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I have never been to India for travel. I understand. Isn’t this crazy? It’s not that I don’t want to go, but life has always gotten in the way. However, India is a popular tourist destination, and because I am unable to write about it, I have invited my friend Mariellen Ward to do so. She is a travel writer who has been traveling to India since 2005 and maintains the website Breathedreamgo. We have known each other since 2010. Today, she will provide some suggestions for first-time tourists to India.
My first trip to India was an experience I will never forget. My first automobile journey in Delhi seemed like a rollercoaster. Cars and trucks of all sizes, heavy bicycles and motorcycles, and even the rare Bullock wagon appeared to be approaching me from every angle. Nobody was paying heed to the lanes or the laws of the road. Vehicles were driving in the incorrect direction. What was happening? I had no idea.
I’d read about the “sensory overload” that travelers experience in India, and now I was living it. It was exhilarating and nerve-racking in equal measure. Plus, this is only the beginning.
On my first journey to the subcontinent in 2005, I spent six months crisscrossing it and was frequently overwhelmed by the large crowds, alien rituals, puzzling bureaucracy, mind-boggling complexity, and startling culture shock.
These factors combine to make India a challenging yet interesting and rewarding destination.
However, reading and following these travel recommendations for first-time travelers may help smooth out some of the more unsettling bumps.
1. Slow down.
It takes time and knowledge to successfully navigate in India. This is not a destination for hasty travel. Don’t try to see everything; that isn’t the appropriate approach. It is exhausting to travel in India, and the goal should be to experience it rather than mark things off a list.
As a general rule, choose one region to visit every two weeks while in India. For a one-month journey, choose two regions: two weeks in Rajasthan and two weeks in Kerala. You can sit in one position and not miss everything. Whatever you do in India, you will have an Indian experience.
2. Adjust your mindset.
Allow yourself to really experience India. A statement from the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel says it all: “India hits you like a wave.” You will face defeat if you resist. But if you plunge into it, you’ll be fine.”
Similarly, recognize that things will not go as expected. Develop the mindset that events unfold as they should, not as planned. This mentality can lead to the most incredible adventures.
3. Be careful who you trust.
While being open is a wonderful thing, a healthy dose of skepticism is also quite useful in India. There are several con guys, particularly in the travel and hospitality industries. They have a sixth sense for first-time guests and will use it to their advantage.
So, before negotiating with auto-rickshaw drivers and market merchants, inquire about rates from locals and other travelers. Don’t believe drivers or random people you meet at airports, train stations, and tourist spots who tell you that your hotel burned down or that the train you wish to take has been canceled.
An opportunity to gain money off of you frequently inspires inventive approaches, and some of these scams can easily catch you unaware. During my search for a new iPhone case, the vendor presented one to me, stating that Apple had designed it. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered four spelling errors in one small text engraved within the casing.
4. Practice safe travel.
India has a reputation as a difficult travel destination, particularly for women. However, I have spent many years in India as a female solo traveler, and while I have felt uncomfortable, I have never felt truly endangered or threatened. While there are few reported crimes against tourists, there is a prevalence of harassment, staring, pickpocketing, and exploitation.
Women have also reported assaults, especially in busy, crowded areas. In India, take basic precautions and employ safe travel tactics, as well as common sense.
Here are a few travel safety guidelines (for more information, see my top suggestions for women traveling in India):
- Purchase a local SIM card so that you can make local calls and stay connected.
- Research where you wish to go, making sure it is a popular tourist destination with decent infrastructure and lodgings.
- Plan your trip so that you do not arrive late at night; instead, travel during daytime hours exclusively.
- When posting on social media, be careful not to betray your current location.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and maintain a constant watch on your handbag and luggage.
- Keep the Tourist Helpline number available and call if you require assistance: 1-800-111363.
5. Take a small group tour.
For your first trip to India, consider joining a small group or custom tour to get your feet wet. I founded India for Beginners to assist women in traveling securely and comfortably in India. We provide a few small group tours, but we specialize in developing personalized trips and delivering a high degree of personal service, such as meeting visitors at the airport and assigning a tour manager who is available around the clock. We are holding your hand in India!
6. Take the train.
Traveling by train in India is an exceptional experience that you shouldn’t overlook. However, you will require a basic knowledge of the classes and trains. You may not want to jump right into sleeper or general class; instead, I prefer 2AC (second class with air conditioning) or CC (chair car). Or even 1AC (first-class with air conditioning) or EC (executive chair car).
The Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains are among the best in India, so try to book one of them. Keep in mind that cleaning the restrooms at night can pose a problem when booking overnight trains.
7. Eat the food.
India is one of the world’s greatest culinary destinations, and first-time tourists should not be afraid to sample all of the exquisite cuisine available, including street food. Some popular Indian dishes include masala chai, sweet lassi, biryani, pakoras, dosas, and desserts like gulab jamun and kheer.
