From the snowy Himalayas in the north to the cultivated southern peninsula, to the rainforests and beaches of the west coast, India is a complex and multi-faceted country with something to offer to an enormous range of holidaymakers. It is made up of individual regions with their own distinctive cultures, traditions and values. India has 18 officially recognised languages including Sanskrit, Tamil and Hindi, which reflects its diversity of cultures and history.

The country’s geography is just as varied as its culture. Its mountain ranges and huge national parks make it a globally popular destination for eco-tourism and trekking. If you are interested in a beach holiday, then you will want to head to Goa and the west coast, which have some of India’s finest beaches as well as lush rainforests.

For holidaymakers in search of a rich artistic and cultural experience or a real taste of something different, India is an excellent choice. Its food is famous for its strong flavours and there are a wide range of tastes and flavours to sample across the country; even very experienced visitors can always find something new and exciting to try.

Climate

India's climate varies enormously across its different regions, from wet, to tropical dry, subtropial humid and montane. Winter in India is in January and February, summer is from March to May, mosoon season runs from June to September, and there is a post-monsoon season from October to December. You can read more about the climates of individual regions in our regional travel guides (see the bottom of this page).

Time zones

Despite its large size, India has a single time zone. Indian Standard Time is GMT + 5.30 hours.

Currency

The Indian currency is the Rupee. The best way to obtain rupees is to take your native currency with you to India, and exchange it once you arrive. This avoids the need to pay exchange fees outside India, which can be hefty. Strict government controls mean you cannot take Rupees with you out of the country, so be sure to exchange them back before you leave. GBP and US dollars are also widely accepted across India.

Visas

All foreign nationals entering India, including children, must have a visa. If you are visiting India for a short period or for a holiday, you should obtain a tourist visa, which is valid for 6 months to a year. There are other visa types available for business travellers or those staying in the country for longer periods; for more information, click here.

Vaccinations and healthcare

Because India occupies such a large land area, its different regions have differing risk factors for diseases. You should check with your doctor well in advance of your holiday as to what treatments and vaccinations you need to have before travelling. Malaria is a risk in all Indian states below 2000m above sea level, particularly in rural areas and in Goa to the north of Panaji. There is a lower risk in India's southern and northern states. You should certainly expect to take malaria tablets before, during and after your trip; vaccinations for Hepatitis A, tetanus and Hepatitis B are also recommended.

To cover the cost of any emergency healthcare you may need to undergo during your visit, the Foreign Office recommends that you take out comprehensive health and travel insurance in advance of your holiday. Travel insurance ensures you are covered in the event of trip cancellations, lost or stolen possessions, or personal liability in injury or property damage, while health ensurance protects you from the costs of emergency services and assistance, which can be extremely high. Be aware that many travel insurance policies have conditions and exclusions; you should check, for example, that your insurance covers terrorism. Most insurance policies do not cover drink or drug-related incidents. For further advice, head to the Foreign Office website.

With so much to offer, no matter what sort of vacation experience you are looking for, it is not surprising that India is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. Holiday Rental Homes has a great selection of properties in India, so why not browse through them today?

The Regions of India:

Back to Travel Guides