India Road Trip Guidefor International Tourists
Everything you need to know — visa, currency, safety, cultural tips, best routes, weather, and how to hire a driver. Your complete 2026 India travel handbook.
Visa & Entry Requirements
E-Visa (Most Common)
Available for 150+ nationalities. Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel. Tourist e-visa valid for 30 days (single/double entry) or 1 year (multiple entry). Cost: $10-80 depending on nationality and duration.
Regular Tourist Visa
Apply at your nearest Indian embassy/consulate. Allows longer stays up to 6 months-10 years depending on nationality. Processing takes 3-5 business days. Recommended for extended road trips.
Documents to Carry
Passport (valid 6+ months), visa printout, return flight ticket, hotel bookings for first 2 nights, travel insurance document, passport-sized photos (keep 4-5 extras).
Currency & Payments
Indian Rupee (INR)
Denominations: ₹10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 2000 notes. ₹1, 2, 5, 10 coins. Exchange rate (approx): 1 USD = ₹83-85, 1 EUR = ₹90-93, 1 GBP = ₹105-108.
Where to Exchange
Airport exchange counters (available but poor rates), authorized money changers in cities (best rates in Delhi Connaught Place, Jaipur MI Road), ATMs accept international cards (HDFC, ICICI, SBI ATMs recommended).
Digital Payments
UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe) is widely used in cities. Most restaurants and shops accept cards. In rural areas and small towns, CASH IS KING. Always carry ₹5,000-10,000 in cash for emergencies.
Safety Tips
General Safety
India is generally safe for tourists. Use common sense — avoid lonely areas at night, keep valuables secure, use registered transport (like our verified drivers). Tourist areas are well-policed. Emergency number: 112 (police, ambulance, fire).
Health
Drink only bottled/filtered water (never tap water). Eat at busy restaurants (high turnover = fresh food). Carry basic medicines: anti-diarrheal, paracetamol, ORS packets. Consider travel insurance with medical coverage.
Scam Awareness
Common tourist scams: inflated taxi meter, "closed today" redirect scam at monuments, unsolicited tour guides, overpriced souvenirs. Solution: book a trusted private driver (like us), verify monument timings online, negotiate prices before purchase.
Hiring a Driver vs Self-Driving
Why Hire a Driver (Strongly Recommended)
Indian roads have unique challenges — unpredictable traffic, different road rules, horn-based communication, animals on roads, and poor signage in rural areas. A private driver eliminates all stress, lets you enjoy the scenery, and handles everything from parking to navigation.
Self-Drive Considerations
International Driving Permit (IDP) required. India drives on the LEFT side. Traffic in cities is chaotic by Western standards. Mountain roads require expert handling. Self-drive car rental exists (Zoomcar, etc.) but is only recommended for experienced travelers who are comfortable with Indian road conditions.
Private Driver Benefits
English-speaking driver doubles as a cultural guide. Door-to-door service. No parking worries. Driver handles police checkpoints, toll booths, and fuel stops. Many drivers know the best local restaurants and hidden gems. Cost: just $45-80/day for the entire vehicle.
Best Road Trip Routes in India
Golden Triangle (3-5 days)
Delhi-Agra-Jaipur. The classic first-timer route. Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, India Gate. Well-maintained highways. Best time: Oct-Mar.
Rajasthan Circuit (7-10 days)
Jaipur-Udaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer. Royal forts, desert safaris, lake palaces. Amazing cultural experience. Best: Oct-Mar.
Himachal Pradesh (7 days)
Shimla-Manali-Dharamshala. Mountain highways, Buddhist monasteries, adventure sports. Best: Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov.
Kashmir (7-8 days)
Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalgam-Sonmarg. Houseboats, meadows, snow peaks. Stunning beauty. Best: Apr-Oct.
Kerala (7 days)
Kochi-Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey. Backwaters, tea plantations, wildlife. Best: Sep-Mar.
Cultural Etiquette
Temples & Religious Sites
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Ask before photographing. Some temples restrict non-Hindu entry to inner sanctums. Leather items may not be allowed.
Greetings & Interaction
"Namaste" (palms together, slight bow) is the universal greeting. Avoid physical contact with the opposite gender in conservative areas. Bargaining is expected in markets, not in restaurants or malls.
Food Etiquette
Many Indians are vegetarian. Beef is not available in most areas. Eat with right hand in traditional settings. "Spicy" in India is much spicier than Western standards — ask for "less spicy" or "no spicy" when ordering.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and children. Some monuments charge for cameras. Drone flying requires government permission (generally not allowed for tourists).
Weather & Best Time to Visit
October-March (Peak Season)
Best for most of India. Pleasant temperatures (15-30°C in plains). Perfect for Rajasthan, Golden Triangle, South India. Hill stations are cold but scenic. This is peak tourist season — book hotels in advance.
April-June (Summer)
Hot in plains (35-45°C). Perfect for hill stations (Shimla, Manali, Kashmir). Fewer tourists means better prices. Good for mountain road trips.
July-September (Monsoon)
Heavy rains in most regions. Lush green landscapes. Avoid mountain road trips (landslide risk). South India and Rajasthan are manageable. Kerala houseboat season is beautiful.
Frequently AskedQuestions
Is India safe for foreign tourists in 2026?
Yes, India welcomes millions of international tourists every year. Tourist areas are well-policed. The Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, Kerala, and major cities are very safe. Hiring a private driver adds extra security. We recommend travel insurance and basic precautions as you would in any country.
Do I need vaccinations for India?
No vaccinations are legally required for most nationalities (unless arriving from yellow fever endemic countries). Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus boosters. Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended for rural areas.
What is the budget for a 10-day India road trip?
Budget: $50-70/day (shared car, budget hotels, street food). Mid-range: $100-150/day (private SUV, 3-star hotels, restaurants). Luxury: $200-400/day (premium car, 4-5 star hotels, fine dining). Private car hire adds $45-80/day which is shared among all passengers.
Can I use my credit card in India?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and restaurants. Amex has limited acceptance. ATMs are available everywhere. Always carry some cash (INR ₹5,000-10,000) for small shops, street food, and rural areas where cards may not work.
What should I pack for an India road trip?
Comfortable cotton clothes, modest clothing for temple visits (cover shoulders/knees), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, basic medicines, power adapter (Type C/D, 230V), portable WiFi/local SIM card, copies of passport and visa.
How do I get a local SIM card?
Available at the airport on arrival. Airtel and Jio offer tourist SIM plans (₹500-700 for 28 days with 1.5-2 GB/day data and unlimited calls). You need passport copy and a passport-sized photo. Many airports have SIM counters right after customs.
Ready to ExploreIndia?
Hire an English-speaking driver from $45/day. Safe, comfortable, unforgettable.