A guide to planning your first visit to India

 

Where to Go in India

India’s North is so different from the South in a multitude of ways, ranging from the architecture and language to food and landscapes.

If you like more mountainous regions we recommend heading north to the peaks of Himachal Pradesh and the Indian Himalayas in Ladakh.

If you are a beach lover, we recommend heading south to Goa or Kerala. Kerala has a charm and gentleness unlike anywhere else in India. Here you can be as relaxed or as energetic as you wish. There are wonderful beaches to stroll on, beautiful backwaters to explore, cultural experiences by the score, and delicious local cuisine to be savoured. Kerala is the perfect destination to ease yourself into the continent and have a calmer introduction to India.

To experience the Regal side, Rajasthan is hard to beat with its spectacular palaces and forts, and we recommend Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur for a varied experience.

For those seeking something more spiritual, the cities of Rishikesh and Varanasi are perfect and can easily be built into an itinerary.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the thrill of spotting the Bengal Tiger in national parks such as Ranthambore National Park or Bandhavgarh National Park.

How to Get Around in India

Rickshaws and Ubers

Rickshaws and Ubers are the easiest ways to travel within a city in India, with both being frequent and inexpensive.

Domestic Flights 

If you want to hop between cities, the fastest way is through domestic flights. Be aware of luggage restrictions though.

Trains

The Indian Railway is a huge part of the infrastructure of India and we recommend experiencing a rail journey at least once.

Buses

Buses are a great option for getting to and from smaller towns that don’t have railway access.

There are also plenty of overnight sleeper buses on longer distance routes which have air-conditioning.

Currency

The currency used in India is Rupees and these cannot be purchased or obtained outside of India and also cannot be changed back outside of India, so make sure you don’t take out more than you need, or remember to change it back before you leave India. 

Have plenty of small change for tips but as much as possible try to use a credit card for the best exchange rate.

Accommodation

Accommodation in India ranges from budget to ultimate luxury with so many options, such as staying in hostels, havelis and home stays to luxury five star opulent hotels. There is something to suit every budget.

You can even stay in a Maharaja’s Palace if you desire and live it up like royalty!

————————————————————————————————————-

If you are inspired to to visit Incredible India you can find out more about Somak Holiday’s Itineraries here, or you can request a bespoke one:

The Golden Triangle

Classical India Tour

Classic Rajasthan Tour

Find out more: https://www.somak.com/india