Private India Tours: Golden Triangle, Kashmir & the Himalayas
See the Taj Mahal at sunrise, sleep on a Kashmir houseboat and wake up to Himalayan peaks. Private North India tours priced in US dollars, run by our own local team.
20% deposit locks your dates and price; full refund if cancelled within 48 hours of paying; balance before the trip; pay by card via Razorpay (international cards accepted) or PayPal.
An Indian Company With Our Own Teams on the Ground
Suzu Travels is an Indian travel company and destination management company (DMC), headquartered in Himachal Pradesh and operating since 2019. We are not an overseas agency reselling someone else’s tour: our own people handle your trip locally, from the airport pickup in Delhi to the houseboat in Srinagar and the hotel in Manali.
We have already hosted NRIs and international travellers from the USA, UK, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Australia and more, looking after families, couples, pilgrims and first-time visitors to India. For first-time visitors, our India tour packages combine iconic destinations, comfortable stays and local travel support to make exploring India simple and well organised. Our India tour packages are suitable for foreign visitors, NRI families and first-time travellers who want local assistance during their journey.Our on-ground team can help coordinate transportation, sightseeing, hotels and other travel arrangements throughout the trip.
North India Tour Packages in US Dollars
Six private tours built on what we know best: the Golden Triangle, the Himalayas, Kashmir and the sacred Char Dham. Every one can be shortened, extended or upgraded.
Show prices inApproximate conversions at today's European Central Bank rate (ECB rates via frankfurter.dev). Quotes and payment are in US$.
Classic Golden Triangle
Delhi · Agra · Jaipur
- Taj Mahal at sunrise and Agra Fort
- Amber Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal
- Old Delhi rickshaw ride and Humayun’s Tomb
- Private car, driver and local guides
Golden Triangle + Rishikesh & Haridwar
Delhi · Agra · Jaipur · Haridwar · Rishikesh
- Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
- Yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh
- Laxman Jhula and riverside ashrams
- Optional yoga class or river rafting
Golden Triangle + Kashmir
Delhi · Agra · Jaipur · Srinagar · Gulmarg · Pahalgam
- Night on a Dal Lake houseboat
- Shikara ride and Mughal Gardens
- Gulmarg Gondola and Pahalgam valleys
- Our own ground team in Kashmir
Golden Triangle + Himalayas
Delhi · Agra · Jaipur · Shimla · Manali
- UNESCO toy train to Shimla (seasonal)
- Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel and Old Manali
- Colonial Shimla and apple orchards
- Home turf of our Himachal team
Golden Temple & Himalayas
Delhi · Amritsar · Dharamshala · Manali
- Golden Temple and Wagah border ceremony
- McLeodganj, home of the Dalai Lama
- Himalayan views from Manali
- Add Agra and the Taj Mahal on request
Char Dham Yatra
Yamunotri · Gangotri · Kedarnath · Badrinath
- Start from Delhi or Haridwar
- Registration and darshan planning handled
- Helicopter to Kedarnath on request
- Senior-friendly pacing and support
About our prices: “from” prices are per person for two travellers sharing a room in comfortable 3-star hotels, with a private car and driver and daily breakfast. International flights and the Delhi–Srinagar flight are not included. Solo, family and 4-star, 5-star or heritage hotel quotes are sent in USD within 24 hours.
