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BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 30, 2020

If you are traveling to India for the first time, you’ll for sure feel a little bit overwhelmed, confused and excited at the same time. Adjusting to the culture shock, frenetic energy and diversity will take some time. But worry not, once you get used to the Indian ways, you’ll develop a special bond with this place that will urge you to come back again and again. If you are travelling to India, here are a few facts about India to keep in mind before and while you are on your trip: Craziest Things To Know If You Are Traveling To India For The First Time Indian travel reaches a new high in the first quarter of 2024. Indian airports have enjoyed the footfall of around 376 million passengers. Further, 69.6 million in this traffic were international passengers.  Moreover, the numbers show a massive improvement compared to 2019. Also, there is a 15% growth from the records in 2023. These numbers show why traveling in India is so huge this year. So, it is no surprise that you are planning a trip to India this year. Is this the first time for you to visit this land of spirituality? Keep some smart tips handy to avoid travel hassles. 1. EXPLORE A PLACE AND TAKE YOUR TIME When you are traveling to India for the first time, don’t hop from one place to another too soon because then you won’t really get a feel of the real India and experience the place deeply. Take your time with a place. Stay there for a few days. Also, visit different sites in that place, get to know the local people and traditions of the place, and relish the experience. For example, if you go to Kerala in South India, then stay there for at least 9 -10 days, exploring the local food and culture and different festivals.Many top-notch yoga retreats in India are also held in Kerala. If you want to experience the true spiritual gift of India, that is, yoga and meditation, you can attend a yoga and meditation retreat or a yoga teacher training course in one of the best yoga schools in Kerala. 2. EXPLORE MORE THAN JUST THE CITIES The real beauty of India lies not only in the cities of India but also in the cities in the natural world. The forests, the majestic mountains, the motherly rivers, the gorgeous oceans, the pristine beaches, and the divine landscapes will surely give you the experience of a lifetime. Travel to the Himalayas in north India, the beaches of south India, the Western Ghats, and the Mangrove forests in the east and experience a deeper connection with Mother Nature. 3. DRESS ACCORDINGLY In most parts of India, the dress code is Indian sarees and traditional Indian clothes though many people in the cities wear western clothing as well. Please wear clothes that cover your body appropriately, especially when you are visiting the rural parts of India, temples, mosques, etc. It is also a custom in India to open your shoes outside while visiting a temple or a religious site. 4. RESPECT THE INDIAN PEOPLE AND THE INDIAN CULTURE Most Indians are very warm-hearted, which is truly one of the best qualities of Indian people. They are welcoming and love it when people from around the world visit the country. Be respectful to the Indian people and Indian culture. The Indian people will greet you with warmth and acceptance. Make sure you can be humble and return the same. 5. BE PREPARED TO EXPLORE DEEP SPIRITUALITY One of the most well-known facts about India is that it is the origin of yoga and meditation. Many top-level yoga and meditation schools offer yoga retreats in India. If you genuinely want to feel the deep spiritual connection of India and want to learn the ancient art of yoga and meditation, then you can enroll yourself in one of the best yoga schools in India. Some of the best yoga schools of India are in Kerala in South India and Rishikesh in North Indian at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. 6. KEEP AN OPEN MIND Keeping an open mind is a great way to travel the land of India as you will see things that you did not expect to, like children asking for food while you are stuck in traffic. “In the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 111th out of the 125 countries with sufficient data to calculate 2023 GHI scores. With a score of 28.7 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India has a level of hunger that is serious.” 7. AVOID PDA Avoid public displays of affection towards your partners, as this is not a common thing in the culture of India. Avoid kissing and excess public display of affection as a respect for the Indian culture 8. TRY OUT THE INDIAN FOOD You will find all kinds of foods, dishes, and cuisines in India that will relish your taste buds. You can try out the North Indian dishes, the south Indian dishes, and the local food of whichever place you travel to. Be mindful of the water you are consuming and make sure it is purified. Most places have clean water to drink, but it is advised to be mindful. 9. GET A SIM CARD Getting a sim card would be helpful as you can use the internet to have easy navigation through the landscapes of India. A sim card will allow you to navigate google maps, best restaurants, and make calls to your home country. Though only Indians can buy a SIM card in India, you can ask your trusted Indian friend to buy you a SIM card. There are also special provisions for sim cards for foreigners. 10. UNDERSTAND THE UNSPOKEN INDIAN LANGUAGE Indians communicate a lot without words and just simple hand gestures or head nods. The classic Indian head nod is one of the most common communication methods in India. Usually, it means yes or no, depending on the context. Understanding the unspoken Indian language can make your trip interesting and can be helpful too. 11. BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS While this advice applies to many places around the globe, it is always a good idea to keep your cash, cards, and belongings safe, especially in the populated cities of India. 