India is known as a country with a rich tradition and long history, along with an incredibly diverse and colorful culture and religion, sparking curiosity and wanderlust among nomadic travelers.Traveling to India is appealing not only because of its cultural heritage but also due to its breathtaking natural landscapes and majestic sacred sites. Let's explore this country with nvktravel.com.

Must-visit places when traveling to India

This beautiful country, rich in ancient culture, has many remnants of ancient human civilization. Nature has also generously bestowed India with unique scenic spots that one must visit in a lifetime.

Taj Mahal

The famous architectural masterpiece known as one of the seven wonders of the world (80 km from the capital New Delhi). It is always the focal point of every trip to India.

Banaras

One of the oldest cities in the world with a history of thousands of years, located along the banks of the Ganges River. This is a sacred land for Hindus, with countless temples and cremation rituals as well as bathing in the Ganges.

Leh Ladakh

Often referred to as the little Tibet of India, it stretches out before you with vast deserts surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, igniting the curiosity of those passionate about exploring the world.

Kashmir Valley

One of the three largest saffron fields in the world due to its suitable terrain and climate, surrounded by endless mountains.

Jaipur

Also known as the "Pink City," it stands out with many grand and ancient palaces and forts. This is a place that leaves many tourists in awe and delight during every tour of India.

The pink city that delights Indian tourists

The pink city that delights tourists in India

>>> See more: Travel to Dubai

Top 10 must-try dishes when visiting India

Exploring the culture of a country cannot exclude its cuisine, the cooking methods, spices, and flavors that are deeply rooted in local traditions.

1/ Butter chicken (Curry Chicken)

When it comes to Indian cuisine, Butter Chicken is definitely a dish not to be missed, usually served with Basmati rice (premium Indian rice) or Naan (Indian bread).

2/ Dal Chawal

A simple daily dish similar to rice in Vietnam, Dal is made from cooked lentils then mashed with turmeric, cumin, and tomatoes, rich in protein served with Chawal (Indian rice).

3/ Chicken Biryani

A flavorful rice dish with meat marinated in Masala spices with layers of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Especially, Biryani in each region will have slight differences in taste.

4/ Chapati (Roti)

A traditional bread made from whole wheat flour and baked until lightly crispy, Chapati can be eaten with any dish. You will definitely enjoy this dish on every tour of India.

5/ Masala Tea (Chai)

Considered the soul of India, made from milk cooked with black tea, ginger, and cinnamon, creating a flavor similar to the hot milk tea favored by Vietnamese people. Chai is not just a simple beverage; it is deeply intertwined with the culture and tradition of tea drinking in India, widely popular at all times and places.

Chai is a unique traditional tea drink of the Indians

Chai is the unique traditional tea of the Indian people

>>> See more: Travel to Brunei - Dubai

6/ Lassi

One of the most famous and beloved desserts in summer in India, made from yogurt and sugar, crushed ice, or can be enhanced with fruits for flavor, this drink not only rescues people from the summer heat but also cools them down "emergency" from spicy hot dishes.

7/ Pani Puri

A dish favored by many both domestically and internationally. The crispy fried dough called Puri, filled with spicy sour water known as Pani, along with ingredients like mashed potatoes, green peas, and onions.

8/ Samosa

A triangular fried pastry filled with potatoes, onions, green peas, and some spices.

9/ Jalebi

A snack made from flour, corn flour, and yogurt mixed together and then simply fried.

10/ Gulab Jamun

A type of fried milk cake soaked in fragrant syrup, often served during festivals and celebrations.

When should you travel to India during the year?

In a country close to the equator with harsh weather and a rich ancient culture, choosing the right time to visit is crucial to avoid missing special occasions. The times with many exciting cultural activities, pleasant and mild weather, suitable for traveling to India are:

The Holi festival is a beloved Spring gathering in India for travelers

The Holi festival is a spring rendezvous in India that tourists love

  • Spring (February-March): This is the ideal time of year when the climate is mild, not too cold, and very pleasant for exploring and enjoying outdoor spaces. Especially in March, the colorful festival (Holi) is held annually, promising to bring wonderful experiences.
  • Winter (October-November): During this time, a major festival is also held, the Festival of Lights (Diwali), which is also the time of seasonal change, escaping the sweltering heat of summer, suitable for visiting coastal cities or major cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa.
  • Especially avoid traveling to India in the summer from April to July due to the extreme heat, or you can choose high-altitude destinations like the Himalayas, Kashmir, Uttarakhand to escape the heat. Additionally, the rainy season in India occurs around August-September, causing difficulties in transportation and participating in outdoor activities.

Important notes to keep in mind when traveling to India

  • Language: You don't need to worry too much about the language barrier because, besides Hindi and the local dialect, most urban Indians can communicate fluently in English.
  • Transportation: Traffic in India is quite chaotic, from cars to bicycles and motorcycles. However, to experience the unique essence of India, Tuk Tuk is the perfect choice, or the Metro, which is the most commonly used and safest mode of transport here. Especially in India, vehicles drive on the left side, unlike Vietnam where they drive on the right.
Traveling by tuk-tuk is very convenient and cheap if you self-tour in India

Traveling by tuk tuk is very convenient and cheap if you are traveling independently in India

  • The power sockets in India are round, so you should buy a round adapter.
  • Culturally, in India, it is common to eat with your hands, and you must use your right hand to eat because Indians believe the left hand is unclean and is usually used for sanitation.
  • In India, the culture of removing shoes before entering a house is also practiced just like in Vietnam, especially when entering sacred places like temples, where removing shoes and wearing modest clothing is mandatory.
  • Emergency contact numbers:

100: police hotline, call for assistance.