Choose Your India: From the Taj Mahal to the Himalayas
Start with the Golden Triangle, then add mountains, spirituality or the coast. Our own team runs the North; for Kerala and Goa we arrange trusted local partners and stay your single point of contact.
from US$299Golden TriangleDelhi · Agra · JaipurSee tours →
Our home stateHimachal HimalayasShimla · Manali · DharamshalaSee tours →
Own ground teamKashmirSrinagar · Gulmarg · PahalgamSee tours →
from US$649Rishikesh & HaridwarYoga, Ganga Aarti, ashramsSee tours →
from US$799Char Dham YatraFor NRIs & overseas pilgrimsSee the yatra →
English-speaking driverPrivate car & driverYour own car for the whole tripHow it works →
Add-on or own tripVaranasiGhats, boats and the Ganga AartiAsk for a plan →
Forts & palacesRajasthanJaipur · Udaipur · Jodhpur · JaisalmerAsk for a plan →
High HimalayaLadakhLeh · Nubra · Pangong (May–Sep)Ask for a plan →
We arrangeKeralaBackwaters · Munnar · KochiSee the 8-day plan →
We arrangeGoaBeaches and old Portuguese townsAsk for a plan →from US$949AmritsarGolden Temple · Wagah borderSee tours →Not sure how to combine them? Use “Plan my India trip” at the top of this page, or WhatsApp +91 70874 88961 — a real person in our Himachal office replies.
Fly to Delhi. We Take It From There.
New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has direct flights from North America, Europe, the Gulf, South-East Asia and Australia. Our driver meets you at arrivals, and every tour on this page starts and ends in Delhi. Our private India tour packages from Delhi are designed for travellers who want a flexible journey with airport transfers, private transportation and sightseeing arranged according to their itinerary. Delhi can also be used as the starting point for journeys to Agra, Jaipur, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and other popular destinations.
Approximate non-stop flying times to Delhi. Actual schedules vary by airline and season.
From Delhi to our destinations
Why Travel with Suzu Travels
We are a North India DMC with our own office and ground teams, not a booking portal. No middlemen, fair prices.
Air-conditioned car and an English-speaking driver for the whole trip. No shared buses, no fixed group dates.Our India tour packages with a private car and driver give you greater flexibility during your journey. You can travel at your own pace, stop at places along the route and enjoy sightseeing without following a fixed group-tour schedule.
How our private car with driver works — inclusions, sample routes, roads and seasons.
English-speaking guides at the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Old Delhi and Amber Fort.
Clean, safe, well-located hotels, from comfortable 3-star to palace and heritage stays.
Itemised quotes in US dollars, with no hidden costs. A small deposit confirms your trip.
Booking terms: A 20% deposit locks your dates and price. Full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of paying. Pay by card (Razorpay, international cards accepted) or PayPal; the balance is due before the trip.
Your enquiry goes only to the Suzu Travels team in Himachal and is used only to answer it — we do not sell or share your data. Privacy policy.
Call or WhatsApp our office on +91 70874 88961 before and during your trip.
6-Day Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
Want more detail, a 4-day version or Taj Mahal tips? See our full Golden Triangle tour page.
Our Most Popular India Itinerary for First-Time Visitors. Add Varanasi, Rishikesh, Ranthambore, Kashmir or the Himalayas at the end.
Arrive in Delhi
Our driver meets you at Delhi airport with a name board and takes you to your hotel. Rest after your long flight.
Old & New Delhi
Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid and the spice market, then Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and Qutub Minar with a licensed local guide.
Delhi → Agra (about 3.5–4 hrs)
Drive on the Yamuna Expressway. Afternoon at Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the river.
Taj Mahal at sunrise → Jaipur
See the Taj Mahal at sunrise before the crowds, then drive to Jaipur via the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Jaipur, the Pink City
Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory and a photo stop at Hawa Mahal. Evening free in the bazaars.
Jaipur → Delhi airport
Drive back to Delhi (about 5–6 hrs) for your onward flight, or continue to Rishikesh, Kashmir or the Himalayas.
