Is this your first time travelling to India? Honestly, you can never really be fully prepared for India, but you’ve got to at least try.
To prepare for your adventure to India here’s 10 tips that we at India Someday can offer to help you get started.
Crowd outside a temple in India
Basic English is widely spoken, particularly in metros
An after-effect of colonialism, English is still the de-facto national language. That doesn’t mean everyone can speak it, or speak it well, but you’ll be surprised how many can. So don’t worry too much about communication. Street names, important signs and public transport messages are all written in English as well as the state language.
Sign boards in both language (Photo Credit – Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter)
Always eat hot food
It’s an easy trick to avoid literally throwing your holiday down the toilet. Stay away from salads and juices completely. Make sure your food is freshly cooked and served piping hot.
Eat fresh cooked and hot food always (Photo Credit – Saurabh Sharan)
Don’t settle for any price you’re not comfortable with
You’ve probably heard that India is a bargain heaven. Alternately, that shopkeepers will consistently rip you off when they realise you’re a foreigner. Bargaining can be a sensitive business, so always look out for a fixed price sign before you start anything. If you do feel like you’re getting ripped off and the seller is refusing to bring down their price, it’s best to just walk away. There’s no point in risking offence.
Find Out More: Investigate the Perfect Time for an Indian Adventure
Very carefully before bargaining and purchasing (Photo Credit – Cleavers)
People are friendlier than they look
Especially in the metros, everyone may seem completely absorbed in their own lives, but they will always help you if you just ask. Taxi drivers and keepers of tiny cigarette shops on street corners serve as bottomless sources of information, so always try there first.
Drivers are friendly (Photo Credit – Fabrice Florin)
Dress appropriately
You’ll never hear this enough. Throwing on an extra dupatta over your outfit won’t camouflage you completely, but it will help with the blending in. This doesn’t mean you have to only wear Indian clothes, just cover your legs at the temple and save the booty shorts for the club.
Learn More: Get Acquainted with India’s Top Attractions
A tourist at the Golden Temple in Amritsar (Photo Credit – David Bacon)
Beware the scamsters
Delhi is crazy chaotic and full of scams, so are Agra and Jaipur. Familiarize yourself with them before you leave.
Be aware of scam (Photo Credit – Partha Sarathi Sahana)
India is not all elephants and snake charmers
There’s even gourmet restaurants and hi-tech amusement parks. That said, if you really want to relive the 60s, we can always get you a slot at Elefantastic.
Read our client blog about experiencing Elefantastic and what to expect.
You need a visa
Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t know this. Travellers from the US, Australia and the UK will be eligible for an e-visa.
If you’re planning a trip to India from the UK, check out this comprehensive guide.
Learn More: Tips for Traveling from Australia to India
You may be eligible for an e-visa if you’re visiting India.
You’ve never really ‘seen’ India
Be it your first time or the 10th, no single individual ever has, it’s just too much, and changing every day. But to experience even a tiny slice of it, two weeks of passion and chaos and fun, can change your life forever.
Cute school kids waving the Indian Flag
We can help
It can be confusing, we know. Especially if it is your first time in the country. If the pre-packaged tours stifle you and going solo is too challenging, we’re just what you’re looking for. Tell us all your dreams and soon enough, you’ll be living them. If you have something else in mind, do not hesitate to contact us with your queries. And we can get cracking at making your first time in India a memorable one.
About Harsh Sonawala
Harsh Sonawala aaa is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.
helping you travel your way
Everything you need to know about India is here We have tried writing about everything you may need help with for your trip to India, If you need help in planning a trip to India Get in touch with us to to plan your trip of a life time.
