Indian Travel: What You Really Need to Know

When you think about Indian travel, the diverse, vibrant, and often surprising way people explore India’s landscapes, cities, and traditions. Also known as travel in India, it’s not just about seeing the Taj Mahal—it’s about eating khichdi in a village, hiking to Everest Base Camp, or watching Diwali lights reflect off the Ganges. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for luxury, Indian travel works at every level, and that’s what makes it unique.

One of the biggest questions people ask is: Is India expensive for tourists? The answer? Not if you know where to look. A daily budget as low as $15 can cover food, transport, and a clean room in many places, while a luxury stay in Kerala or Goa might cost $100+—but both are equally valid. Budget travel India, planning a trip to India with careful spending on accommodation, food, and local transport isn’t about missing out—it’s about choosing where to spend and where to save. Meanwhile, Kerala safety, the low crime rates, well-maintained infrastructure, and welcoming locals that make Kerala one of India’s safest states for tourists means you can walk through backstreets in Kochi or take a houseboat on the backwaters without fear. And if you’re wondering whether to visit North or South India, the truth is: both offer something different. Agra is in the north, Panchgani in Maharashtra feels like Italy, and Jersey City in the U.S. has its own version of India—showing how deep the cultural reach goes.

Indian travel isn’t just about places—it’s about experiences. Trekking in the Himalayas boosts your heart and clears your mind. Visiting Rameshwaram isn’t just a pilgrimage—it’s understanding how a temple can be both a Jyotirlinga and a Char Dham. Ethnic tourism in India lets you stay with tribal communities, eat food cooked over open fires, and learn stories passed down for generations. You don’t need to book a five-star tour to get this. Sometimes, the best moments come from a rickshaw driver who tells you about his village, or a street vendor who gives you extra chaat because you asked how it’s made.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of generic tips. It’s real, tested, and sometimes surprising advice from people who’ve done it. How much money you actually need. Which airlines fly best from the U.S. How to get from Goa’s airport to the beach without getting ripped off. Why India doesn’t have a national dish—but khichdi comes close. Whether Punjab is safe for solo female travelers. What makes Chidambaram’s temple the only one of its kind. All of it, straight, clear, and no fluff.