How much is the India e-visa in 2026? +
30-day tourist e-visa costs $10 April-June (low season) and $25 July-March. 1-year multi-entry e-visa is $40, 5-year is $200. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in, 3 business days. Passport must be valid 6 months after return date and have 2 blank facing pages.
When to go to India? +
October to March: optimal window (dry, 15-30 °C by region). Tourist peak December-January, book 3-4 months ahead. April-June: heatwave (40-45 °C in the North). July-September: monsoon, possible floods, except Ladakh where it's the only open season.
Is India safe to travel in 2026? +
Generally yes for men and couples. For solo women, heightened vigilance: covering clothes (no shoulders, no legs), no public transport at night, hotels with good female ratings, Uber/Ola apps over street rickshaws. France Diplomatie warns against Kashmir, Pakistan border, and some Northeast states.
How many days for India? +
Minimum 10 days for the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur). 2 weeks for complete Rajasthan OR Kerala. 3 weeks to combine North + South, our recommended format for first-timers.
Which itinerary for first-time India? +
The Golden Triangle (Delhi + Agra + Jaipur) in 10 days is the classic entry point. For 14 days, add Jodhpur and Udaipur (complete Rajasthan). For calmer profiles or family, prefer Kerala (backwaters, beaches, tea plantations), much less intense than the North.
How to get around India? +
Trains: the country's backbone, massive network, 4 classes (Sleeper, 3A, 2A, 1A). Book via IRCTC or 12go.asia. Domestic flights: IndiGo and Air India, €30-80 between major cities. Private driver with car: €50-80/day, recommended in Rajasthan.
How much does India cost? +
Backpacker: €1,400 for 14 days, flight included. Comfort: €2,800. Luxury (palaces): €9,000-15,000. Value for money is the best in Asia for the comfort segment: 5-star Taj at €200/night, private drivers at €50/day.
Do you need a local agency for India? +
No, but comfortable for first time or grand luxury. Otherwise independent travel is entirely possible: trains online (IRCTC), hotels via Booking or Agoda, private driver via guesthouse. Local agency recommended for trips > 21 days mixing several regions.
