First Timer’s Guide to India: A Complete 2025 Travel Guide

Welcome to our first-timer's guide to India! Planning a trip to this vibrant and chaotic country can certainly be stressful, but we're here to help!

India is a country of great contrasts - it has stunning architecture, rich culture, and delicious food. it also has a ton of noise, crowds, and strict rules you'll need to know, which are all essential things to keep in mind when organizing your travels.

In our first-timer's guide to India we are going to share everything you need to know for visiting India from the best places to visit and how to get around, to essential safety and travel tips.

First Timer's Guide to India: a Brief Intro

So are you ready to dive into our first-timer's guide to India? Well, first - let's go over some of the basics that you should know about visiting.

🤔 What Do I Need to Know About Traveling in India?

There is so much to know about traveling to India! Here are a few things that surprised us while visiting:

• India is incredibly diverse, and much bigger than you may think!
• The main religion is Hindu, but you can also find Islamic, and even Christians and Buddhists in some areas.
• There are high contrasts in India - the rich are super rich and the poor are super poor. It certainly gave us a lot of culture shock while in India.
• There are a lot of animals on the streets.
• The public transportation is excellent and there's no need for a car.

These are just a few of the top things you should know, but we have so many more to share! Don't miss out on our guide about essential things to know before traveling to India.

📍 Where is India?

India is located on the continent of Asia, and is perfectly situated between the Middle East and Eastern Asia, making it easily accessible from a variety of countries throughout the world. The country is also situated completely in the northern hemisphere, and is all in one time zone. 

First Timer's Guide to India: Entry Requirements

Now that you know how to get to India, let's dive into the next part of our first timer's guide to India - what documents you need to travel to India.

🛂 What Do I Need to Enter India?

Visitors are required to obtain a visa in order to visit India. You can purchase your visa online though for just $25. 

Citizens from Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are able to get their visa upon arrival, and those from Bhutan and Nepal are visa-exempt.

🇺🇸 Can US Citizens Travel to India Without a Visa?

US citizens do need a visa to visit India, and it can be purchased online for $25.

Most hotels ask for your visa, so you'll want to have it handy when you're arriving to a new city just in case. 

Another thing to note is that you might need to have your marriage certificate on you if you'd like to sleep in the same room at some of the hotels in more religious cities (for example we needed one in Jodhpur). Just check on the fine print before booking.

💉 What Vaccinations Do I Need for India?

Those coming from a country where yellow fever is prevalent will need to bring proof of a yellow fever vaccine before arriving to India.

The African countries that need a yellow fever vaccine to visit India include Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Cote d’ Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritiana, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.

The Central & South America coutnries who need a yellow fever vaccine for India include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad (Trinidad only), Venezuela, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru.

🐶 Other Vaccine Requirements in India

While there are no other mandatory vaccines for entering India outside of the Yellow Fever Vaccine, we highly reccomend getting a rabies vaccine since there are a lot of roaming animals on the streets, and it is common for tourists to get bitten.

I personally got bitten by a dog and had to go to the hospital to get a series of rabies shots after. It's also helpful to have travel insurance in case anything unforeseen happens during your trip.

There are a lot of animals roaming around in India - make sure to get a rabies vaccine just in case!

First Timer's Guide to India: The Best Places to Visit in India

Now that you know all of the basics of our first-timer's guide to India, let's dive into the fun stuff! Here are some of the best places to visit in India for your first trip there.

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

The Golden Triangle

Not first-timer's guide to India would be complete without the Golden Triangle! This is one of India’s most famous travel routes, connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

We personally think it's the perfect place to start if it's your first time in India, as it offers a mix of history, culture, and architecture. It features iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and India Gate, and has vibrant bazaars, luxury hotels, and stunning temples to explore.

Varanasi

One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi is the spiritual heart of India, and is a great addition to the Golden Triangle. 

Pilgrims and tourists gather at its sacred ghats along the Ganges River, where mesmerizing aartis (prayer ceremonies) are performed every evening. The city is also known for its ancient temples, silk weaving, and deep philosophical traditions, making it one of the best places to visit in India for first-timer's.

Mumbai

As India’s financial capital, Mumbai is one of the top places to visit for a first-time visitor to India. Home to Bollywood, high-rise buildings, and colonial-era architecture, it offers diverse experiences - from street food in Chowpatty to luxury shopping in Colaba. 

The iconic Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Elephanta Caves make it a must-visit destination, and being one of the easiest cities to fly to, Mumbai is a great option for your India trip.

Kerala

Often called "God’s Own Country," this part of India is a tropical paradise of the south that is known for its tranquil backwaters and lush green landscapes. 

One of the coolest parts of Kerala is that you can cruise on houseboats through the picturesque Alleppey backwaters. Explore the tea plantations of Munnar and enjoy traditional Ayurvedic treatments. The state is also famous for its rich cultural heritage, including classical dance forms like Kathakali.

Goa

This is truly an incredible place to visit in India, and is unique due to its blend of both Indian and Portuguese influences.

Goa is India's ultimate beach destination, known for its golden sands, lively nightlife, and Portuguese-influenced architecture.

Whether you want relaxation at secluded beaches, thrilling water sports, or vibrant beach parties, Goa offers something for every traveler.

