Pandaw Upper Ganges Cruise

India has become one of the most compelling long-haul destinations for New Zealand travellers, offering a vivid blend of ancient civilisation and confident modernity. From Mughal capitals and Rajput forts to cutting-edge tech hubs and contemporary arts, it is a country of constant contrast and surprise.

With convenient one-stop flights via Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East, and strong value for money on the ground, visiting India is easier than many expect. Beyond the classic Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the country’s appeal stretches across the subcontinent, from the snow-dusted Himalaya to tropical Kerala and the coral-rimmed Andaman Islands.

Travellers can wander the blue lanes of Jodhpur and the lakefront palaces of Udaipur, cruise the backwaters by houseboat near Alleppey, and stroll the ghats of Varanasi as the evening aarti unfolds. In Kolkata, gracious colonial streets and literary cafés sit beside bustling markets, while Hyderabad’s old city hums with spice bazaars and dazzling Indo-Islamic architecture.

India’s cities offer something for every traveller. Delhi layers grand monuments, leafy boulevards and lively neighbourhood markets. Mumbai pairs Art Deco seafronts and film heritage with a renowned dining scene. Chennai champions classical music and temple culture, Bengaluru and Hyderabad showcase India’s modern energy, and Ahmedabad blends stepwells, craft districts and UNESCO-listed old quarters.

Nature lovers are spoilt for choice. Spot tigers and birdlife in reserves such as Ranthambore, Kanha and Bandhavgarh. Walk among tea gardens in Darjeeling or the Nilgiris, and trace the spine of the Himalaya through Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Ladakh. Along the coasts, Goa’s beaches and Karnataka’s coves give way to Kerala’s palm-fringed shores and quiet backwaters.

India’s living culture is a major drawcard. Stand beneath the golden dome of Amritsar’s Harmandir Sahib, explore the spectacular temple towns of Tamil Nadu, and time a visit for festivals such as Diwali, Holi or Durga Puja. Heritage havelis, village craft workshops, classical dance, qawwali and Sufi shrines, yoga ashrams and Ayurveda retreats all offer rich windows into tradition.

Cuisine is a highlight in its own right. From North Indian breads, kebabs and slow-cooked gravies to the dosa, idli and coconut-bright curries of the south, each region brings distinctive flavours. Try chaat in Delhi’s markets, biryani in Hyderabad, seafood curries along the Konkan and Malabar coasts, Gujarati thalis, Kashmiri wazwan and the sweets of Bengal. The breadth of vegetarian food and the freshness of tandoor-baked breads are a delight for many Kiwis.

New Zealand travellers are drawn to India for its warmth and hospitality, its vivid colour and heritage, and the sheer variety of landscapes, wildlife and experiences, from desert festivals and royal palaces to Himalayan snows and tropical lagoons. Whether you are chasing history, nature, wellness or food, every day brings a new facet.

An extensive network of domestic flights and steadily improving rail services makes it straightforward to combine regions in a single journey. India rewards unhurried travel and curiosity, offering an unforgettable experience that blends the familiar with the exotic and leaves memories to last a lifetime.

New Zealand citizens need a visa. For most visitors the Indian e-Visa is the simplest route (tourist, business, conference, medical sub-types).

Apply only on the official portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Tourist e-Visas are typically issued for 30 days, 1 year or 5 years. For NZ passport-holders the permitted stay on each visit is usually up to 90 days on tourist e-visas. Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity on arrival and two blank pages.

e-Visa holders must arrive via designated international airports or seaports. Keep a printed copy of your e-Visa approval with you. Rules and fees can change; check the official site before you apply and again before you travel.

If you plan activities that the e-Visa does not cover (e.g., journalism, certain research, long stays), or you need land border entry, apply for the appropriate regular (sticker) visa via the Indian mission that serves New Zealand.

The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Notes commonly in circulation: ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, ₹500, ₹2,000 (the higher value note is less common in day-to-day use). Coins: ₹1–₹10. Expect to use a mix of cash for small spends and cards for hotels, better restaurants and shops.

