India with its versatile terrain and diverse culture can amaze, delight, please or sometimes shock visitors. The incredible land teems with colorful customs, sumptuous cuisines and delightful traditions that change every mile. The country fascinates every traveler and beckons you back. If you are traveling India for the first time, here are some tips to prevent the misadventure.
Guest Post by Shobhit Kumar
1. Know the right time to visit every state
India is diverse in terrain, and geographic region and every state take a new shape in a different season. Thereby, Goa that offers sunny weather from October to March receives heavy rains in June and gets deserted. Kerala, an essential destination in South India Tour, observes monsoon from the starting of June and may spoil your plan. Similarly, the best time to visit Taj Mahal is from November to March as the weather is cooler. In a nutshell, be aware of the seasons for all the destinations you are traveling to in India.
2. Pack light
Traveling to India can be very hot for many travelers. Keep yourself informed of the temperatures of the states you will be visiting. Pack loose, lightweight and comfortable clothes to survive the hotter months.
3. Be ready for cultural shock
One of the most interesting facts of India is – its food, language, and culture changes in almost every mile. So, it is not a surprise that you will experience culture shock. Be prepared with an open mind and leave your expectations at home.
4. Get a SIM card for your phone
A phone with a SIM card and a good internet connection will make multiple things easier while traveling to India. It will help you look up the directions on Google Maps, book cabs, bus tickets and check out travel websites. Get a SIM Card as the first thing after you arrive.
5. Visit local pharmacy whenever you need
Many travelers, if they are sick, tend to ignore the problem and hope they will get better because they are afraid to go to a local pharmacy. However, rather than letting your illness turn worst condition, you should go to a pharmacy.
6. Be aware of travel scams
Travel scams are not uncommon and may show up sooner or later. So, rather than blaming the scammers, it makes sense to book your travel packages from a trustworthy website. A good travel company will take care of your trip and comfort level.
7. Understand Indian currency
This is a tip that applies to every part of India. When buying an item or paying for something, make sure that you cross check the change received and count it carefully. In addition, understand the notes and coins used in Indian currency to avoid confusion.
India is diverse in terrain, and geographic region and every state take a new shape in a different season. Thereby, Goa that offers sunny weather from October to March receives heavy rains in June and gets deserted. Kerala, an essential destination in South India Tour, observes monsoon from the starting of June and may spoil your plan. Similarly, the best time to visit Taj Mahal is from November to March as the weather is cooler. In a nutshell, be aware of the seasons for all the destinations you are traveling to in India.
2. Pack light
Traveling to India can be very hot for many travelers. Keep yourself informed of the temperatures of the states you will be visiting. Pack loose, lightweight and comfortable clothes to survive the hotter months.
3. Be ready for cultural shock
One of the most interesting facts of India is – its food, language, and culture changes in almost every mile. So, it is not a surprise that you will experience culture shock. Be prepared with an open mind and leave your expectations at home.
4. Get a SIM card for your phone
A phone with a SIM card and a good internet connection will make multiple things easier while traveling to India. It will help you look up the directions on Google Maps, book cabs, bus tickets and check out travel websites. Get a SIM Card as the first thing after you arrive.
5. Visit local pharmacy whenever you need
Many travelers, if they are sick, tend to ignore the problem and hope they will get better because they are afraid to go to a local pharmacy. However, rather than letting your illness turn worst condition, you should go to a pharmacy.
6. Be aware of travel scams
Travel scams are not uncommon and may show up sooner or later. So, rather than blaming the scammers, it makes sense to book your travel packages from a trustworthy website. A good travel company will take care of your trip and comfort level.
7. Understand Indian currency
This is a tip that applies to every part of India. When buying an item or paying for something, make sure that you cross check the change received and count it carefully. In addition, understand the notes and coins used in Indian currency to avoid confusion.
8. Carry toiletries
Public washrooms may not provide all the toiletries you need, so it is a good idea to carry them around with you.
9. Expect crowds
Indian is a country with 1.25 billion people, so naturally, you can’t expect personal space. Whether you are walking through the streets or using public toilets, you may be crowded more than you have expected. You don’t need to panic. Just go with it.
10. Expect vegetarian food
In many parts of India, especially around temples and sacred sites, you may not easily get non-vegetarian food. The food habits of India vary a lot from one region to another. However, in every part, you will get vegetarian food easily available. Going vegetarian during your visit is a good idea as it prevents the risk of getting sick.
11. Inspect bottled water before buying
Always purchase bottled water for drinking purpose. However, do not forget to inspect that bottle if it is sealed, especially if you are traveling to remote or rural areas.
12. Pre-download google maps
Google Maps may become the most helpful tour guide in your trip to India. Download the map of the city you are visiting and save it for offline use. Keep an eye on the drivers when boarding a taxi, cab, or auto.
13. Learn the art of haggling
Haggling is an unstated part of shopping in India, even if you are purchasing from shops. Initially, it may feel a bit strange if you don’t belong from a culture where haggling is not a norm. Always remember that it is only a friendly negotiation.
14. Take off shoes before entering a temple
Temple is revered in India, and you may be asked to take off your shoes before entering. If you have pre-planned your visit, it is a good idea to wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off.
15. Be confident
Being polite may be taken as a sign of weakness. So, often travelers would suggest you be confident and assertive than being courteous, especially to salesmen and touts.
Besides, a lot of tourists complain of getting stared by the locals. In most cases, they are just curious. In fact, in some parts of India, you will receive celebrity treatment. You can’t do much about it, so don’t let it bother yourself.
Always remember, that you will be glad that you visited this incredible land and you would wish to come back to the place.
Public washrooms may not provide all the toiletries you need, so it is a good idea to carry them around with you.
9. Expect crowds
Indian is a country with 1.25 billion people, so naturally, you can’t expect personal space. Whether you are walking through the streets or using public toilets, you may be crowded more than you have expected. You don’t need to panic. Just go with it.
10. Expect vegetarian food
In many parts of India, especially around temples and sacred sites, you may not easily get non-vegetarian food. The food habits of India vary a lot from one region to another. However, in every part, you will get vegetarian food easily available. Going vegetarian during your visit is a good idea as it prevents the risk of getting sick.
11. Inspect bottled water before buying
Always purchase bottled water for drinking purpose. However, do not forget to inspect that bottle if it is sealed, especially if you are traveling to remote or rural areas.
12. Pre-download google maps
Google Maps may become the most helpful tour guide in your trip to India. Download the map of the city you are visiting and save it for offline use. Keep an eye on the drivers when boarding a taxi, cab, or auto.
13. Learn the art of haggling
Haggling is an unstated part of shopping in India, even if you are purchasing from shops. Initially, it may feel a bit strange if you don’t belong from a culture where haggling is not a norm. Always remember that it is only a friendly negotiation.
14. Take off shoes before entering a temple
Temple is revered in India, and you may be asked to take off your shoes before entering. If you have pre-planned your visit, it is a good idea to wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off.
15. Be confident
Being polite may be taken as a sign of weakness. So, often travelers would suggest you be confident and assertive than being courteous, especially to salesmen and touts.
Besides, a lot of tourists complain of getting stared by the locals. In most cases, they are just curious. In fact, in some parts of India, you will receive celebrity treatment. You can’t do much about it, so don’t let it bother yourself.
Always remember, that you will be glad that you visited this incredible land and you would wish to come back to the place.
Author Bio. Shobhit Kumar is a travel blogger and currently working with India Holiday Mall. He loves to read articles related to travel, and Holidays. He provides various packages for tours to India. He also has a strong passion for writing creative blogs and articles about Travel and Holidays.
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