108 and 102: emergency hotline.

104: fire department hotline.

  • Be cautious with your belongings and money, avoid carrying too much cash, and it’s advisable to bring a visa card and lock it, using it only when necessary.
  • You need to buy a SIM card from Indian carriers and register for a mobile data plan to access the internet and make calls.

Should you travel independently in India or join a tour?

Choosing between independent travel and booking a tour in India is often a consideration for many people. Let's explore this section to make your choice.

How to travel independently in India?

Traveling independently in India is quite interesting because you have the freedom to explore the people and culture of this cradle of Buddhism. Here are some important tips for independent travel in India:

Prepare documents and legal procedures

First, you need to prepare your visa at least 2 weeks before your flight; the visa requirements are not too difficult, you need to have:

The procedures for traveling to India are not too strict for Vietnamese people

The procedures for traveling to India are not too strict for Vietnamese

  • Prepare documents including a visa application form obtained from the embassy, 2 recent passport photos taken within the last 3 months, passport, a certified copy of your ID card, and a resume.
  • Proof of employment: business owners, employees, students, retirees, etc., need to provide evidence such as pay slips or business certificates, tax payment receipts, student ID cards, transcripts, pension books, etc.
  • Specific itinerary: The more detailed your travel itinerary is regarding time, location, accommodation, booked tickets, and purpose, the higher your chances of getting a visa.
  • The fee varies depending on the duration of your stay in India.
  • Financial proof: This requirement is not mandatory if you want to travel to India. However, if you have financial proof such as savings books, real estate, vehicles, etc., valued at over 4000 USD, it will be easier to get a visa.
Traveling within and outside the country independently in India.
  • Currently, Vietnam has opened many direct flights and connecting flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City to cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, etc., in India.
  • To travel between cities domestically, besides flying, you can use trains and long-distance buses at affordable prices.
  • When moving around in major cities in India, it is not advisable to rent a motorcycle due to heavy traffic and congestion, especially from 7 PM to 9 PM when rush hour is almost packed; instead, you should take the Metro or choose skilled Tuk Tuk drivers for fast transportation.
  • The fare for Tuk Tuk is quite reasonable at around 20 rupees (about 7,000 VND) for 1 km, but be cautious of being overcharged; the Metro is suitable for longer distances with cheaper, safer, and more convenient fares.
  • Transportation is driven on the left side instead of the right as in Vietnam, so be mindful if you are moving around freely.
How should you rest?

Depending on your personal needs, you can choose to stay in hotels, homestays, or dormitories that suit a budget travel style and minimize accommodation costs. Dorms are the cheapest option when traveling in India, but they lack privacy. However, you can rest assured that the new dorm rooms in the capital are quite well-organized and tidy.

Affordable and beautiful dorm rooms in India

Affordable and beautiful dorms in India

Places to eat, shop, and have fun

When traveling to India, you should buy some souvenirs or gifts such as: Sari dresses, Bangles (bracelets), Bindi, Jhumka (earrings), Saffron flowers, famous spices, Masala tea (Chai), etc.

Street food items can be easily found in many markets such as Sarojini Nagar Market - Delhi, Saturday Night Market Arpora, Colaba Causeway Market, Babu Bazar, Jaipur, Hogg Market - Kolkata, etc.

TOP 5 most popular tours in India today

Traveling in India on a tour will provide tourists with a safer experience, as this culturally rich country can sometimes be chaotic with crime and customs. Moreover, traveling on a tour helps you avoid headaches when choosing transportation, accommodation, and meals, as Nvktravel.com has already arranged safe places, hygienic food, and good security.

Traveling in India through safe and professional tours

Safe and professional tours in India

Traveling in India on a tour is suitable for families, groups of friends, or individuals who are not confident in their communication skills or experience living abroad. The tours are designed to provide a complete experience, visiting wonders and nature, as well as being guided by tour guides, helping tourists understand deeply all the interesting things here. Let's refer to some of the best-rated tours below:

Traveling in India: New Delhi - Jaipur - Agra 7N6D

Departing from Hanoi in the early afternoon, the group will arrive at Indira Gandhi Airport after about 4 hours of flying, then check into the hotel, eat, and rest. On the second day, tourists will visit Jaipur, explore Birla Temple, and discover Ramniwas Garden,...

On the third day of traveling in India, still in Jaipur, the group explores Amer Fort, admires the Maharaja City Palace, and visits the observatory,... On the fourth day, the group begins to move to Agra, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site – Agra Fort.

On the fifth day, you will immerse yourself in the eternal love story of King Shah Jahan and Queen Mumtaz Mahal at the Taj Mahal. Visit and shop at some handicraft production facilities and traditional craft villages, then return to New Delhi.

On the sixth day, the group visits Akshardham Temple, checks in at India Gate and the Parliament House, then boards the flight back to Hanoi, resting at the hotel in the evening. Early on the seventh day, you will be accompanied back to the original meeting point.

Ho Chi Minh City - India 6N5D: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur

Departing in the evening from Ho Chi Minh City, the group will arrive at Delhi Airport in just over 3 hours, faster than flying from Hanoi. The group returns to the accommodation to prepare for the city tour of Agra the next day.

The famous Bahai Temple shaped like a lotus

The famous Bahai Temple shaped like a lotus

On the third day, we arrive in the "pink city" Jaipur with its ancient and magnificent palaces, and the Jantar Mantar observatory. On the fourth day, there’s an opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site - Amber Fort and the mirror palace. On the fifth day, Delhi continues to be explored with Jamia Mosque, Bahai Temple, Presidential Palace,... at the end of the day we board the flight back home.

>>> Amazing Asia Journey starts with just a click at nvktravel.com.