how to travel india for free

201 India Travel Tips: The FREE Beginners Guide (2024)

How to Survive Travel to India as a Beginner, What to Eat & Drink, Women-Specific Tips, Scams to Avoid & Everything Else You Need to Know

We’re Asher & Lyric.

We’ve traveled to India over 10 times during the past 10 years (that’s us pictured). It’s one of our favorite places on Earth – we absolutely love it!

Here’s the deal :

Tips for eating in India to avoid sickness:

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for eating Indian food safely.

1) Only eat freshly cooked food. This is the best way to avoid getting sick due to bacteria or a parasite. Cooking kills everything.

2) Don’t eat salads, juices or anything raw. Uncooked food will inevitably be washed with contaminated water which will make you go running for the toilet. If you’re a raw foodist, I recommend you change your diet while in India.

3) Eat exclusively from respectable restaurants that are busy. Also try the 4 and 5 star hotels if you want to be certain of amazingly delicious, safe food.

5) Probiotics and charcoal are amazing. Probiotics boost the good bacteria in your stomach, improve digestion and increase natural immunity. They are a must before traveling to India and especially during your travels. Charcoal tablets on the other hand are an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and preventing dysentery. It quickly absorbs the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem. As always, be sure to get advice form your doctor.

6) Avoid too much spicy food, especially chilli’s. Some spices are good but in my experience chilli’s act as a laxative which is probably something you don’t want.

7) Consider becoming a vegetarian while you’re there. India has the lowest meat consumption rates in the world (see graph below). The meat I’ve seen looks very unsafe, often hanging in the warm, open air with flies buzzing around. In fact, due to Hindu religious reasons, the state of Maharashtra has banned beef altogether. If you can, I recommend being a vegetarian while in India to reduce the chances of getting serious food poisoning.

8) Don’t overeat. It will weaken your digestion and immunity which makes you an easy target for bacteria. To help with my digestion and overall health I also take Organic Amla Berry tablets and another immunity boosting, ayurvedic herb called Bio-Immune .

10) Local’s restaurants offer all-you-can-eat meals for $1! Be wary of hygiene and only go to the best, busy restaurants you can find. Get advice from the locals.

11) Family home dining is a pleasure but take precautions. I’ve had the best food of my life at peoples homes. Again, it is important to be cautious and don’t drink tap water, only have cooked food. Also don’t eat too fast because they will keep piling the food on your plate and expect you to eat it and even force-feed you if you’re not careful! 🙂

– Doug Rexford , India travel expert & Himalayan monk with the Maharishi Purusha Program .

Read my full article for more details: 9 Tips for Eating in India as a Tourist Who Avoids Getting Sick Back to top

How to deal with water while traveling in India

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for drinking water in India.

13) Only drink bottled water. All the tap water in India is contaminated with pollutants and amoebas. By only drinking good bottled mineral water you will help avoid getting sick. The only brands I recommend are Bisleri, Kinley & Aquafina. Other brands are not trustworthy .

14) Stay well hydrated. India is typically hot and dry. Drink at least 2 liters (1/2 gallon) per day to stay healthy and strong.

15) If you’re trekking, bring a water filter. In rare cases where bottled water isn’t available such as while trekking, you’ll need a Katadyn Pocket Water Filter or at least a LifeStraw so that you can get safe water from flowing rivers. Boil it as well if possible and you can also use Iodine tablets to be extra safe.

17) Chai is great in the early morning. Chai is good for digestion because it has ginger and cardamom added. It should be safe to drink as long as you see them boiling it and you’re certain the cup is clean. Price should be no more than 10 rupees.

18) Coca-Cola can be a godsend. There’s a popular folklore that Coke kills bacteria and aids a disturbed stomach. This may or may not be true but it sure is nice to have a cold Coke on a hot afternoon in India!

19) Electrolytes are a must. If you get dysentery, electrolytes are a must for staying hydrated. I recommend bringing one box from home because otherwise they can be low quality and taste a bit nasty if bought in India.

20) Avoid ice in drinks. Since the ice is most likely created from a poor quality water source I advise you to not have any drinks with ice in it. If the drink such as Coke has been chilled in the fridge, that is of course fine.

22) Shower with care. Don’t open your mouth or eyes in the shower to help avoid the water getting in any unwanted orifice.

23) Bathe in holy rivers at your own risk. Taking a dip in the Ganges can be a magical experience but again, close your eyes and mouth and block your nose and ears to avoid getting too much water in the wrong hole.

– Matt Pelletier , travel blogger at Traveling Monkeys .

Read my full article for more details: 9 Tips for Safe Drinking Water in India – A Tourists Perspective Back to top

How to NOT get scammed or ripped off in India

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for avoiding scams in India.

25) Know that a “gift” can quickly turn into a sale. No matter what the “gift” is, be sure it is actually a gift before accepting it. Otherwise you can be quickly hit with a bill.

26) All shop keepers will try to rip you off. A simple way to minimize this is to only go to “fixed rate” shops, bring a local with you or you’ll need to quickly learn how to bargain like an Indian .

27) Don’t give money to beggars. This can attract an army of beggars after you and helps sustain their often drug-driven “profession”.

29) Learn to avoid fake “information offices”. The way to know is that everything looks dodgy, there are no computers (or not many), no proper desks and they tell you that all trains or hotels are fully booked out due to some “event”. This can be a front for the mafia so be careful and make sure it’s legit before following directions from them.

30) Children may want pens and beggars want milk. In both cases, they often have an arrangement with a shop to return the item for cash after you leave!

