38 Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to India

India is a land of rich traditions, vibrant festivals, and unparalleled diversity. Before you embark on your adventure, there are essential things to know before traveling to India to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience. This guide will help you prepare for every step of your journey.

From navigating bustling markets to understanding local customs, having the right information can make all the difference. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to embrace the beauty, flavors, and energy of this extraordinary country.

Whether you’re exploring ancient temples or savoring regional cuisine, understanding cultural etiquette and practical tips will enhance your trip. From transportation to safety and beyond, this guide has you covered with everything you need to know about traveling to India.

Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to India

Visiting India is definitely one of the most intense travel adventures. It's a place that travelers can get frustrated with if they don't plan properly.

On the other hand, if done correctly, India can be one of the most fascinating and exciting places you'll ever encounter.

In order to help you have the best experience possible, we're sharing a ton of things we learned while there, and tips for making the most of your travels. To help you prepare for your trip, here are 38 essential things to know before traveling to India.

1. India is Much Bigger Than You Might Think

You have no idea how freaking big India is until you get there. We thought two weeks would be enough, and we could probably have used two years there.

You won’t truly grasp India’s vastness until you’re there. Its sheer size makes it impossible to see everything in one trip. Plan your itinerary wisely, focusing on specific regions like the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur), Kerala’s backwaters, or the Himalayan foothills. Allow extra time for travel and rest days to avoid burnout.

We did the Golden Triangle in one week, and did another week adding Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, but even that felt rushed! There are so many small towns and hidden gems awaiting. Trying to see too much in one trip can be overwhelming, so we recommend focusing on one region at a time, and giving yourself room to add activities and destinations while you're there.

Check the map above to see how far distances are! It took us 15 days to simply see the smallest portion of India in the northern corner.

2. There is a Ton of Diversity

India is incredibly diverse, with over 1,600 languages spoken and multiple religions practiced. 

Each region offers unique traditions, cuisine, and experiences. One of the most essential things to know before traveling to India is to research the specific states or cities you're visiting beforehand to better understand their local culture.

3. There is an Insane Variety of Food

There’s this false assumption that India is just curry and street food. Being that we aren't fans of curry (the traditional one sold in most Indian restaurants outside of India), we honestly were concerned at first.

Indian cuisine is far more than just curry and street food though. Each region boasts its own culinary specialties. From spicy southern dishes to hearty northern Mughlai fare, there’s something for every palate. 

Apart from just the variety of cuisines inside India, most Indian cities also offer a variety of international cuisines. Especially in places like Delhi and Mumbai, you can find restaurants from around the world, as well everything from budget friendly quick eats to 5-star dining experiences.

4. India is Excellent for Vegetarians

With a large vegetarian population, India offers a wealth of plant-based options, and sometimes more vegetarian options than meat options! Many restaurants are entirely vegetarian, while many others have separate sections for “non-veg” dishes.

If you're a vegetarian and travel a lot, then you'll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of options you can choose from in India.

5. Chai is a Way of Life

Chai is a quintessential part of Indian culture. Forget your local café’s chai latte—authentic masala chai, made with milk and spices, is a heartwarming experience you’ll crave long after your trip.

Actually, chai means tea, so chai tea would be “tea tea”. It’s actually called masala chai, and it’s much better than any chai you’ll ever have at home.

Masala chai can be found all over the streets for extremely affordable prices, and often are even served in cute clay mugs that you can take with you! Our Indian friend laughed at us, as they are supposed to be disposable, but we took a few home with us as souvenirs.

6. The Crowds are Unlike Anything You've Seen

With over a billion people, India’s cities can feel really overwhelming. Crowds are inevitable at popular attractions around the world, but it's a whole other level in India.

The good news is, that most touristic sites open at sunrise, meaning it's not impossible to beat the crowds if you're an early bird. Keep in mind though - while visiting early in the morning can help you beat the rush in some places, iconic spots like the Taj Mahal will have crowds of people lining up by 5 am!

As one of the most essential things to know before traveling to India, we recommend embracing the lively atmosphere, but also balancing it out with quieter escapes to rural areas or lesser known temples.

7. Traffic is Next Level

Before visiting Egypt, we had so many people complain about the driving there. Well, we can promise you that those people have never been to India, because it is an exponentially more chaotic experience.

India’s traffic is not for those that are sensitive to noise or crowds, and can truly be overwhelming.

