India is one of the most culturally diverse and beautiful countries across the globe. It is home to some of the world’s most magnificent structures, such as the Taj Mahal and the Statue of Unity. With over 22 official languages and the origin of Ayurveda, chess, and yoga, India is most definitely a place to visit for any traveller.
India has a population of over a billion people. This can be the cause of anxiety for anyone who wants to visit. As such, there are plenty of tours of India that tourists can join. To ease some of your burdens, we have created a short guideline highlighting some key tips for first-time visitors. Here is the India Essential Travel Guide.
Adhere to Their Cultural Customs
Typically, the people of India follow a modest culture. Following their dress code will show Indian citizens that you respect and accept their cultural decisions.
This can mean using long sleeve shirts and long pants when touring the country or even knowing to leave your shoes outside when entering an Indian home. Remembering to remove your shoes is particularly important when visiting places of worship such as a temple or mosque.
Stay Hydrated
Generally, India experiences warm to hot temperatures all year round. The average temperature is around 32 degrees Celcius. India has one of the highest populations making most of the cities quite busy. This high volume of people can make certain cities and areas warmer.
As such, when traveling to India, it is important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. One universal rule that all travellers should follow is to only drink bottled water when in a foreign country. This can protect you from an upset stomach and other flu-like symptoms.
The Best Time to Visit India
India is home to several religions and has different cultural practices. This has been the interest of many foreigners who visit the country. To understand the culture of India, the best time to visit is during major festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Ramadhan. The people of India celebrate many festivals throughout the year, and each of these festivals has a deep religious meaning.
A perfect time to visit India is during Diwali (also known as the festival of lights), which is celebrated around October or November. The festival is a four-day celebration and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The story of Diwali centers around the religious texts called the Ramayana, which shows why the festival is celebrated with vigour.
Be Aware of the Public Spaces That You Enter
In India, there are certain public spaces that only women can enter. This can relate to certain forms of public transport, places of worship, and even something as simple as a queue.
As these are places only women can use, it is a sign of disrespect for a man to enter. In extreme cases, men can be issued a fine or arrested if they aren’t careful. Therefore, when visiting India, it is important to be aware of the public spaces that you are entering.
The Key Essentials to Pack
When traveling, one of the first things that you should prepare for is a lot of walking. Therefore, comfortable walking shoes are a must-have when visiting India. In this case, a comfortable and breathable pair of sneakers is essential.
It is important to remember that India is a warm country throughout the year. So, many travellers should pack light when visiting. Items such as thin, light clothing will protect you against the warm temperatures you might experience during the day.
Women should remember to pack a light shawl or scarf. This can be used to cover your hair when entering a temple or a mosque. This ritual is seen as a sign of respect for deities. Therefore, a scarf or any other material is essential.
Required Vaccines
When traveling to any country, it is vital to be vaccinated against certain illnesses. When visiting India, you should get a series of immunizations, including vaccines for diseases such as typhoid, tetanus, and polio. If you are unsure what medication and vaccines you need, it will be best to visit a medical doctor at least a month before your trip.
A Simple Survival Guide When Visiting India
India is a beautiful country and houses some of the most marvellous sites in the world. India should definitely be on the bucket list of any travel guru. However, when visiting India for the first time, there are certain aspects that you should be aware of. This article presents a few key tips that any first-time traveller should be aware of when visiting India.
