:  Should have a  valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 15 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Best Time: July to October (winter)

146 Mauritius Attractions

14. Singapore - The Quintessential Cosmopolitan

Known For : Gardens by the Bay Sentosa Island Universal Studios Singapore

Representing the spirit of modern Asia, Singapore is a small and progressive island-nation. It is both a city and a country located in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, one can witness the vibrant fusion of cultures, ethnicity, communities and most importantly, people. The place is a complete package full of excitement, surprises and charm, especially for the first time visitors. Visa: E-Visa Conditions: Indian Nationals with a passport can apply for Singapore tourist visa that allows a stay for a maximum of 30 days. They need to have a Visa before their arrival. Requirements: 6-month valid passport with a minimum of two blank pages. Duly filled visa application and form Confirmed return tickets Two recent passport size photographs A covering letter with details of traveller. Sufficient funds for stay - Original Bank statements. Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Best Time: January to November

270 Singapore Attractions

15. Madagascar

An island found just of the course of south-east Africa. Famous for its towering rainforests and diverse wildlife, make it the perfect destination for wildlife lovers. Its landscape makes it perfect for adventure sports such as hiking, kitesurfing,rock-climbing and kitesurfing. Visa:  E-visa  Conditions: Passport should be valid for at least six months before the date of arrival and should have at least two blank pages. Single entry visa only. Requirements: A credit/debit card or a PayPal account Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination), A negative RT-PCR report taken within 72 hours before boarding.

16. Moldova

Found between Romania and Ukraine, this pastoral country has acres of farmlands and a large number of vineyards. Moldova doesn’t get nearly as much attention as the other European countries but it’s rich culture, monasteries, museums and cathedrals make for an interesting travel destination. Visa: E-visa Requirements: Applicant Photo, Passport Personal Details Scan, Return Ticket, Proof of Accommodation, Bank Statement, Travel Medical Insurance Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

17. Myanmar

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is a South-East Asian country surrounded by Bangladesh, Thailand and Laos. It’s beautiful Buddhist temples and picturesque lakes make Myanmar a popular tourist destination. Visa:  E-visa and Visa on Arrival Conditions:  single entry with a total of 28 days of stay Requirements:  Passport with at least 6 months of validity,  A scanned color copy of passport bio page,  A recent color passport-sized digital photo,  Credit/debit card or PayPal account for payment Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) or A negative RT-PCR report taken within 72 hours before boarding.

18. Jordan - The Land of Mesmerizing Beauty

Jordan is the Arabic nation that lies on the Eastern bank of the Jordan River. Jordan shares its bores with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel and Palestine. Jordan is home to various ancient and religious sites. Go for the spectacular dead sea, historic and desert landscapes and warm hospitality of the people. Visa: Jordan Pass Conditions: Single Entry, Maximum stay is up to 30 days Requirements: A credit/debit card or a PayPal account, a valid passport with at least 6 months validity Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

This hidden gem is an archipelago of islands tucked away in the western pacific ocean. This tropical paradise also has many remnants from WWII such as the WWII museum, tanks and an infantry lookout. However it’s cool blue waters, colourful coral reefs and diverse marine species make it a divers delight. Visa:  Visa on arrival Requirements: A valid passport with one blank page, Confirmed return ticket, Sufficient funds for stay - Original Bank statements. Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Referred to as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda’s lush green forests are home to a variety of species such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, leopards, sunbirds, fish eagles and hippos. This makes Rwanda the perfect spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. Visa:  East Africa E-Visa for Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda Requirements:  Passport Personal Details Scan, Applicant Photo Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination), A negative RT-PCR report taken within 72 hours before boarding.

21. Saint Lucia

This island country is found in the Caribbean is famous for its scenic beauty and unique sulfur springs that are found all over the island.The ‘pitons’ of Saint Lucia which are volcanic rock formation is a UNESCO world heritage site. This humble little island offers amazing scenery and a rich cultural heritage that will stay with you for a lifetime. Visa:  E-visa and Visa on Arrival Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Often called the ‘Cradle of Polynesia’, Samoa is a part of the Polynesian islands and is 3 hours away from New Zealand by plane. This gorgeous island is famous for scuba diving, snorkelling and many other adventure sports. The warmth and the generosity of the Samoan people cannot be understated. Visa:  Permit on Arrival Conditions:  Stay is up to 60 days Requirements:  Passport must be valid up to 6 months,  Blank pages on the passport must be present,  Passport photo Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination), A negative RT-PCR report taken within 48 hours before boarding.

23. Tanzania - The Canvas of Natural Beauty

Tucked away in South-East Africa with Kenya to it’s north and Mozambique to the south, Tanzania is an absolute paradise for nature lovers. Home to a wide variety of animals such as lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards the Serengeti National Park is frequently visited by a large number of tourists. The famous Kilimanjaro mountain is also found here. Visa: E-visa and Visa on Arrival Conditions:  The passport must have at least 6 months of validity after the estimated arrival date. Requirements: A passport-quality photo, A copy of your personal passport details, A copy of your airline ticket Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

This West African country offers palm-fringed beaches and hiking trails make it the perfect destination for people who love the outdoors. There are many villages that can be visited by tourists which gives people an idea of how they preserve their culture and practices. Visa: Visa on Arrival Requirements:   A valid passport with one blank page, Confirmed return ticket, Proof of accommodations, Travel Insurance. Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

25. East Timor (Timor-Leste)

This South-East Asian island is right beneath Indonesia and is slowly becoming a hub for tourists. It’s beautiful corals and marine mammals make it ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. Visit the Delli museum and the Timorese Resistance Archive to see how their vibrant culture has withstood the fires of many wars which shows through in the resilience of the people. Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: Single entry with 30 days of stay. Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Tuvalu consists of 9 islands in the South Pacific which are dotted with coral reefs making it the perfect diving spot. Its waters are home to many turtles and tropical fish. It is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, often overlooked due to its location. Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: 30 days stay Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Found in East Africa with Kenya to the east and Congo to the west, Uganda is blessed with many rare birds and animals. Kibale National Park in Uganda is home to many animals such as the mountain gorilla, golden monkey, Nile crocodile and the African lion. Visa:  E-visa Conditions:  Valid up to 90 days Requirements:  Last Page of Passport, Applicant Photo, Passport Personal Details Scan, Yellow Fever Vaccination Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Located in southern Africa, sandwiched between Angola and Zimbabwe. Filled with many parks and safari areas Zambia is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. Its landscape is quite diverse, consisting mainly of meandering rivers, elephant grasslands, rolling hills and majestic waterfalls. Visa:  E-visa Conditions:  Valid for 90 days Requirements:  Applicant Photo, Passport Personal Details Scan, Proof of Accommodation, Airline Confirmation, Cover Letter, Last Page of Passport Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

