Should it go to india

Can I travel to India? Can I travel domestically within India? Dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime trip? Here are the 21 best places to visit in India.

Sophie Dickinson Interim Travel Writer. Discover the best of the city, first. We already have this email. Try another? The large wealth divide in India means lots of beggars, particularly in urban and tourist areas.

While it's heartbreaking to see, by giving money you can contribute to the problem as many are kidnapped, abused and exploited by bosses who force them to beg.

It's best to give something consumable fruit, rice, medicine or contribute through charities or by volunteering. In big cities, it's auto rickshaws and taxis all the way. Sure, they're ancient and beat up and might break down, but they're an experience in themselves and are as cheap as, well, papadums.

If you're getting a taxi from an airport to your hotel, organise it from the pre-paid counter inside most terminals, or risk being scammed. Ditto for overnight sleeper coaches. A great option is to hire a car and driver, particularly if you're travelling within one state for a few days. Private cars are surprisingly affordable by Australian standards, however roads can be choked beyond belief and cruising down an Indian highway can often mean taking your life in your hands.

Perhaps, then, the quickest, most fuss-free way to get around is to get up in the air. You can get super competitive internal flights with budget airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet sites such as Skyscanner. Budget options are generally OK, but mid-range is where you get the best value for money, though if your budget can stretch you'll find the luxurious five-star hotels of the Indian-owned Taj group tajhotels.

The chain also has hotel brands, such as Vivanta and Gateway, offering more affordable four and three star-level rates. Boutique stays are becoming popular. In Delhi, a personal favourite is The Rose.

It's in the heart of the hip Hauz Khas village therosenewdelhi. In Udaipur, another favourite is Hotel Madri Haveli madrihaveli. Rajasthan is where it's at for colourful embroidered textiles, as well as miniature paintings, papier mache puppets and embroidered leather shoes Ganesh Emporium in Udaipur is a textiles and antique jewellery mecca; more than 20 rooms overflow with treasures sourced from around the country.

To buy precious and semi-precious gemstones head to the "pink city" of Jaipur, where gorgeous blue-glazed pottery is also made. Marble wares inspired by the Taj Mahal, some of them exquisitely detailed and inlaid with semi-precious stones, can be sourced in Agra, while Varanasi is a popular place to pick up silk and saris.

Take in the glitz and glamour of the home of Bollywood, tour the world's biggest slum realitytoursandtravel. A former Portuguese colony turned beachside hippy party town, Goa's the place to head for sun, surf, seafood and, if you're game, one helluva beach party.

Possibly the most beautiful natural scenery you'll see in India think palm trees interspersed with sculpted boulders stacked against the hills , Hampi also has some of India's most beautiful architecture. A slice of southern France in the Bay of Bengal, thanks to French colonisation until Take in the French Quarter on bicycles or stroll along the seafront. Boulevards are lined with chic boutiques and pastel colonial mansions.

Cruising along the palm tree-lined backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat, watching local villages and lush jungle slip by while your on-board chef cooks up a storm, is an essential South Indian experience.

Fly into the nation's capital and spend 24 hours zooming about in an auto rickshaw, acclimatising to the chaos. By Agra we mean the Taj Mahal, because aside from this stunning wonder of the world, Agra isn't very inspiring. Try to arrive at sunrise for the best light. I saw similar ideologies masked in a distinct presentation change every hours as I travelled by train through my journey.

I realized that the diverse culture of India has marked its presence everywhere I go which is something that I love the most about my country. India is a country of mountain ranges that extend beyond imagination. India is a country for those who are looking to experience a lifetime of exhilarating and adventurous mountaineering while enjoying the freedom of travelling in a beautiful country.

Prepare your stomach for a culinary adventure filled with sizzling curries, lentils galore and hundreds of spices. This means there is a wide range of veggie-friendly food. Note: In India, food hygiene is not treated with the same level of care that you might be familiar with back home, and foodborne illnesses are common. Steer clear of meat products where possible to prevent any stomach discomfort or illness. According to Project Visa , everyone except citizens of Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives need to apply for a visa before arriving in India.

Make sure you do your research before you travel and contact your local embassy to avoid causing any hiccups. Most people will say that you could travel to India for a lifetime and barely scratch the surface. Choose a starting point, and take the time to explore the surrounding areas thoroughly. We suggest at least seven days to truly get a taste of India.

Most blogs and travel guides will advise that India is relatively budget-friendly. Take a look at the Lonely Planet money guide and currency converter here to map out your budget. For those visiting in on a tourist visa once re-instated , it is likely not to be available online so you will have to get it via post or in person at an embassy. This means a holiday to India is now a possibility again! In turn, this means that most standard insurance policies will be valid for your trip.

The vaccination rate in India has increased since July and is continuing to climb, after a slow and rather muddled start in early In August India administered more jabs than the G7 nations combined with million jabs being given in a 13 day period at one point.

The requirements differ from state to state and may be subject to change with very little notice but it is highly likely you will need to have a negative RT-PCR Covid test to be conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey or check-in for the flight. As of October 22 , all travellers must upload a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha Portal as well with test details. With possible testing at the airport and security checks, you do spend longer in the airports on arrival compared to previously.

Do note that some states do ask for the vaccination certificates and if you have them then you do not need the RTPCR test done. As with the all information below, it is very much subject to change as different states have different rules at different times in India!

If you are a British citizen or one of various other nationalities then you do not need to quarantine on arrival.

It is a legal requirement to wear a mask in India and this rule is enforced relatively stringently with fines imposed for not wearing masks. If you return from India as a double vaccinated passenger then you do not have to quarantine on arrival in the UK.