A TOURIST’S GUIDE TOVISITING INDIA

A TOURIST’S GUIDE TOVISITING INDIA

SO YOU’RE PLANNING THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME…INDIA!Magical, mystical, spiritual and expansive, India can seem a daunting prospect.

With so much to explore and so many different experiences on offer, a bit of clever planning will go a long way in helping you to get the most out of your trip.

Whether you’re backpacking through the Himalayas, taking a tour round the dizzying architecture and bustling cities of Rajasthan, Delhi or Agra, or sauntering the sandy beaches of Goa, Mumbai or Kerala, we’re here to guide you through the treasures and pitfalls of India, one step at a time.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE….To enter India, you need a passport, visa and an onward or return ticket. Make sure your passport is valid and expires at least 6 months after you’re planning to leave India, and get your visa sorted in advance.

Nationals of some countries are granted a 30 day visa on arrival, but you’ll need to register for the scheme in advance and pay a $60 (USD) fee. However, if you’re not from one of the included countries, obtaining a visa can take a bit of time and effort. Find out more at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Whether you’re going off the beaten track or sticking to big cities, there’s a couple of simple items you can bring to make your stay more comfortable. Your own padlock can give you peace of mind if you’re hostelling, or for keeping your backpack secure in over crowded areas.

A high SPF sunscreen is an absolute must, as is insect repellent! Hand sanitiser is a good way of keeping clean when travelling, while ear-plugs, a flight mask and your own sheet will make any long-haul train or bus trips far more comfortable.

WHAT TO TAKE…

LOCAL ETIQUETTEClothing:

No flaunting flesh, especially in rural

areas! And men should avoid

tight-fitting clothes, which is

interpreted as an indication of

poverty. Remember to remove your

shoes when entering someone’s

home, any temples or mosques and

some historical monuments.

Tipping:

A small 5-10% tip at a restaurant is

appropriate for good service.

Drivers and tour guides will also

expect a 10% tip, while a token tip

should be given to porters.

Table Manners:

Cutlery isn’t traditionally used, so

dig in with your fingers! Wash your

hands before and after eating,

obviously, and use your bread

(usually naan or roti) as a scoop.

Greetings:

Namaste means ‘Hello’ in India,

and should be accompanied by

folded hands and a bowed head.

Don’t shake hands unless its

initiated by someone else, and

remember that men and women

do not make physical contact with

each other.

Transport is cheap and frequent, though prone to overcrowding. Trains and buses will take you just about anywhere, though for long-haul journeys an internal flight may be your best option (if cash allows!). Bikes, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are a great (if highly adrenalised) way of nipping in and out of city traffic.

HOW TO TRAVEL

So you’ve packed like a pro, you’ve plotted out your journey and you’re looking for some memorable experiences to get down to in uniquely Indian fashion! Fret no more – here’s our guide to unmissable Indian activities.

UNIQUELY INDIAN EXPERIENCES

It’s hard to picture India without visualising the statuesque white marble structure rising up in front of you.

A haunting monument to lost love, architectural excellence and Indian design, it’s spectacular enough to form the focal point of your trip.

Follow the “golden triangle” tourist route (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) to fit in plenty of stunning historical sites.

WATCH THE SUN SET OVER THE TAJ MAHAL

ELEPHANT RIDING IN RAJASTHANIconically Indian, elephants symbolise mental strength, nature and responsibility here. Take a load off while mastering the earth’s heaviest land mammal – you’re in for a bumpy ride!

Elephant tours are popular in Rajasthan, which is home to some of India’s most stunning architecture – catch an elephant up the mountain to the Amber Palace for an unforgettable day out.

Surely the most relaxing way to see India, a cool cruise down the Ganges from Delhi to Kolkalta will afford you an excellent view of some of India’s most interesting sites – from Hindu cave temples to Buddhist monasteries, not to mention the famous river itself.

Home to the rarest species of crocodiles, the Gharial, and surrounded by mystery and legend, the Ganges is sure to create irreplaceable memories.

CRUISE DOWN THE GANGES