Wondering about tips on travelling to India for the first time?
India is exciting and justly nerve-wracking in equal measures. You will have heard about the ‘sensory overload’ travellers feel on landing in India and now you are smack bang amid it and experiencing that yourself.
But with some tips – and a little inside traveller-heads-up – India is about to be the most epic of travel experiences you have ever encountered.
Here are 15 practical tips on travelling to India to help you pack, plan and know what to expect when you arrive.
What are the most important tips on travelling to India?
Well, here we go.
In no particular order but each with equal importance, here are fifteen of the top tips on travelling to India to ready you with confidence and gusto for your first time.
1. Let yourself experience India
Let yourself fully experience India. Millions of travellers every year visit India. It is one of those destinations that tops many lists of bucketlist travel dreams.
Albeit it is overwhelmingly chaotic and different.
Theres no hiding the cars, trucks and buses of every size. You can’t ignore the loaded motorbikes and colours of sari and turbans with bellies gloriously on show and unfortunate seeming lack of care for tossing rubbish to the roadside.
It is different.
There are kids running by while people sell flowers from the street with the odd cow just meandering freely. While the call to prayer sounds out and the bells chime with pilgrims entering temples by the hundreds.
It is different alright!
But to quote one of the best films of all time that describes India as you are imagining, there is a line from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel that really sums it up:
“India hits you like a wave. If you resist, you will be knocked down. But if you dive into it, you will be alright.”
Because it really is like that.
The first of tips on travelling to India is to let yourself fully experience it.
You don’t need to go all out as a pseudo hippy and experience it as rugged travel. There is a modern, comfortable and luxurious side to India too.
It really has it all and it is absolutely worth embracing.
- Tip: Allow yourself to truly experience India.
- Read everything about travel to India and what to expect on your first time.
2. Choose food and drink confidently (knowledgeably)
No doubt the first piece of advice from all well-meaning friends and family when you first mention travelling to India is about food.
Travel in India is righteously synonymous with Delhi Belly. Albeit a dodgy stomach is pretty common on your first trip to India. But you can smile with poised self-assured confidence that it isn’t in fact part of the parcel of guaranteed India travel woes.
There are ways to avoid getting sick.
These are some of the red-flag foods in India for your best chance of how to avoid Delhi Belly.
- Tap water: Tap water in India is not potable. Unless you have a trustworthy filtered drink bottle you will have to stick to bottle water.
- Ice: Often ice is homemade, and you have no idea of knowing whether the water source is safe or not.
- Cut fruits and salad: You do not know the kind of water that was used to wash fruits and vegetables, so it is best to avoid them.
- Sauces: Some sauces served with street food are topped up with water.
- Meat: The chances of meat dishes containing bacteria is higher than vegetarian options. If in doubt; go veg.
- Dairy-based foods: Dairy spoils quickly in the hot weather and isn’t safe to eat when cooled or re-frozen and left to warm again. If in doubt, choose a restaurant or bottled option.
- Too much spicy food: Too much spicy food can act as a mild laxative, especially if you’re not used to it!
Rather than miss out – or be afraid – be mindful of food and drink choices. The first of tips on travelling to India start with mindfulness about food and drink.
- Tip: Be mindful choosing food and drink.
- Read more about how to avoid Delhi Belly and not get sick travelling to India.
3. Eat the food
India is one of the world’s greatest and most well-known culinary destinations. There is that stigma that eating the food in India will make any traveller sick. But it isn’t true.
As above, be mindful of choosing food and drink in your travels.
But don’t miss out!
It is hard to know when a tainted item might cross your plate. It could be from some famously delicious street food. Or it could be at a five-star restaurant.
You don’t want to miss out from trying all the delicious cuisine on offer, even the street food. So, if in doubt, eat where the locals eat.
This is a bit like the age-old saying of ‘When in Rome’. But as far as tips on travelling to India and how to avoid Delhi Belly, this is a golden rule to remember.
People have been living in the varied environments and climates of India for thousands of years. Their diet in the different regions has evolved to suit the surroundings and people are eating at the popular restaurants and street food stalls for a reason.
- Tip: Eat the food. Follow fellow travellers recommendations and eat it if it’s made in front of you and from a busy vendor with high turnover.
