Delhi is the best entry point for a first visit: the orderly tree-shaded streets of monumental New Delhi, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, make for a soft landing - and a chance to pick up loose cotton clothes on a visit to Khan Market mall – before venturing into the maelstrom that is modern India.
Trying to cover too much ground on a first visit is a mistake. A leisurely exploration of a small corner that mixes a few of the major tourist spots of the Golden Triangle with stays in country palace hotels and wildlife sanctuaries will avoid fort-temple fatigue and keep your sense of humor.
No one is going anywhere fast on India's roads. Expect to drive around a little more than 50 kilometers per hour, even on two-car roads between towns, because there are constant stops to avoid hitting stray cows and reckless pedestrians.
The trains are slow with shared facilities – even in first class – but the scenery is more interesting by rail than by road (British rail travel expert Mark Smith's excellentseat61.comtrain travel website will explain everything you need to know).
For couples and groups of friends, the best way to see India is to travel in a chauffeured vehicle. Skilled and experienced drivers are usually knowledgeable and take good care of their air-conditioned cars.
For solo travelers there is a large selection of guided tours, from small group adventures to classic bus tours in the Golden Triangle.
The following is an essential guide to everything else you need to know for a successful first visit to incredible India.
Where are we going
The plains of northern India are dry and dusty, dotted with extraordinary cities built by Mughal emperors and Rajput princes. Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur should be on any first-timer's itinerary, but they are all crowded places that can easily overwhelm.
Intersperse forays into cities with days in the countryside. Include a few nights in Ranthambore National Park, where tigers are now easier to see, and a stay in one of the magnificent owner-run palaces or fort hotels, which will introduce you to the wonders of the village.
Life among the lush green hills and valleys of southern India is generally slower and less crowded, the landscape peppered with the ruined capitals of long-vanished medieval empires and vibrant Hindu pilgrimage shrines.
Many visitors go to the well-run state of Kerala. Unfortunately, Kerala's beaches are far from clean and most host large fishing communities; they are not places to lay out your towel or swim in the sea.
After a visit to Kochi on the coast and perhaps a night on a rice barge, head inland to Munnar or Thekkady in the Western Ghats, forested hills where wild elephants roam and tea and spices are grown on estates that offer cozy home stays in colonial bungalows.
From here, head to Tamil Nadu to explore the communities of Madurai, Chennai and Pondicherry before flying over to the Andaman Islands for a few days on a white sandy beach.
For sun and sand on the Indian mainland, Goa is the best place to go. Beaches north of Panjim, the capital, are popular for their nightlife, although during the day they look rather rough and overbuilt.
For cleaner, whiter and quieter sandy beaches, head south to Colva and Benaulim: Alila Diwa Goa and St Regis (formerly Leela Beach Resort) are well-regarded accommodation options.
When to go and with whom
The best time to visit India is from late October (the end of the monsoon season) to mid-March, with April and May often hot and humid.
Daytime highs of over 40 degrees are regularly recorded in the plains of northern India, although it is a good time to visit the Himalayan foothills and the hill stations of Shimla and Darjeeling. High summer, meanwhile, is pleasant in Kashmir and Ladakh.
The monsoon rains start at the end of May in the south, and gradually move north over the following six weeks, although the timing varies and it does not rain all day every day.
If you like a quiet hotel, avoid the 10 days around the Diwali festival in November when Indian families take mass holidays and stay up late. The best time to find empty premises at short notice is in the first two weeks of December.
Since this is your first trip to India, you may prefer to opt for the safety and security of traveling as part of a group tour run by a trusted operator. There are several experienced and respected Australian escorted tour companies that run regular tours to India.
These include the quality and value conscious Bunnik Tours (bunniktours.com.au)and Wendy Wu Tours (wendywutours.com.au)while Australian-founded global group Intrepid Travel is for the adventurous, cost-conscious and eco-minded(intrepidtravel.com) will fit.
For travelers seeking a more tailored, exclusive experience that incorporates adventure, comfort and style, consider the small group or independent tours offered by the Classic Safari Company (classicsafaricompany.com.au)
What you need and what you need to bring
Australians, likemost nationalities, requires a visa to visit India. However, in an effort to promote increased tourism to the country, the Indian government has streamlined the application process for an Indian visa from Australia.