Give yourself extra time in your schedule, as traffic can vary greatly, and getting from one place to the other can take much longer than anticipated. Avoid renting a car, and rely on the locals who know how to navigate the chaos instead.

8. India Has Incredible Public Transportation

We love to rent cars, and honestly rent a car in almost every country we visit, but India was an exception, and we were so happy that we relied on public transportation. A friend shared this as the top essential things to know before traveling to India, and it really helped us have a more enjoyable experience!

There are so many great options for traveling around India, and they even have overnight buses with full beds on them! Trains have multiple classes, and you can even get your very own private car with room service for affordable prices.

For long distances, make sure to book train or bus tickets in advance as they can sell out, or consider domestic flights to save time.

There are a lot of comfortable transportation options in India.

9. Be Prepared for the Noise

India is LOUD, and no matter what time of the day it is, there is just so much noise. Between honking, bustling markets, and lively crowds, it's certainly something you'll want to be prepared for. (I’m pretty sure I can still hear honking in my dreams after coming back).

Bring earplugs to catch some quiet moments when needed, and look for hidden gems that offer a peaceful escape from the busier areas.

10. India is So Much More Than Cities

While cities may be chaotic, there is so much gorgeous nature around India to enjoy. Don't miss out on visiting the quiet beaches or mountains of India, where you'll find stunning natural landscapes and a whole different side of India.

If you don't have time though - don't worry! Even cities have great day trips to escape to, like exploring scenic hikes outside of Udaipur, or taking a desert safari from Jaisalmer.

One of the essential things to know before traveling to India is that there truly is something for everyone, and leaving time to enjoy its nature is crucial to balancing out the chaos.

11. Do Your Due Diligence Before Booking Your Hotels

Appearances can be deceiving when booking accommodations online in India. We got cat-fished so many times! 

For example, the pictures look nice for OYO but it’s far from what it seems. Our friend later told us that these are cheap alternatives for people, kind of like motels, and are the trashiest places you can stay.

Make sure to read reviews carefully - we were told to stick to western reviews though, as locals may not have the same standards. It is also super important to do your homework on the best areas to stay in! It can be really confusing in places like Delhi, and we ended up being in a really dangerous area once we arrived with children pulling at our belongings.

12. Some Places are Extremely Religious

India is a conservative country in many areas, and we were honestly so surprised when we showed up and saw a stark contrast from the previous destination not so far away.

Cities like Jodhpur and Jaisalmer for example are extremely religious, and many hotels will even require a marriage certificate to stay together. Make sure to bring proper clothing and dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees at religious site, as well as smaller villages where they are more conservative.

13. Respect Religious and Cultural Practices

India is home to many sacred sites and practices. Always ask for permission before taking photos at temples, avoid public displays of affection, and follow any posted rules to show respect.

It's also considered disrespectful to "dance" at religious sites, and we got screamed at for posing with a twirl at the Taj Mahal. Familiarizing yourself with local customs will go a long way in showing respect, and make your visit much more pleasant.

14. Rules for Tourist Attractions are Super Strict

We have never seen as many rules for tourist sites as we have seen in India! Drones are not allowed anywhere, and there wasn't a single place we were able to use a tripod either.

There are also a lot of other unexpected things that are prohibited at tourist sites, and some won't even let you bring a bag in at all! At Akshardham Temple in Delhi for example, there was a line 1-2 hours long for people to drop ALL of their belongings, including bags, cameras, and even phones.

One of the essential things to know before traveling to India is to map out your day and plan accordingly. In most cases, you can ditch the excessive photography equipment, and travel light while exploring instead.

15. Women Should Be Extra Mindful

While India is generally safe, traveling as a woman can be really uncomfortable and scary, especially if you are coming from a drastically different part of the world.

Men are very forward, and oftentimes lack a sense of personal space. Many even will touch you without permission, or harass you without thought.

Unfortunately this is a big cultural difference that can make it much harder for women traveling. Female travelers should take extra precautions by dressing modestly and moving in groups, preferably with at least one man around.

16. Pictures with Strangers are Very Common

Amongst the culture shock as a woman in general, it is common practice for strangers to want to take pictures with foreigners.

Whether you are a woman, man, couple, or entire group, if you do not look Indian, people (mostly males) will come up to you and ask for a picture, or just stand next to you and snap away.

The more you say yes, the more crowds start to form for more pictures, and truthfully it can get a bit tiring. If you are in a place with a lot of people around or this makes you feel uncomfortable, politely decline, but do keep in mind it's typically common cultural curiosity, not intended harassment.

