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!
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Viaan Patel from Vadodara, Gujarat, a young boy, aged nine, has made India proud after climbing the 14,000 ft. Gadsar Pass located in the Himalayas. He has now become the youngest in Gujarat to achieve this.
Inspired by his father, who has climbed many mountains like Mount Abu and Pavagadh, Viaan started climbing mountains from a very young age. He started accompanying his father when he was just two years old.
In a conversation with Times of India, Viaan mentioned it was
one of the best experiences I ever had. I had never climbed to such a height, so there were some nervous moments.
It is only natural for a boy of such a young age to be scared about this difficult trek. "But I was confident of reaching the peak and I did it," he added.
This pass is one of the most difficult, as well as the most dreamed of treks. However, only a few people have reached such a high altitude.
Read Also:
Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling?What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel GuideTop 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide
Would you like to make the most out of your Travel in India? There are some things that you need to do and consider to get the most from your trip. Once you’re through, you can enjoy a holiday in India and make all your dreams come true.
India has some of the best tourist attractions sites and people in comparison to other destinations in the world. You cannot get access to these fantastic opportunities unless you plan your travel well.
Preparation is critical when going for a vacation, and India is not an exemption. This article will suggest some of the easy ways to travel to India. The most important thing is to get the most from your vacation.
The Easy Way To Travel In India:
Conduct A Background Check
The very first thing that you have to do is conduct a background check by reading about India. It will help you to familiarize yourself with the foreign country. It is not advisable to get a culture shock once you get to the new county.
The good thing about India is that it has perfect living conditions. You can find five and four-star hotels in India that offer international standards. The most important thing is to have enough funds to get the right accommodation.
Their foods and way of cooking compete favorably with the rest of the world. Palace hotels have garnered a world status that you can’t compare to other hotels around the globe. You need to do a lot of research to get some of the best places to lounge while in India.
If you are a budget traveler, you can check-in in three-star hotels. These hotels charge relatively modest amounts that will accommodate your budget. You can also find tourist bungalows, traveler’s lodges, youth hotels, holiday homes, and YWCA/YMCA’s.
All these come at rates that are quite pocket-friendly to anyone who is operating on a budget. You cannot get access to all this information unless you conduct a background check. Everything is available online, but you can also speak to your travel agency for further advice.
Make All Your Arrangements In Advance:
For worry-free travel, it is advisable to make arrangements in advance. The months of October until March are the peak season for people who are traveling to India. From May until June is the season of the Indian holiday.
If you plan to travel during these months, you should book in advance. The reason is that at this time, there are limited travel amenities. You don’t want to miss out on the best places to stay because the hotels are full.
Communication Is Critical
Communication is critical when traveling to any foreign country. You can choose to learn the local language, but most tourist centers use English. The most important thing is to communicate effectively with all the people that you come across.
Employ the Services of a Reputable Tour Guard
Going it alone in a new land is not a joke. The Indian locals are gracious and friendly people. If you think staring is rude, relax if the locals stare at you because it’s a natural thing to Indians. You will understand more about the locals with the help of your tour guide.
The most important thing is to choose the best tour guard in the region. Do your homework well to get the one that will give you an exceptional experience. The area has several tour firms, but not all of them will provide you with the same level of service.
Doing your homework well will help you choose the best tour and travel firm. You can also speak to past clients to help you make an informed decision.
Be Ready For Great Dining
Indian food is very much different from your usual diet. Make sure that you eat only one serving of Indian dishes for each meal. One thing that you can have the assurance of is that Indian foods are highly nutritious.
Start by eating peeled fresh fruits and mostly cooked foods. This way, your body system can easily adjust to the Indian diet. You will find the food to be so enjoyable within no time.
It is also advisable that you drink only bottled drinks, water, tea, and coffee. The hotels have filtration systems so you will not encounter any health problems. It will make sure that you are taking good care of your health while in transit.
Are you On Any Special Medication?
If you are on any medications, buy it before you leave for India. The reason is that you may not be able to find the same brand of medicines there. However, local doctors may suggest alternative medications just in case you need immediate medical attention.
Therefore, you will not fail to get something that will help you while in India. Remember, this region has some of the best doctors all over the world. Therefore, there is no course of alarm when India Trip, and you have a medical condition.
