Travel Tips to India

If India is on your bucket list, our article with tips on how to travel to India. It is a must read. In addition to answering some of our frequently asked questions, We also provide you with the insider’s guide to India.

The Indians are very friendly and helpful, but the most important thing is that you respect the Indians, their privacy, culture and rituals. Do not argue with them for their religious beliefs and beliefs policies. Always listen and follow your tour guide/Leader in a crowded place

Arrival Instruction

On arrival at Delhi International Airport, you have to come outside one of our team member will meet you inside the Gate number-5, Terminal-3 with a Placard of your name. If you cant find our team member then call the contact number which we shared with you over email.

Prohibition

People of other religion are not allowed to enter two main temples in Varanasi and Rishikesh

-Old Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

-Ram Sita Temple, Rishikesh

-Taj Mahal is closed on Friday for everyone

-Red Fort, New Delhi closed on Monday for all

In religious places like temples, mosques, churches, Gurudwara (Sikhs Temple) It is necessary to cover the entire body before entering (including head, Shoulder, knees). On head you can use a cap, hat or a scarf.

Apart from this you can’t show intimacy, affection at the religious site like temple, gurudwara &mosque in India. We should not disrespect the sentiments of the people at their religious site.

Vaccination

While there are no mandatory vaccinations for entering India for travelers from the USA, several vaccinations are highly recommended to ensure a safe trip. These include vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and Japanese encephalitis. Depending on the specific itinerary, malaria prophylaxis and rabies vaccination may also be recommended. It’s crucial to consult with a travel health professional or doctor at least 6-8 weeks before your trip to discuss your individual needs and receive personalized recommendations.

You can check more details on below website:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india

Currency – Money

The currency of India is the Indian rupee, indicated by the symbol ₹. It has both coins and tickets. Coins are used for smaller amounts like 1, 2, 5, and 10, and bills. They come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. We recommend bringing something hard currency (USD/EUR 500-1000) to India, but avoid bringing large amounts of cash. You can exchange dollars in New Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai or Agra at a good price.

ATMs in India

ATMs are extremely common, even in the smallest cities. If this is your first time traveling to India, this is certainly a safer and more commonly used option by travelers. Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro are the most accepted cards but American Express is also accepted most of the places but it is always recommended to bring more than one card.

Indian ATMs charge a nominal fee, usually INR 50 to INR 300 (from 0.67 to 4.05 USD) per transaction. Additionally, your home bank might also charge a fee. Many credit cards will charge a foreign transaction fee between 3% and 5% on all transactions in India. The daily withdrawal limit per day from an Indian ATM varies by bank – some they have a maximum of ₹10,000 while others have ₹25,000. ($135-$337). If possible, always carry a backup card with you; our guests have sometimes been in a Situation where a card did not work at the ATM.

Buying a SIM card in India

Take the following documents with you, as you need to send them to get a SIM card. One passport-size photograph (for backup only) Original and copy of your passport, Original and copy of your visa.  We recommend buying a card at the airport kiosk. There will be a form for complete, and they will also take a picture of your head and shoulders. You will be asked to please provide a local number and address, for which you can provide the details of the hotel. Where you are staying. You can also easily buy a SIM card outside the airport; SIM cards Prepaid (pay as you go) are available everywhere.

Clothing tips

In places of worship, both men and women should dress moderately and discretion. Try to cover yourself with at least a short-sleeved shirt and long pants. For the you are usually given a small robe to wear over your clothes (a small tip is expected). In Sikh temples, both sexes must cover their heads. Always remove your shoes when entering a Hindu temple. This applies when you enter any Indian home for that matter. In general, temples are more casual when it comes to dress rules than mosques.

Mountain Packing

Take some warm clothes with you if you are traveling to the mountains. Something to cover your head and ears and a jacket/pullover will help. Northern India, particularly the northeast and the Himalayas, can be quite cold in the afternoon, evening Temperatures drop to 5-12ºC.

Tips for Water and Food

If you are in a hotel or restaurant in India, do not drink tap water or open water. Always drink packed bottles of water; otherwise you may have problems stomach like diarrhea. Indians eat very spicy food so doesn’t try spicy food in the first 2 or 3 days especially on the street.

Always drink bottled water to avoid diarrhea. There is only chicken and lamb or Buffalo available as a form of meat. The cow is considered sacred in India. As it is recommended not to talk about beef (Cow Meat) in public meetings. Whenever you order something in India, try to ask for it with little or no spice. Furthermore, if you are vegan, you should ask at the restaurant.

