India is a large country with a climate that varies from place to place, but generally speaking, the best time to visit India is in winter from December to early March.

The entire country tends to get very hot from April to June, and then the monsoon season typically hits July to September. The summer brings hot and humid conditions, but it’s the best time to visit regions up north like Ladakh and the hills. If you don’t mind the heat, April to June is the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds.

For cooler temps, the best time to visit is November to February when the weather is pleasant, dry and great for outdoor exploration.

Learn more about the best time to visit India

Humans have inhabited India for as long as 75,000 years, with early civilizations flourishing as early as 3300 BC. Over the centuries, India both influenced and was influenced by other nations and kingdoms, with far-reaching trade, conquest and migration spreading the subcontinent's culture far and wide. Although it took decades, India finally gained independence from European nations, mainly the British, in 1947.

India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations with a culture steeped in ancient beliefs and traditions. Religion plays a massive role in everyday life, with the majority of the population practicing Hinduism while the remaining is divided into Muslim, Christian, Sikhism and Buddhist populations. This religious diversity is a defining feature of the country and it shows up everywhere – from architecture and daily rituals to food, music and even how people greet each other. It’s not unusual to see temples, mosques and churches standing within the same neighborhood, reflecting a long history of coexistence.

Many of India’s biggest festivals are religious and follow either the Indian lunar calendar or the Islamic calendar. The dates may change each year, but the fervor of celebration never does. Some of the best and biggest festivals to keep an eye out for in India are Holi (Festival of Color), Diwali (Festival of Lights), Gujarat Kite Festival and the Mumbai Ganesh Festival. During these times, cities and villages come alive with music, street food, decorations and gatherings that often spill out into the streets.

India’s culture is also famously diverse in its language, with hundreds of spoken across the country. This linguistic variety goes hand in hand with regional differences in clothing, cuisine and customs, so traveling across India can feel like experiencing multiple cultures in one nation. From spicy street food in the north to coconut-rich dishes in the south, and from classical dance traditions to modern Bollywood cinema, the cultural landscape is both ancient and constantly evolving.

Learn more about festivals in India

India shares land borders with Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan, and has wide stretches of coastline along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.

As the seventh largest countries in the world, India is home to a variety of terrains – the Himalaya in the north, desert and plains in the west, fertile river systems and lush coastal regions in the south, and forested hills and tea-growing highlands in the east. This can make India feel almost like several different countries in one, each with its own climate, landscapes and way of life.

This makes it an exciting place to explore as a traveler – the Himalaya region brings dramatic trekking routes and spiritual pilgrimages; the central plains, shaped by major rivers such as the Ganges, are home to historic cities, temples and cultural landmarks. You’ve got the desert landscapes in Rajasthan and down south the climate becomes more tropical, with palm-lined beaches, backwaters in Kerala and relaxed coastal cities. The eastern regions are greener and more humid, known for tea plantations, rolling hills and rich biodiversity.

Things to try in India

Vindaloo

A dish for both meat eaters and vegetarians, vindaloo is a slow-cooked meal of meat or vegetables flavored with an array of spices that give it a warm orange color and delicious taste. Typically, only medium-hot spices are used, though some can be made spicier (if you dare).  

Tandoori chicken

Tandoori chicken is a favorite among meat eaters, featuring chicken marinated in spiced yoghurt before being cooked in a traditional clay oven known as a tandoor (hence the name). The result is tender, smoky meat with a rich, flavor-packed crust that’s often served on the bone.  

Thali

Thali is the name for a meal that consists of dishes served on single platters. These plates are all served together and will include vegetables, lentils, rice and bread with many different flavors, making it a great way to try lots of new things at once!  

Kachori

Kachori is a popular street food snack in India. This deep-fried stuffed pastry is vegetarian and often spicy and cooked until crispy. There are different fillings depending on where you get it, but usually they’re filled with ground lentils or an onion and potato mixture with sprouts and yogurt.  

