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India
If you’re dreaming of a trip to India, buckle up because you’re in for one wild ride. I’ve spent months bouncing around this massive country, dodging cows in the streets, haggling over chai in chaotic markets, and staring in awe at sunrises over ancient temples. India’s got everything—sprawling cities that never sleep, serene spiritual spots that make you rethink life, mouthwatering street food that’ll ruin your diet forever, and a history so layered it feels like stepping into a living museum. Whether you’re chasing adventure, diving into culture, or just hunting for that epic photo op, India’s cities will blow your mind. Let me walk you through my top picks for the best cities to visit, with some real-talk tips from my own mishaps and wins to help you plan smart and travel better.
India is a sensory overload in the best way possible. From the neon chaos of Mumbai’s Bollywood scene to the misty ghats of Varanasi where life and death play out on the riverbanks, every city has its own pulse. I’ve narrowed it down to five must-hit spots that capture India’s insane diversity: New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Varanasi. Each one’s got a unique vibe, and I’ll hook you up with links to detailed guides like “Best Places to Visit in New Delhi” so you can zoom in on the nitty-gritty. Plus, I’ve thrown in practical deets on costs, hacks to save your wallet, and what to brace for when you’re navigating India’s wild streets.
Top Cities to Visit in India
- New Delhi: The buzzing capital where old and new collide—think massive forts, colonial vibes at India Gate, and endless street eats in markets like Chandni Chowk.
- Agra: Basically Taj Mahal central, with the stunning white marble wonder, plus Agra Fort and gardens that feel straight out of a fairy tale.
- Jaipur: The Pink City loaded with royal palaces like Amber Fort, colorful bazaars, and hilltop views that scream Rajasthan royalty.
- Mumbai: India’s fast-paced heart, home to the Gateway of India, sunset strolls on Marine Drive, and a Bollywood energy that’s infectious.
- Varanasi: The spiritual epicenter on the Ganges River, with ancient ghats, boat rides at dawn, and rituals that’ll leave you pondering the universe.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN INDIA
Taj Mahal, Agra
Red Fort, New Delhi
India Gate, New Delhi
Amber Fort, Jaipur
Gateway of India, Mumbai
Ganges Ghats and Boat Rides, Varanasi
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Gateway of India, Mumbai
Elephanta Caves, Mumbai
“The Professional Hobo”
“Never Ending Footsteps”
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING
Accommodation – Mid-range hotels in big cities like New Delhi or Mumbai, with comfy beds, AC, and central spots, go for about $30–60 USD per night for a double room. Hostels or guesthouses are a steal at $10–25 USD for a dorm or basic private, while budget Airbnbs start around $20–40 USD. For luxury, think heritage hotels or upscale chains at $100–200 USD, especially during peak season (October–March). Booking ahead or hitting shoulder months like September or April can cut costs big time.
Food – India’s street food game is unbeatable and cheap. A thali (full meal plate) or dosa can set you back $2–5 USD, and street snacks like chaat or samosas are $1–3 USD. In Mumbai, I scored killer pav bhaji for $3 USD. Coffee or chai with a paratha breakfast? Around $1–2 USD. Sit-down spots or touristy eateries run $5–15 USD per person, but you can eat like royalty without breaking the bank.
Transportation – Trains are the way to go—sleeper class between New Delhi and Agra costs $5–15 USD, while AC coaches bump it to $20–40 USD. Buses are even cheaper at $3–10 USD for similar routes. In cities, auto-rickshaws or metro rides are $1–3 USD, or snag an Ola/Uber for $2–5 USD short hops. Domestic flights, like Mumbai to Varanasi, can be $30–80 USD if booked early. Renting a scooter? $5–10 USD a day, but watch the traffic chaos.
Activities – Attractions won’t drain you. Taj Mahal entry is about $15 USD for foreigners (sunrise tickets to beat crowds), while forts like Amber in Jaipur are $5–10 USD. Museums or boat rides in Varanasi run $3–10 USD. Guided tours or elephant rides (ethical ones!) are $10–30 USD.
Suggested daily budget – 40–60 USD per person. This covers a mid-range spot, street eats mixed with one restaurant meal, public transport, and a couple of paid sights. Splurging on a fancy haveli stay or private driver? Up it to 70–100 USD. On a tight budget? You can scrape by on 20–35 USD with hostels, local buses, and free wandering.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
1
Dive into Street Food and Thalis
Skip fancy spots and hit local vendors for meals under $5 USD. I grabbed a massive thali in Jaipur with rice, curries, and bread for $3 USD—felt like a feast without the price tag.
2
Ride Trains or Buses Like a Local
India’s rail network is epic and cheap; book sleeper trains in advance for overnight trips to save on hotels. I hopped from New Delhi to Jaipur for $10 USD and woke up refreshed. Walk or use metro in cities to dodge taxi fares.
3
Book Tickets Online Early
Snag e-tickets for sites like the Taj Mahal to skip lines and get discounts. Apps like IRCTC for trains or RedBus for coaches often have deals. I saved 20% on a Varanasi boat ride by booking ahead.
4
Stay in Homestays or Hostels
They’re authentic and way cheaper than hotels, plus you get insider tips from hosts. In Varanasi, my guesthouse overlookin’ the Ganges was $15 USD a night and came with free chai chats.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM INDIA?
India’s got this electric vibe that grabs you and doesn’t let go. It’s where ancient traditions slam into modern hustle—picture rickshaws zipping past skyscrapers in Mumbai or sadhus chanting by the Ganges in Varanasi while smartphones light up the night. The people are incredibly welcoming once you break through the initial chaos, and there’s always a festival or street party brewing, from Diwali lights to Holi colors.
Brace for a mix of high-energy crowds and peaceful pockets. In New Delhi, you’ll battle traffic one second and chill in Lodi Gardens the next. Agra’s all about that Taj wow factor, but the touts can be relentless. Jaipur feels like a royal escape with its forts, while Mumbai’s non-stop energy hits like a Bollywood blockbuster. Varanasi? It’s raw and spiritual, with rituals that’ll stick with you forever.
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Weather-wise, summers (April–June) are scorching (90–110°F), monsoons (July–September) bring rain and floods, and winters (December–February) are mild (50–75°F) and prime time to visit. Spring and fall are gold for comfy temps (70–85°F). Folks speak English in tourist spots, but Hindi basics like “namaste” or “dhanyavaad” (thank you) earn smiles. I butchered ordering momos in Delhi with my pidgin Hindi, and the vendor laughed while piling on extras—those connections make India magic.
Safety’s solid for most travelers, but stay alert like anywhere. I’ve roamed solo without issues, but pickpockets thrive in crowds like Chandni Chowk or near the Taj. Use ride apps over random taxis, keep valuables hidden, and avoid isolated spots at night. For women, dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees in temples) and team up for evenings—it’s cultural respect that goes far. Public transport’s reliable, but trains can be packed; opt for AC classes. Driving? Forget it unless you’re adventurous—roads are good now, but traffic’s nuts.
India’s culture is its soul—diverse religions, epic food (spicy alert!), and a “jugaad” spirit of making things work. You’ll see late-night chai stalls buzzing, families sharing massive meals, and a passion for cricket or Bollywood that unites everyone. It can overwhelm at first—noise, smells, stares—but lean in, and it’ll change you. From dodging monkeys at Jaipur forts to floating lamps on the Ganges, India makes you feel alive. So, grab our interactive maps for New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Varanasi, and start mapping your adventure. Explore cities, plan smart, travel better!
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September 6, 2018