31) Trinket and gemstone scams. At any tourist location there are likely to be people touting trinkets and sometimes gemstones for sale. Unless you’re buying something as a souvenir don’t entertain their hype and always bargain them way down. The “gemstones” won’t have real value and can be a popular scam for unsuspecting tourists.

32) Watch out for people tampering with food or drink. Always check beverage bottle caps to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with and don’t accept food from strangers.

33) Be careful when exchanging money. ATM’s are the safest way to get cash because the machine won’t scam you. 🙂

35) Keep away from the mafia. If something is fishy then it probably is a scam or trap (sometimes organized by the mafia). Do your research and have your wits about you especially around train stations, popular tourist attractions (e.g Taj Mahal) and cheap hotels.

Also please note: I recently wrote an article explaining the 9 key reasons why you need to have good travel insurance for India .

36) Get experience with true local pricing. To do this, you’ll need to know what the locals would pay for the same product or service and then you’ll know how low the shop keeper, driver or hotel etc is willing to go. An Indian friend (or stranger) or guide can help you with this.

37) SIM cards for your cell phone might not work. It can be surprisingly difficult to get a SIM card in India and usually involves quite a lot of paper work. If you don’t fill out the paperwork correctly there is a good chance that you got scammed with a defunct or used SIM card. To avoid this, I recommend getting your SIM from an official office of the carrier such as Airtel or Idea.

38) Do your research before arriving at a particular place. Look up your destination on the Internet, study maps, get advice from other travelers and read the latest Lonely Planet guide book. This will help you get insider knowledge before you arrive, making you more prepared to deal with the possible onslaught of scams that await you.

Read my full article for more details: Biggest scams in India to watch out for

Also check out my article on doing business in India Back to top

A sample packing list for India travel

See our full India packing list for more tips on what to bring and what to wear when going on a trip to India.

1. Neck Wallet

I keep my money and credit cards in this pouch under my shirt so that I don’t have to have a wallet in my pocket. I have had beggars put their hand in my pocket and have found this small concealed passport pouch invaluable.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Charcoal tablets

They’re an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and preventing dysentery (Delhi Belly). It quickly absorbs the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem and keeps you strong. As always, be sure to get advice from your doctor.

3. Female Urination Device

Okay, don’t get weirded out by this one. India is a place with limited toilets and when you do find a toilet they are often absolutely disgusting. For guys this is not a problem because we can stand at the side of the road to pee but for women that’s not possible. This little device enables women to stand and pee with no mess and no embarrassment. My wife uses it and says it’s great.

4. Probiotics

They boost the good bacteria in your stomach, improve digestion and increase natural immunity. They are a must before traveling to India, especially during your travels and afterwards when you get home. They’re also generally good for all round digestive health, even when you’re not planning a trip to India.

5. India power adapter

After trying countless different brands, I decided to take matters into my own hands. My company, Hero Travel Supply, sources and sells these quality power adapters that are individually tested in the USA. Every order also comes with a corresponding free ebook which teaches you how to avoid frying your electronics in India. I wrote this comprehensive guide based on years of experience in dealing with the unpredictable, often surging power supply in India which can ruin your devices (I know because my $2000 Macbook got fried)!

6. Electrolytes

Electrolytes save lives on a daily basis. When someone has dysentery they get very dehydrated and these will save you. Even if you don’t get sick it is important to stay well hydrated in the hot, dry weather of India and these satchels can easily be added to your bottled water for an extra boost of hydration.

7. First aid kit

It’s inevitable that you’ll get a cut or scrape or some little thing that would need a first aid kit. The item I use most are band aids to help prevent infection in a wound.

8. Lifestraw

I generally only drink bottled water while traveling in India but occasionally it’s not available. In that case I bust out my LifeStraw filter which removes all bacteria, amoebas and other pollutants in the water. It’s only $20 and it doesn’t weigh much so it’s totally worth having for emergencies.

9. Travel Insurance

In India, you need to expect the unexpected. Having a travel insurance plan gives me the peace of mind to go on the adventure while knowing I have support if I get into an emergency or have all my belongings stolen! (This, unfortunately happened to a close friend. He had no insurance and so had to replace his belongings out of pocket). We recommend using TravelInsurance.com because you can compare policies from top companies and find the best option for you and your travel plans.

Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

10. Lonely Planet guide book

I highly recommend getting the latest India guide book before you go because it’s like a bible that gives all the insider tips of the most popular (and not so popular) locations around India.

11. FREE Step-By-Step Guide to India Travel

I have written a 39 page ebook with all my best tips for India Travel which you can download for free. I was compelled to write this ebook to help people learn how to survive, thrive and have a more enjoyable trip to India.

Check out my other packing lists!

– Anjuli Ayer , travel blogger at Traveling Monkeys .

Etiquette at Hindu temples

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for visiting Hindu temples.

40) Bring temple “offerings”. Whenever you go to a Hindu temple, be sure to get some flowers before entering. You can then offer these at the main statue as a sign of respect or in prayer.

41) Always remove your shoes at the entrance. The safest place to leave them is at the shop where you buy flowers because they have a vested interest in making sure no one steals them. Otherwise there is always an off chance someone will fancy your shoes or sandals, especially if they look nice or expensive.

42) Wear ear plugs. The temples in India can be extremely chaotic and noisy with bells, people yelling, babies screaming and guards pushing you through the lines. Wearing ear plugs helps dampen the sound and make it easier for you to enjoy the inner spiritual power that seems to pervade all temples in India.

44) Be inward and don’t get overwhelmed by the chaos. As I’ve mentioned, I recommend to be as inward as possible when visiting temples. Just be simple and quiet within yourself and you’ll have the best possible experience.

