by India will excite your senses to their full extent. No other place can provide as many experiences, sights and sounds as the country located at the core of Asia.
Traveling across India could take years of travel experience and understanding every nook and cranny of its population of 1.4 billion, but you don’t have to travel all that way if you know a few simple steps that’ll lead you there! Explore everything India offers from snowcapped peaks and sandy beaches, historical temples, lavish palaces, ancient monuments and luxurious palaces – plus its delicious cuisine of course!
Here are the essential information and facts you must keep in mind before traveling to India, but your journey really starts long before leaving home. Discover some secrets that could make this visit unforgettable!
Make sure you plan your journey according to the season
India is well known for its hot, humid and oppressively humid climate; yet with beaches mountains coastlines hills and plains all within a small geographic region encompassing it all; climate can vary widely across India’s various environments. From June until September the southwest monsoon can bring showers across most of India but is the optimal time for travelling high altitude desert areas like Ladakh where it increases risk for flooding and landslides.
South America sees milder rainfall conditions from October through December; thus making October through May an optimal travel period, when temperatures and humidity levels can reach unprecedented heights prior to monsoon season. If located in India early springtime then take refuge among Himalayan mountain ranges in their foothills in search of cooler temps and comfortable trekking conditions.
Get your jabs booked well in advance the time you depart
India doesn’t require vaccinations prior to entry; however, visitors from regions in which yellow fever is prevalent must receive the proper shots for protection.
However, prior to departing it is critical to consult an experienced health practitioner within eight weeks and get immunized against diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B Typhoid and Polio; in addition to measles rubella mumps varicella vaccines as recommended for children.
Consider receiving vaccinations against Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and the rabies virus before embarking on more extended travels, particularly cats, dogs and monkeys as they carry these deadly viruses that could prove fatal if left untreated.
Take malaria precautions
If the plan calls for traveling to different regions within India, consult with your health care physician about a regiment of tablets to combat malaria in those locations that pose higher risks than others for malaria-like illness such as Northeast India or Mangalore city as they could pose greater chances.
Know the risks of mosquito bites to help avoid dengue fever, an infectious illness carried by mosquitoes that is carried to humans via bites from mosquitoes. An insecticide with significant levels of DEET (diethyltoluamide), repellents or another preventative solution might be useful to use at home to guard against dengue. A mosquito net with long sleeves, light colored trouser pants with light hues as well as insecticide plug-ins with significant levels are suggested methods.
Get insured
Insurance coverage for travelers visiting India is paramount. While visiting, private hospitals might not have adequate medical supplies and treatments may require payment prior to receiving treatment. Therefore, travelers must ensure they’re covered for emergency evacuation as well as any adventurous activities they plan on engaging in while visiting this beautiful nation.
If you become the target of criminal activity, contact your local police station immediately or dial 101 to report an “FIR”, the First Information Report filed to file claims with travel insurers.
Make sure you have your communications in place prior to depart on your journey
Making life in India simpler – from train reservations and food orders online, to making reservations at hotels or ordering food through an app on your mobile phone – with an unlocked SIM card is easier. Bring an unlocked device from home (or purchase one locally) or visit one of several registered shops upon arriving for registration so they can provide you with a pay-as-you-go plan on day 1.
Applicant must bring passport photos and copies of its identification pages when applying.
Be sure to book ahead in case of busy times as well as festivals
India is particularly bustling between November and February, so hotels tend to get packed during peak season. Therefore, to reserve accommodation prior to travelling it’s wise to contact directly the accommodation providers or use booking aggregator websites such as Agoda or MakeMyTrip and book early!
Make sure that tickets for trains on popular routes are booked early if possible if possible; tickets can be quickly bought through IRCTC’s official booking site or local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip.
Indian government maintains an official Gregorian calendar; however, major celebrations associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and various other faiths take place throughout lunar months on various dates throughout each year. Be sure to verify when and where these festivals take place before booking travel – the Indian government provides an online calendar detailing every public festival celebrated annually in India.
Learn local etiquette
English can be considered India’s common lingua franca, especially across urban centers and smaller cities. You’ll have no trouble greeting, saying goodbye and thanking people in any smaller Indian city if English is your native tongue; but in areas without formal languages (such as northern India where no formal words exist), try “namaste”, meaning I bow my chest toward you with both hands in front.
Similar to meeting Muslims in north India, when approaching Muslims it’s appropriate to greet them by saying “salaam alaikum,” (peace be with you) followed by their response “alaikum salaam,” so do not feel intimidated! In most instances this method will ensure a more authentic experience over pronunciation – don’t be nervous!
