India GO

A pocket guide to India

India GO — your essential guide to India, helping you travel with ease and confidence.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

spirituality

heritage

nature

mountains

beaches

megacities

35 cities and regions

From the Himalayas to Kerala

Coming festivals

Kartik Month27 October – 24 November 2026

Rann Utsav1 November 2026 – 7 March 2027

Diwali6–11 November 2026

Chhath Puja13–16 November 2026

Pushkar Camel Fair17–24 November 2026

Kartik Purnima24 November 2026

Before you go

India visaFor most trips the answer is an e-Visa: an online form on the official portal, a fee by card and an approval (ETA) by email. Apply 4 to 120 days before arrival, submit the e-Arrival Card in the 72 hours before landing, and your visa is stamped at the airport.

India e-Arrival Card: how to fill it inForeign nationals arriving in India, OCI cardholders included, submit a digital arrival card online in the 72 hours before landing. It replaces the paper disembarkation card, takes a few minutes on the official portal or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app, and it is not a visa.

How to pay in IndiaCarry three things: rupee cash, an international card and, if you can set it up, a UPI wallet for visitors. Cards work in hotels, malls and restaurants, QR payments work almost everywhere else, and cash covers what is left: rickshaws, temple donations, tips and small stalls.

Best time to visit IndiaFor most of India, October to March is the best time: the monsoon has gone, the heat has not arrived, and Rajasthan, the plains, Goa and Kerala are at their easiest. The Himalaya runs on the opposite calendar, with Ladakh at its best from late spring to early autumn.

Taxi apps and auto-rickshaws in IndiaIn Indian cities, book rides through an app: Uber and Ola almost everywhere, Rapido for bikes and autos, Namma Yatri in Bengaluru, local apps in Goa and Kolkata. Without an app, use the meter where it is official (Delhi, Mumbai) or fix the price before you get in, and keep small notes: autos are paid in cash.

Domestic flights in IndiaFlying inside India is cheap, frequent and the obvious choice for long distances: Delhi to Kochi is 40+ hours by train and about 3.5 hours by air. Foreign nationals show their original passport at the terminal door; DigiYatra face boarding is not open to foreign passports yet. Plan on one 7 kg cabin bag, checked baggage that depends on the fare, and two hours at the airport.

What to wear in IndiaCover shoulders and knees and avoid tight or see-through clothes, and you'll fit in almost anywhere in India. Big cities and Goa's beaches are relaxed; small towns, holy towns and every temple, mosque and gurdwara expect modest dress, and shoes come off at the door.

Currency exchange in IndiaChange money only at a bank or an RBI-licensed money changer, ask for an encashment certificate, and keep it with your passport: it is what lets you change leftover rupees back at the airport. Airport counters are fine for the first day's cash; for larger sums a licensed changer in town usually gives a better rate.

India by month

JanuaryMakar Sankranti

AprilRam Navami

MayBuddha Purnima

AugustIndependence Day

SeptemberJanmashtami

OctoberNavratri

DecemberChristmas

Inside the app

Find the most interesting

An all‑in‑one interactive map: landmarks, ashrams, hotels, and hidden spots on a single map.

Culture and etiquette explained in simple terms: rituals, temple layout, traditions, and behavioural norms to avoid offending locals.

Be in the right place at the right time

Guide to festivals. Rare celebrations and secret events. Lunar‑solar calendar explained in simple terms. Planning with consideration for weather and local atmosphere.

Visit in the right season
Experience Holi and Diwali
Make it in time for the aarti
Be in the right city when it matters

Smart visa calculator “90/180”

The calculator will determine your departure date according to Indian time and help you avoid overstaying.

A selection of local services: taxi, food delivery, payments, logistics.
Currency converter, app recommendations, personalised suggestions, and offline mode.

Every place leaves a mark

“Traveler’s Passport”: mark places, collect digital stamps, and share your “My India” map.

“Your Memories” tool: mark visited places, save favourite locations, and share your routes.

Hungry?

Gastronomy with filters: choose places based on your preferences.

“Nothing spicy”
“Vegetarian”
“I need Wi‑Fi”
“What’s the best thing to eat here?”

About the author

Hi! I’m Alex, I live in Bangalore. I’ve explored over 40 cities in India and created this app to show the country as vibrant and multifaceted. I share insights on culture, daily life, and traditions in an honest and accessible way.

India GO gives confidence at every step.

Download the app and discover India with love!

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