45) Get “special darshan” arranged at the temple office. Darshan means “receiving blessings from the divine”. Often the lines are so long at temples that you can be standing in the hot sun for hours before seeing the statue and then you’re quickly pushed out. If you go to the temple office and pay for “VIP” entry then you can skip the line and spend more time in front of the statue. It’s well worth it and won’t cost more than a few $5 to $10.

46) Have small change ready for donations. Many people will want your money at temples and it can be a bit overwhelming. If you feel to give something then have a wad of 10 rupee notes ready so that you don’t hurt your budget too quickly. 🙂

48) Stay at a hotel near the temple if you’re digging the vibes. I find that a hotel right outside the temple can be amazing because you’ll be in that “spiritual aura” 24/7 while you’re there and so the experience will be deeper and more long lasting. It also means you may be able to leave your valuables and shoes etc in your room which can be very convenient.

– Lyric Fergusson , singer-songwriter & author of French Kissing God .

Read my full article for more details: 11 Tips For Enjoying The Indian Temples Back to top  

How To Navigate Indian Airports

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for arriving at the airport and getting to you hotel safely.

50) Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Things can often change at the last minute such as sudden traffic delays. Therefore, leave early and make sure you get multiple opinions of how long it takes to get to the airport.

52) Security screen your bags before going up to the check-in desk. If you don’t do this, you’ll be sent back and delay getting through security. Be sure to line up at the correct screening machine for your airline.

53) Make sure your bags don’t weigh too much! Domestic Indian flights have weight limits of 15kgs for checked bags and 7kgs for carry-on bags. All bags are strictly weighed and excess baggage fees are around $5 (300rs) per kilogram.

54) Get carry-on bag tags at check-in. Your bags will not be given the “stamp of approval” unless you have the tags attached to each carry-on item when going through security.

56) Don’t trust the airport food. In my opinion, most airports have food that isn’t safe to eat because it’s been sitting for too long. Instead, bring your food or only buy packaged food that you feel is okay.

57) You’ll probably have to ride on a bus to your plane. Find your gate and wait for your flight to be called and then you’ll line up to catch a bus over to your plane.

58) Have your ticket ready for getting off the plane. If your flight continues on after your destination, you’ll need to show your boarding pass to get off the plane.

59) Hire a pre-paid taxi for getting to your hotel from the airport. Inside the airport there are always pre-paid taxi stands available which will give you a fair price from a reputable driver. If you don’t do this you’ll swamped by a group of untrustworthy drivers screaming for your attention and asking too much for their service.

– Shivya Nath , award-winning Indian travel blogger at The Shooting Star .

Read my full article for more details: Navigating Indian airports – it’s harder than you think! Back to top  

Handling money in India

Click below to watch our free video covering all our tips for handling money in India.

61) You will need to carry cash. Credit cards are only accepted at larger businesses or hotels. Therefore you will always need to carry some cash so that you can pay for taxis, auto rickshaws, cheap hotels and your food etc. I keep all my large bills concealed under my clothing in my neck wallet .

62) Airports give poor currency exchange rates. Use an ATM instead or if that’s not possible only get a few thousand rupees exchanged at the airport because their rates are usually the worst in the whole country.

63) Use a Citibank ATM to withdraw more than 10,000rs at one time. As far as I know, all other ATMs across India will not let you withdraw more than $150 (10,000rs). With all the fees you may have in your home country this can be quite annoying and costly. Citibank allows you to withdraw whatever your daily maximum in your home country is e.g $500.

65) Conceal your money & passport under clothing: I have had pickpockets and beggars put their hand in my pocket looking for money. Since I keep my valuables on my chest, concealed under my clothing in a neck wallet , I’ve never had anything stolen.

66) Use PayPal or Western Union to send money to India. If for some reason you need to send money to an Indian from your home country, I recommend PayPal and if that doesn’t work then try Western Union.

Communication advice for tourists in India

68) Learn to understand the famous “head wobble”. This subtle gesture conveys a lot of meaning depending on the context and degree to which the head is wobbled. It can take some time to learn but when mastered it’s actually a very natural and enjoyable form of human communication.

69) Know that “yes” can mean “I don’t understand”. Sometimes a driver or shopkeeper may want to please you or simply won’t understand what you’re saying and so they will say “yes”. My friend who’s been working in India for 10 years says that he doesn’t take “yes” for an answer!

71) Memorize a few key phrases. I recommend learning a few words of the local language because it shows you have an interest in the culture. It will almost always be very well received and help you quickly make friends with the locals.

72) Have plenty of patience. It can be very frustrating when for example, someone says “yes” to every question you ask. Try to find someone who speaks better English and calmly sort through the miscommunication that may be occurring.

73) Be amused by funny communication rather than angered. You’ll have a much more enjoyable trip if you see the humor in it rather than getting angered and annoyed. These people are doing their best with a second or third language and so give them some compassion.

Read my full article for more details: Communication in India – learn the head wobble! Back to top  

Transportation throughout India

75) Indians drive on the left side of the road. Since the British influenced the first Indian cars they follow suit with driving on the left. Although, crazy driving often may lead to seeing cars, motorbikes and people on the wrong side of the road.

76) Ride a train at least once in your trip. Only travel in 2AC or first class and make sure you book your tickets early enough that they’re not sold out. Trains are the best way to travel long distances if you’re on a budget. Avoid the food they provide unless it’s been packaged.

77) Air travel is the most luxurious by far. If you can afford it, the most comfortable and obviously fastest way to get around is by plane. My favorite website for booking domestic Indian flights and trains is Cleartrip.com.

79) Traveling via an AC taxi is nice for shorter journeys if you can afford it. The car provides comfort with the windows up and the cool AC air but the zig-zagging can get a bit much if the trip is more than a couple of hours. If you value your life I recommend that you demand a working seat belt before you get in the car. Be persistent and they should be able to hook you up.

