A First-Timers Guide to India
Incredible India! No matter how many times you read about what India is like, nothing, and I mean nothing, can prepare you for the sights, tastes, sounds and, yes smells of this incredible country.
From the moment you take your first step out of the airport, India is a true assault on every single sense. The one thing that you can never be prepared for is how loud India is, I was warned and I thought I was prepared but nothing can prepare you for the constant blasting of millions of horns that initially overwhelms, then eventually begins to wear you down, until little by little, bit by bit it fades away to become the soundtrack of your journey through India.
The following is my advice, and my Top 20 tips, for those of you thinking about travelling to India. Maybe you are a little bit scared, maybe a little unsure if this is the right destination for you, maybe you have heard too many horror stories about getting Delhi Belly, whatever the maybe may be, hopefully the below can shed some light on the highs and lows of travelling in this magnificent country.
First of all let me start by saying that India is not for the faint of heart. This country literally broke me in so many ways I hadn’t even imagined, but the greatest challenges often lead to the best pay off’s and that is certainly true of this country. Whenever I am asked if I would recommend someone travel to India I always hesitate and here is why. This glorious, magnificent, mind-blowingly amazing destination is not for everyone. This is not the kind of place that is “easy” travelling, India was the 31st country I had visited and was on my bucket list for so many reasons, yet still I wrestled with many conflicting emotions while visiting. India is not for the faint of heart, and the key to enjoying your time in India is to be as prepared as you can be.
1. Choose your time of year wisely!
India experiences a diverse range of weather from scorching highs to freezing lows, so knowing when to go and packing appropriately can be the difference between enjoying India and not. India’s winter runs from December to February marked by cool temperatures in the north and milder climates in the south. Spring follows from March to May, bringing a transition to warmer weather and vibrant blossoms. Summer, spanning from June to September, is characterised by high temperatures and the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall across many regions. Autumn arrives in October and November, offering a pleasant transition as temperatures begin to cool once again. Spring and Autumn are the perfect times to travel for the majority of the country, giving you cooler days and less rain so you can enjoy your stay.2. Water water everywhere, but do not drink a drop (unless it’s from a BOTTLE!)
One of the quickest ways to get sick in India is through the water . I know this might sound like a no brainer but I can not stress this enough, BOTTLED WATER ONLY. Do not drink from water containers that have been refilled with filtered water always ask for a fresh bottle, and inspect the seal on bottles you are buying, if it doesn’t look right don’t buy or drink it. You need to be hyper vigilant on this point. Pay particular attention to keeping your eyes and mouth closed when you shower and only brush your teeth and rinse your toothbrush with bottled water. I made the mistake of rinsing my toothbrush under the tap in a 5 star hotel and ended up with a waterborne parasite that took about 6 weeks to get rid of. I was left unable to eat for 6 days, and having to sprint across a university campus to find a toilet with literally micro-seconds to spare, while a group of Indian university students stood outside and listened to my humiliation, while they chuckled, so I am speaking from (bad) experience, and as much kindness as I can muster when I plead with you to repeat after me “BOTTLED WATER ONLY”.3. Where should I visit?
This is probably one of the hardest parts when visiting India is choosing where to go. For me it always comes down to a few things. How long have you got to explore and what would you like to see. For most, if not all first time visitors to India, The Golden Triangle is the best starting point. India’s Golden Triangle consists of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and gets its name from the triangle shape it forms on a map. The proximity of these three cities makes it a convenient and popular circuit for those looking to experience India's must see attractions within a relatively short timeframe. If you have less than 3 weeks my suggestions would be stick to the Golden Triangle. I will cover longer itineraries in my next post on India.
The Golden Triangle comprises:
Delhi: The capital city of India, Delhi is a blend of historical landmarks, modern infrastructure, and diverse cultures. Key attractions include India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and the bustling markets of Old Delhi.
Agra: Home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, Agra is a city steeped in history and architectural marvels. The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an iconic symbol of love and a must-visit attraction. Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are other historical sites in the area.
Jaipur: Known as the "Pink City," Jaipur is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar (observatory), and the impressive Amer Fort.
4. Pack a Medical/First Air Kit.
I never travel without this, but a first aid and basic medical kit will go a long way to ensuring you enjoy India, especially if you are prone to getting sick or travelling with kids. Here is my comprehensive packing list for medical and first aid supplies. MEDICAL PACKING LIST5. Food Hygiene
Second to drinking bottle water, the safety and hygiene of the food in India is paramount to a Delhi-Belly free vacation. The vegetarian food in India is like nothing you have ever tasted before in your life, no matter how good you think your local Indian restaurant is! What these guys can do with veges is nothing short of miraculous. My personal preference and recommendation is to give meat a miss and go vege, it is India after all! But what about street food I hear you ask? These are my general rules for street food eating in India. I do not recommend eating anything that is not cooked fresh or deep fried, avoid foods that have been sitting or are in “warmers”. Generally if somewhere is busy that is a good sign. I always recommend doing a food tour with a local guide on your first day in each new city. This will give you the confidence to try lots of food and you will probably revisit a few of your faves. Probably something that was a big surprise for me was the quality of the Indian food in many of the hotels we stayed in, I am not normally one for eating in hotels when I travel but in India it seems to be the way its done, and it was delicious!6. Don’t overload your itinerary
Even for the most intrepid traveller, India can be a LOT. Sights, sounds and smells, can all overwhelm. I have a tendency to try and pack as much in as physically possible, but with India it is best to pull back, just a little. You can always add more activities in once you are there, but it is often costly to remove them if you aren’t feeling up to it.7. Go on a tour or go it alone?
