India For First-Time Visitors
Dear Traveler,
Brief History
India's history dates back to the third millennium BC when flourishing Indus civilization together with Mesopotamia, Pharaonic Egypt and Yellow River Valley formed the Four Cradles of the Ancient Civilization. The fertile plains of Indus Valley were home to thriving major urban centers like Harappa and Mohenjo Daro that left their mark in history. It is believed, that sometimes during the Bronze Age Hinduism came into existence and dominated the religious life of the populous until the 6th Century BC when the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama branched off from the mainstream and gave birth to Buddhism. The Great Empires of Ancient India (such as Maurya, Gupta) bloomed until the 8th Century AD when series of Muslim invasions weakened and led to the decline of the region. A new page in Indian history was written with the arrival of the Moghuls and the founding of the Moghul Empire in the 16th Century AD. In the span of three Centuries, Moghuls established multiple capitals in India, Pakistan, and Afganistan, including New Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Kabul to name a few, and left a remarkable cultural and architectural legacy that can be seen today in their well-preserved palaces, tombs, and forts.
Traveling to India feels like traveling back in time- Mystic religious practices are still performed in Ancient Hindu and Buddhist Temples, Mughul Forts, and Palace complexes continue to amaze visitors with their beautiful structures, laborious ancient arts and craft works passed through centuries are still practiced within communities and on display in local workshops.
The locals love to pose for pics
Religion
Today Hinduism is the predominant religion in India, with 80% of the population identifying themselves as Hindus. The rest of the country adheres to other religions (Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Jainism)
Visa
To enter India, you need a valid passport, return ticket and, if your visit purpose is to travel for a period less than 30 days Indian Visa prior to arrival (Electronic Travel Authorisation ETA)
Arrive in India with Preplanned Program
Today Hinduism is the predominant religion in India, with 80% of the population identifying themselves as Hindus. The rest of the country adheres to other religions (Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Jainism)
Visa
To enter India, you need a valid passport, return ticket and, if your visit purpose is to travel for a period less than 30 days Indian Visa prior to arrival (Electronic Travel Authorisation ETA)
Arrive in India with Preplanned Program
Whether you decide to travel with a partner or in a group, it is imperative to plan your entire stay in India a few months in advance with a travel advisor specializing in cultural immersive travel. This will secure your airport transfers, preferred hotels, arrange your local guides and save your time at the destination.
Considered holy, cows freely roam the city streets
Getting Around
Traveling with an organized small group or with a private guide/driver is highly recommended. Why? You will rarely see Western Tourists walking on the streets! The major Indian cities are densely populated and chaotic, the traffic is bad and driving rules/signs virtually non-existent. To make the driving experience worst, domesticated animals such as cows, dogs, goats are let to wander free on the streets and even the highways. Fortunately, important highways connecting driving distance cities in the Golden Triangle( such as New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra) are modern, fast, and efficient. As an alternative, the Indian Railway system is cheap and trains, mainly preferred by the locals connect the entire country. When embarking on a train journey, one must be prepared for frequent delays and confined compartments.
Travel Tip: If you do like to experience how the locals get around the city, hop on a rickshaw ride!
Where to Stay
For the sake of comfort and hygienic purposes, staying at 4 or 5-star hotels is vital. In reality, due to local customs and traditions, you cannot simply get out of the hotel and walk to a store/supermarket/restaurant. A nicer hotel will provide you with a complimentary supply of bottled water ( The tap water in India is not drinkable), a clean room, Western Breakfast & various amenities. The majority of these properties are located in close proximity to historical points of interest.
Travel Tip: If within your budget, staying at a Heritage Hotel displaying Indian History will completely transform your experience. Today, many former maharaja palaces are converted into luxury hotels.
Where to Eat
Eating at random street stands and restaurants is not advisable. India is a third-world country and the locals have poor hygiene in preparing street food. Unless your body is used to the local bacteria you risk getting sick. However, buying peeled fruits from street vendors is safe and you can enjoy tasty organic apples, bananas, or coconuts.
Travel Tip: Unless your guide takes you to a trusted local restaurant that is known for its good hygiene, you will have no other choice than to take all of your meals in the hotel and unfortunately to pay Western prices. On the positive side, a reputable hotel will serve a variety of Indian and Western dishes.
Travel Tip: Consult with your doctor for preventive medicines/vaccines you might need to get.
