India is Incredible: Travel and Explore

Most Popular Places to Visit in India

India's multicultural experiences make it one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. The country is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and has a myriad of attractions and rich heritage. Be it heritage or spiritual attractions, adventure sports or shopping in old markets, India has no shortage of places to visit:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Known for their beautiful blue-green waters, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are some of the most beautiful islands in India. A favourite among Indians, the islands are famous for their coral reefs, fresh seafood and number of water activities. The place is usually visited during winters to escape the harsh cold up north. However, the best time to come here is after October and before May.

Agra

Home to one of the world's seven wonders, Agra is a treasure box of historical and cultural richness. India's most recognizable monument, the Taj Mahal is situated in this city and is visited by millions of tourists every year. The city is full of Mughal monuments and an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Agra Fort. Other than these, the city is famous for its intricate handicrafts and local cuisine.

Rajasthan

Lands of the Kings, this place is still full of royals living in the modern era and offers you a glimpse of an age gone by. You can visit many palaces, stunning forts and museums here. The state boasts cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer- all famous for their lavish palaces, forts and jewellery stores. Jaipur is also a part of the Golden Triangle Tourist, other than New Delhi and Agra.

Amritsar

The Jewel of Punjab, the city is an important place because of the spectacular Golden Temple. This gilded structure is one of the holiest places for Sikhs and is truly a sight to behold. The place is also famous for its langar, serving over 100,000 diners every day. You can also plan to visit the border with Pakistan for the Beating Retreat Ceremony.

New Delhi

India's capital city has no shortage of heritage monuments, lip-smacking cuisine and a perfect blend of modernity and heritage. The city consists of some of the most treasured attractions including Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar and more. The city also offers luxury shopping in areas like Khan Market, the famous Connaught Place and many more.

Himachal Pradesh

Home to India's favourite hill stations, this place is a respite from the skyrocketing heat in other northern parts of India. The forest and cloudy hills are a satisfying escape for several families. Some of the best places include Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Mcleodganj, and more! Don't forget to check the historical Kalka-Shimla Railway, the 96.6-kilometre long railroad which has been operating for more than 100 years.

Goa

Away from historical monuments and holy sites, Goa is an incredible beach and famous for its golden sand and the Indians' famous tropical getaway. You will also find a unique blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures here- the city is famous for its Baroque architecture and spectacular churches. Don't forget to enjoy some of their signature dishes!

Mumbai

One of the most energetic and more cosmopolitan parts of the country, Mumbai is famous for its gourmet restaurants and Bollywood charisma. If you're looking for a budget trip, don't worry! You can take a trip to the famous Marine Drive and the famous markets in Mumbai for some hearty shopping. The city also has the stunning Sanjay Gandhi National Park and centuries-old Kanheri Cave.

Best Time to Plan Your Domestic Trip

India's climate differs vastly; thus all your plans must be in sync with your destination's climate and weather conditions. Ours is a country of climatic extremes; even Indians sometimes miscalculate the best time to visit a place. If you are planning to visit regions in the north, then the time between October and March is the best. You will find cool weather until peak winter months, however, this is also the best time to explore the monuments of the Golden Triangle.

Southern regions of India can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, be warned about the humidity and warm temperatures. Kerala and Tamil Nadu are great options to explore during winters. If visiting Goa, then the period between late October and February is full of settled skies and sunshine for the perfect beach holiday. Whatever the season is, you must keep an eye on the local forecast, especially while travelling in coastal regions as they are prone to heavy rainfalls, hurricanes and cyclones. For these reasons and other emergencies, it is good to buy domestic travel insurance as soon as your travel plans are finalised. This will let you have a trip without any worries about unexpected cancellations, delays or medical emergencies while travelling.

Explore India: Travelling in India During COVID-19

After a long period of lockdowns and travel restrictions, most Indian states have once again opened to tourists from other countries as well as other states. While the entry requirements for foreign arrivals have been stringent, Indian citizens can freely travel to most regions if they are partially or fully vaccinated. On the other hand, those visiting India from abroad must undergo revised screening procedures that have been put in action to curb the spread of Omicron.

Yet, there are still several states wary about the new variant and have different COVID-19 requirements. With different states with their own set of rules, planning a domestic trip is pretty difficult. In general, most states require proof of complete vaccination or a negative COVID RT PCR report. Other than these, it is important to follow basic COVID-appropriate behaviour like using masks at all times and maintaining social distancing. While you must ensure that the latest protocol is followed, don’t forget to carry your domestic travel insurance policy before leaving for your trip!