Essential Tips For Visiting India For First Timers!

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If you’re ready to pack your bags and head to the colorful country of India, you’re about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!

With mouthwatering cuisine, bustling markets, friendly people, and incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences, India makes a lasting impression on anyone who goes there.

But before you dive headfirst into the chaos, you’re going to need to brush up on these essential tips for visiting India. People come away either loving or hating their experience in India, and I firmly believe the ones who don’t enjoy it go in unaware and unprepared.

So don’t be that person! Here is how you can enjoy India and have the best experience possible.

Essential Tips for Visiting India

Get Your Travel Vaccinations

Before you even book your flight, don’t forget to take necessary precautions from unsuspecting illnesses and check your vaccination checklist.

For India, the usual suspects like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are all on the requirement list, but some regions may also have a little mosquito carry dengue or malaria — so it’s best to speak to your travel nurse before you go and tell them where you are going.

Be sure to wear bug spray when visiting nature sites. A healthy traveler is a happy traveler — unless you count the ones who forgot to pack their sunscreen!

Bring Medicine For An Upset Stomach

I don’t know anyone who’s been on a culinary adventure in India and not taken a detour into the land of an upset stomach – the infamous Delhi Belly takes everyone down at least once!

Be sure to pack your travel medicine kit full of antacids, diarrhea tablets, and other essential meds you might need for an upset stomach.

Probiotics can also be your trusty sidekick after the initial drama is over and help you keep your gut happy for the rest of your trip.

Drink Bottled Water

You cannot drink the tap water anywhere in India, so be sure to drink bottled water only!

Some hotels will have a water cooler where you can refill bottles, but make sure that the water in the cooler is clean and bottled water.

If anyone offers you a bottle of water, check the cap and seal before drinking it.

Carry Toilet Paper, Everywhere!

Carrying your own roll of toilet paper is like having a secret weapon in your travel arsenal — because you never know when you might need a restroom and most of the time, there won’t be any toilet paper.

When nature calls, you’ll be thankful you came prepared. It’s not that toilet paper isn’t offered, it’s usually just run out.

India is a bidet culture and prefers water for washing, and paper for drying, so know where to put your paper after using it.

Also on a side note, the infamous “squatty potty” is common in India, as it is most of Asia, so if you’ve never seen or used one before – know that its a rite of passage when visiting Asia. You got this!

Be Careful Eating Street Food

You should absolutely not avoid street food, it’s some of the tastiest food in the world, but in the world of Indian street food, it can either be a thrilling rollercoaster ride for your taste buds or a dead drop to the bathroom.

While the tantalizing aromas wafting from food stalls may beckon you like a siren’s song, not all that glitters is gold — or in this case, safe to eat!

When in doubt, look for bustling stalls with long lines, as they often serve up the freshest fare, or go where the guides tell you. Make sure the food is piping hot before you chow down, and make sure the place looks clean.

Bring A Shawl For Temples

When visiting temples and holy sites, men and women often need to cover their heads, especially in Sikh or Jainism temples and mosques related to Islam.

The main religion in India is Hinduism, followed by Buddhism, and when visiting Hindu or Buddhist temples bare shoulders and knees need to be covered, so it’s a good idea to carry scarves or shawls for those instances.

Also note that when visiting temples, photography is usually restricted or banned. Look for a sign with the rules if you are unsure.

Wear footwear you can slip on or off, like sandals, so you can enter holy places easily.

Read more: Tips for women dressing modestly in other countries

Eat Curry Before You Leave To Build Up Your Tolerance

Before you jet off to India, consider building up your spice tolerance beforehand by eating curries a few weeks before you go.

Think of it as a culinary boot camp!

The spice level in India is no joke, and even when you ask for “not spicy” it comes out volcanic!

By indulging in a few spicy dishes at home before you go, you’ll not only build up your tolerance but also give your stomach a warm-up so you’re less likely to get sick by the Delhi Belly.

Get A Local Sim Card

When you land in India, snag a local SIM card as soon as you can. Not only will this allow you to stay in touch with your GPS and loved ones, but it will be essential for flagging down Ubers, using a translation to talk with the locals, and communicating with hotels.

Upon landing in Mumbai, if you want to connect to the airport WiFi, you need a local Indian number, so if you think you can avoid getting a sim card at the airport, think again!

Alternatively, you can set up an eSIM before you leave so you can land without this hassle. We recommend Airalo for effortless and affordable esim cards

Pack Warm Clothes For The North

North India can get cold. You wouldn’t think it, knowing that India’s climate is notoriously hot and humid!

So don’t forget to pack those warm clothes, or you might find yourself wishing you had a personal space heater in tow!

Know The Best Time To Go

If you’re still in the planning stage and haven’t booked your flight yet, it’s worth knowing when is the best time to visit India.

Typically the best time is between October and March, when the weather is as pleasant as a well-brewed cup of chai!

During these months, you can explore the vibrant streets without feeling like you’re melting faster than an ice cream cone in the sun.