Cash & ATMs
• ATMs are widespread in cities and tourist hubs. Use machines attached to major banks.
• Set a sensible daily withdrawal limit; some machines cap per-transaction amounts.
• Decline dynamic currency conversion at tills/ATMs; pay in INR to avoid poor rates.
• Keep small notes (₹20/50/100) for tips, rickshaws, temple donations and markets.

Cards & digital payments
• International cards (Visa/Mastercard/Amex) are widely accepted in mid-to-upper tier places; some smaller merchants remain cash-only.
• QR code payments (UPI) are ubiquitous for locals. Visitors should not rely on local wallets; bring a contactless card and cash as your base.

Exchanging money & declarations
• Exchange at banks, airports or reputable counters; keep receipts for re-exchange.
• You must declare foreign currency if carrying large cash amounts; keep within airline and customs allowances and split funds between travellers where sensible.

Distances are large; expect to combine domestic flights, express trains and private car with driver for regional touring.

Flights
• Domestic networks link all major centres (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Goa, Jaipur, Varanasi).
• Airports are modern; allow extra time for security and terminal transfers in metros.

Trains (Indian Railways)
• An experience in itself and efficient on many routes. Recommended classes: EC/CC (air-conditioned chair car) for daytime intercity; 2A/3A for overnight sleepers (bedding provided).
• Book popular routes in advance. Foreign visitors can access Foreign Tourist Quota on selected trains (limited seats released specifically for tourists).
• Stations are busy. Use the main entrance, check the coach position board on the platform, and don’t be shy about asking station staff for help.
• Keep valuables close, use small cable locks on overnight routes, and accept water/food only from reputable onboard services.

Private car with driver
• The most flexible way to tour Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal/Uttarakhand foothills and South India. Drivers handle tolls, parking and local navigation.
• Agree the daily driving plan and approximate hours; long rural drives are best started early.

Urban transport
• Metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata) are clean, frequent and clearly signed in English.
• App cabs (Uber/Ola) are reliable; use the in-app fare and confirm the number plate.
• Autorickshaws are useful for short hops; insist on the meter or agree the fare before you start.
• In the old quarters of cities, walking plus short tuk-tuk rides work well.

Driving yourself
• Not recommended in big cities or for long intercity routes. Traffic is dense and unpredictable, signage can be inconsistent, and night driving is best avoided.
• If you do self-drive, you will need an International Driving Permit alongside your NZ licence, robust insurance, and a conservative approach on the road.

Expressways, tolls and parking
• New expressways are excellent but often tolled. Hired cars use FASTag (RFID) for tolls; your driver will manage this.
• Parking in city centres is limited; use hotel parking or supervised lots. In heritage areas, expect to park and walk a short distance.

Pre-travel
• See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Typical advice includes being up to date with routine vaccines; Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly recommended. Hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis may be advised for longer rural trips or specific activities.
• Discuss malaria risk according to your route/season; prophylaxis may be recommended for parts of central, eastern and north-eastern India.
• Carry a basic kit: oral rehydration salts, loperamide, antiseptic, plasters, pain relief, antihistamines, insect repellent (DEET or picaridin), sunscreen.

Food & water hygiene
• Drink sealed bottled water; avoid ice unless you trust the source.
• Choose busy, clean eateries; ask for food cooked fresh to order.
• If sensitive to spice, ask for “less spicy”; many kitchens will adapt.

Heat, altitude & air quality
• In April–June many regions are very hot; plan sightseeing early/late, wear light clothing, hydrate and take siestas.
• Ladakh/Zanskar and high Sikkim/Arunachal involve altitude; ascend gradually and monitor for symptoms.
• Winter inversions can worsen air quality in parts of North India; those with respiratory issues may wish to carry masks/meds.

Bites & stings
• Dengue is present in many cities—mosquito avoidance by day and dusk is key.
• Street dogs and monkeys exist in some areas; avoid touching animals. If bitten/scratched, wash immediately and seek medical advice (rabies prophylaxis may be needed).

