India is one of the richest travel experiences in the world — the Taj Mahal and the Golden Triangle, the beaches of Goa, yoga in Rishikesh on the Ganges and a unique culture. A simple e-Visa and an active Chabad presence in the main cities. Note the important warnings at the start of the guide before booking.
⚠️ Travel advisory — must read before booking
🔴 Kashmir / Jammu & Kashmir — level 4, avoid any visit or stay: as of 26.9.2026, per Israel's NSC (gov.il), the Kashmir region (except Ladakh) is a high-threat area (level 4) due to a concrete terror threat, and the NSC recommends avoiding any visit or stay there. If you are there — consider leaving.
🟠 The rest of India — level 2 (occasional threat): the NSC recommends heightened precautions across the rest of India. Keep Israeli markers low-key and stay away from crowded places.
Check again at gov.il close to your trip.
🚫 Note — satellite phones forbidden: bringing satellite phones into India is strictly prohibited. Also — check that there is no bullet/round in your backpack from military service before the flight.
1Why India
India (about 3.29 million km², ~1.45 billion people) is one of the richest travel experiences in the world — UNESCO sites, tropical beaches, mountains, ancient cities and a unique culture. The capital is New Delhi. Official languages: Hindi and English. Currency: Indian rupee (INR). The majority of the population is Hindu.
Goa — a classic Israeli backpacker destination with Chabad.
Rishikesh — yoga, the Ganges, a large Israeli community.
The Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra (the Taj Mahal), Jaipur.
e-Visa — simple and cheap.
Chabad is active in Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and more.
2Flights from Israel
TLV↔DEL (Delhi) — direct/connecting: Check direct availability with the airline — routes to Israel change.
Our recommendation for Israelis: November–February — the ideal season for all the top Israeli destinations.
5Itineraries
7 days — the Golden Triangle: Delhi 2 → Agra 1 (the Taj Mahal) → Jaipur 2 → Delhi/Mumbai.
10 days — north + Goa: Delhi 2 → Agra 1 → Jaipur 2 → Goa 4 → last night.
14 days — all the Israeli destinations: Delhi 2 → Agra 1 → Jaipur 2 → Rishikesh 3 → Goa 4 → Mumbai 2.
Southern alternative: Mumbai → Kerala (Backwaters) → Goa.
⚠️ India is large — don't pack in too many destinations in fewer than 10 days.
6Attractions
Delhi
Red Fort (UNESCO) — a huge Mughal fort from the 17th century, the heart of Delhi's history.
Qutub Minar (UNESCO) — a tall minaret tower from the 12th century, surrounded by a complex of historic sites.
Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO) — a magnificent Mughal tomb from the 16th century, an inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
Agra
Taj Mahal (UNESCO) — one of the most famous sites in the world: a white-marble mausoleum from the 17th century. ⚠️ Beware of unauthorised guides and counterfeit tickets around the site.
Agra Fort (UNESCO) — a 400-year-old Mughal fort in the heart of Agra.
Jaipur
Amber Fort — a magnificent hilltop fort outside Jaipur, one of the most beautiful in India.
Hawa Mahal / City Palace — the Palace of Winds, a unique pink façade, the symbol of Jaipur.
Mumbai
Gateway of India — Mumbai's historic entrance arch, on the seafront.
Elephanta Caves (UNESCO) — rock-cut caves with ancient Hindu sculptures, about 10 km from the harbour.
Goa, Kerala & Rishikesh
Old Goa Churches (UNESCO) — Portuguese churches and convents from the 16th century, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
North Goa beaches — Arambol, Anjuna, Vagator, Baga — especially popular with Israeli backpackers.
Backwaters — Alleppey (Kerala) — a network of canals and lakes, a houseboat cruise — a unique experience in the south.
The Ganges + the Lakshman Jhula / Ram Jhula bridges (Rishikesh) — a world centre of yoga and spirituality on the banks of the Ganges. Especially well known among Israelis.
🎟️ Affiliate link: Attractions · Klook
Book tickets and tours in India on Klook
Golden Triangle tours, Taj Mahal entry, Kerala cruises and more — buy ahead on Klook.