80) Auto rickshaw journeys are memorable to say the least! Auto rickshaw’s are great for short rides but I recommend ear plugs , sun glasses and a bandana or dust mask to avoid to much bombardment on the senses. Also it’s best to not ride one for more than 20 to 30 minutes or you’ll be exhausted.

81) As mentioned, try to avoid long journeys by road. The roads in India are wildly dangerous and often uncomfortably bumpy. If there is an option to get a plane, train or bus then I would take it instead. Otherwise you might get car sick or just really tired from all the insanity of weaving between head on traffic.

– Rachel Jones , popular India travel blogger at Hippie in Heels .

Read my full article for more details: Travel on Indian Trains, Planes, Buses, Cars & Auto Rickshaws Back to top  

Tips for better hotel experiences while traveling in India

83) It’s possible to stay at $2 “el cheapo” hotels. If you’re on a real tight budget and don’t mind about basic conditions: no pillow, no bed sheets, squat toilet and cold showers, then it’s totally possible to find a $2/night “hotel”. You may have to ask around but in every town outside of big cities you will be able find such accommodation. I recommend you be careful when staying at an Airbnb .

84) It’s also possible to stay at $500, 5 star palaces. If you’re wanting a luxury vacation then India also offers some of the best hotel experiences in the world.

85) Mid range hotels are a balanced blend of comfort and price. The hotels in the $40 to $70 range offer mostly Western standards e.g clean sheets, hot water and a normal toilet. For these kind of hotels and the 5 star palaces, I recommend doing research on TripAdvisor to get real opinions from other travelers.

87) Wear flip flops in the shower. The bathroom floors may not be the cleanest place and so I recommend you use flip flops to keep you feet hygenic. This is especially true in low budget hotels that usually don’t get cleaned properly.

88) Remember, only brush your teeth with bottled water. It’s easy to forget, especially if you stay at a fancy hotel but the water everywhere in India is questionable and brushing your teeth is no exception.

89) Cheaper hotels don’t provide towels. The $2 hotels definitely won’t give you a towel and the mid range hotels will probably give you an old towel that you won’t want to use. For this reason I bring a light weight travel towel just in case.

91) Tip your staff appropriately. Whenever you get room service of any kind at a hotel I recommend you tip between 10 and 20 rupees. If you’re staying at a more fancy hotel you may want to tip between 30 and 50 rupees. This should will help you get better service and more alert staff.

92) Squat toilets are common at budget hotels. These toilets are fine once you get used to squatting but it’s good to be aware of if you’d prefer not to use them. All mid-range and above hotels have normal Western toilets.

93) Watch out for smoking DDT at mid to high end hotels!! Unfortunately many mid to high end ($50 to $90/ night) hotels have a “mosquito management” practice where they have a pot of burning DDT that they carry through the corridors on a daily basis. The fumes of course get into your room and it can be unbearable. If you’re sensitive to this like me, you may want to call ahead before booking a hotel to see what they do for “mosquito management”. This practice probably won’t happen at cheap or 5 star hotels.

– Doug Rexford , India travel expert & Himalayan monk with the Maharishi Purusha Program .

Read my full article for more details: 10 tips to have the best hotel experience in India Back to top  

How to bargain like an Indian

95) Learn how to bargain like an Indian: I would say that Indian’s are the best negotiators or bargainers I have ever encountered. They are incredibly good at going for your emotions, very comfortable with numbers and know how to up sell until the cows come home. If you want good deals, this is an essential skill and in fact may help you with negotiation once you return to your home country.

96) Quickly learn how the bargaining process works. The main thing is start out real low and then immediately offer a little higher so that they know you want to bargain.

Here is a sample sequence:

I was in a clothing shop in a town called Bhopal. When I asked how much a certain sweater was, the owner said, “2000rs” (US $40). I instantly replied, “50rs”. He laughs and says, “no way”. I reply, “100rs”. He says, “1000rs”. I reply, “200rs”. He says, “800rs”. I reply, “300rs”. He says, “700rs”. At this point I say, “too much” and start to leave the shop. He freaks out and says, “500rs sir! this is best price, I have wife and baby at home”. While standing at the door of the shop I say “400rs is my best price” and start to move away. He comes running and says “okay, deal” with a slight grin on his face.

98) Know that “maximum retail price” is not the price tag. Most items that are packaged will have MRP written on it. This is the maximum retail price but it is always possible to bargain that price down but you definitely shouldn’t pay more than that price.

99) Shop around and compare prices. Before making large purchases and if you have the energy you can get better deals by comparing prices. Usually certain shops (such as jewelry) are grouped together making it easier to shop around.

100) Ask help from some local friends. If you befriend a local, they will likely get great joy helping you bargain down to rock bottom prices. Although, you may have to be out of sight so the shop owner doesn’t know what’s going on.

101) Have fun with it. The main thing is to not take things too seriously (especially since your savings may only be few dollars) and enjoy the process. Otherwise it can quickly get very emotionally and physically draining.

– Tim Ferriss , bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek .

Read my full article for more details: How to bargain like an Indian Back to top  

Pollution in India is the worst in the world

103) Piles of burning plastic are everywhere. As far as I can tell, there are no real waste management programs offered for household waste. Instead what happens is the plastic items are swept into a pile and then set on fire!

105) Exhaust fumes are asphyxiating. The large cities have an absurdly large number of vehicles all releasing toxic exhaust fumes.

