India

Incredibly diverse and affordable, with vibrant tech hubs, rich culture, and growing nomad hotspots.

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Traveler Snapshot: India

A quick reference for planning your trip: visas, weather, health, and the essentials.

Visa & Entry

For US passport holders

E-visa required in advance for US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia (tourist e-visa online).

Weather & Climate

Varied: hot summers 95-113°F (35-45°C), monsoon June–September, mild winters. Himalayas are cold.

Best Time to Visit

October–March for cooler, drier weather across most regions.

Health & Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and typhoid strongly recommended; hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis for longer stays. Malaria and dengue risk. Only drink bottled/filtered water.

Safety

Exercise increased caution. Watch for scams, traffic, and food/water hygiene; women should take extra precautions.

Fast Facts

Capital: New Delhi
Currency: Indian rupee (INR, ₹)
Languages: Hindi, English (plus many regional languages)
Time zone: IST (UTC+5:30)
Power: Type C/D/M plugs, 230V
Emergency: 112

Visa and entry notes here are written for US passport holders on typical short-stay tourism. Requirements vary by nationality, so if you hold a different passport your rules may differ. Guidance can change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or a licensed travel-health provider before you travel.

Top Destinations in India

8 featured cities to explore

Bengaluru

India’s garden-tech capital with global energy

1-bed rent from $420/mo

Bengaluru has one of India’s most pleasant urban climates, with relatively moderate temperatures year-round because of its elevation. Summers are warm rather than brutal, monsoon months bring regular rain, and evenings are often comfortable.

Safety: Exercise Caution

Explore Bengaluru

Jaipur

Rajasthan's pink city of palaces, block printing and desert light

1-bed rent from $230/mo

Hot semi arid with very hot summers, a short monsoon and pleasantly cool winters

Safety: Generally Safe

Explore Jaipur

Mumbai

India's financial engine, film capital and greatest human spectacle

1-bed rent from $700/mo

Tropical with hot humid conditions year round and an intense monsoon from June to September

Safety: Generally Safe

Explore Mumbai

New Delhi

Layered capital of empires, monuments and endless reinvention

1-bed rent from $480/mo

Semi arid with cold foggy winters, extreme summer heat and a monsoon from July to September

Safety: Use Normal Caution

Explore New Delhi

Panaji

Portuguese Goa's riverside capital of tiles, tavernas and tropical calm

1-bed rent from $260/mo

Tropical with hot humid conditions and a heavy monsoon from June to September

Safety: Generally Safe

Explore Panaji

Pondicherry

French quarters, Tamil soul and Auroville's utopian experiment on India's coast.

1-bed rent from $200/mo

Tropical; hot March to June, monsoon October to December, pleasant January to February.

Safety: Generally Safe

Explore Pondicherry

Pushkar

Sacred lake town where Hindu pilgrims and backpackers share the same sunset.

1-bed rent from $120/mo

Semi-arid; scorching April to June, pleasant October to March.

Safety: Very Safe

Explore Pushkar

Udaipur

Lake palaces and Rajput grandeur in Rajasthan's most romantic city.

1-bed rent from $180/mo

Semi-arid; hot April to June, monsoon July to September, pleasant October to March.

Safety: Generally Safe

Explore Udaipur

Scenic Routes

Iconic drives in India

Legendary road trips worth building a trip around, with tolls, timing, and the stops that make them special.

All scenic routes

Asia

Challenging

Leh to Manali Highway

A high-altitude Himalayan crossing linking Manali with Leh in Ladakh, topping several passes above 5,000 m across a stark, otherworldly mountain desert.

266 mi2 daysToll-free

View route guide