India

With it’s beautiful landscapes, multi-lingual population, religions and mannerisms, India can sometimes be quite a culture shock. Nevertheless, that shouldn’t stop you from exploring this culture for yourself. I’ve provided you with the basic “need to know” tips before you visit this colourful country which hopefully helps you on your travels.

Things to do

India is such a big country, it will take more than a few weeks to cover everything to see and do. However, these are a couple of things you might like to tick off your bucket list.

India’s Architecture – The architecture in India is stunning and a must see. Most buildings are made with marble and sandstone such as the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. I would advise, whatever city you venture to, you check out the remarkable constructions and explore your way through the spectacular works of art.

Spirituality – India is a very spiritual place, many travel to India to find inner peace by practising yoga and balancing their chakras. Watching daily ceremonies and visiting the most beautifully structured temples, can transport anyone into their own little world of peace and tranquillity.

Festivals – The three most famous celebrations are; Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights) celebrated every Autumn, symbolising good (light) triumphing over evil (darkness). Holi, “the festival of colour and love” celebrated in Spring, symbolising the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring with all the bright colours. International Kite Festival celebrated mid January every year symbolising the end of Winter and the beginning of the Harvest season called “Makara Sankranti“.
There are so many festivals going on throughout the year. With India being such a vast country, many regions have their own celebrations. For example, Pushkar and their popular camel fair as well as “Onam“, a harvest festival in Kerala where 10 days of fasting takes place.

Camel Safari – Mainly located in the State of Rajasthan, is the unmissable experience of camel riding. Travelling on a camel across the Thar Desert and camping out underneath the admirably undisturbed stars is a memorable experience to take home. Also, is it only me or are camels MASSIVE?!

Famous Foods

People are known for catching what is called “Delhi Belly”. Usually from ingredients that have not been washed properly, or from all the rich sauces and heavy spices.

My advice? Spot the queues, if many locals are queuing for a specific food stand. Mostly likely it will be tasty and safe to eat. Drink bottled water, no ice, stick to peeled fruit and foods that you can see are boiling hot!

Indian Cuisine– Packed full of flavour and aromatic spices, Indian cuisine is definitely a whirlwind for the taste buds! A few must tries include; Bhelpuri, Samosa, Dosa, Roti, Kosha mangsho (mutton curry), biryani and Saag Paneer to name a few! You’ll be surprised at just how different northern Indian cuisine is compare to Southern.

Indian Sweets – These sweets are VERY sweet. Indian’s love the sweet stuff. Most of these sugar explosions are made for special occasions such as Diwali. There’s plenty to try, buy and take home for your family. My favourite? Gulab Jamun…deep fried dough balls drenched in syrup, yum!

Authentic Indian Chai – This national favourite is another sweet treat. Warm, deliciously spiced tea is a must try when in India. Made from, brewing black tea, water with milk and infusing traditional spices such as cardamon pods, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds and ginger.  It’s usually poured from a height to allow the beverage to cool a bit before handing it to you in these cute disposable mud cups!
Also, side note. Chai means “tea” therefore, saying “Chai tea” is like saying “tea tea”.

Currency, Language & Respect

There’s a few things you should know about Indian currency, the language and even body language.

Currency – India’s form of currency is known as “Indian rupee”. Currently, the exchange rate is around 100 rupees to £1. Due to Indian law, you cannot purchase this currency outside of the country. As soon as you land, make sure you get cash from inside the airport.

There are plenty of cash machines around so you’ll always be able to get cash out.

Also, make sure you spend all your rupees while travelling, as you can’t take money out of the country. You can be fined if you do, this is all to stop fraud.

Language – There are about 22 languages spoken in India! With Hindi and English being the most commonly used. It is worth researching how to say the basics such as hello, please and thank you. However, you should be able to get around most places by using English.

Body Language – This unfortunately, is mainly for all the women travelling to India. Many friendly Western actions can class as flirting in India. For example; a simple smile, eye contact or a casual conversation can come across like you’re easy to take advantage of. The key thing to remember is to be confident, or at least act confident. Look as though you know where you’re going and make sure you give a firm no when needed.

Respect – Your clothing for India must be respectful, both men and women must cover themselves. India is a relatively modest culture and usually shoulders, legs and arms are covered up as a sign of respect.

When visiting temples take care to remove your shoes before entering any temples or homes.

You will get stared at. Especially if you are blonde, fair skinned and blue eyed. Don’t take it personally, it’s not rude to stare in India.

In India, the cows are a sacred animal due to Hindu religion. They are allowed to wander aimlessly through the streets of India and are respected. You will also see people move out of the way of cows instead of trying to move a cow. Respect the cow.

Transportation

India’s transportation…it’s one you’ll get used to the longer you’re there. It can be quite chaotic but embrace the chaos! It’s an experience in itself.

Train – The main mode of transportation in India is the train. Some can be rammed full of people, to the point where you have no space from person to person. However, on long distance or overnight journeys rest assured you will have your own space. You can always opt for first class as it’s not that expensive in India and can make your journey that bit more manageable.

Auto Rickshaw – These tuk tuks are the best when the traffic is very busy. It’s an easy way to nip in and out of traffic. Sometimes, you can get scammed so be aware that some drivers may tell you that the destination you are heading to does not exist or is closed. This is a way to get you to head to a similar destination where the driver is paid for bringing tourists to someone’s shop or hotel.

Uber: If in doubt, go with uber. It can be safer and you’ll know you won’t get scammed.

Medical & Extras

Injections – As always, check with your doctor. Make an appointment, bring information about what cities you will be travelling to in India. They will be able to advise what injections you should have before travelling to this country. Recommendations might include, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Japanese Encephalitis, Cholera (which is usually in a form of a drink) and Rabies.

First Aid Kit – Always pack a first aid kit for travelling. Probiotic tablets should help keep your gut happy and healthy, start taking them a week before you fly and daily while on your travels. Imodium may be needed, pain killers and re-hydration sachets should be packed. Specifically on this trip, pack multiple anti-bacterial hand gel. It’ll be your new best friend.

Sun-cream & After-sun– This is obvious. However, some people do need the absolute basics written down in black and white! Make sure you find creams with bug repellent, its a great multi-purpose hack.

Bug Spray– These aren’t your typical European bugs. Pack heavy duty bug spray with a 50+ DEET level, you’ll need it. Also, a great tip you might not know about is trusty Q10 vitamins. Take them a week before you fly and then daily while on your travels. When it’s in your system, it will send off a scent that repels those pesky bugs!

Bathroom – Hotels usually provide a typical western toilet. However, public toilets will be traditional. Traditional Indian toilets are flush to the floor with a hole in the floor and two footholds…it’s and experience in itself.

Travel Insurance – Better to have it and not need it, than not have it and unfortunately end up needing it.

Visa & Passport – You will need a visa to enter India, there are different types of application. Depending on how long you’re staying and the purpose of your visit. So fill out your required form on their website and wait for their stamp of approval! I must say it’s not the best translation but just take your time, concentrate throughout and you should be fine. Make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months.

Electricity– Make sure to bring your travel adapter, best ones would include multi pin functionality with multi USB ports! In India the pin is like the Euro plug with two round pins however, some may have three round pins. Usually a voltage capacity of 230V.

Internet – You’ll be quite surprised to know that India has lots of free WiFi spots. Most cafes, restaurants and hotels will provide this.