106) Wear a gas mask or at least a bandana. If you have sensitive lungs, I highly recommend you bring a quality gas mask to overcome the asphyxiating pollution problem. A bandana will work somewhat but won’t be able to stop the fine particles such as exhaust fumes and burning plastic pollution.

107) Avoid the big cities like the plague. According to the World Health Organization , New Delhi is now the world’s most polluted city and is 2.5x more polluted than Beijing and a whopping 15x more polluted than Washington D.C. (as shown below). Therefore, I highly recommend you avoid big cities when traveling in India and be aware of this problem which is country wide.

Peggy O’Neill is a motivational & diversity keynote speaker who loves traveling to India and Nepal..

Advice specifically for women traveling in India

These tips were provided by my friend, Rohini Grace.

122) Speak up and just say, “no!” Usually, it’s not in our female nature to be aggressive or assertive, but when you show strength and confidence this tends to show people that you know what you are doing and you have less chance of being taken advantage of.

124) Plan ahead, and know exactly where you’re going. I cannot emphasize this enough. Talk to your friends who have been there, consult tour guides or groups, read Lonely Planet and research your destinations on the Internet beforehand.

125) Avoid going out after dark. I don’t recommend heading out on your own after dark unless you have a buddy or group to explore with. You will notice there are not many local women out after the early evening.

128) Seriously, put a ring on it. When locals find out you aren’t married, be prepared for a lot of (usually disapproving) feedback. I often wear a simple band around my finger just to keep unwanted questions and interest at bay. If you are already married then you’ve got it made. 🙂

– Rohini Grace , owner of a boutique India tour company, Goddess Travels .

Understanding the cultural differences between India & the Western world

Interesting facts about India

130) India has the second largest population in the world. According to the 2011 census it is now over 1.2 billion and growing incredibly fast. It is the 31st most densely populated nation with 991 people per square mile. Some sources say it’s the oldest continuous civilization on the planet.

131) India is the world’s largest democracy. It became independant of the British occupation in 1947 and is considered a “Federal parliamentary constitutional republic”.

132) There are over 17 languages. Sanskrit is the most ancient known language and is the mother of all the European languages. Luckily for us, English is spoken almost everywhere (making it the largest English speaking country in the world). The number of distinctly different languages highlights the fact that India is extremely culturally diverse and in many ways like a collection of countries rather than one country. Where ever you visit, it’s helpful to learn a few phrases of the local language.

133) The predominant religion is Hinduism at over 78%. Below is pie chart based off the 2011 census showing the spread of popular religions in India. Even though Christianity is only 2.5% there are over 30 million Christians in India!

134) India is home to the world’s largest religious pilgrimage site. Approximately 30,000 people visit Venkateshwar (The Vishnu Temple) in Tirupati everyday and there are 12,000 temple staff. What’s more is that annual donations exceed $100 million dollars!

136) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income. According to the International Money Fund the Indian GDP is $2.3 trillion which is the 7th largest worldwide, whereas per capita income is $1,800 annually which is the 141st in the world.

137) 100’s of millions of Indians live on less than $2/ day. 27% of the Indian population live below the poverty line while at the same time India also has the 4th highest number of billionaires at 90.

138) Cricket is by far the most popular sport. For those who don’t know, it’s similar to baseball and in almost every field you pass in India you’ll see kids (and adults) playing the sport.

Good cultural differences

140) The people are so genuine & friendly. I have met some of the most kind hearted and generous people I’ve ever known during my travels to India. Even though these people didn’t have much money, they welcomed me into their homes and spoiled me with the most delicious food ever.

141) Spirituality and religion thrives. Upon every street corner is some statue or place of worship. The history and power of the land is so strong and sometimes over powering and it is the mecca for mass yoga and meditation.

142) Indian’s try to offer amazing service. India is known for being a “service oriented culture” and everyone works hard to please. India has a lot of people and time on it’s hands making it possible to hire someone to do practically anything. Sometimes the quality of the service may not be ideal but the effort is almost always there.

144) The resourcefulness and ingenuity is mind blowing. While driving the streets you will find the most eye opening resourcefulness. From people carrying a bed frame or sheet of glass on the back of a motorcycle to a truck so over laden with goods that the driver can barely see out the front window. This no doubt stems from the poverty and need to survive.

145) India is a mostly peaceful nation. In fact, India has never invaded another country in at least 1000 years. Although India itself has been invaded countless times by other countries. Crime rate is lower than in the U.S and if you avoid big cities you will feel very safe.

146) Some of the best food in the world. It of course depends on your taste but the unbelievable diversity of flavors and textures, colors and presentation of the food can be a divine experience. Many dishes take hours upon hours to prepare and if you have a sweet tooth you won’t be disappointed.

Possibly uncomfortable cultural differences

147) Chaos is everywhere. Almost all road rules including red lights will be ignored. The streets are bustling with people, livestock and every kind of vehicle you can think of all tooting their horns. This can be quite a contrast from the quiet streets of the West. Furthermore, you may find it hard to locate your seat belt making it rather unsafe.

149) The caste system still exists. It’s composed of “priests” (Brahmins), “warriors” (Kshatriyas), “merchants” (Vaishyas) & “workers” (Shudras). Unfortunately this division seems to cause discrimination between the castes and can get confusing without knowing the ins and outs.

150) Most animals get abused, except for cows. Be it a dog, cat, chicken (meant for consumption), an ox (drawing a cart), animal abuse in India can be shocking and seems to be everywhere. It is a conundrum as to why this happens especially since India is the birthplace of the concept of Ahimsa or “non-violence”. The one animal that is largely exempt from this abuse is the cow because it holds particular importance in the Hindu religion. Although, you often see cows eating trash which is different kind of abuse.