Handshakes are an increasingly common greeting among businesspeople; however, outside major metropolitan areas both sexes tend to avoid shaking hands altogether. Instead use only your right hand for handing things or cash over.
When visiting someone’s home, always bring a small present (flowers or sweets are great options!) Take off your shoes prior to entering and be polite – even if something doesn’t suit your palate! Make an impression that shows you respect by eating or at least tasting what has been served even if its contents do not resonate with you personally.
What to eat and how to eat it
Religion in India dictates its food regulations in various ways. Muslims for instance abhor pork while Hindus do not permit beef consumption and many Buddhists and Hindus adhere to vegan or vegetarianism as part of their faith practice. Some Jains practice vegetarianism with certain food items (notably garlic onions potatoes etc) being avoided to reduce any harm done to living creatures; these rules generally permit vegan or vegetarian food consumption within India itself.
Hands are generally preferred when eating at most establishments in south India. Just follow the lead of customers inside your establishment: use your right hand to eat your meal; form balls from rice and curry using fingers before placing in mouth with thumb; some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple courses served together) may even offer food without platter but rather on freshly washed and heated banana leaves!
Be generous when negotiating
Negotiating for reasonable costs when buying goods – be they open air markets or street markets – can be a challenging part of life in India. Losing your temper while trying to reach an acceptable agreement may prove futile if they cannot reach one with you; simply decline their offer or go elsewhere!
Guidelines of this game dictate: At first, a vendor will offer you an amount that exceeds its actual worth; once this has occurred, you respond with your counteroffer until reaching an acceptable sum for both sides.
“Walking away” might lead to last minute changes, until eventually you reach an agreed upon threshold that cannot be lower by either party. Furthermore, adding additional items could result in price decreases – however many travelers avoid bargaining in areas where funds go directly to artists and musicians.
Be modest in your attire
Modest dress in India varies based on where you reside; women especially should keep themselves modest at all times, particularly while traveling. Travelers will have an easier time when wearing loose, covering clothing to cover arms and legs – swimming attire may only be appropriate on beaches but it’s common to see locals swim fully dressed! For travelers seeking something less formal but still appropriate consider purchasing Kurta pajama (traditional clothing style similar to an untidy shirt worn over pants for males) or Salwar kameez (long shirt worn over loose pants along with scarf long sleeve for ladies).
Respect etiquette at religious sites
Religious practices in India are taken very seriously and it’s vital that visitors become informed of any regulations and guidelines associated with visiting monasteries, temples, mosques and Gurdwaras (Sikh temples), synagogues churches or synagogues before visiting these religious facilities. Be certain that you’re allowed to enter when visiting monasteries temples mosques Gurdwaras Sikh Temples Synagogues churches synagogues synagogues synagogues churches synagogues synagogues before making plans – some places of worship may only allow religious attendees in while praying or on Fridays when prayers take place during services and Friday prayers only.
As soon as asked to, remove your shoes before entering any church or building and protect your head with an apron or scarf to shield from direct sunlight. Also always protect arms and legs (using an emergency plan like scarf can serve as an insurance policy against injury in case something unexpected should arise), some temples prohibit products made from leather while certain places of worship do not permit photography.
Do not point the soles of your feet at gods or people as this can be considered disrespectful; similarly touching an image to one’s forehead would also be inappropriate. Instead, make it your custom to walk clockwise through Buddhist and Hindu temples along a sacred circular route known as parikrama, in order to honor its traditions and customs.
Offerings or gifts are generally welcome – residents in your neighborhood typically give something as an offering; just watch out for people showing receipts showing large donations to charity! Donating to worthy causes such as children’s hospitals may also be acceptable but don’t feel pressured into giving large sums.
Alms distribution is commonplace
India has long had the tradition of giving alms to its poor as part of their tradition and foreigners should expect frequent calls by individuals seeking money, either personally or on behalf of charities/organizations that they study. Although giving alms is ultimately your decision, many Indians offer alms regularly when visiting places of worship such as mosques. Be wary that some solicitations for cash may be fraudulent solicitations – instead donate your time/money directly towards these causes instead!
Be respectful of social norms
India is home to diverse social norms concerning respect for elderly. Depending on where you’re traveling to, elderly individuals typically are welcomed with honorifics like “auntie” or “uncle.” To show respect the final “ji” may also be added in front of names for an extra show of politeness.
Due to India’s dearth of larger urban centers, people tend to be very wary when it comes to relationships between married men and women and heterosexual couples alike. Furthermore, most Indians hold conservative attitudes regarding gay relationships; regardless of your sexuality it would be prudent not to display public displays of affection in public settings.
