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India is a South Asian country filled with diversity, rich history, vibrant culture, spiritual sites, incredible natural landscapes, and gourmet cuisine. It offers unique wonders from every corner of the nation, from the Himalayas to the tropical evergreen forest, with lively festivals and markets. Since ancient times, India has been a center for foreign travelers to explore its culturally rich society, diverse geographical features, abundant wealth, trade, spiritual practices, scientific learning, architectural masterpieces, and many more, which continues to attract millions of people to the present. 

• Capital: New Delhi
• Population: 1.4 billion 
• Official Language: Hindi 
• Country Code: +91
• Currency: Indian Rupees (INR) 

Popular Airlines Fly to/ From India 

Below are the most prominent airlines that provide flight services to and from India. You can book according to your budget and preferences. 

1. IndiGo Airlines (IGO)
2. Air India Airlines (AI)
3. SpiceJet Airlines (SG)
4. Akasa Air (QP)
5. Air India Express (IX0
6. Emirates (EK) 
7. Qatar Airways (QR)
8. Singapore Airlines (SQ)
9. British Airways (BA)
10. Air Arabia (G9)

Popular Airports in India

Several airports in India control and manage large-scale domestic and international air traffic. Check out the busiest ones listed below. 

1. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) 
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
3. Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) 
4. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) 
5. Chennai International Airport (MAA)
6. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport  (CCU) 
7. Goa Dabolim International Airport (GOI)
8. Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport (AMD)
9. Cochin International Airport (COK)
10. Pune Airport (PNQ) 

Important Festivals of India 

1. Diwali: The Festival of Lights, or Deepawali, symbolizes the victory of good (dharma) over evil, light over darkness. You can participate in traditions like making rangoli, illuminating diyas (oil lamps), enjoying a traditional banquet, and exchanging gifts. 

2. Holi is one of the most popular festivals. During it, people celebrate by applying organic, colorful powders to each other, dancing to folk music, and savoring festive sweets. Holi demonstrates the arrival of spring and has mythological significance, as it exemplifies forgiveness, happiness, peace, and love, reflecting the spirit of the people of India. 
3. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, commemorates Lord Ram's defeat of Ravan (the demon), famously known as Ram Lila. It is celebrated differently in several parts of India; however, the core element remains the same: experiencing the nation's rich culture and traditions. 
4. Ganesh Chaturthi: It is a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, which occurs in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, installing a Ganesha idol to seek blessings and hitting the streets with music, dance, and color. 
5. Eid al-Fitr: The festival commemorates the end of Ramadan and marks gratitude and unity. Famous destinations for tourists to visit during Eid include Old Delhi-Jama Majid, Hyderabad (Charminar and Mecca Masjid), and Mumbai (Mohammed Ali Road and Haji Ali). 
6. Onam is the harvest festival in Kerala, celebrated with cultural programs and events like Sandhya (feast), boat races named Aranmula Vallamkali, and exploring local markets for Onam-related products. 
7. Durga Pooja is an annual festival primarily celebrated in Kolkata, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Bihar, and Tripura. It features iconic and artistic pandals that display India's rich heritage, devotion, food, and a festive atmosphere. 
8. Hornbill Festival: This festival celebrates India's rich tribal heritage in Nagaland. It highlights indigenous arts, dance, music performances, local cuisine, and traditional sports, which will delight locals and travelers. 
9. Pushkar Camel Fair: Famously known as Pushkar Mela or Kartik Mela, this camel and livestock fair takes place in Rajasthan for five days in the Ajmer district centered around Pushkar Lake. 
10. Snake Boat Festival: This festival is a major tourist attraction in Kerala, where thousands of visitors attend the most popular boat races. 
11. Kumbh Mela: The location of the Maha Kumbh Mela rotates between four cities: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. It is a religious event held once every three years. It performs rituals like taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam, the world's largest shared belief and a symbol of self-exploration, purification, and pursuit of enlightenment. As tourists, you should not miss the opportunity to witness the Akharas, Ganga Aarti, and many more. 

Top Places to Visit in India

The following are some of the best places in India to explore and discover incredible India to the fullest-

North India

• Agra- Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri
• Delhi- Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, Akshardham Temple, Chandni Chowk, Lodhi Garden, Dilli Haat. 
• Shimla- Mall Road, Christ Church, Kalka-Shimla Railway, Viceregal Lodge
• Kashmir- Dal Lake, Mughal Garden, Betab Valley, Strawberry Field 
• Ladakh- Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Monasteries 
• Amritsar- Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border

South India

• Hampi, Karnataka 
• Munnar, Kochi, Allepey- Kerala 
• Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu
• Andaman Island  

East India

• Assam- Kaziranga National Park, Kamakhya Temple
• Shillong, Meghalaya- Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls
• Gangtok, Sikkim- Nathula Pass, Rumtek and Ranka Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, 
• West Bengal-  Darjeeling (the Queen of Hills), Kolkata (City of Joy), 
• Odhisa-  Jagannath Temple, Puri, Chilika Lake, Talsari Beach

West India

• Rajasthan's cities —Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer—are famous for their forts, palaces, rich history, and incredible architecture. 
• Maharashtra- Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Malshej Ghat 
• Goa is especially famous for its beaches, savory seafood, Portuguese-inspired architecture, and lively nightlife. 