- Read about food to try (safely) in India.
4. Dress appropriately
In spite of the glamorously portrayed but more-than-borderline skimpy Bollywood outfits from the movies, India is still largely a traditional society.
Most Indian’s favour and appreciate modest, traditional clothing and you will likely find you enjoy India more and are better received if you do too.
There isn’t officially a dress code for what to wear in India as a tourist.
However, modest clothing is appreciated. It’s physically comfortable for travel. Plus it likely means you maaaay even get a few less stares, which (sorry, India) does happen. A. LOT.
- Tip: Dress respectfully and modestly in India.
- Read more about what to wear in India as a traveller.
5. Get to know about customs
India is a fast-changing society, but it is still a traditional culture. It is always wise as a traveller to err on the side of caution with regards to modesty, female-to-male interactions and to learn a few basic etiquette customs.
Be respectful of the myriads of religions. There are many different cultures within India and each religion has different customs. You aren’t expected to learn about them all in detail. But as a traveller there are a few tips for travelling to India that can help you smoothly act respectfully.
Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.
For eating, many of the smaller places that serve locals don’t offer cutlery as people eat with their hands. (You will be offered cutlery in tourist establishments; don’t worry). But it is polite and expected to eat only with your right hand.
Albeit personal space isn’t a popular concept in India. You will be squished on public transport and squashed while queued in lines at sites.
People ask questions about your age or marital status or why your hair is that colour. Which admittedly can feel intimidating and far from what is culturally appropriate to question at home. But this is India remember. It is a wholly different culture and for the most part the questions are indicative of the local’s polite interest in you.
If you get invited to someone’s home (which is a real honour), bring a small gift for the host. Flowers or sweets are always a safe bet.
It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.
- Tip: Be respectful of culture and customs. Remove your shoes entering a home, eat with your right hand and don’t be offended by questions and interest.
- Read more about travel in India and what to expect.
6. Respect the seasons when travelling to India
Food and what to wear aside, one of the most popular searches before travelling to India is about the best time to visit.
Unlike many countries in the north and southern hemispheres, India has more four different seasons.
- Winter (December – March)
- Summer (April – June)
- Monsoon (July – September)
- Post-Monsoon (October – December)
The summer in India can get stiflingly hot. Travel in Rajasthan in May and June are the hottest months of the year. Rajasthan is a desert state, and it gets HOT during the daytime and it’s warm overnight.
However, much of India (and even in the desert state of Rajasthan) is affected by rains in the monsoon season. From July to September is the wet season and travelling to India during this time does need a little more planning.
The monsoon rains usually happen in the afternoon. Albeit they don’t often last long, but the downpours are impressively heavy.
This is also the time of year that is heightened for mosquito borne illnesses.
This doesn’t mean you can’t travel during this time. It is doable. But as far as tips on travelling to India, do take the monsoon season seriously and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites which can cause Dengue Fever, Malaria or Chikungunya.
November is also the ‘burning season’ in India. During the months of November and December farmers often burn off their crops which combined with the pollution in the cities can cause terrible smog and low visibility.
- Tip: Consider the time of year and seasons as you plan your India itinerary.
7. Get out of the cities
Theres no doubt about it. India is enormous and the main cities are officially ‘megacities’.
A megacity is a very large city, typically with a population of more than 10 million people. Which as a traveller is undoubtedly a lot of people to embrace on a first visit.
But the beauty of India is that it is a large country geographically too.
There are many smaller cities and towns that are technically – even amidst the 1.4 billion – off the beaten track.
It is a worthwhile tip for travelling to India to take heed and get out of the largest cities.
Do visit them too. (You can’t go to India and not see New Delhi or Mumbai). But we recommend the smaller cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur or Pushkar too. Amritsar in the north is a smaller city with a completely different culture.
Or our favourite itinerary for North India includes flying straight from Delhi to Jaisalmer and making your way back across Rajasthan after a camel safari in the Thar Desert to find your feet somewhere much less crowded.
- Tip: Get out of the cities and experience the smaller towns and rural India too.
- Read different itineraries for North India or our favourite Rajasthan itinerary.
