India is a colorful travel destination with great experiences. The country is famous for its monuments, rivers, mountains, natural beauty, and its elaborate history and cultural diversity.
To enjoy every aspect of the country it is essential to have a basic idea about the country. Here you will find useful information and travel tips that you need to plan the travel for foreigners in India.
Planning In Advance
This is an important stage of every travel. If you have hired a tour operator, you will receive the planning of the trip in advance. The ones who wish to explore the cultural cornucopia in their way should begin planning before at least 4-5 weeks of their scheduled departure.
A detailed plan is a key to a successful trip. You should try to gather lots of information from friends and colleagues. Refer to the travel websites and apps too. You should find a lot of information here at auchitya.com.
Here is a list of the few things that your detailed itinerary should include:
- Places to visit in India
- Activities to perform and availability
- Festivals, culture, and traditional events during your visit
- Important etiquettes to remember
- Details of hotels and resorts
- Weather condition during your visit
- Entry fee and timing of spots chosen
- How to hire a guide
- How to hire a car/bike
Facilities For The International Tourists In India
The International Tourist Bureau is an Indian office for foreign tourists and NRIs. Their offices are located in multiple cities all over India. The head office is located in the national capital, New Delhi. The office hours from Monday to Saturday are 8 am to 10 pm, while on Sunday it is open from 8 am to 2 pm according to the IST.
The locations of the offices other than Delhi are:
The addresses are easily available on the web.
The Bureau looks after all the inquiries, reservations, bookings, travel planning, etc. Tourists with a valid passport and valid VISA can also buy the IndRail passes from the Bureau office. With the IRP pass, one can take as many trips as he wants with the Indian Railways, within the validity period of the pass. However, reserved lodging is not guaranteed with this pass.
Key To Communication When In India
If you know the right way to communicate with the locals, your trip will be much better and more fun. With proper communication, you can learn many new things from the different parts of the country. India is a country where every state has its unique language. As a foreigner, it is not possible to learn all the languages. Hence, a few quick tips may be useful.
Communication In General
The national language is Hindi which is spoken by the Northern population of the country. English is the second official language and is prevalent in the Southern and North-Eastern States. As an outsider, understanding Indian languages can be a tough task. The key is to try and understand body language, gestures, and different accents.
Head Wobble
This is a gesture prevalent in most parts of the country. It is quite a natural and fun way of communicating without having to understand each other’s languages. The context and the degree to which the head is wobbled will convey a lot. Once you get this trick, things will be easier.
Keywords And Phrases
Knowing a few common phrases and words can bring a lot of difference to your travel experience. Locals understand that you are putting in the effort and respect you. This is also a simple way to convey that you respect their culture and languages.
If possible you should try to learn a few important words of the language of the place you are visiting (There are 22 official languages in India and other countless dialects).
Have Patience And Be Open
Don’t get impatient if people do not understand you or vice versa. Patience is the key to every communication, especially in a country with so many varieties in language and multiple English accents. Look for people who can speak good English that you can understand.
Transportation In India
In India transportation is pretty cheap and you have multiple options to choose from. Based on your budget and the level of comfort you desire you have the following options:
By Train
Don’t miss having a train ride when in India. The second or first class can be a good choice when on a train. The Indian Railways is one of the busiest in the world, so getting a ticket might be tough. Hence, make bookings well in advance to get confirmed tickets.
By Air
This is the most comfortable, fastest, and expensive mode of travel in India. There are many sites to book the domestic flights in India, Cleartrip.com is one such site.
By Car
Indian drivers sit on the left side of the car. This is because the British influenced the first Indian cars. If you are not used to driving in this style, better book a taxi/cab instead of hiring a car.
By Bus
For short distances buses are the best and cheap option. Within a city, you can cover many areas traveling on the bus. If you visit the country in the summer months then go for the AC buses.
AutoRickshaw Rides (Recommended)
This is something you should not miss. It is convenient for short rides of 20 to 30 minutes.
Travel blogs and other articles can also give you a better idea about transportation in India.
Hotels
You can get hotels and lodging facilities at different rates. Here are a few tips to make your hotel experiences better:
Cheap Hotels
The cheapest option is available at $2 per night. If you are on a tight budget then these hotels can be an option. If you can do away with basic things like towels, bedsheets, pillows, etc., then you can manage with such hotels. You can find such accommodations on the outskirts of the city.
