Many people would love to visit India this year. That happens not only because of the cheap plane tickets but also due to the advertisement. Indian tourist authorities have managed to send great pictures and videos abroad to attract even more tourists during the Monsoon season.
However, if you come from the Western world, it would be better to know some practical tips before entering the country. India is so much different than any other place in the world. It’s the place of inhabitants for more than 1 billion people who have lived peacefully for centuries. It’s for your shake to consider these ten tips we will give you today before you even make the first step in India. People who came here without considering that advice could have issues in the country.
1. Try to Get an Indian Visa First
The very first thing you need to do even before you book your plane tickets would be to get a tourist visa. The Indian government has been very strict about it, and nearly no foreign passport is eligible for free entrance. That happened to confront other countries that have restricted access to reputable Indian citizens who like to travel abroad.
Getting an Indian visa would require you to go to the nearest Indian consulate office of an embassy. There you need to fill in an application for the tourist Indian visa and pay somewhere between $40 and $70 depending on the country. The Indian visa allows tourists to remain for three months in the country. You may need to renew it in the nearest office if you want to prolong your stay to more than three months.
However, you need to know in advance that a visa only permits you to seek entrance to the Indian immigration posts. It will not automatically grant you access to the country, so you need to give proof to the Indian immigration officer that you intend to leave the country after you complete your tourist view.
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The Process to Get an Indian e-Tourist Visa Online
Generally, visitors from many countries are able to apply for an Indian e-Visa online. You can apply for a visa for India from any computer or mobile device connected to the internet and fill in the required details, and you will receive your visa by email after applying. The approval of most e-Tourist visa applications takes 2-4 business days.
You can apply for a visa online in simple steps by visiting the website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration
1. Apply online
Upload Photo and Passport Page
2. Pay the eVisa fee online
Using Credit / Debit card / Payment Wallet
3. Receive ETA Online
Electronic Travel Authorization/ETA Will be sent to your e-mail
4. Fly To India
Print the ETA and present it at the Immigration Check Post where the eVisa will be stamped on the passport.
2. Ensure You Got the Best Camera
There is absolutely no chance you will have the time of your life in India without a new and exclusive camera. Don’t rely solely on your iPhone to get the best pictures and videos of Indian everyday life and scenery. It is in your best interest to come to India having your own camera that you have purchased in your home country. The best thing to do would also be to bring a dedicated transducer to ensure that the power network in India can charge your camera.
If you find yourself without a camera in India, it’s so tough to buy a new one at a reasonable price. That is impossible when you are in rural India, so make your camera arrangements well before the journey.
3. Book a Hotel That Seems Safe and Honorable
It’s so good to know that India has many hotels where Western people can stay safe. Don’t expect to book a hotel anywhere in the country without making some previous bookings from home. When you visit the cities, it’s better to book hotels that belong to larger hotel chains. That way, you can be sure that you and your family will be safe when staying there.
Not to mention that you will be sure about the quality of food and beverages. It’s a very important step to take before entering the country, and never expect a local motel to give you security for you and your family.
4. Get Your Own Water Before Entering the Country
When entering the country, you need to know that some areas in India have water filtering issues. Many people can feel sick for the first few days when they decide to consume tap water in India. It’s in your best interest to bring some bottles of distilled water with you for the first few days.
After that initial time, you can enter any Indian supermarket or local convenience store and buy some bottled water at reasonable prices.
5. Search For New Destinations
Most tourist guides will give you information only about Mumbai and New Delhi. That is not the real Indian spirit, since you need to travel to rural India if you want to see pictures like the ones you have never experienced before. So it’s a lot better to plan ahead and program a journey that will get you from the big cities to the villages.
These new destinations can show you the way agriculture is practiced in India and let you talk to locals. That is the only way you can have an original stay in India. Some famous less popular destinations in India are Auroville, Sanchi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Arunachal Pradesh. Osian Thar Villages, Rajasthan, Munroe Island, Kerala, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
6. Don’t Stay in the Big Cities
Big cities can be less secure for you and your family if you choose to stay there for multiple days. It’s always better to have an itinerary and ensure you stay in big cities only for a few days. Then you need to change your destination to ensure you are not a target for local bandits who want to harm you.
After all, sightseeing is always away from the big city centers, and you can use Google Maps to ensure you are close to the best suburban sites for attractions.