29. Zimbabwe - Your Dose of Adrenaline

It is the country of wonders and known to be every adrenaline junkie's dreamland, this country has a lot to offer. Despite the struggles it has faced, Zimbabwe is still one of the most popular tourist locations in Africa. Zimbabwe proudly displays its rare blend of music, art, and dance. One cannot help being mesmerized by its beautiful landscapes, captivating art, and exotic wildlife. Visa: E-Visa Conditions: Valid for 90 days Requirements: Applicant Photo, Passport Personal Details Scan, Last Page of Passport, Proof of Accommodation, Proof of Residence, Invitation Letter Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

30. Svalbard

It is a Norwegian archipelago located between Norway and the North Pole. Svalbard is covered in snow through most of the year and is home to the arctic fox and the reindeer. Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis a real visual spectacle is visible from here. Visa: No visa required Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

31. Turks and Caicos Islands

It is a cluster of islands found in the Atlantic Ocean and pool in about a million tourists a year. This tropical paradise has a number of caves and great diving spots. Its untouched waters are home to a large number of coral reefs. Its beaches are also famous for kiteboarding, wakeboarding, parasailing, windsurfing and kayaking. Visa: No visa required for a stay up to 90 days Requirements: A valid passport, a round trip ticket Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Serbia is a landlocked Balkan country in Central Europe. This unique tourist destination is known for its Mountain ranges, spas and Orthodox monasteries. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Visa: No Tourist Visa Requirements:  No visas are required for visits of up to 30 days, within a period of one year for normal passport holders No visas are required for visits of up to 90 days for diplomatic and official passport holders.

33. Fiji - Under the Trees, Against the Beach

Fiji is a beautiful island country in the South Pacific Ocean and has an abundant amount of flora and fauna. The economy of the nation flourishes, and it has a thriving tourism industry. Fiji has a tropical climate, and the weather remains the same throughout the year. Here, you can take walks on the beaches lined with coconut palm trees and indulge in scuba diving. It is the ideal vacation spot especially for Indians as one doesn't need to procure a visa before going to Fiji. You will be given a visitor permit which is valid up to 4 months as long as you have a valid passport. Visa: Visa on Arrival Requirements: Passport Valid for 6 Months Two recent passport-sized photographs Proof of funds such as bank statements Return or Outbound tickets Booking Details of your stay A copy of travel itinerary or ticket Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

34. Dominica - Land of Natural Treasures

Known For : Cabrits National Park Kalinago Barana Aute Trafalgar Falls

Dominica is a Caribbean island country whose economy hugely depends on tourism and agriculture. Dominica is a beautiful tourist destination as it had a diverse landscape consisting of mountains, rainforests, lakes, rivers, national parks and the world's second-largest hot spring, Boiling Lake. You can travel to the country through the air or by road and be a part of their vibrant culture. You can take long walks on the beaches, go on a jungle safari or indulge in hiking. Indians do not require a tourist visa and can stay for a maximum of 90 days. Visa: No Visa Conditions: All the citizens of countries that are the contracting parties to the Schengen agreement can stay without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. Requirements: Passport, Proof of funds, Confirmed onward and return ticket, Confirmation of stay. Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Best Time: February to May

9 Dominica Attractions

35. Jamaica - The Land Rich in History and Natural Beauty

Known For : Waterfalls Seven Mile Beach Ras Natango Gallery and Garden

Jamaica is another Caribbean island country and also the fourth largest in the Caribbean sea. It has a humid and hot climate which varies as per the elevation. It is home to a variety of flora like rainforests, coral reefs, wetlands, caves, rivers and a diverse fauna like hummingbirds, red-billed streamertails, a freshwater turtle called Jamaican slider, Jamaican Tody, among others. Jamaica is a beautiful tropical country which can be easily visited by Indian citizens. One doesn't require a visa for entering the nation and can stay up to 14 days without one. Visa: Visa on Arrival Condition: Indian Nationals will not need a visa for stay up to 30 days. Requirements:  Passport valid for the period of intended stay, Sufficient funds for stay, Confirmed to and fro tickets, Booking Details for the stay. Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) or a negative RT-PCR report taken within 72 hours before boarding.

Best Time: November to December

8 Jamaica Attractions

36. Saint Kitts and Nevis - The Islandic Duo

Located in Caribbean Basin, Saint Kitts and Nevis is a sovereign island state. The country consists of two islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis and is quite small with a population of around 54000. Majority of the people live closer to the sea, and a lot of the rainforests are uninhabited. The country is famous for its vibrant music culture like the annual Saint Kitts Music Festival. Tourism is the backbone of the economy, and the government thoroughly promotes it. It is quite easy to acquire citizenship of this island country. Indian citizens do not have to apply for a visa to visit this country. Visa: No Visa Conditions: For stay more than 30 days, Indian Nationals need to apply for a visa at the Consulate (consular embassy section or high commission) Requirements:  6-month valid passport, Proof of sufficient funds for stay, Return ticket, Booking Details for the stay Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination).

37. Micronesia - Country of 607 Islands

Micronesia is a sovereign island country located in the Pacific Ocean which is administered by the United States. Micronesia consists of various small islands which are not developed. It is a remote country, but it is also has a lot of unexploited natural beauty. You can quickly reach the nation by air. Micronesia has an English speaking population and a unique culture. As an Indian national, you can visit the country easily without a visa and can stay up to 30 days as long as you have a valid passport. Visa: No Visa Conditions: Visa is not required for a minimum stay of 30 days which can be extended to 60 days. Requirements:  A valid passport and other travel document issued by the government that is valid for 120 days or above, A proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay, Booking details of Stay, Return tickets. Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

