Traveling to India for the first time? Here are 19 things you should know!

Traveling to India for the first time? We will tell you 19 things you should know before visiting! If this is your first trip to India, consider this blog as a first timer’s guide to the few things you must know before traveling to this fascinating country packed with things to see and do. Honestly, you can never be fully prepared for incredible India. From the mountains in North India to the backwaters of the South, there is a unique charm in every corner of India.

If you love to travel, you should take at least one trip to India. There are many tourist destinations in India for every type of traveler. Whether you are searching for Costa Rica’s vibrant wilderness, the calmness of Greek islands, the tropical magic of the Amazon rainforest, the intricate monuments of Central Asia, or the winter wonderland of Switzerland, would you believe us if we told you that all of it can be found in India?

Many travelers prefer to visit India, since it offers a varied world in one country. Although it can be a fantastic culture shock for first time travellers, you slowly start appreciating the beauty of this country. So if you are planning a trip to India, deep dive into the upcoming adventure with a few handy tips from us to make your journey easier!

To prepare for your adventure to India here’s 19 tips that we at India Someday can offer to help you get started.

The best time to visit India

India is a year round destination, as the country’s climate changes from one region to another. No matter when you visit this fascinating country, you will always find something exciting to explore. However, the best time to visit India is from November to March. The climate is cool throughout most of the country. Although Southern India remains warm, it is still pleasant for sightseeing. But keep in mind that this is the peak tourist season in India. You will see a huge number of tourists at all the major attractions.

June to September is monsoon season in India. While the monsoon rains affect most of the country, the landscape turns extremely beautiful, a sight to behold. It is off-season for travel during this time, although if you don’t mind some rain, you should definitely visit India towards the end of August and the beginning of September.

Mid-March to June is the summer season in India, and it can get uncomfortably hot in many parts of the country. We would not recommend visiting India during this season, since a lot of outdoor sightseeing will be restricted to early mornings and late evenings. The  bustling streets of India are also quiet during the scorching afternoons.

The best places to visit in India

This country offers some of the most incredible sights to travelers, and it is impossible to explore all the sights in just one trip. There are myriad variations of journeys you can take to explore the country’s amazingly varied facets, depending on your interests.

As first time visitors, you can visit incredible monuments like the Taj Mahal in Agra or the Red Fort in Delhi, forts like Amber Fort and Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, 

You can cover the Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur) in a week long trip to India. These three Indian cities provide an all-encompassing tour of North India, exposing guests to different cultures and lifestyles in a short time. The Golden Triangle is the perfect introduction to the country.

Embrace the spirituality of India by visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar or the holy city of Varanasi. Go on camel safaris through the Thar desert in Rajasthan or take a wildlife safari in the national parks of Central India. Stay in luxury villas and resorts or save money by staying in a hostel with other travelers and like minded people. You can travel independently or go on small group trips – everything is up to you.

Crowd outside a temple in India

Basic English is widely spoken across India

Most people in India, especially the metropolitan cities, speak English. Call it an after-effect of colonialism, but English is the secondary language in India. Not everyone can speak it, or speak it well, but you will find that communication or language skills won’t be a very big issue. Street names, important signs and public transport messages are all written in English as well as the state language.

Sign boards in both language (Photo Credit – Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter)

Always eat hot, fresh food

India is one of the best countries in the world for gastronomy. Indian cuisine varies from one region to another, and it is all undoubtedly delicious. You will find that India is a largely vegetarian country, so if you are a vegetarian or a vegan, you will be spoilt for choice. We can guarantee that by the end of your trip, you will be in love with Indian cooking.

The coastal areas of India offer freshly caught seafood, street stalls offer food fried fresh in front of you, and if you want to try something vegetarian, there is a plentiful choice of meat free dishes. Unlike the Indian stereotype, you won’t be eating curry in most meals. Indian cuisine is vast

However, the country is not the most hygienic, so most people are very skeptical about eating street food here. Plus, the excessive spice in the food can be an issue for foreigners who are not used to eating such spicy food. It is easy to get stomach troubles in this country – the Delhi Belly is a very present problem for many travelers.

However, there are a few ways to avoid throwing your holiday down the toilet. Firstly, make sure to eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot. Secondly, avoid salads and juices as much as possible.

Consume only packaged drinking water

Always drink bottled water in India, preferably from a good brand like Bisleri. Tap water in India is not potable and can cause tummy troubles if consumed. Make sure to only drink bottled or purified water. If you do not get packaged water anywhere, which would rarely be the case, you can boil water before drinking.

Eat fresh cooked and hot food always (Photo Credit – Saurabh Sharan)

Keep all your essential documents handy

Remember to carry a copy of your passport, visa, travel insurance, licenses, and identity proof with you at all times.

You need a visa to come to India. It sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised at how many first time travelers don’t know this. Travellers from the US, Australia and the UK will be eligible for an e-visa.

A travel insurance will safeguard you against issues like theft, illness, or injury, so make sure you have one before coming to India.

Handling  money

India is slowly turning into a cashless economy, but still the majority of local payments are done in cash. Try to keep a large quantity of notes of smaller denominations, such as INR 20, INR 50, and INR 100, since everything is relatively inexpensive in India.

Also, when you are in India, get a local sim card. There are many benefits to getting a local sim card – you get a network in most places, and it is much less expensive than using your own.