Why not both? Depending on your itinerary, and how many days you have I would suggest doing the Golden Triangle on a tour, and then spending a few days at the end exploring Delhi on your own. Having a driver and a guide will make you feel safe, comfortable and reassured should any issues pop up. We had a driver for 16 days and some tour guides in each city and this gave us the best of both worlds. Our driver was always available if we needed to go anywhere, but allowed us flexibility in our itinerary to change plans when I wasn’t feeling well. It made for visiting places like the Taj Mahal much easier, once you were done you simply jumped in your car and off you went. If you would like a recommendation for a driver in India please hit the work with me button I would be happy to recommend a driver.8. Etiquette
India is a diverse county with varying cultural and religious practices. Being observant and open to cultural difference is key to navigating social situations in India. Here are a few of the most common and noticeable etiquettes you will see across this magnificent country. Greeting Indians with Namaste (nah-mah-stay) and a slight bow will go a long way to breaking down language barriers while in India, while most Indians speak English, some are quite shy and this will break the ice. Eating with your hands is common place, it is customary to eat with your right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered impolite for eating, especially in front of elders. Respect your elders, there is a strong cultural emphasis on respecting your elders in India and addressing them with titles like Uncle and Auntie shows such respect. This can also make it a bit fun when you are bargaining you could say to an elder “C’mon Uncle you can give me a better price”. Remove your shoes when going indoors - you will often see piles of shoes as your first indicator that you should remove your shoes. Generally all temples and places of worship will require shoes to be removed before entering but it is also commonplace when visiting someones home or business, if unsure just ask.9. How to dress
When traveling in India, dressing modestly is a key cultural consideration that enhances respectful interactions .Modesty in clothing is particularly important, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Both men and women are advised to cover their shoulders and knees. For women, it's common to wear longer skirts or pants and tops that cover the shoulders. In certain religious places, a head covering may be required. This not only shows respect for the local customs and traditions but also ensures a more comfortable and harmonious travel experience. Embracing modest attire not only aligns with cultural norms but also allows travellers to connect more deeply with Indias local customs and diverse communities.10. Support the Girls
This one is for the ladies, India’s roads are rough! Often unsealed and incredibly bumpy, and it can take a VERY long time to get from one place to another, packing a good sports bra is a must!!!11. Safety First
While India offers an incredible travel experience, it is essential to be aware of any potential scams and nuisance hustles to ensure you enjoy your time. Here are the most common scams to be aware of :
Rickshaw Overcharging: Watch out for inflated rickshaw fares. Negotiate the fare beforehand or insist on using the meter to avoid being overcharged.Fake Guides: Be cautious when hiring guides on the spot. Stick to authorised guides or those recommended by reputable sources to ensure a genuine and informative experience.
Counterfeit Goods: Exercise caution when purchasing souvenirs, especially in markets. Verify the authenticity of items, especially in popular tourist markets, to avoid buying counterfeit goods.
Distraction Tactics: Beware of distractions such as staged arguments or sudden commotions designed to divert your attention. Stay focused on your belongings to prevent theft.
Sim Card Scams: When buying a local SIM card, choose official stores or authorised dealers to avoid potential issues with activation or hidden charges.
Fake Accommodation Offers: Ignore unsolicited offers for discounted accommodations. Book through reputable platforms or directly with the hotel to ensure a secure reservation.
Temple Touts: At popular tourist sites, be wary of individuals posing as guides offering exclusive access or rituals. Stick to official guides to avoid falling for scams.
Fake Ticketing: Purchase tickets only from official counters or authorised vendors to avoid falling victim to counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
Charity Scams: Exercise caution when approached for donations. Verify the legitimacy of the charity or organisation before contributing to ensure your money goes to a genuine cause.
Pickpocketing Hotspots: Stay alert in crowded places, especially in tourist hubs, to minimise the risk of pickpocketing. Use secure bags and keep valuables close.