38. Vanuatu - A Packet of Unexpected Things

Vanuatu, located in the South Pacific Ocean is an independent island nation. It consists of many islands, mostly of volcanic origin. There are many active volcanoes on the island and is home to the animal flying fox. The weather here usually remains hot, and it rains here often. Tourism is a vital source of foreign exchange for the country, and the government promotes it. The country has a diverse culture and a beautiful and serene atmosphere where you can explore the marine life, go for hikes through the forests, or enjoy the music culture of the country. Indians are exempted from a visa and can stay up to a maximum of 30 days. Visa: No Visa Conditions: For a stay of up to 30 days, Visa isn't required. You can apply for the visa if you want your stay extended. Requirements:  A passport valid for 6 months, Proof of sufficient funds for stay, Return tickets, Other travel or government documents. Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

39. El Salvador - Country of Nights & Beaches

El Salvador is a country in Central America that's quite densely populated. The country is inhabited by many volcanoes and has a tropical climate. El Salvador's economy depends highly on tourism, and it is visited mainly for its nightlife and beaches. Surfing is also quite popular among the tourists. El Salvador is an urbanised nation where the official language is Spanish. Indian citizens travelling to this country do not need a visa. Visa: Visa on Arrival Conditions: Tourists can apply for Visa at their arrival and can obtain a tourist card with three months of validity. Requirements: Valid passport for at least six months validity, An application form that's completed and signed, Two passports sized photographs, Copy of return ticket and itinerary, Proof of sufficient funds for stay. Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

40. Macau - Las Vegas of the Far East

Known For : St Paul's Ruins Senado Square The Venetian Macao

Macau is a country on the continent of Asia which is equivalent to the Las Vegas of U.S.A. It was once colonised by the Portuguese and today lies in the Chinese sovereign. People visit the autonomous territory of Macau for its luxurious casinos and hotels. It is an urban city with a coastline. The economy of the country depends highly on tourism and gambling. Macau is a place where you can try your luck as there is a multitude of avenues at your disposal. The travel restrictions into the country are very less and Indians can visit visa-free and can stay for a maximum of 30 days in Macau. Visa: No Visa Condition: For a stay for more than 14 days, Indians can apply for a visa at the Hong Kong immigration office. Requirements: Passport with a minimum of 60 months validity, Return ticket within 14 days out of Hong Kong, Proof of Employment, Booking Details for the stay, International credit and foreign currency. Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Best Time: Middle of October to December.

66 Macau Attractions

41. Oman - Gateway to the Charming Arab World

Oman is an Arab country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Though there is no diversity in religion here, you will find a variety of tranquil landscapes and sceneries. The beauty of beaches, the history and intricate designs of forts, the lush green mountains, unique wildlife and endless deserts will give you a shot in the arm. You will find local bazaars or souks thrust with handicrafts and the most famous item of Oman-frankincense. Cleanliness along with strict laws will blow away your mind. Kind-hearted, helpful and law-abiding people add up to make this country a must-visit place. Visa:  E-visa Conditions: . Oman Visa will be granted to those who reside in or hold an entry to US/ UK/ Canada/ Australia/ Japan or any of Schengen nations. Oman Tourism has also granted an exemption to the spouse/children of the Visa holder who can avail the visa if they are accompanying the visa holder even if they don't hold a visa to any of the above-mentioned countries. Requirements: A 6 months valid passport, Confirmed ticket and hotel accommodation, Scanned copy of a coloured photograph. Vaccination:  Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) and a negative RT-PCR test result.

42. Grenada - The Spice Island

Located in the Carribean Sea as part of the West Indies, Grenada is popularly known as the land of spices. An island towards the end of a chain of six other islands called the Grenadines, Grenada Island has a volcanic-based surface. Rich in soil fertility, the island is mostly humid during monsoons and is more relaxed during the drier seasons; when rainfall drastically decreases.  Visa: No visa for stay up to 90 days. Requirements: Valid passport for six months from the day of departure, A minimum of one blank page for passport stamping, Round-trip air ticket, Yellow fever certificates (certifying vaccination).  Vaccination:  Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) or a negative RT-PCR report taken within 48 hours before boarding.

43. Haiti - The Former Pearl of the Antilles

Formerly known as Hayti and officially called the ‘Republic of Haiti’, Haiti is the second most populated island of the Great Antilles, one of the significant Caribbean archipelagos. Prone to natural calamities, this highly mountainous island adorns the typical equatorial climate; hot and humid through most of the year. The island receives major rainfall in two cycles; April to June and October to November.  Visa: No Visa for stay up to 90 days  Requirements: (For nationals exempted from visa requirements) Six-month valid passport, Tourist fee of USD 10 to be paid at the airport. Requirements for visa nationals: Filled and attested application form, Two passport size colour photos, Valid passport, Photocopy of round-trip air tickets or booking confirmation, Letter from the traveller’s present employer, Explanation letter regarding the reason and duration of stay, with references in Haiti Name, address and telephone number of the residence or hotel the traveller would be staying in or that of a friend or a family member. The tourist fee would be USD 25, This one-time valid visa is valid for three months. Vaccination:  Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

44. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - The Anglo-Caribbean Island

With a past colonial history, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is now popularly known as Saint Vincent for short. It occupies the southern part of the Lesser Antilles, a portion of the Caribbean which bleeds into South America. The island on the whole consists of 32 other smaller islands, forming the Anglo-Caribbean country. As a result of two major volcanic mountains, the island is rich in fertile soil embedded on volcanic ash and remains. The dry season is usually between January and May, with monsoons from June to December.  Visa: No Visa required for a stay of up to 30 days. Requirements: Valid passport for six months from arrival, Import licenses for any food imports, Yellow fever certificate, Departure tax. Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

45. Senegal - Land of the Pink Lake

This West African country is the hub for some of Africa’s most beautiful landscapes and touristy elements. Some of which are the pink lake, stargazing through the desert, the island of shells and much more. Towards the west of the African continent, the weather in Senegal is typically tropical; also known as Sahelian weather. The least temperature drops to 18 degrees and the highest shoots up to 30 and 32 degrees. Indians can stay in Senegal for up to 90 days without a visa. Visa: No visa Requirements: Valid passport for at least six months from the date of arrival A minimum of two blank pages for passport stamping Valid round-trip air tickets including payment Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

46. Mauritania

This country is located in North-west Africa near Mali and Algeria. Its rich history is preserved in its monuments and ruins. Desert safaris, hiking, kite-surfing and fishing are some of the popular tourist activities. Visa:  Visa on Arrival Requirements:  Valid passport for at least six months from the date of arrival Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