Jalebi

For anyone with a sweet tooth, Jalebi will knock your socks off. This sweet, spiraled treat is typically chewy on the outside with a warm and melting inside. Made by frying long ribbons of batter and then soaking in sugar, saffron and cardamom syrup, this treat is as delicious as it looks. 

Chai

You can’t talk about Indian cuisine without mentioning chai. Chai is the Indian word for tea and it is made differently everywhere you go. Typically, chai is a blend of black tea with additions like cloves, cinnamon and cardamom, however it can be made with more of a kick if there’s black pepper or fennel involved. 

Learn more about what to eat in India

Learn more about what to drink

1. Agra

Surely there isn't a more iconic image of India than the Taj Mahal. It's spectacular and soul-stirring, but words simply aren't enough to describe the beauty of this immense mausoleum (even when it's packed with tourists). Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century building was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife – a bold declaration of love, indeed!

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Welcome to Udaipur, India's most romantic city that could easily give Venice a run for its money. You'll undoubtedly fall in love as you explore its grand marble palaces, shimmering lakes, and winding alleys filled with cozy chai bars and dizzying bazaars. It's also a popular hub for Indian artists, dancers, and musicians whose talents will pull you deeper under Udaipur's spell.

3. Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, but these days, it's a haven for wildlife. Jump into a 4WD and search for Bengal tigers, hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles and more. You can also hike up to the stunning ruins of the 10th-century fort or experience the peace and tranquility of the ancient Ganesh temple (one of the oldest temples in India).

4. Kerala Backwaters

Surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and connected by a series of blissful, palm-shaded backwaters, Kerala is a peaceful oasis deep within India's colorful chaos. Float along the dreamy waters of rural Kerala on a houseboat, paddle over to an island village on a pole boat for an overnight homestay with a local family, and enjoy traditional Keralan food served on a banana leaf.

5. Varanasi

Varanasi is a place that will be etched in your memory long after your time in India is over. Uncover the stories and secrets of this holy city with your local guide, get lost in the laneways, cruise along the golden Ganges at dawn, or witness ancient religious traditions and groups of pilgrims praying in the river. Even if all you do in Varanasi is sit along the ghats and watch life go by, you'll walk away with countless stories to tell.

6. Pushkar

This holy desert city is one of the main pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Explore the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, watch devout rituals and worship at the Brahma Temple, share a meal with a local family while learning about their life and culture, or hike up the hill to the beautiful Savitri Temple for unbeatable sunrise views over the town.

7. Dharamsala

The mountainous Himalayan town of Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj, is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Tibetan culture is central to life here and it won't take long for the town's calming, grounding energy to wash over you. Sip chai and watch robed monks strolling between the monasteries, listen to the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and visit the Dalai Lama’s temple.

8. Goa

The state of Goa boasts lovely beaches, rich traditions, World Heritage-listed buildings and mouth-watering food. Kick back with a coconut (or cocktail), join a yoga class on the beach, visit a local spice farm to learn about some of the essential ingredients in Indian cuisine, or pick up fresh ingredients at the market and cook up a storm with a local Goan cook.

9. Jaipur

The gorgeous pink stone buildings in Jaipur’s old town have earned the city its 'Pink City' nickname. Discover buzzing bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles and jewellery, dodge camel carts and rickshaws as you stroll through the streets, explore the oh-so-impressive Amber Fort, or visit the home of a local Brahmin family to learn about their culture and way of life over a delicious homemade meal.

10. Delhi

Delhi is a place where ancient temples stand beside Bollywood billboard ads, people commute to work alongside sacred cows and monkeys, and pockets of peace exist within the chaos. The electric energy of India's capital city is palpable, and while it can take some getting used to, there's no denying the excitement of discovering new sights, sounds, tastes and smells at every turn – especially when you have a local leader by your side.

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Credit cards are accepted in an increasing number of cafes, shops, restaurants and hotels. That said, cash is still king, especially outside of cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

ATMs are widespread across India in both cities and smaller towns, so make sure to take out cash before you head into rural villages or off the beaten path, just in case.