{"id":2484,"date":"2024-10-10T10:29:12","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T08:29:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/?page_id=2484"},"modified":"2025-05-26T11:18:12","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T09:18:12","slug":"india-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/india-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"India"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Backpacking in India? Can I do that myself?<\/strong> There comes a day when, tired of seeing so many people doing it and \u201csurviving to tell the tale\u201d, after having seen countless videos of travelers visiting the Taj Mahal<\/strong>, on the steps of Varanasi<\/strong> on the banks of the Ganges, or walking among cows on the beaches of Goa<\/strong>, you seriously consider taking a backpack, setting out on the adventure of taking a trip to India on your own and discovering all these places for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You want to smell those spices, taste those thalis, listen to a live sittar and even go crazy on the streets full of people, traffic and animals. But since we know that you might need a little push to take the plunge, we have written this guide to India with a lot of information that will make organizing your trip on your own much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you up for it now? Then pay attention to everything we have to tell you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We know that the subject of visas can be somewhat confusing, especially for India, where obtaining one is an essential requirement for entry. In the article on how to obtain an Indian visa step by step (coming soon) you have information on how to apply for one online for up to 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily for everyone, flying to India is much cheaper than doing so to other Asian countries. Firstly, because it is closer to Europe, and secondly, because it has many international airports, such as Delhi, Bombay or Calcutta, where you can catch a cheap flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We leave you an article to find cheap flights to India (coming soon) that will allow you to save a few euros. No waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s essential to travel to India with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first<\/strong> to offer the popular IATI discount<\/strong>, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you\u2019ll see the reduced final price on their website):<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in India offer free Wi-Fi, some travelers prefer or need a constant connection. We\u2019ve included details on obtaining a eSIM India<\/a><\/strong> card with unlimited data (from Holafly<\/strong>) or with fixed data but cheaper (from Saily<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to get it directly, here\u2019s the link (with a discount) for both companies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best time to visit India is usually from December to March during the cool, dry season, when most of the country enjoys bright, warm sunshine and rainfall is almost non-existent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The monsoon dumps rain on much of the country from mid-June to early September, making central and north-eastern India in particular very difficult, with a real risk of flooding. But Rajasthan in the east and Tamil Nadu in the south-west are much drier and very visitable at this time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n December through March is typically the dry season. Large swathes of the country are warm and sunny between these months and it rarely rains. However, in the far north of the country, the winter months bring cold temperatures and snow at higher altitudes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, when is the best time to travel to India?<\/strong> Considering that India is a large country with a diverse climate, it will depend on the area you travel to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n India’s far northern states have cold winters. Like in most of the rest of India, the monsoon brings heavy rains in July and August. The best time to visit Kashmir and the Himalayas is in autumn, when the monsoon is over but the cold temperatures of winter have not yet set in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n October and November are hot and dry with little rain, and April, May and June are also generally good, so spring is also a good time for trekking through the spectacular mountainous areas of this part of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central India tends to experience hot summers and a very wet monsoon season. During late June, July, August and early September, it rains heavily in this region. Flash floods are not uncommon, national parks are closed, and downpours are prolonged. It is much better to visit other parts of India at this time of year, those which do not get as soaked, such as Rajasthan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the monsoon passes, the weather improves quickly and the long, dry, sunny days of November to March are ideal for visiting this area. April, May and June are also fairly good months, especially if you visit places on the northwest coast, where cool winds keep temperatures down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The climate of Northeast India is similar to that of Central India. The best months to visit this area are from November to March. At this time of year, days are warm and dry, with hardly a cloud in the sky, perfect weather for sightseeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The region experiences heavy monsoon rains from mid-June to mid-September. In the pre-monsoon months, northeast India can be very hot, and the mercury can soar into the 40\u00baC during the months of April, May and June. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It tends to stay hot at night too, and you are better off heading to the hill stations of India. Places like Darjeeling are cooler and offer near-perfect trekking conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are planning a trip to the Taj Mahal, Jaipur or chaotic Delhi, the best time of the year to visit is from November to March. It is the dry season during this period, and the days are warm, dry and sunny, ideal for exploring ancient cities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The mid-summer months of May and June are very hot in Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, so be prepared for the heat if you have no other choice. While the monsoon from mid-June to early September dumps large amounts of rain on central and northeastern India, this part of the country escapes with relatively mild showers. You might encounter some rain, but it is infrequent and does not tend to last long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best time to visit South India is from December to March. It’s the dry season and you’re guaranteed blazing sunshine and perfect temperatures for lazing on Goa’s beaches. Temperatures start to rise in April, and by late May the humidity can be intense even before the monsoon arrives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n June, July and August are very wet on the west coast of Goa and Kerala; October and November would be the good months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note that the number of passengers using the train every day can make getting a ticket a real odyssey. At stations in major cities there is usually a tourist office where they keep extra tickets, although we advise you to book online (well) in advance to avoid being left without a seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We explain how to book a train ticket online<\/a><\/strong> without having an Indian mobile number. Don’t worry, because the steps to follow are very easy and you can get started in less than 5 minutes. We will also give you some information about train classes in India, and we will talk about the famous “Waiting list”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain vaccines are recommended depending on the type of trip and the duration of your stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best approach is to schedule an appointment at an international vaccination center well in advance, as waiting lists can be long. There, specialized doctors can advise you, answer all your questions, and provide tailored recommendations. In addition, they will give you essential information on preparing your first aid kit and preventing diseases with basic precautions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowledge is power\u2014once you have all the necessary information, you\u2019ll be able to make the best decision for your trip.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n India’s massive capital, the seventh most populous city in the world, with more than 16 million inhabitants, welcomes us in an arduous, complex, exhausting and, at times, painful way. This is Delhi<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A visit here is practically unavoidable, and it\u2019s a place that you have to learn to love. This infinite city offers a lot to the traveler, and in addition to monuments and history, it is like a huge treasure hunt with many obstacles. With more than 5 centuries of history, we find Old Delhi<\/strong>, where we are greeted by the Red Fort<\/strong> and other historical buildings. New Delhi<\/strong> is currently home to most government offices, as it has been the country’s capital since 1931.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The capital of Ladakh is called Leh<\/a><\/strong>, a trading post on the ancient Silk Route<\/strong>. It is located in the north of India, in a valley of the Himalayas not far from peaks of 7000 meters high. The landscape of Ladakh changes gradually as the months go by, but if there is one color that stands out and we cannot forget it is the white of the snow covering every scene.<\/p>\n\n\n Popular for its trekking routes, it is a challenge for climbers and a remote point on the map that those who want to know everything about the great subcontinent wish to reach. And, like Sikkim, Ladakh<\/strong> could not be less similar to its neighboring states, since the main attraction here is the Buddhist gompas and stupas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The name of this town might bring to mind Owen Wilson or Adrien Brody, a train, a bizarre story and India. Okay, I admit it, I did discover this mountain resort by watching The Darjeeling Limited<\/a><\/strong>, a film we recommend if you’re about to embark on a trip to India.<\/p>\n\n\n Located in the northeast of the country, at an altitude of 2,134 meters and belonging to the state of West Bengal, is Darjeeling<\/a><\/strong>, one of our favorite destinations. Surrounded by tea plantations, with spectacular views of the Himalayas and especially of Kanchenjunga, the city reminded us of a border that separates the chaotic, disordered and overpopulated India from the calmer state that we visited during our trip through the country: Sikkim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It has been part of India since 1975, and to enter this state you still need to obtain a permit. The ancient kingdom of Sikkim is especially different, and perhaps that is why it enchants travelers. The highest peak in India and the third highest in the world is located among its mountains, and, when weather conditions permit, Kanchenjunga can be seen and admired.