Take care of your health and hygiene

India is a great country, but it is often not very clean and hygienic. We would recommend packing antibacterial wipes.  If you are traveling by train, the toilets in the trains can often be unclean. Make sure to carry your own toilet paper for train travel.

If you have any essential medicines that you might require, don’t forget to carry those with you.

Don’t settle for any price you’re not comfortable with

You’ve probably heard that India is a bargain heaven. Alternately, shopkeepers will consistently rip you off when they realize you’re a foreigner. Bargaining can be a sensitive business, so always look out for a fixed price sign before you start anything. If  you do feel like you’re getting ripped off and the seller is refusing to bring down their price, it’s best to just walk away. There’s no point in risking offense.

Find Out More: Investigate the Perfect Time for an Indian Adventure

Very carefully before bargaining and purchasing (Photo Credit – Cleavers)

People are friendlier than they look

The local people may seem completely absorbed in their own lives, especially in the metropolitan cities, but they will always help you if you just ask. Taxi drivers and keepers of tiny cigarette shops on street corners serve as bottomless sources of information. In fact, your taxi driver may often be the best person to ask for recommendations. They will offer some of the best advice, although sometimes they may ask you seemingly intrusive questions. It is up to you if you want to answer them or not, but most of the time, they are only asking out of curiosity or to make conversation. So show some polite interest, but keep a safe distance if you don’t want to engage.

Drivers are friendly (Photo Credit – Fabrice Florin)

Respect local customs

If you are first timers to India, you must know that India is a country rooted in culture and traditions. There are many religions in India, each with its own traditions. Cultural customs vary from one region to another. While you are in this country, respect local customs. For example, most religious places and even houses in India will require you to take off your footwear outside the door, before entering. In many temples, such as the Golden Temple, you will have to cover your head with a scarf or handkerchief.

Pack appropriate clothing

While packing for a trip to India, make sure you pack according to the region you are visiting, and the season you are visiting in. Pack light and breathable clothes for warmer weather and regions, and pack some sweaters and shawls if you are visiting the far north or during winters. If you are visiting during monsoon season, make sure to carry an umbrella, raincoat, and appropriate footwear. Also keep some protective covers handy for covering your phone and valuables in case of rain.

If you will be trekking, hiking, visiting hilltop fortresses, or simply walking a lot, make sure to wear comfortable shoes for such activities.

India has a relatively modest culture, and we would recommend our guests to dress modestly, especially while visiting religious sites and rural areas. Remember that people will openly stare regardless of what you wear, but it is just curiosity. People not from the metropolitan cities can be naturally inquisitive, so try to ignore the stares. However, if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point, do not hesitate to go to the police station for help.

Learn More: Get Acquainted with India’s Top Attractions

A tourist at the Golden Temple in Amritsar (Photo Credit – David Bacon)

Beware the scamsters

Delhi is crazy chaotic and full of scams, so are Agra and Jaipur. Familiarize yourself with them before you leave.

Be aware of scam (Photo Credit – Partha Sarathi Sahana)

India is not all elephants and snake charmers

There’s even gourmet restaurants and hi-tech amusement parks. That said, if you really want to relive the 60s, we can always get you a slot at Elefantastic.

Read our client blog about experiencing Elefantastic and what to expect.

If you’re planning a trip to India from the UK, check out this comprehensive guide.

Learn More: Tips for Traveling from Australia to India

You may be eligible for an e-visa if you’re visiting India.

India is a great family destination

India is a safe country to visit with family. People in India actually love children, and are very accommodating. Usually kids are not charged extra for staying in hotel rooms. In most places, kids have free entry. Plus, if you are staying in a homestay, the locals will very happily make special food for the kids.

Cute school kids waving the Indian Flag

Solo travelers or women travelers need to be extra careful

India is a relatively safe country, despite the many incidents that you hear about in the news. However, India, or for that matter, any country, is not completely safe for female visitors or solo travelers. Plus, in this crowded country, you can often feel like your personal space is being invaded. It is totally normal in India, but if you are uncomfortable, reach out for help. Also avoid going to unknown places all alone, especially at night.

Pickpocketing, getting harassed in large crowds, or getting scammed are a few subtle dangers you need to stay careful against. Stay calm in such situations, and go to the nearest police station for help.

Transportation in India is relatively inexpensive

Transportation in India is on the cheaper side, and public transport, even more so. While flights are the easiest way to go from one place to another, trains are a much cheaper and comfortable option for long distances. Train travel in India is quite inexpensive and can be a great experience. Indian trains for long distances have different classes, and the prices vary accordingly. There are different styles of trains – one with a chair car and one with bunks where you can lie down. You can also choose AC or non-AC cabins. However, train tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially if you are traveling during peak season, so make sure to book your tickets in advance. Within cities, you can travel by bus, taxi, or auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk).

You’ve never really ‘seen’ India

Be it your first time or the tenth, no single individual has ever seen India completely. It’s changing every day, and can be overwhelming at times. But to experience even a tiny slice of it, two weeks of passion and chaos and fun, can change your life forever.

We can help

It can be confusing, especially if it is your first trip to the country. If the pre-packaged tours stifle you and going solo is too challenging, we’re just what you’re looking for. At India Someday, we are your adventure travel consultants. Tell us what you are looking for and we will make the best itinerary to India for you. For more India travel tips, contact us with your queries, and we can get cracking at making your first time in India a memorable one. We also plan Asia tours in countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, and Philippines.

So, contact us at India Someday and we will plan the best India itineraries for your next trip to India!