Important tips for travelling in India
The second-most populated nation is full of wonders in all its richness and splendour! A fascinating amalgamation of diverse culture, exotic flora, alluring fauna, tranquil calmness, and serene spirituality. Here are a few necessary things to consider before visiting India given its geography and unique culture.
Make sure you are prepared for the weather!
Given the divergent landscape – from mountains, jungles to oceans to deserts – the weather keeps on changing when you move from one place to the other.
You need to carry clothes that work in all seasons, from the heat of Rajasthan to the rains of Central and South India and the cold Himalayas, you need to be well-equipped for the best experience, depends where you are heading!
The best time to visit is October to April and for exploring the Himalayas, best time is June to September.
Get vaccinated
Due to its tropical climate, India is susceptible to a wide range of tropical diseases, including rabies, dengue fever, and malaria. Remember to obtain your shots before you leave home because a number of locations currently have travel restrictions and recommendations about the Covid-19 vaccination.
Enjoy the diverse cuisine of each region
India is home to a diversity of culture. With that comes in the diversity in cuisines across regions. From Rogan Josh in Kashmir to Dosa in South India, the Indian food will leave you wanting more of it. Except for a few months, India is generally very hot. As a precaution, it is recommended to stay hydrated. You should always carry bottled water with you so that you can enjoy all the variety of cuisines without falling sick.
Even though there’s a good possibility you’ll feel a little queasy while you’re there, paying attention to what you eat will help you avoid major illness (or spending your vacation cooped up in your hotel). This is why having traveller’s diarrhoea medication on hand is a smart idea – before you need it. Eat only peeled fruits and vegetables, stay away from most street food vendors (as they frequently don’t adhere to tight health rules), and try to stick to food that has only been boiled or fried but few Street food joints are excellent and clean too!
Ensure you have connectivity!
It will be so much simpler if you can use your phone while exploring India. You will be able to easily check out travel websites on the move for suggestions and scam alerts, look up directions on Google Maps, read TripAdvisor reviews and much more. One of your top priorities after arriving should be to purchase a SIM card with data for your phone.
The best choice is to get an international SIM card because it can be challenging to find a local SIM card in India.
Be a member of the Indian Culture
When in India, you should follow a few trends to get the real feel of India. India is full of interesting tourist spots, but it is also a very religious country with unique customs and strict rules. There is a special attitude to clothing you should know about, that is why be aware of places women should cover up. While going to India, make sure you take clothes with long sleeves and scarves to cover your head. When venturing out to a religious place take off your shoes.
India’s Rural Heartbeat
The only way to truly understand India is by visiting at least one authentic village. The colourful attire, local folks, cattle rearing and zig-zag roads in smaller villages will definitely woo you with its beauty. Planning a day trip to a hamlet also allows you to escape enormous, densely populated cities and experience their tranquility
Cash is the King
ATMs are widespread in all the major cities in the country, but you still need to carry cash in hand. Auto rickshaws (a common mode of transport in India), small vendors, and most services and businesses in remote areas such as rural towns and villages in the Himalayas only accept cash. The country’s ATMs also have a reputation for being out of order and even running out of cash, so make sure you have enough currency exchanged beforehand.
Bargaining is an art
India is a heaven for shoppers. You may purchase stunningly colourful goods for incredibly low prices. However, if you’re serious about getting your goods for the greatest price, you’ll need to be a skilled haggler. If you are a devoted supporter of street shopping, learning the skill of haggling may prove to be a blessing. Enjoy the game!
Blend yourself amidst the chaos
India is the most populous country in the world after China, so expect a lot of crowds, especially in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of activities going on at the same time. Keep your calm at tourist attractions or train stations and in old bazaars. Only if you’re willing to adapt to this chaos will you truly enjoy your trip
Travel Slow
One of the most important tips for traveling in India is to only include a few stops on your itinerary and spend more time in each one – rather than trying to cover too much on your trip.
Sometimes just walking around in a busy Indian city can be an onslaught to the senses, so you need to budget time in your itinerary for resting and recovering. If you are trying to do too much in too little time, you will be tired and may miss the real immersion.
Instead, take your time and explore fewer destinations in more depth – you’ll have a more enjoyable trip. Also, you’ll have more opportunities to connect with the local people and have interesting experiences.
Health and Insurance
Whether you are travelling overseas or within the country, having a travel insurance policy could save you from many hassles.
In the event that you get sick or harmed, any clinical therapy you require will be covered by your protection and repaid. Some insurance contracts will likewise cover you for burglary, lost baggage and whatever else that can turn out badly during your excursion. This will give you inner harmony realizing that regardless of what happens you have a financial safety cover.
Also, when you travel to an elevated region especially in the Himalayas, make sure to take rests in between. Scaling a lot of height in less time can result in nausea and motion sickness. The ideal rate of ascent to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness is 400-500 metres per day. After this limit, the chances of getting AMS are higher.
Finally, a journey through India is epic experience which truly needs to been seen to be believed. Our team here at Epiconic Travel will help you at all levels of planning and organising your dream holiday for life long memories!