The availability of an eVisa means Australians can apply for an Indian tourist visa online without the need for a trip to the nearest Indian consulate or high commission.
Prospective Australian travelers to India are encouraged to apply via the official government site atindianvisaonline.gov.in
Be ready to provide all the necessary personal, educational and professional information as well as where you plan to visit in India, your points of entry and exit and the countries you have visited in the last decade.
A passport-sized photo, with specific size and other requirements, is also required with the turnaround time for eVisa approval at a cost of US$80 (US$120), which is generally between two and three business days. Please note that there is a minimum application period of four days before departure from Australia.
As for what to take, start with a wheeled carrier, which is much easier to stow on trains and tour buses than a large rigid suitcase.
The other must-pack for India is a universal sink plug; a torch (preferably a small head torch); slip-off shoes or sandals for temples and into houses; high-factor sunscreen and a sun hat. Insect repellent with DEET, ear plugs and eye shades for trains and city hotels; binoculars for birds and wall paintings and a filtered water bottle to reduce the use of plastic bottles.
Stay healthy in India
An Indian tour guide reports that the incidence of illness among his clients has decreased since the more widespread use of hand sanitizer. It's worth traveling with an antiviral hand foam.
Drink at least one liter of safe bottled water a day. If you succumb to Delhi stomach, stick to a diet of plain rice and yogurt and drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours.
The Sydney-based travel vaccination clinic (travelvaccinationclinic.com.au) recommends travelers to India make sure all childhood vaccinations are up to date, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, or make sure you're up to date with these shots.
Before you travel, you should consider getting a COVID-19 booster, the annual flu shot, and following strict hygiene procedures when eating and drinking the local food and water, and avoiding mosquito bites whenever possible
The risk of malaria in India varies with the season in winter with a low risk outside the states of Orissa and Assam.
This cover story is adapted from the travel section of the Telegraph UK and is reproduced with permission.
MORE MUST-KNOW FOR A FIRST-TIME VISIT
Prepare yourself
As a first-timer, prepare to be shocked, appalled and accused (of food and money) in what is a disturbingly unequal society. Be kind, respectful, caring and generous, fully aware that you cannot solve all the problems in such a populous and complex country.
Take care of your modesty
While in India, avoid tight-fitting vest tops, above-the-knee shorts, and sheer skirts (Indians consider these underwear). Showing lots of cleavage is a no-no away from the beach.
Use only your right hand
During your visit to India, even if you are left-handed, you must always use your right hand to eat and hand over money or goods. (For clarification, the Indians use the left hand for their ablutions, so it is considered dirty).
Be prepared to tip
Many places have a tip box for the staff and local guides expect a reasonable tip of around $15 for a full day's work. Tip good drivers about $20 a day and ask them to skip the unwanted shopping stops.
Don't skimp on your stays
Unless you're backpacking, don't skimp too much on the quality of your accommodation (find savings elsewhere) In general, four-star hotels and above, with those belonging to respected chains like Taj, Oberoi and Park, are your best bets.
Greet the day and beat the crowds
Getting up early in a crowded India has its rewards. For example, instead of taking a day trip to the Taj Mahal, spend the night in Agra, the city where the white marble mausoleum is located, and see the building already at dawn, before the tourist crowds descend.
First (help) things first
Pack a small and portable first aid kit, just in case. Take a pack of prescription antibiotics in case of serious illness (chances are you won't need them, but you'll be glad you did) as well as those pouches of electrolytes to keep you hydrated.
Ask before your snap
Indians love nothing more than posing for photographs at famous landmarks, preferably with an exotic westerner in the family group. But they don't like being photographed doing menial work in everyday clothes. Always ask in advance and respect their wishes.
Surviving the tremors of fame
Delhi is notorious for smog with the worst months from November to February, coincidentally the peak tourist season. As the capital is effectively two cities in one (Old Delhi and New Delhi), the capital has a lot to recommend it, but pack a decent mask.
Take a leaf
Read up before you go and while you're there.Come onby William Dalrymple skillfully evokes Old Delhi whileHoly cowby Sarah Macdonald is a hilarious quest for spiritual India. Amitav Ghosh'sSea of Poppiesand Vikram Seth'sA proper boyalso recommended.
FAQs
Which is the best place to visit in India for first time? ›
First-timers can't go wrong with the Golden Triangle, which travels around Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and takes in the incredible monuments such as the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort in a week-long trip; it's the perfect introduction to the country.