Respect Indian Temples
When you’re visiting a temple or mausoleum, make sure that you remove your shoes, sandals, or slippers. There are also Indian temples that will not allow non-Hindus to enter. Your tourist guide will be the one to explain these matters to you.
You don’t want to become a disgrace to the locals when visiting India. Listen to what the tour guards tell you so that you don’t violate these expectations. Indians adore their religion, and you need to pay close attention to what they value most.
It is useful to read in the papers about some troubles in India. However, this should not discourage you from visiting a country like India. The place is rich in culture and heritage. You can be sure of getting the best experience from your trip.
Conclusion
Traveling to India may come only once in your lifetime. Therefore, you need to take advantage of it by seizing the opportunity. You have to enjoy your life while you are in India, as you may not re-visit the country again.
Travel in India is more comfortable and hassle-free if you have a guide. Therefore, book your tour with the right travel agency in India. It will help you to get a suitable tour package that can meet all your traveling needs.
Make sure that you do this in advance if you want to get the best experience. Use the internet when you’re conducting your researches so that you will find more about India and its people. Make this trip a memorable and enjoyable one.
Read Also :
Best Places For River Rafting In India
10 Best Places for Honeymoon in India
5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM
Don’t keep yourself hanged up because your friends are too busy to plan out the New Year’s Eve. We have made the work easier. Find some of the coolest events in and around your city happening this New Year and if this list doesn’t satisfy you, we’ve got more lined up. Food and party to solitude and nature, there are events for all kinds of people.
Glow your New Year at these Bangalore Events:
CountDown NYT-2018:
Countdown to New Year at I V Sanctum, Race Course. Sia Entertainments offers food and fun along with fireworks, liquors and drinks, buffet dinner and lots of photographs. With all the entertainment, they also take care of security and first aid and provide the drop-in facility.
Bengaluru Food Festival:
Foodies, the best way to say goodbye to 2017 and the welcome new year would be enjoying it with food. Check in to New Horizon Ground on the last weekend of this year to have your taste buds taste the exquisite flavors. Bring along your foodie friends and enjoy the time relishing the past year.
Narasimha Parvatha Trek & Udupi Beach:
This New Year lets your nomad soul scream to its fullest at Narasimha Parvatha, the tallest peak in Agumbe Ghats, an awesome trek for that craving solitude.
Muddie Trails heartfully invites you to this unique and wonderful combination of mountains, wilderness, waterfalls, and beaches! Explore the lands and live between nature.
New Year 2018 in Thailand (Bangkok - Phuket):
Mr. Traveler has planned your New Year in the lands far away - Thailand.
Celebrate NEW YEAR 2018 in Thailand with amazing certified tour @ INR 29,990 + Flight. It is included with a bunch of tours that will rock your new year and will give you an experience of the lifetime.
New Year Party at Kaveri river:
Nature calls your inner nomad as you say goodbye to 2017. Caught up in the hectic schedule of studies and work? Now is the time to relish the moment. Escape the city and spend an amazing day amidst nature. Dance and sing to the beats of nature. Eat foodalicious barbecue and socialize at the campfire in the chilling winter weather. Camp your nights in between mountains and rivers. Swim your fears away and rest in village huts. Gaze at the stars and relive the forest child moments. Waiting to spot a shooting star to grant your traveling wish? There’s no need. This is it.
Dhaatu International Puppet Festival:
Bring out the child in you or bring your children along, this puppet show is for all ages. Dhaatu International Puppet Show at Bangalore.
Panache - New Year's Eve 2018:
The Luxurious JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has planned a star-studded lineup of acts, premium liquor, and unlimited F&B to celebrate the New Year’s Eve. Are they forgetting something? No, they have got all the things well covered! Bring out your inner party animal because this is the time to dance off and have a blast.
Bangalore, this is a glimpse of all the good things that will be happening soon. Grab your spot and treat yourself, the time of year has come to enjoy hard and make it happen. Did not find any event of your genre? There are many more events lined up; check out events in Bangalore events for New Year. And do not forget to RSVP yourself and your friends.
Read More:
6 Expert Packing Tips that will make your Trips more Fun
Make Your Honeymoon a Truly Memorable Affair: Here’s How
Improve Your Travel Experience By Hiring A Limo
Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try
Related
