Many people dream of going to India on their own, but not everyone knows how to make it a reality. But you are lucky, you yourself will be able to visit this multifaceted country, see how Indians live, enjoy the beautiful landscapes, understand a little of the national flavor, and you can simply relax here.
An independent trip to India can be quite inexpensive compared to offers from travel agencies, and this type of vacation will bring many times more positive emotions and interesting acquaintances. In addition, “package trips” do not offer anything new, all their ideas are worn out to nothing: lie on the beach, visit one or two attractions, go to the most expensive market. A vacation “being your own boss” gives you much more freedom of action; it is a real adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime.
The territory of India is huge, each part of it differs in climatic conditions, infrastructure development, and population density. An important fact is that some states of the country have limited access for foreigners; in order to enter them, they must obtain additional permits. But even without these places there are places to go and things to see. For example, the most popular state among travelers and tourists is best suited for a “European” type of vacation, there is a huge amount of entertainment, hotels, beaches; Goa has long been accustomed to foreigners (after all, it is also a former colony of Portugal) and their behavior and customs; here no one will pay much attention to short shorts and bikinis, unlike residents of other states; clothes that cover most of the body are held in high esteem there. bodies. But in order to see the “real” India, with all its wealth and beauty, you just need to go to other states of the country. And now to the specifics of how to organize your own trip.
Flights
It is faster and more comfortable to get to India by plane. Of course, you can go by car or go by train, but this is for real daredevils who have a lot of free time and nerves of steel. For those who have a short vacation, this is not at all suitable. Therefore, it is better to fly rather than drive.
There are quite a lot of flights to India. Most of them depart from Moscow and St. Petersburg (for Russia), Kyiv and Lvov (for Ukraine), Minsk (for Belarus), but there are also flights from some large provincial cities to India, just not so many of them. Tickets to India cost from 300 € (flights with transfers, round trip), but, as a rule, cheap flights involve a longer flight. If you want to get to your holiday destination quickly, then take a direct flight; ticket prices start from 330 €.
The best way to buy tickets to India is on the website. This is a search engine that finds and compares tickets from different airlines and offers to purchase the most profitable one. Thanks to him, you will save a huge amount of time and money too. It will only take a few minutes to get your coveted ticket.
Calendar of low prices for air tickets
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Housing
Hotels in India most often do not differ in luxury, although there are exceptions. To find the hotel that suits you, you need to search for it on. Thanks to the advanced search with many criteria, you will quickly and easily select the right option. Each hotel has a description, a list of what is in the room, and most importantly, there are truthful reviews written by tourists and travelers who have already lived in this place. This service saved a lot of money and nerves, because... All the accommodations I have booked through Roomguru have been quality and as described.
If you have questions regarding the booking process itself, then read, thanks to which you can book your own accommodation in any country in the world, including India.
There is also the opportunity to rent an apartment or house, but this is not for everyone. There are both pros and cons to this method of living in a foreign country, and the cons will outweigh the pros for most travelers. But if you are still not afraid of the difficulties that often arise if you rent a house from a private owner in another country, then you can read, which says what renting a house abroad is.
Find a cheap hotel from Roomguru right now:
Documentation
To travel around India, you will need a visa and a passport; it is advisable (but not necessary) to apply for one; it can save you several tens of thousands of dollars in case of health problems. If you go to India without insurance, and something happens on the spot, then you will have to pay exorbitant prices for treatment, so it is better to purchase insurance yourself; besides, it is very inexpensive.
You can apply for a visa either at the Indian Visa Center (there are ones in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vladivostok) or via the Internet. Typically, the processing time for an application is 4 days. You will have to pay $60 for a visa.
Here is the list of documents required to obtain a visa:
- A passport valid for more than 6 months at the time of visa application
- A completed application form
- Hotel reservation confirmation
- Copy of round trip air tickets
- Copy of internal passport
You can find out the latest information on the website of the Indian Embassy.
