India: Complete Travel Guide for 2025
Everything about India: Delhi, Rajasthan, Goa, Taj Mahal, cuisine, budget and tips for a life-changing trip.
Why India Changes You
India isn't a destination — it's a transformative experience. Delhi's chaos, the Taj Mahal's majesty, Rajasthan's palaces, Goa's beaches and Varanasi's spirituality. Nothing prepares you for India, and that's exactly what makes it special.
Top Destinations
Delhi
Old Delhi with its chaotic alleyways, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, the Red Fort. New Delhi with India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Two cities in one.
Daily budget: 15-40€
Agra
The Taj Mahal at sunrise is one of the most stunning sights you'll ever see. Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri complete the visit.
Daily budget: 15-35€
Jaipur
The Pink City. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Amber Fort, City Palace and markets full of textiles and jewelry. Capital of the "Golden Triangle" (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur).
Daily budget: 15-40€
Varanasi
Hinduism's holiest city. The Ganges ghats, evening aarti ceremonies and life and death coexisting on every corner. Not for everyone, but unforgettable.
Daily budget: 10-30€
Goa
Beaches, yoga, parties and Indo-Portuguese food. The north (Anjuna, Vagator) is more party-oriented, the south (Palolem, Agonda) more peaceful.
Daily budget: 15-40€
Kerala
Backwaters on a houseboat, tea plantations, South Indian cuisine and Ayurveda. A completely different India.
Daily budget: 15-45€
Indian Cuisine
- Butter Chicken — Chicken in creamy tomato-butter sauce. India's most famous dish
- Biryani — Spiced rice with meat or vegetables. Hyderabad's is the best
- Dosa — Crispy rice and lentil crepe with chutneys. Southern breakfast staple
- Thali — Platter with multiple curries, rice, bread, dal and chutneys. From 1€
- Samosa — Fried triangular pastry filled with potato and peas
- Paneer Tikka — Fresh cheese grilled with tandoori spices
- Chai — Tea with milk, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon. For 0.10€ on the street
- Lassi — Beaten yogurt with mango or rose. Varanasi's is legendary
Budget
India is one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel.
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation | 3-10€ | 15-40€ | 50-200€ | | Food | 2-5€ | 5-15€ | 15-40€ | | Transport | 1-4€ | 5-15€ | 15-50€ | | Total/day | 6-19€ | 25-70€ | 80-290€ |
The Golden Triangle
The classic first-time route: Delhi → Agra → Jaipur in 5-7 days.
- Delhi-Agra: 3-4h by train (from 4€)
- Agra-Jaipur: 4-5h by train or bus
- Jaipur-Delhi: 4-5h by train
Tip
Indian trains have different classes. For tourists, AC 2-Tier or AC 3-Tier offer a good balance of price and comfort. Book on IRCTC weeks in advance.
Essential Tips
Warning
"Delhi belly" (stomach issues) is common. Drink only bottled water, avoid ice, peel fruit and eat at busy places where food turns over quickly.
- Visa — Required for almost everyone. e-Visa online (~25$), easy and quick
- SIM card — Get a Jio or Airtel on arrival. Mobile data is incredibly cheap (2€/month)
- Bargaining — Everywhere. Rickshaws, markets, souvenirs. Start at 30% of the asking price
- Dress code — Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Rupee — 1€ ≈ 90 INR. Use ATMs from major banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI)
- Rickshaws — Use Ola/Uber when possible. If negotiating a rickshaw, agree the price first