India can be such a wonderful travel destination. But there are some things to know before travelling to India. While you are visiting Agra or Jaipur, you should keep an eye on your belongings and luggage. There might be pickpockets lurking around you. You should be aware and alert while visiting crowded places such as bazaars. You can book any one of the famous India tour packages. You can plan to visit famous cities such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar, etc. Or, you can make a tour itinerary of hill stations like Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, and other such places. In any case, you have to think about some things given below in advance.
You Must Know These Things Before Travel
| 1. Stay in a popular hotel |
| 2. Always carry enough cash |
| 3. Do plenty of research |
| 4. Explore places outskirts of the city |
| 5. Be alert to your surroundings |
| 6. Book your trip in advance |
| 7. Avoid tap water |
| 8. Always prefer guided tours |
| 9. Start with a tour of the Golden Triangle |
Stay in a popular hotel
If you are visiting India for the first time, you should stay in a hotel that is popular with tourists. You can inquire with your tour operator about the amenities that the hotel provides. Or, you can search on the internet about the popularity of the hotel. Stay in a 3-star or 4-star hotel if possible. One of the things to know before travelling to India is that you should be careful about the hotel that you are going to book for your stay. Does your hotel have a travel desk? Is it giving hot and cold water for baths? Does it have a restaurant? Things like these are very important when selecting a hotel in India.
Always carry enough cash
When you are traveling in India, you should always carry sufficient cash with you. You should at least have cash like Rs 10,000 or 20,000 with you. One of the most important things to know before travelling to India is that not all places will have ATMs or money transfer facilities. Rural areas of Rajasthan, remote regions in Ladakh, and hill stations like Arunachal Pradesh are isolated places where you can use your credit cards. You will cash for tuk-tuk rides or shopping at bazaars. Small eateries or street-side shops only accept cash.
Do plenty of research
Doing plenty of research about India and its destinations will be one of the things to know before travelling to India. You should research distances between destinations and famous restaurants in a particular place. You can explore all the destinations you will be covering on the Golden Triangle Tour. Which are the most famous markets? What is the travel time from your hotel to the airport? What are the entry tickets to famous monuments or museums? What is your itinerary for the entire trip? All these will form part of your research activity.
Explore places outskirts of the city
When you are visiting India, don’t just limit yourself to the city. Go outskirts of the city also. For example, magnificent forts like Kumbhalgarh Fort and temples like Ranakpur Temple are located on the outskirts of Udaipur. If you are visiting Agra, you can go outskirts and visit the fabulous Fatehpur Sikri. You can plan trips to Abhaneri Step Well, Bhangarh Fort, and Mehandipur Balaji from Jaipur. These places are all located outskirts of major tourist destinations like Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi. Inquire with your hotel or ask your tour operator about these places and plan a visit.
Be alert to your surroundings
If you are visiting busy markets, you have to keep an eye for suspicious-looking persons. They might be burglars or pickpockets waiting for a chance to steal your wallet. Don’t keep all your cash in one place, but distribute it in different bags. Don’t put mobile phones or cash in your trouser pockets as you can easily lose track of them. Don’t visit lonely places alone at night. Always keep the company of a friend, or walk with a group at night. These are things to know before traveling to India that you can keep in mind.
Important Travel Alerts to Know Before Travelling in India
- Check Weather Updates: India’s weather can change quickly, especially during the monsoon season. Keep an eye on weather alerts before and during your trip.
- Stay Informed on Local News: Be aware of any strikes, protests, or political events that could affect travel in certain areas.
- Watch for Health Advisories: Check for any current health warnings, like disease outbreaks or required vaccinations.
- Avoid Restricted Areas: Some border regions or conflict zones may not be safe for tourists. Always follow government travel advisories.
- Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Save the numbers for your country’s embassy, local police, and nearby hospitals just in case.
- Use Trusted Transportation: Book taxis and rides from official or well-reviewed services to avoid scams or unsafe rides.
- Beware of Travel Scams: Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering tours or deals that sound too good to be true.
- Stay Connected: Always let someone know your travel plans and keep your phone charged with a local SIM or roaming service.
- Respect Local Laws and Customs: Different states in India may have their own rules—stay informed to avoid any trouble.
Book your trip in advance
One of the things to know before traveling to India is that you should always book your trip in advance. When the busy tourist season is coming, hotel rates will be very high. But when you are booking in the off-season, the hotel rates will be very low. You should also book your tickets ahead of the festival time. There is a heavy rush of tourists and locals to temples and various monuments. But at other times, you can do sightseeing very comfortably without bumping into other people. Even if you are booking your tickets early, you will get concessions and discounts on major airlines and travel deals in hotels.
Avoid tap water
If you are traveling to remote regions, you should avoid drinking tap water. Even if you are visiting major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Amritsar, and Chandigarh, you should always order bottled water from famous brands. The water is safe to drink. Tap water, although, is not bad, might contain hard water, which is not easy on the stomach. In hotels, you can stick to bottled water and never drink from tap water. Ice creams and iced drinks contain ice that is made from tap water. Hot drinks are relatively safer, and you can stick to drinking tea or coffee.
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Always prefer guided tours
When making this list of all things to know before traveling to India, we have included the most important thing and that is guided tours. You should take the service of a tour guide who will explain the history of the monument. He can narrate tales that make your sightseeing even more interesting. Most often, your driver will also act as a sort of tour guide. But tour guides do make a huge difference. Without their services, you will not come to know about the importance of a place’s monument. Guided tours are interesting, informative, and full of stories and tales.
Start with a tour of the Golden Triangle
If you are confused about where to visit in India, you can always start your India tour with the Golden Triangle Tour. The Golden Triangle is a tour circuit that covers the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. It also covers famous places near these cities. These cities are like the introduction to India itself. You will see forts, temples, palaces, museums, architectural marvels, and so much more in all these places. Many of the top UNESCO heritage sites are in these cities. You can also plan a visit to the national parks on the Golden Triangle Tour. Your tour company will even give you so many choices and packages with which you can personalize this tour.
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Conclusion
India is a beautiful and diverse country with so much to explore, from its colorful culture and rich history to its delicious food and warm-hearted people. But like any new destination, it helps to be prepared. These things to know before travelling to India will help make your trip smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable. Keep an open mind, be respectful of local customs, and take time to enjoy every moment. And remember, always travel with a top travel company. If possible, book a private car for a comfortable and stress-free journey. Safe travels and happy exploring!
FAQ
You will have to travel with a Visa, which is the most important document to travel to India.
You should cover your head with a scarf. Always remove your shoes before entering temples and other religious shrines. Dress modestly and conservatively.
You can learn a few local words and greetings in the Hindi language. Words like ‘Namaste’, ‘Dhanyawaad’, ‘Krupya’, ‘Kitna’, and ‘Nahi’ are a must if you are visiting cities and remote regions in India.
India is a diverse country with different cultures, languages, and traditions. Be prepared for busy cities, spicy food, different weather conditions, and unique customs. Respect local traditions, stay safe, and keep an open mind to enjoy the experience fully.
You’ll need a valid passport, a tourist visa, travel insurance, and some local currency. It’s also helpful to pack light clothes, comfortable shoes, basic medicines, and a travel adapter.
Drink only bottled or filtered water, eat fresh and well-cooked food, wash your hands often, and avoid street food if you’re not used to it. Carry basic medicines and stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations.
Pack lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, personal toiletries, medicines, travel documents, a power adapter, and a small first-aid kit. Don’t forget modest clothing for visiting temples or religious sites.
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