What to do in India: temples, trains, thalis and great landscapes 🌏🇮🇳

India fascinates, intrigues, shakes and amazes. Between futuristic megacities and timeless villages, Himalayan peaks and tropical beaches, maharaja palaces and soothing ashrams, each day can be a journey in itself. If you're preparing a trip to India, this guide will help you choose your regions, set a realistic itinerary and stay connected everywhere without hassle.

People come to India as much for its iconic wonders — the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Jaipur's pink palaces, Kerala's backwaters — as for its bustling daily life, its spice markets, its incredibly rich vegetarian cuisine and the creative energy of its cities. India is lived at the rhythm of trains, rickshaws, colorful festivals like Holi or Diwali, spontaneous smiles and unexpected encounters.

It's also a vast destination. In two weeks, it's better to choose one area (cultural north or tropical south) to avoid spending all your time in transit. The good news is that with a GoMoWorld eSIM, you stay connected easily, from Rajasthan to Tamil Nadu tea plantations, without reinstalling anything for each region.

Climate tip: the best period for the north (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Varanasi) is from October to March. The south (Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu) remains pleasant from November to March, with a more pronounced monsoon between June and September. Ladakh roads are generally open from June to September only.

Delhi, the gateway that has everything of a world capital

Delhi is often your first encounter with India. It deserves at least two days. In Old Delhi, walk around Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk, taste crispy chaat, let yourself be carried by the tumult of the alleys. In New Delhi, breathe under the trees of Lodi Gardens, visit Humayun's Tomb (precursor to the Taj Mahal), then Qutub Minar, an Indo-Islamic masterpiece. In the evening, try a rooftop in Connaught Place, always lively.

If you're curious about contemporary architecture, the Lotus Temple is a haven of calm in the middle of the city. You'll quickly see how history, spirituality and modernity coexist here.

Agra and the Taj Mahal, the classic that will always amaze you

Agra is two hours by train from Delhi. The Taj Mahal at sunrise remains a suspended moment. Agra Fort, impressive, deserves half a day. Prepare for a sustained pace, but the emotion before the marble turning pink at dawn is real, even for seasoned travelers.

For the Taj Mahal: leave early, book your ticket online when possible, and favor covering but light clothing. Dawn offers the best light and lower attendance. Avoid Friday (prayer day, the mausoleum is closed).

Rajasthan, palaces, deserts and intense colors

Rajasthan is the India of tales. Jaipur, the "pink city", reveals Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and shimmering bazaars. Udaipur seduces with its lakes, havelis, sunsets over the City Palace. Jodhpur, the "blue city", is dominated by Mehrangarh fortress, one of the most beautiful in the country. Push to Jaisalmer for the Thar dunes if time permits.

Trips by private car or train are easy to organize from one city to another. Plan four to seven days depending on the itinerary. For a gentle pace, three cities suffice: Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur.

Varanasi, the spiritual soul of India

On the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi offers a unique relationship with time. The ghats come alive at dawn, priests officiate, boats glide on the waters. Evening ceremonies (aarti) are striking. It's a place of life, death, faith — approach it with simplicity and respect. A boat ride at dawn is essential.

Mumbai, cultural and business capital

More cinematic than Delhi, Mumbai mixes art deco, street food, Bollywood cinema, arty cafes and historic markets. Colaba and Fort for architecture, Bandra for the creative scene, Sassoon Docks for contemporary art, and a tour on Marine Drive at sunset. The cuisine is excellent, from Parsi canteens to modern Indian gastronomic tables.

Goa, slow life by the Arabian Sea

Goa is not just a hippie legacy: it's a patchwork of beaches, Portuguese villages, baroque churches and healthy cafes. In the north, the atmosphere is more festive; in the south, quieter. Between morning yoga, soft surfing, fish thalis and scooter rides among coconut trees, you quickly get hooked. Nov–Feb is the best window.

Kerala, backwaters, spices and Ayurveda

In the southwest, Kerala breathes sweetness. In Fort Kochi, you stroll between street art and colonial houses. Alleppey or Kumarakom backwaters by houseboat offer a timeless break. Munnar, with its tea hills, is a visual treat. Ayurvedic treatments, serious and supervised, are a real plus if you have a few days.

Rishikesh, Dharamshala and the Himalayas for fresh air

If you're looking for yoga, meditation and mountains, Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) is an ideal base. Accessible trekking, yoga classes, cafes by the Ganges. Further north, Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj (Himachal Pradesh) invites Tibetan culture and hiking. For experienced travelers, Ladakh is grandiose, but requires acclimatization and favorable period (summer).