Best Time to Visit North India
The best time to visit India for a tour depends on the destinations and regions included in your itinerary. North India, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan destinations have different travel seasons, so choosing the right months can help you plan a more comfortable trip.
| Region | Best months | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Triangle Delhi · Agra · Jaipur |
October – March | Pleasant days, cool nights. April–June is very hot; July–September brings monsoon rain. |
| Rishikesh & Haridwar | September – November, February – April | Best weather for yoga, walks and the evening Ganga Aarti. |
| Kashmir | April – October; December – February for snow | Spring tulips and green summers; Gulmarg is a ski resort in winter. |
| Himachal Himalayas Shimla · Manali · Dharamshala |
March – June, September – November | Snow from December to February; heavy rain in July–August. |
| Char Dham Yatra | May – June, September – October | Temples open roughly late April/May to October/November; avoid peak monsoon. |
India Season Chart: Where to Go Each Month
India is big enough that somewhere is in season every month. Pick your travel month to see which regions are at their best, which are under snow or monsoon rain, and where we would need to talk it through with you.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi · Agra · JaipurGolden Triangle plains | ★ | ★ | ★ | · | · | · | ☔ | ☔ | ☔ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
| VaranasiGanga ghats | ★ | ★ | ★ | · | · | · | ☔ | ☔ | ☔ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
| AmritsarGolden Temple | ★ | ★ | ★ | · | · | · | · | · | · | ★ | ★ | ★ |
| Rishikesh · HaridwarYoga and the Ganga | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | · | · | ☔ | ☔ | · | ★ | ★ | ★ |
| Shimla · DharamshalaHimachal hills | ❄ | ❄ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ☔ | ☔ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ❄ |
| ManaliHimachal high valley | ❄ | ❄ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ☔ | ☔ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ❄ |
| Ladakh (Leh)High-altitude desert | · | · | · | · | · | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | · | · | · |
| KeralaBackwaters and tea hills | ★ | ★ | · | · | · | ☔ | ☔ | ☔ | · | ★ | ★ | ★ |
| GoaBeaches | ★ | ★ | ★ | · | · | ☔ | ☔ | ☔ | ☔ | · | ★ | ★ |
| KashmirSrinagar · Gulmarg | No colours — see travel advice below. | |||||||||||
- ★ Best months
- ❄ Snow season (Himalaya)
- ☔ Monsoon rain
- Possible — ask us
- Delhi · Agra · Jaipur: Monsoon usually reaches Delhi around 27 June (IMD normal). The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
- Varanasi: Dev Deepavali, 15 days after Diwali, lights the ghats with thousands of lamps.
- Amritsar: Our planning experience — we found no official season for Amritsar.
- Rishikesh · Haridwar: International Yoga Festival each February–March. Rafting usually pauses in July and August.
- Shimla · Dharamshala: Winter snowfall is common in Dharamshala. Our home region — our own team plans it.
- Manali: Rohtang Pass is closed by snow from late November and reopens by May (HP Tourism). Atal Tunnel to Lahaul is open year-round.
- Ladakh (Leh): Summer trip. No official month source: roads from Manali and Srinagar are seasonal — confirm before you book.
- Kerala: Kerala Tourism: November–February is peak season, October–February is best for houseboats, June–August is monsoon; March–May is hot and humid.
- Goa: Foreign visitors come in winter (Govt of Goa). No sea swimming in the monsoon — follow the lifeguard flags.
- Kashmir: The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir except Jammu city, and the US State Department says ‘Do not travel’ to J&K except eastern Ladakh and Leh (advice checked 19 Oct 2026). Check the latest before you book.
Sources: IMD monsoon normals; tajmahal.gov.in; Incredible India (Varanasi, Dharamshala, Leh); HP Tourism (Manali); Kerala Tourism; Govt of Goa and Goa Tourism; UK FCDO (updated 7 Oct 2026); US State Department. Checked 17–20 Oct 2026. Weather varies year to year — confirm before travel.
Travelling with Us
Photos from our guests and our Kashmir ground team.
Book Your India Tour in 4 Easy Steps
Tell us your dates, group size and what you want to see, on WhatsApp or email.
Within 24 hours you get a day-by-day itinerary and an itemised quote in USD.
Change anything you like. A small deposit then confirms your hotels and car.
