A Beginner's Guide to Traveling In India: Helpful Tips & Tricks
Planning Your Itinerary
When to Travel
October to the Beginning of March (Winter):
Weather: The winter months in India are generally pleasant, with mild to cool temperatures in most regions.
Popular Destinations: This is an ideal time to explore popular tourist destinations like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kerala, and Rajasthan that get extremely hot during the summer months.
March, April, and May (Summer):
Weather: Summer in India can be extremely hot and humid, particularly in the northern and central regions.
Hill Stations: summer is a great time to visit hill stations like Shimla, Darjeeling, Ooty, and Munnar, which offer cooler temperatures.
Festivals: Holi, Vaisakhi, Puthandu (Tamil New Year), and the harvest festival of Bihu in Assam.
June to September (Monsoon):
Weather: Monsoon season brings rainfall to different parts of India, creating lush green landscapes. Rainfall is often intermittent, so it usually won't disrupt outdoor travel arrangements as long as you plan ahead.
Festivals: Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami.
November to February (Winter in South India):
Weather: Southern India experiences its winter during these months, with pleasant temperatures and less rainfall.
Popular Destinations: Visit Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, known for their beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and serene backwaters.
Festivals: The Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu, and the boat races of Kerala.
It's important to note that India is very large and there are regional variations when it comes to climatic conditions and festival timings. Check specific destinations before finalizing your travel plans.
Reservations
I would recommend using MakeMyTrip to make travel reservations. In India, MakeMyTrip is a fantastic resource akin to Expedia in the United States. With MakeMyTrip, you have the convenience of making flight, hotel, and travel reservations all on a single website before embarking on your journey.
Duration of Stay
To fully appreciate the vastness and diversity of India, I would recommend planning a trip for two weeks or more. A longer stay allows you to immerse yourself in the culture, explore various regions, and have a more comprehensive experience.
Visa Requirements
Visitors from the United States need a visa to enter India. The easiest option is to apply for an E-visa, which can be done online through the Indian government's official website. Make sure to check the visa requirements and apply in advance of your planned travel dates.
Managing Crowds and Heat
Larger cities that are popular tourist destinations like Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur can be crowded and hot, so it's important to be prepared. Consider offsetting busy tourist destinations with a few days in calmer places like Alappuzha or Darjeeling to balance out your trip.
Recovering from the Journey
Since traveling to India often involves a long flight (or multiple), it's a good idea to schedule one or two days at the beginning of your trip to recover from the journey before diving into your itinerary. This will give you time to adjust to the time zone, rest, and rejuvenate.
Phone Service
A Few Notes on Culture
Time and Flexibility
Time runs differently in India. It is common for events and gatherings to start later than scheduled. Embrace a "go-with-the-flow" mentality and allow for flexibility in your plans.
Random inconveniences like power outages, unreliable Wi-Fi, or last-minute cancellations can occur. Patience and adaptability are essential.
Language Diversity
India recognizes 22 languages in its eighth schedule of the constitution. As you travel to different states, you'll encounter different local languages alongside Hindi and English in certain places. In larger cities and tourist areas, English is more widely spoken, but it's important to note that only around 10% of India's population speaks English. Expect some language barriers and be patient when communicating.
Interactions with Locals
Exercise a healthy level of skepticism when strangers offer to help you, especially at bus/train stations or in touristy areas. They may offer to carry your luggage or give you directions and expect a tip for their services. Often it is best to be assertive and decline their offer.
Personal questions about income, marital status, or family are common in India. Don't feel offended, as these inquiries are often part of casual conversation.
Bargaining is a common practice in Indian markets and locals often charge tourists higher prices. Hone your negotiation skills to get fair deals.
Cultural Sensitivities
India is incredibly diverse, and cultural sensitivities vary from state to state. Research and understand the nuances of each region you plan to visit. For example, in beachside locations like Goa, people tend to be more liberal in their attire, while in Rajasthan and Gujarat, dressing conservatively is appreciated.
Getting Around
Uber is available in many major cities in India, providing a convenient transportation option for foreigners. Booking directly through the app eliminates the need for bargaining in most cases. However, in certain tourist areas near main attractions, your Uber driver might call you to negotiate the fare or propose a package deal for visiting multiple sites within a few hours. Although this practice may be uncomfortable for foreigners, it is commonplace in certain areas of India, making it difficult to avoid. If your Uber driver doesn't speak English, hotel staff are usually willing to assist by translating for you.
Auto Rickshaws
Trains
Booking Tickets: I would recommend using the Indian Railway Booking System (IRCTC) to book trains in advance. Create and account, enter your travel details, such as origin, destination, and preferred travel dates, and the system will display available train options. I recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Selecting Seats
In India, train travel offers various classes for both shorter day trips and longer overnight journeys.
