Good to know before you go India

Good to know before you go India 

No matter how well organized you are, your plans probably will not go accordingly. You should always allow for more time than you think you will need because unexpected delays tend to happen, with or without explanation. Be patient. On our way to the Taj Mahal, our 4-hour drive lasted 8 hours on a freezing bus when the driver decided to take the back roads instead of listening to our director and going on the highway. Our good to know before you go India section will help your journey.

India is still a traditional country

Especially in rural areas, the lifestyle can be different from what you are used to. Observe the local traditions, respect the local dressing style, and limit public displays of affection.

Taking money to India

There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, must not bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. If you’re visiting India, you can bring cash, travelers’ cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency), or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India.

Passport requirements

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India. Your passport should have 2 blank pages for your visa.

Electricity

Majorly 220V in most of the country. Electrical sockets are European style however recommend taking an adaptor.

Check your return flights

Occasionally, airlines are bound to change your flight schedule, so check your flight schedule 24 hours before departure through the airline’s website.

What to pack

Most of the essential items you can get in India at bargain prices so recommend travelling light.

Rehydration kit

It is good to have some Imodium Instants and rehydration sachets to relieve you from your infamous ‘Delhi Belly’, if required.

Wet Wipes and Antibacterial Handwash

We recommend carrying wet wipes and anti-bacterial hand wash.

Padlock and Chain

Don’t forget to secure baggage when traveling by train.

Theft and scams

One of the key pieces of advice during your holiday in India is to be assertive while answering, it’s OK to say “no”. A clear and firm answer to any kind of haggling is generally enough to ward off the people around you. Tourist places are crowded so beware of touts and fraudsters, best is to alert and take suggestions only from the representatives associated with your itinerary.

Travel Insurance

If you do not have appropriate travel insurance before you travel, you could be liable for cancellations, and emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds. You should buy your travel insurance as soon as you know your travel dates. That way you’re covered if your trip is cancelled before you even leave or if you’re unable to travel at all.

Dress modestly

To avoid unwanted attention or offending someone, it’s best to cover up – absolutely no cleavage, shorts, skimpy tank tops, or short skirts/dresses. I have had to adjust my concept of “revealing.” One day I wore a shirt with an open neckline that would be considered conservative back home, but I still received leering glances. Western clothes are worn as often as Indian clothes, but would be considered as conservative or very modest by American standards. It’s best to pack a small amount of clothes and plan to buy a few Indian items once you arrive. Indian clothes are much better suited to hot weather, so they’ll keep you cool while keeping you modest.

You will be easily identified as a foreigner

Whether it’s because of the way you look, the language barrier, or general lack of cultural awareness, you will attract attention. I’ve become very used to people staring at me on the streets and sneakily (or not so sneakily) taking pictures of me. Being an obvious foreigner also poses problems regarding safety. Street vendors and beggars target foreigners, and strangers often strike up a conversation with you or invade your privacy. Be assertive, make sure you know where you are, and know how much something should cost.

You will get sick

There are a number of vaccinations you must receive before travelling to India, but you will inevitably catch something that will leave your digestive tract in distress. Luckily, over-the-counter antibiotics are readily available at pharmacies. I felt great for the first 5 days in India before I fell prey to “Delhi belly,” and have had a few other stomach upsets since. Carry around hand sanitizer and use it often. Also, the pollution in the bigger cities may irritate your nose or throat and give you a cough.

One of the most important factors in warding off illness is choosing the right foods, so:

Do not drink the local water

Buy bottled instead. Avoid street food but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, only buy street food that has been cooked hot and hasn’t been sitting out. Buy fruits and vegetables that are whole (not cut open) and that you can wash and peel.

Good to know before you go India guide offers you an advise about India’s Traffic

Traffic laws are more like guidelines. Bigger vehicles have the right of way,except for cows, which always have the right of way. Traffic can be anything – from buses and cars to rickshaws, bicycles, carts, horses, cows, and more. Much of the traffic is like a game of chicken, so the driver will keep driving straight and fast until the other car swerves. Brakes are not used regularly, and honking is encouraged. It’s rare to find seat belts. Carefully dodge traffic as you cross the street, and always look ahead of you.

Have reasonable standards for cleanliness

It’s rare to find bathrooms or hotel rooms that would compare to America’s sterilized standards. It’s normal to see large piles of garbage on the streets, and the large cities have a haze of pollution. Most everything is dirtier than what you would find at home, so you will learn to adjust your criteria. Don’t expect to find toilet paper or Western-style showers.

When you find one thing to be true, the opposite is also true

India is a country of incomprehensible diversity, so it is impossible to make blanket statements. There are few steadfast rules regarding India, so keep an open mind and ask questions. Be warned: the long answer will leave you with more questions. It seems to me the more you learn about India, the less you know. 

Popular Itineraries in India

Kerala with Flights

12 days from £1399pp

• Most Popular Holidays
• Family Holidays

read more

Himalayan Foothills

13 days from £2199pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Group Tours

read more

Golden Triangle with Goa

12 days from £1399pp

• Most Popular Holidays
• Group Tours

read more

Unforgettable India & Sri Lanka

17 days from £2299pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Beach Holidays

read more

Glimpse of India Nepal & Bhutan

22 days from £3799pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Most Popular Holidays
• Multi Country

read more

Luxury Classic Rajasthan

15 days from £3999pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Lumle Luxury

read more

Exploring Ladakh: Leh, Alchi and Nubra Valley

15 days from £2299pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Group Tours

read more

No single supplement India

13 days from £1498pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Solo Holidays
• Group Tours

read more

Luxury India Sri Lanka & Maldives

26 days from £5249pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Lumle Luxury

read more

Taj, Tiger, Deserts, Palaces & Ganges

24 days from £5595pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Wildlife Holidays

read more

Jewels of North India

13 days from £2349pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Most Popular Holidays
• Group Tours

read more

India Maldives Escape

17 days from £3999pp

• Cultural Holidays
• Most Popular Holidays
• Beach Holidays

read more