<\/p>\n\n\n From Pelling you can start the Monasteries Route, a hike that we did in three stages as a little training for the Annapurna trek that we were about to start (articles coming soon):<\/p>\n\n\n\n Few cities in the world can be as stressful as Jaipur<\/a><\/strong>, but the capital of Rajasthan<\/strong> is worth a visit. In the pink city, we highlight the Hawa Mahal <\/strong>and the Amber Fort<\/strong>, which are a must-see, and the Galta Temple (or the Monkey Temple)<\/strong>, for those more daring.<\/p>\n\n\n And we cannot stop recommending Kipi’s accommodation, Rajputana guesthouse<\/strong>, one of the best places to stay in India, in a quieter part of the city. You can also take a trip to Ranthambore to see tigers<\/strong>. All this information is in the link above (coming soon), a complete guide to Jaipur to visit this city on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Hindu legend (and Wikipedia), it is believed that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and wherever the swan dropped the lotus, the four-headed god Brahma would perform a great yag\u00f1\u00e1 (a sacrificial ritual practiced since Vedic times). The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Believe it or not, what’s true is that today, Pushkar is a spiritual city<\/strong> for Hindus. The highlight of this city is its lake<\/strong>, surrounded by 52 ghats<\/strong>, where devotees make their offerings and bathe in its waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the dustiest and most desperate cities in Rajasthan could envy this kind of Asian Venice. Udaipur<\/a><\/strong>, with its Lake Pichola<\/strong> as its protagonist, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful destinations in the state (in Indian terms, of course).<\/p>\n\n\n In Udaipur you can lose yourself in the vibrant labyrinthine streets<\/strong>, enjoy the views from the rooftop of any hotel, stroll among hundreds of colorful shops (one of the best places to buy fabrics) and end the day watching the sunset. Not in vain, it is a resting point for long-distance travelers in India, and we have been captivated by it more than once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within the walls of Jaisalmer Fort<\/strong>, sacred and insatiable cows, stubborn vendors and shoe-shiners wander aimlessly. It is no wonder that we ended up purposely lost in its alleys.<\/p>\n\n\n Jaisalmer<\/a><\/strong> is also the starting point for visiting the Thar Desert<\/strong>, so if you are planning to do the typical camel excursion, we recommend that you first read this article from Faada: Camel rides<\/a><\/strong>. It never hurts to get information before doing any activity that involves the use of animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The charming Bundi<\/a><\/strong> goes unnoticed in Rajasthan, but despite its strong competitors, this one, without great pretensions and with a relaxed offer, manages to surprise the visitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We could say that Bundi Palace<\/strong>, Chitrashala<\/strong> and Taragarh Fort<\/strong> are the highlights, but the truth is that the relative peace and walks in the mountains are also a plus.<\/p>\n\n\n We could say that Bundi Palace<\/strong>, Chitrashala<\/strong> and Taragarh Fort<\/strong> are the highlights, but the truth is that the relative peace and walks in the mountains are also a plus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This city near the Thar Desert<\/strong> was the first place we visited in India on our first visit to the country. The ancient city of Bikaner<\/a><\/strong>, surrounded by a 7 km long wall, is a maze of streets, markets and havelis where dozens of cows are always wandering around.<\/p>\n\n\n Although it may seem a bit sterile at first, in Bikaner<\/strong> you can spend a couple of days visiting the spice market, the Bhandasar Jain Temple<\/strong> in Bikaner, or taking a trip to the Karni Mata Temple<\/strong>, better known as the Temple of Rats <\/strong>(sacred, but not suitable for people with a phobia of these little animals, of course).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBEFORE YOU GO<\/h2>\n\t
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BEFORE YOU GO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Visa to Travel to India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flights to India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Travel Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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India eSIM with Internet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When to Go to India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Northern India (from Delhi Upwards)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Central India and Northwest Coast<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Northeast India<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Rajasthan and Surroundings<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
South India<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Trains in India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vaccines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\nNORTH OF INDIA<\/h2>\n\t
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NORTH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Delhi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
Leh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Darjeeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sikkim<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Jaipur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pushkar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Udaipur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jaisalmer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bundi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bikaner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jodhpur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n