12. Passport and visa information
Visa and passport information is constantly changing, so how do you keep up to date? Smart Traveller of course! My recommendation is reviewing the current visa and passport information every month, and then weekly for the last month before you travel, just so you don’t get caught out! My go to is always Smart Traveller, an Australian Government Website where you will find all of the information you need, and the correct links to any online visa requirements. This information is always the most current , and you can sign up to get notification of any changes or updates
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india?13. Hygiene Heros
On an Indian adventure, having a trusty sidekick is essential, and that sidekick goes by the name of Sanitiser, Wet Wipes, or Toilet Paper/Tissues – or as I like to call them, the hygiene heroes. Imagine you're in the heart of bustling bazaars, sampling street delicacies that could win culinary Olympics. Suddenly, nature calls with the urgency of a Bollywood dance number. Here's where your hygiene heroes come to the rescue, swooping in capes and all. A public restroom sans essentials is like a Bollywood movie without a dance sequence – uncomfortable and missing the essentials. Whether you're facing the infamous "loo with a view" or navigating through unexpected culinary roller coasters, these humble yet heroic companions ensure your comfort and, quite literally, save your derrière. So, remember, in the land of spices and surprises, your hygiene heroes are the true stars of the show!14. PDA’s are NOT OK
Public Displays of Affection (PDA’s) are not the done thing in India and are frowned upon in a public setting. While love is undoubtedly in the air, it's best to keep it more discreet in the vibrant streets of India. Save the smooches for your cozy hotel room and let the Taj Mahal be the iconic backdrop for romantic gestures – after all, even monuments need a little love. So, in the realm of cultural sensitivity, remember, while India embraces love stories, it prefers them with a sprinkle of subtlety and a dash of decorum.15. Watch your change
In the magical land of rupees and rickshaws, there's a currency waltz you'll want to master – the art of checking your change. Picture this: you've just triumphantly haggled for that perfect souvenir, handed over your hard-earned bills, and received change that rivals a game of Monopoly. It's not that the vendors are trying to pull a rupee rabbit out of their hat, but sometimes numbers in the rush of the bazaar can resemble a Sudoku puzzle. So, channel your inner Sherlock Holmes, inspect that change like a seasoned detective.16. The Indian Head Waggle
Not quite wiggle, not quite a wobble - master this and you will be a favourite with the locals. One of my favourite memories from India was when I mastered the Indian Head Waggle. Think you yourself like a giant bobble-head! My best advice to master this one is watch the locals and practice! It certainly gave the locals a massive smile when I did it :)17. Eating with your hands
India is quite literally a feast for all of your senses, none more than taste and there are a few things to keep in mind when eating in India. It is customary to eat with your right hand and not the left. This practice is rooted in cultural and religious traditions. The right hand is considered pure, while the left hand is traditionally associated with hygiene practices, such as using it for cleaning oneself after using the restroom. Therefore, when enjoying a meal in India, using the right hand to handle food is a sign of respect and adherence to cultural norms. It's essential to be mindful of this etiquette, especially when dining in more traditional or formal settings, as it reflects an understanding and appreciation of local customs.18. Travel Insurance
In my many years as a Travel Agent we had a saying “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”, and this is 100% true. Skimping on travel insurance when travelling to a third world country is not a good idea. The difference in coverage from one insurer to another can be the difference between receiving care in a first world hospital versus a third world hospital, I know which one I would prefer. Make sure you read all the inclusions of the policy, especially the medical coverage section and don’t just rely on the table of benefits stating “unlimited medical”, you need to read what that means and what you are covered for and perhaps more importantly what you aren’t covered for. For more information on choosing the right insurance coverage for you check out my handy guide HERE.19. Beat the Crowds (and the heat)!
In India, the early bird truely does get the worm! Beating the crowds in India is difficult. With a population of approximately 1.5 billion people crowds are inevitable, however getting out and about early not only beats the heat but the crowds. Work with your guide on how to best beat the crowds at certain monuments and tourist attractions. When we visited the Taj Mahal we started our day while it was still dark and it was so worth it! Not only was the light on The Taj simply magical while the sun rose, but by the time we had finished our visit the line to get in was about four hours long. It took us less than 20 minutes from the time we arrived until we were looking at the Taj. Another hot tip to crowd control is to avoid going to key attractions on weekend days, this is when locals generally go and crowds can be as much as double on the weekend!20. Go with the flow
Like the ebb and flow of the Ganges, in India you will need to learn to go with the flow. Things can and will change from your plan. Traffic can turn a 20km quick trip into an hours long escapade, so you just have to roll with it. India is a country that will teach you that there is so much that is out of your hands so learning to adapt is crucial for visiting this magnificent place. We found that tour guides, drivers and hotels were very accomodating with last minute bookings and changes. This is why I mentioned above about not packing your itinerary so full that you don’t have room to breathe, let alone room to change plans. When things don’t go to plan, take a moment, take a breath and work out a plan.
Embarking on a journey to India is an unparalleled adventure that engages every sense and challenges preconceptions. From the vibrant chaos of its bustling streets to the mesmerizing beauty of iconic landmarks, India offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. The journey demands an open heart, a willingness to embrace cultural diversity, and a keen sense of adaptability. These top 20 tips, spanning from choosing the right time to visit and mastering the art of the Indian head waggle to navigating common scams and savoring the local cuisine, serve as valuable companions on this odyssey. However, it's essential to recognize that this guide merely scratches the surface of the rich tapestry that is India. The depth of its culture, the warmth of its people, and the sheer vastness of its landscapes ensure that every traveler's experience is unique and profoundly enriching. So, take this guide as a starting point, but be prepared to delve deeper into the complexities and wonders that India has to offer. The magic lies not just in the destinations but in the journey itself, a journey that promises to be as diverse and limitless as the country it unveils.
Happy Wandering
Jess :)