Natural parks and tiger safaris

Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand) or Kanha and Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh) are among the best places to try to spot the Bengal tiger. Success is never guaranteed, but the safari experience, with its plains and forests, is well worth it.

Indian cuisine is a continent. In the north, you'll find breads (naan, roti), creamy curries, kebabs and lassis. In the south, crispy dosas, idlis, sambar and chutneys will make you quickly forget everything else. Vegetarians, you'll be in paradise; omnivores, you'll be spoiled for choice, fish and chicken leading. The spice level varies — don't hesitate to specify "mild" if needed.

Code-wise, you remove your shoes in temples, cover shoulders and knees in places of worship, and avoid overly demonstrative gestures. Informal address is not appropriate, a "Namaste" with a smile goes everywhere.

Clothing and visit tip: bring light, breathable and covering clothes. A scarf is very useful for temples and to protect from the sun. In mosques and some sanctuaries, covered head is appreciated.

Festivals punctuate the year. Holi (February/March) colors streets and faces; Diwali (October/November) illuminates cities with thousands of lamps. These periods are magical, but very popular: book transport and accommodation in advance.

Traveling in India is simpler when your phone just "works". GoMoWorld is a data eSIM designed for travelers: a single eSIM valid in more than 200 destinations, to install once via the iOS/Android application, then you buy and activate plans as needed, without reinstallation. It's prepaid, no bad surprises.

Installation is done exclusively in the app, without QR code, in a few clicks. Once the eSIM is in place, you choose a plan for India and click "Start" when you want to start: activation remains manual, you keep control over timing. Convenient when you land late or if you want to wait until the next day.

All plans allow connection sharing (hotspot). It's ideal for a computer, tablet or couple of devices. Nice bonus: the app integrates a VPN, useful on public networks, in hotels or cafes, to secure your connections and access your usual services more serenely.

GoMoWorld tip in India: install the eSIM in the app before leaving, then buy your Indian plan. As long as you don't activate it, it doesn't expire. On D-day, open the app and press "Start". You can reactivate another plan later, always without reinstalling the eSIM.

In India, GoMoWorld offers several volumes and durations to adapt to the length of stay and your data usage. Prices are in euros and correspond to prepaid data plans.

• 30-day plan: 30GB for €29.99
• 30-day plan: 20GB for €19.99
• 30-day plan: 9GB for €10.99
• 7-day plan: 2GB for €3.99

For a two-week trip with offline mapping, messaging, some short videos and occasional teleconferences, 9GB at €10.99 is enough for many travelers. If you plan to telework or share the connection with a computer, the 20GB at €19.99 or 30GB at €29.99 bring real peace of mind. And for a quick stop, the 2GB/7 days at €3.99 works perfectly.

The train is the beating heart of travel in India. It's reliable and picturesque, but very popular. Major lines between Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi or Mumbai leave early morning or late evening. Classes vary from standard seat to sleeper berth, to comfortable air-conditioned classes. Over long distances, domestic flights are often very affordable and save time.

In cities, rickshaws are ideal for short distances; negotiate or use a meter if possible. In Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, taxi apps are widespread. In Goa and small towns, scooters are easily rented, but drive carefully.

Trains and reservations: book early, especially in high season and around festivals. If you inherit a waitlist seat, return to the booking app the day before: last-minute confirmations are frequent. For short trips, tourist express trains between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are a safe bet.

Credit cards work well in major cities, hotels and restaurants; nevertheless keep cash for small expenses, tips and markets. ATMs are widespread, but remember to withdraw in advance in rural areas. Keep your payment methods in a discreet bag.

Hydrate, protect yourself from the sun, and avoid tap water. Street food is a delight when it's fresh and popular — a very busy stand is a good sign. Pharmacies are numerous and well stocked. A kit with anti-diarrheals, bandages and hand sanitizer is always useful.

Respect and photos: ask permission before photographing people, especially in places of worship. In temples, follow the direction of visit, avoid touching statues and remain discreet during rituals.

10 days: the northern classic without rushing

Arrive in Delhi, tame the city between Old and New Delhi, then head to Agra for the Taj Mahal and the Fort. Continue with Jaipur for two or three nights, time to enjoy Amber Fort, bazaars and an escape to Galta Ji. Finish in Delhi for a final gourmet dinner. It's short but very effective, with the essentials of the "Golden Triangle".

If you have an extra day, make a detour to Ranthambore to try a safari, or add a night in Varanasi for a spiritual break.

2 weeks: Rajasthan in cinemascope

After Delhi and Agra, head to Jaipur, then Jodhpur and Udaipur. Take a light internal flight if you want to save time between Jodhpur and Udaipur, or a car with driver to follow villages and Jain temples (Ranakpur is superb). Finish with a peaceful night on the edge of Lake Pichola in Udaipur.