Attractions
There are a lot of attractions in India. Let's not forget that this is a huge country with a rich history. In order to create a route for visiting attractions, you must first decide in which part of India you are going to vacation. You will always find where to go and what to see. I will list only the most popular places among travelers:
- Taj Mahal
- Bollywood
- Fort Aguada
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Stupa in Sanchi
- National Museum of Delhi
- Hampi
- Qutub Minar
- Dudhsagar
It is convenient to get to attractions in different parts of the country by car. A trip from one part of India to another will take several days, but the impressions will be enormous. You can rent a car at.
If your travel budget allows, you can use the services of domestic air carriers. The cheapest way would be to fly somewhere on a low-cost airline, of which there are quite a few in India.
Travel cost
An independent holiday in India can cost either 700 € or 70,000 €. It all depends on you, as you wish, so it will be. This is what’s good about “being your own boss” travel; you decide what’s best to spend your money on, where to fly and what to do. Let me give you an example of spending on an average holiday for two people (10 days, departure from Moscow, Goa resort):
- Round trip flights = 900 €
- Accommodation in a 3* hotel = 500 €
- Food = 200 €
- Transport = 50 €
- Attractions = 50 €
- Shopping = 250 €
- Visa = 60 €
- Insurance = 20 €
Total price: 1980 €. You can holiday in India and much cheaper. But some people prefer not to deny themselves anything and spend many times more. If you want to visit India for little money, then read the guide, which tells you how to travel around the world cheaply; these tips and recommendations also apply to India. Budget holidays are a reality.
How to save on travel
How to inexpensively relax on your own in India and not go wrong in comfort - that’s what this section is about. Knowing some of the features of a budget holiday as a savage, you can significantly reduce your costs.
You have learned how to relax in India on your own. Put your knowledge into practice, book a hotel and buy air tickets right now. Best wishes to you!
We compare the resorts of South and North Goa: where is it better to relax? We describe the most famous beaches. We choose the best for different categories of vacationers.
Have you decided to relax in Goa? Surely you are faced with the question of which resort to choose. It is difficult to say where it is better - in the north or south of Goa, this is subjective. Let's take a look at how parts of the state differ, which ones have special features, and who is best suited to them. Based on this you can make your choice.
Cheap tours to Goa search on the services and - they compare offers from more than 120 leading tour operators. This way you can find the optimal tour. The voucher is issued online.
North or South Goa: which is better?
North Goa suitable for those who do not seek to emphasize their importance and social status. The north of the state became popular thanks to the hippie movement. Now its beaches are chosen by supporters of other informal movements, young people leading a wild nightlife, and downshifters. There are few expensive hotels here, more budget accommodation - guesthouses and the private sector.
The north is famous for its trance parties and outdoor youth festivals. Most beaches are noisy and crowded, so their cleanliness suffers. In addition, you will have to get used to the sight of sacred cows on the beaches, which are prohibited from touching here.
Are you used to measuring the quality of your vacation by hotel stars? Then you better relax at the resorts South Goa. There are expensive and respectable hotels, clean and mostly uncrowded beaches. The main disadvantage is the lack of leisure. Apart from beach activities, there will be practically nothing to occupy yourself with.
For a vacation with children, choose a hotel with a large territory and its own beach, special meals, babysitting services and animation. All this can be found in some hotels in the south of the state. According to tourists, it is better for young people to relax in the noisy and not very decent North Goa.
On the beaches you can go diving, surfing and kiting, or go on an excursion. Vacationers in the south are entertained with trips to the Cotigao nature reserve and the Cabo de Rama fort, in the north - to the abandoned city of Hampi palaces, to Panaji and Old Goa.
(Photo © Sergi Hill / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Prices traditionally higher in the south, and in the north everything is more accessible. Do you want to buy local crafts as souvenirs? Visit local markets: jewelry and leather goods, glasses, bags, clothes made from natural fabrics - all this is in abundance. In the northern part of the state, the flea market in Anjuna and Panaji is very popular. In the south, there is a good market only in Margao. Colva and Cavelossim mainly sell food and spices.