Stay aware of your surroundings this general rule applies to almost every city you visit, but it is especially important when traveling small places. Due to high levels of poverty and overcrowding in some of India’s largest cities, pickpockets are common. Avoid being robbery victim carrying small bags with a strong closure that can be rolled around off your shoulder, and do not put money, cell phones, or keys in your pockets. If have to walk late at night, walk with a guide.

Tips for buying

Delhi & Jaipur is the best place to buy authentic clothes with good quality fabrics, Hand block print clothing, and semi beautiful, precious silver and gold, good quality handmade rugs and quilts. You can buy some Indian spices in the old spice market Delhi.

Agra is famous for marble inlay work, so if you are interested in buy any statues or marble things, you can get them in Agra.

Always try to go with our tour guide/ Expert so no one can do fraud with you and we assure that you buy an authentic thing.

Love & Intimacy

People usually shy away when you publicly display your affection. Public display of romantic affection was never a thing in India.

Kissing may be the universal language of love but kissing on the lips is a definitely a no go area in India. This is dangerous territory. However, an innocent goodbye kiss at the International airport would probably be fine but not at the railway station while smooching at a restaurant is definitely not a good idea.

When it comes to LGBTQ+ travelers, India is generally very tolerant. Mumbai is the country’s gay capital — it even has its own sizable Pride Parade — and even outside the Bollywood city, it’s rare to face overt discrimination when traveling as a same-sex couples. That said, there may be more eyes upon you than you’re used to, so avoid overt acts of physical affection as much as possible, just as any straight couple should.

What should you bring?

Traveling to India can be an incredible experience, but being well-prepared makes a huge difference. Here’s a practical packing and prep list based on what most travelers find useful (especially first-timers):

 Health & Safety

• Vaccinations (check requirements; common ones: Hep A, Typhoid, Tetanus, etc.)
• Prescription meds (in original packaging, with a doctor’s note if necessary)
• Travel first aid kit:
  • Pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
  • Anti-diarrheal (e.g. Imodium)
  • Antiseptic cream/wipes
  • Mosquito repellent (with DEET or natural alternatives)
  • Motion sickness tablets
• A sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50, offering broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Electronics & Apps

• Universal travel adapter (India uses types C, D, and M plugs – 230V)
• Unlocked phone + Indian SIM card (buy upon arrival for data/local calls)
• Download:
  • Google Maps (offline areas)
  • Translation apps (Google Translate)

💵 Money Matters

• Cash (INR) – Some dollars you can also exchange in Airport or in the city
• International debit/credit card (Visa/MasterCard widely accepted)
• Travel money belt or hidden pouch

👕 Clothing Tips

• Lightweight, breathable clothes (cotton/linen)
• Conservative attire for temples or rural areas (shoulders & knees covered)
• Scarf/shawl (especially useful for women in religious sites)
• Comfortable walking shoes/sandals
• Flip-flops/slippers for indoors or showers
• Hat/sunglasses/sunscreen (sun can be intense)

🧳 Other Useful Items

• Travel towel (quick-dry)
• Daypack or small backpack
• Tissues/toilet paper (not always available in public toilets)
• Earplugs & eye mask (trains and hotels can be noisy)

🛂 Before You Go

• Register with your embassy (optional, but good for safety)
• Buy travel insurance (covering health, theft, cancellations, etc.)
• Research local customs (especially around tipping, dress, and etiquette)
• Know the seasons – India’s weather varies a lot depending on where and when you’re going

How to avoid beggars & Sellers on Streets in India

Sometimes, beggars can be quite insistent and might even physically try to hold you back by tugging your shirt etc. The best way to handle the situation is not to throw money at it, but by politely-but-firmly saying no and walking away.

The best way is to avoid any eye contacts with beggars & street sellers. Always listen carefully your tour guide / leader and follow his/her instructions to avoid any kind of situation.

Why does Indians Want photo with Foreigners (white people)?

When you go to public places like monuments many times local people will attract to you with your skin colour and try to take pictures, selfies. It is not a disrespect they are just curious about you and wish a picture with you. If you do not like this and wants to avoid then you just have to say a hard no so they will stop following and disturbing you.

Again always follow your tour guide/ Expert in public places so he will take care of these kinds of situation and help you.