When to go to India?
India has an extremely diverse climate, so the ideal travel time depends a lot on the region you are targeting. In general, dry season, your November to March, it is best suited for most areas — pleasant temperatures, low humidity and clear skies. This is the ideal time to visit Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra, Goa or Kerala.
April and May can be extremely hot, especially in the north, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. Instead, during this period you can explore mountainous areas such as Ladakh or Himachal Pradesh. Monsoon season, between June and September, it brings heavy rains in most regions, but also spectacular landscapes and fewer tourists.
Indicative prices
India is one of the most accessible destinations in the world. A delicious meal at a local restaurant costs 1 to 3 euros, and in mid-level restaurants, a full meal reaches 5 to 10 euros. Street food is popular, tasty and very cheap — you can eat with less than 1 euro. Bottled water costs approximately 0.20—0.40 euros, and a local beer, around 1 to 2 euros.
Local transport is incredibly cheap: rickshaw, metro or bus trips cost less than 1 euro in cities, and long-distance trains have modest prices (10—30 euros for hundreds of kilometers, depending on class). Accommodation starts from 10 euro/night in hostels and can reach 50 to 100 euros in boutique hotels or luxury resorts.
Accommodation in India
India offers a wide range of options: backpacker hostels, historic hotels in former palaces, family hostels, and luxury resorts. In big cities like Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore, you can find international hotel chains. In Rajasthan you can sleep in haveli-uri(traditional merchant houses) tastefully restored, and in Kerala you can stay on a traditional boat that floated on the Backwaters canals.
In spiritual areas such as Rishikesh or Varanasi, there are ashrams and retreat places that offer simple accommodation, vegetarian meals and yoga or meditation sessions. Those looking for an authentic experience can opt for homestays in villages or rural areas.
Transport in India
Transport in India is a mixture of organized chaos and surprising efficiency. The most popular means are:
- Trains— vast, cheap, authentic network. Reserve in advance (existence of several classes).
- Intercity buses— Comfortable over long distances, especially at night.
- Domestic flights— fast and cheap (Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet).
- In the city: tuk-tuk, rickshaw, metro (in big cities) and apps like Ola or Uber.
India has heavy traffic and flexible rules, so it is not recommended to drive without experience. For long distances, it is more convenient to rent a car with a driver.
Cities and regions to visit
- Delhi— chaotic capital, full of history, contrasts and impressive forts
- Agra— home of the most famous monument of love: The Taj Mahal
- Jaipur— the “pink city” of Rajasthan, famous for its colorful palaces and squares
- Varanasi: The oldest inhabited city in the world, where spirituality is felt at every step
- RishikeshThe World Capital of Yoga and Spiritual Retreats
- Mumbai— vibrant metropolis, Bollywood, colonialism and modernism
- Goa— tropical beaches, bohemian life, Portuguese-Indian mix
- Kerala— Backwaters, lush nature, ayurveda and temples
- Ladakh— Pure Himalayas, Buddhist monasteries, lunar landscapes
Visa and required documents
For Romanian citizens, it is mandatory tourist visa, but this can be obtained online, in the form of e-Tourist Visa (eTV). It is applied on the official website of the Indian government and is received within a few days.
What you need to have:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- Passport type photo
- Confirmation of accommodation and round-trip ticket
- Recommended medical insurance (but not mandatory)
Safety and cultural rules
India is generally safe for tourists, but requires increased attention. Recommendations:
- Avoid poorly lit areas at night
- Beware of scams in busy tourist areas
- Do not consume tap water — opt for bottled water
- Keep your documents and money safe
Respect the local culture: dress modestly (especially in temples), do not touch children's heads, avoid public displays of affection and be careful with gestures. India is a spiritual country — respectful behavior will always be appreciated.
Traditional Indian food
India is a culinary paradise! The cuisine varies enormously from north to south:
- North: naan, butter chicken, samosa, biryani, tikka masala
- South: dosa, sambar, coconut curry, idli, thali
- East: sweets like rasgulla, macher jhol (Bengali fish)
- West: dhokla, pav bhaji, vada pav
Many dishes are vegetarian and spicy. Don't miss Indian tea Masala Chai, natural juices or desserts with milk and cardamom. Street food is delicious, but choose places frequented by locals for safety.