Mid-Range Hotels
These are a perfect balance of price and comfort. The price ranges from $30 to $70. You can get rooms with Western facilities like a normal toilet, clean sheets, towels, etc.
Expensive And Luxurious Hotels
If you can afford a luxury vacation then there are 5-star hotels at $500. You get all sorts of facilities and comfort. A variety of delicious Indian cuisines are also available at these hotels.
Location
The most important factor is location when selecting a hotel. Stay at places in and around the tourist spots for which you have come to the city or town. Also, live in areas where other tourists are around to be safe.
Locks In Rooms
In the expensive hotels, you might not have to worry about leaving your belonging in the room. However, if you have chosen the cheap options get an extra padlock for safety.
Flip Flops In Shower
The shower floor in hotels might not be the cleanest place to go with naked feet. High-end hotels will provide you with bathroom flip flops, but the cheap and budget hotels might not. So, it is better if you carry your own.
Squat Toilets
The squat toilet or the Indian toilet seat can be found in most of the cheap hotels, and a few budget hotels too. If you are not comfortable with it, talk to the hotel management about the facilities they have before booking.
Tip The Staff
The staff in cheap and budget hotels usually expect a tip from their guests. So, tip them appropriately to get better service from them. They will be more attentive to you this way.
Mosquito Management
Some locations may have a mosquito issue. It is important to protect yourself from getting bitten by mosquitoes. Carry repellents in your luggage, and also talk to the hotel staff to know about their mosquito management.
Indian Food And Drink
One of the world’s best cuisines, Indian food is a wealth of various culinary styles, with variations and specialties from every region. From the classic creamy meat and Mughlai dishes in the North to the elaborate thalis served on banana leaves in the South, the country has a lot to offer when it comes to food and drinks.
Where to Eat
There are different categories of restaurants offering various food options. The cheapest options are Bhojanalays and Dhabas. These are local cafes which offer you the basic yet tasty meals. Not very fancy, but the food is freshly cooked and safe to eat. You can find the Dhabas in both the Northern and Southern parts of the country, with different types of meals.
For a budget-friendly and good food experience, you can visit the Indian restaurants made for the Indian businessmen and middle-class families. They offer various dishes from different parts of the country while having their regional specials.
To experience top-notch classic Indian food, you should consider dining in the 5-start restaurants. By local standards, these are the most expensive restaurants.
However, if you are not keen on exploring Indian cuisine and prefer Western food, there are tourist restaurants for that too. Muesli, pancakes, bread, omelets, etc are available in such restaurants. Most cities also have international style fast food items like pizza, burgers, sandwiches, etc.
Some restaurants serve fully vegetarian food while some have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The “mutton” you get is usually goat’s meat. Beef is not found commonly. Chicken and mutton are more prevalent in non-veg options. You may also come across some “pure veg” restaurants, where there is no egg, meat, fish, and alcohol.
North Indian Food
Food in the Northern part of the country has been heavily influenced by the Muslim rulers from Central Asia from the past. They gave the Indian cuisine some popular mouth-watering dishes like the Biryani and Naan. You can also experience the Mughlai dishes which started since the rule of the Mughal dynasty. The food items are rich with cream, butter, ghee, almonds, saffron, and similar ingredients. The spice content can range from mild to high.
Tandoori is another popular Northern style of food. Tandoor is a deep clay oven which is used to cook different items, and hence the name tandoori. Staple food consists of chapatti, rice, and other flatbreads.
South Indian Food
This is totally different from what you get in the North. Curry leaves, coconut, tamarind, and red and green chilies are common ingredients in almost every dish. Idli, dosa, idiyappam, uttapam served with some chutneys and the classic sambar, are some tasty and healthy options.
In the temple towns of Tamil Nadu, meat is not very common. In Kerala, meat and alcohol are quite common. The best part is that in most places the food is served in fresh clean banana leaves, where you eat with your hand. The trick is to use only fingertips and avoid getting the food on your palm.
Street food and sweets
The exciting street foods and sweets in India is something every tourist should try. You can get different items in different parts of the country. Some common items are pani puri, chana puri (chickpea curry), samosas, pakora (fritters), kebabs, etc.
Sweets made from milk are a favorite of most Indians. Jalebi, gulab jamun, rasgulla, rabri, kheer, payasam, ras malai are some of the popular sweet dishes for the ones with a sweet tooth.