What should I be careful of in India? ›- Do not wear shoes inside a temple or home. ...
- Do not give or take things with your left hand. ...
- Do not point your finger or touch anything with your feet. ...
- Do not wear skimpy clothes. ...
- Do not expect punctuality. ...
- Do not show affection in public. ...
- Do not strike up political or religious conversations.
Our country is also incredible because of its beautiful mountains, lakes, forests, seas, oceans, etc. Many foreigners each year visit India to see the beauty of our country that is its rich historical temples, its traditions, its language, its heritage, etc.
How can I prepare for travel to India? ›- Don't Try to Cover Too Much Ground. ...
- Prepare Yourself for Culture Shock. ...
- Bring Traveler's Diarrhea Tablets. ...
- Go Beyond the Cities. ...
- Cover Yourself and Dress Conservatively. ...
- Take Off Your Shoes Before Entering a Temple. ...
- Get a SIM Card for your phone. ...
- Watch Out for Religious Scams.
The best time to visit India is in the winter, from December until early March. The whole country tends to get very hot from April onwards and most regions experience the summer monsoon in at least June, July, August and September.
What is the safest part of India to visit? ›On the other hand, Shillong, Puducherry, Sikkim, Kasol, Kochi, Ladakh, and Coorg are also some of the safest destinations for female travellers in India.
Is it safe for an American to visit India? ›Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest. Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict.
Can a US citizen travel to India? ›Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements. All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India.
What are one liners on Incredible India? ›“In India, we celebrate the commonality of major differences; we are a land of belonging rather than of blood.” “Everything is recycled in India, even dreams.” “Everything is recycled in India, even life.” “This is indeed India!”….
What is very special about India? ›India is amongst the top 10 countries in the world in terms of the number of World Heritage Sites. There are 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, of which 30 are cultural sites. The spectacular Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Konark's Sun Temple and Jaipur's Hawa Mahal are some of the greatly admired monuments.
Do you tip in India? ›
Is tipping customary in India? Yes, it's customary to tip in India. While travelling through India, on a tour or otherwise, travellers are generally expected to tip porters, drivers, restaurant staff and other service workers given the low wages they earn.
Do I need vaccinations for India? ›All tourists visiting India need to get vaccinated for hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. In addition, you will need to take malaria tablets to prevent getting infected on your holiday. Depending on what you are planning to do during your holiday, you may need to consider additional vaccinations.
Will my mobile phone work in India? ›The GSM Network in India
Like Europe and most of the world, the GSM frequency bands in India are 900 megahertz and 1,800 megahertz. This means that for your phone to work in India, it must be compatible with these frequencies on a GSM network. (In North America, the common GSM frequencies are 850/1900 megahertz).
If you are looking at a practical time frame to tour India, really experience the country and culture, and see a few diverse regions, we recommend spending 3 weeks here. Planning an itinerary for India is exceedingly challenging.
How many days are enough for India trip? ›Most people spend 7 to 14 days in India. For first timers, this almost invariably includes the classic route visiting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur (India's "golden triangle"), which usually takes about 7 days.
Is India cheap for tourist? ›India is one of the cheapest countries I've ever travelled to. But not only that, it's one of the best value places I've visited. Value is important when it comes to travel. There's no joy in spending $5 on a dorm bed if it's frequented by cockroaches and dengue-carrying mosquitoes and leads to nothing but stress.
Is India safe for female tourists? ›While you can never guarantee safety completely while travelling anywhere, India is considered to be a fairly safe country for women to travel around as long as certain precautions are taken to minimise any potential danger.
Which nationality visits India the most? ›American tourists have been outnumbering the tourists that visit the country from other European and South Asian countries in 2021. In 2021, citizens from Bangladesh, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom had the highest number of tourists visiting India.
What are the risks of traveling to India? ›- Terrorist activities, violent demonstrations and armed clashes sometimes occur in India. ...
- Women may face higher levels of verbal and physical harassment or sexual assault. ...
- Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after consuming spiked drinks or food. ...
- Scams are common. ...
- Severe weather is common.
Cover Yourself
Both men and women travelers should have pants and avoid tank tops as clothes to wear in India. In India, attire for women (if you really want to look like a local) includes long skirts that go down to the ankle instead of pants. While T-shirts are acceptable, always err on the side of modesty.
