India's tourist office has found the formula to summarize the continent: Incredible India! Incredible to promote the country's incredible wealth. This expression will accompany you throughout your discovery of India where you will go from amazement to wonder. This country is a succession of jewels that compose ornaments worthy of a maharajah! From sumptuous palaces to prestigious mosques, from crystalline peaks to emerald lakes, from historic villages to a concentration of skyscrapers. So a retreat in an ashram or a trek in the Himalayas? North India or South India? Holi or Dipawali? Anyway, you'll fall under the spell! From the masterful beauty of the Taj Mahal to the mystical city of Benares, from New Delhi to Calcutta. And everywhere the colours of the saris, the spicy flavours and a joyful tumult. What else? What else? The forts of Maharashtra, the mosques of Hyderabad, the tombs of Bijapur, the landscapes of rice fields and tea plantations, the beaches with coconut trees... And beautiful natural parks such as Periyar or Wayanad. And of course it's also the dream beaches of Goa. And the romantic Pondicherry. It is a whirlwind of life, of encounters, of possible at every crossroads of your journey in India. Of course, on the last day, drunk with this trip, you will be aware of all that you still have to discover! The cure? Consult your tourist guide and already prepare your next stay...

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When to go to India?

In North India, the most pleasant season is from mid-November to mid-March, but the high tourist season begins in October and continues in April. The rates are then high. Exceptions are the Himalayan regions (North Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarankhand) where temperatures are often below zero, it snows a lot and some sites are inaccessible. From October to April, it is the off-season. The low tourist season in North India lasts from mid-April to late September. From May, the heat is stifling (45°C on average). Prices are then low except in the climatic stations of the Himalayan foothills, north of Bengal (Darjeeling, Kalimpong), Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh (Shimla, Dharamasala), or Uttarankhand (Mussoorie, Nainital), it is however cooler (20°C), so it is the high tourist season for this region.

In South India, the high season runs from November to March, with a peak in attendance from mid-December to the end of January. The climate is pleasant. You will have to book your hotels in advance and the overnight stay will cost you a little more. Some of Goa's seaside resorts may be overcrowded. The off-season months (April, September and October) are perfect: climate still mild, prices are correct. During the low tourist season (May/August) low rates everywhere but stifling heat and many hotels close, especially in Goa

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Weather all year round

North India has four seasons: winter (December to February), summer (March to June), monsoon (July to September) and after monsoon (October and November). In summer, the weather in North India shows scorching temperatures (35/40°C)

South India has a tropical climate. From April to June, it is very hot and humid, and from June to September, it is monsoon season. From September to November, it is about 25°C in South India. From November to February, the weather is dry and sunny

Budget

The currency is the Indian rupee, you can pay with a credit card in hotels and large restaurants and change euros in banks and hotels. The cost of living is very low in India. But tourist services can be upscale and therefore expensive. Services are more expensive in cities than in remote areas. Hotels from the mid-range range have a good standing. Tips are not mandatory.

Procedures

European nationals must apply for a visa online, 34 days and 4 days before departure. The electronic visa is returned by email and must be presented to immigration at the airport in North India. This visa is valid for a single entry and for 30 days. Your passport must contain at least two blank pages and be valid for 6 months after the date of your return.

Health

No vaccination is required to enter Indian territory. Only an antiamarile certificate is required for travellers from areas infected, particularly with the yellow fever virus. However, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, to be vigilant about unsafe water and food and to protect yourself well from mosquitoes.

How to go to India? Our advice & tips

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The tours offered by travel agencies in India are many and varied. You can choose to do a classic tour that includes major cities like Delhi and key monuments like the Taj Mahal or a thematic, cultural stay around, for example, Hinduism or Buddhism. India being a distant and exotic destination, it takes a certain amount of time to acclimatise, not to mention the long journeys on the spot. Choose a tour of at least 15 days.

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Several airlines fly directly from European capitals to New Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay) and Calcutta. On the spot, it is quite easy to organize your trips, as transport rates are low even at the last minute. North India is safe but it is important to avoid hanging out on the streets late at night and, for women, it is important to avoid short clothing and to cover your knees and shoulders well to avoid being bothered.

To discover the whole continent, if your time is limited, you will have to fly. The internal lines are numerous and affordable. The rail network is efficient, from north to south and vice versa. The train journey is very economical, but the cars are usually full to capacity. Buses serve the country well for a fare equivalent to 2nd class train. Renting a car allows you to travel in a particular region. With a driver is better.

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    Practical information
    When to travel?

    In North India, the most pleasant season is from mid-November to mid-March, but the high tourist season begins...
    Read more about it

    Weather forecast

    North India has four seasons: winter (December to February), summer (March to June), monsoon (July to Septembe...
    Read more about it

    Budget

    The currency is the Indian rupee, you can pay with a credit card in hotels and large restaurants and change euros in...
    Read more about it

    Formalities

    European nationals must apply for a visa online, 34 days and 4 days before departure. The electronic visa is returned...
    Read more about it

    Health

    No vaccination is required to enter Indian territory. Only an antiamarile certificate is required for travellers fro...
    Read more about it

    How to travel by yourself?

    Several airlines fly directly from European capitals to New Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay) and Calcutta. On the spot, it is q...
    Read more about it

    How to get organized?

    The tours offered by travel agencies in India are many and varied. You can choose to do a classic tour that includes...
    Read more about it

    Getting around

    To discover the whole continent, if your time is limited, you will have to fly. The internal lines are numerous and a...
    Read more about it

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