47. Trinidad and Tobago - The Twins of the South

The twin-island country of South West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, formally known as the “The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago” is situated towards the south of Grenada. Famous for its forms of music and festivities; one of which is Diwali, these twin islands see tropical weather for most of the year. Most of the traditions in the island overlap with that of India, such as temples, Hinduism, Hindu festivals etc. Visa: No visa Requirements: A six-month valid passport from the date of arrival to departure, Valid round-trip tickets, Adequate health or medical insurances, Sufficient funds to support the stay Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

48. Montserrat - Emerald Isle

Located in the Caribbean, Monserrat is another significant part of the Lesser Antilles. Damaged by massive volcanic eruptions nearly 25 years ago, this emerald isle has been back in the game only in recent years. Prone to hurricanes, the island adorns an equatorial climate, with lowest temperatures touching around 21 degrees and highest soaring as high as 30 degrees. As part of the territories subjected British jurisdiction, North American culture has had a significant influence on Montserrat. Visa: No visa requirement for stay up to 180 days Condition: 14 days of stay allowed in case of passport absence Requirements: Valid passport from time of arrival to departure, Minimum of one blank page for passport stamping, Valid round-trip tickets. Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

49. Bahrain - Concoction of liberalism, diversity and prosperity

Known For : Arad Fort Reef Island Al-Khamis Mosque

Bahrain is a nation in Arabian Gulf comprising of 30 islands. Geographically, Bahrain is a flat and arid archipelago. The country has rich trading history, therefore, has a large number of archaeological sites and tourist attractions. Manama, the capital of Bahrain was chosen as the Arab Capital of Culture in 2012 and Capital of Arab Tourism in 2013 by the Arab League. Visa: E-Visa Requirements: A photocopy of the photo page of the applicant's passport. Indian passport holders must additionally supply a copy of the passport's last page, A copy of a return air ticket, A copy of your hotel booking in Bahrain, A copy of a stamped bank statement under the visitor's name dated within the past three months with an ending balance of no less than the equivalent of 800 USD.

Best Time: December to March

25 Bahrain Attractions

50. Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago in the North-Western coast of Africa and is known for its mixed Creole Portuguese-African culture. Cape Verde offers a pleasant climate with sunshine for the maximum time of the year. Adventure activities like diving, windsurfing, sailing and trekking are very popular among tourists. Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: Single entry and a maximum of 30 days stay Requirements: A current valid passport, Your travel dates, A credit/debit card or a Paypal account

51. Comoros

Comoros in a volcanic archipelago in the Eastern Coast of Africa. Comoros has a number of picturesque beaches and mountain sceneries but the tourism industry faces competition from Mauritius, Seychelles and Réunion. Visa: Visa on arrival Requirements: a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival

52. Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire)

Ivory Coast or Cote d’Ivoire is a Western-African country with aa rich French colonial history. The country has beautiful beaches and rainforests. There are some hiking trails in Banko National Park which is a preserved rainforest. Photo safaris are very popular in the forests of Ivory Coast. Visa: E-visa Conditions: Multiple entries, maximum of 30 days stay Requirements: Passport Personal Details Scan, Return Ticket, Proof of Accommodation

53. Djibouti

Djibouti is located in the horn of Africa and shares borders with Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea. The language spoken is French, Arabic, Somali and Afar. Lake Assal, the lowest point on earth is located in this small country. The country offers diverse landscapes including salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, huge canyons and sunken plains. Visa:  E-visa Conditions:  Single entry, up to 90 days of stay Requirements:  Applicant Photo, Passport Personal Details Scan, Airline Confirmation, Proof of Accommodation

54. Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a land-locked country located in the horn of Africa. Ethiopia has a rich history with archaeological finds that date back to more than 3 million years! Ethiopia had escaped "scramble for Africa" and is said to have retained its cultural identity. Ethiopia is a popular adventure trip and trekking destination. The country has 9 of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Visa: E-visa Requirements: Applicant Photo, Passport Personal Details Scan, Last Page of Passport

Gabon lies on the western coast of central Africa. 11.25% of the country's land is preserved as national parkland. Gabon offers a variety of landscapes from white-sand beaches to rainforests to savannas. You may even find hippopotamuses play on the beaches! Visa: E-visa Conditions: Visa valid till 30 days of arrival Requirements: Applicant Photo, Passport Personal Details Scan

56. Georgia

This former Soviet-Republic lies in the intersection of Europe and Asia. From Caucasus Mountain villages to Black Sea beaches, Georgia offers diverse landscapes. Other than that, the winemaking industry in Georgia dates back to 8000 years! Georgia is a favourite destination for history and nature lovers. Visa: E-visa Conditions: Multiple entries, valid till 30 days per entry Requirements: Copy of passport personal details, Passport photo, Accommodation details, Your travel dates, Credit/debit card or PayPal Account

57. Cook Islands

Consisting of 15 small islands, the Cook Islands is a free governing island country located in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand. Spread over 770,000 square miles of sea, it is a perfect vacation destination with beaches, mountains and deep jungles. Swimming with the turtles is a loved activity, like snorkelling, sightseeing and cycle tours.  Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: 31-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets  Hotel booking Proof of travel purpose Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

58. Marshall Islands

Officially known as the Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of 1200 islands and islets in the Pacific Ocean, spread about 180,000 square miles of the sea. The crystal clear waters of the lagoons is a sight to behold, while coral reefs and beautiful marine life is a perfect chance to go snorkelling and swimming. Do indulge in one of the most famous diving activities at Bikini Atoll.  Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: 30-day stay allowed; can be extended to 90 days. Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return tickets  Travel Documents Proof of Measles Vaccination Vaccination : Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

Being one of the smallest countries in the world, Niue is a beautiful island with one of the largest coral reef atolls. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean with a land area of 261 square kilometres. Don’t be surprised to see strangers greet you; you will see it a lot here. Explore the caves, beaches, rock pools and beautiful reefs.  Visa: No Visa Conditions: 30-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return tickets  Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) and negative PCR Test results.

Iran is a country in southwest Asia, also known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, with an area of 1,648,195 km² covered by two water bodies, i.e., the Gulf of Oman in the south and the Caspian sea in the north. The country has fascinating historical and religious sites, museums, gardens and great places to shop and eat authentic food.  Visa: Visa on arrival Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Grant Notice Proof of return tickets Travel itinerary Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination).

