Things To Know Before Visiting India
1. Make Sure the Visa and Other Paperwork Are in Place
To enjoy a hassle-free tour, it is a must to ensure all the mandatory travel documents are in place, including a visa. Travelling is much easier. However, the requirement for documents will vary for different countries, and hence, it is important to get all the paperwork together. With Electronic Visas made available to many countries, you can easily get it sorted.
More details on e-visa to India HERE.
2. Get Vaccinated
It is important to meet your health practitioner well in advance before you travel to India. Depending upon which country you are travelling from, the official will check if you are vaccinated for yellow fever. A check-up and understanding your health status before leaving for a vacation is helpful. Good to carry a personal first aid kit for minor ailments and take precautions from mosquito bites.
3. Insure Your Trip
Travel insurance is a saviour if you happen to fall ill, injure yourself or lose your belongings. Your insurance policy will cover most of the expenses if something goes wrong during your travel. Hence, choose your travel insurance plan wisely and enjoy a carefree trip.
4. Book In Advance/ Advantages of Booking with A Private Tour
October to March are the peak months to travel to India; it is well advised to confirm your accommodation/flight bookings and tickets to popular places by booking in advance. If you plan to experience travelling via trains, you need to book your slot way before you arrive.
Ditch the group tours and opt for a private tour that lets you plan your itinerary at your convenience. A good private tour operator assures assistance in planning the right itinerary and helps with accommodation and navigation to different destinations.
5. Check The Weather Conditions Before Booking
India is a geographically diverse land and offers different climatic conditions across certain places. While hill stations can be fun during monsoon, beaches and the Himalayan range are better during summer, and Rajasthan is pleasant during winter. Once you finalise your destination, check out the best weather conditions for travel and book your tour accordingly.
Most parts of India see very pleasant weather from October to mid–March; if you are planning a trip to the Himalayan region, the months of May, June & July are very suitable.
6. Cultural Shock
Get ready for a huge cultural blow as the way people dress, talk and eat here is far different than the west. Also, get used to getting attention across locations. Be mindful of certain social norms. Public display of love and affection is not acceptable so refrain from doing so. Expect delays in travel or too much crowd at certain destinations. Come with an open mind and go with the flow.
7. Etiquettes At Temples and Pilgrimage Site
It is mandatory to enter any temple or place of worship barefoot, so ensure the footwear is kept out before you step in. Gurudwara and mosques expect women and men to cover their heads. Keep a scarf handy when touring pilgrimage sites, and dress modestly, covering your legs and arms. Certain temples do not permit leather articles inside, which include purses or even belts.
Offering small donations or flowers is often done at the temples; however, do not fall for paying large amounts under the pressure of some people at the shrine. Due to the diversity, each temple or place of worship has their way of offering prayers, you can always ask your guide to inform you in advance.
8. Things To Take Care Of At High Altitudes And Challenging Sport Activities
Adventure tours are exciting and fun, only if we are cautious about certain things. If you are planning a trip to the high-altitude Himalayan range, you must understand that mountain sickness can get serious if you don’t allow yourself to get accustomed to the change. If you feel uncomfortable or dizzy at any point in time, ask for help immediately.
Challenging sports activities surely give us the adrenaline rush. However, one must ensure they are fit to try extreme activities like bungee jumping, paragliding, scuba diving, etc.
9. Follow Local Rules
It is good to be aware of certain local rules of the destinations you choose to travel. Certain temples and sites prohibit photography or the use of leather articles on the premises. Capturing a military base or flying a drone is a serious breach of rule. Meat may be banned at certain places. Please ask your local guide to help you understand these rules.
10. Discover Destinations Beyond City Limits/ Visit A Village
No trip to India is complete without visiting an Indian village, discovering the breathtaking views and true culture of India by going beyond city limits and exploring the serene and quiet villages of India. Most villages are situated at splendid locations and offer clean air and a chance to observe the local life closely.