December is perhaps the busiest month for tourism, as the weather is perfect.

The monsoon season runs from June to September, which is not the best time to visit.

Get Your e-Visa Sorted!

Most countries require a tourist visa to enter India. Depending on your nationality, you’ll likely be able to apply for an e-Visa, which makes it so much easier, but it still requires a week or more to process.

All visitors needing a visa to India need to fill out an online application, upload a photo, and voilà—you’re one step closer to exploring the Taj Mahal!

You can check out e-visas for India here!

Don’t Think You’re Safe On Pavements, Look Out For Traffic

Everyone knows that India is busy! It’s not just the traffic that’s wild, it’s everywhere. You feel like walking down the street you’re playing a game of human tetris, weaving between people and trying to plot your course.

It’s not just people on the sidewalk though – sometimes when the traffic is crazy, motorbikes, scooters, bicycles, rickshaws, and anyone with enough enthusiasm, will use the pavement as a form of “second lane.”

So even when you’re walking around, keep your eyes on your sixth and be careful of traffic.

Be Aware Of Potential Scams

India is safe to visit, but scamming is an issue, especially around tourist attractions, so keep your eyes peeled for the crafty scammers!

One common trick is the “friendly local” who approaches you with a smile and a story, only to steer you towards overpriced shops where the only thing getting a bargain is their commission!

When buying souvenirs, there is also the classic confusion with the change. They may ask for 100 rupee notes and then give it back and ask for a different note, and get you so confused by the end of it you’ve lost out $50.

Then there’s the classic “tourist taxi” scam, where a seemingly helpful taxi driver offers to take you on a grand tour — only to have you end up at a series of shops without your permission that are more interested in your wallet than your sightseeing. Or they take the “scenic route” so they can charge you more, even though you’re only traveling short distances.

When visiting money bureaus, make a note of the exchange rates and count your Indian rupees to make sure they haven’t under cut you.

And let’s not forget the infamous “missing wallet” ploy, where someone may “accidentally” bump into you, creating just enough distraction for a quick grab-and-go.

Prepare For Culture Shock

Stepping into India is like jumping into a vibrant kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and scents that can leave even the most seasoned traveler feeling overwhelmed.

From the bustling bazaars to the symphony of honking horns, the sensory overload can be both exhilarating and bewildering.

So most people do end up grappling with a bit of culture shock when they visit India.

Respect the local way of life and learn to adjust. The concept of personal space is more of a suggestion than a rule in India, and queuing doesn’t exist either.

So, as you embrace the whirlwind of culture shock, remember to laugh it off, take it all in, don’t let yourself get overloaded by it. It’s all part of India!

Don’t Go To Varanasi If You Don’t Want To See Death

Ok, real talk now. Varanasi, also known as the Holy City, is one of the most eye-opening destinations in the world.

But it’s not a tourist destination. It sits on the edge of the River Ganges, a sacred river in India, and is where people come from all over India, sometimes even the world, to die, or cremate the dead.

In Varanasi, you will see a lot of holy ceremonies and traditions, from morning rituals of local people performing their daily prayers or washing in the sacred waters, or to see the Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening.

But it’s also where cremations take place on the banks of the river, and these are very open and public events.

Many people go to Varanasi thinking they can avoid seeing cremations and bodies, but that’s hardly ever the case.

While we would never say don’t go, it can be an incredibly thought-provoking and moving travel experience, but you should be aware of what you will see before you decide to make the trip.

Book Train Tickets In Advance

If you book your train tickets in advance, you will be thanking me every time you get on a train in India.

Not only does it secure your seat, but you get to avoid the Indian concept of queuing – which is all to rush at the ticket window at once and whoever has wrestled to the front first will win.

Also, when tickets sell out, you may find yourself traveling as the locals do, by sitting on the floor at the back of a cart with a view of the snack vendor, or maybe even sitting on the roof of the train.

Be sure to arrive early for your train, as you might have to fight someone for your seat.

There are a variety of classes to choose from, but tourists who are overwhelmed should get first or second class, which is still cheap by Western standards.

Adventurous travelers may be happy with lower classes, but don’t expect it to be comfortable.

Stay In Unique Properties, Including Bed & Breakfasts

India has some amazing property options available, but Bed and Breakfast style accommodation is the most popular, especially in the major cities.

Some may be on the commercial side and are run more like hotels, but most are run by families, or couples that love to host travelers.

It’s a great way to taste local cuisines (sometimes with a touch of home-made motherly love), find out the hidden gems in the area, and learn to cook an authentic Indian meal or enjoy an Indian breakfast.