We meet you at the airport. The balance is paid before the trip — then enjoy India.
How Your Booking Is Protected
Booking a trip with a company on the other side of the world takes trust. Here is exactly what happens after you enquire, and how your money is handled.
My flight is delayed — what happens?
Send us your new arrival time on WhatsApp and we re-time your airport pick-up.
A road or monument is closed on the day.
We may re-order sightseeing days, for example when a monument or road is closed on a given day, and we talk the options through with you. As our terms say, we are not responsible for delays or changes caused by events beyond our control (bad weather, landslides, road closures, strikes, government orders), and extra costs from such events are paid by the guest. Travel insurance is worth considering.
What if I need to cancel?
Tell us in writing (email or WhatsApp). Full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of paying the deposit. After that, the cancellation terms written in your confirmation apply — read them before you pay.
What if you cancel my trip?
If we cancel your trip for a reason within our control, we refund everything you have paid, or offer you another date or trip if you prefer.
How do I know I am paying the real Suzu Travels?
Pay only on our Payment page or by a payment request we send you from info@suzutravels.com. We never ask you to pay into a personal account. Our registration certificate is on the certificates page.
Times below are in your device time zone. India does not change its clocks for daylight saving.
This is a request, not a booked slot — we reply to confirm the time. Nothing you pick here is saved or sent by this page; the message opens in your own WhatsApp or email app and goes only to the Suzu Travels team (+91 70874 88961 · info@suzutravels.com), who use it only to answer your enquiry.
These buttons open your own WhatsApp, email app or share menu and you choose who gets it — nothing is sent to Suzu Travels and nothing is saved by this page.
Do You Need a Visa for India?
Most visitors need a visa, but for most nationalities it is a simple online e-Visa. Here is how it works. Rules can change, so always confirm on the official Government of India website before you travel.
No visa needed
Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can visit India without a visa. NRIs and people of Indian origin with an OCI card also need no visa: the OCI card is a lifelong, multiple-entry visa. Maldivian citizens have special arrangements; check with the Indian High Commission in Malé.
Visa on arrival
Available at selected international airports for up to 60 days. Not available to travellers whose parents or grandparents were born in, or lived permanently in, Pakistan. We still recommend applying for the e-Visa in advance to save time at the airport.
e-Visa online
Around 170 nationalities can apply online for an e-Tourist Visa: 30 days, 1 year or 5 years. With the 1-year and 5-year visas, citizens of the USA, UK, Canada and Japan can stay up to 180 days per visit; most other nationalities up to 90 days.
| e-Visa checklist | Details |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Only on the official site: indianvisaonline.gov.in. Avoid look-alike agent websites that charge extra. |
| When to apply | At least 4 days before arrival (we suggest 2–4 weeks ahead, especially in peak season). |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months from arrival, with at least two blank pages. |
| You will need | A recent photo, a scan of your passport photo page, and a card to pay the fee. The fee depends on your nationality and the visa length. |
| Entry points | e-Visa holders must arrive through a designated airport or seaport, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Kochi. You can leave from any authorised exit point. |
| Special permits | Some border areas need an extra Protected Area Permit for foreigners, for example parts of Ladakh, Spiti–Kinnaur in Himachal and upper Uttarakhand. If your route needs one, our team arranges it. |
Need help? Send us your nationality and travel dates and we will tell you which visa suits your trip and share a day-by-day itinerary for your application. Suzu Travels is not a visa agent and does not apply on your behalf. Step by step, with the documents and the look-alike-site warning: our India e-Visa guide.
Before You Travel to India
Travel insurance: buy a policy that covers medical care and, for the mountains, high-altitude activities. Check that it covers every region on your itinerary.
Money: cards work in cities and hotels; carry some rupees for markets, tips and the mountains. ATMs are easy to find in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Dress: cover shoulders and knees at temples, mosques and the Golden Temple. Carry a scarf; shoes come off at religious sites.