Medical care & insurance
• Private hospitals and clinics in major cities are of a high standard. Carry your insurance policy and payment card; many facilities expect payment/guarantee.
• Prescription medicines: carry in original packaging with your doctor’s letter. Some NZ over-the-counter meds may be prescription-only in India.

Prohibited items
• E-cigarettes/vapes are banned. Do not bring them.

India is welcoming and, with normal precautions, safe for travellers.
• Use hotel safes; carry photocopies of your passport/visa.
• Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas and common small scams (unsolicited “guides”, taxi over-quoting).
• During monsoon, heed local advice on coastal swimming, river levels and landslide-prone roads.
• For women, dress conservatively away from tourist zones, avoid empty carriages on late trains, and use radio/app cabs at night.

India’s food is regionally distinct and deeply seasonal.

North & Northwest
• Punjab/Delhi: tandoori grills, butter chicken, rich dals, stuffed parathas.
• Kashmir: aromatic wazwan feasts, lamb rogan josh, kahwa tea.
• Rajasthan: desert cuisine such as dal bati churma, ker sangri, laal maas.

West & Central
• Gujarat: elaborate vegetarian thalis balancing sweet, sour and spice.
• Maharashtra: Mumbai’s street classics (vada pav, pav bhaji), coastal Malvani seafood.
• Madhya Pradesh: simple, hearty central Indian dishes; great sweets in towns like Indore.

East & Northeast
• Bengal: freshwater fish (hilsa, bhetki), mustard, poppy seed, iconic sweets (rosogolla, mishti doi).
• Odisha: temple-influenced vegetarian dishes, prawn/fish curries on the coast.
• Northeast: lighter, herb-driven fare, bamboo shoot, smoked meats; unique local chillies.

South
• Kerala: coconut-based curries, appam with stew, backwater seafood, banana leaf meals.
• Tamil Nadu: dosa, idli, sambar, Chettinad spices.
• Karnataka: Udupi vegetarian classics, Coorg pork, Mangalorean seafood.
• Andhra/Telangana: spicier profiles, gongura, biryanis (Hyderabadi).

Street food & hygiene
• Choose busy stalls, watch it cooked hot in front of you, and start vegetarian if cautious.
• If you enjoy sweets, local mithai shops are a highlight—buy fresh and eat the same day.

Alcohol
• Availability varies by state; expect dry days and restrictions in some regions. Large hotels and licensed restaurants in metro areas usually serve alcohol.

India has multiple climate zones. As a rule, Oct–Mar suits much of the country; Apr–Jun is hot; Jun–Sep brings the south-west monsoon; Oct–Dec sees the north-east monsoon on the south-east coast. Plan regionally:

Punjab & North Indian Plains (Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow)
Best Oct–Mar (cool, dry). Apr–Jun very hot. Jul–Sep monsoon showers, humidity; winter fog possible in parts of the plains.

Rajasthan & Gujarat (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Kutch)
Best Oct–Mar; desert nights can be cold in Dec–Jan. May–Jun extremely hot. Monsoon is lighter than coastal belts but storms still occur Jul–Sep.

Western Himalaya (Himachal & Uttarakhand foothills – Shimla, Manali, Rishikesh, Nainital)
Best Mar–Jun (spring) and Sep–Nov (clear autumn). Jul–Aug monsoon brings landslide risk. Dec–Feb cold with snow at altitude.

Trans-Himalaya (Ladakh, Zanskar)
High-altitude, arid. Best Jun–Sep when passes are open; very cold Oct–May with many services closed.

Kashmir Valley (Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam)
Four seasons: Apr–Jun mild bloom; Jul–Sep warm with some rain; Dec–Feb snow in Gulmarg (skiing).

Northeast (Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal)
Best Oct–Nov and Mar–May. Jun–Sep heavy monsoon (Meghalaya is among the wettest places on earth). Nights cool at altitude in winter.

Uttar Pradesh & Bihar (Varanasi, Bodh Gaya)
Best Nov–Mar. Apr–Jun very hot; Jul–Sep rainy, humid.

