Why every Filipino should visit India (and vice versa): A journey of colour, culture & culinary delights

India is not all Bollywood and curry.

If there’s one destination that should top every Filipino’s travel bucket list, it’s India — an nebulous blend of ancient wonders, dizzying colours, and mouthwatering flavours.

And with visa-free entry for tourists from both countries becoming a reciprocal arrangement, there’s never been a better moment for every Kabayan to visit the subcontinent.

Now, it's time to discover why India is an absolute must-go for Pinoys who love fun, food, history, and adventure.

The Taj Mahal isn’t just a world wonder — it’s a jaw-dropping architectural love letter that glows at sunrise and sunset. 

Snap a selfie in front of its white marble majesty; your Instagram followers will thank you. If Jaipur’s “Pink City” doesn’t saturate your feed with palaces and elephant rides, Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti rituals and Goa’s endless beaches surely will.

From the buttery naan of the North to the coconut-spiked curries (and legendary biryani) of the South, India is heaven for Pinoy foodies.

It’s a culinary rollercoaster — spicy, sweet, tangy, and rich. Local street eats like samosas and chaats will have you snacking between palaces, while Kerala’s seaside seafood feasts are an adventure of their own.

Ever dreamt of floating along Kerala’s lush backwaters in a houseboat? Riding a camel through the Thar Desert?

Sipping chai in Ladakh’s snow-capped mountains? Every region in India serves up traveller tales you’ll be telling for years — plus perfect backdrops for those family group shots and Tiktok moments.

Filipinos love a good bargain — and Indian markets deliver big time (clue: . Hunt for shimmering silks, Rajasthani jewelry, hand-crafted souvenirs, and aromatic spices that will bring your kitchen to life when you’re back home.

India is the birthplace of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda. It’s also the home of Mother Theresa’s Daughters of Charity. Re-energise body and soul at an ashram, try a massage by the beach in Goa, or just take in the “good vibes” with locals — friendly, family-loving, and always up for a shared meal.

The warmth and hospitality that Filipinos are famous for are matched in India. From city cabbies eager to chat (in surprisingly good English) to rural hosts who’ll welcome you with a cup of chai, it’s easy to feel at home — even thousands of kilometres away.

No more stressful visa drama. From June 2025, Filipinos can get free Indian e-visas. Direct flights from Manila to Delhi make the journey a breeze, so impromptu trips are finally doable.

From Diwali’s exploding lanterns to Holi’s colour-mad chaos, India’s festival scene is a thrill. Don’t miss the devotion, music, and sheer joy that define these moments — hugely relatable for Catholic Filipinos who love religious fiestas back home.

A peso stretches surprisingly far in India. Whether you’re after a luxury palace stay or a cozy homestay, there’s something for every budget — so you can treat yourself (and your whole barkada!) without breaking the bank.

With direct flights, vibrant culture, jaw-dropping heritage, spectacular food, and now, visa-free access, there’s never been a better time for Filipinos to experience the magic of India. So pack your maleta, round up your besties, and get ready to say “Incredible India, here we come.”