Before going
When to leave
India is a country so vast that it is made up of several different climates, from the Thar Desert to the Kerala backwaters to the high mountain areas in the North… which don’t make it easy to give a general outlook of India’s weather. Four season can be identified: winter (from December to February), summer (from March to May), a monsoon rainy season (from June to September), and a post-monsoon period (from October to November).
The best period to visit North, as well as South India, is from mid-November until the end of March, except for Ladakh where the good season lasts from mid-May to the end of October, and southeast and extreme South, because of tardy monsoon.
In May, the temperature ranges between 30 to 40 °C and can reach 45 °C in the plains of the Ganges River.
Formalities
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A passport which should have at least 6-months validity from the date of arrival in India. Note that it should also contain at least two empty pages.
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An e-tourist visa, valid for 2 entries. The application can now be made on the following website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html. You will have to fill in an application form, upload an ID photo that complies with Indian standards (color, JPEG, and 2 x 2-inch format) and make the payment for the visa (approximately USD 48). Once you receive your e-visa straight to your inbox (after a delay of 3 to 4 days), print it and present it at the immigration of the arrival airport in India along with your passport and round-trip flight ticket. The visa is delivered for a duration of at most 60 days from the date of arrival in India. The application can be made between 4 months and 4 days before the same date. The e-tourist visa cannot be delivered more than twice a year for the same traveler.
Health and vaccines
Remember that there should be no risk for your health if you are well prepared and if you are careful once you reach India. There are no compulsory vaccinations, however, some are recommended. You should consult with a doctor to discuss it on a case per case basis. The main transmissible diseases are transmissible through the bite of mosquitos: a powerful repellant should ensure your peace of mind.
Indian food is known for causing food poisoning for travelers, however, if you are careful and do not eat at any place, everything should be fine: try to avoid street food and meat. You should also only drink bottled or purified water and never drink water from the tap. Finally, the big cities are all well-equipped with medical facilities which will take care of you in case you are ill.