11. Dress Mindfully/ Pack Wisely
Consider the weather and dressing requirements of a particular region and pack wisely. If you are visiting a temple or traditional places, you are expected to dress modestly and in a respectful manner. In metro cities, you can dress the way you would otherwise, but in small towns, ensure your body is well covered. Consider the places on your itinerary and pack wisely.
12. Scam Alert/ Be safe
Unfortunately, numerous scams take place across the world, and being cautious is important. As a tourist, you shall find several people, especially at religious sites, demanding huge amounts of money for donations or forcing you to buy certain items. You need not give into any such demands and always walk away. Also, beware of tour operators luring you for some deals and discounts, as this can be a scam, too. Always invest your money and time with a well-known and recommended tour operator.
13. Get a local SIM Card
Whether it is using google maps for navigation or checking reviews of eateries or simply connecting with your tour operator, investing in a local sim card makes your journey smooth. Upon arrival, you can buy a card by providing your passport-size photos and a copy of the passport ID details page.
14. Carry Change
Though digital money is convenient, it is advisable to always carry some change in Indian rupees. Although most places do accept digital payment, it is the small towns where you will need the cash. Also, tipping is a common practice, and a handy change will make it easy to tip. You can easily exchange currencies in big cities.
15. Be Mindful of Where You Eat
It is important to note that not all Indian food is spicy and that there are great vegetarian options to keep your tummy happy. You can actually go without meat for a month and still indulge in a variety of vegetarian food every day. Having said this, most hotels offer global cuisine along with local delicacies.
It is best to consume bottled water which is easily available across shops and restaurants. Street food is popular in India and you will find vendors across locations. If you choose to binge on street food it is best you have researched or ask your guide for recommendation.
16. Good To Know the Basic Language
Although India is a diverse land, Hindi is a popularly spoken and understood language. It is not mandatory, but knowing the basic Hindi language will be helpful while speaking to the shopkeepers and butlers or simply greeting the locals. Some common phrases you can learn are;
Namaste: A way to greet people just as you would say Hi.
Shukriya: Thank you
Aap Se Milke Khushi hui: It is nice to see you.
Bahut Accha Hai: This is very good
Nahi: No
Haan: Yes
Mai: Me
Bhaiyaji: Brother
Behenji: Sister
Ye Kitne Ka Hai: How much is this for?
Mujhe ye Chahiye: I want this
17. Bargaining Is a Way of Shopping at Local Markets
Do not shy from asking the shopkeepers to reduce the price of things you are purchasing, especially at the markets. Bargaining is a practice in India, and if you stick to it, you will be able to buy things at a lesser price than quoted. Here is a simple hack, when the shopkeeper demands a particular price, ask them to reduce it politely. Initially they will stick to their demands but many times will agree to a price quoted by you. If they don’t simply walk away.
18. Go Slow/ Pick Your Itinerary Wisely/ Time Your Tip In The Right Season
Trying to cover the major part of India can leave you ill and tired and it is best to pick your destinations wisely. When planning your itinerary, ensure you are not spending most of the time travelling but get the much-needed rest and rejuvenation in between. Go slow and make the best of the few destinations you pick up. Also choose your tourist spots considering the season. The high-altitude mountains are good in the summer, whereas certain states like Rajasthan can get extremely hot in the same weather but pleasant during winter. Depending upon what activities you wish to do, time your tip in the right season.
19. Refrain From Staying Out Late Nights
Refrain from staying out late nights unless your tour operator has made arrangements for you. A late night out all by yourself in the unknown parts can be unsafe, with some roadside people stalking or harming you or even misleading you. If you must be staying out late at night, ensure your travel operator makes your travel arrangements accordingly.
20. Enjoy The Journey with An Open Mind
Although it can feel overwhelming to visit a new country and a diverse land like India, trust that it can be a memorable experience if certain things are taken care of. The mesmerising sights, warmth of the locals and lip-smacking Indian cuisine; a tour to India is worth the effort. Be open-minded, do not rush and enjoy the vast culture to make your journey memorable.