The problem of street harassment is sadly common
As harassment can happen anywhere, harassment in particular has made headlines across India due to women’s security. Apart from awkward glances and attempts at conversation, more serious attacks pose a real danger – with crowds often engaging in sexual groping activities during celebrations or other mass gatherings.
Be careful and vigilant as with any situation; remain aware and remain alert at all times. Never enter an auto rickshaw or taxi without first consulting its driver and avoid wandering in areas known to be quiet especially at night; also do not accept offers of alcohol or food from strangers.
As a female traveling on public transportation, it’s advisable for her to seek trains with special seating for women. Wearing dark shades and headphones along with her wedding ring (even if not actually her actual wedding ring) could bring additional peace when riding public transit; in instances of harassment shout out loud in order for other passengers to help support your cause.
Follow local news channels to stay up-to-date
India has long been plagued with deadly violence from separatist and Marxist groups as well as Kashmiri militants, leading to demonstrations, strikes and demonstrations which can result in violent outbreaks. Be alert for local news stories as well as any suspicious behaviors near major tourist spots or near major tourist spots – especially around major tourist spots – when traveling there and ensure you check for security issues prior to traveling there or to Srinagar in case there are outbreaks of violence; demonstrations, protests or strikes should always be avoided since violence may ensue from them – when possible follow local curfews; keep yourself safe by staying put – your hotel could even offer you protection – safe haven!
Certain geographical regions within India face increased risks from natural catastrophes. The danger is especially acute during certain times of year – for instance Himachal Pradesh hills can often experience flash floods and landslides during monsoon months, for instance. Watch local news broadcasts for warning indicators to detect areas that you need to watch out for as well as follow Indian Meteorological Department’s website/facebook page for frequent news updates if catastrophe hits; follow emergency personnel advice when possible in terms of quick evacuation from an accident site.
Be familiar with local laws and rules
India does have several laws and rules which many tourists may be unfamiliar with, for instance taking photos near bridges, military camps or border crossings is considered an unlawful security risk and drone use is banned over them.
On a domestic plane trip within India, passengers may be required to remove batteries stored in their cabin bag devices before embarking on their flight. Smoking cigarettes is prohibited in many public spaces while certain states impose limitations for beef consumption. Injury or killing an animal as the result of an accidental road incident could incur heavy retributions and punishment may apply as well.
Avoid unwelcome situations by doing research before traveling or visiting places with others at hotels, hostels or B&B hosts to gain awareness. Be mindful about things such as traffic jams.
Make sure you are alpine-safe while hiking
At elevations exceeding 2500m (8202ft), mountain sickness (AMS) becomes an imminent risk. An acute attack of mountain sickness (AMS), however, could prove fatal and should always be avoided at all costs. Ascend slowly while taking breaks at regular intervals to allow your body to adjust. If hiking through mountains becomes uncomfortable during travel or hiking becomes hazardous while climbing higher heights, stop when feeling unwell immediately – and if symptoms continue, take swifter measures like making an immediate descent back down.
Stay clear of any the use of drugs
India may seem like an easygoing travel destination, yet its laws on drugs can be extremely strict; possessing even small quantities for personal use could result in prison sentence.
Religious groups may be allowed to consume marijuana for religious purposes; however this usually is not allowed of tourists. You can however discover Bhaang – – an edible cannabis mixture made up of dried leaves from plants rather than buds in government-approved Bhaang stores.
Beware of tap water
India’s tap water isn’t suitable for drinking; using it to drink or brush your teeth could result in stomach complaints – one of the top reported illnesses among tourists visiting this nation. Instead, we advise visitors to opt for purified or bottled water (or cleanse their tap water so as to reduce waste plastic mountains in India) when visiting this nation.
The water rule extends beyond drinking beverages with ice (be wary of ice-based drinks or Ice cream) to foods not cooked (ie salads) cleaned using unclean water (coriander chutneys for instance), eating fruits that can easily be removed or cleaned thoroughly, taking precaution not to consume freshly made juices and take extra caution if drinking hot beverages such as Chai (milky tea with added sweeteners and spices).
Be aware of scams
India is notoriously known as an unsafe travel destination with scammers looking for quick ways to part travelers from their cash. Avoid making reservations through touts posing as tourism offices who promise assistance; use only official agencies when making travel reservations in India.
If someone directs you without being asked into a store, hotel, or other establishment without asking first, they could have motives that include charging you an entry or other fee that will add onto what you owe for any service rendered therein. Do not accept claims that an area you wish to visit has been declared closed – always do a bit of background research yourself in advance to be certain.
Be wary and wary when it comes to offers that appear too good to be true – such as gem scams that lure tourists into purchasing useless gems in order to “sell at a profit back home.”
