India Travel Guide: Delhi, Rajasthan, Goa & Where to Go in 2026

Most foreign nationals need a visa. The e-Tourist Visa covers citizens of around 170 countries (including all EU, Nordic, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Russia, Brazil, and most of Asia) — apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in typically 4–7 days before travel; 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year options ($25–80). E-Visa is valid for entry through 31 designated airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, Cochin, Jaipur) and 6 seaports. From 31 March 2026, all travelers must also complete the new digital Su-Swagatam e-Arrival Card within 72 hours of landing. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry, with two blank pages. Print your e-Visa — immigration still wants the paper copy.

The classic Golden Triangle — Delhi → Agra → Jaipur — is the iconic first-time route, doable in 7–10 days and covering the country's most famous monuments (Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal). Pair it with one "chill" destination to balance the intensity: Goa for beaches and Portuguese-influenced coast, Kerala for backwater houseboats and Cochin, or Udaipur for the lake palace and a slower Rajasthan pace. With 14 days, add Varanasi (Hindu spiritual capital on the Ganges) or Rishikesh (yoga and the foothills of the Himalayas). Coming from the US or Europe, plan 10–14 days minimum — internal travel time eats more of the trip than you expect.

October to March is the universal answer — cool, dry, pleasant 15–25°C across most of the country, perfect for the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, and southern India. April and May bring intense heat (40°C+ across the north), but it's the only time to visit hill stations and the Himalayan foothills comfortably. June to September is monsoon — heavy in Mumbai, Goa, and Kerala (lush, dramatic, fewer tourists, lower prices), but northern India stays travelable with the right planning. Festivals worth planning around: Holi (March, the festival of colors), Diwali (October/November, the festival of lights), the Pushkar Camel Fair (November in Rajasthan), and the Jaisalmer Desert Festival (February). Book the Taj Mahal sunrise slot well in advance — it's the country's most-visited monument.

Yes — with rules. Indian food is one of the great pleasures of travel here, and skipping street food means missing half of what makes the trip. Three guides: eat where locals queue (high turnover = fresh; office workers at lunch is the strongest signal), everything cooked hot in front of you (dosa, samosa, pakora, kebabs — fine; uncooked salads and pre-cut fruit — riskier), and drink only bottled or filtered water (and avoid ice in budget places). Delhi belly is real for the unprepared; consider taking probiotics for a week before flying, and start gently — yoghurt-based dishes (lassi, curd rice) help. Pharmacies sell oral rehydration salts everywhere for ~10 rupees. South Indian food (dosa, idli, sambar) tends to be milder; North Indian curries are heavier and richer.

Three options. Domestic flights (IndiGo, Vistara, Air India) are the fastest — Delhi to Mumbai or Bangalore in 2 hours for $40–100, book through Goibibo or Cleartrip. Trains are the iconic Indian experience and surprisingly comfortable in upper classes (1AC, 2AC, 3AC sleeper); the Gatimaan Express Delhi–Agra in 1h40 and the Shatabdi Express Delhi–Jaipur are well-loved tourist routes. Book through IRCTC or 12Go.asia 30–60 days ahead — popular routes sell out. Private car with driver is the most flexible for the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan — typically $40–80/day including driver and fuel, arranged through your hotel or a reputable agency. Avoid driving yourself; Indian roads need local skill. Within cities, use Uber or Ola rather than street autos for fair pricing.