12. FIND A TRUSTWORTHY INDIAN FRIEND WHO CAN GUIDE YOU It is also wise to have a trustworthy Indian friend who can help you out in a foreign country and guide you in case you are confused about something. Knowing someone trustworthy and intelligent in India who can help out is also an advantage. 13. DO YOUR RESEARCH Do a good in-depth research of India and the places that call out to you the most in India. India is a vast country, and it is not advised to cover the whole country in one short trip. Do your research and see which places you feel the most drawn to and then make a detailed itinerary of your trip. 14. KEEP YOUR CALM Scamsters, touts, etc. often target foreigners to make some quick bucks by simply luring them with good deals which are not in fact, good deals. You’ll come across different people (agents, cab drivers, etc.) who’ll insist on giving you the best deals (maybe hotel charges, tour packages). But don’t lose your head over these things. Simply keep your calm and try to show them that you know better. Slowly you’ll learn the tricks to handle such people. 15. DON'T HESITATE TO BARGAIN Indian markets are colorful and have some beautiful things like leather bags, clothes, artifacts, and so much more that you can buy. However, some shop keepers give a higher price to those traveling from another country. Don’t be afraid to bargain and get a reasonable price for your purchase. Sharpen your bargaining skills and have fun with it. Is India Safe To Travel For Women? (Most) Important Things To Know Before Traveling To India For The First Time As I write this article, the cry of #JusticeforRGKar becomes more prominent to me. A month has passed since the rape and murder of a lady PG doctor of the Pulmonology department in the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal, a state in the eastern part of India.  There is still a protest going on, and people from all walks of life are participating in it with a suspicion of state machinery’s involvement in the case. Further, it aches my heart, but I have to mention that Delhi experienced one of the heinous acts of rape and murder a few years back in the form of the Nirbhaya case.  People across borders are aware of these incidents today. So, the question of women’s safety while traveling to India is obvious. Further, if we look at the Booking.com travel predictions for 2024, we can see that 54% of women will likely embrace solo travel instead of a couple or group trip.  Nevertheless, let’s get back to the question here, and allow me to assure you that India is fairly safe for women travelers.  The data from the “National Commission for Women” and “National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)” are not-so-pleasing. I don’t want to share the figures, either! However, the women-only travel groups are making it easier for every woman traveling to India for the first time or even for the 100th time.  The WOW Club, or Women on Wanderlust, and Women On Clouds Club, or WOC, are two of the most popular women-only travel groups in India. So, as Hannah goes for a girl trip with her mother in “Girls,” get ready for traveling to India for the first time!  Read Also: 8 Amazing Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists Complete Guide For A Pleasant Agra Tour The Easy Way To Travel In India Top Most Expensive Hotels Of India To Enjoy And Stay Your Holidays

BY  Abdul Aziz May 7, 2017

Visiting India is akin to taking a dive into the unknown. Most travelers to India will tell you that the chaos and unceasing hullabaloo is an intrinsic part of it. Others, however, seem to successfully capture the “mystical and harmonious” spirit that apparently, is to be found everywhere in India.  Not only the land of snake charmers but more ethnic wonders, India travel should be on the top of your list for various reasons. However, regardless of what India is, or is not, there are certain tips which must be followed by every visitor to India. This ensures the best of everything while allowing one to discover all that India has to offer. Here are the five tips for first-time travelers to India. Five Tips For First Time Traveler To India: 1. Choosing The Best Route: Among the many tips for first-time visitors to India, this is one of the most important. Plan your India trip according to your interests, priorities, and fascinations. If exploring the fabulous monuments is what you desire, visit the cities of Agra, Delhi and Jaipur. From Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri to Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, you’ll find it all here for India travel. If spiritual discovery is what you’re after, then visit the innumerable temples in North and South India, the beautiful mosques, monasteries, and churches scattered all over India. India also offers abundant opportunities for engaging in adventure sports and natured oriented pursuits like trekking, skiing, rafting, etc. To get a glimpse of the exotic flora and fauna of India, visit the several nature parks or wildlife sanctuaries, which house an exotic variety of flora and fauna. 2. Go Slow – Patience Is The Key! Too many visitors to India make the mistake of trying to discover and explore everything in one go. The geographical enormity of India renders such a task not just impossible but rather foolish. Once you are in India, slow down and absorb the surroundings around you, while appreciating the uniqueness brought by every experience. Rather than stressing yourself over completing the things-to-do list, focus on doing one thing or visiting one place and exploring it in detail. Not only will this make your trip pleasant, but also give you a glimpse of the local culture and customs. If you want to understand India, this is the way to go about it. If you are complaining about the traffic in your country, then it is nothing less than the traffic in India which makes India travel no less than a hectic journey. So, always keep the assistance of Google Maps, so that you can easily find out short cuts and lanes for a quick escape. Also, drivers tend to ask for more money if they see that you are a tourist. It is better if you do thorough research on the cab rates and bus rates to save some money. 