61. Qatar - Royalty Redefined

In just forty years, this Gulf state has grown from one of the poorest countries in the Gulf to the richest in the world. Mainly functioning on oil and natural gas revenue, Qatar is developing at breakneck speed, and everything from universities to shopping malls, 5-star hotels to football stadiums (in preparation for the 2022 World Cup) are springing up along the desert floor. Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: 30-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets  Hotel booking Proof of travel purpose Travel Insurance Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

62. Albania

Packed with adventure and beautiful landscapes, Albania is a beautiful country in southeastern Europe waiting to be discovered. With an area of 28,748 km², the place has it all, from majestic mountains for hiking and trekking, the Ionian coasts with beautiful clear waters, Marianas( ports for tourists) to beautiful dynamic cities.  Visa:  E-visa or No visa if you have a Schengen/UK/US visa Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and two blank visa page Proof of return tickets Proof of funds for the stay Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) and negative PCR Test results 72 hours before boarding the flight.

63. Barbados

Brimming with life, Barbados has everything from activities and attractions to beaches, adventure, nightlife, culinary experience, and history & heritage. It is an island country located in the Caribbean region of the Americas. Also known as the birthplace of rum, make sure to taste one of the oldest rum.  Visa: No visa for a stay up to 90 days Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return tickets  Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

64. British Virgin Islands - The Gem of Caribbean

Known For : The Baths Rhone Marine Park (Salt Island) Fallen Jerusalem National Park

An overseas territory of Britain, British Virgin Islands is nothing but beautiful and an enchanting place to be. With still a major chunk of the islands untouched, this archipelago features all the gorgeous things from rolling green hills, verdant mountainous landscape, reef-lined sparkling beaches and popular shipwrecks. Visa: No visa Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets  Hotel booking Proof of Evident funds Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

13 British Virgin Islan Attractions

65. Bolivia - The Roof Top of the World.

Bolivia is an expansive, landlocked plateau of barren plains, lush jungles, fertile highland valleys, and snow-capped Andean peaks. Bolivia is a country of wonders situated in west-central South America. This country is filled with wonders. Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest deposit of salt in the world. Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: 30-day stay Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets  Hotel booking Proof of financial resources Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination)

66. Botswana

Botswana is a country in southern Africa with a total area of 581,730 square kilometres. This place lets you take a closer peek into the area's wildlife with multiple activities and safari tours. If you are a nature lover, then this place is just right for you, where you can camp in many national parks of Botswana.   Visa: E-visa Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return tickets Proof of accommodations Travel itinerary Marriage certificate for couples Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) and negative PCR Test results 72 hours before boarding the flight.

67. Burundi

Located in East-central Africa, Burundi is a land of four mystical corners with hills, beaches, clear water lakes and serene rain forests. It is a vacation destination filled with culture, heritage, nature and delicious diverse cuisines. One such place you should not miss out on! Visa: Visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity Two passport-size photos Proof of return tickets Hotel bookings Yellow Fever vaccination certificate Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) and negative PCR Test results 72 hours before boarding the flight.

68. Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is a mix and match of landscape, people, culture, animal and plant life. The country is located west of Africa, right next to the Atlantic Ocean, spread over 36,125 square kilometres. Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: 30-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets  Hotel bookings Yellow fever vaccination certificate Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) and negative PCR Test results 42 hours before boarding the flight.

69. Mozambique - The mascot of coastal elegance.

Known For : Praia do Tofo FEIMA - Feira de Artesanato, Flores e Gastronomica Inhaca Island

Mozambique is an African coastal country adjacent to South Africa. The Great Indian Ocean shares the coast.  The historical monuments, the blue-lined coasts, green-topped forests, the flavour of the authentic Mozambiquan cuisine and the flawlessly crafted artworks all stay loyal to preserving Mozambique's top spot on the tourists' wish list. Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: 30-day stay Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets  Hotel booking Proof of financial resources Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination Entry Form Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) and a negative PCR Test result taken within 72 hours before boarding the flight.

Best Time: May to November

8 Mozambique Attractions

70. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, a country in western Africa, boarded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, is a perfect destination for a close-to-nature vacation. It is surrounded by hills, valleys, lagoons, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. The secret beaches with serene sunset and sunrise views are a sight to behold. Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: 30-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets  Hotel bookings Yellow fever vaccination certificate Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination) and a negative PCR Test result before boarding the flight.

71. Tunisia

Tunisia is a perfect sand and sea holiday destination with its Mediterranean coast and white sandy beaches. The thrilling water activities, swimming in the clear waters, and fresh fish cuisines add up to a splendid experience. The other part of the country is forested and deserted.  Visa: Visa on arrival Conditions: 90-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets  Hotel booking Vaccination: Should have a valid COVID 19 vaccination certificate( at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of vaccination).

72. Japan - Home To Great Architecture & Great Food

Japan, located in Eastern Asia, is a sovereign nation. It is well known for its bustling cities, imperial palaces, national parks and lots of beautifully constructed temples. Tokyo, the capital of the country, is a much-visited tourist destination, home to tonnes of skyscrapers. There is a lot to do in Japan, from adventure sports to relaxing at the beach and discovering the real beauty of Japanese architecture. Visa:  E-visa  Conditions: 90-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets Hotel booking

73. Azerbaijan - The Land of Fire

Azerbaijan, often referred to as "The Land of Fire," due to its ancient Zoroastrian roots, is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Iran to the south, and Georgia, Armenia, and Turkey to the west, Azerbaijan occupies a strategic position in the South Caucasus region. Visa: E-visa Conditions:  30-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets Hotel booking

74. Argentina - Eclectic Argentia

Argentina, the second largest country in Latin America is blessed with vast and varied landscapes that range from rugged peaks of the Andes to the glaciers in Patagonia and grasslands of the Pampas, making it a scenic retreat for all kinds of travellers. Be it exploring the mesmerising beauty of its natural wonders, breathing in the air of Buenos Aires and dancing to the tunes of Tango or tasting some of the finest wines in Mendoza, Argentina is a country worth your admiration. Visa: E-visa Conditions: 30-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets

75. Colombia - The Land Of Many Lives

Known as the Gateway to South America, Colombia is one of the most culturally and geographically diverse countries in the world. Blessed with rich cultural heritage and a variegated mixture of flora and fauna, Colombia caters to all kinds of visitors. Relax on the turquoise water beaches of Carribean and Pacific or experience the colonial charm of Cartagena. Visit the historical Bogota or treat yourself to the eternal spring of Medellin, immerse yourself in the exuberance of Cali or simply head for a trek in the Andes and the Amazon. Visa: E-visa Conditions: 90-day stay allowed Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page Proof of return/onward tickets

76. Kazakhstan - The Land of the Wanderers

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Covering an area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers, it is the ninth-largest country in the world. The capital city of Kazakhstan is Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), a mix of modern and historic cities. Visa: E-visa or Visa Free for up to 14 days Conditions:  30-day stay allowed(e-Visa) Requirements: Passport with at least 6-month validity and one blank visa page A Valid invitation from Kazakh side for E-visa

As an Indian national, one has visa-free access to these countries, thus granting one a lot of freedom to travel and see the world. Some of the most beautiful and culturally different visa-free countries for Indians have been mentioned above which are worth adding to your bucket list.

