Travelling to India can be a culture shock, especially on a first visit. It is a huge country with many religions and cultures, and its cities are busy day and night. These essentials will help you enjoy your trip.
Carry your essentials, but keep the bag light.
Summer
Wear cotton clothes. Synthetic fabric traps heat. Carry sunglasses and sunscreen lotion.
Winter
Pack sweaters and light jackets.
Monsoon
Carry a raincoat and an umbrella.
Always carry
Sewing kit, pocket knife, torch, spare batteries, neck pillow, eye patches and a good first aid kit.
Budget hotels
Avoid delicate fabrics if you are staying in a budget-class hotel.
Keep documents and cash close to your body.
Keep valuables hidden
Carry your passport, traveller's cheques, cash and cards in an inner shirt or jeans pocket, or a hidden money belt against your skin.
Avoid shoulder bags
Someone can slip things out of a zippered bag hung over your shoulder without you noticing.
Skip waist packs
Fanny packs and waist bags signal “money” to pickpockets and make you an easy target.
Watch crowded places
Stay alert at airports, railway stations, markets and tourist spots.
Confirm the price before you go.
Local transport
You can travel by cycle rickshaw, tonga, bus, train, car or plane. Always agree the fare first, or ask to see the fare conversion tariff card.
Book early
Book domestic tickets and hotel rooms well in advance. Peak season gets very busy.
Book through approved agents only. Never buy rail or air tickets or hotel rooms from touts. They may cheat you.
English is widely understood in cities and towns, but most of India speaks local languages. Learn these before you travel.
- Hello / Hi
- Namaste
- Bye / See you
- Tata
- Thank you
- Dhanyavaad
- My name is Peter
- Mera naam Peter hai
- Yes
- Haan
- No
- Nahin
- Ok
- Accha
- Please help me
- Meri madad karo
- Where can I get...?
- Kahan milega...?
- Where is the washroom?
- Washroom kahan hai?
- How much do I have to pay?
- Kitna paisa hua?
- Water
- Paani
- Tea
- Chai
- Fruit
- Phal
- Vegetable
- Sabzi
- Medicine
- Dawai
- Day
- Din
- Night
- Raat
Religion is a sensitive topic for most Indians. Be calm, friendly and respectful in any holy place.
Do
- Remove shoes, sandals and slippers before entering. A cloth overshoe may be provided.
- Wash your hands and feet if you like. It is not compulsory, but it shows reverence.
- Dress modestly. A sari, salwar suit, or a loose blouse with a long skirt works well.
- Cover your head before entering a Sikh gurudwara or a mosque.
- Sit cross-legged or tuck your feet away in a Hindu or Sikh temple.
Don’t
- Bring alcohol inside a temple.
- Wear or carry leather such as shoes, belts, handbags or camera cases. Most Hindus and Jains are vegetarian, and leather is prohibited.
- Point your feet or back towards the holy book, idol or altar.
A few precautions will keep you from a running nose, an upset stomach or a dizzy spell.
Medicines
Carry a first aid kit with all your regular medicines, and take multivitamins.
Vaccinations and mosquitoes
Get the recommended travel vaccinations. Carry mosquito repellent, nets and sprays against malaria and dengue, and cover your body if the heat allows.
Food
Avoid raw salads and fried street food, and avoid pork. Choose a clean restaurant you can trust and eat balanced meals.
Water
Drink only water from a reliably clean source. If unsure, ask for a known brand of mineral water. Carry a bottle to prevent dehydration.