151) Almost everyone will try to get your money. Since hundreds of millions of Indians are living on less than $2/day the struggle for survival is a real issue. The main thing is to have your wits about yourself and be compassionate but I advice you do not ever give money to beggars.

153) Lying or bending the truth. It may be due to communication difficulties, but it seems that often Indians don’t have a problem with lying. Whether it’s a taxi driver or a shop owner – there’s a good chance they will bend the truth or lie if it helps them make a sale. I suggest you try to get informed beforehand and ask the right questions, ones that can’t be simply answered by “yes”.

154) Expect to see spitting. A lot of men use chewing tobacco (known as “paan”) which means there can be a lot of spitting on the street. Many women also don’t have a problem spitting when they need to.

155) Littering and trash are ubiquitous across India. It is yet to be understood that littering is a bad thing and so the streets act as open trash cans. The trash then piles up and the solution is normally to set it (mostly plastic) on fire. This is why I always bring a dust mask to help me breathe!

Cultural Do’s & Don’ts

Below I’ve listed some of the most important points to remember to avoid cultural awkwardness.   156) DO be patient & have a sense of humor. 158) DO have an open heart & mind. 160) DO make friends with the locals. 162) DO wear Indian clothes at special occasions. 164) DO remove your shoes at peoples homes. 166) DO wash your hands & use hand sanitizer. 168) DO only use your right hand while eating. 170) DO learn to understand the “head wobble”. 172) DO try to pay if at restaurants with Indians. 174) DO know that 1 min means 5 to 10 mins. 176) DO be prepared to have your photo taken. 178) DO bring a small gift if you stay at a home. 180) DO touch the feet of someone you respect.

– J.D Viharini , author of guidebook: Enjoying India .

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Why should you go to India?

183) Have the experience of a lifetime. India will blow your mind. You’ll see some of the most crazy sights of your life. It’ll be a sensory overload (mostly in a good way). If you’re open you’ll meet some of the nicest people on Earth and your heart will expand. Every time I go to India which is now 7 times, my life improves for the better and my mind gets broadened from the experience.

184) The history is mind blowing. India is quite possibly the oldest civilization in the world. Many of the famous monuments are ancient yet so beautiful. You can just feel the history in the land.

185) Indulge in the best food you’ve ever had. I have had by far some of the best food ever while traveling in India. The exquisite flavors and care with preparation are to die for. 🙂

187) Discover wonderful cultural diversity. There is an incredible mosaic of cultural differences that exist in peaceful unity in India. It’s a delightful experience to travel from far north India through central Maharashtra state down to the southern tip at Kanyakumari. The diversity of food, dress, customs, language and landscapes are limitless.

188) There are endless things to see. India is jam packed with sights and experiences that exist nowhere else. From the Himalayas around Uttar Kashi to the beaches of Kerala and from the Taj Mahal to the tiger reserve at Bandhavgarh you won’t be let down.

• 190) Diwali – Festival of lights . The biggest and most important holiday in the Hindu calendar. Watch out for loud fireworks, extra pollution and wild parties.
• 191) Holi – Festival of colors or festival of love . This one is where everyone throws colored powder on each other. Wear clothes you don’t mind ruining and enjoy the fun!
• 192) Durga Puja – Festival of Durga . The celebration of the victory of “good” over “evil”. It can be a great spiritual experience.
• 193) Onam – The harvest festival . Celebrated in the state of Kerala. Wear new clothes and admire the beautiful flower arrangements outside peoples homes.
• 194) Raksha Bandhan – Festival of love & protection between brothers and sisters . Tie a string around your sister or brothers wrist to show your love.
• 195) Maha Shivaratri – The great night of Lord Shiva . Celebrating the convergence or marriage of Shiva (silence) and Shakti (dynamism) which are two fundamental energies in the universe. It can be an incredibly powerful spiritual experience.
• 196) Christmas, Kerala style – Celebrating the birth of Jesus . In Kerala there are a lot of Christians and they have their own style of Christmas which can be quite fun to witness!

197) Relax and rejuvenate. India is an incredible place to be pampered, relax and just chill-out. The ancient Indian healthcare system known as Ayurveda offers amazing treatments including massage and other rejuvenation techniques. Find a health spa you like and you’ll unwind like never before.

198) Bargain until the cows come home. India naturally has amazing shopping opportunities not just because of the great prices but also because of the unique items that are available. There is good reason why the Dutch East India Trading Company made so many trips to India and this holds true to this day.

199) You’ll help their economy. Last but not least, going to India will help boost their economy of which tourism is a major part. Since there are so many people in India living below the poverty line it feels good to be able to help even if in a small way.

So, What’s The Bottom Line?

India truly is a remarkable place, but in order to enjoy it fully, you must be prepared.

I believe my tips will give you all you need. And, my free ebook is a handy way to bring all these tips with you on your trip.

Here’s one last dose of inspiration, from the wise words of Mark Twain. Even though it was written in 1899, he captures the essence of India perfectly!

Enjoy your India travel!

Get my FREE Step-By-Step Guide to India Travel

• Learn all my tips for safe India travel
• 39 page full color ebook
• Printable PDF
• Save yourself from getting sick in India

Asher Fergusson

317 comments.

Nice blog thanks for sharing. This blog is much helpful to the travelers and pilgrims from other countries.

Your site is good too – thanks!

Your website is so informative! I want to go to India someday and I could spend hours just reading everything you have to say about India. Do you have any advice for safely carrying around a camera like a small sony or canon? Is it a bad idea to take pictures in poor areas? Will I become a target for theft if people see my camera? Is it bad to take pictures of people without their permission? Also, I saw in your packing “don’t” list that it’s not a good idea to wear skirts. Why is that a don’t?