Here is a list of a few of the train classes available:
For Shorter Day Trips:
AC Chair Car (CC): Air-conditioned seating with comfortable chairs, ideal for shorter journeys. I recommend this option. I have found AC Chair Cars to be comfortable, safe, and clean.
Second Sitting (2S): non-air-conditioned seating, suitable for short-distance travel on a budget.
For Longer Overnight Journeys:
AC First Class (1A): Luxurious, private cabins with beds, exclusive service, and air conditioning.
AC 2-Tier (2A): Comfortable berths in closed compartments, with curtains for privacy and air conditioning.
Sleeper Class (SL): Non-air-conditioned open compartments with six berths per bay, suitable for budget travelers.
General Class (GS): Non-reserved seating, often crowded, and not recommended for long journeys.
It's important to note that the availability of these classes may vary depending on the specific train and route. Check the class availability while booking your tickets through the Indian Railway Booking System or consult with the ticketing authorities at a station.
Food and Water
Before discussing a few food recommendations, let’s discuss some precautionary measures to help you stay healthy and avoid any illness that could disrupt your trip. As someone who has experienced stomach issues while traveling in India several times, I understand the importance of taking necessary precautions. Here are some valuable tips and tricks that have personally saved me from falling ill.
Drinking water
Drink only bottled water from reliable brands and ensure that the seal on the cap is intact before opening.
Avoid consuming tap water, including for brushing teeth. Instead, use bottled water.
In restaurants always ask if they use purified water for making ice and preparing beverages like sodas, tea, and coffee. They almost always do, but it is better to be safe than sorry!
Food Safety
Choose restaurants that have good hygiene practices and a clean appearance.
It's generally safer to eat freshly cooked hot meals rather than raw or cold dishes. Opt for well-cooked meals, including meat, fish, and vegetables, as high temperatures help kill bacteria.
If you do eat raw produce, only eat fruits and vegetables that can be peeled or have a protective layer (i.e., bananas, watermelon, mango etc.) and make sure they have been washed thoroughly.
Avoid consuming street food as it may not meet proper hygiene standards.
Medical Precautions
Before travelling to India, ask your doctor for antibiotics that you can carry on your journey in case you get a food/water borne illness. This will save you a lot of pain and trouble in India should you fall sick!
If you get food poisoning in India and don’t have medicine, you can visit a pharmacy to obtain over-the-counter antibiotic medications like Azithromycin or walk into a hospital/clinic for medical assistance. Healthcare in India is often affordable and accessible. When I got food poisoning there, the doctor only charged me 250 rupees (around 3 American dollars) for a visit and gave me everything I needed to feel better within a day. If you feel sick, do not wait before seeking medical attention. It is so much better to get medication in your system than to suffer through sickness for days!
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here are a few foods I would recommend trying while you are in India:
North India
Chai: Spiced tea made with a blend of black tea, milk, and a combination of spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Some tea places have different options for Chai. I recommend ordering one with cardamom, ginger, or mint or a combination of all three.
Chicken Kati Roll: A popular Indian fast food item consisting of flavorful grilled or sautéed chicken tikka rolled in a paratha (Indian flatbread) with a tangy sauce and vegetables. This is a great option if you are tired of eating curry and want to switch things up!
Pav Bhaji: an Indian fast food consisting of a thick spicy vegetable gravy served with soft dinner rolls.
Chicken Lababdar: a rich and creamy dish made with pieces of chicken cooked in flavorful tomato-based gravy.
Thali: an elaborate meal consisting of a variety of dishes, such as curries, dal (lentils), rice, bread, yogurt, pickles, and desserts, served together on a large platter. I would recommend trying a Thali place at least once for the experience!
South India
Masala Dosa: a crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter filled with spiced potatoes.
Chicken Biryani: A savory rice dish made with spices, vegetables, and chicken.
Aloo Bonda: A popular Indian snack made from a spiced mashed potato mixture that is coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried.
Chicken 65: a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish from Chennai, India. It can be eaten as an entrée or as a quick snack.
Clothing
When it comes to clothing in India, here's are some things to consider:
Packing Considerations
Opt for lightweight and breathable clothing that can be easily washed and dried.
Since cars in India often have limited luggage space, it's advisable to pack light and consider a standard carry-on size for convenience.
Modesty and Cultural Sensitivity
Many people in India dress more modestly than in the West, especially outside of major cities. It is best to avoid wearing shorts and revealing tops.
Long, flowy garments like maxi dresses, skirts, and loose pants are ideal for both the warm weather and cultural appropriateness.
Clothing for Religious Sites
When visiting holy sites like temples and mosques, pay attention to clothing requirements. It's common to cover your shoulders and knees. When visiting Islamic sites, women should also bring a scarf to cover their heads.
Dust and Footwear
India can be dusty, so I would recommend wearing shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.
Opt for comfortable and sturdy shoes that provide good support for walking and exploring various terrains.
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