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The top 10 visa-free countries for Indian passport holders in 2024

Visa-free countries for indians in 2024: discover the top 10 best global destinations that indian passport holders can travel to visa-free in 2024..

Many countries worldwide are currently offering visa-free entry to enhance their tourism industry and attract more visitors, including those from India, ensuring a seamless travel experience and eliminating travel obstacles. This initiative has led to a surge in new explorers eager to venture out and discover these countries.

Thailand and Sri Lanka have recently extended their visa-free entry provisions for Indian visitors. Thailand’s extension is in effect until November 11, 2024, while Sri Lanka’s lasts until May 31, 2024. However, in some instances, it is crucial to note that travel to visa-free countries is usually limited to a specific duration and additional documents, such as proof of onward travel or payment of airport taxes might be required.

Indian passport holders currently benefit from visa-free access to 62 countries, simplifying travel and exploration. Visa-free travel allows entry into a country without the need for a prior visa and only requires a passport to clear customs, eliminating the complexities of visa procedures and associated fees.

So, as the summer vacation season approaches, it’s an ideal time to travel. If you hold an Indian passport, there are several destinations you can visit without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Below is the list of the top 10 best global destinations that Indian passport holders can travel to visa-free.

1. Bhutan: 14 days

Bhutan is a neighbouring country of India and is considered one of the top visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders. They can travel for up to 14 days without needing a visa. Often referred to as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the country is located in the Himalayas and is renowned for its snow-capped peaks, vibrant monasteries, and spiritual culture.

Nepal is a country famous for having Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain in the world. The country is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers as it offers a unique and enriching experience with ancient temples, breathtaking landscapes, and amiable locals. Indian passport holders do not require a visa to enter Nepal, as the country shares a friendly relationship with India.

3. Mauritius: 90 days

Mauritius, an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean, is a picturesque tropical paradise famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs. While many visitors come to Mauritius to experience nature and indulge in luxury resort stays, it can also be an excellent destination for Indian solo or group travellers who want to explore the cities, visit tourist attractions, and try delicious local cuisine. Furthermore, Indian travellers can stay in Mauritius for up to 90 days without a visa, making it an attractive option for those seeking to travel hassle-free.

4. Kenya: 90 days

Starting January 1, 2024, Kenya will allow visa-free travel to Indian passport holders to promote tourism through its electronic travel authorization programme. Exploring its vibrant wildlife and marine reserves, with over 50 national parks to choose from, Indians can travel to Kenya visa-free for 90 days to experience its world-renowned safari experience.

5. Malaysia: 30 days

Malaysia is a magnificent travel destination that offers a blend of ancient rainforests and a multicultural city-life experience. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, boasts the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The country is renowned for its exceptional food, historical vibe, gorgeous beaches, and wildlife-packed national parks. Indian passport holders can now travel to Malaysia visa-free until December 31, 2024, as per the latest update. It permits a stay of up to 30 days for each entry and visit to the country.

6. Thailand: 30 days (till November 11, 2024)

Thailand, a gem of Southeast Asia, is famous for its exquisite beaches, delicious cuisine, and lively culture. From the busy streets of Bangkok to the grand temples of Chiang Mai and the tranquil beaches of Phuket, Thailand offers a perfect combination of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation. As per the latest update, Thailand has extended its visa-free travel for Indian passport holders until November 11, 2024, which was previously May 10, 2024.

7. Dominica: 6 months

Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island nation, also known as “Nature Island.” It boasts tropical and balmy weather, natural hot springs, and tropical rainforests. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a must-visit place, where you can find a 1,342-metre-high volcano. The country’s best features include the 65-metre-tall Trafalgar Falls and the narrow Titou Gorge. Indian passport holders can easily book flights to Dominica from India to enter this beautiful country. The good news for Indian nationals is that they do not require a visa for either tourism or business purposes for six months.

8. Qatar: 30 days

Qatar is a Middle Eastern country known for its impressive infrastructure and futuristic capital, Doha, with its towering skyscrapers. The country is also recognised as one of the wealthiest nations in the world and is currently in the spotlight for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022. Indian passport holders can enjoy 30 days of visa-free travel in Qatar.

9. Sri Lanka: 30 days (till May 31st, 2024)

Sri Lanka is the latest addition to the list of visa-free countries for Indians. This South Asian island is rich in history and boasts stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and incredible wildlife. Visitors can experience beautiful weather and indulge in delicious cuisine. Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to Sri Lanka until May 31st, 2024, as per the latest update. The hospitality of the locals is great, and the country is famous for its sweetmeats.

10. Seychelles: 30 days

The Seychelles are renowned for their stunning waters, coral reefs, sea turtles, and underwater rock formations teeming with beautiful fish, whale sharks, and shipwrecks. The beaches in the Seychelles offer a calm, peaceful, and secluded environment, and Indian passport holders can visit visa-free for 30 days.

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China to permit visa-free entry for foreign groups on cruise ships to boost tourism

A ccording to Mao Xu, a senior official with the immigration administration, tour groups can disembark at 13 designated ports including Shanghai, Dalin, Qingdao, and Haikou. These groups, organised and managed by domestic travel agencies, will have the opportunity to explore coastal provinces as well as the capital city, Beijing, during their stay in China.

Read more: Forget Nainital, here are 5 reasons why you need to pick Pangot instead this summer

Mao further added that this visa-free entry policy for foreign tour groups travelling by cruise ships will not only support the development of the cruise industry, but also attract more international tourists to China. It will also serve as a convenient avenue for enhancing cultural exchanges between China and other nations.