You can also replace Jodhpur with Jaisalmer if the call of the desert tempts you, but anticipate travel time. A final day in Delhi for shopping and brunch concludes the trip well.

3 weeks: from cultural north to tropical south

Start with the Golden Triangle (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur), add Varanasi for intensity, then fly to Cochin (Kochi) for Kerala. Chain a night in Fort Kochi, a backwaters cruise and two or three days in Munnar in the tea plantations. Finish in Goa to breathe on the beach before the international flight.

This alternation "cities and palaces – spirituality – nature – beach" offers a beautiful panorama without exhausting you, provided you optimize with one or two domestic flights.

Easy extensions: many travelers combine India with a stop in the United Arab Emirates thanks to flights with stopovers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. For trek lovers, then head to Nepal. And if you liked the beaches and spicy cuisine, extend to Sri Lanka or Thailand.

Distances are great. It's better to accept seeing less to enjoy more. Favor two or three stops per week. Morning departures spare you heat and traffic.

Baggage-wise, think minimalism: light layerable clothes, a jacket for cool northern nights in winter, good walking shoes, a universal adapter. Mosquito spray useful in the south and near backwaters.

Culturally, patience and smile are superpowers. India sometimes requires waiting, negotiating, rescheduling. But it's often to better surprise you.

Connectivity and cost control: with GoMoWorld, you buy your plan in euros, you track your consumption in the app and... that's it. No vague bill, no automatic activation: you choose when to start. And the hotspot works everywhere, convenient for sharing the connection with a computer or travel companion.

You can buy your eSIM and data plans on the website or app. eSIM installation is done only via the GoMoWorld application (no QR code). If you bought on the website, log into the app with the same email to find your purchases. Once the eSIM is installed, it remains valid everywhere in more than 200 destinations: you no longer have to reinstall it for a next trip, in India or elsewhere.

Plans don't expire as long as you haven't activated them. So you can prepare your trip in advance, then, on the day of your arrival, open the app and start the chosen plan. In India, the app automatically connects to local partner networks to offer the best possible coverage (often 2 to 3 networks available per country), and you keep control over the integrated VPN to secure your usage on public Wi-Fi.

Before leaving: install the app, create your account, install the eSIM and pre-purchase your Indian plan. Test cellular data switching in phone settings and verify that roaming is activated on the GoMoWorld line. On D-day, click "Start". No more complicated.

India remains very accessible. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses at 15–30 € per night to charming havelis or 4–5* hotels much higher. Dining can cost 3–10 € for a hearty local meal, more for international or upscale cuisine. Trains are very cheap; domestic flights remain competitive if booked in advance.

Count at least 8–10 days for a first glimpse of the north, 12–14 days for a broad Rajasthan or north+Varanasi mix, and 18–21 days to combine north and south without rushing. Beyond a month, you can take time to explore lesser-known regions: Gujarat, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu of Chola temples, or the heart of Madhya Pradesh.

Booking a sunrise walk on the Ganges, tasting a thali served on banana leaf in Kerala, learning kathakali in Cochin, sleeping in a restored haveli in Rajasthan, taking a vegetarian cooking class, doing a block printing workshop in Jaipur, browsing used books on Fort steps, sipping a cutting chai while watching the city come alive, crossing a bazaar by rickshaw... These are the moments, often simple, that give India its inimitable flavor.

Photo and light: dawn and end of day are your best allies. Besides mild temperatures, low-angle light magnifies palaces, ghats and tea plantations, and crowds are still reasonable.

One of GoMoWorld's major assets is continuity. You install the eSIM once, you take it everywhere: on return, your eSIM remains ready for your next destination. Want a trek after India? Activate a plan in Nepal. A shopping and sun stopover in the Gulf? Switch a plan to the United Arab Emirates. A tea and beach break in Sri Lanka or temples and food markets in Thailand? Everything is done from the same app, without reinstalling a profile and with the hotspot following.

It's particularly convenient for round-the-world trips, digital nomads, or simply for those who chain two countries in one trip. You buy plans in advance in euros, you keep them warm as long as they're not activated, and you have only one tool to manage everything — eSIM, plans, activation, VPN.

India is never lukewarm. It surprises, sometimes tires, often awakens, but always rewards. With a reasonable itinerary, a bit of flexibility and a reliable connection in your pocket, you'll fully enjoy its vibrant cities, grandiose landscapes and cuisines as diverse as they are addictive. Keep space for the unexpected: it's part of the journey.

And for the rest, no stress: your GoMoWorld eSIM is installed once, valid everywhere, your Indian plans are ready — and you decide when to press "Start". Have a great trip to India!