So where is the best place to relax? South Goa differs from North Goa not only in its beaches: it has a calm atmosphere. The south is more often chosen by foreigners, with the exception of Kolva. There are no large shopping centers, only small shops in villages. People come here for a relaxing beach holiday, fishing, and water sports.
North Goa has more developed infrastructure. Active nightlife, crazy parties and on-air discos attract young people, locals and informals.
(Photo © karthik c / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC 2.0)
Where is the best place to relax in North Goa?
The beaches of North Goa are significantly inferior to the South in their beauty; they are even found with grayish coarse-grained sand. The most popular beaches are in Anjuna, Arambol, Morjim and Calangute.
Quiet and calm in Aguade And Mandrem, so people come here with children. Relatively clean beach with grayish-white sand Arambol. Tourists in their reviews note that this beach is the best place to relax. This place is loved by travelers who come to Goa for a long time. Along the beach there are guesthouses and bungalows, numerous shacks (beach cafes). There is a yoga center. The crowd here is very diverse, the beach is long - everyone can find a suitable place for swimming.
Young people prefer a noisy, crowded beach in Anjuna. True, swimming is slightly spoiled by pebbles and algae. Very popular beach Calangute, where there are many entertainment venues on the coast. The favorite place for fans of Goan trance and illegal parties is the beach Vagator. Nearby is the village of Chapora with a fish market and cafe.
For lovers of water sports - windsurfing and kiting - it is better to relax in Goa on the Russian beach Morjim, as well as on the beaches of Ashvem and Candolim. Divers prefer Baga Beach.
(Photo © Ian D. Keating / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0)
Where is the best place to relax in South Goa?
The beaches in the south of the state are clean and uncrowded. The sand is fine, golden or white. The most deserted beaches are Velsao, Cansaulim, Arossim and Utorda.
Well-maintained beach Bogmalo surrounded on all sides by palm trees. It is famous for its restaurants serving good seafood. A diving school is also open here.
Beach Palolem with white sand is located south of all the others. There is a convenient gentle entrance to the sea and dense vegetation. People like to come here with children to watch dolphins swimming to the shore. There is a large beach not far from Palolem Agonda. Agonda and Palolem have the most diverse contingent.
Beach Colva Popular with locals, especially crowded on weekends. If you wish, you can find privacy here too, just move a little away from the center.
Benaulim practically deserted. People come here not just to relax, but to live. From the shore you can often see dolphins frolicking. Mobor- a wide beach with clean yellow sand, there are many expensive hotels here. There is a beach a little further Cavelossim. Both places are popular with couples, elderly and respectable travelers.
Introductory image source: © Swami Stream / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Of all the countries in the world, most likely, it is India that is capable of turning a person’s worldview around, forever changing his idea of life, death, and happiness. Traveling through this large and colorful country, you can see so much that the trip can replace a trip around the world for a tourist.
A traveler who is planning to make an independent journey to the land of a thousand secrets and a million mysteries should do a little preparation for the trip. Many Europeans, arriving in India unprepared, experience severe culture shock, which spoils all impressions of this country. It's all about the attitude of Indians to the material world: they do not consider it worthy of attention. Therefore, many Europeans, upon arrival in the country, are struck by dirty streets, littered water bodies, and the abundance of beggars and homeless people on the streets. The main thing here is to be able to discern all the treasures of a rich culture so different from ours. Be able to see stars reflected in a puddle. However, soon the shock passes, and the person begins to see, think, and feel differently. And all the treasures of Indian history and modernity will leave an extremely positive impression: the taste of masala tea, the aroma of temple incense, the Taj Mahal shimmering in a pink haze and a smiling street preacher...
Although accommodation and food are very cheap in India, you must come to terms with high travel costs as well as a US$60 visa fee.
Visa
The Indian Republic has made an attempt to save tourists from many countries, including Russia, from communicating with bureaucrats or smiling and money-loving employees of travel agencies and visa centers when obtaining a regular tourist visa. An entry permit for a period of no more than 30 days can be obtained online by filling out a form on the website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html.