As per the reports, China currently welcomes around 21 international cruise ships that visit its ports en route to various destinations such as Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea, as stated by Zhu Zhenyu, a senior official with the Ministry of Transport. In 2023, a total of 107,000 passenger trips were recorded via cruise ships in China.

Read more: 8 iconic tourist destinations ruined by overtourism

However, amid economic challenges and subdued travel demand in Asia's largest economy, China may encounter difficulties in attracting overseas visitors. For instance, Qantas Airways Ltd., an Australian airline, recently halted flights between Sydney and Shanghai due to low demand for travel between Australia and China, redirecting its focus to destinations like Singapore and Bengaluru, India. Despite expectations, travel interest has not rebounded as strongly as anticipated since the Covid-19 pandemic.

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14 visa-free destinations for Indian passport-holders; check full list here

It's time to pack your bags and explore the world

A little get-away from the mundane daily life is something that many of us desire. Sometimes, it's the lengthy visa processing time that acts as a hurdle in reaching our dream destination. So here are a few countries where Indians can travel without worrying about a visa:

Nepal, home to the Himalayas, is an often visited destination by trekkers around the world. The journey from India to Nepal is easy and budget-friendly too! If you are travelling by air, all you need to carry is either a valid Indian passport or your Indian voter ID card with a photograph. So now it's time to pack your bags and go trekking and paragliding in the Himalayas and exploring the heritage sites in Nepal.

Just like Nepal, Bhutan is a culturally rich nation sharing its borders with India. Though Bhutan allows Indian citizens to travel visa-free, they have stated that visitors from India is required to get a permit. It can be done online through their website, through a tour operator or at the point of entry

Seychelles is an archipelagic state consisting of 115 islands open to visitors worldwide. Though visitors do not need a visa, they are required to apply for a Travel Authorisation (TA) at least 10 days prior to their travel. The application can be made through through Seychelles E-Border app. A standard application fee is charged during this process. The requirements, as specified by the government include a valid passport, selfie, contact information, trip information, airline booking confirmation, accommodation booking confirmation and credit or debit card information. The time taken to process the application would depend on the package that is chosen. On arrival, a visitor’s permit will be issued. This maybe your call to visit Seychelles, which is known for hosting various rare species of life and for activities like cruising, swimming, fishing and sailing.

This scenic island country with a panoramic view situated in the South Pacific Island, often referred to as ‘The Rock’. Niue allows Indian citizens to visit the country visa-free for less than 30 days. Visitors are required to take connection flights through New Zealand in order to reach Niue. The entry requirements include having a valid passport and meeting New Zealand’s border entry requirements while transiting. The government of Niue has also recommended all visitors to get a travel insurance. Tourism is a developed sector in Niue and they have various activities at hand for the tourists.

Montserrat is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea and is home to an exotic variety of flora and fauna. It has included India in the list of countries that does not require a visa, in order to visit. Just make sure that you have a valid passport during your period of stay. Here is your key to explore the monasteries, museums, chapels, monuments and sculptures located in the splendid hillsides and town of Montserrat. Hikes, train trips, the annual Alliouagana Festival of the Word and other natural attractions make it a worthwhile journey for all visitors.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

St Vincent And the Grenadines is a small and beautiful archipelago that is open to international travellers. The visitors must have a valid passport, a return ticket, a place to stay and should indicate the reason for travel, as mentioned in the official government website. Indian nationals are free to travel without any visa. Visitor’s permit will be granted on arrival by an Immigration Officer and it would be valid for three months. In case of extensions, changes can be made at the Immigration Head Office in Kingstown.

Grenada is a part of West Indies situated in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, which renders a visa-free visit to Indian nationals. If you have a valid Indian passport, get your ticket to explore the wide range of activities that Grenada offers! You can be a part Grenada’s exuberant culture by taking part in their festivals and culture, experiencing the eco-adventures, exploring and site seeing and by tasting their delicious cuisine.

Jamaica is yet another island country in the Caribbeans that does not pose a visa requirement to Indian citizens. Indians can travel to Jamaica with a valid and approved travel document, preferably a passport. Jamaica offers you safaris, waterfalls, beaches, gardens and a great range of other water activities like river rafting.

Kenya, an East African country, is often distinguished by its rich culture and traditions. Kenya brings the pictures of wildlife and safaris into our minds. An Indian citizen does not require a visa to travel to Kenya as a tourist. Instead, you would be in need of an “electronic Travel Authorisation” (eTA) while travelling. An eTA application can easily be filed online and once approved, it would be electronically linked to your passport. Kenya allows for a stay up to 90 days. The Immigration Office has specified that the eTA extensions can be done in the Immigration Office in Nairobi after expiration of current eTA. The eTA requirements as specified by the Kenyan government are an Indian passport, with at least two blank pages, valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Kenya, confirmation page of the application, a colour passport size photograph, current email address, a basic travel itinerary and the return ticket.

Angola, a South African country, is blessed with panoramic views of nature. Angola permits Indian passport holders to visit the country without a travel visa for up to 30 days. If you wish to stay for more than 30 days, you can easily apply for an e-visa through their website. The Kissama National Park, Tunda Vala Fissure, Dilolo lake, Dala Waterfalls and a lot more act as Angola’s major attractions.

Mauritius is drawn with picturesque natural resources like waterfalls and glassy blue beaches with golden shore. Mauritius exempting India from the visa requirements has given Indian citizens a chance to explore the national parks, botanical gardens, museums, hiking trails and many natural wonders! All you need to do is fill in the all-in-one travel form, which is available in their official website and take a printed copy of the completed form while travelling. You need to submit the form to the health officials on arrival at Mauritius.

In July 2022, Kazakhstan introduced visa-free travel to all Indian citizens. The government has set the maximum duration of the visitor’s visa-free stay is 42 days within every 180 days. Kazakhstan is a Central Asian country that offers a series of attractions to its visitors. Various museums, natural attractions, places of pilgrimage and monuments act as major sights in Kazakhstan.

Fiji, an island country situated in the South Pacific, has exempted Indian citizens from carrying a visa during their visit, but make sure to carry all the required documents with you. The requirements include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay, a return ticket or a ticket for onward travel, a confirmed address for your stay in Fiji and a complete immigration arrival card. According to BBC, Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific, relying heavily on tourism and sugar industries.

