India Travel Guide: Best Routes, Safety Tips, and Cultural Highlights

When planning a trip to India, a country with 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, diverse climates, and over 20 officially recognized languages. Also known as the Indian subcontinent, it offers everything from ancient temples and bustling bazaars to serene beaches and rugged mountain treks. Whether you're here for the food, the history, or the silence of the Himalayas, an India travel guide isn't just helpful—it's essential.

Many travelers don’t realize how different North India is from South India. In the north, you’ll find the golden dunes of Rajasthan, the spiritual pull of Varanasi, and the chaotic energy of Delhi. In the south, it’s coconut trees lining quiet beaches, temple gopurams painted in bright colors, and rice-based meals served on banana leaves. Both regions have world-class heritage sites, but the pace, language, and even the way people greet you changes dramatically. If you’re planning temple tours in India, you’ll need to know that some temples require head coverings or no shoes, while others welcome visitors with open arms. And if you’re eating street food, stick to places where locals line up—hot, fresh, and busy means safe.

India isn’t just about landmarks—it’s about experiences. The Kumbh Mela draws over 100 million people in a single month. The cheapest day to fly in India is usually Tuesday, and if you’re looking for budget travel, cities like Varanasi, Mysore, and Bhopal still offer meals under $2. You don’t need to go to Goa to find hippie vibes—Anjuna and Arambol still hum with music and meditation circles. And if you’re worried about safety, Mumbai and Delhi have better police response than most Western cities, but pickpockets are common in crowded train stations. Punjab is one of the safest states for solo travelers, including women, and the locals are famously welcoming.

What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a collection of real, tested advice from people who’ve been there. You’ll learn what Americans should eat (and avoid) in North India, why rice dominates every meal, which islands beat the Maldives in 2025, and how to navigate India’s biggest festivals without getting lost in the crowd. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning for the third time, this guide cuts through the noise and gives you what actually matters.