How to Reach India: Your Guide to Getting There and Getting Around
When you plan a trip to India, a vast South Asian country with diverse climates, cultures, and travel infrastructure. Also known as the Indian subcontinent, it’s not just a destination—it’s a network of entry points, transit hubs, and local transport systems that shape your whole journey. Whether you’re flying in from New York, catching a train from Nepal, or sailing into Kerala, how you reach India determines how smoothly the rest of your trip goes.
You don’t need a visa to enter every country, but you do need one for India—and getting it right matters. Most travelers apply for an e-Visa, a digital travel permit that lets you enter India for tourism, business, or medical reasons. Also known as India tourist visa, it’s processed online in under 72 hours and works at 28 airports and five seaports. Skip the embassy lines. Book early. And don’t forget to print a copy—you’ll need it at immigration. Once you land, your next move is figuring out how to get around. India’s transport system isn’t one thing—it’s dozens. Domestic flights, fast, affordable, and connecting major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Also known as Indian airlines, carriers like IndiGo and Vistara offer daily routes that cut travel time from 12 hours by train to under two hours by air. For budget travelers, trains are the soul of India. The Golden Triangle route, a popular circuit linking Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Also known as North India tourist trail, it’s covered by overnight sleeper trains that cost less than a hotel night in many Western cities. Want to go slow? Hire a driver. Want to go cheap? Take a bus. Want to go local? Ride a rickshaw. Each option gives you a different view of India.
There’s no single way to reach India, and there shouldn’t be. Your arrival point changes your experience. Flying into Goa? You’ll hit beachside resorts and quiet lanes. Landing in Delhi? You’re in the heart of history, politics, and chaos. Arriving by train in Varanasi? The Ganges awaits. The key isn’t picking the best route—it’s picking the right one for your trip. The posts below show you exactly how others have done it: from budget flyers to luxury train riders, from first-timers to repeat visitors who know which airport has the fastest customs line and which train station has the best chai stall. You’ll find real advice on flights from the USA, how to avoid overpaying for taxis, and why some travelers skip Delhi entirely. No fluff. Just what works.
