India
Goa beaches, Kerala backwaters, Himalayan foothills or Rajasthan palaces.
Quick facts
- Capital: New Delhi
- Main airports: Indira Gandhi International (Delhi), Bombay (Mumbai), Kempegowda (Bangalore)
- Languages: Hindi, English, and 21 other official languages
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). 1 AED = roughly 22 INR
- Best flight time from Dubai: Early morning departures, 2.5-4 hour flight
Visa for UAE residents
Most UAE residents get an eVisa on arrival or online before travel. Indian eVisas cost around 1,000-2,500 INR (50-125 AED) depending on duration and validity. GCC citizens and some other nationalities qualify for on-arrival visas at major airports. Check the official India eVisa portal for your specific passport. Processing takes 24-72 hours online.
When to visit
October to March is ideal. Summer (April-June) is brutally hot in most regions, monsoon (July-September) brings heavy rain, and Delhi's winter air quality can be poor in December. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for domestic flights and trains during peak season.
Rough budget in AED (7 days, per person)
| Tier | Daily | 7-day total |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (hostels, street food, local transport) | 250-350 | 1,750-2,450 |
| Mid-range (3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, taxis/Uber) | 600-850 | 4,200-5,950 |
| Comfort (4-5 star hotels, good dining, private drivers) | 1,200-1,800 | 8,400-12,600 |
Highlights
- Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra. Book tickets in advance (around 250 INR, 11 AED for Indian residents).
- Jaipur's old city markets and forts. Haggle expected, most items negotiable.
- Houseboat stays in Kerala's backwaters. Peaceful and surreal, 24-48 hours recommended.
- Delhi's street food scene. Chaat at Chandni Chowk, paratha rolls at breakfast, kebabs at Karim's.
- Goa's beaches and Portuguese heritage. Mix of traveller crowd and quiet coves depending where you go.
- Mumbai's coastal energy and film industry charm. Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Dharavi slums tour.
Local etiquette
Dress modestly outside tourist zones, especially in temples and mosques. Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some restaurants. Tipping is not mandatory but 5-10% is appreciated in nicer restaurants. Alcohol is legal but avoided in some regions (Gujarat, some parts of Maharashtra). Use your right hand for eating and greeting. Cows are sacred, so never touch or step over one.
Safety notes
India is generally safe for travellers. Watch for pickpockets in crowded markets and on trains, use registered taxis or apps like Uber, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Women travellers should use common sense in crowded spaces and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
Getting around
Domestic flights connect major cities affordably (IndiGo and Air India are reliable, expect 1,500-4,000 INR for Delhi to Mumbai). Trains are iconic and range from luxury (Maharajas' Express) to local. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and Uber are cheap. In cities, metro systems (Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai) are efficient and crowded.
Best combined trip
Add Nepal (Kathmandu, Pokhara) for trekking or Tibet-influenced culture, or stay longer in India and add Sri Lanka by train or flight.
Common questions about India
How many days do I need in India?
Five to seven days hits the basics (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur triangle). Two weeks lets you add Goa, Kerala, or Mumbai without rushing. Three weeks is ideal if you want to see multiple regions and take trains slowly. Anything less than 4 days feels cramped unless you're just doing Delhi.
Is India family-friendly? Are there things to avoid with kids?
Yes, very family-friendly. Kids love trains, palaces, and wildlife sanctuaries. Avoid dodgy street food if your kids have sensitive stomachs, book accommodation with good AC (heat and humidity are intense), and keep them hydrated. Delhi's air quality in winter can aggravate respiratory issues, so check forecasts. Hire a driver or guide for peace of mind rather than navigating yourself in crowded cities.
What's the cheapest month to visit India?
May to June and September are cheapest because of heat and monsoon. Flight and hotel prices drop 20-40% compared to peak season. You'll sweat more and some regions get heavy rain, but crowds thin out. If you can handle warm weather, you'll stretch your budget considerably.
Can I use my credit card everywhere or do I need cash?
Cards work in cities, hotels, and branded restaurants, but cash is essential in markets, trains, temples, and small towns. ATMs are everywhere in cities (withdraw 5,000-10,000 INR at a time). Inform your bank you're travelling so they don't block transactions. Many vendors prefer cash for haggling deals. Carry a mix of both, and keep small notes for tips and street food.
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