17. Indians are Super Generous

Hospitality is a cornerstone of Indian culture, and one of the things that we loved most about the country. Locals often go out of their way to make guests feel welcome, so make sure to embrace it and be open to their kindness.

18. Service is Often Slow, and Not Incredible

The service varies so greatly in India. While high-end hotels will provide the best service in the world, your average restaurant oftentimes won't.

We were utterly shocked at the behavior of some of our servers throughout out travels, and having known this in advance certainly would have helped. We had a variety of experiences from intoxicated servers to waiters who would sit on a video call in the corner and refuse to acknowledge us.

If good service is important to you, then you may want to spend more time at more expensive restaurants, or if you want authentic and budget-friendly experiences, just be prepared to have a lot of patience.

19. Learn Basic Local Etiquette

One of the most essential things to know before traveling to India (and to any drastically different country than your own for that matter) is to research local etiquette.

Understanding cultural norms will definitely enhance your trip in India, and show respect for the people around you. For instance, remove your shoes before entering temples or homes, greet people with a “Namaste” (hands together and slight bow), and use your right hand for eating or giving items.

20. There is a Major Littering Problem in India

We've never seen so much trash on the streets than we did in India, and blaming it on the population is simply placing blame on an issue that needs to be addressed. 

We saw so many people throw trash right on the ground when there was a trash bin right there! Also, sometimes even if there are trash bins, there is just not enough manpower to keep up with the sheer amount of it.

Please be a part of the solution by disposing of waste responsibly, and also by encouraging others to do the same. We can't change a billion people overnight, but every little bit helps.

21. India has Major Contrasts

We have never seen higher contrasts in society than those in India. One street might have hundreds of people living on the streets and covered in trash, while the next one over will be pristinely clean and lined with trees and fancy decor.

From lavish palaces to humble villages, India’s stark contrasts are truly eye-opening, and something to be aware of. One of the essential things to know before traveling to India is that this exists almost anywhere you'll visit. It's better to prepare yourself for witnessing both ends, and to appreciate its diversity while respecting its complexities.

22. Indian's Don't Accept Food from Strangers

Whenever we don't finish a meal, or simply want to help out, we share food with people on the streets.

With immense poverty along the streets of India, this was a pretty easy opportunity - or at least that's what we thought.

Luckily our Indian friend shared with us something interesting - and that it that Indian's do not like to accept food from strangers, no matter what their financial situation is, or how good the food looks.

This is so sad to us, but is something cultural we had to accept. Our tip is to limit your waste, and only order food you know you'll finish or save the leftovers for yourself.

23. Expect to See Lots of Stray Pups

The amount of stray puppies on the streets is truly heartbreaking. There is an overpopulation of dogs in India, and unfortunately, unlike other areas where this is common (for example in the Balkans), they are not cared for by the locals.

These pups are so malnourished, and need food, water, and most importantly - love. Please give them whatever you can, and just approach them if they are looking for it.

24. There are a Variety of Other Animals that Roam the Streets Too

Apart from the endless amount of dogs roaming the streets, there are also a lot of other animals you'll see as well!

Monkeys, cows, and even pigs freely roam Indian streets. Be cautious around them, especially monkeys, which can be mischievous, or attack in case they feel threatened.

25. Animals are Not Treated Well in India

Not only are animals on the streets not cared for, but there is a high level of animal cruelty that has been normalized here.

People talk a lot about elephants in Thailand but most people don’t mention there are cities in India that are even worse, where tourists will actually RIDE the elephants! This is so harmful for their backs, so  please please please do not support this type of awful tourism. 

26. Get a Rabies Vaccine Before Visiting India

I am an absolute animal lover, and took a lot of chances to try to give love to the pups on the streets. Out of hundreds of dogs, I had one that I accidentally got too close to while I was casually passing, and got bitten.

Rabies is very common in India, and apparently so is getting bitten (so much so that the hospitals just assume that's what's happened when tourists walk in).

Well, getting a series of 5 rabies shots during your trip is not my definition of fun, and I definitely would have preferred doing so before getting there as a precaution. This is truly one of the top essential things to know before traveling to India that no one tells you about, and we recommend you doing before you travel.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

27. India Has Excellent Health Care

The silver lining to getting bitten by a dog in India was that India's health care is probably one of the best I have received in the world!

The hospitals are large, efficient, and also free. The doctors are kind, knowledgable, and speak English, making unexpected accidents a lot less scary.

