India travel: Your practical guide to culture, food, and hidden gems

When you think about India travel, the diverse, vibrant, and often overwhelming experience of exploring one of the world’s oldest living civilizations. Also known as travel in India, it’s not just about ticking off monuments—it’s about navigating bustling markets, tasting food that changes by the mile, and finding quiet corners where history still breathes.

South India travel, a distinct experience from the north, with its temple towns, backwaters, and slower pace. Also known as travel in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra, it’s where you’ll find Mysore’s palaces, Hampi’s ruins, and beaches that locals still visit before sunrise. This region doesn’t just attract tourists—it keeps them coming back for the rhythm of daily life, not just the sights. Then there’s heritage sites India, a collection of places where architecture, faith, and empire left behind something unforgettable. Also known as UNESCO World Heritage locations in India, they include Jaipur’s pink streets, the Taj Mahal’s marble silence, and Khajuraho’s carved stories. These aren’t museums—they’re living parts of the country, still used, celebrated, and walked through every day.

And if you’re watching your wallet, budget travel India, means you can eat well, sleep comfortably, and move across states without draining your account. Also known as affordable India trips, it’s why travelers compare Coke prices, swap dollars for rupees, and choose eco resorts over luxury chains. You don’t need a high-end itinerary to feel the soul of India—you just need to know where to look.

Whether you’re wondering if it’s safe to eat salad in Chennai, how many days you really need in Kerala, or why Uttar Pradesh pulls in more visitors than any other state, the answers are here. You’ll find real advice—not guesses—on weather windows, trekking gear for Stok Kangri, who pays for honeymoons, and whether the Maldives is even in India. No fluff. No recycled myths. Just what works for people who’ve been there.

Below, you’ll find guides written by travelers who’ve eaten the food, taken the buses, slept in the guesthouses, and walked the same paths you’re planning to. Whether you’re packing for your first trip or planning your fifth, this collection has something that’ll save you time, money, or maybe even a stomach bug.