India
North India, trains and solo travel
India alone as a woman: how I got around, a two-week route for first-timers and the things I wish I had known.
Best time: January, February, March, November and December
Good to know
- Capital
- New Delhi
- Currency
- Indian rupee (INR)
- Language
- Hindi, English and many regional languages
- Say hello
- NamasteThank you: Dhanyavaad
- Plugs
- Type C, D and M
- Tap water
- Drink bottled or filtered water
When to go
- January: best
- February: best
- March: best
- April: good
- May: low season
- June: low season
- July: low season
- August: low season
- September: low season
- October: good
- November: best
- December: best
October to March for most of the country; summer is very hot, then the monsoon arrives.
Where to go in India
Getting around
Trains, buses, driving and borders: how to get around India.
Itineraries
Day-by-day routes from my own trips.
More guides
Visa & entry
- EU, UK and US passports need a visa.
- Most nationalities can get an e-Tourist Visa online: 30 days, 1 year or 5 years.
- Only use the government site: lookalike agency sites charge extra.
General info for the most common passports, checked November 2026. Rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
India FAQ
When is the best time to visit India?
October to March for most of the country; summer is very hot, then the monsoon arrives.
What currency does India use?
Indian rupee (INR).
What language do they speak in India?
Hindi, English and many regional languages. Hello is "Namaste" and thank you is "Dhanyavaad".
Can you drink the tap water in India?
Drink bottled or filtered water.
What plugs does India use?
Type C, D and M. Pack a universal adapter if yours are different.
Do I need a visa for India?
EU, UK and US passports need a visa. Most nationalities can get an e-Tourist Visa online: 30 days, 1 year or 5 years. Rules change, so check the official site (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/) before you book.