28. Stick to Bottled Water

Another one of the essential things to know before traveling to India is that the water is NOT potable. Make sure to stick the bottled water, and try to get larger jugs to keep in your hotel room to be a more eco-friendly traveler.

Also, avoid ice in drinks unless you’re certain it’s made from purified water.

29. Double Check Water Bottles to Make They're Sealed

While drinking bottled water might make you feel safe, we have a certain secret we need to share with you - and it's that not all bottled water is reliable to consume.

As soon as we got to our hotel they handed us bottled water and our friend grabbed it - indignant. She started going from bottle to bottle opening one by one. Then we realized it was because all of these water bottles were already opened, and refilled from a questionable water source.

Always check that the seal is intact before opening a bottle of water, and always be cautious of where you are consuming water from to avoid getting sick.

30. Watch Where Your Eat

As we've already share, one of the most essential things to know before traveling to India is that food and water safety is crucial. 

Make sure to only eat freshly cooked meals from reputable vendors, and avoid uncooked items like salads or unpeeled fruits outside of well-established restaurants.

We'd also recommend to carry medical essentials like pills for nausea or diarrhea just in case. Luckily we didn't get sick once on our 15-day trip, but it's always better to be safe than sorry!

31. Keep Cash on Hand

While digital payments are growing, many smaller shops, street vendors, and rural areas still rely heavily on cash. Even a lot of the top tourist sites still don't accept credit card payments, so make sure to take out money from an ATM upon arrival. 

Carry small denominations of Indian Rupees (INR) for convenience, and don't carry too much cash on you at one time for safety purposes.

32. Bargain at Local Markets

One of the essential things to know before traveling to India is that haggling is common and expected at local markets. 

Never accept the first price given, and start with a counteroffer of about half the quoted price and negotiate from there. Always remain polite and friendly during the process, and have fun. It's part of the culture, and a good way to interact with local sellers.

33. India Has Excellent Fabrics

If you're a fashion lover, then don't miss out on the most beautiful fabrics in the world! With vibrant colors and intricate designs you won't get bored looking for fabrics in India.

They're super affordable, and you can even hire a tailor to make you a custom outfit in as little as a few hours!

34. Get Your Visa in Advance

Most travelers need a visa to enter India. Apply for an e-visa online if you’re eligible, as it’s a convenient and quick option, and just costs $25. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and blank pages for entry stamps.

Nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are able to also get their visa upon arrival, and nationals from Bhutan and Nepal are visa-exempt.

35. Stay Connected with Local SIM Cards

One of our favorite essential things to know before traveling to India is to stay connected! Getting a local SIM card with data is affordable and makes navigation and communication so much easier while in India, especially if you want to use your GPS or apps like Uber. 

Airtel and Jio are popular options with good coverage across most regions, and can be purchased in a store upon arrival.

If you want to save time though, you can also download an eSIM from a provider like Airlo.

36. Prepare for Varied Weather

India’s climate varies greatly by region and season. Pack accordingly, whether it’s lightweight clothes for the summer heat, rain gear for the monsoons, or warm layers for the mountains.

Even in the small area we traveled (the Golden Triangle + Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, & Udaipur) the weather changed drastically! 

Delhi had perfectly pleasant weather, while Jaisalmer was blistering hot in March. Make sure to check the weather in each destination so you can be properly prepared for all types of climates.

37. Carry Toilet Paper and Soap with You

There were so many bathrooms in India that did not have toilet paper or soap, particularly when visiting public areas like bus stations.

Another one of the most essential things to know before traveling to India is that some toilets are drop toilets, so you may need to work on your squatting skills!

We recommend rolling up your pants, and being prepared with tissues and hand sanitizer or soap sheets to stay clean.

38. Stay Alert and Safe

While India is generally safe, petty theft can occur. Keep your belongings secure, avoid isolated areas at night, and be cautious when interacting with strangers. Trust your instincts and seek help if needed.

We'll be writing a whole article on safety in India, as it truly is one of the most essential things to know about before traveling to a new country.

By keeping these essential tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy all the incredible experiences India has to offer. From its bustling cities to serene landscapes, your journey will be a memorable adventure filled with discovery and wonder.

We hope we've been able to help you with these essential things to know before traveling to India. It truly is an amazing country to explore, as long as you prepare properly.

Want to learn more about traveling in India? We have plenty of other India travel guides, as well as more coming up, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date!

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