Cook Islands

Cook Islands in the South Pacific consists of 15 islands in total. For a stay of less than 31 days, Cook Islands has allowed the visitors to travel visa-free. The permits will be issued at the border on your arrival. Visitors must meet the general requirements related to evidence of identity, character, health and proof of onward travel. You must provide evidence of sufficient funds for yourself and for dependent children (if applicable). You must also be a bona fide visitor, not intending to work or study during your stay in Cook Islands. Delve into the various water activities, mountain hikes and many other entertainments when you travel to this destination.

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• Visa free group travel between Russia and India expected by the end of this year

• Updated On May 17, 2024 at 07:26 PM IST

China allows visa-free entry for overseas groups on cruise ships

Tour groups can enter China from 13 ports including Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian and Haikou, Mao Xu, a senior official with the immigration administration, said at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday. Qualifying tour groups need to be received and handled by domestic travel agencies and will be allowed to travel to coastal provinces as well as the capital, Beijing, while they are in China, Mao said.

• Published On May 17, 2024 at 03:36 PM IST

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10 most affordable countries to visit in 2024 for Indians

• Lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for trekking and exploring.
• Trekking gear such as sturdy hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and backpacks.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for protection against the sun.
• Lightweight clothing suitable for tropical weather.
• Swimsuit and beachwear for coastal areas.
• Light and breathable clothing suitable for humid weather.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and attractions.
• Rain jacket or umbrella for unpredictable weather.
• Vietnamese phrasebook or language app for basic communication.
• Lightweight and modest clothing for visiting temples and cultural sites.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen for protection against mosquitoes and sunburn.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring markets and tourist attractions.
• Lightweight and modest clothing suitable for hot and humid weather.
• Sandals or flip-flops for beach outings and casual wear.
• Waterproof bag or pouch for protecting electronic devices and valuables.
• Lightweight and breathable clothing for exploring temples and outdoor sites.
• Comfortable footwear for walking and exploring uneven terrain.
• Reusable water bottle and snacks for staying hydrated and energised.

Philippines

• Lightweight clothing suitable for tropical weather and beach activities.
• Swimsuit, snorkelling gear, and reef-safe sunscreen for water adventures.
• Portable water purification system or water purification tablets for remote areas.
• Light and breathable clothing suitable for warm and humid weather.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and nature reserves.
• Travel adapter for charging electronic devices with Malaysian power outlets.
• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for visiting temples and religious sites.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring uneven terrain and historical sites.
• Flashlight or headlamp for areas with limited lighting or power outages.
• Warm clothing layers for cool evenings and high-altitude treks.
• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction for mountain trails.

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Spurned by Schengen, Indians are being swayed by the lure of liberal visas

NEW DELHI : Radhika Khanijo is busy planning vacations this summer for a few uber wealthy clients to a destination that hadn’t been on her luxury travel firm’s radar ever before: South Korea. The Asian country is suddenly on the map of Indian travellers, says the founder of Welgrow Travel, and part of the reason is its easy visa process.

“South Korea is seeing a big rise in travel demand from discerning travellers. We were never catering for travel to this country till last year," said Khanijo, also explaining why the visa process is a boon for last-minute planners. “There is no appointment procedure and clients can just submit their visas (online). Their visas take just seven working days to process, with low rejection rates."

Khanijo is also bundling in travel to Japan for one of her clients. 

As trying to obtain Schengen visas to travel to European countries such as Greece, Italy and Switzerland became exasperating, Indians turned to more familiar destinations such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Sri Lanka that have easier processes.

Thailand set the ball rolling in November, when it eliminated visa requirements for Indian travellers and permitted a 30-day stay until May this year. Last week, it extended this scheme till November this year. 

Sri Lanka rolled out a similar scheme, offering visa-free access to Indians as well as nationals from six other countries till the end of May. Malaysia has declared visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens till December.

“Surprisingly, many European nations that are in recession are putting visa restrictions instead of easing them up. Slowly Indian travellers are realising these issues and are opting to travel elsewhere," said  Subhash Goyal, chairman of STIC Travel, one of India’s largest travel agents.

The lure of liberal visas

The surge in outbound travel from India is emblematic of the country’s growing middle-class and the increase in their disposable incomes.

Outbound travel from India is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% between 2023 and 2032 to $44.8 billion, according to a report titled ‘Outbound Tourism in India’ by business advisory Nangia Andersen Llp. In 2022, the market stood at $15.16 billion.

India’s outbound tourism sector, one of the fastest-growing in Asia, has recuperated to about 61% of its pre-pandemic strength, with 13 million outbound tourists recorded in 2022, according to a report by McKinsey & Co. The consultancy firm estimates this figure could expand to 80 million by 2040.

For this year’s summer, Thailand, Mauritius, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam have collectively registered a 30-40% increase in travel bookings by Indians as compared with a year earlier, according to travel agency Yatra Online Ltd.

Also read |  Scant slots, lengthy waits: Where have all the Schengen visas gone?

Thailand and Sri Lanka have seen a 35% year-over-year increase in bookings for this year’s summer travel. Vietnam registered a 25% jump in bookings during April and May.

Bharatt Malik, senior vice president for flights and hotel business at Yatra Online, said Indian travellers are opting for destinations with simpler visa requirements and straightforward travel arrangements.

“A lot of the economies that have recently made visas free are dependent on tourism, and so have become very liberal with their visas, at least in the short run," said Goyal of STIC. “Indians, with their growing discretionary incomes, are now becoming more liberal spenders when travelling and shopping abroad."

The value-conscious traveller

MakeMyTrip registered a 33% year-on-year growth for bookings in April across newly minted visa-free destinations as well as countries allowing e-visas, such as Kazakhstan, Angola and Japan. 

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are two major draws for Indian travellers this summer, followed by Georgia, Langkawi, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Bhutan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Kenya are among other favourites this summer, said a spokesperson for MakeMyTrip.

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Destinations in Thailand such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Krabi remain a favourite, especially as the country has extended its no-visa scheme for Indians until November.

According to a spokesperson for travel agency Thomas Cook India, the elimination of the visa cost for Thailand, especially for an Indian family of four or ad hoc groups of friends or colleagues, is an important consideration for the value-conscious Indian.

• #travel and tourism industry

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