To obtain permission, you will need to upload your photo to the website, as well as a scan of your passport in pdf format. This must be done at least 5 days before the trip, but it is better to do it earlier, since the system does not always work flawlessly. Here you can pay the consular fee - $60. You can pay for the service with VISA or Master Card.
A visa can also be obtained in the usual way: at consulates, visa centers or through the mediation of travel companies. All of these methods will result in higher costs.
Road
You can fly from Moscow to the Indian capital of Delhi by Aeroflot ships, as well as on planes of ETIHAD and TURKISH AIRLINES. The last two offer travel with a transfer, but are cheaper. The leading domestic carrier guarantees direct and non-stop flights, but charges a little more for speed.
Direct flight (6 hours in the sky) - from 322 euros round trip, with a transfer to Abu Dhabi (ETIHAD) - from 290 euros, but the journey takes 12 hours or more (waiting at the airport - 3 hours or more).
Turkish airlines also offer inexpensive tickets, but political motives, as well as the unstable situation in Istanbul, may scare away domestic tourists from the services of this, by the way, very good airline.
Housing
Even in the capital of a fairy-tale country you can find a double room in a hotel with all amenities - from 4 euros per night. Of course, you shouldn’t expect a European level from an establishment, but it’s quite suitable for a tourist who can do without breakfast in the room and a safe.
The hotel, offering double rooms from 15 to 20 euros, provides clients with quite European comfort and amenities.
In principle, there are thousands of excellent hotels in India that do not have their own website, are not in the database of hotel reservation systems, but offer good accommodation conditions. Many experienced tourists do not reserve rooms in advance and travel at random, which allows them to save even more. But for those traveling to India for the first time, it is still better to reserve accommodation in advance.
Apartments in Delhi or Mumbai can be found for 15-17 euros/day. Living with a Hindu family can be an unforgettable cultural experience. This service costs from 16 euros per day, including breakfast. In addition to all the usual amenities, this type of accommodation will provide you with good advisers and even guides to the most interesting places in Indian cities.
Nutrition
Indian cuisine consists of rice, vegetables, dairy products, nuts and honey. Not everyone in the country eats meat, but in many restaurants you can see dishes made from lamb, goat, and poultry (chicken, goose, duck, turkey) on the menu. The abundance of fruit is simply magnificent, and you can get freshly squeezed juices everywhere.
And now about the main thing: the amount of spices in Indian dishes is simply unimaginable for a European person. When ordering any dish except dessert and water, you must add the magic words: “But spicy, please!” (no spices please). This does not mean at all that the served dish will be bland, far from it. It’s just that in this case they will bring you food that you can eat and admire a completely unique flavor bouquet.
Absolutely everything is delicious in India. Many Europeans are discovering vegetarianism, amazed by the abundance of delicious dishes made from fruits, nuts, vegetables and dairy products. Oriental sweets and spices with a unique “ensemble” of aromas are so different from the usual and familiar ones that a culinary adventure will be almost as vivid as an acquaintance with ancient culture.
If you eat in cafes, snack bars and small restaurants for local residents, then you won’t have to spend more than 5-6 euros per person per day.
Having chosen establishments for tourists, add 3-4 euros to the indicated amount, and if you want to indulge in local whiskey or rum for dinner, then add a couple more euros to the amount. As a result, we get that, even without denying yourself anything, you won’t have to spend more than 10-12 euros a day on food.
What to try?
To list all the famous Indian dishes, you will need several dozen pages of text, but you can highlight the “magnificent ten” dishes that you simply must try:
- Dal is a lentil stew richly flavored with spices. The basis of the diet of more than half of the vast country. The most inexpensive and accessible dish. Among the main advantages: satisfying, healthy and inexpensive;
- Palak Paneer is the most delicate cheese in spinach sauce, there are many varieties of this dish, but only one thing remains the same - excellent taste;
- Sabji is an incredibly common vegetable stew with rice and flatbread. A vegetarian masterpiece;
- Tandoori chicken is marinated chicken baked in a special oven. The dish is spicy, but unleavened rice and flatbreads “even out” the situation. Tasty!