8. Be flexible. Be patient.
Anything is possible in India. It will absolutely be the dreamed of adventure of a lifetime.
But being flexible is key.
Plans can change due to unexpected situations like transportation delays, weather fluctuations (like the monsoon downpours or dreaded smog), and cultural nuances.
Be flexible and be prepared to adjust your itinerary and be open to new experiences.
- Tip: Don’t get too attached to strict schedules and be open to new experience to have a more enjoyable trip.
9. Negotiate and haggle (but fairly)
Negotiating prices and bargaining at the markets and with drivers and guides is all part and parcel of travelling to India.
But as a respectful traveller there is a responsibility to uphold to be fair.
Bargain where appropriate, but don’t begrudge a few rupees to someone who is after all far worse off than you.
Learn the prices by asking locals and other travellers before negotiating with auto-rickshaw drivers and market vendors to make sure the price is fair for all parties.
- Tip: India is heaven for budget travellers but do some research first and be sure to negotiate fairly.
10. Travel lightly (don’t overpack for India)
I am one of those guilty of overpacking for my first trip to India.
But fast forward to now and we’ve travelled six more times to India and spent literally months and months traveling all over the country backpacking, hosting Group Trips with other families and exploring from the desert to the hills and the far south.
Trust me when I say this is one of the most essential tips on travelling to India…
Do. Not. Overpack.
You will be thankful for the manoeuvrability of travelling lightly. As the saying goes that anything is possible in India; it really is.
If you have forgotten anything clothes-wise or need some part of your travel kit that you’ve suddenly realised you’re missing. There are markets and shopping malls galore that are fit to rival any shopping you might have omitted at home pre-travel.
- Tip: Don’t overpack for your India adventure.
- Read the ultimate packing list for India travel and where to go shopping in Delhi to buy Indian outfits to wear.
11. Go local (and take that train)
Taking a train in India is a great experience and one that is not to be missed. However, it is different to European and Antipodean train travel (obviously). There are a few things to know about classes and types of train travel in India.
But armed with a little knowledge and some planning in advance for tickets, travel by train in India is a one of a kind (another one) experience.
- Tip: Take the trains.
- Read everything you need to know about train travel in India.
12. Plan travel in advance
Especially for train travel and accommodation it is a good tip on travelling to India to plan your travel in advance.
It might sound obvious, but also the further in advance you make reservations the less you’ll pay for your train ticket too.
Millions (literally) of people travel across India daily on public transport and train tickets get snapped up quickly. Reservations for Indian Railways go on sale 120, 90 or 60-days in advance of travel so it pays to book early.
Remember one of the other tips on travelling to India is to be flexible.
With some accommodation you can change dates within the month of your travel. But it is worth figuring out your desired itinerary in advance. Even if you do make changes or circumstances change closer to the time.
- Tip: Plan your travel in India and book ahead for trains at busy time.
- Read more about train travel in India and how to book tickets for Indian Railways online.
13. Get a SIM card for travelling to India
We all rely so much on the internet these days. In India, its useful for navigating, translating, booking accommodation and activities. Plus having mobile data is genuinely the best way of capturing all the incredible sights and sounds to share back home and on social media.
Hotels and accommodation in India do (mostly) have WIFI (it’s not that outdated). But the truth is we need mobile data and it will make your India adventure more relaxing (ha!) and enjoyable.
To keep it simple, you essentially have three options for staying connected with mobile data while traveling in India:
- Extend you home mobile plan
- Buy a local SIM card for India
- Get an eSIM for India
You could extend your plan from home and use your native SIM card internationally. However, most international roaming plans (sorry) can be eye-wateringly expensive.
We recommend it as a pretty much essential tip on travelling to India that you get a SIM card of some sort for your travels.
- Tip: Get an eSIM or physical SIM card for travel in India.
- Read all about how to get a SIM card for India on arrival in the country.
14. Get travel insurance before travelling to India
Don’t be a fool. One of the most important tips for travelling to India – or anywhere for that matter – is to always get travel insurance.
It’s best to buy travel insurance as soon as you make your first booking – this ensures you’re covered if you need to change or cancel any of your plans before you travel.
Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.
In India, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Which can be a lot depending on the situation!
