India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds, and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.
India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds, and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.
At The Travel Souls, we've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Read on for our insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.
- Weather: plan your trip around the seasons. Weather and the season matter in India. It’s incredibly hot almost everywhere in May and June, the monsoon season is July to August, and it’s surprisingly cold in north India in winter, December to February. So, when it’s cold in north India, it's a great idea to head down to tropical Kerala or Goa and hit the beach and the famous hill stations. There isn't really a bad time to visit Kerala, but from October to March the weather is at its most pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 19° and 30° C.
- Get insured: travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.
- Pack sensibly: packing for a trip to India means lots of light layers; breathable fabrics like linens and cottons are best. India is still relatively conservative, so light long trousers and skirts are a good option. Pair t-shirts and sleeveless shirts with long-sleeved cotton shirts, so you can dress up or down depending on the location. Swimming suits, bikini or speedos are also allowed while on the beach. We’d also recommend bringing at least one pair of closed-toe shoes, and a pair of sandals. Always have a pashmina/scarf in case you need to cover up your shoulders while visiting a temple or sacred site.
- Holiday essentials: mosquito repellent, good sunglasses, a swimsuit, sun cream, a hat and hand sanitiser are all incredibly useful items to take with you on holiday to India. Because of the tropical location, there can be mosquitoes, especially in the backwaters. Carrying hand sanitiser is a top tip if you’re out and want to use the bathroom, as sometimes there isn’t access to running water.
- Consult your doctor for travel jabs: whether you are going to explore the vibrant cities or discover the natural parks and backwaters, you need to make sure you stay healthy during your trip. All tourists visiting India are suggested to get vaccinated for hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Rabies is also recommended as street dogs and monkeys are everywhere.
- Consider going vegetarian during our trip: most Indians are vegetarian and the vegetarian food available in India is diverse, healthy, fresh and delicious. Many travellers choose to eat vegetarian during their visit because it reduces your risk of getting sick from badly prepared meat.
- Learn to slow down and be patient: remember that things happen on “Indian Time.” Trains won’t necessarily leave when they are scheduled, Indian friends might not arrive when they said they would and things can take a lot longer than expected. It’s important to keep this in mind and to allow extra time for delays so that you don’t get stressed out. Take a good book to read while you wait and just sit tight, the thing you are waiting for will happen eventually. Seat back, relax and let The Travel Souls take care of everything.
- Be ready for unsolicited attention: India is a fast-changing society, but it is still rooted in traditional values , especially when you move out of cities like Delhi and Mumbai into rural India. Many female foreign tourists feel uncomfortable because there are far more men than women in shops, on the streets, and generally in public. And it doesn’t help that they often stare at foreign women and men too! However, most of the time it is harmless curiosity, and it is best to learn to tolerate it. You will often get asked to take selfies with them but you can always refuse the offer.
- Money exchange and Sim cards: you can easily withdraw indian rupees from any ATM, or exchange your local currency at the airport upon arrival, remember that cash is the preferred currency in India. To be able to get a local sim card you will need to provide a copy of your passport, a copy of your visa, and 2 passport size pictures.