Important Travel Tips For Visiting India For The First Time in 2024

Are you visiting India for the first time? I’ve got you covered!

I remember planning for my first trip to India in 2017. I was used to traveling in North America and Europe so I found planning a trip in India to be a bit intimidating. India’s a big country and, at times, quite chaotic. But after spending more than a year living there plus multiple return trips, I’ve learned that with a small amount of research there’s no need to be overwhelmed!

Below I breakdown 18 helpful travel tips I wish I had for my first trip to India.

Travel Tips For Visiting India For The First Time

Here are some tips to keep in mind for a memorable and smooth adventure in India.

1. Plan your trip around the weather

Depending on where you plan to go within India, you need to understand the season. I’d argue that weather is the most important factor in planning the best time to visit your destination in India.

For the most part, the climate is very hot in the summer months and you’ll need to pack accordingly. But if you have plans to visit the Himalayas in the winter, make sure to pack warm clothing if you plan on exploring higher altitudes. It can get chilly in places like Shimla, Manali, and Kashmir. Temperatures can drop to near freezing, especially at night.

India has two main monsoon seasons. The summer monsoon (also known as the southwest monsoon) typically spans from June to September, varying slightly depending on the region. This monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to most parts of the country, rejuvenating the land after the scorching summer months. The intensity and duration of the monsoon can vary greatly across different regions, with coastal areas and hill stations experiencing more rainfall compared to the arid regions of the interior.

Then there is the winter monsoon (also known as ‘retreating monsoon’ or ‘northeast monsoon’), which mostly impacts the southeastern coastal regions of India, and runs from October to December. As the summer monsoon retreats, the winter monsoon brings a second wave of rain showers to parts of south India, including the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka and Kerala.

2. Embrace the chaos

As a type A person, this one can be difficult for me. But part of the beauty of India is leaning into the chaos. Try to go with the flow whenever possible. Look at your travels as an adventure to experience everything India has to offer. The beauty of India lies in its ability to surprise and enchant you in the most unexpected ways.

3. Try the food

Food is a HUGE part of Indian culture. From region to region, cuisine is rich and varied. From street food vendors to high-end restaurants, there’s incredible flavors to taste.

Don’t be too afraid to try street food when visiting India for the first time! Opt for busy vendors so you ensure the food is fresh. Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked with heat to kill the bacteria and/or from vendors using bottled water.

4. Download WhatsApp

Make sure you have WhatsApp on your phone (this tip is for you- Americans with iPhones!). Indians use WhatsApp for everything. If you are trying to make an appointment somewhere, WhatsApp them! If you are looking to connect with your driver, WhatsApp them! If you have a question for your tour guide, WhatsApp them!

5. Get a local SIM card

Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival to make your trip much smoother. Having access to mobile data can help you navigate, translate, and look up information on the go. Ensure your phone is unlocked before your trip to use a local SIM.

If you land at Mumbai Airport, there’s an Airtel booth where you can buy a local SIM upon arrival in the country.

6. Carry cash

Have small amounts of cash (INR/Indian Rupees) on hand because while India is advanced in digital payment, not everywhere takes credit cards. Many small shops and street vendors take Google Pay but if you are not a local with a bank account linked to a GPay account, it’s important to have rupees on hand.

When you land, I recommend taking out some INR from an ATM at the airport.

Hotels and restaurants in cities will accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard.

7. Understand e-visa requirements

Be sure you research what is required for your tourist visa. For US and EU citizens, you can apply for an e-visa prior to your trip. Fill out the application online at least 4 business days before you arrive in India. Apply here on India’s government site.

Typically, you will be granted a double entry 30-day tourist e-visa. US citizens can also apply for 1-year or 5-year tourist e-visas for a higher fee.

8. Explore beyond the cities

While Mumbai and Delhi have a lot to offer, in my opinion, the real gems of India are located in more rural destinations. Some of my favorite travels included exploring the northeastern state of Meghalaya and going on safari at Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

If you’re looking for rolling green hills and a unique houseboat experience, you can’t miss Kerala.

Other less popular but still amazing destinations include: Hampi, Gir Forests, Kutch, Jaisalmer, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Spiti Valley, and Ladakh.

If you’re a beach lover, consider visiting Goa. The further north and south you go in the state, away from the capital city, you’ll find more peaceful coastline.

9. Understand transportation options

Uber is widely available in most Indian cities. Another popular app is Ola. It’s helpful to use the apps because you can type in your destination in case the driver does not speak English. You can also book auto-rickshaws directly in these apps, so if you are traveling a short distance and want the full Indian experience it’s an easy way to hail an auto.