Chennai

Welcome to the cultural capital of South India! Chennai is a city rich in history, arts, and traditions. It is home to the longest urban beach in India, Marina Beach, as well as magnificent temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple. 

The city is also a hub for classical music and dance, with its annual December Music Festival attracting artists from all over the world. While it's not such a traditional trip for a first-timer's trip to India, it's definitely one for the bucket list!

West Bengal

West Bengal is the state our good friend lives in, and is on the top of our bucket list for our second time in India!

Located in the north east corner of the country, the area is known for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness. Kolkata, its capital, is famous for its colonial-era buildings, literary heritage, and delicious sweets.

Whether you're experiencing the rolling tea gardens of Darjeeling, the serene Sundarbans mangroves, or the vibrant festivals like Durga Puja, you'll definitely fall in love with this area of India - we have just by seeing pictures and hearing the stories!

The Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands are a tropical paradise in the Bay of Bengal, with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

10 years ago I saw a post on Instagram about a swimming elephant in the Andaman Islands, and since then, it's been extremely high on my bucket list. The elephant has passed and there are no longer swimming elephants, but the incredible pictures I've seen online keep me yearning to check this stunning area of India off my bucket list.

With stunning coral reefs, rich marine biodiversity, and adventure activities like scuba diving and snorkeling, it’s a haven for nature lovers, and a true hidden gem. 

First-Timer's Guide to India: Food & Drink

We're going to be honest - we were terrified to travel to India from all of the horror stories of people getting sick. But we're hoping our first-timer's guide to India will help ease your concerns.

We were under the impression that India was all unhygienic street food and curry. This is not the case at all though! India has such a wide variety of cuisines, even within the country! The typical food we know to be Indian in the western world is usually from just one region of India, and the rest of the country has different flavors. We particularly loved the north-eastern cuisine the most.

Big cities also feature cuisines from around the world, and if you're a vegetarian then you're in for a real treat. India caters to plant-based diets, making it really easy to travel around with dietary restrictions.

Here are some foods/drinks you have to try while in India:

• Masala Chai: a flavorful local tea with spices that is sold all over the streets
• Momos: dumplings from the north east 
• Samosas: fried street snacks typically filled with potatoes or veggies
• Thali: a super affordable tray of food with different small dishes (try this in Udaipur!
• Gatta Curry: chickpea flour dumplings in a curd based sauce
• Curry Pakora: deep fried fritters in a spicy yogurt-based sauce
• Kachori: a spicy stuffed pastry that is deep fried
• Naan: incredible baked bread - definitely try some garlic naan when you can!

First-Timer's Guide to India: Other Things to Know About Visiting

Now you know almost all the basics for visiting India! We have one final part to our first-timer's guide to India though - sharing some other helpful information for you.

☀️ Weather in India

India experiences a variety of weather due to its size and variety in landscapes. In south India it is hot year-round, while the north of India does experience cold temperatures in the winter, especially the mountainous areas in the north east. 

We visited the north of India in March, and it was already really hot in most cities. May- September are the hottest and most humid months, experiencing extreme heat and heavy rains. October and April are hot, and November-February the temperatures are much more mild, and the weather is dry.

📆 What is the Best Month to Go to India?

The best month to go to India definitely depends on what area of the country you are trying to experience. However, overall we think the months of October-March are the best for milder temperatures.

March is particularly incredible as you can experience the iconic Holi Festival, or November to enjoy the celebrations of Diwali.

🧳 What to Pack for an Indian Trip

• Comfortable sandals for walking around
• Bag/ Backpack that zips (check out our list of favorite backpacks for travelers!)
• Sunscreen 
• Hat to protect yourself from the sun
• Chapstick
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Telephoto lens for epic capturing details of the architecture (we use the Sony GM F2.8 70-200mm)
• Wide Lens for inside the hotels and temples (we use Sony GM 14mm 1.8)
• Drone for beautiful shots of the cities from above and the nature (We use the DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro)
• Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because you can use it with an extra long selfie stick to mimic a drone)
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
• Cash for the tickets and street vendors
• Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml) 

🤔 Is India Worth Visiting?

India can really be an overwhelming country to visit, and certainly is not for everyone. We absolutely loved India though! It's a country full of gorgeous architecture, delicious food, and vibrant celebrations. It's all about planning out your trip properly, which is why we've created so many extensive guides about visiting.

⏳ How Many Days Do You Need to See India?

We severely underestimated just how big India is! You can easily spend months upon months in India, but we'd definitely recommend minimum 7-10 days per area. For a first timer's visit to India we'd suggest doing 10-14 days experiencing the Golden Triangle, and some of the surrounding destinations.

So are you ready for an incredible trip to India? We hope our first timer's guide to India has helped you get started on planning and prepare you for a unique travel experience. If you still have any questions though, simply drop them down below in the comments!

Want to learn more in detail about incredible places and things to do in India? We have a lot of other India travel guides, as well as some more coming up, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date! (We also provide exclusive content for only our email list!).

Ready to start booking your trip to India? We're here to help! Now Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services, helping you travel with ease while we take care of the details. Not only that, but we're creating a really awesome group trip to India soon! Email us so you can join the wait list.

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