Some of the words that best describe India include multicultural, beautiful, colossal, spiritual and fascinating. Traveling here for the first time can be overwhelming and daunting at the same time. But don’t be stressed out, we’ve listed here some travel tips which will make your stay in India seamless and a successful one. If you’re looking for the carrier that will take you there without any problems, choose Air India. It is known to provide its passengers with outstanding services at all times. You can also quickly check your journey via the live flight tracking system. Significant information that you need is can be easily accessed anytime, anywhere.
Take note of the required documentation
There are various requirements that you need to secure to enter India. It includes a valid passport, an Indian Visa if necessary, and a roundtrip ticket. If you’re entering the country as a tourist and plan to stay for no longer than 30 days, you need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Don’t forget to visit the official website of the Indian Government to double-check if you need to secure one. It should be processed before arrival.
Be realistic and travel at your own pace
Don’t be mistaken, India is indeed vast and incredibly diverse. You can find the Himalayas in the northern part while serene backwaters in the south. The eastern part is coastal countryside while deserts in the west. Various places in India are just waiting to be explored. Take it easy and do not cram. Don’t expect that you can see all in just a short period. It is recommended to explore it bit-by-bit.
As a starter, start with the classics which include the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra). But still, follow your interests. If you are more on the religious side, head over to Varanasi. If you’re up for trekking and adventure then Himachal Pradesh is perfect for you. If you want to shop until you drop, we have here New Delhi and Mumbai. If you want to experience being a royal, Rajasthan is the place to be. If you’re more on the beaches, water activities, visit Goa.
Consider the local weather when creating an itinerary
Generally, the country has four primary seasons namely summer, winter, monsoon, and post-monsoon. Still, India experiences varied weather conditions. Each region has different climatic conditions. Having said so, there will always be a place that you can visit regardless of the time of the year. If your traveling during the summer season, the Western Himalayas like Ladakh and even hill stations namely Darjeeling, Shimla, Manali Nainital, and Mussoorie are worth visiting. Other well-known tourist destinations include Kerala, Hampi, Goa, Rajasthan, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai which are best to be visited during the winter season.
Health is Wealth
If you want to be in a good disposition, remember these basic precautions. You’re traveling in India, having said so, the food here is a bit tangy and experiencing a swirling stomach is common. Eat only freshly cooked food and drink only from sealed bottled waters. Don’t forget to bring a scarf and a mask to protect yourself against the pollution in the cities. It’s also good to have medications for diarrhea, headache, and other common ailments. It is also recommended to get the necessary shots before commencing with your trip. It would be better to set an appointment with your doctor about the necessary things that you should undergo. If ever you forget to bring medicines, don’t worry there are pharmacies available everywhere.
Be careful of fraudsters, scammers, and touts all the time
There’s a huge probability that scammers and fraudsters chase tourists. One of the common scams is they offer deals for an India tour. Please bear it in mind so you would not fall into their trap. It is advisable to book only your tours through the Ministry of Tourism or Government of India recognized travel companies.
Prepare yourself to learn the local language
It’s always a good idea to at least learn a bit about the local language of the country that you’d want to visit. Aside from Hindi, English is also commonly used and understood across India. Find time to learn a few basics like Namaste (hello/goodbye), shukriya or dhanyawad (thank you), theek hai (alright or okay), haan/haanji (yes), nahi (no), garam paani (hot water shower), madat (help), kripya (help/please), aaj (today), Kal (tomorrow), chai (Tea), and khaana (food), Chalo (let’s go).
Dress modestly
Dressing appropriately following India’s local customs is necessary. Various places like the mosque, temple, and other holy places require you to dress modestly by covering your head with a scarf and even taking off your shoes before entering. Our goal is to blend with the locals not to attract attention and make the people around uncomfortable and disrespected.
Money Matters
For your transactions in India, you can make use of travel cards, debit and credit cards, and even traveler’s check. If you need to exchange money, you can do so at the airport, banks and other travel companies available in the area. In Indian cities, access to international banks and ATMs is quite easy but not in smaller towns and villages. With that, we recommend that you always bring a reasonable amount of cash with you.
Familiarize yourself with the transport system
Don’t worry, getting around India is convenient since it boasts one of the largest railway networks in the world. The most optimal option if you want to witness the beauty and grandeur of India is via rail. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid inconveniences. Other options include air-conditioned buses which also travel between cities every day. If you want to navigate within the cities, you can choose pre-paid taxi services or use auto and cycle-rickshaws. Just a heads up, traffic here can be torturous. It would be better to leave your hotel early to avoid being late if ever you have a scheduled appointment.
Avail of travel insurance suited for you
We don’t know when and where misfortune may hit us. With that, it’s a good idea to be prepared in advance. Be sure to avail of travel insurance from your own country which covers accident, travel delays, health issues, damaged or lost luggage, cancellation, and other possible eventualities.
