About Taiwan
Taiwan, an island in the Pacific Ocean, is an extraordinary region. Smaller than Kerala and situated near Southeastern China, it is a billion-dollar economy. From pristine beaches, adventure sports, upscale dining, and idyllic countryside, it is a tourist favourite for a reason. Separated from India by two massive oceans and thousands of kilometres, it is a place that has evolved for centuries with a distinct culture, culinary delights, and indigenous expression in art and culture. This is why Taiwan tour packages include cultural tourism in addition to the usual attractions such as pristine beaches and natural wonders of the region.
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Know More
Official Name: Republic of China
Capital: Taipei
Location: Taiwan is nestled in the western Pacific Ocean, and the closest point between Southeastern China and Taiwan is approximately 160 km.
Flights to Taiwan: There are no direct flights to Taiwan from India. The shortest flight takes at least 8 to 9 hours to reach Taiwan.
International Airports in Taiwan:
• Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): TPE is the busiest airport in Taiwan.
• Taipei Songshan Airport
• Kaohsiung International Airport
Population: <2.40 crores (2024 Estimate)
Time Zone: Taiwan is 2 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time (I.S.T.). So for example, if you are in Taiwan and looking to accommodate meetings in India, then roughly you can do so between 11:30 am and 6:00 pm, which will be 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Indian Standard Time.
Languages Spoken: Taiwan is a multilingual place where Mandarin is spoken by the majority of the people. Although, English is used in city centres, tourist places, and transportation routes. Please use Google Translator as a handy tool when exploring different places covered in Taiwan tour packages. A multilingual guide is necessary when covering local places.
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
1.00 TWD = 2.61 INR
ATMs are available almost everywhere, and as such, credit cards are widely used. Though carry a certain amount of cash for travel purposes, buying souvenirs, etc.
FAQs
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Where is Taiwan located?
Taiwan is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and close to Southeastern China. It has Japan in the Northeast and the Philippines in the South.
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How far is Taiwan?
Taiwan is more than 4000 km from India, and the best way to travel to Taiwan is by flight.
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Can Indian citizens go to Taiwan for tourism?
Yes, Indian citizens with valid passports can go to Taiwan for tourism. Please get in touch with our travel experts to go through the process for the application for a Taiwan visa or book the Taiwan tour package accordingly.
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Do Indians require a Taiwan visa to visit the country for tourism?
Yes, it is necessary for Indians to get a Taiwan visa for tourism. Our travel experts can assist you with your Taiwan visa and with the Taiwan tour packages, as the Indains need to show the reason for travel, maintain sufficient funds for the whole trip, etc. for the application of a Taiwan visa.
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Does Taiwan have the facility for Visa on Arrival for Indians?
No, currently Taiwan does not provide the visa on arrival for Indians.
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What kind of visas does Musafir.com provide for visiting Taiwan?
Musafir.com provides Taiwan visas for tourism purposes for Indians. Our team also provides Taiwan tour packages and assistance for Taiwan visas. Please get in touch with our travel experts at 022 4164 2214 or email us at easyvisa@in.musafir.com to learn more about Taiwan visas.
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What is Taiwan famous for?
Taiwan is famous for its strong economy, cuisine, and rich history. From semiconductors to bubble tea, you will find everything in Taiwan is class apart. .
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Is the Taiwanese countryside good for Indians to explore?
Yes, it is. Taiwan is a nation with a rich cultural heritage, and its rural countryside is no different. If you are treasuring the Taiwanese countryside, beautiful landscapes with natural scenery and good connectivity with the important towns await you.
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Are there any language barriers in Taiwan for Indians?
No, there is no language barrier for Indians in Taiwan. If you are exploring major cities and tourist places, English will be the language you will come across. As per official data, the most spoken language is Mandarin, and as such, make sure your tour guides are multilingual. If you are travelling to local or offbeat places, do take the help of Google Translator. Expert guidance will be provided for the same in Taiwan tour packages.
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Are there direct flights to Taiwan?
Direct flights aren't available between India and Taiwan, and the shortest flight can take anywhere between 8 to 9 hours to reach Taiwan.
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What is the process for a Taiwan visa for Indians?
To understand the process of a Taiwan visa in detail, please get in touch with our travel experts at 022 4164 2214 or email us at easyvisa@in.musafir.com.
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Does Musafir.com provide Taiwan tour packages for Indians?
Yes, Musafir.com provides Taiwan tour packages for Indians according to their needs. You can call 022 4164 2214 to get more information about the Taiwan tour packages.
Top Places to Visit in Taiwan
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Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan. Built in 2004, it has 101 floors and was the tallest building in the world from its opening until Burj Khalifa took its record in 2010. A part of the Taiwan tour package, it is famous for its financial centre, upscale shopping experience, and stunning views of Taipei. To avoid the crowds, book the tickets for its observatory in advance if visiting during the night. A postmodern design in terms of architecture, it's a green building whose elevators take passengers from the 5th to the 89th floor in a record 37 seconds. Give this place at least a few hours, taking into account shopping, dining, etc.
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Sun Moon Lake
Nestled in the alpine mountains, this is the largest lake in Taiwan. The lake is separated into 2 parts, east and west, by a small island in the middle called Lalu Island. The east side resembles the sun and the west by the moon, hence the name Sun Moon Lake. If this lake is part of your Taiwan tour package, then you are sure to be mesmerised by its beauty of mountains and skies. Do visit Xuanzang Temple, a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary, and Wenwu Temple, a majestic Taoist temple, when visiting Sun Moon Lake.
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National Palace Museum
A must-visit for art enthusiasts, the National Palace Museum is a place that holds Chinese and Taiwanese artwork from at least the Neolithic ages. Holding more than 7 lakh artworks, the place has calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and personal artefacts, which can take close to 3 hours for the full tour. Do include this museum in your Taiwan tour package if you are interested in the early development of civilization in East Asia. For a detailed understanding of the history, an audio guide is available; otherwise, the English translation is also sufficient for a usual tour.
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Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park, one of nine national parks in Taiwan, provides a lush green landscape. It is less than 20 km from Taipei, and the most convenient way to reach here is by bus. Do note the timings of the bus in advance from Taipei to the park. Also, for a private trip under the Taiwan tour package, private transportation is always an option.
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Longshan Temple
Built around the 1740s in the Qing dynasty, Longshan Temple is a place of worship for Guanshiyin Budda. The temple is filled with delicate sculptures with beams artistically carved with Chinese poems and verses. Known in Taiwan as the ‘’Meeting Place of Gods’’, the temple is famous in Taiwan tour packages as a spiritual place and national heritage site. Present in the Wanhua District in Taiwan, you can avoid crowds by going on weekdays.
Top Things to do in Taiwan
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Hike Taroko Gorge
Nestled in the Taroko National Park, Taroke Gorge is the most visited place in Taiwan tour packages for a reason. It is a gorge carved out by the Liwu River, creating wavy marble cliffs and abundant waterfalls. Close to 140 km from Taipei, take a day for this trip to Taroke Gorge to experience a true natural wonder of Taiwan.
Travel Tip: Do take a local guide and go for the hikes with the beautiful views, which can easily be completed in a day for your Taiwan tour package.
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Relax at Beitou Hot Springs.
Beitou Hot Spring is one of the local favourites for its accessibility from the capital. Built by the Japanese when they ruled Taiwan, this hot spring has a rich history and cultural value to the people of Taiwan. The place has been completely renovated now by the Taiwanese people and is well maintained. It is just a half-hour ride from Taipei by bus and has different sections for each gender. Do visit this in your Taiwan tour package to revel in the natural beauty of the region. .
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Take the Maokong Gondola Ride.
Maokong Gondola is a 4 km long cable ride offering breathtaking views of Taiwan's countryside. The entrance of the ride is near the zoo, and at the end of the journey at the top, you will find different shops and cafes.
Travel Tip: If you visit in the coming months, for example, i.e., if you take a Taiwan tour package in January and February, it will be the apricot blossom season in the region, and therefore you will be able to see the red, white, and pink apricots in their glory.
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Explore Jiufen Old Street .
Famous for the alleged inspiration for the place in the hit Japanese anime “Spirited Away," the place offers the best of authentic local cuisine and old-world charm. The street has interconnected alleyways going through the town where one can try different delicacies at the food stalls, shop at souvenir shops, and explore tea houses.
Travel Tip: The best time to visit this place would be early morning to watch the natural beauty of the place or late evening to explore the allure of the streets. Take into consideration the bus timings from and to Taipei before planning a trip here. This place is at the top of the itinerary in Taiwan tour packages and therefore to experience the calm and history of the place, it is best suited to visit when the crowds are on the lower side. .
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Taipei Zoo
Taipei Zoo is one of the most diverse zoological collections in the world. It is the largest zoo in Asia and is close to Taipei. It consists of diverse animals such as koala bear, panda, tapir, and also animals local to Taiwan. This itinerary in your Taiwan tour package can take more than 5 hours for a leisurely visit if you include the time for lunch.
A must-visit for families.
Top Dishes to Try in Taiwan:
When visiting Taiwan and seeking to try its traditional delicacies, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the plethora of options available. Below is the must-try list in your Taiwan tour package to start exploring the finest dishes the island has to offer:
Bubble tea: Yes, it's one thing some might not expect to be made in Taiwan, but it is. Bubble tea with tapioca pearls at the bottom is a famous Taiwanese export to the world.
Lu Rou Fan: A comfort food, Lu Rou Fan is a dish made up of rice and pork. It is a traditional food item passed down from many generations and honed by multiple iterations. The pork is slow braised with its sauce mixed up with short-grained rice and is one of the top recipes in Taiwan.
Stinky Tofu: As the name suggests, this dish is stinkier than one can think of. But if you can get past the smell, which we recommend you do, then you are in for a delight.
Beef Noodles: Commonly known as the national dish of Taiwan, beef noodles are omnipresent in the island nation. Thinner noodles with spicy broth, along with slow-cooked tender beef, and you have yourself a prized dish.
Pineapple Cake: Another favourite Taiwanese export is pineapple jam-filled baked pastries. Do try the award-winning pastries on your Taiwan trip.
Best time to Visit Taiwan:
Best Time: February to April (Spring) & October to December (Autumn)
Climate Type: Subtropical
Typhoon Season: May to October
Taiwan is a place that is blessed by nature and its majestic elements. It is a place that can be visited at all times of the year. But for Indians looking to experience a new environment the best way possible, two seasons come at the top. As such, spring and autumn are the best times to visit Taiwan for Indians. These seasons provide pleasant weather for travellers.
Autumn in Taiwan brings a good climate that is conducive to outdoor activities and city exploration. The temperature averages from 17°C to 27°C, with the weather getting colder each month towards December. This is also the start of festivals and New Year celebrations. A few showers in between are also a sight to behold during these months. Therefore, autumn forms a major part of Taiwan tour packages.
Another optimum time for tourism in Taiwan is the spring season, i.e., February to April. The temperatures during these times average between 14°C and 26°C, with temperatures rising slowly with each month towards April, with summer on the horizon afterwards. Spring is the season of change and cherry blossoms, and therefore, a Taiwan tour package during this time provides a landscape for travellers to go hiking, explore natural wonders, and also celebrate festivals. Mountain trails, fireflies, and cycling are just a few of the good things you can do during this peak spring season and enjoy your Taiwan trip.
Important Taiwan Festivals:
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Chinese New Year:
Chinese New Year is the most celebrated festival in Taiwan. Also known as the spring festival, it marks the end of winter and starts the spring season. It is held on the first day of the lunar calendar.
Date: Varies between January and February.
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Taiwan Lantern Festival:
Taiwan Lantern Festival is the festival that marks the end of the Chinese New Year and is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. If you book a Taiwan tour package during this month, the island is filled with cultural shows and mesmerising lanterns.
Date: Varies between January and February.
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Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day):
Qingming Festival is celebrated in Chinese culture to remember the ancestors. It is during this time that the families visit the gravesites of their ancestors, clean the site, and honour them by burning incense sticks and offering food. It is a spiritual festival celebrated all over Taiwan.
Date: 4th April
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Dragon Boat Festival:
Dragon Boat Festival is an important festival in Taiwan and generally all over the Chinese population. This festival occurs on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which generally occurs in May or June. Food, celebration, and entertainment are all part of this famous festival.
Date: May or June
Travel tips for Indians when visiting Taiwan:
Vegetarian options are available in Taiwan in major metropolitan cities. There are certain vegetarian products that do contain eggs, so make sure to ask your guide in the Taiwan tour package to ensure the specific variety needed.
May to October is the typhoon season in Taiwan. Although the Taiwanese infrastructure is robustly built and can withstand the typhoon season, please keep checking on alerts from the tour guides and local news (if possible) to stay safe.
If your Taiwan tour package falls during the New Year celebration, do visit Taipei 101 to experience the best fireworks in town.
July and August are the hottest months in Taiwan. Also, this time overlaps with the typhoon season.
Always carry your original documents with you when travelling. Do keep the passport copy handy for reference at all times.
Handy Guidelines for Taiwan Tour Package:
Book early: As with all travel plans, the best way to make the most out of your Taiwan tour packages is to plan beforehand. Plan and research the places to go, at least 2 months before your travel date. The early bookings can vary according to the activity and events, but , start your process early.
EasyCard: Travelling in Taiwan is breezy for a reason. The cities have made travelling easier by merging the different transportation systems into one. Easycard is one such service. It is a contactless smartcard that can be used in metros and local buses. It can be recharged at metro stations, and convenience stores, or also get more info in our Taiwan tour packages.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Taiwan, nor is it ingrained in the culture. But tipping tour guides or at local restaurants is a bonus, if you are satisfied with the service.
Interesting Facts about Taiwan:
One common thing between Indian and Taiwanese cultures among many, is not wearing outdoor shoes inside the house.
Taiwan has a cat village known as Houtong Cat Village. It is situated by an hour-long train ride from Taipei.