Quick verdict: India needs more planning than typical countries — visa + train tickets + cultural awareness + health prep. Most-rewarding country. Refined across multiple India trips.
8-step planning checklist
1Pick regions + duration
Golden Triangle (Delhi + Agra + Jaipur) for first-time = 7-10 days. Rajasthan adds 7+ days. South India separate trip.
2Book flights 2-3 months ahead
From US: $900-1700. From Europe: EUR 500-900. Delhi DEL + Mumbai BOM. Premium economy worth it.
3Apply for e-visa 2-3 weeks before
E-visa $25 online (30 or 90 days). Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Photo + passport scan needed.
4Get travel vaccinations + medications
Hepatitis A + Typhoid + Tetanus boosters. Malaria prophylaxis if going rural. Imodium + Ciprofloxacin.
5Book Taj Mahal entry 2-4 weeks ahead
Online via ASI website. Skip-the-line essential. Sunrise + sunset both worth visiting.
6Book trains via 12go.asia 30+ days ahead
AC2 sleeper most comfortable for tourists. Tatkal quota releases 24h ahead.
7Reserve mid-range hotels 4-6 weeks ahead
Heritage hotels (Oberoi + Taj + ITC) book 2-3 months. Mid-range Holiday Inn type 4-6 weeks.
8Get travel insurance + Indian SIM
Insurance with medical evacuation essential. Vodafone or Airtel SIM at airport.
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Updated 2026. Some links on Packzup are affiliate links.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.