Health: drink bottled or filtered water and start gently with spicy food. Your driver knows clean places to stop for lunch.
Connectivity: an eSIM or local SIM keeps you on WhatsApp with your driver and our team throughout the trip.
Travellers We Have Hosted Across North India
From the Taj Mahal to Ladakh and the Himalayas, a few moments from tours run by our own team.
India Tours: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private India tour cost in US dollars?
Our private tours start from about US$449 per person for the 6-day Golden Triangle, based on two people sharing a room in comfortable 3-star hotels. Prices depend on your dates, hotel category (3-star, 4-star, 5-star or heritage), group size and extensions. We send a clear, itemised quote in USD within 24 hours.
What is included in the price?
A private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver for the whole trip, hotel stays with daily breakfast, airport pickup and drop, licensed local guides at the main monuments, driver costs, fuel, tolls and parking. International flights, visa fees, monument entry tickets, lunches and dinners (unless stated) and tips are not included.
When is the best time to visit North India?
October to March is best for the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), with pleasant days and cool nights. The Himalayas (Himachal, Kashmir) are best from March to June and September to November, with snow from December to February. The Char Dham temples are open roughly from late April or May until October or November.
Do I need a visa to visit India?
Most visitors do. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan and holders of an OCI card do not. Japan, South Korea and (with conditions) UAE nationals can get a visa on arrival. Around 170 nationalities, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the EU, can apply online for an e-Tourist Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in, at least 4 days before arrival.
I am an NRI or of Indian origin. Do I need a visa?
If you hold an Indian passport you need no visa. If you are a foreign citizen with an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, you also need no visa, as the OCI card works as a lifelong multiple-entry visa. Foreign citizens of Indian origin without an OCI card need an e-Visa or regular visa. We host many NRI families, especially for Char Dham, Kashmir and Himachal trips.
Which countries have you hosted travellers from?
We have hosted NRIs and international travellers from the USA, the UK, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Australia and other countries. As an Indian company with our own local teams, we manage every part of the trip on the ground ourselves.
Is India safe for foreign tourists?
Millions of international visitors travel in India every year. On a private tour you have your own car and English-speaking driver, pre-booked hotels and our office a WhatsApp message away, which removes most of the stress. Your driver's name, photo and car number are shared with you before the trip. We also brief you on scams to avoid, dress codes and food and water safety before you arrive.
Is it safe to visit Kashmir?
Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam welcome large numbers of visitors and we run trips there with our own local ground team. Some governments, including the US and UK, advise against travel to parts of Jammu & Kashmir, and this can affect travel insurance. Please check your government’s current advisory and your insurer before booking. We will always tell you honestly about current conditions.
Is the Taj Mahal open every day?
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. We plan your itinerary around this and try to schedule a sunrise visit, when the light is softest and the crowds are smaller. Only one day in Delhi? See our Taj Mahal tour from Delhi — same day by car or train, or overnight in Agra.
Can you customise the tour?
Yes. Our customized India tour packages are private and can be adapted to your preferred destinations, travel dates, sightseeing interests, hotels and trip duration. You can also add or remove destinations depending on your schedule and budget.
How many days are enough for an India tour?
