Seven Travel Tips For First-Time Travelers To India

For first time visitor to India, it can seem overwhelming to prepare for the exotic locale and long international jaunt. While there a few things to consider before and on the trip, it pays off in cultural immersion and unforgettable sights, sounds and flavors.

Here are some insider tips to get equipped:

Secure your visa in advance.
Securing a visa to visit India is now extremely easy for U.S. passport holders, since the introduction of the e-Visa in October 2014. All you need to do is apply online and you should receive approval within four working days. The visa is valid for visits of up to 30 consecutive days.

Set your clock to Indian time.
India is between 10.5 and 13.5 hours ahead of the United States, so it’s a good idea to start fitting in with the local time immediately on arrival in India, even if it means having dinner at the time that would be breakfast back home. It’s advisable to eat and sleep at the correct times for the new time zone and avoid napping on arrival, even if very tired. If possible some time spent outdoors is beneficial as natural daylight can help the body to adjust well to a new routine. For many people, setting their watch to the local time of destination as soon as they board the flight in their home country helps both physically and psychologically.

Savor the flavors of India.
Indian food is renowned for its tantalizing smells and flavors, with the most defining element of the cuisine being the herbs and spices used, incorporating pepper, turmeric cardamom and curry leaves.  It’s a dream destination for vegetarians, and if you’ve ever considered trying a meat-free diet, this is definitely the place to do it. Rice is the staple to most dishes, as well as various types of bread such as chapattis and naan. Many people start their day which a cup of chai, a tea with cardamom and sugar—it will be the best tea you ever taste and quickly becomes addictive, in a good way. Alcohol is not traditionally part of the culture but is sold in restaurants in larger towns and cities and hotels.  Avoid tap water and ice, unless you’re assured it has been made with filtered water and steer clear of any food that may have been washed in tap water. Bottled water is generally always readily available to purchase and many international hotels also have good filtered water systems. India has a diverse collection of sweet treats, so be sure to sample the local specialty in each different town or city you visit.

Absorb the rich culture.
India’s languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food and customs differ from place to place within the country. Hindi is the language most widely spoken but there are many other languages which are spoken such as Punjabi, Bengali and Urdu. The religion of around 80% of the people is Hinduism, while Islam is practiced by around 13%. Other religions practiced are Sikhism, Ayyavazhi, Buddhism and Jainism. Embrace the local customs and traditions of whichever part of India you are traveling in and try to learn a few words of Hindi before you arrive—a Namaste with your hands pressed together as a salutation is a very common form of greeting In India and is always well-received. Shukran, thank you in Hindi, is also an extremely useful word to remember.

Dress for the culture and climate.
The climate varies from region to region, as India stretches over such a wide geographical scale. Summer is from March to June; the monsoon season is generally from June to September but Delhi and Rajasthan receive comparatively less rain. In summer, cotton is the ideal material, and loose and lightweight clothing will make your experience more comfortable when facing the high temperatures. Pack a jacket for the evenings and definitely don’t forget a light rain coat or umbrella if you’re visiting during the rainy season. India has a relatively modest culture and covering shoulders, arms and legs is a simple step toward respecting this. This, as well as removing shoes, is particularly important when visiting temples.

Go shopping!
India is a great destination for a spot of shopping with many winding bazaars, busy markets and shiny new malls. Haggling is customary in street markets, and it’s important to stay calm and be pleasant but firm when doing this. For a truly Indian souvenir, a sari is a good buy (it’s possible to buy these ready-made or stitched, so you don’t have to worry about managing the fabric folding when back home) or maybe an embroidered pashmina shawl, which is a great buy and a versatile travelling accessory. There’s a beautiful array of jewelry to choose from and while most is gold, silver is very popular too and is a great purchase if you’re in Rajasthan. Make sure you visit a local market or spice emporium—the smells and colors truly bring the Indian experience to life. You can buy sealed packets as great gifts to take home. And tea is a must when it comes to purchasing gifts for friends and family. Homewares are also a really good purchase and great value—you will find beautiful cotton bed throws and cushion covers at a fraction of the price you’d pay at home.

Embrace incredible India.
A land of contrasts and a total feast for the senses, there’s a good reason why it’s often referred to as Incredible India. As with all travels, but particularly to this part of the world, the best travel accessory you can take is an open mind. Not everything runs to plan in India, though that’s a huge part of the charm. You’re on vacation, so go with the local know-how and embrace and enjoy!

Trafalgar offers guided vacations to India with local experts on the ground. For further details, please contact your local sales manager or visit Trafalgar’s website.