India Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors (Updated 2022)

Posted: 11/14/22 | November 14th, 2022

I’ve by no means been to India. I do know. Loopy, proper? It’s not that I don’t wish to go however life has simply at all times gotten in the best way. Nevertheless, India is a spot lots of people go to and, since I can’t write about it, I wish to herald somebody who can: my good friend Mariellen Ward. She’d a journey author who has been going to India since 2005 and runs the web site Breathedreamgo. We’ve identified one another since 2010. At the moment, she’s going to share some recommendations on the way to go to India for first-time guests.

I’ll always remember my first time visiting India. My first automobile journey in Delhi felt like a roller-coaster trip. Automobiles and vehicles of each measurement, overloaded bicycles and bikes, and even the occasional bullock cart, appeared to be coming at me from each route. Nobody was paying any consideration to lanes or the principles of the highway. Autos had been driving the unsuitable method. I couldn’t make sense of what was taking place.

I had heard concerning the “sensory overload” vacationers really feel in India, and now I used to be experiencing it. It was thrilling and nerve-wracking in equal measure. And only a style of issues to come back.

I spent six months crisscrossing the subcontinent on my first journey, again in 2005 and was usually overwhelmed by the massive crowds, the overseas traditions, the perplexing forms, the mind-boggling complexity, and the bewildering tradition shock.

These items mixed make India a difficult — although very thrilling and rewarding —vacation spot.

Nevertheless, if you happen to learn and comply with these journey ideas for first-time guests, they might assist easy out among the extra disorienting bumps.

1. Decelerate

It takes time and a few know-how to efficiently navigate in India. This isn’t a spot for hurried journey. Don’t attempt to see as a lot as you’ll be able to; that isn’t the correct strategy. It’s tiring to journey in India, and the item ought to be to expertise it, to not examine issues off an inventory.

As a common rule, for each two weeks you’re in India, choose one area. For a one-month journey, simply choose two areas — say, two weeks in Rajasthan and two weeks in Kerala. You’ll be able to even sit in a single place and nonetheless not miss something. It doesn’t matter what, if you’re in India, you’ll expertise India.

2. Alter your perspective

Let your self absolutely expertise India. There’s a quote from the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel that sums it up: “India hits you want a wave. If you happen to resist, you’ll be knocked down. However if you happen to dive into it, you’ll be alright.”

Likewise, settle for that issues won’t go as deliberate. Domesticate the philosophy that issues occur the best way they’re purported to, not the best way they’re deliberate. This perspective can result in probably the most marvelous adventures.

3. Watch out who you belief

Having mentioned that it’s a good suggestion to be open, a wholesome stage of skepticism additionally is available in actually useful in India. There are a lot of con males there, particularly within the journey and hospitality sector. They’ve a sixth sense for first-time guests and can attempt to take benefit.

So, be taught the costs by asking locals and different vacationers earlier than negotiating with auto-rickshaw drivers and market distributors. Don’t consider drivers — or random folks you come throughout at airports, practice stations, and vacationer points of interest — who let you know issues corresponding to your resort burned down, or the practice you need was canceled.

Typically, a chance to earn cash off of you’ll spur artistic ways, and a few of these scams can simply catch you off guard. As soon as, I used to be in search of a brand new iPhone case and the seller confirmed me one and advised me it was made by Apple. However a detailed look revealed 4 spelling errors in a single brief sentence engraved contained in the case.

4. Apply secure journey

India has a fame as a frightening journey vacation spot, particularly for ladies. Nevertheless, I’ve spent a few years in India as a feminine solo traveler, and although I’ve been uncomfortable, I’ve by no means felt actually unsafe or threatened. Reported crimes towards vacationers are comparatively uncommon, however harassment, staring, pickpocketing, and getting ripped off are widespread.

There are additionally anecdotal stories of ladies being molested, particularly in busy, crowded locations. Comply with fundamental precautions and secure journey methods, and use widespread sense in India.

Listed below are a number of security journey ideas (please learn my top tips for women traveling in India for extra particulars):

• Purchase an area SIM card in an effort to make native calls and keep in contact.
• Analysis rigorously the place you wish to go, guaranteeing it’s an space frequented by different vacationers, with good infrastructure and inns.
• Plan your journey so that you don’t arrive late at evening; journey throughout sunlight hours solely.
• Watch out when posting to social media, so that you’re not revealing your present location.
• Keep alert to your environment, and maintain a detailed eye in your purse and baggage.
• Hold the Vacationer Helpline quantity useful and name if you happen to want any help: 1-800-111363.

5. Strive a small group tour

On your first time in India, attempt taking a small group or customized tour that can assist you get your ft moist. My firm, India for Beginners, was based to assist girls journey safely and nicely in India. We provide a number of small group excursions, however we concentrate on creating customized excursions and offering a excessive stage of non-public service, corresponding to assembly vacationers on the airport and assigning a tour supervisor who is offered 24/7. We maintain your hand in India!

6. Take the practice

Taking a train in India is a superb expertise and shouldn’t be missed. Nevertheless, you want some fundamental information concerning the courses and the trains. You could not wish to dive into sleeper class or common class instantly; I’d suggest 2AC (second class with air con) or CC (chair automobile). And even 1AC (first-class with air con) or EC (government chair automobile).

Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains are among the many greatest in India, so attempt to e-book considered one of these. In a single day trains is usually a downside as a result of they don’t clear the bogs at evening, so maintain that in thoughts if you e-book.

7. Eat the meals

India is likely one of the world’s nice culinary locations, and first-time guests shouldn’t draw back from making an attempt all of the scrumptious delicacies on provide, even avenue meals. A number of the famous Indian items you shouldn’t miss are masala chai, candy lassi, biryani, pakoras, dosas, and sweets corresponding to gulab jamun and kheer.

It’s onerous to keep away from getting sick in India, although, since you by no means know when a tainted merchandise will cross your plate. It could possibly be at a avenue stall or a five-star restaurant. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to scale back the possibilities of getting sick by following these fundamental guidelines:

• Drink filtered or bottled water solely.
• Look ahead to undistilled water in ice or sauces.
• Keep away from salad and different uncooked meals except you’ll be able to peel it (corresponding to an orange or banana).
• Eat solely meals that’s freshly cooked.
• Search for busy stalls and eating places with excessive turnover.

8. Get an area SIM card

All the pieces in India runs on WhatsApp, one-time password (OTP) verification, and textual content messages. Due to this, you want an area quantity. To take action, get an area SIM on the airport if you arrive. Nonetheless, you might have bother paying for issues on-line with a overseas bank card, as India requires OTP verification, and getting registered with Indian Railways so you purchase practice tickets on-line is sort of not possible.

9. Bear in mind the place you’re

India is altering quick however continues to be a conventional society. It’s greatest to find out about its cultures and etiquette and err on the aspect of warning.

For instance, except you’re on the seashore in Goa, it’s smart to wear modest clothing in India. Lengthy, unfastened, and flowing are key for dressing for the local weather and the tradition.

It’s additionally greatest to be very respectful, particularly with regard to the myriad religions. And bear in mind that genders relate otherwise in India, and overfriendliness might be misconstrued. Be well mannered, however with strangers, and particularly these working within the hospitality sector, it’s normally greatest to dial again effusive friendliness.

10. Comply with the seasons

Climate and the season matter in India. It’s extremely sizzling virtually all over the place in Might and June, the monsoon season is July to August, and it’s surprisingly chilly in north India in winter, December to February. Perform a little research and discover out the best places to visit in India by season.

So, when it’s chilly in north India, head all the way down to tropical Kerala or Goa and hit the seashore. Within the warmth of summer time, try Ladakh, a excessive desert plateau that typically appears otherworldly. Word: Fall is pageant season, so you’ll be able to expertise Durga Puja in Kolkata, Diwali in Jaipur, or the Camel Truthful in Pushkar.

11. Go to points of interest within the morning

As a rule, vacationer locations in India should not busy within the morning. Indians typically don’t begin early, so if you wish to go someplace touristy or crowded, go early (additionally the best time of day). For instance, if you’re planning to see the Taj Mahal, keep in a single day in Agra and go at dawn; when the gates open, the road can be principally foreigners. Crowds of Indian vacationers will roll up a number of hours later.

(Nevertheless, this rule doesn’t apply to procuring. Shops, and even eating places, have a tendency to not open till 10 and even 11 am. City Indians are inclined to do all the pieces late. Breakfast and lunch are late, and dinner might be very late certainly.)

12. Head into the countryside

Most first-time vacationers to India are inclined to design their itineraries round cities. They land in Delhi or Mumbai and head to locations like Jaipur, Udaipur, Rishikesh, and Cochin. Make an effort to see the wilderness: the jungles, deserts, and mountains. India is residence to greater than 50 tiger reserves, a number of biodiversity sizzling spots (such because the Western Ghats and the Sundarbans), the world’s twentieth largest desert (the Thar Desert), and the very best mountain vary on earth (the Himalayas).

You’ll be able to go trekking within the mountains, take a tiger safari, go to one of many many nationwide parks, camp out in a single day on a sand dune in Rajasthan, or take a ship cruise on the Brahmaputra River.

And don’t overlook the agricultural areas. Most Indians nonetheless stay in villages. It’s actually worthwhile to meander by the quaint villages of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, or Uttarakhand.

India is just not a straightforward place to journey. It’s not a calming trip vacation spot. It’s, although, an expertise — usually a life-changing expertise. Begin by doing analysis, read books about India, watch motion pictures concerning the nation, be taught concerning the cultures and numerous locations, and prepare for a transformative journey expertise.

Like many earlier than you — from The Beatles to Steve Jobs to Elizabeth Gilbert — it’s possible you’ll simply fall in love with the place. As author Rumer Godden mentioned, “After getting felt the mud of India, you’ll by no means be freed from it.”

Mariellen Ward fell in love with India, with journey, and with journey running a blog on her first journey to the nation in 2005. She has spent greater than seven years of the final 18 in India, and now lives there. Although Canadian by start, Mariellen considers India to be her “soul tradition.” Along with her journey weblog, Breathedreamgo, she tries to encourage and assist different feminine vacationers to go after their desires. And her customized tour firm, India for Beginners, is devoted to serving to girls journey safely and nicely in India.