- Chapati is the most common type of bread. It looks like a flatbread that reveals all its flavor characteristics along with any sauce;
- Thali - it’s difficult to call it a dish. When you order a Thali, you get a plate with flatbreads, rice, vegetables, sauces - a great lunch;
- Gajar Ka - halwa made from ordinary carrots and almonds, a favorite delicacy in the north of the country;
- Samosa - fried pies with vegetable or curd filling;
- Raita is a cold vegetable soup prepared on the basis of yogurt; the exotic okroshka is especially good in hot weather, especially in summer.
When traveling around India, you can eat in European restaurants, where the dishes will be familiar. But it is better to order fish delicacies if the restaurant is located by the sea. In this case, the freshness of fish products is guaranteed. Experienced travelers do not recommend eating fish in India from May to August, when the weather is very hot.
Dal - lentil stew Main attractions
Agree that in a country where there are about hundreds of thousands of ancient temples, palaces, monuments, and sanctuaries, it is difficult to determine what to visit first. Tourist guides offer many sites and routes to suit every taste, but they all include several sites in the list that are simply impossible to miss:
- Delhi - you can spend two days in the capital, or you can explore it for several weeks. You should definitely visit Lal Qila or the red fort - the citadel-palace, the imperial residence of the rulers, the main historical building of the city (entrance - 2 euros, evening light and sound show - additional 0.67 euros); Qut Minar is an ancient mosque, of which only the minaret remains. The main object is a mysterious iron column, which has not corroded at all in 1,500 years (entrance: 3.30 euros); Lakshmi Narayan is a modern Hindu temple, opened in the mid-twentieth century;
- Agra (2 hours from the capital by train, ticket - 9.40 euros one way) - the main thing here is the tomb of the wife of Shah Jihan (Taj Mahal). Entrance fee - 10 euros;
- Ajanta is a cave temple complex, a place to find the path to liberation from suffering: ancient paintings, Buddha statues, huge halls and narrow cells (entrance - 3.30 euros, from Mumbai to Aurangabad by train, 4.5 hours, 3.50 euros one way; then to bus - 0.20 euros, 20 minutes);
- Mumbai is a city of museums and markets, a vibrant and vibrant nightlife, one of the most modern cities in the country, Indian Hollywood, there is a lot of interesting things, but it is difficult to see the real India here;
- Varanasi is the city of the dead, a place of funeral pyres, cleansing from all sins and mourning ceremonies. The spectacle is quite specific, as are the aromas that reign in the city. But you cannot know India without visiting Varanasi. From Delhi by train it takes 11 hours, a ticket starts from 4 euros one way;
- Kolkata - it’s simply nice to walk along the central streets of the old city, look into the temple of the goddess Kali, visit the Kumar Tuli artisans quarter, buy a small figurine of one of the many gods, and relax in the Maidan Park. The city has a reputation as the cultural capital of India, although it makes a depressing impression on many Europeans, but after a few days of living, the vast slum areas no longer seem so scary, and numerous museums and exhibition halls will help fill your stay with vivid emotions and pleasant memories.
The list is far from complete. In all major cities of India, you can find an experienced and knowledgeable guide from local residents who, for a nominal fee of 3-5 euros, will show your hometown from the most unexpected side, help you bypass queues at museums and palaces, and provide a comfortable place in the temple during services.
Important!
When traveling to a country of magnificent temples and palaces, we must not forget that there are some peculiarities of hygiene and behavior in India. Take simple but useful things with you:
- Wet disinfectant wipes;
- Activated carbon and antiacid (Gastal type);
- Hydrogen peroxide tablets;
- Patch.
Do not drink water from the tap or from waterpots. Only in store bought bottles.
Have an unforgettable experience!
India attracts guests who love the exotic, are chasing new experiences, and want to be satiated with new excellent emotions and feelings. This country is unique, only here pleasure and disgust, wealth and poverty, extreme and tranquility are combined on the edge. When going on a trip to this country of contrasts and secrets, it is worth deciding where to go in India, as there are places for a wide variety of types of recreation.
