Travel India: A Comprehensive Guide

Join us as we explore travel in India through the detailed guide below, discovering what makes the country known as the “land of diverse cultures” so fascinating.

Overview | Getting Around | Best Time to Visit India | Places to Visit | Festivals in India | What to Eat and Drink in India | Where to Stay in India | Tips

Travel India: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview of Traveling in India

India is a country in South Asia, occupying most of the Indian subcontinent, bordered by Pakistan, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan. With a population of over a billion people, India is the second most populous country in the world and the seventh largest in terms of area.

India has a unique geographical position, with the Himalayas to the north, facing the Indian Ocean to the south, and two major rivers, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, often referred to as the “two streams of milk,” nurturing a vast plain and serving as the cradle of ancient agricultural civilization. It is considered the birthplace of many religions and philosophical schools, some of the oldest in the world.

Transportation and Getting Around in India

Visa Application

To apply for a visa to India, you can choose between electronic visa (e-visa) and applying directly at the Indian Embassy in Vietnam. For tourist visas, it's advisable to opt for the electronic visa (e-visa) as it's the most convenient and straightforward option.

Requirements for Electronic Visa (e-visa) to India:

- You must be a citizen of one of the 165 eligible countries for an Indian visa.

- Your purpose of entry must be tourism, business, or medical.

- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 2 blank pages.

- The information provided in the visa application must match exactly with the information on the passport.

- You are only allowed to enter at designated Immigration Check Posts (ICPs), including 29 airports and 5 seaports. Refer to the list of authorized ICPs for details.

Flights to India

Currently, some Vietnamese airlines have organized direct flights from Vietnam to India with multiple destination options and maximum flight frequency. Among them, flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air are the two best choices for this route.

Ho Chi Minh City - Delhi flight tickets: priced from 6,717,000 VND/one-way. The flight duration is 4 hours and 49 minutes.

Hanoi - Delhi flight tickets: priced from 6,066,000 VND (round-trip, including taxes and fees). The flight duration is 6 hours and 50 minutes.

Da Nang - Delhi flight tickets: priced from 6,636,000 VND/one-way (including taxes and fees). The flight duration is 6 hours to 6 hours and 5 minutes.

Prior to entry

Use the Air Suvidha portal to declare detailed travel itineraries for the past 14 days (passengers must install the Aarogya Setu app on their phones).

Have a negative RT-PCR test result for Covid-19 within 72 hours prior to departure or a certificate of full Covid-19 vaccination. (Children under 5 are exempt from testing before and after arrival).

After entry

Passengers are required to self-monitor their health for 14 days after entry. During the self-monitoring period, if experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, passengers should inform the nearest health authorities or call hotline 1075.

Transportation in India

Trains: From anywhere in the country, travelers can easily purchase train tickets and enjoy their journey without worrying about their luggage, as this is one of the most popular modes of transportation in India.

: Scooters are one of the most popular modes of transportation in India due to their convenience and ease of maneuverability.

: These are similar to oversized scooters but operate more like mini buses. Typically, a Tempo can accommodate over 10 people and follows a fixed route with a predetermined fare.

Best Time to Visit India

India's weather is divided into 3 seasons: monsoon - summer - winter. Summer lasts from March to May with scorching hot and uncomfortable weather. Monsoon season extends from June to October. During this time, although the temperature decreases, frequent rainfall occurs, so travelers need to consider carefully before planning a trip.

Winter in India is considered the most suitable time for travel, sightseeing, and vacationing. This season lasts for about 3 months, from December to the end of February. During this time, the weather in India is more pleasant and slightly chilly in the evenings. It's also the peak tourist season, making the atmosphere lively and vibrant.

Must-Visit Destinations in India

Taj Mahal Temple

The Taj Mahal Temple is located in the city of Agra. It is built on a vast land, and in the middle stands a palace, the tomb of Emperor Shah Jahan and Queen Mumtaz Mahal. This is an incredibly beautiful architectural masterpiece that you must visit when traveling to India.

Photo: @vagatrotter

Not only is the Taj Mahal Temple in India a unique and beautiful architectural wonder, but it also becomes more fascinating with the timeless love story of the Indian emperor for his wife. Here, travelers not only get to explore but also learn about many more mysterious stories.

Photo: @monisaurus4

Shanti Stupa White Tower in Ladakh

The Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist stupa with a white dome located on a hilltop in Chanspa, where relics of the Buddha are preserved, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama.

Photo: @analligupta

The Shanti Stupa White Tower in Ladakh always attracts tourists, offering not just a glimpse of architectural marvel but also the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery.

Palace of the Winds

This is the most famous architectural marvel in the city of Jaipur. From the outside, the palace resembles a giant beehive, with a total of 953 windows adorned with intricate decorations and carvings.

Photo: @jadejuney

King Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Mughal dynasty was the one who commissioned the construction of this magnificent and splendid palace. Built with pink sandstone, the palace comprises 5 stories with a unique architecture resembling the shape of the crown of the deity Krishna.

Photo: @chucherka

Visitors can capture stunning photos early in the morning with the dazzling beehive-like building or visit in the evening to capture richly colored images blending the beehive and the sunset.

Athirappilly Waterfalls

Located in Athirappilly Panchayat, within the Chalakudy Taluk town, right on the Chalakudy River, it offers a mesmerizing beauty for tourists and is dubbed as the “Niagara of India”. Here, visitors can partake in activities like strolling and boating around the waterfall to admire its majestic and picturesque scenery.