Best Time to Visit India

It is generally recommended to visit India from October to March; however, as India offers diverse weather conditions in different parts, the ideal time depends on the traveler's intent to see which region.

Winter (December to February): During winters in India, visitors can explore hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Gulmarg to enjoy the view of snow-covered mountains and cultural plus tourist festivals. 

Spring (February to March): During spring, India is filled with blooming natural beauty, pleasant weather, cultural tourism, and festivals like Holi and Basant Panchami. Particularly, places like Kashmir, Munnar, and Shillong become charming with vibrant flowers and fantastic scenery. 

Summer (March to May): Indian Summers are arid and hot in parts of Northern and Central India, so the perfect destination during this time is to visit hill regions like Leh, Kashmir, Shimla, Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kerala Backwaters to enjoy the pleasant weather and outdoor activities. 

Monsoon Season (June to September): The monsoon in India offers popular waterfalls, lush green valleys like Wayanad and Munnar in Kerala, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, and monsoon festivals like the Hemis festival in Ladakh and the Behdienkhlem festival in Meghalaya. 

Autumn (End September to November): The Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, is a famous destination during autumn. During this time, several cultural and festive experiences can be enjoyed, such as Dussehra, Diwali, harvest festivals, and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and seeing natural landscapes. 

Popular Foods to Eat in India

As diverse as the country is, so is its food. However, if you are in India, you cannot miss these few dishes. 

• Samosa
• Chole Bhature
• Biryani
• Masala Dosa
• Idli
• Vada Pav
• Butter Chicken 
• Tandoori Chicken 
• Naan (flour bread)
• Paneer/Chicken Tikka Masala
• Shahi Paneer
• Pani Puri
• Paratha
• Gulab Jamun
• Jalebi
• Lassi (yogurt-based drink)
• Chaat
• Chai (tea) 

Cost of Accommodation, Food, Travel (Per Night)

The expenses usually depend on the budget allocation, location, season, and the comfort and convenience a traveler prefers during their tour. India has a diverse range of costs, from budget-friendly to luxurious, that meet the needs of every tourist. 

Accommodation Cost (Per Night) 

• Budget: Backpackers and guesthouses would charge an average of$5-$15 per night.
• Mid-range: A Standard hotel can cost in the range of $30-$75 per night 
• Luxury: Resorts and hotels providing complete amenities start from $100-$300 or more per night

Food costs (Per Day) 

• Budget: From $0.25 to $12, one can find basic meals from street food stalls or local bistros. 
• Mid-range: Comfortable dining would cost around $6-$12. 
• Fine Dining: Fancy restaurants with an elegant ambiance are expected to cost $25- $50 or more. 

Average Daily Budget (Per Person) 

• Budget Travel: If you're adventurous, ready to experience local life, and experienced with backpacking trips, then your daily cost would be around $25-$50. 
• Comfortable travel: The cost to enjoy a relaxed journey without compromising basic comfort will range from $55 to $90. 
• Luxury travel: Private transportation, lavish travel, and accommodation start from $150+. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Question: What makes India a popular tourist destination?

Answer: Diverse geography that includes the Himalayas, deserts, beaches, rainforests, historical landmarks, adventure tourism like trekking in the Himalayas or wildlife safaris, and spiritual significance, where each state is known for different tourist attractions. 

Question: How many days are enough to explore India?

Answer: It can take months if you look forward to a long trip and thoroughly explore well-known parts of the country. However, for a quick trip to visit a significant landmark, most people spend 1-3 weeks. 

Question: Can we travel to India without a visa?

Answer: No, you are not allowed to travel to India without a visa except for the citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. 

Question: Which is one of India's most popular and must-visit places?

Answer: The Taj Mahal in Agra, a symbol of India's rich history, love, and architectural masterpiece, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it attracts approximately 7-8 million domestic and international tourists each year, making it a must-visit place in India. 

Question: Is India safe for tourists?

Answer: India is and continues to be hospitable and safe for travelers; however, while traveling to a foreign country, you are advised to be aware of your surroundings and remain cautious.