3. Look For Solitude Amid Unceasing Chaos! Any useful guide for first-time visitors to India will tell you that despite being a land inhabited by billions, India still offers plentiful avenues for escaping the maddening crowd and ensuing chaos. This is not to say that you should avoid soaking in the cultural and social atmosphere. However, there will come a point where you would seek moments of tranquility and solitude. Fortunately, India has plenty of hill stations, quiet retreats, isolated beaches, serene backwaters, etc. It’s always a good idea to head to these places when the crowds and the hassle seem overbearing. Doing this will help you relax and rejuvenate before continuing with the rest of your journey. If you are a nature lover, then it is best to start from the north. There are mainly five travel holidays destinations you should be starting on. Now the call is completely yours: Leh-Ladakh Shimla-Manali Dehradun-Mussoorie Nainital-Ranikhet Jammu-Kashmir 4. Prioritize Your Health: Any ultimate guide for the first timer to India will mention the words “health, well-being, safety, etc.” In India, you can never be too cautious regarding your health. Never make the mistake of drinking tap water or consuming food which has been lying around for a long time. Indian food is very spicy. So, be careful in the matter of food choices. Do not drink water from random shops. Instead, keep a bottle of mineral water with you all the time. While street-side snacks are utterly tempting, it’s always advised to assess the cleanliness around you before gorging on them. One of the best ways of determining whether the food is safe is to watch whether it’s being consumed by locals. If yes, then go ahead! Also, do not miss the famous food places to visit in India. You will see that diversity is not only in cultures but in food too. However, each food item is different in taste and in health. Another way of ensuring your health is always carrying an anti-bacterial gel or anti-bacterial wipes. This is because most Indians eat with their fingers, and if you want to emulate them, these are the best tools for the last minute clean-up. 5. Be Calm At All Times: One of the most useful things to know for the first timers to India is maintaining your cool at all times. Certain parts of India, and especially the North, may seem brash, undisciplined and rude, with all sorts of touts out to get your money for more travel holidays. However, it’s important to be extremely alert while politely refusing any unwanted advances or moves made upon you. One of the easiest ways of avoiding being conned is refusing any deal that sounds too good to be true. Conclusion: At the same time, when the situation demands, learn to be assertive without sounding angry. This is the best way of displaying your confidence without appearing to be weak. There are numerous places to visit in India, and you cannot finish it in one month. Therefore, if you are at all planning for an India tour, make sure that your getaway last for more than a month, maybe two. The vast country awaits to mesmerize you with its meandering rivers and lofty mountains and timeless monuments and spiritual hubs of different religions. Read also: Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India 5 Must-Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi. Experience Udaipur through Deccan Odyssey.

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 3, 2019

Are you planning for your next tour or Agra? Agra, the abode of love, is not only a historical place but also it is proud to have the 7th wonder of the world. Most of the people who have visited this place will tell you that it leaves you with the most memorable moments in life.   Visiting the place is not confined to see the Taj Mahal because there are lots more to experience. You just have to plan for your time well so that you can get the most from your Agra visit. If you are not careful, you may not even see 50% of what the region has to offer because it has too much.    The city has its own aura which is significantly outstanding. Agra holds its heritage intensely and its one of the things you will enjoy while interacting with the locals. The architecture and culture of the place had spectated and narrates tales of long driven history.   Time has made a significant mark which made the place exceptional for people who love tourism, archaeology, food etc. This article will share with you some of the must-visit places while touring Agra. You will discover that going to this destination is one of the best decisions that you can make in life.   Places to Visit in Agra:  As mentioned above, Agra is not the place to visit Taj Mahal alone. There are a lot of other attractions to visit and things to do. It is definitely not a one night stop place. You have to give yourself a few days if you want to get the best that the region has to offer to the visitors.   It is a whole individual tourist destination with a high degree of exploration. Coordinating with the local tour operators in Agra will help you to enjoy the city’s true spirit. The most important thing is to get the best experience while touring Agra.   It will be a good way to get the most value for your time and money. You don’t want to undertake a trip that will be a waste of your money and other valuable resources. Here are some of the top places and things to do in Agra;   1. Taj Mahal The monument that stands for true love is surely Taj. It is one of the most-visited places in Agra because of its natural beauty. Taj Mahal was built in 1653 by Shah Jahan. He constructed it in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The building houses the tomb of not only her but also the emperor himself.   The structure is constructed using white marbles, gems, crystals and many more. These are some of the most valuable construction materials in the world. The mausoleum is surrounded by huge, well paved, maintained and eye-pleasing garden. It is a destination that is quite pleasing to the eyes.   River Yamuna flowing beside it definitely add the toppings of a memorandum of everlasting romance. You will get to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere that comes as a result of the presence of the river. It is a site that is truly pleasing to the eyes.   