Brief geographical information
Located on the Hindustan Peninsula, India stretches for 3 thousand km from south to north and almost also from west to east. The eastern part of the country is washed by the Bay of Bengal, the western by the Arabian Sea, and the south by the Indian Ocean. The climate here is subtropical and depends on the monsoons. It is precisely because of the climatic conditions that vacation here is divided into two seasons: dry (high) and wet (low).
India is diverse, colorful and fascinating; here every traveler will find entertainment to his liking. Since it’s definitely not possible to travel around the entire country in one trip, those who come here for the first time need to decide on the type of vacation:
- beach;
- active hiking in the mountains;
- introduction to Ayurveda;
- excursion trips.
Travel to Beach India
The country is washed on three sides by warm sea water, but there are few truly comfortable places suitable for a beach holiday. Among the most famous places where sun lovers could relax are the small state of Goa and the not so famous Kerala. The rest of the coast has practically no developed tourist and beach infrastructure, so we have to talk about these two resorts.
- Goa— go for picturesque beach landscapes with snow-white sand and turquoise sea surface. Young people come here in large groups, as only here you can have a lot of fun at fiery night parties.
Conventionally, this state is divided into:
- southern an area where connoisseurs of comfort and service go on vacation, since only here you can find comfortable, fashionable hotels that provide a full range of services with a high level of service;
- northern– this is a recreation area for “savages”.
Apart from beach activities, there are no attractions in Goa. Therefore, this is a place to relax.
- Kerala– is considered a more expensive and respectable resort area, located south of Goa. Wealthy guests of the country vacation here, so there are no large noisy youth groups. Varkala is considered the most popular holiday destination in this state.
The best time for a beach holiday is November-March. At this time, the weather is pleasant, with a calm, clear sea and no precipitation.
Mountain tourism in India
The second most popular type of recreation in India is mountain tourism, namely hiking in the Himalayas. The western regions of the mountain ranges are more attractive for tourists, as it is easier to get here from Delhi.
The top places to visit in the Himalayas are.
- Rishikesh– these are foothill areas that can be visited even in winter. Yoga lovers flock to this place. Among the local attractions is the bridge
- Dharamsala– a very popular tourist destination. The main feature of Darsala is the presence of the residence of the Dalai Lama. That is why in this place you can meet Tibetans and monks, visit numerous monasteries, and get acquainted with Tibetan medicine. There are many different courses here: from cooking to jewelry making.
In addition, Dharamsala is famous for its Iyengar yoga school and meditation courses based at monasteries. Fans of active recreation can master trekking in the mountains.
- Revalsar– a quiet place near Lake Revalsar. This is a place of three religions, where a huge number of Buddhist monasteries are concentrated, where you can undergo meditation and attend courses.
Cultural holidays in India
It is better to travel to cultural places and attractions in October-November or March-April.
- Delhi– to get acquainted with the culture of the country, feel its aroma and see all the colors, you definitely need to visit its capital, the city of crossroads - Delhi. Despite the fact that it is a very noisy and rather dirty city, only here you can see the real India.
- Agra is a typical bustling Indian city, but its main attraction, the Taj Mahal, is a must-see. Those who are interested in Hinduism or simply want to see the beauty and variety of temples should go to Vrindavan, where Krishna was born.
- Varanasi- a very special place, since its main attraction is funeral pyres that burn all day long.
These are not all the best places to go in India, because there are many areas to get acquainted with Ayurveda, places where national holidays are celebrated, night markets, etc.
The climate and geographical location of the country influence throughout the year.
India in the summer months
Almost the entire summer period, India is at the mercy of the monsoons, which bring downpours to the country. Because of this, the sky is overcast with low clouds, air humidity reaches 100%, and sea waters are restless. Daytime temperatures reach +37 degrees, making it very difficult to breathe. At this time, you should avoid active travel around the country. However, this period is good for attending Ayurvedic and healing courses.