It’s a great post I’ve read in a while. I loved it so much and bookmarked it. Thank you for sharing such a nice post:) Fergusson!!

I AM GOING IN APRIl, started my research already!!! So glad I found this blog

Nice long list! But I disagree with #145. I live in Nepal, they were not so nice to us after the big quakes in 2015. Embargo. Heating/cooking/driving gas shortages.

Thank you Asher ! I am travelling to India soon and this blog is incredible – convenient to read and very very helpful !

Jai Guru Dev

Have a great trip!

Sir I think what you have mentioned is 1980 s India. I strongly disagree with your point regarding hotel. I am travelling in indin since last ten years & according to me all the tourist placing & major cities having good hotels with cleaniness & hygein.but how can you aspects hygein & cleaniness from the hotel if you want to pay just $2 per day.Even you can not buy budget lunch in $2 doller! If want good service you have go hotel which have 3 star more rating. In $2 you get only rooms not hotels like dharmshala(which is used for night stay by needy poor people ) According to my data about 75 hotels in any Indian cities are above 3 star. The rate are front $30 to 70 $ depends on city.

Hi Kristopher,

Thanks for taking the time to express your opinion.

In my experience as a Westerner in India, most hotels that cost less than US $50/ night are often not very clean. And especially $30/ night or less. My points about hygiene are definitely valid in 2015 and are not from the 1980s.

Hotels that range from $2 to $20/ night are a good choice for someone who is on a super low budget when traveling. I have stayed at many of these hotels and with my tips you can have a fine stay.

All the best,

I would have to agree with the above – a lot of the comments and tips are too severe or outdated – street food is okay to eat, just make it vegetarian – Indian people don’t always want to scam you – NO THEY DON’T. Water in Mumbai is 100 times better than it was, I drank terracotta filtered watered for two weeks while I was there and not one tummy issue. So many things here are true but many are way to severe to ring true today 🙂

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Thank you for putting together this great resource!!!

My pleasure! 🙂

Dear brother Asher I was moved to tears on seeing pictures and reading on Maharishi’s passing on. Thank you so much for the wealth of info you are sharing with the world and your experiences with Maharishi. May God Bless us all. JGD

I’m glad you liked it. JGD – Asher.

good blog you have.

Wonderful and interesting resource on India. Thank you so much for all your effort on this blog. I really appreciate it. While searching on India travel I found your site.

yes !! its all true , welcome i am here to help u.

hi. .I am belong to Himalaya part of India.. (uttarkashi ) which above mantion here…if you will come to visit this part and you will need a guide so please let me know. ..would be my pleasure to assist you..

and blog written amazingly. ..thanks Asher u r great.. n.. ur welcome to my place Gangotri (source of Ganges )

Thanks Rajneesh! 😉

This is great! Thanks for putting it together.

I’m glad it is useful 🙂

Yeah. I loved your blog. It gives a lot of information useful. I will follow your blog for a meaningful reading!!!

Thanks Dileep,

I’ve had a lot of fun writing it and it’s nice being able to help people who want to travel to India.

Travel india via indian railways check your train booking status with – www.pnr-status.info

Yes, the trains are great. I find http://cleartrip.com is the best site for booking them.

Spot your train also supports the information of arrival and departure of trains as well as the time by which they are late or early so that you can easily travel knowing the whole route of your train.

I went to India this year for 2 weeks. Prior to going, I read the articles in your blog, and I found them very helpful – especially the one with remember to take dental floss! I had a great trip and as I read your future articles, it brings back memories of my trip!

I’m so glad my tips helped you Anne-Marie! Yeah, I also can’t live without my dental floss 🙂

Yes it is rightly said that all the tap water in India is contaminated with pollutants and amoebas. Buy only drinking good bottled mineral water, but A recent test proves that bottled water too in the country is unsafe. 18 brands of bottled water were tested out of which 27% of them had high bromate content. Such toxic water can cause cancer and other health problems.Ensure you don’t fall prey to such toxic water. Know more on this topic at http://www.waterconsumer.org/water-news.php

I’m glad I came across your article before I leave on my trip. I love the 6th point. I’ve been in a lot of countries where people don’t willingly admit that they don’t understand you. Communication is key when you’re trying to understand something about a certain place or town. Thanks for the article!

Enjoy your travels! 🙂

The cover picture can be a little more ugly , a garbage pile from Mumbay Slum

balajiviswanathan.com ->

1.3 billion people don’t drink bottled water everyday , and most are healthy and intelligent and not permanently under diarrhea medication. India is not Delhi or seeing or understanding india completes with Lonley Planets “Golden Triangle ” tour. Before taking opinions from a non Indian blogger , ask where he stayed or visited All ( not just majority) sleeps at 2 dollar shacks and eat cheap street food and roam 2 -3 weeks at north and tell the world india is that this bla,bla,blah. I haven never seen a blog of a non Indian tourist who stayed at at least a 3 star Indian hotel on the full tour span., or travelled in 1st AC in Indian railways or know about or dined at midrange Indian restaurants .if anybody founds please put a link .

Also ask them where they gone , have they went to Shimla , Kullu,Manali , Munnar , Mysore , kochi,Bangalore,Ooty, Sringeri ,Trivandrum , kangra valley , dharamsala,palampur, khajjiar,chamba,dehradun,Missourians , nainital ?? The answer will be a big NO

These are small selection of amazing places in india

India is diverse with amazing places and beautiful people, have wonderful airports and good transport network. Don’t believe these shoestring budget bloggers …they don’t know anything about india ….

You get stomach upset in any place , not only the bacteria also different food types may also induce. Me and my family recovering from a massive diarrhea attack after eating a home made pizza from a Italian mama.