However, you have to be careful when you eat street food. Pay attention to hygiene and health when exploring such food.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
A variety of tea is available in the Northern states, while the Southern states are known for their good coffee. In the hot summer months, you will get delicious fresh fruit juices in almost all cities. Coconut water is a healthy and safe option for everyone.
Be careful with the water you drink. Get the properly sealed mineral water bottles whenever you are in doubt.
Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the travel.
Handling Money when in India
Carry cash
You cannot use cards or online payment in every situation. For paying the taxis, autos, cheap hotels, restaurants, you will need cash in hand. Keep the wallet safe when traveling or in crowded places. Credit/ debit cards can be used in large businesses or hotels.
ATM
Most bank ATMs won’t let you withdraw a maximum of Rs 10,000. If you want more than that then use Citibank ATMs.
Airport Currency Exchange Rates
Using ATMs are a better option in comparison to the exchange in airports. The rates are slightly high in airports. If at all you need, get only the minimum amount exchanged at the airport.
Carry Change
Get a wad of 10 rupees note from a bank. You will need it for tipping, bargaining, and to give exact change. It’s a useful banknote and can be used almost everywhere.
Activities To Do When In India
The country is full of possibilities for tourists. You can enjoy a whole lot of fun activities, adventures, and historical and cultural tours. If you land in the capital city, you can fly out to any other part of the country with direct flights.
The country has many places of historical and cultural significance. You can learn a lot from visits to these locations. For the adventure lovers, the north-eastern states and the extreme northern states have a lot to offer. The coastal cities offer nice beaches for spending a nice relaxing vacation.
Other than exploring the natural beauty of the country, there are many festivals which you can be a part of. Round the year celebrations are going on in some parts of the country. You just need to do some deep level research and be there at the right time. Indian weddings are also something worth attending. So, if you get a chance to be a part of any wedding, do not miss it.
Navigation Through Indian Airports
When traveling by air in India you should know how to go about in the airports. The following are the basic things one should know:
- Have a printed copy of the ticket or the e-ticket on your phone. The security personnel at the entrance checks the identity card and the ticket before letting you in.
- Leave early to catch a flight on time. In busy cities like Delhi and Mumbai, you might face traffic anytime. Hence, get multiple opinions about how much time it takes to reach the airport and leave accordingly.
- Screen your check-in luggage at the screening area of the respective airlines before you move to the desk for check-in.
- Try not to exceed the allowed baggage weight. Domestic flights let you carry 7 kgs in hand and 15 kgs in check-in luggage. For the extra weight, it costs around Rs 400 (approx $6) per kilogram (approx 2.2 pounds).
- At security, you will need to put all the electronics items in a separate tray. Be careful while you collect them after screening.
- For reaching the airport from your hotel or the other way round, hire private cabs. Avoid shared taxis.
What Not To Do When In India
We have seen a lot of things that can be done when in India. For better experience and to be safe, it is important to know some of the cultural etiquettes of the country that you are visiting. Upsetting the locals is the last thing we want to do when in a foreign land. Here is a list of things not to do when in India:
- Avoid wearing tight and revealing clothing, especially when in a small town or city.
- Take off your shoes when you enter a place of worship, like temples and mosques. If you visit someone’s home also take the shoes off. It is considered as a good habit in Indian homes.
- Pointing your finger or feet at someone or something is considered rude and disrespectful by the Indians. Avoid doing it.
- Try not to get offended by intrusive questions. Indians are inquisitive in nature and tend to make conversations with foreign tourists. They mean no harm.
- While the words “please” and “thank you” are considered to be polite terms in the western world, Indians may sometimes find it too formal or even insulting at times.
- Avoid being affectionate to your partner in public. You may invite some unwanted attention.
- Don’t listen to everything you hear or every advice you receive. Some might try to scam you. Be alert when going around the city.
Safety
Safety is always a concern when traveling on a trip to another country. The Indian sub-continent is as safe as any other country in the world. As long as you respect their traditions and culture, people will reach out to you and make your trip better.
However, avoid sharing too much information with any local. If you are a solo female traveler or traveling with a female, avoid being too friendly with every other passer-by. Also, avoid going out alone when dark. Take all necessary safety precautions that you would take whenever on a trip.
Conclusion
This is a guide to help you give an idea about the experiences you can have as a foreign tourist in the country. India has a lot to offer and has a welcoming attitude towards visitors. With proper planning and some good advice from experienced travelers, a trip to India can be one of the best vacation experiences you would have.
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