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Travelling to India

Your essential guide to the culture-packed beauty of India.

Discover India

One of the world’s must-see countries, India overflows with life, color and chaos. Here’s everything you need to know before your trip.

Revel in India's culture

Revel in India's culture


A true melting pot of vibrancy, India is known for its chaotic and enchanting lust for life. From the delicious food packed with spices and color to the enticing bazaars that line its streets, there’s something to discover everywhere you turn. From the sun-drenched beaches of the south to the snowy peaks in the north, the elaborate festivals and the wild celebrations, there’s no end of things to discover in India.

Discover India's spiritual side

Discover India's spiritual side


Centuries of history and an intrinsic spirituality mean that there are no end of sacred temples and grand palaces to visit in India. On the banks of the River Ganges you’ll find the sacred Hindu city of Varanasi, and high in the Himalayan Mountains, you’ll find the ancient monasteries of Leh. Of course, the true icon of India is the grand palace of the Taj Mahal. Standing mighty over the city of Agra, it’s considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Experience cities like no other

Experience cities like no other


In a country as huge and varied as India, cities far and wide are just begging to be explored. Whether you start with the truly cosmopolitan Mumbai or the frenetic chaos of Delhi, the cities of India never seem to sleep. From culture-packed Kolkata to the regal beauty of Rajasthan, you’ll never tire of exploring them.

Money

The currency of India is the Indian rupee, which is broken down into 100 paise.

Here’s a roundup of what you can expect to spend in India, with prices in Chinese Yuan:

Inexpensive meal for one – CNY 27.5Bottle of water – CNY 3.50.5 litre beer – CNY 24.5
Mid-range restaurant meal for one – CNY 70Cappuccino – CNY 12.5Local bus ticket – CNY 5

There are restrictions on how much travellers can bring in and take out of India (for both citizens and non-citizens).

Please ensure you are aware of these limits and restrictions with the relevant authorities before purchasing the currency.

Need to pick up some rupees before you jet off?

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Travelling around India

By train

Train travel across India has become an almost iconic experience that all visitors must experience. The train network covers almost the entire country and prices vary depending on the speed and class of train you choose. There are three types of train: the long-distance inter-city trains called ‘express’ or ‘mail’, the fast air-conditioned trains including Rajdhani expresses and Shatabdi expresses, and the extremely slow local ‘passenger’ trains that stop almost everywhere. It’s definitely worth planning your trip in advance – check out indianrail.gov.in or Cleartrip for timetables.

By plane

Considering the large size of India, flying soon becomes an attractive time saving option even if it’s not the cheapest way to get around. For example, the flight between Delhi and Chennai takes just two and a half hours, compared to 36 hours by train. There are plenty of airlines to choose from and great deals to be found in advance.

Within cities

You’ll find plenty of city buses and trains, although be prepared to find that these can get extremely crowded. A classic way to get around is the auto-rickshaw: a motor scooter with a couple of seats mounted onto the back. They’re cheap, quick and you can bargain the price down to whatever you like.