For the sake of comfort and hygienic purposes, staying at 4 or 5-star hotels is vital. In reality, due to local customs and traditions, you cannot simply get out of the hotel and walk to a store/supermarket/restaurant. A nicer hotel will provide you with a complimentary supply of bottled water ( The tap water in India is not drinkable), a clean room, Western Breakfast & various amenities. The majority of these properties are located in close proximity to historical points of interest.
Travel Tip: If within your budget, staying at a Heritage Hotel displaying Indian History will completely transform your experience. Today, many former maharaja palaces are converted into luxury hotels.
Where to Eat
Eating at random street stands and restaurants is not advisable. India is a third-world country and the locals have poor hygiene in preparing street food. Unless your body is used to the local bacteria you risk getting sick. However, buying peeled fruits from street vendors is safe and you can enjoy tasty organic apples, bananas, or coconuts.
Travel Tip: Unless your guide takes you to a trusted local restaurant that is known for its good hygiene, you will have no other choice than to take all of your meals in the hotel and unfortunately to pay Western prices. On the positive side, a reputable hotel will serve a variety of Indian and Western dishes.
Travel Tip: Consult with your doctor for preventive medicines/vaccines you might need to get.
What to Buy
Support the local economy by purchasing locally made fabrics (such as silk, cotton), gemstone jewelry, marble & house goods. Every city specializes in a particular art & craft. Your local guide will take you to cooperative workshops, where you can see the art of handmade goods in action, passed through generations, and have an opportunity to purchase. New Delhi is famous for its Pashmina Shawls, Arga for its marble and leather goods ( local workshops employ the same inlaid marble technic used in the building of Thaj Mahal), Jaipur is a world center of gemstone jewelry, Varanasi famous for its silk. These workshops are supported by the Indian Government and often an entire village is involved in the production and makes its living. The laborious, long and handcrafted process dictates almost Western prices, but you are buying with the peace of mind that you have helped to feed a local family and the uniqueness and quality are assured. Buying souvenirs or clothes from street vendors will be cheaper, however, a majority of the goods are Chinese manufactured and of low quality.
Cash & Tipping
If most of your trip is prepaid ahead of time, you don't need to carry a lot of cash with you. Established and brand name hotels, restaurants, and stores accept credit cards. You will mainly need small Indian Rupees bills (INR) to purchase offerings for the temples you visit, for restrooms (20 INR) and to tip pretty much everybody that provides a service for you(guides, drivers (on your discretion), hotel/ restaurant staff, room cleaners, bellboys 100-200 INR)
How to Dress
Dress modestly. Avoid wearing tidy shorts, short skirts, or tank tops. Adopt loose cotton pants, long light dresses, and a shawl to cover up your shoulders.
Travel Tip: Most of the temples require taking off your shoes. If you don't feel comfortable doing so, bring a pair of socks with you.
Ready to start planning your journey to India?
Support the local economy by purchasing locally made fabrics (such as silk, cotton), gemstone jewelry, marble & house goods. Every city specializes in a particular art & craft. Your local guide will take you to cooperative workshops, where you can see the art of handmade goods in action, passed through generations, and have an opportunity to purchase. New Delhi is famous for its Pashmina Shawls, Arga for its marble and leather goods ( local workshops employ the same inlaid marble technic used in the building of Thaj Mahal), Jaipur is a world center of gemstone jewelry, Varanasi famous for its silk. These workshops are supported by the Indian Government and often an entire village is involved in the production and makes its living. The laborious, long and handcrafted process dictates almost Western prices, but you are buying with the peace of mind that you have helped to feed a local family and the uniqueness and quality are assured. Buying souvenirs or clothes from street vendors will be cheaper, however, a majority of the goods are Chinese manufactured and of low quality.
Cash & Tipping
If most of your trip is prepaid ahead of time, you don't need to carry a lot of cash with you. Established and brand name hotels, restaurants, and stores accept credit cards. You will mainly need small Indian Rupees bills (INR) to purchase offerings for the temples you visit, for restrooms (20 INR) and to tip pretty much everybody that provides a service for you(guides, drivers (on your discretion), hotel/ restaurant staff, room cleaners, bellboys 100-200 INR)
How to Dress
Dress modestly. Avoid wearing tidy shorts, short skirts, or tank tops. Adopt loose cotton pants, long light dresses, and a shawl to cover up your shoulders.
Travel Tip: Most of the temples require taking off your shoes. If you don't feel comfortable doing so, bring a pair of socks with you.
Ready to start planning your journey to India?
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