Have you read our story of getting Dengue Fever in India and being hospitalised in New Delhi? We have been travelling for more than five years fulltime and on the very last day (literally) before flying home to New Zealand we were out searching for a hospital in Delhi.
Fortunately, we had great travel insurance. (This is who we use). It made it a smooth process to change flights and pay for four nights of hospital treatment as an inpatient in Delhi.
- Tip: Don’t be a fool. Get travel insurance for India.
- Get an instant quote for travel insurance online with the insurance company we can recommend.
- Read about getting Dengue Fever in India.
15. Our last tip on travelling to India? Trust your gut.
Don’t get too hung up on the potential for getting sick in India or spend your days worrying about how to avoid Delhi Belly. At the end of the day, it is a possibility.
Adhere to the other tips on travelling to India. We especially recommend considering what you wear in your travels. Not only for reasons of respect but to give the air that it’s not your first rodeo. Touts and hawkers have a sixth sense for first-time visitors and will try and take advantage.
Overall trust your gut. Enjoy India. Remember that many people travel to India – millions every year – and have a great time!
Let yourself fully experience India.
India is incredible.
So what are the most important tips on travelling to India?
Essentially, these are the best tips on travelling to India to ensure you have the absolute best experience.
- Allow yourself to truly experience India.
- Be mindful choosing food and drink.
- But do eat the food! Follow fellow travellers recommendations and eat it if it’s made in front of you and from a busy vendor with high turnover.
- Dress modestly.
- Be respectful of culture and customs. Remove your shoes entering a home, eat with your right hand and don’t be offended by questions and interest.
- Consider the seasons as you plan your India itinerary.
- Get out of the cities and experience the smaller towns and rural India too.
- Be flexible. Don’t get too attached to strict schedules and be open to new experience to have a more enjoyable trip.
- Haggle fairly. India is heaven for budget travellers but do some research on prices to expect.
- Don’t overpack for your India adventure.
- Take the trains.
- Plan your travel in advance and book ahead for trains at busy times.
- Get an eSIM or physical SIM card for travel in India.
- Don’t be a fool. Get travel insurance.
- Above all; trust your gut.
Choosing accommodation for travelling to India
Finding good places to stay on your first trip to India can be a little bit like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Here are some of the accommodation we stay in and use for our India Group Trips and can recommend for your travelling to India.
Accommodation we recommend in Uttar Pradesh
- Delhi (Airport) / Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
Large hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
- South Delhi / Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi.
- New Delhi / Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel
The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa.
- New Delhi / Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: Aman Homestay
Friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals. We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj
Only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel, comfortable common areas with dinner and breakfast option. We really enjoyed staying here.
- Agra / Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool.
- Varanasi / Budget-Mid: Hotel Temple of Ganges
Simple rooms with options for triple/family accommodation. Close to Assi Ghat with rooftop views to the River Ganges.
Accommodation we recommend in Rajasthan
- Jaipur / Mid-Range: Jaipur Haveli
We stay here on our India Group Trips. It is an incredible old Haveli home in heart of Jaipur with beautiful rooms and friendly staff and owners.
- Jaisalmer / Budget: The Wanderlust Guesthouse
AMAZING guest-house! We love staying here and can highly recommend. Great rooms; rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort; awesome camel safaris!
- Bikaner / Budget: The Prince Haveli
Old Haveli lovingly restored in the centre of the old city. Basic accommodation, but the rooms are comfortable, and it is an affordable way to experience a traditional Haveli in Bikaner.
- Jodhpur / Budget: Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay
Good location in Blue City, spacious room with small balcony inside Haveli style home. Tiny little doors, lots of unique decor and artefacts.
Accommodation we recommend in Punjab
- Amritsar / Budget: Hotel Sapphire
A basic hotel but points for location literally outside the main entrance to Golden Temple. Note only the upstairs rooms have a balcony with direct views.
- Amritsar / Mid-Range / Luxury: Hyatt Regency
We have a fabulous stay each time we are in Amritsar at the Hyatt Regency with a swimming pool, restaurant and the incredible breakfast buffet.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- Local desert cuisine and the food to try in Jaisalmer
- Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer
More about planning for travel in India and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance – this is the top of tips on travelling to India!