Khajjiar – “Mini Switzerland of India”

This is a small meadow nestled in the beautiful Chamba valley, resembling a painting, where visitors can breathe in the fresh air. Khajjiar is a perfect wilderness retreat for families and couples seeking a tranquil, romantic yet captivating space.

Photo: @preetirana96

Photo: @invincible_fotography

Surrounded by towering deodar trees, Khajjiar is known as one of the most enticing spots in the Himalayas.

Valley of Flowers India

Located in the Uttarakhand state of northern India, this valley, also known as a gigantic national park, boasts a plethora of colorful flowers blooming on the slopes of the high Nanda Devi mountains. With misty, ethereal ambiance, it presents a romantic landscape recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Here, tourists indulge in the colorful flower forest, relax under the sky, and capture breathtaking views, making memories in this dreamy, picturesque setting.

Nohkalikai Waterfall

Nohkalikai Waterfall is the fourth highest waterfall in the world. Visitors marvel at the majestic space, where the white water cascades down the slope. Sitting here, gazing at the vast expanse of the forested mountains, and snapping photos with friends, is an unforgettable experience for travelers exploring India.

Photo: @himalayanchain

Lakshadweep Islands

The Lakshadweep Islands in South India boast crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, truly a gem of the Arabian Sea.

The Lakshadweep Islands form an eco-region on land. Here, enjoying the natural scenery and participating in experiential activities will provide travelers with an incredibly enjoyable and memorable experience.

Some festivals in India that you should attend when traveling to India

Diwali Festival of Lights

Diwali, the biggest traditional festival in India also known as the Festival of Lights, sees the country adorned with the bright lights of numerous lanterns. It's considered a New Year celebration for Hindus, a time for peace, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness and poverty, bringing warmth and happiness to life.

Holi Festival of Colors

As the traditional lighting ceremony concludes, people enjoy freedom, revelry, and feasting together, throwing colored powders and immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere of unique traditional dances. This vibrant and engaging color-throwing game never fails to attract all residents and tourists, creating a vivid and artistic scene.

Ganesha Festival

The Ganesh Chaturthi festival lasts for about 10 days, from mid-August to mid-September each year, and is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu faith. It commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity known for wisdom, happiness, and good fortune, revered and respected by the local people.

Ảnh: visapm

The Monsoon Festival celebrates the arrival of the monsoon season, bringing relief from the scorching summer heat and rejuvenating the land with life-giving rains. It's a time of joy and gratitude as people welcome the downpour and the promise of abundant crops and prosperity.

The Monsoon Festival is an important and unique celebration dedicated to women, aimed at praying for the well-being of their husbands. Essentially, it's a festival that welcomes the reunion of the goddess Parvati – the goddess of love and marriage – with the god Shiva – one of the three supreme deities of Hinduism.

What to Eat and Drink in India?

Naan Bread

A staple bread of Indian cuisine, made from wheat flour and dry yeast but prepared with great intricacy. Naan has a mild taste and is often served with cheese or curry.

Photo: @marcelpaa_einfachbacken

Indian Curry

This is a signature dish representing Indian cuisine, a dish with diverse preparation methods using various ingredients, suitable for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets.

The meal includes rice, Naan bread, lentil curry, potatoes, unsweetened yogurt, and a few other ingredients to enhance the flavors. All these dishes are placed together on a tray.

Photo: @hellopune__

Chicken Tikka

Chicken marinated with tikka masala powder, unsweetened yogurt, and various spices. After cooking, it's served with a sauce made from cream, spice mix, and tomato paste. The delicious flavor of this chicken dish will leave you craving for more.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun, also known as fried milk balls, is a dessert resembling Vietnamese sweet dumplings but with a golden syrupy color. It's made from a dough mixture kneaded with a traditional Indian milk, then fried and soaked in a fragrant rose-flavored sugar syrup.

Photo: @foodiconindia

Masala Tea

Masala tea has been a part of Indian culture for over 5000 years. This tea has a distinctive spicy flavor, brewed with milk and ginger, creating a sweet and aromatic taste that is incredibly beneficial for health.

A familiar Indian street food dessert, Golgappa consists of crispy shells filled with a mixture of tamarind sauce, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. It's considered a favorite delicacy among the people of India.

Dosa Pancake

Dosa pancakes are made from a blend of rice flour and black gram lentils. Typically, Dosa is served without filling but accompanied by various dipping sauces, mainly spicy curry.

Where to Visit in India?

Address: Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu Beach, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049, India.

Address: Asset No 02 Gmr Hospitality District, Igi Airport, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

Address: 150 Feet Ring Road Circle, near Mavdi, Rajkot, Gujarat 360004, India.

Address: New Airport Road, Yelahanka, Opposite Jakkur Aerodrome, India.

Things to Note When Traveling to India

- Indians do not shake hands, hug, or kiss in public. They typically greet each other with a slight bow and folded hands, accompanied by a gentle nod. This is to show respect or courtesy.

- Avoid gifting heavily scented flowers as they are often associated with funerals.

- Muslims consider dogs unclean, so refrain from gifting items with dog motifs. Conversely, Hindus revere cows, so gifting items made of cowhide is offensive.

- When visiting temples, tourists should refrain from wearing leather jewelry.

Guide to Booking Tours in India

- Call the hotline now at (028) 3933 8002 for expert advice

Posted by: Nguyen Thanh Dat

Keywords: India Travel: A to Z Guide