India in autumn
Until October, the country is simply drowning in rain. However, from the second half of autumn, precipitation becomes less and the weather is ready to receive the first tourists. It is better to go to Goa at this time, since there is a drought in the north, and the south is still suffering from rains.
India in winter
Winter is a heavenly holiday destination in India. The weather here is completely restored, there is practically no rain. In the west of the country during the day the thermometers show +26 Celsius, closer to Goa it is hot up to +32 during the day, in the capital the temperature is 20-22 with a positive sign, so it is comfortable to visit the sights at this time.
- For skiers, the winter months are an excellent opportunity to visit the Himalayas, as the snow cover has already formed.
India in spring
The spring months of March-May are a period of heat, when temperatures reach +41 Celsius, and there is no precipitation at all. At this time, it is better to visit mountainous areas, as the rest of the country is simply sweltering from the heat.
Living in India
Any traveler wonders which hotel to choose, and in the case of India, this question is especially acute.
There are several types of hotels in the country, which have certain conditions or lack thereof.
- There are special hotels for young people, which are mainly located in the southern part of the country. Prices here are not high, and there are all the necessary amenities for life. The same inexpensive hotels are government hotels where Indian officials stay.
It is better to choose and book rooms in tourist hotels in advance, using special early booking sites. On such resources you can easily find budget options and hotels with Premium or Heritage status, where there are all comfortable conditions for living.
- Private hotels represent a special category. In them, tourists will be able to experience real local flavor and feel the life of real India. However, not everyone will like the lack of hot water supply, change of linen, and shared shower rooms. The guests of such hotels are mainly pilgrims or Indians.
- If you want European comfort and convenience, then you will have to pay a lot of money. The availability of comfortable hotels depends on the area. There are many of them in the south, but the cost of living here is high, while in the north you can often get a discount in such hotels. But staying in a five or four star hotel is possible only in large cities: Delhi, Mumbai, etc.
The cost of a hotel stay is affected not only by the quality of services, but also by the season. So, during the high season, prices for accommodation soar several times, and during the recession, the cost decreases.
It must be said that winter weather in India is the most favorable for Russian tourists, which is why it is already attractive for our compatriots. The fact is that when fierce frosts rage across the vast expanses of our vast Motherland and snow sweeps, the so-called velvet season begins in India. During this period, the long monsoon season is already ending in the country, and the main part of the country, with the possible exception of its northern regions, is in the arms of clear, sunny and dry weather.
Of course, due to the large size of India, the climate in its different regions varies, but still the average winter temperature remains stable at +30 degrees Celsius. In December the month of December is considered the most comfortable holiday in Goa; there is absolutely no rain there, and the daytime heat is gradually replaced by the most pleasant night coolness, and the water in the ocean is warm enough for beach holidays and swimming.
January is the coolest month in India. True, the word “cool” is used here in relation to Indian weather, since the average daily temperature in this country in January is +25...+30 degrees Celsius. However, here you need to take into account that in the northern Indian regions at this time of year it is quite cool - +11...+13 degrees, or even the thermometer drops below zero. But in the southern regions of India, holidays at this time are very comfortable and pleasant. It will especially appeal to those people who cannot stand the heat well, but nevertheless want to relax in southern exotic countries. 
The month of February for the Indian coast is generally considered the peak of the beach season, the air temperature rises slightly, and the sandy beaches and resorts of India even more strongly attract vacationers from different countries, including from the vast expanses of Russia, in most of which storms rage during this period. fierce snowstorms. So, almost the entire winter in India there is very pleasant, dry and sunny weather, and only with the onset of March the air temperature begins to rise significantly and the hot and dry season comes to the country.
If you ask yourself where is the best place to vacation in India, then you can safely answer – yes, almost everywhere. Each vacation will have its own highlight. In addition, different people put completely different concepts into the word “rest”. India is famous throughout the world for its unique identity and enormous cultural and historical heritage. You can relax on the beach, heal your soul and body under the guidance of masters of Indian traditional medicine - Ayurveda, and take interesting excursion trips around the country. The most popular here are combined tours, which combine beach holidays with exciting trips around the country. 
