India travel tips will come in handy even if you’ve visited this remarkable country a handful of times. India is an experience, not just a mere destination. Vibrant, diverse, colorful, invigorating, spiritual, and beautiful – these are just a handful of words to describe this stunning country. However, India can be a bit daunting if you’re visiting for the first time. But worry not! We’ve got some essential India travel tips to help you through your first trip to this fascinating country. Traveling to India is the ultimate travel plunge and one that you need to take now! Read and follow our essential tips for first-time travelers to India listed below and enjoy a hassle-free trip!
Top Tips for Traveling to India for the First Time:
Its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine are just some of the several things that set India apart from the world. Even those who arrive on last minute flights for work purposes end up staying longer to explore India. So, before you prepare your traveling to India checklist, take a good look at some of the top India travel tips listed below.
1. Know your travel to India Visa requirements
Among the first and most important India travel tips is to know what type of ID and travel documents you need to visit the country. You will need a valid passport and a Visa along with an onward or return ticket to gain entry into India. Make sure you have all of these in hand before you travel and don’t forget to make copies of them.
2. Check the weather conditions
One region in India can be drastically different than another owing to its location. For instance, Rajasthan is extremely hot since it is a desert state while hill stations like Ladakh and Manali are cold places. So check the weather of your intended destination before planning a trip to India and pack likewise.
3. Draft a careful budget plan
India is quite cheap to travel and this is what makes it exceedingly popular with budget backpackers. You can find several affordable India travel packages online. Decide how much you can spend and stick to the budget. There are super-cheap backpacker hostels, guesthouses, dharamshalas, and other places to stay.
4. Dress appropriately
This is among the most important of all India travel tips to keep in mind. When you visit temples and other places of worship in India, it is imperative that you cover your head and dress modestly. Else, you will not be allowed inside. Also, while it is okay to wear western clothes in modern cities, avoid such attire in small towns and rural settings.
5. Learn a few basic words in the local language
One of the best travel tips to India is to familiarize oneself with some of the words in the local language. For instance, if you’re visiting Delhi, you can learn a few common Hindi words since it is spoken widely in the city. Not only will this make your trip easier, but it will also show locals that you’re making an effort to get to know them.
6. Invest in slow travel
Exploring this remarkable country at a slow pace is among the top tips for traveling to India on business class or economy class flights. It would be a shame to cram too much in a single trip. Instead, cover the must-visit attractions first and do the rest on your next trip. This unhurried way of travel will enable you to experience the true essence of the country.
7. Make smart food and drink choices
Making intelligent food and drink choices is among the top India travel tips to follow. As delicious as Indian cuisine is, it can be pretty hard to digest for travelers who aren’t used to this kind of spice and flavor. Eat bland food at the beginning and go forward from there. Also, buy bottled water or carry a reusable water bottle that will filter water and make it safe to drink.
8. Follow safety protocols
Since this is your first trip, you may not know what to expect when traveling to India. Thereby, it is always better to be on the safe side by following proper safety protocols. This is among the most vital India travel tips to keep in mind. Have emergency numbers handy, don’t explore deserted areas alone at night, avoid getting intoxicated, and always keep someone informed of your whereabouts.
9. Keep your cool
Even after following all of the important India travel tips, you may come across situations in the country that will test your patience. For instance, a street hawker may follow you around trying to convince you to buy something you do not wish to. In such cases, you must stay calm, politely refuse, and keep walking away from the person.
10. Go offbeat! One of the best things about booking cheap flights to India for a trip is the endless amount of fun you can have here. Thereby, being unafraid to experience the offbeat and venturing into the unknown is among the best India travel tips to keep in mind. Don’t hesitate to skip visiting popular cities in favor of small but incredibly scenic hill stations. Sometimes, these lesser-known places are what give us the most joy on a trip!