UNESCO has credited it as World Heritage Site in 1983. It shows you the true value that the Taj Mahal has to offer to the visitors. You cannot expect such accreditation for a destination that is not worth it.    The masterpiece truly is the jewel of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s rich history. You should not forget to include this on your tour list if you want to get the best that the region has to offer to the visitors.   2. Agra Fort Agra Fort is another UNESCO credited World Heritage Site. If you come across anyone who has visited Agra, he will tell you that it is one of the must-visit places. Agra was the capital city of Mughal India till 1638.   The fort was the residence of the then emperors. It is a good place if you want to get a glimpse of the history of Agra. Stepping into this building will give you some of the best experiences that you can get from a tour.   The fort had gained its glory due to renovation through the reigns of Akbar and Shah Jahan. The fort is more likely described as the walled city. The red sandstone fort has interesting aspects all make Agra Fort a pleasant site to visit.   There are lots of fascinating rooms, pearl mosque, gem mosque, peacock throne, bathing bowl, a room of mirrors etc. All these are some of the beautiful sceneries you will get to view while visiting Fort Agra. Don’t deny yourself a chance of getting to this place while on your Agra tour.   3. Fatehpur Sikri  The city tells the tale of Akbar’s architectural finesse. This town, predominantly made of red sandstone, was once the capital of Emperor Akbar.   For tourists, the place has forts and mahals that can make you feel amazed. Due to the scarcity of water, the city was abandoned.   Despite lack of water, the city holds its rich architecture and heritage that is ought to be applauded.  4. Tomb Of Itimad-Ud-Daulah  The mausoleum is a definite place to visit. The tomb is the exclusive piece of Mughal architecture but it holds a significant difference. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best inclusions while on your tour to Agra. You cannot tell history well when you have this site excluded from your travel list.   It is much different from the period of Humayun’s and Akbar’s Mughal architectural type. Built by Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir, the structure is very similar to Taj Mahal and is often referred to as Baby Taj. It carries a lot of value when you are on an Agra tour.   River Yamuna flows near the mausoleum adding more natural beauty to it.  Though most of the inlay works are damaged due to environmental factors, Fatehpur Sikri is famous for the marble lattice screen. Therefore, it is good to include it on your tour list if you want to get the best experience from Agra.   5. City Shopping  Agra will never disappoint you by simply showing you places.  It has some of the most amazing tourist attraction sites that have so much to do. You can spend an entire day hopping to various shops in the city streets.   From food, clothing, footwears, jewelleries, bags to carpets and what not the city holds for its guests. Tourists get mesmerised by seeing the fine products available at such minimal rates. It means that you will have so much to take back home as long as you carry some cash.   For people who loves food, Agra will provide you the richest cuisines made by excellent quality spices and other ingredients. The city shopping gives you a great opportunity to carry some amazing gifts to your loved ones. Make sure you have a shopping budget lest you get the disappointments of having nothing to carry back home.   6. Tips For Taj Mahal Visit  Trip in India is pretty incomplete without visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal. It must contain in your itinerary. It is one of the places that you must visit while heading to India.   This international wonder structure is spectated by millions of visitors every year. Here are some tips that you must keep in mind to make the most of your trip.  Get some brief idea regarding the place by reading a lot about the destination. It will give you a rough idea regarding what to see and explore in Taj Mahal. It is not good to visit Taj Mahal without prior knowledge about what the region has to offer.   The place opens at 6AM for the visitors. Enter through the east gate to watch and feel the purity of true love when the sun rays kisses the marble stones of the mausoleum. There is so much that is pleasing to the eyes in this destination.   There are different entry gates. The nationals shall pay Rs. 20 per person and foreigners shall pay Rs. 750 per person. However, Taj Mahal will give you the value for your money.   Make sure your tummy is full during your visit to the place. Nobody is allowed to bring snacks or food inside the campus.  The place is no doubt always beautiful at any season. But, for your convenience, it is better to choose winters as Agra gets hotter in summers. It will give you a conducive environment of touring the region.   West side of Taj Mahal can create interesting photo frames. Be patient to take some really great snaps as Taj is always crowded with visitors. Plan enough time to visit this area so that you are not in a hurry to leave.   Lastly, you must go for a full moon night tour in Taj Mahal. It was constructed with pristine translucent marbles. When you are inside Taj you can actually see the shimmer of the moonlight due to the marbles. It is one of the best experiences on your Agra tour.   Agra is one of a kind place. Visiting and exploring it will definitely make a lifetime experience. Plan a memorable tour of the place for an enchanting life moment. We wish you have a happening tour to not only Agra but Taj Mahal too.   To get the best from your Agra tour, get a reputable tour and travel agency to take you through the trip. You will not miss even a single opportunity from what you travel has to offer.  Read Also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations in India The Best Tips to Travel Around the World