Our recommendations:

• Delhi – Check out Colonel’s retreat or Indee Home in South Delhi. Colonel’s retreat offers spa services as well as yoga classes and cooking classes.
• Rajasthan – Why not stay in a traditional Haveli style or Fort Palace? We recommend Neemrana Fort Palace a 15-century fort restored with rooms for all budgets. Or splash out and treat yourself to a luxury Haveli stay at Alsisar Haveli in Jaipur. This group of heritage hotels are owned by a sub clan of rajputs started by the grandson of the Maharaja Udaikaran of Amer.
• Northern India – Our Himalaya Elements experience is a 10-night experience in the foothills of the Himalayas which include hand-picked exclusive B&B properties, plus some hotels and lodges along the way. The highlight is definitely Vanghat Lodge in the middle of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Also experience a beautiful heritage Bed and Breakfast property 2,500m above sea-level and inside Binsar Sanctuary with 180-degree views of the western Himalayas.

Visit Local Markets Outside The Tourist Traps

Let’s face it, to the locals, western tourists can stand out like a sore thumb.

It’s for this reason that the tourist shopping areas near popular monuments like the Taj Mahal can be a little overpriced, and a little on the tacky side.

It can be a bit overwhelming when you’re being coaxed by a tout or guide shop hopping from one place to another looking to make a quick commission, a regular experience in Jaipur.

Do a little research before you travel or use a reputable travel company to help you find those little local gems that you’ll be telling your friends about and remember for years to come.

Delhi:

If there was one place we would call the ‘One Stop Shop’ it would be Dilli Haat. Dilli Haat is located in South Delhi and has that traditional market ambiance, with vendors represented from all corners of India.

Prices are reasonable and you can bargain till your hearts content without being hounded by vendors, you might even have some fun with them while you’re at it.

The vendors rotate their stall positions every 15 days to keep the peace and make it fair for all the stall holders.

It’s not just a place to buy your handicrafts, clothing, shoes, fabrics, jewellery, but it’s also a place to tantalise your taste buds with delicious authentic cuisines from all over India. We recommend momo’s from Sikkim, but there is just so much to choose from.

Rajasthan:

If you are doing the traditional Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur), why not add in a 2-night safari experience at Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, then make your way to Dhonk Craft?

Dhonk craft supports tiger conservation by providing sustainable employment opportunities to the local community, in particular, a community that is currently in the process of moving away from poaching endangered species like tigers, deer, leopard, and moving towards sustainable, responsible tourism.

Spending a couple of dollars here is your way to support them in this transition from exploitation to conservation of both animals and environment. Their handicrafts and clothing are pretty awesome too.

Put Away Your Guide Book And Listen To The Locals

Guide books are great and they have a time and place, but it’s ok to occasionally put your guide book away, and just follow your intuition and start exploring.

I bet you can remember a time you did this and ended up not only with an awesome experience, but a great story as well!

Stop at a sweet shop where you see locals congregating. If you buy something from a shop, ask the owner for a recommendation for dinner or lunch. You’re likely to go where the locals go rather than where the tourists go.

If you’re staying in a homestay, don’t forget to ask your host family as well.

They’re always grateful for the opportunity to be of service. The best experiences are always those where you are present in the moment, connecting to people.

Connect With The Locals

A little similar, but different to my earlier point in that when a street vendor approaches you to make a sale, most people recommend no eye contact. Just keep walking.

This is good advice, as they can be pretty tenacious characters and just a glance in their direction, to them says ‘I’m interested in what you’ve got to sell’.

Try this instead – make a joke, or ask him a personal question like where is his family from? Does he like cricket? Who is his favourite batsman (9 times out of 10 the answer will be Sachin Tendulkar!). The point is to do something they aren’t expecting to disrupt their ‘sales flow.’

The next thing you will notice, his selling will stop and he will connect with you, and most likely a big smile will form on his face for having met someone who responded a little differently than the rest of the tourists he met.

By the way, this can also lead to a killer deal if you’re actually interested in what he’s selling.

The thing to remember is that ‘annoying vendor’ is a person like you and me at the end of the day.

They are often in a personal situation where pushing for the sale could mean the difference between food or no food on the table for his kids that night, or medicine or no medicine for his sick mother.

This doesn’t mean you become a push over; it’s just something to keep in mind. Keeping this in mind can help you connect to the locals on a deeper level than you ever would have.

Forget Everything Your Friends And Family Have Ever Told You About India

Everyone has met someone who will often talk about how they, or about how their friends and family, were so shocked about travelling to India.

Here’s the deal – everyone has an opinion and it’s often based on second hand knowledge, not personal experience.

Family and friends will often have the intention to keep you safe, and that’s wonderful, but India is a place of contrast and contradiction.

India will be challenging and it’ll force you to step out of your comfort zone – true. However, the journey will be life changing leaving an imprint on your soul forever – also true.

When someone has an opinion, smile and say, “thanks for that, I’ll keep it in mind,” and be open to the journey that will come to you personally.

No two travel experiences are the same, find out for yourself.

India Guided Tours

You may wish to travel to India on a guided tour rather than solo travel to India. Here are a few we recommend:

How To Travel India Video

Need more inspiration and advice on visiting India? Check out our webinar with tips on travelling to India safely, which is especially important for solo female travelers!

More India Travel Tips

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