India bespeaks of a rich cultural past and heritage, vivid colors, all wrapped in an incredibly chaotic mayhem. Every corner, every street, every face has a story to tell, and that’s the charm of this magical country. India exudes exuberance. It beckons you to see life for what it really is and invites you to set your spirit free and become one with its myriad colors! However, India has so much to offer that soaking in all of it may get a little too overwhelming for many. But fret not, for we’re here to guide you through the magical journey of the Land of Colours!

We’ve compiled a list of useful travel tips for the first-timers who can’t wait to see the real India!

Take it slow!

India is HUGE! The diversity is exceptionally incredible, and believe us when we say that you cannot see it all in one go. To enjoy the real beauty of this country, you need to look at and breathe in whatever the landscape has to offer. Whether it be the majestic mountains and romantic hill stations of the North, whether it be the hip beaches of the west, or whether it is the charming backwaters of the South, you have got to take your time! Never cram it up because not only will the experience leave you bewildered, but also exhausted.

Start conventional with the tried and tested routes. Head for the ‘Golden Triangle’ – Delhi, Jaipur and Agra – first. Then move on to the Burning Ghats of Varanasi to witness the magic of lights and fire! If spirituality is your thing, Varanasi, Haridwar, Mathura will mesmerize you! If you’re an adrenaline junkie, head to the northern hills for fantastic trekking and river rafting experiences. Then move on to the west and witness the regal lands of Rajasthan, Udaipur, Jaisalmer. Move down to Mumbai, Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry, Munnar, Ooty…and the list can go on!

And most importantly, DO NOT forget to visit the Queen of Hills – Darjeeling!

Make Your Plans According To The Weather

It is not surprising that a massive country like India has a host of different weather conditions. Each region faces unique climatic conditions. While the hill stations are cold, the beaches are pretty cool – neither too hot nor too cold. So, you can visit the hill stations like Darjeeling, Shimla, Nainital, Mussoorie, Dehradun, Ooty, and Munnar, during the summer. Hotter destinations such as Rajasthan, Agra, Goa, Mumbai, Kerala during winters.

Be Mindful Of Your Health

Apart from beautiful sights, India is also known for its lip-smacking cuisine and that too in so many varieties! The street food is fantastic. It is tangy, spicy, and delectable. However, these might be a tad much for your stomach if you’re here for the first time. Indian food is known for its hot spicy taste. Provided the tropical climate of India, you’d better steer clear of such foods as they can upset your stomach. Instead, try veg food thalis instead which are usually less spicy. Prefer drinking water from sealed bottles and always carry medications in your backpack. Keep yourself protected against the pollution in the cities by wearing a scarf.

Beware Of Tricksters

Indian streets are lurking with tricksters and frauds always on the lookout for clueless travelers and tourists. They are quick to spot travelers and have a tendency to keep following and nagging you for scam offers and deals. Never make the mistake of trusting them! Book your tours only through recognized and renowned travel companies or better yet, through the Ministry of Tourism or Government of India’s number one pick for 2016 and 2017, Explore India Journeys.

Learn A Few Words of Common Local Languages

In India, there are almost twenty-two official languages spoken throughout the country. However, Hindi and English are the standard means of communication in most places. Learning a few Hindi words and Phrases can come in quite handy, such as “Namaskar” (hello); “Shukriya” (thank you); “Naam kya hai” (what’s your name); “Aap Kaise hai” (how are you); “Haan” (yes), and “Naa/Nahi” (no).

Learn To Blend In!

India is still mostly a conservative country, and it’s best you modestly dress whenever you head out. While visiting temples, mosques, and other holy places, make sure you have a scarf to cover your head. Wear full clothes to avoid unwanted attention and sticky situations. No matter where you go, it is always a good idea to blend in!

Have A Good Knowledge Of Transportation

While long distance journeys in India can be covered via flights, trains, and long-route buses, there is an array of transportation for covering short distances. Local buses, auto rickshaws, taxis, and cabs are great short distance commutes. If you want to escape the heat and travel in air-conditioned vehicles, opt for AC buses and cab services like Uber or Ola.

Maintain A Budget

You might end up spending a ton of money if you don’t have a budget. There are many options for accommodation throughout the country. While mid-range hotels will offer the basic necessities, higher-end facilities like Airbnb vacation rentals, five-star hotels, and boutiques provide a luxury staying experience. Recently, there has been a surge of ‘homestays’ in many popular tourist destinations. These homestays are not just cheap, but they also offer a wholesome, homely atmosphere for you. Moreover, you get a chance to know some wonderful families in the process. So, win-win!

Pack Wisely

Since we’ve already mentioned that India has a varying range of climatic conditions, your luggage should be packed keeping in mind the places you’re going to visit. If traveling during summers, lighter fabrics and colors are ideal. In winter, you’ll need to have warm clothes such as jackets, shawls, sweaters, and the other essentials of winter.

Know How To Keep Your Cool

One cannot expect an entire travel experience to be smooth and hassle-free. India is no exception. While traveling across the country, there are high chances that you’ll come across frauds, cheats, and rude individuals. And when you do, try not to get overwhelmed at once. Instead, keep your cool and stand your ground, calmly yet with a strong hand. When people learn that they cannot get to you no matter how much they try, they automatically move aside. So, keep your calm and get your swag on!

Money

When in India, you’ll be dealing in Rupees. Now, with increased digitization, credit cards, debit cards, travel cards, travelers’ cheques, and online payments have become seamless and hassle-free. These are widely accepted throughout the country, and so it shouldn’t be a problem if you find yourself out of cash!

Safety

No matter where you are heading to, your safety is your primary concern. Never disclose your personal details to strangers. Avoid getting out in the wee hours of the night. Always keep a photocopy of your passport and other relevant documents with you. Make sure you do not have a significant amount of cash on you while traveling. Keep a note of all the emergency numbers of India. 112 is the all-in-one emergency number.

If you’re looking forward to visiting India to get some much-needed peace, there are many beautiful retreats where you can beat the crowds. The backwaters of Kerala and the quaint towns nestled in the lap of the Northern hills are cut off from the hustle and bustle of the city life. They should provide you the peace you seek!

With all these travel tips, you’re all set for a memorable journey through India!