India does not require Israelis to show a vaccination certificate to enter (unless arriving from a country with yellow fever risk), but international health bodies (CDC and similar) recommend a travel-clinic consultation 4–6 weeks before the flight. The following is general information only and not a substitute for personal medical advice — consult a doctor/travel clinic and also check the Israeli Ministry of Health's guidance before booking.
Recommended for almost every traveler: Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines — both spread through contaminated water/food and are relevant even at luxury hotels, not only for backpackers.
Depending on destination and length of stay: Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Hepatitis B and Cholera — considered based on itinerary and activities (e.g. extended time in villages or nature).
Malaria: Antimalarial pills are generally needed for most of India — including Delhi and Mumbai — except at elevations above roughly 2,000m (parts of Rishikesh/the Himalayas). Discuss the right medication (e.g. Malarone, doxycycline or mefloquine) with a travel doctor based on your route and local resistance patterns.
Water and food: Drink only sealed bottled water, avoid ice and unpackaged juices, and prefer hot, freshly cooked food ("Delhi belly" — traveler's diarrhea — is very common).
Travel insurance: Essential — make sure it covers medical evacuation, especially in remote areas (the Himalayas, villages).
Source: CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations for travelers to India. Checked 13.09.2026 — verify with the Israeli Ministry of Health and a travel clinic close to your actual travel date.
Credit cards are accepted at hotels and malls. Markets and street food — cash.
Street food is cheap and varied — tens to hundreds of rupees per dish (per travel sources).
How much does a trip to India cost per day? (2026)
Daily cost depends heavily on travel style, season and region. General ranges below, not including international flights, e-Visa or travel insurance (checked 13.09.2026 against current backpacker/travel sources):
Backpacker / low budget — about $20–40/day: hostel dorm bed (roughly ₹200–600, $3–8), street food and local restaurants (roughly ₹200–400/day, $3–6), public transport — buses/trains/rickshaws (roughly ₹100–300/day, $1–4).
Luxury — from $100+/day: boutique/chain hotels, a private driver for the trip, organized tours.
Prices vary significantly by region — Goa and Mumbai are pricier than villages in north India or Rishikesh.
12Kosher & Jewish community
Chabad Mumbai — Nariman House — 5 Hormustji Street, opp 4th Pasta Lane, Mumbai 400005. Phone +91-976-906-0840. Kosher restaurant: Sun–Thu 09:00–21:30, Fri 09:00–15:00 (meat, vegetarian, Israeli and Indian).
Chabad Delhi — the Main Bazaar / Paharganj area. Exact address: chabad.org/delhi.
Chabad Goa (North Goa / Arambol) — an active centre with a kosher restaurant, Shabbat and holidays. Exact address: chabad.org/goa.
Kosher food exists mainly around Chabad. There is no general kosher availability in India — check hours and addresses before every trip.
13Important tips for Israelis
e-Visa: apply at least a week before your flight — don't wait.
Satellite phones: strictly forbidden to bring into India.
Backpack: check there is no round/bullet from military service.
Keep Israeli markers low-key in North India.
Taj Mahal: beware of unauthorised guides, counterfeit tickets and commission shops.
Rickshaws: agree the price in advance — always.
Passport: don't leave it as a deposit.
Water: drink only sealed bottled water.
14Frequently asked questions
Do Israelis need a visa for India?
Yes — an e-Tourist Visa is required. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least a week in advance.
How much does an e-Visa cost?
The fee depends on the visa type and validity. The current fee is shown on the Indian government's official portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Is there a direct flight?
To Delhi — check with Air India / EL AL. Goa and Mumbai — mostly connecting. Check in real time.
When is the best time to fly?
November–February for most destinations. Goa: November–February. North India: October–March.
Is there kosher food?
Yes — Chabad in Mumbai, Delhi and Goa. Check hours and addresses before every trip.
Is it safe to travel to Kashmir?
Not recommended. As of 26.9.2026, per Israel's NSC, Kashmir (except Ladakh) is level 4 — avoid any visit or stay. Check gov.il before every trip.
Do I need vaccinations before traveling to India?
No vaccination is required for entry (unless arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country), but Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for nearly every traveler, plus antimalarial pills for most of India. Consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before your flight.
How much does a trip to India cost per day?
Backpacker: about $20–40/day. Mid-range comfort: about $36–60/day. Luxury: from $100+/day. Not including international flights, e-Visa or travel insurance.
