Why visit
India is as much a rite of passage as a destination. Taj Mahal and Jaipur palaces, Varanasi ghats, Kerala backwaters, Goa beaches, Himalayan Ladakh. One trip can only sample one region.
Country · Asia
India
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At a glance
Location
20.0°, 77.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
3,287,590 km²
1,269,345 mi²
Country population
1.44 billion
437/km²
Subregion
Southern Asia
Currency
Indian rupee (₹)
INR
Dial
+91
Languages
English, Hindi, Tamil
Demonym
Indian
Internet
.in
UN
Member state
ISO code
IN / IND
Where in the world
20.0° · 77.0°
India
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Did you know
- India has 22 official languages, and over 1,600 languages are spoken.
- The world's largest postal network is in India: over 155,000 post offices.
- Chess originated in India (called Chaturanga), around the 6th century CE.
- India was the first country outside the US and Russia to reach the Moon's surface (Chandrayaan-3, 2023).
Bordering India
Traveler notes
- Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) is the classic one-week
- e-Visa available for 150+ nationalities
- Rajasthan for palaces; Kerala for slow travel; Ladakh for mountains
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital New Delhi, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Signature travel cities in India
Jaipur
Jaipur is the Pink City. Hawa Mahal's facade, Amber Fort on the hill, City Palace, and Rajasthani textile bazaars that anchor Golden Triangle trips.
Mumbai
Mumbai is India's financial and film capital. Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Dhobi Ghat's outdoor laundry, Colaba's colonial streets, and Bollywood studios.
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Ganges-side ghats, dawn boat rides, evening aarti ceremonies, and Buddhist Sarnath nearby.
Explore more
Frequently asked about India
What is the capital of India?
New Delhi is the capital of India.
What currency does India use?
India uses the Indian rupee (₹), ISO code INR.
What languages are spoken in India?
The primary languages are English, Hindi and Tamil.
Is India landlocked?
No, India has a coastline.
What countries border India?
India borders Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), China, Nepal, Pakistan.
What is the international calling code for India?
The calling code is +91.
When is the best time to visit India?
Oct–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Asia destinations
Vietnam
Vietnam is a long, narrow country best traveled north-to-south or reverse. Hanoi's old quarter, Halong Bay, Hoi An's lanterns, and Ho Chi Minh City's food scene, linked by overnight trains and short flights.
Yemen
Yemen is a destination in Asia known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Istanbul
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Cappadocia
Cappadocia is volcanic fairy-chimney valleys carved by 3,000 years of troglodyte dwellers. Hot-air balloons at dawn, underground cities, cave hotels.
Kyoto
Kyoto is 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, Arashiyama bamboo, Gion's geisha district, and a food culture that defined Japanese cuisine.
Osaka
Osaka is Japan's food capital. Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. And Dotonbori's neon at night. Plus Osaka Castle and an easy day-trip to Nara.