For a first trip to North India, 6 to 8 days can cover popular destinations such as Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. A 10 to 14 day itinerary gives you more time to combine the Golden Triangle with destinations such as Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh or Rishikesh. The ideal duration depends on your destinations, interests and flight schedule. Not sure where to go yet? Start with our guide to the best places to visit in India, with the best months for each. Ending with a few days on the beach? Read our Goa holiday guide (North vs South Goa and the best months). Hoping to see a wild tiger? Our tiger safari guide compares Ranthambore, Corbett, Kanha and Bandhavgarh, with official seasons and safe permit booking. Want a ready plan? See our India 2-week itinerary (Golden Triangle plus Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala). Forts and desert instead? Our 12-day Rajasthan tour covers Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur. Coming for Holi in March 2027? Our Holi festival guide has the official date, the Braj towns and a Holi + Taj Mahal plan. Planning around the Kumbh Mela? Our Kumbh Mela 2027 guide has the Haridwar and Nashik bathing dates, an honest word on crowds and a plan from Delhi. Sorting out travel insurance? Our travel insurance checklist for India sums up what the UK, US and Australian governments advise and what to ask your insurer about altitude, activities and Kashmir. Need a phone that works in India? Our SIM card and eSIM guide for visitors covers the documents, activation time, and why Kashmir, Ladakh and the high mountains are different. Starting your trip in Delhi? Our Delhi tour in one or two days puts the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutb Minar in the right order — and around the Monday closures. Planning the classic first trip? Our Golden Triangle itinerary for 5 or 7 days takes you through Delhi, Agra and Jaipur day by day — and keeps your Taj Mahal day off a Friday. Adding the Ganga? Our Varanasi trip guide plans two or three days of ghats, the evening Ganga Aarti and Sarnath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2026. Going south for Ayurveda? Our guide to choosing an Ayurveda retreat in Kerala explains the official list of classified centres, the monsoon season, the right visa and what to ask your doctor first. Dreaming of island beaches? Our Andaman Islands guide explains the current permit rules for foreigners, Havelock and Neil under their new names, the island rules and when the monsoon arrives. Not sure which month suits you? Our best time to visit India guide goes month by month and region by region. Thinking of skiing in Kashmir? Our Gulmarg skiing guide covers the season, the gondola and the current UK and US travel advice. Is this your first trip to India? Our first-time India travel guide is a 10-step checklist — the official e-Visa, when to go, safety advice and how to book safely. Doing the Golden Triangle? Our Agra to Jaipur guide compares train and private car, with Fatehpur Sikri and the Abhaneri stepwell on the way. Travelling in December? Our India in December guide shows where to find sun, where to find snow and how to plan around Christmas and New Year. Travelling as a woman on your own? Our solo female travel guide quotes the UK, US and Australian advice word for word and lists the practical steps that lower the risk. Thinking about Kashmir? Our best time to visit Kashmir guide goes month by month — tulips, summer, autumn and snow — with the UK and US travel advice first. Heading to the Himalaya? Our best time to visit Himachal guide covers Manali, Shimla and Spiti month by month — snow, monsoon and when the high roads are open. Adding a yoga retreat? See our Rishikesh yoga retreat guide.
How do I book and pay?
Send us your dates and wishes on WhatsApp or email. We reply within 24 hours with an itinerary and a quote in USD. When you are happy with it, a 20% deposit locks your dates and price; full refund if cancelled within 48 hours of paying; balance before the trip; pay by card via Razorpay (international cards accepted) or PayPal.
Who will we be travelling with?
Suzu Travels is a destination management company based in Himachal Pradesh, operating since 2019, with local teams across North India. Your driver speaks English, and you get licensed English-speaking guides at the main sights, plus a direct WhatsApp line to our office (+91 70874 88961).
Questions International Travellers Ask
Practical answers for first-time visitors from the US, UK, Europe, Australia and Canada — visa, arrival card, government advice, scams, getting around, money and health. Every answer is dated and sourced to official sites.
What should I know before my first trip to India?
Five things matter most: apply for your e-Visa only on the official site, at least 4 days before you arrive; travel between October and March for Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa (the UK FCDO says the monsoon season usually runs from June to October); start with Delhi, Agra and Jaipur plus one more region; avoid driving at night and in fog; and buy tickets only through official sites and counters.
Our first-time India travel guide turns this into a 10-step checklist, with every line sourced.
How do I get an Indian e-Visa without being overcharged?
Apply yourself on indianvisaonline.gov.in. The Government of India says no agent is needed and it charges no express or emergency fee. Your passport needs at least six months’ validity. Apply at least 4 days before arrival, carry the printed ETA showing “GRANTED”, and enter through one of the designated airports or seaports on the official list.
