Top Tips For Traveling To India

Travels can be relaxing, educational and “enlightening” at the same time if you opt for places like India. Visiting this sub-continent involves learning a variety of historical facts in combination with cultural, spiritual and artistic experiences. With over a billion inhabitants, India is an exciting mix of cultures, history, and amazing natural wonders.

Millions of tourists come here every year, and if you’re one of them, consider yourself a lucky guy. India offers a lot of exotic and fascinating sights. But before you choose any of India travel packages, there are several things to keep in mind.

When to Travel

India is a large country, so weather conditions depend on where you are traveling. In general, there are three seasons: winter, rainy/monsoon season, and summer. “Winter” is a period from November to February, and this is the best time to visit India if you’re not concerned about the costs of your travel. Temperatures and humidity are susceptible – something like spring. This period is the peak of the tourist season, so prices can vary.

The season of monsoon and summer is characterized by a large number of rainy days, which increases the percentage of humidity in the air. Due to pretty unfavorable weather conditions, travels in that period are far cheaper. If that matters to you, visit the north of the country, parts closer to the Himalayas, because it’s even colder there and the prices are not boosted.

Accommodation and Food Costs

In short, everything depends on your budget. You can stay in low-budget accommodations or luxury hotels. If you just need a place to sleep and take a bath, you’ll be surprised with a wide range of guesthouses offering these services for a few dollars a day.

Food is usually not involved in this price, so you’re on your own in managing your meals. It is advisable to take care of what you eat and drink during your stay in India – drink only bottled water, avoid unpeeled fruits and vegetables, and you really shouldn’t buy food from street vendors.

Indian street food is delicious and very versatile. But the preparation conditions are questionable, so don’t risk. Always choose restaurants, bars and fast foods where they serve meals in plates. Keep in mind this – Indians eat most of their dishes with their hands, or with the help of thin bread called naan or chapati. It can be messy so feel free to ask for cutlery.

Transportation “Adventures”

In India, the most common and cheapest forms of transport are trains and buses. You probably heard of the famous Indian Railway, but not all the experiences are positive. For most people outside India, crowd, dirt and not so pleasant odors are the first association. If you are looking for an adventure, you could go on this journey, but bring water, wet wipes, and a lot of nerves.

If you are traveling by bus, it is best to book a ticket in one of the state buses, as it’s the safest option. In India, every bus driver will put luggage on the roof of the bus. And because of the bad roads full of holes, there’s a high chance your suitcase will “jump off” during the trip. That’s why you shouldn’t carry a lot of stuff – bring a backpack that you’ll keep in your lap.

On What to Pay Special Attention

You don’t need travel insurance to enter India, but it is desirable to have it. For foreign citizens, medical aid for the tiniest injuries can cost a little fortune. When having travel insurance, you will get superior service in the best hospitals. The next few travel health tips apply to all countries where you might be allowed in without health insurance.

Do not try to be your own doctor, or to trust your health to a local medicine man. If locals offer you their home-made remedies and tinctures, reject them politely. Although they do this for the best intentions, you are not sure what the ingredients are and how your body will react to them. Bring your own medications, if you are on therapy; when necessary, buy them in pharmacies exclusively.

Don’t be surprised if a taxi driver tries to fool you or your wallet disappears in the street crowd. That’s why you need to be very careful and don’t take all your money and documents with you when touring. Indians are peaceful, hospitable and very religious people, so don’t let any bad experience ruin your impressions of this amazing country.