“There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is that place.”
Keith Bellows (Nat Geo)
India is the ultimate test of a traveler. There are few countries more overwhelming & exhausting to travel. But with all the chaos, comes great rewards. India offers a look at the ancient world & spirituality you get nowhere else. You’ll see both the burning of bodies on the ghats of Mother Ganges as well as the modern luxuries of today in mega-city Mumbai. You’ll leave a different person than you arrived.
India is the ultimate test of a traveler. There are few countries more overwhelming & exhausting to travel. But with all the chaos, comes great rewards. India offers a look at the ancient world & spirituality you get nowhere else. You’ll see both the burning of bodies on the ghats of Mother Ganges as well as the modern luxuries of today in mega-city Mumbai. You’ll leave a different person than you arrived.
India Travel Guide
Recommended Cities: Mumbai, Udaipur, Goa, Kerala, Delhi, Amritsar, Agra, Kochi, State of Himachal Pradesh, Varanasi
Minimum Recommended Trip Length: Minimum of 1 month for only the highlights of the country. If you plan to stick to one region then 2-3 weeks would suffice. There really is no recommended time in India. You’ll always wish you had more.
One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal. See wild tigers at Ranthambore National Park.
Things to Consider Before You Go: Being a foreign woman in India attracts attention. Be prepared for sensory overload.
Visa Requirements
India does not have visa on arrival. You’ll apply online. $30 for Americans. Don’t let Visa companies convince you otherwise. Many try to scam tourists into paying $100 for an Indian Visa. This is the official Indian Visa application site.
Estimated Backpacker Budget
On a Shoestring: $15/day
Flashpacker: $25/day
Backpacker Luxury: $40/day
Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be eating street food, sleeping in hostel beds, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. Backpacker Luxury opts for private rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.
India is perfect for travelers looking to get in touch with their spiritual side, have cultural experiences, & eat amazing food.
India Blog Posts
A Beginner’s Guide to India: Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Welcome to India. Equally the most spectacular and frustrating place you’re likely to visit.…
Food of Rajasthan: My Favorite Restaurants for Local Rajasthani Cuisine
A quick look at Rajasthani cuisine and some of the best places to get…
An Honest Rajasthan Travel Guide: What to See & What to Skip
Rajasthan is the most visited state in India. This is my honest opinion on…
How to Visit Jim Corbett National Park: Planning a Safari That Doesn’t Suck
India is home to many of the last tigers left on earth. Here’s how…
Jodhpur’s Best View: Sneaking to Photography Point
A *technically* illegal hike in Jodhpur, India. And the best way to spend a…
Wagah Border Crossing Tips (India to Pakistan on Foot)
We crossed the Wagah border from India to Pakistan with ease. Here’s how you…
Dera Amer Wilderness Camp: An Ethical Indian Elephant Sanctuary
A rare ethical elephant experience and luxury Glamping stay in the heart of India.
Your Palitana Guide for an Impressive Jain Pilgrimage
Gujarat was one of the most interesting states we visited in India. This holy…
How to Spot Lions in Gir National Park as a Foreign Tourist
Seeing Asiatic lions wasn’t even on my India bucketlist because I didn’t know they…
The Best Mumbai Street Food Tour: A Chef’s Tour
India has the most diverse and exceptional eats in the world. It’s my favorite…