We are not a visa agency. Apply yourself, only at the official site indianvisaonline.gov.in — beware look-alike sites that charge extra. Rules and fees change; confirm on the official site before you pay. Step by step: our India e-Visa guide (checked 18 Oct 2026).
Do I need to fill in an arrival card?
Yes. Since 1 October 2025, foreign nationals and OCI card holders submit the e-Arrival card within 72 hours before arrival — on boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in or the “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” app. It is arrival information, not a visa (Embassy of India notice; checked 18 Oct 2026).
What do the US and UK governments advise about travel in India?
The US State Department rates India Level 2 – Exercise increased caution “due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.” Its Level 4 areas are Jammu and Kashmir (except eastern Ladakh and Leh), the India–Pakistan border area, parts of central and east India, and Manipur (issued 16 Jun 2025, checked 23 Oct 2026).
The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir, except air travel to and within Jammu city, and within 10 km (6 mi) of the India–Pakistan border (page updated 7 Oct 2026).
What this means for you: read the current advice for your passport before you book, and ask your insurer whether you are covered in any area your government advises against. We plan around it with you.
How do I avoid scams and ticket touts?
The UK FCDO says: “Be cautious in tourist areas, where scammers, pickpockets and ticket touts target foreign nationals” and “avoid people at railway stations offering tickets and tours as you may be scammed.” It also notes that “app-based taxis like Uber and Ola are widely available, including in all airport terminal buildings” (updated 7 Oct 2026).
In practice: buy monument and train tickets only on official sites or at official counters, and book with a registered company on written terms. Ours: HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022. 20% deposit locks your dates and price; full refund if cancelled within 48 hours of paying; balance before the trip; pay by card via Razorpay (international cards accepted) or PayPal.
Should I travel by car and driver or by train?
Both work. Foreign tourists can book reserved train seats under the Foreign Tourist Quota up to 365 days ahead, online with a passport number and an international card (general bookings open 60 days ahead). For touring door to door, a private car with an English-speaking driver is the simplest — your driver’s name, photo and car number are shared with you before the trip.
The UK FCDO advises: “Avoid travelling at night and in fog as accidents are common due to low visibility”, so plan long drives in daylight. More: private car and driver in India.
Can I pay by card or UPI in India?
UPI options for visitors exist — check the official NPCI site (npci.org.in) for the current rules, and carry a card and some cash as well. For your tour with us, quotes are in US$: 20% deposit locks your dates and price; full refund if cancelled within 48 hours of paying; balance before the trip; pay by card via Razorpay (international cards accepted) or PayPal.
Do I need vaccinations for India?
The official e-Visa site says travellers arriving from or through yellow-fever countries need a yellow-fever vaccination card or may face quarantine. For everything else, talk to your doctor or a travel clinic well before you go, and see CDC (US) or NHS Fit for Travel (UK). We do not give medical advice.
When does the monsoon arrive?
India Meteorological Department normals: the monsoon reaches Kerala around 1 June and New Delhi around 27 June, and withdraws from Delhi around 25 September. Weather varies year to year. Month by month, region by region: our best time to visit India guide.
Sources: indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa page, checked 18 Oct 2026); Embassy of India e-Arrival card notice; US Department of State India travel advisory (issued 16 Jun 2025); UK FCDO India travel advice (updated 7 Oct 2026); IRCTC Foreign Tourist Quota (High Commission of India); India Meteorological Department (PR 804). Checked 18–23 Oct 2026 — rules change, confirm before travel.
Start Planning Your India Journey
Tell us where you are travelling from, your dates and your interests. You get an itinerary and a USD quote within 24 hours, with no obligation.
Explore more
New guides for international travellers (October 2026)
Taj Mahal photo: Yann (edited), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