The popular resorts of Goa and Coral are best suited for a beach holiday in winter, and as an excursion program you can choose an educational trip through the Golden Triangle. You will be able to take a closer look and get acquainted with such interesting cities as Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.
If you are a history buff and interested in the world's oldest religion - Hinduism, then it is best for you to start your acquaintance with India from its capital - the city of Delhi. This city is rightfully proud of the architectural monuments of the Great Mughals along with the shrines of the Hindu and Christian faiths. If you are a fan of a relaxing beach holiday on the shores of the great ocean, then it is best for you to go to Goa, where you will be greeted by many kilometers of beaches with clear water, golden sand, incendiary parties until dawn and a variety of beautiful vegetation. If your goal is to immerse yourself in meditation in order to temporarily renounce the mortal world, then you should go to the city of temples of Varansi. Well, for those who like to conquer peaks, there is a direct road to the beautiful and shining Himalayas. 
In addition to the famous and popular resorts of Goa and Kerala, there are many more places in India where you can enjoy a good beach holiday and various water sports. First of all, this is Tamil Nadu - the habitat of one of the indigenous peoples of India - the Tamils. The climate here is tropical and there are no sudden changes in weather conditions. In winter, the weather here is very comfortable, without high humidity.
Marina Beach is a resort with twelve kilometers of clean sand, azure sea expanses, a paradise for surfers. There are amazingly beautiful sunsets and sunrises here, however, swimming here is somewhat dangerous, since strong low tides can sweep even the most experienced swimmers out to sea. But there is a lot of entertainment provided in the evening. Children ride on small ponies and fly kites for them. There is a garden of fruit trees around the resort, and in the distance a lonely lighthouse shines carefully. You can also visit an aquarium with a wonderful collection of fish very close by. 
Mahabalipuram is actually a beach that has preserved its pristine nature and is completely unspoilt by civilization. It is located near the port city with exactly the same name. Surrounded by a large number of temple premises and rock monuments. Nearby there is a crocodile farm and a snake venom extraction center.
Rameswaram is a small exotic island connected to the mainland by a bridge named after Indira Gandhi. The sea here is always very quiet and calm. Here you will find a large number of coral reefs and many unknown species of marine life. The island is simply an ideal place for relaxation and swimming. Moreover, it is absolutely safe to swim here at any time of the day. And here dolphins almost constantly swim near the shore. 
Covelong is a beach located approximately 40 kilometers from the city of Chennai. A very secluded place, the peace here is only occasionally disturbed by fishermen on boats. This resort area is generally considered a luxury destination in the state. There are excellent opportunities for water sports, and for travelers there are many historical monuments, such as the ruins of an old fishing port and a fort of the ancient Dutch. In addition, the excursion boat route, laid along the canals of Covelong and Alleppey in the middle of rice fields, palm groves and many temple buildings, will leave an indelible impression in your memory forever. 
Orissa is a resort named after the state. Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is a small part of the Kalinga kingdom. There are a lot of ancient historical monuments here, and many migratory birds appear in the local forests and lakes in winter. The weather in winter is incredibly comfortable and pleasant.
Maharashtra is a resort that is a real paradise for gourmets. Located in one of the oldest and largest Indian states. People here know how and love to cook, considering this process a sacred rite. The basis of any cuisine here is fish and seafood, as well as coconuts. But at this resort there are strict rules for tourists that must be followed - take off your shoes at the entrance to any room, do not talk loudly and do not drink alcohol in public places. 
Lakshadweep is a resort area of the Laccadive Islands, located in the Arabian Sea. It consists of as many as 36 islands with amazingly beautiful sandy beaches. But, only two of them are open for tourist visits and beach holidays - Kadmat and Bangaram. There are excellent conditions for diving. In order to visit other islands, you must obtain special permission. There are no shops as such on these islands; you can only buy the essentials.