I recommend using MakeMyTrip.com for transportation options within India. You can take domestic airlines for reasonable prices, such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoFirst. I have flown all three of those airlines multiple times and recommend them for getting between cities easily. Vistara is a full service airline that’s another great option.

10. Be aware of scams

While the attitude towards foreign travelers is overwhelming welcoming, there can be people looking to take advantage of unknowing tourists (like most tourist destinations).

Stick to reputable tourist information centers affiliated with the government or your hotel to ensure accurate and reliable assistance.

Some drivers may try to overcharge unsuspecting tourists, especially at popular tourist attractions or airports. So always negotiate the fare with taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers before starting your ride or ensure the meter is running. In cities like Mumbai and Bangalore having meters running is more strictly enforced. Use Uber or Ola, which provide upfront pricing, or you can ask your hotel to arrange transportation for you.

11. Practice safe travel

As with any tourist destination, be aware of your surroundings. Be mindful and wise about traveling alone at night, especially outside the crowded cities. Generally speaking, Indian cities shut really late and are safe. But like every large city, there are some places to avoid. In crowded places, be mindful of your phone and wallet.

If you’re exploring areas that are complex or off the beaten path, consider hiring a local guide through a reputable company.

12. Avoid tap water

Drink only filtered water or bottled water. Do not drink unfiltered tap water in India because harmful bacteria may be present. Hotels will provide bottled water or filtered water for safe drinking.

Restaurants ask your water preference; to be safe you can request bottled water, but in most cases the non-bottled water they provide will also be filtered.

13. Be patient

Traffic and delays are part of the Indian experience. Patience is not just a virtue here; it’s a necessity! If you are in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, the traffic can be unpredictable and gets very heavy during rush hours. Always build in extra driving time to your schedule.

14. Be flexible

Leave space for spontaneity in your itinerary. Approach your India adventure with an open mind and flexible itinerary. Delays, detours, and cultural nuances are all part of the journey, so allow yourself to go with the flow so you can enjoy every moment without stressing about going off schedule.

15. Respect religious & cultural sites

As always, when traveling and visiting sacred sites, learn about religious practices and local customs to show respect. Important things to take note of include taking your shoes off when entering a temple and having your shoulders and knees covered at certain religious sites.

Research beforehand and observe any rules or signs at the site.

16. Pace yourself

India is very large country with a lot to explore. You can’t see everything the country has to offer when visiting India for the first time. Pick a few favorite destinations and enjoy. Hopefully you’ll be back to visit more of the country on a future trip!

17. Take at least one train ride

One of the most iconic and adventurous ways to explore India is by train. With an extensive railway network, trains can often be a good options for getting around.

Booking train tickets in India can be a bit overwhelming, especially for foreign tourists. Thankfully, the Indian Railways has an easy-to-use online booking system called IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation).

You can also book tickets through travel aggregators like MakeMyTrip and Yatra, authorized travel agents, or directly at railway stations. Book your tickets well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak tourist seasons or on popular routes.

There are also luxury train travel journeys, like Palace on Wheels or Maharajas’ Express, one of the world’s leading luxury trains. If you’re not on a limited budget for your trip, I highly recommend looking into these options for an unforgettable travel experience.

18. Purchase travel insurance

I always recommend travel insurance for international trips. When it comes to reliable coverage that offers peace of mind, SafetyWing stands out as my top choice for travel insurance. Regardless of what company you use, make sure that it covers medical care as well as all of the more common travel problems like lost luggage, travel delays, and theft.

Visiting India For The First Time: FAQs

Breaking down some top asked questions for your first visit to India.

Where should I go for the first time in India?

I recommend visiting those cities and more in this India itinerary I put together with options for 10-days, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks. For more off the beaten path destinations consider the northeast state of Meghalaya or other underrated Indian destinations.

What do I need before traveling to India?

You’ll need a tourist visa to visit India! In most cases, you can easily get a e-Tourist visa. Apply online for your e-visa at least 4 business days before your arrival date in India.

What should I prepare for a trip to India?

This mostly depends on your specific destination in the country and the time of year. But generally speaking, it’s helpful to pack in light layers. Most of the time, it will be hot so bring lightweight, breathable options. It’s also important to have a light shawl or scarf for easy coverage of your shoulders if visiting holy sites.

Don’t forget sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun.

If you are planning on exploring the Himalayas pack warm clothing such as sweaters, jackets, scarves, and gloves.

TL;DR: Important Travel Tips For Visiting India For The First Time

Visiting India for the first time is an adventure that promises to be as rewarding as it is challenging. Remember to be prepared but stay flexible and keep an open mind. Try new things like street food and strike up conversations with friendly locals.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to experiencing the incredible diversity, beauty, and vibrancy of India. Safe travels!