India's tourism offerings range from Himalayan treks and coastal beaches to historic palaces, pilgrimage centres and biodiverse northeastern and tribal regions. State tourism corporations and private operators both run regional packages. Travel infrastructure varies widely, so plan by region and operator.
Why India for a trip?
India offers widely different landscapes and cultures in a single country. In the north, the Himalaya range provides snow-covered peaks, high-altitude towns and trekking routes for a range of abilities. In the south and along the east and west coasts you'll find sandy beaches and seaside towns. Inland, India's palaces, forts and temples tell a long history; tribal and northeastern regions offer rare wildlife and distinct cultures.
Mountains and trekking
The Indian Himalaya spans several states and union territories, from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in the west to Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the east. Trekking routes range from short day hikes to multi-day high-altitude treks. Accommodation is available from government tourist lodges to private guesthouses and mountaineer-focused camps.
The coasts: three very different seas
India's peninsula is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, the Indian Ocean to the south and the Bay of Bengal to the east. Kerala's Kovalam is a long-established beach destination on the Arabian Sea, with a mix of private hotels and state tourism facilities; some well-known luxury properties operate there as well . On the east coast, Visakhapatnam (Visakhapatnam) and nearby beaches serve as popular seaside stops for Andhra Pradesh visitors.
Note: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been separate states since 2014; coastal destinations such as Visakhapatnam are in Andhra Pradesh.
Pilgrimage and heritage
Religious tourism remains strong: Tirupati and the hill shrine at Tirumala draw millions of pilgrims annually. State tourism departments and private operators offer packages for temple visits and pilgrim services 1.
If historical palaces and forts interest you, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi have many preserved sites - examples include the Red Fort in Delhi and several royal palaces in Rajasthan. State tourism corporations and private tour operators commonly offer heritage itineraries.
Northeast, forests and tribal regions
India's northeastern states are rich in biodiversity and are rewarding for birdwatchers and nature lovers. These areas also preserve strong tribal and ethnic traditions. Similar tribal cultures and communities are found in parts of central and eastern India, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Infrastructure varies: remote areas may have limited facilities and require a readiness for more rustic travel conditions.
Buddhist regions
Distinctive Buddhist cultures are found in places as geographically far apart as Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh (now a union territory). Each region offers monasteries, festivals and strong local traditions, but they are spread across the country so a single short package rarely covers all three.
Practical tips
- Choose operators who specialise in the region you plan to visit.
- Expect a wide range of accommodation quality; book in advance for high season.
- Check local state tourism sites and major operators for up-to-date itineraries, permits and travel advisories.
- Confirm current operating name/status of the Leela Kovalam property and which hotels in Kovalam are publicly promoted by Kerala Tourism.
- Verify whether Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) or other state agencies directly operate pilgrim packages for Tirumala, and the typical services they provide.