Central India (Madhya Pradesh – Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench)
Best Nov–Apr for safaris. Core zones often close Jul–Sep; buffer zones may open seasonally.

Maharashtra & Deccan (Mumbai inland, Aurangabad, Hampi)
Coast best Nov–Mar (heavy rain Jun–Sep). Inland Deccan is hot Mar–May, pleasant Oct–Feb.

West Coast & Konkan (Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka coast)
Best Nov–Mar for beaches. Late May–Sep strong monsoon; rough seas and many shacks close.

Kerala (Cochin, backwaters, Munnar, Kovalam)
Tropical and green year-round. Late May–Sep southwest monsoon; shorter rainy spell Oct–Nov. Best Dec–Mar; Munnar is cooler at altitude.

Tamil Nadu & Puducherry (Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Madurai, Chettinad)
Primary rains Oct–Dec (north-east monsoon). Best Jan–Mar and Aug–Sep. Apr–Jun hot but largely dry inland.

Odisha & East Coast (Puri, Bhubaneswar)
Best Nov–Mar. Apr–Jun hot; Jun–Sep monsoon with occasional cyclonic systems.

Kolkata & North Bengal (incl. Darjeeling)
Kolkata best Nov–Feb; Mar–May hot/humid; Jun–Sep monsoon. Darjeeling best Oct–Apr; Jun–Sep wet/misty.

Islands (Andaman & Nicobar)
Best Nov–Apr for calmer seas and diving; May–Sep brings wind, swell and frequent showers.

Dress modestly in rural areas and at religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Carry a light scarf; it is handy for temples and sun.

• North (winter): a warm layer for early mornings/evenings; gloves/hat in the hills.
• South & coasts: breathable fabrics year-round; light rain layer in monsoon.
• Safaris: neutral clothing, sunhat, light fleece for dawn drives, soft bags if possible.

4G/5G coverage is excellent in cities and good in most towns. A local SIM/eSIM from a major carrier can be bought at airports or authorised stores with passport/visa and a photo; activation can take a few hours.

Hotel Wi-Fi is widespread but speeds vary; keep offline maps for rural areas.

Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type M 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Cultural Tips

• Greetings: a friendly “Namaste” with a slight nod is universally understood. Handshakes are common in business; avoid overly firm grips.
• Temples & mosques: dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes (and sometimes socks). Photography may be restricted—ask first.
• Right hand etiquette: pass objects and money with the right hand (or both hands), not the left.
• Personal space: crowds and queuing styles differ; keep calm and polite; humour goes a long way.
• Alcohol: laws vary by state; some states have prohibition and many enforce “dry days” on public holidays. Carry ID when purchasing alcohol.
• Photography: always ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas and at religious sites.
• Environmental respect: many reserves have strict rules—no feeding wildlife, no drones without permits, limited plastics—follow guide instructions.

Tipping & Service

Tipping is customary and appreciated; carry small notes. Tip discreetly and according to service quality.

Restaurants & cafés
• If a service charge is printed on the bill, consider that your tip (no extra required).
• If there is no service charge:
– Simple eateries: round up modestly.
– Mid-range restaurants: 5–10%.
– Fine dining: 10% for good service.

Hotels
• Porter: ₹50–100 per bag (more at premium hotels).
• Housekeeping: ₹100–200 per room per night (₹200–400 in higher-end properties).
• Room service: ₹50–100 for small orders if no service charge.
• At check-out after an extended stay, a small envelope for the housekeeping team is thoughtful.

Drivers & guides
• Private driver (city day use): ₹500–1,000 per day, depending on hours/vehicle.
• Multi-day touring driver: ₹700–1,500 per day (more for very long days).
• Licensed local guide: Half-day ₹800–1,500; full-day ₹1,500–3,000 in main cities; specialists command more.
• Shared group tours: ₹200–400 each for the guide; ₹100–200 for the driver.

Safaris & parks
• Naturalist/jeep guide: ₹300–700 per guest per drive in common reserves; premium lodges will advise their norm.

Taxis, tuk-tuks and short rides
• Round up the fare or add ₹20–50 for helpful service.