What not to say to someone from India? ›
- “Wow! ...
- “You'll have an arranged marriage, won't you?”
- “Do you worship cows?”
- “You don't really look Indian, it's like you're too pretty to be Indian.”
- “I'm not a cricket fanatic.”
- “Are you sure, as a woman, you want to travel alone in India?”
- “I love your accent.”
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- Pornographic and obscene material.
- Counterfeit and pirated goods and goods infringing any of the legally enforceable intellectual property rights.
- Antiquities.
These visas allow you to stay in India for up to 180 days and are valid for multiple entries. The cost of a tourist visa for US citizens is $160 for a single entry and $250 for a multiple-entry visa.
How long does it take to get a visa to India from USA? ›How long does it take to get an India visa? - Less time than you might think! Although the processing time is usually 4 to 5 days, it's also common for applicants to receive their visas within 24 hours of completing their application. There's no need to go to an embassy or consulate in person.
Do I need negative Covid test to enter India? ›Upload negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report** on the Air Suvidha portal (The test should have been conducted within 72 hrs prior to undertaking the journey).
Do Americans need visa to India? ›Unfortunately, India does not provide visas on arrival to US Citizens. Before your trip you need to apply and obtain your Visa, US citizens who arrive in India without a valid visa will not be allowed to enter.
Do US citizens get visa on arrival in India? ›No, there is no visa on arrival option for American citizens traveling to India. US passport holders must instead apply online for the relevant type of e-Visa. Only nationals of a select few countries can get a visa on arrival for India.
Can I get Indian visa on arrival? ›The application for Indian Tourist Visa on Arrival needs to be done between thirty and five days prior the arrival date in the country. Read more to know about the procedure of the same. Visit the official site of Indian Government's tourism department and apply.
What is the most beautiful thing about India? ›- India is home to one of the new world wonders – The Taj Mahal. ...
- The highest cricket ground in the world is found here. ...
- The bengal tiger is India's national animal. ...
- Kumbh Mela gathering visible from space.
“Adventures do occur, but not punctually.” “Life never gives us what we want at the moment that we consider appropriate.” “Life never gives us what we want at the moment that we consider appropriate. Adventures do occur, but not punctually.”
What is an important quote from a passage to India? ›
"I want to see the real India." "Come on, India's not as bad as all that. Other side of the earth, if you like, but we stick to the same old moon." "Adventures do occur, but not punctually."
What is India's famous food? ›Curry. Curry is one of India's most popular and well-known dishes. Tomato-based curries are known as the ultimate comfort food in India, and countries all over the world have adopted this opinion too.
Why is India worth visiting? ›One of the best reasons to visit India lies in its nature. From north to south and east to west, India is blessed with natural beauty in abundance. Just travel, explore and repeat. From Andamans to Kerala to Pondicherry, there are numerous places to visit in India where you can witness nature in its best form.
What are 5 interesting facts about India? ›- 1 – Cows are sacred in India. ...
- 2 – Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. ...
- 3 – The Taj Mahal is not a palace. ...
- 4 – India was the first country to mine diamonds. ...
- 5 – They are pioneers. ...
- 6 – Not all Indians are vegetarians. ...
- 7 – India is the second largest English-speaking country in the world.
- A Lake Formed By Meteor. ...
- One Of The Oldest Cities. ...
- Anti-Gravity Hills. ...
- World's Only Floating Post Office. ...
- Voting Booth For Just ONE Voter. ...
- Home To The Wettest Place On Earth. ...
- A Village Without Doors. ...
- Home To The Highest Cricket Ground.
According to the Historical Popularity Index 2022, Mahatma Gandhi is the Most Famous Personality in Modern India. He is also the most famous Hindu of all time.
Why do people love India? ›Indians are very kind and cultural people who treat guests as God! The short conversations can invite you to their homes or for any celebrations in their family! This is why I love India for its diversity, cultural traditions, and celebrations that you should experience once in a lifetime!
How much do you tip in India with USD? ›Tip in the local currency
Whenever you tip during your trip to India it is important to use the local currency, that is - Indian rupees. Otherwise you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange.
While meal prices in India can vary, the average cost of food in India is ₨868 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in India should cost around ₨347 per person.
