India

India is huge, varied, and rarely a quick trip. Instead of trying to “do it all,” focus on 1–2 regions and slow down. For a first visit, many travellers start with the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) and add places like Udaipur, Varanasi, Rishikesh, or Goa depending on interests. Two weeks is a comfortable minimum to enjoy a mix of cities, heritage, and nature.

The best weather for much of the country is typically October to March, when temperatures are milder and humidity lower. Summer and monsoon can still be rewarding if you plan around the heat and rain and prioritize hill stations like Shimla, Manali, or the Himalayas.

Use Hello’s trip planning tools to group days by region: for example, create one block for Rajasthan’s forts and deserts, another for Kerala’s backwaters and beaches. Add must-see sights (like the Taj Mahal at sunrise), but leave space for spontaneous chai stops and local markets.

Book key trains, popular internal flights, and permits (for national parks or trekking) ahead, especially in peak season. Keep digital copies of tickets and IDs handy, and store them alongside your plans in Hello so your whole trip stays in one place.

Moving around India is part of the adventure. For long distances, combine domestic flights with classic Indian Railways trains or overnight buses. Book higher classes (2AC/3AC on trains, reputable private buses) for more comfort, and reserve well in advance on busy routes.

Within cities, you’ll encounter auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks), taxis, and app cabs. Always agree the fare before getting into a rickshaw, or insist on using the meter. In big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, metro systems are clean, efficient, and often faster than road traffic.

Roads can feel hectic, with creative interpretations of lanes and honking as a universal language. If you’re not used to this driving style, hire a car with a driver rather than self-driving, especially at night or on rural highways.

Stay connected with Hello eSIM so you can use maps, translate signs, and order app cabs without relying on hotel Wi‑Fi or paying roaming charges. Download offline maps for areas where coverage is patchy, like remote mountain regions. For shorter hops, walk when you can: many old city areas, such as Jaipur’s Pink City or Fort Kochi, are best explored on foot, with frequent pauses for street snacks and people-watching.

Eating in India can be a highlight: think masala dosa in Bengaluru, chaat in Delhi, fish curry in Kerala, and thali almost everywhere. To reduce the risk of stomach issues, start with busy places where food turnover is high, and choose freshly cooked hot dishes. Avoid ice, tap water, and peeled raw fruits/vegetables unless you washed them yourself with safe water.

Carry a small kit with hand sanitizer, tissues, rehydration salts, and basic medication your doctor recommends. Many public toilets are squat-style and may lack paper, so it’s worth having your own supplies. In hot months, prioritize hydration and electrolytes, especially if you’re out sightseeing all day.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, no nuts), learn a few key phrases or keep them written down to show staff. Many places are familiar with vegetarian and Jain options, and you’ll find plenty of meat-free food.

Use Hello eSIM to quickly look up restaurant reviews, translate menus, or check delivery apps when you’re tired after a long travel day. Save your favourite food experiences in your Hello trip plan so you remember which tiny lassi shop or dosa stall to return to before you leave.

India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Cards are widely accepted in mid-range and upscale hotels, chain restaurants, and many shops, but cash is still essential for street food, rickshaws, small temples, and markets. Keep a mix of smaller notes (₹20–₹100) for everyday spending. A simple street snack might be ₹40–₹80 (around US$0.50–$1), while a mid-range restaurant meal could be ₹400–₹800 (US$5–$10).

In markets and with some drivers, bargaining is expected. Start by offering about half the first quoted price and negotiate with a smile. If the price feels unfair, walk away—often someone else will offer something similar.

India can be as budget-friendly or as plush as you choose: you might spend roughly ₹2,500–₹4,000 per day (US$30–$50) on a careful budget with guesthouses and local eateries, or many times that in boutique hotels and fine dining. Use Hello’s budget tracking to log daily expenses in rupees and keep an eye on how quickly you’re spending.

If you’re travelling with others, Hello’s expense splitting helps divide costs for shared taxis, long train journeys, and group dinners without awkward calculations. Just add each bill in rupees, tag who paid, and let the app tell you who owes what by the end of the trip.