It is difficult to prevent getting sick in India, however, because you never know when contaminated food will cross your plate. It could be a street stall or a high-end restaurant. However, you may lower your risk of getting sick by following these simple rules:
- Drink only filtered or bottled water.
- Watch out for undistilled water in ice or sauces.
- Avoid salads and other raw foods unless they are peelable.
- Eat only freshly cooked foods.
- Look for popular vendors and eateries with a large turnover.
8. Get a local SIM card.
Everything in India is based on WhatsApp, one-time password (OTP) verification, and SMS messages. As a result, you’ll require a local phone number. To do so, obtain a local SIM card at the airport upon your arrival. Still, you may have difficulty paying for products online with a foreign credit card because India demands OTP verification, and registering with Indian Railways to purchase train tickets online is practically impossible.
9. Remember where you are.
India is evolving quickly, but it remains a conservative society. It is best to learn about their cultures and manners and to err on the side of safety.
For example, unless you’re at the beach in Goa, it’s best to dress modestly in India. Long, loose, and flowing garments are essential for dressing for the temperature and culture.
It’s also important to be respectful, especially toward the many religions. Keep in mind that women in India interact differently, and excessive friendliness may lead to misunderstandings. Be cordial, but with strangers, especially those working in the hospitality industry, it’s usually advisable to tone down the overly friendly behavior.
10. Follow the seasons.
Weather and seasons play an important role in India. In May and June, it’s extremely hot virtually everywhere; the monsoon season lasts from July to August; while winter in north India is unusually chilly, from December to February. Do some research to discover the finest spots to visit in India by season.
So, when it’s freezing in northern India, head south to tropical Kerala or Goa and hit the beach. In the heat of summer, visit Ladakh, a high desert plateau that might appear unearthly.
Autumn is a time of many festivals; for instance, you might visit Jaipur for Diwali, Kolkata for Durga Puja, or Pushkar for the Camel Fair.
11. Visit the attractions in the morning.
Tourist spots in India are typically not busy in the morning. Indians do not typically start early, so if you want to visit a touristy or crowded location, go early. For example, if you want to view the Taj Mahal, stay in Agra overnight and go at sunrise; when the gates open, the line will be mostly foreigners. Crowds of Indian tourists will arrive a few hours later.
However, this regulation does not apply when shopping. Stores, and even restaurants, typically do not open until 10 or 11 a.m. Urban Indians are known for their tardiness. Breakfast and lunch are late, and dinner can be exceptionally late.
12. Travel into the countryside.
Most first-time visitors to India plan their itineraries around cities. They land in Delhi or Mumbai and travel to Jaipur, Udaipur, Rishikesh, and Cochin. Make an attempt to explore the wilderness, including jungles, deserts, and mountains. India has over 50 tiger reserves, multiple biodiversity hotspots (such as the Western Ghats and Sundarbans), the world’s 20th largest desert (the Thar Desert), and the world’s tallest mountain range (the Himalayas).
You may go trekking in the Himalayas, go on a tiger safari, visit one of the numerous national parks, camp out overnight on a sand dune in Rajasthan, or take a boat tour down the Brahmaputra.
Don’t ignore the rural areas. Most Indians continue to live in villages. It’s also worth exploring the picturesque villages of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
India is not an easy place to visit. It is not a relaxing holiday destination. It is, however, an experience—often a life-changing one. Begin by conducting research, reading books on India, seeing films about the country, learning about its customs and numerous destinations, and preparing for a transformative travel experience.
Like many before you—from The Beatles to Steve Jobs to Elizabeth Gilbert—you might fall in love with the place. This is what Rumer Godden had to say about India: “Once you have felt the dust of India, you will never be free of it.”
Mariellen Ward’s 2005 first trip to India was the catalyst for her love of travel, India, and travel writing.
She has spent more than seven of the last 18 years in India, where she now lives. Mariellen, a Canadian by birth, believes India to be her “soul culture.” With her travel blog, Breathedreamgo, she hopes to inspire and assist other female travelers to pursue their aspirations. She dedicates her custom tour company, India for Beginners, to helping women travel safely and comfortably in India.
Book your trip: logistical tips and tricks.
Book your flight.
Use Skyscanner to find cheap airfare. My favorite search engine is Skyscanner, because it thoroughly searches websites and airlines worldwide.
Book your accommodations.
You may reserve a hostel through Hostelworld. If you wish to stay someplace other than a hostel, Booking.com routinely provides the lowest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Do not forget travel insurance.
Travel insurance protects you from illness, accidents, theft, and cancellations. It provides comprehensive protection in the event that something goes wrong. I never go without it because I’ve had to use it several times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the finest service and value include:
- Safety Wing (Best for Everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those 70 and older)
- Medjet (which provides additional evacuation coverage)
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Are you ready to book your trip?
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