Do you tip taxi drivers in India? ›As Gjo said, taxi drivers in India do not expect a tip. They will however overcharge you if they find the opportunity. Always go by the meter, and if you cant, negotiate a price in advance. Its prudent to ask some locals about what the fare to a destination can be in advance.
Do I need malaria pills for India? ›
CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.
Which injections do I need for India? ›Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Tetanus; Typhoid. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Rabies. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera; Japanese Encephalitis.
What shots are needed to go to India? ›The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for India: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Can I use my phone on a plane in India? ›Passengers are now allowed to turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while a device is on Airplane mode, but make sure the cellular connection is still inactivated. It's a hassle to be cut off from family and friends on the ground, especially on long-haul flights, but airlines have a good reason.
How many phones are allowed from USA to India? ›Carrying one sealed box of iPhone might not be an issue but if you are carrying 3-4 devices, you will have to show the receipts of your purchases and might even have to pay a customs duty. So, it's better that you avoid carrying more than two phones on your flight from USA to India.
How can I keep my US phone active in India? ›- Create a Google Voice account.
- Port your mobile number to Google voice.
- Create a voicemail to let your friends know how to reach you.
- Get a local sim card.
- Rajasthan. The first place on our list of the best places for solo travel in India is Rajasthan. ...
- Goa. Next on our list of the best solo trip destinations in India is Goa. ...
- Varkala- Kerala. ...
- Ladakh. ...
- Manali. ...
- Hampi. ...
- Darjeeling. ...
- Jibhi.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most popular choices among international travellers. With ancient culture and modern technologies going hand-in-hand, countries like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the hotspots for leisure as well as adventure holidays.
Which city is best to explore in India? ›- Mumbai. As the saying goes, “Mumbai is the city, Bombay is the emotion”. ...
- Jaipur. India's celebrated “Pink City” has played muse to almost every designer and photographer on the planet. ...
- Rishikesh. ...
- Jodhpur. ...
- Chennai. ...
- Kolkata. ...
- New Delhi. ...
- Tawang.
North Sentinel island, Andaman
This place is alienated from the main island because of the Sentinelese tribes that live there and they do not permit any tourist or fisherman to enter the island. It is a part of the Andaman but tourists are not allowed to visit this place because of the indigenous tribes.
What is the most popular way to travel in India? ›
Buses are the backbone of Indian travel
Even if you can't get where you want to go directly, there'll often be a bus going halfway, with another bus completing the journey.
The average price of a 7-day trip to India is $1,294 for a solo traveler, $2,281 for a couple, and $1,117 for a family of 4. India hotels range from $29 to $138 per night with an average of $51, while most vacation rentals will cost $60 to $370 per night for the entire home.
What are three key things we must know when Travelling to India? ›- Get your jabs before you travel. ...
- Take malaria precautions. ...
- Get insured. ...
- Plan your trip around the seasons. ...
- Book ahead for busy times and festivals. ...
- Plan your comms before you travel. ...
- Check your lunar calendars. ...
- Learn how to greet people.
Millions of foreign visitors come to Royal Rajasthan from all over the world. The most well-known tourist destinations in India for foreign visitors are the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, the largest live forts, and the exquisite palaces of Rajasthan.
Which is cheapest country to visit from India? ›- Nepal.
- Sri Lanka.
- Thailand.
- Malaysia.
- Taiwan.
- Philippines.
- Malawi.
- Serbia.
Udaipur. Most famous for its stunning lakes, forts, temples and palaces, Udaipur is another city located in the state of Rajasthan, and is certainly not to be missed. Lovers will be delighted to hear that this is a city filled with romantic spots, as well as beautiful gardens.
What is India's No 1 city? ›The financial capital of India and the capital of Maharastra is the most populated city in India. Mumbai has a population of over 12.7 million, with a population density of 21,000 per square kilometer.
Is India a safe place for an American tourists? ›India can be a safe country as long as all precautions are taken to avoid any inconvenience. Nevertheless, we must be honest and tell you that although India has many attractive places to discover, the security of the city is not 100% safe. In fact, during the last years, criminality against tourists has increased.
Is India safe to travel for American tourists? ›Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.
Is India friendly to tourists? ›For the most part, India is a rather safe country. Certain places can be more dangerous than others, but the most beautiful sites of India, including the Taj Mahal and Hawa Mahal, are mainly safe for travelers.