7. Have Cash With You
Many tourists come to India having little or no cash in their wallets. You need to know that only a few places in India accept credit and debit cards. It’s in your best interest to use cash to do your daily transactions.
Even though it may seem weird and less safe, cash is the standard form of payment in India. Not to mention that you can negotiate the prices when you use cash, something that allows you to be more profitable when visiting India.
8. Bring Long Dresses
Women should be more respectful here in India than in any other place in the world. People here are religious and don’t like to view women with short tops and revealing clothes. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have conservative clothes with you and garments that can cover your face.
Whenever you intend to visit Indian temples and monuments, it is important that you ensure that you dress properly. You should make sure that you always dress in a proper manner. There are some Indian cities where women wear modern clothes, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. However, this is not true in religious cities like Haridwar, Varanasi, Amritsar, Agra, etc., where women are not allowed to wear modern clothing or short clothing.
9. Avoid Getting To Low-Income Neighborhoods
Before coming to India, it’s better to know that a substantial part of the population lives below the poverty level. That is below the levels of Western countries for poverty. For that reason, you should take note of the low-income neighborhoods and avoid walking there or even taking pictures of people there.
Low-income neighborhoods are prominent in violent crimes, and for that reason, you need to be extra careful. Better stick to the plan to visit the inner city.
10. Learn some Basic Hindi Expressions
Finally, the last tip would be to learn some basic Hindi expressions to communicate with locals. Words like “Namaste” (meaning hello) and “Tumhara Naam kya hai?” (what is your name?) could be life-saving in some events.
There is a high level of Hindi proficiency in northern Indian states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttrakhand, and Himachal. It is less prevalent in South India, Central India, and West India. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and North-East India are unlikely to have the same level of Hindi proficiency.
Visiting India could be the best experience you could have in your lifetime. So you better be prepared to live it to the fullest extent!
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FAQs for Visiting India: Tips and Essentials
1. What should I know before visiting India?
India is diverse in culture, language, and customs. Be prepared for varying climates, crowded cities, and different regional cuisines. Respect local traditions and dress modestly.
2. What travel documents do I need to visit India?
You need a valid passport and a visa to enter India. You can apply for an e-Visa online or obtain a visa from an Indian consulate.
3. What is the best time to visit India?
The best time to visit India is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant in most parts of the country.
4. How can I stay healthy while traveling in India?
Drink bottled or filtered water, avoid street food that looks unhygienic, and carry hand sanitizer. It’s also recommended to get vaccinated for common diseases.
5. What are some essential items to pack for a trip to India?
Pack comfortable clothing, a first-aid kit, travel insurance documents, power adapters, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Carry a mix of cash and cards.
6. Is it safe to travel alone in India?
Yes, but stay cautious, especially at night. Stick to crowded places, avoid isolated areas, and use reliable transportation options.
7. How can I ensure my safety while traveling in India?
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing services, avoid displaying valuables, stay in reputable hotels, and follow local news for any safety alerts.
8. What are the cultural etiquettes to follow in India?
Remove shoes before entering homes and temples, dress conservatively, avoid public displays of affection, and use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving things.
9. What are the common scams to watch out for in India?
Be aware of overcharging by taxi drivers, fake tour guides, and people offering unsolicited help. Always use reputable services and verify prices beforehand.
10. How can I communicate with locals if I don’t speak Hindi?
English is widely spoken in India, especially in urban areas. You can also use translation apps or carry a phrasebook for basic Hindi phrases.
11. What is the best way to get around in India?
Use trains, buses, domestic flights, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola for convenient travel. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also common for short distances.
12. How should I handle money while traveling in India?
Carry a mix of cash and cards. Use ATMs for cash withdrawals, and ensure you have small denominations for local purchases. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities.
13. What are the must-visit places in India for first-time travelers?
Must-visit places include the Taj Mahal in Agra, Jaipur’s palaces, Kerala’s backwaters, Varanasi’s ghats, and the beaches of Goa.
14. How can I stay connected to the internet in India?
Buy a local SIM card for affordable data and call rates. Wi-Fi is also available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
15. What should I do in case of an emergency in India?
Dial 112 for emergencies. Keep the contact details of your country’s embassy or consulate handy. Use apps like Google Maps for navigation and safety alerts.
