Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Taj Mahal agra india Landmark Between the majestic Taj Mahal and the colorful cuisine and flower markets, India is one of those destinations that is high atop many travelers’ bucket lists. But actually planning for and executing a trip to India? It can be a lot more difficult than, say, a whirlwind tour through Europe. India is the most populated country in the world with over 1.

44 billion people calling the country home. It’s also one of the largest countries by land mass—which makes narrowing down an itinerary quite tricky for the average traveler. If you’ve been considering a trip to India but aren’t sure where to start planning, you’ll want to read on.

We spoke to an experienced Indian tour guide and cruise director to understand exactly what to consider (and what to avoid) when planning a trip to India to ensure you have the best possible time in the dynamic country. Here’s how to plan your first trip to India: Check visa requirements Citizens of the United States require a visa in order to enter India as a tourist—but it’s a relatively easy visa to secure. You can apply for a simple e-visa between 4 and 120 days before entering India but just make sure you note down where and how you’re entering the country carefully; you’ll want to ensure you have a travel plan in place before starting to fill out the exact details required for the visa.

The basic e-visa is valid for a total of 60 days of travel.