planning a trip to
India
Here is what you need to know: India Travel Guide
India is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, and is revered as the birthplace of Yoga. Known for its deep spiritual roots, India also respects cows, believed to have saved lives in the past, and is home to the world’s most sacred and populous river, the Ganga.
It’s the perfect destination to humble yourself, whether by learning Yoga, exploring its diverse landscapes, or immersing yourself in its rich cultures.
We spent a memorable month in Rishikesh, a holy city in northern India near the Himalayas. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is where we completed our Yoga Teacher Training. We chose this city for its unique spiritual atmosphere, which is reflected in its vegetarian, alcohol-free lifestyle and the abundance of Yoga schools.
About
India, Asia is the 7th largest country in the world, spanning an area of 3,287,263 km², and the 2nd most populated, with approximately 1.37 billion inhabitants.
Its capital is New Delhi, while its largest city is Mumbai.
India’s main religion is Hinduism, followed by 79.8% of the population, with Islam at 14.2% and Christianity at 2.3%.
While India is a rapidly growing nation, it is also a country where poverty is experienced on a significant scale, and challenges like waste management are visible in many urban areas.
The saffron color of India’s flag represents courage and sacrifice, while the white symbolizes peace, unity, and truth. The green stands for faith and fertility, and the blue symbolizes the sky and ocean.
At the center of the flag is the Dharma Chakra, or Wheel of Law, taken from the Sarnath Lion Capital. This Chakra signifies the nation’s continuous progress and the importance of justice in life.
Cows are venerated in India, but not solely for religious reasons. During the Great Indian Famine, when food was scarce, people refrained from killing cows, choosing instead to keep them alive and sustain themselves with cow milk. This act of survival turned cows into a symbol of nurturance and life.
Today, cows roam freely through cities, often blocking streets or causing merchants to gently shoo them away. Despite their occasional disruption, they are treated with respect, and killing them remains taboo.
Hinduism is considered the world’s oldest religion, with roots and customs dating back over 4,000 years, according to scholars. With approximately 900 million followers, it is the third-largest religion globally, after Christianity and Islam.
Around 95% of Hindus live in India, making it the heart of the faith. Unlike other religions, Hinduism has no specific founder, which makes tracing its origins and history more complex. It is unique in that it is not a single religion but rather a compilation of traditions, philosophies, and cultural practices that have evolved over millennia.
India is the birthplace of Yoga, the practice that has transformed lives worldwide. Whether you follow a modern, strength-focused styleor embrace the traditional, meditative approach, all forms of Yoga trace their roots back to India.
Yoga is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life and a philosophy that shapes how we think, act, and connect with the world around us.
What to expect?
Language: The official languages of India are Hindi and English, but the country recognizes 23 other regional languages spoken within its borders. For travelers, English is widely understood and makes getting around fairly easy.
Food: India is a paradise for plant-based diets, with countless vegetarian options available. While meat dishes like butter chicken can be found in restaurants, local vegetarian specialties such as chapati, paratha, samosas, and a variety of curries are staples of Indian cuisine.
Transportation: Avoid traveling long distances by road whenever possible. Flying is the most efficient option for covering large distances, while trains offer a unique and memorable experience. However, don’t expect high-speed trains—Indian railways are more about the journey than the speed.
Money: The currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Exchange rates fluctuate, but during our visit, 1€ was worth 85 INR. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find in most urban areas.
Plugs: India uses type C plugs (Euro), with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz.
Safety: India is generally safe for travelers, but women should exercise caution when traveling alone. Be vigilant with your belongings and take extra care when venturing out at night.
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