Leave the city if you want to relax. Enjoy a trip on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, one of the world’s most famous train journeys. Spot some wildlife at the Periyar National Park in Kerala, home to wild elephants and the Bengal tiger. While you’re there, head to Thekkady and visit the spice plantations. Goa is similarly relaxing: the former Portuguese colony is famous for its beaches, coconut groves, and laid back vibe.
Fly in
India’s top five international airports are Delhi Airport, Mumbai Airport, Chennai Airport, Bangalore Airport and Hyderabad Airport.
India’s busiest airport, Delhi, receives flights from London Heathrow with Jet Airways, Air India, and Virgin Atlantic. You can fly into Bollywood capital, Mumbai, from London Heathrow with Air India, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Jet Airways.
Thomson Flights, flythomascook, and Monarch all fly to laid back Goa from Manchester and Gatwick. British Airways operate flights from Heathrow to Chennai and India’s two IT hubs; Bangalore and Hyderabad.
What You Need to Know
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) ₹
Visa: UK residents need a visa to visit India. Tourist visas can be granted for 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. If you’re given a long term visa, you can’t stay in India for more than six months during one trip. Tourist visas for up to 6 months cost £92.10, while tourist visas for up to two years cost £287.
Other visas include the Business Visa (for people who are doing business in the country), Employment Visa (for people who are moving to India to work), Student Visa (for those studying in India), and Journalist Visa. You can visit your local Indian Embassy to find out more, or apply online.
Laws: The rupee can’t legally be imported, so convert your money when you arrive in India and get rid of it before you leave. Alcohol is illegal in Gujarat, Lakshwadeep, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram (although local wine, Zawlaidi, is legal).
Best Time to Visit
Indian weather is split into three seasons: winter (November to February), summer (March to May), and monsoon (June to October). Winter is the best time to visit most of the country, particularly Goa and Rajasthan, as the heat in summer can be particularly sweltering. The ski resorts in the Himalayas come to life in winter.
India starts heating up in February, and by April temperatures can reach 40°C. The south can be a little cooler during summer, but it is more humid. Summer is a good time to visit if you want to go trekking in the mountains, or if you’re planning on spotting some wildlife.
It doesn’t rain all the time during monsoon season, but the rains can be very heavy. There are a few destinations that benefit from the rain, such as the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand.