One of the great things about traveling is being able to check out the different types of nightlife that other countries have. India's nightlife is diverse and growing. Tucked away, you’ll find everything from intimate bars and pubs, to multi-level nightclubs. Those interested in something more traditional will find no shortage of cultural performances either. However, you do need to know where to look.

As drinking traditionally isn’t part of India’s culture, the country's bars tend to be divided into two categories –- cheap, seedy local bars frequented by India’s male population, and classier venues catering to the progressive middle and upper class crowd. The latter can only be found in major cities.

An interesting term used in India is that of the “resto-pub” or “resto-bar”. These are restaurants that double as places where you can drink, and sometimes dance later in the night, as many restaurants don’t serve alcohol in India. A elegant example of a resto-bar is Zenzi, in Mumbai’s hip suburb of Bandra.

Mumbai has become very cosmopolitan in recent years and is constantly serving up an array of trendy new bars in and around Bandra, and as well as in south Mumbai and the tourist area of Colaba. Goa is also renowned for its plethora of bars and clubs. In addition, it’s the only state in India to have casinos.

Large clubs that are exempt from the curfews are usually only found in 5-star international hotel complexes, and sometimes in shopping malls (such as Elevate in the Centerstage Mall, in Delhi's distant suburb of Noida). Due to their prohibitive cover charges (sometimes as high as 1,500 rupees or $35 per couple) and cost of drinks, only the richest Indians can afford to party at these places. The facilities are world class and if it wasn’t for the music interspersed with the latest Bollywood tracks, prompting a frenzied display of dancing from the crowd, you could easily forget you were in India.

Mumbai is the place to come for busy traveler’s hangouts offering a lively atmosphere and cheap beer. The live music venues in Mumbai are also excellent. Bangalore, with its large blend of expatriates, has a booming pub culture with plenty of live gigs. In addition, some great traditional and rock bands can be found playing in Goa and Delhi.