{"id":2641,"date":"2015-11-17T20:01:29","date_gmt":"2015-11-17T20:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.diningtraveler.com\/?p=2641"},"modified":"2015-11-17T20:01:57","modified_gmt":"2015-11-17T20:01:57","slug":"how-to-plan-for-a-trip-to-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/2015\/11\/how-to-plan-for-a-trip-to-india.html","title":{"rendered":"How to plan for a trip to India"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editor’s note: When\u00a0India-based travel website, Holiday Me<\/a> asked me\u00a0to guest post on the Dining Traveler, I requested something that I have been wanting to know for quite some time: how to plan for a trip to India. Ever since meeting my best friend Ragi in college almost twenty years ago (her parents are from Gujarat State of\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>India), I’ve been intrigued with this amazing country. \u00a0\u00a0– Jessica<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"How<\/a>
Photo by Tanvi Rastogi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How do you define a country as vast, diverse, and limitless as India in a few simple words? One of the world’s largest, most populated, and culturally contrasting countries,India attracts millions of visitors every year. Whether it\u2019s a beach holiday, a mountain holiday, a desert holiday, or an island holiday that you\u2019re looking for, this South Asian jewel can offer you all of it, and more!<\/p>\n

With so much to see in do, the question is\u2026. How to plan for a trip to India???<\/h2>\n

By\u00a0Preya Dave<\/em><\/p>\n

Preparing for a trip to India does not only involve careful planning, but also an elementary update on its geographical terrain, climate, culture, and expected etiquette. In addition, you’ll also need to know about its cost and currency factors, Indian visa requirements, health and safety precautions, and lastly, what to pack on your Indian holiday<\/a>?<\/p>\n

\"How<\/a>
Photo by Tanvi Rastogi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Go through the following steps to find out the best method to prepare for a trip to India.<\/p>\n

Decide where to go:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

From Delhi\u2019s cosmopolitan temperament, to Varanasi\u2019s holy Ganges, to Mumbai\u2019s free spirit, India is a big sub-continent with different experiences awaiting you in every state and city across the length and breadth of the country. So for those of you wondering where to go in India, it is hard to give a brief answer to that question.<\/p>\n

It is best to decide on an itinerary that you can \u00a0relate to based on your interests. While the state of Rajasthan is known for its stunning forts and the endless Thar Desert, Kerala in the south is famous for hills with spice and tea plantations, backwaters, rainforests, and mouth-watering food. Goa<\/a>\u2019s balmy beaches, Portuguese influences, lush green countryside, and happening nightlife is ideal for younger travellers. The mountainous landscapes of the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim are breathtakingly beautiful.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/a>
Photo by Tanvi Rastogi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Decide when to go\/ best time to visit:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Your choice of where to go will be based on the kind of weather you prefer. India\u2019s vastness makes the country\u2019s climate vary enormously from one region to the other. There are three major seasons – summer, winter, and monsoon.<\/p>\n

For those not used to extreme summer heat (April to June), it is best to visit India during the winter months (November to March), when most of the country experiences pleasant, moderate temperatures. Indian monsoon (July to October), especially in the coastal areas, experiences pretty heavy downpour. However, nothing can describe India\u2019s natural splendour better than the monsoon season.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/a>
Photo by Tanvi Rastogi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Please note that this is a generic information for India\u2019s climate. We would recommend you search the weather conditions of your preferred destination individually, since statistics might defer. <\/em><\/p>\n

What to see in India:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

With a culture so rich, places of interests so varied, it might baffle you where and how to beginyour Indian sojourn. To make your choices easy,we have compiled a list of 8 must-have experiences of India:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Ride your Royal Enfield bike in style on the enormous stretch of white salt – Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    When:<\/strong> December \u2013 March<\/p>\n

    Point of Interest, Gujarat: <\/strong>Sabarmati Ashram, Akshardham temple, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Experience the beauty of the \u2018epitome of love\u2019 on a full moon night- Taj Mahal, Agra
      \nWhen: <\/strong>November- February.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Point of Interest, Uttar Pradesh: <\/strong>FatehpurSikri, KutubMinar, Jama Masjid, Banke Bihari Temple. <\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Forget the calorie count, and gear up for a gastronomical tour – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        \u00a0 \u00a0When:<\/strong> October- April<\/p>\n

        Point of Interest, Uttar Pradesh: <\/strong>Ganges River, Banaras Ghats, Bara Imambara, Lucknow University.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings as you enjoy a shikara ride – Dal Lake, Srinagar, and Jammu& Kashmir<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          \u00a0 When<\/strong>: June- August.<\/p>\n

          Point of Interest, Jammu & Kashmir<\/strong>: Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Shankaracharya Hill, Mughal Gardens, Charar-e-Sharif.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Wash away your sins at the Holy Sangam \u2013 Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 When: <\/strong>August-November.<\/p>\n

            Point of Interest, Uttar Pradesh:<\/strong> Allahabad Museum, Allahabad fort, Sarnath, New Vishwanath Temple.<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Experience the royal lifestyle at the Palace hotel \u2013 Udaipur, Rajashtan.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              \u00a0 \u00a0When: <\/strong>October – March.<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Point of Interest, Rajasthan:\u00a0<\/strong>Amer Palace, Jaisalmer Fort, Ranthambore National Park, Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple.<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Watch the glittering city lights at Marine Drive. \u2013 Mumbai, Maharashtra<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                \u00a0 \u00a0When:<\/strong> November- February.<\/p>\n

                Points of Interests, Maharashtra:\u00a0<\/strong>Lonavala, Bhandardhara, Ganapati Phule, Nashik.<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Party all night\u2013 Goa<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  \u00a0 \u00a0When<\/strong>: November \u2013 March.<\/p>\n

                  Points of Interests, Goa<\/strong>: Dudhsagar Falls, Chapora Beach,Anjuna Flea Market, Morjim Beach,Church of St Cajetan.<\/p>\n

                  This list merely touches the surface when it comes to experiencing the delights of India. There is so much more to experience across the lengths and breadths of the wide, wide country that India is.<\/p>\n

                  \"How<\/a>
                  Photo by Tanvi Rastogi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                  Cost factors:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                  India can accommodate and please all pockets \u2013 budget, mid-range, as well as high-end. Accommodation can range from simple backpacker dorms to incredible high-end hotels, and some very interesting mid-range hotel options, too.<\/p>\n

                  Overall Costs:<\/strong><\/p>\n