India is a destination that, in the nicest way possible, overwhelms your senses; nowhere else offers nearly the same deluge of sights, sounds, and experiences. India may occasionally be a little intimidating, incredibly busy, and a little confusing. You’ll need some time to get used to this confusing area’s frantic energy and figure out how to stay safe, healthy, and sane.
It offers a number of breathtaking sights that are unmatched anyplace else on the globe. It also features mouthwatering cuisine, breathtaking scenery, friendly, interesting people, and a rich cultural history that is fascinating to discover. Hence, to ensure that you get the most out of your vacation to India, here are a few things you need to be aware of.
1. Establish Realistic Expectations
It may very well be the single most significant consideration you will have to make. You are in for a surprise if you anticipate visiting a perfectly clean, precisely structured nation like Switzerland.
Before you travel to India, learn a little bit about this fascinating nation by reading some books and seeing some films, if only to get a sense of what to expect.
2. Be Prepared For A Cultural Shock
It will be the most unusual scenario of culture shock you’ve ever experienced. It will be overwhelming for your senses to perceive, feel, hear, and smell what is happening.
Accepting it is the only way to enjoy your vacation to India and have the greatest experience possible. Never feel intimidated or terrified; for those Indians, it’s just a way of life. Don’t try to oppose it.
3. The Language
Because it is one of the languages taught in schools in India, most people speak English in many places. As a result, you won’t have many problems if you can speak at least some basic English.
India is a land of more than 22 indigenous languages. Even so, you can pick up some basic Hindi words that will be useful while travelling. Read Also: 10 Most Spoken Languages of India
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4. How To Use Your Hands While Eating
Cutlery is not often used in many areas of India. Curry is eaten by folding over a piece of naan bread, scooping or pinching some rice and curry, and then cramming it into your mouth.
It takes some practice, but it’s worthwhile to try! Never, however, eat with your left hand because it is customary to clean oneself with it after using the lavatory, and doing so is considered impolite and unclean.
5. Move Out Of The Cities
Though it may sound cliche, visiting smaller communities is the best way to understand India truly. The main advantage is that you’ll escape enormous, densely crowded cities.
You’ll be in a far better position to take advantage of the renowned hospitality of Indian city dwellers once you’ve relaxed, perhaps with a trip to the highlands or into Kerala’s slower-moving southern region.
6. Look What You Eat And Drink
Possibly the most crucial advice for first-timers travelling to India! Having a queasy stomach on your first visit to India is rather typical. Yet, there are techniques to prevent it. Avoid salads and ice; they frequently cause stomach problems.
Stick to bottled water. While you shouldn’t absolutely forbid street food, try to limit your diet to boiled or fried items and fresh fruit that have been peeled.
7. Get Ready To See Bizarre Things
Try to arrive with an open mind and forget everything you know or are accustomed to since the more you oppose insanity, the more difficult it will be.
Expect people and a lot of activity around you because India is the second-most populous nation in the world after China. Among the sights are people riding on top of buses and groups of five people riding motorcycles.
8. Be Extra Cautious
India is generally safe for travellers and has moderate criminal activity. Theft and scamping are the two most frequent criminal offenses. Being cautious is essential. An offer that seems too good to be true is most likely a fraud.
In other words, always travel safely. It is best to go with a group or an experienced friend, especially if you are a female traveller or a novice.
9. Get Dressed Properly
Plan when you pack your bags because India’s culture is conservative and similar to that of many Southeast Asian nations. While visiting religious locations, bring scarves and long trousers for concealing arms and legs, and choose ordinary T-shirts.
You should also bring socks if you don’t want to go barefoot because it’s customary to take your shoes off while entering a home or a temple.
10. When Entering A Temple, Remove Your Shoes
Before entering a temple, you will frequently be asked to take off your shoes. Wearing shoes that are simple to put on and take off, like sandals, is a good idea.
If you are concerned about someone stealing your shoes inside the temple, you can put them in your backpack or pay the person working there a few rupees to watch them for you.
11. Keep Travel Insurance In Consideration
It is highly recommended that you get travel insurance before going somewhere, and India is not an exception to this rule. Your insurance will pay for and reimburse any necessary medical care if you become ill or injured.
Some insurance plans may also protect you from theft, misplaced belongings, flight cancellations, and other mishaps while travelling.
12. Obtain A Phone With An Indian SIM Card
It is simple for you to travel if you have a contact number in India because it simplifies things. By utilizing Google Maps, it will be simple for you to seek driving instructions, and you will also be able to read reviews of the locations in India that you are considering going to.
The first thing you should do when you arrive in India is to purchase a mobile data sim card.
13. Don’t Be Too Particular About Your Own Space
In India, the idea of personal space is not particularly widespread. On elevators and crowded public transportation, you will be crammed. You may find it intimidating when people ask you seemingly intrusive personal questions.
It’s important to remember that this is a completely different culture, and the inquiries are only a sign of the people’s polite interest in you.
14. Improve Your Bargaining Skills
India can teach you many different skills. Surviving teaches one how to adjust to new circumstances and accept them as they are and how to bargain with those circumstances.
In order to avoid encountering persons who charge outrageous costs when you are a tourist, learn to initially quote a quarter of the price before settling on a middle ground.
15. You’ll Primarily Need Cash
It is better to have cash on hand because most services, including street vendors and rickshaw drivers, only accept cash. On the other hand, shopping centers, big-box stores, and hotels now accept all card types.
To avoid further problems, ensure you have already exchanged enough money (use banks rather than exchange offices on street corners).
16. Observe The Rules And Regulations In Your Area
It pays to follow India’s peculiar laws and regulations because they can be confusing. Avoid taking pictures of bridges, the military, and border crossings as it is thought to pose a serious security risk.
Eating beef is also prohibited in some localities because even accidentally killing or hurting a cow in a car accident might result in violent retaliation. Smoking is prohibited in public places.
17. When Trekking, Take The Altitude Carefully
Over 2500m (8200ft), which includes most of the Indian Himalayas, there is a danger of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Always climb gently and use rest days to give your body time to adjust to significant elevation changes because altitude sickness (AMS) can be fatal.
While mountain trekking, halt if you start to feel unwell. If your symptoms don’t get better, head back down right away.
18. Track Natural Disasters By Watching The Local News
Unfortunately, India is prone to natural disasters, ranging from monsoon floods and landslides to glacial lake outbursts and earthquakes in the Himalayas.
Watch the local news and be on the lookout for warning signals of natural disasters to learn which regions to stay away from. If a natural disaster strikes heed the instructions of the emergency personnel.
19. Slow Down
Many tourists visiting India try to pack too much into their schedules, which leads to exhaustion. Trust us when we say that spending a few days in one location will make you less stressed and better understand where you are and who you meet, and your interactions with pleasant locals will be some of the most unforgettable moments of your journey.
20. Arrangements For Travel
When staying at a hotel or homestay, try to arrange for pickup and drop-off services from the railway station or bus stop. If you attempt to arrange a cab on your own to the hotel or while travelling to the train station, there is a good possibility that you will be taken advantage of.
These days, using Uber or Ola is the best option, as both services are frequently available in most cities.
The Bottom Line
India travel is a memorable experience that you won’t soon forget. India, despite not being the most accessible destination, is one of the most rewarding. Everything about this country will surprise you and leave you with lifelong memories, including the people, the hospitality, the food, and the culture. Simply leave now and ride India’s emotional roller coaster.
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