Here is my tip for india visit

1- follow Indian bloggers , they will show amazing pictures and places of india 2- get info directly from india tourism website 3- no country is safe for lonely female travelers , refer rape statistics we are at bottom 4-come after September , if before go to hill stations , as generally india is hot and humid , no 6 months dark winter , but bright always

Welcome to india

Hi Hemanth-ji,

Thanks for your input and tips.

I love India and have been there 7 times, lived in India for over 1.5 years and traveled all over the country. Here are a few of the places I’ve been: Kochi, Allahabad, Jabalpur, Brahmasthan of India, Trivandrum, Chennai, Delhi, Uttar Kashi, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Bhopal, Ujjain, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Bhubaneshwar, Rameshwaram, Ahmednagar, Ellora, Mumbai, Tirupati, Sri Kalahasti and many, many more amazing places. I have also been in a lot of remote villages and other off the beaten trail locations (such as the high Himalayas) away from cities. I have stayed in every possible accommodation from 5 star palaces to mud brick huts.

I have been weddings, vedic yagyas, stayed in many family homes, attended Mahashivratri, Holi, Christmas in Kerala, and many other festivals. I know Sanskrit (including many stotrams by heart and Vishnusahasranam etc) and can speak some Hindi. I even majored in Maharishi Vedic Science at university for 4 years so I also know about Jyotish, Sthapatya Ved, Ayurveda, Yoga, Transcendental Meditation, Gandharva Veda, Ramayan, Mahabharat (Bhagavad Gita), Rik Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Ved and all the other vedas.

My tips here are written for the Western tourist based on all my experience and many other Western friends who have lived in India for over 10 years. As I explained many of my friends who went there without preparation got terribly sick and into all kinds of other trouble including a run in with the mafia etc.

It may be hard to understand how these tips make sense if you’ve grown up in India but for us Westerners it’s important to take a lot of precautions to have a safe and enjoyable pilgrimage to India.

Hope this helps.

You are right! Your observations and experiences is really valuable for people like us who were not born or lived there. It would of course different if someone who is a native of India will be the one to write a review. I thank you for this great effort- very informative.

Wow! Maybe we should FaceTime and chant Vishnu Sahasranamam together some time!

Haha – sounds good! 🙂

That is true. India being an amazing place, it will be terrible for foreigners. Local mafia, police, and government officials are little or no help to other visitors. It has broken my heart many times when I see tourists are getting ripped off. Still, it is an amazing place to see, experience and to fall in love with.

Hope, one day citizens of India will realize the importance of the soil and keep it clean.

As they always say, but one should experience from heart “Atithi devo bhava”.

Hey Hemanth, Can you point me in the direction of an Indian blogger, that writes about Bangalore? I’m going there to study next week 🙂 Best regards Caroline

Thank you AsherJi . I am a 46 year old south Indian lived in India for 28 years continuously, now visiting India every year once. I thank you for your interest on India and visiting my beautiful country, and your effort to encourage others to visit my country.

For others “Ji ” or “G” is a salutation, adding to end of your name is a way of showing respect, only in NORTH INDIA ! south Indians don’t use the term ,in fact we don’t like Hindi language ! , some of south Indian states waged war to central government against imposing Hindi as a must study language for students, thats INDIA !

We don’t speak a single language or there is one unified food type as can be called as Indian food. India does not speak Hindi as a typical westerner thinks, you can go around India with English rather Hindi.

All the food ,language, the customs you hear outside generally as “Indian” is of NORTH INDIA, so All “Indian Restaurants” outside India is in fact “NORTH INDIAN RESTAURANTS, nothing to do with my kind of south Indian food or of the people from north eastern, west or eastern part of India .

So a visitors perspective on India will always be area specific, it is like visiting Istanbul and making comments on whole of Europe.

Indians are some of the warmest, most genuine, humorous peoples ,India, that you see today is after thousands of years of slavery, looting ,rising and restructuring ,Like any other country, it has its plus and minuses ,we are coming up , kindly bear with us .

So after fixing Indian destination, research area specific information, like for my place KERALA we don’t have water scarcity, not much pollution there is plenty of water and water bodies in my home state. After re reading your advice to India I would like to add the following which I think would be of use for prospective Indian tourists.

1- What to bring, Not necessary to bring toilet paper and paper mask to India, all the listed items can be easily purchased in India, go to nearest “Medical Shop “which is pharmacy and buy all medications and first aids, nobody will cheat you, all the packaged products in India comes with a printed price “M.R.P” (maximum retail price) large supermarkets sells below the printed rates. Keep several passport size photos and passport copies with you, which will be useful during your India travel. Don’t wear a mask when you roam around, people look at you as non blending hypocrite, also don’t roam with your lonely planet guide book which make you an easy target for scamsters All Indian states have their own tourisum development corporation website with plenty of authentic reliable informations

i recommend to bring an iPad loaded with offline India maps , there are several maps available free online ,you can also keep google map offline , in that mark the toilets , and important place you wish to visit , these maps are when will show your current position and without any data roaming charge you can find placed easily Install India specific applications like IXIGO , Indian railway app etc

2-Mobiles phones in india India has the cheapest mobile call and data rates in the world, use it wisely , you can buy a sim card almost anywhere in India , the shop keeper require a photograph and a passport copy . The major private provider is “IDEA MOBILE “and the government one is “BSNL” My understanding is that if you do not use a prepaid Sim for more than 3 months everywhere in the world it will be de activated. Do not give your Sim card to anybody when you leave, you will be in trouble when you are back some time after, The person you trust may lose the sim card and may fall in to the hands of some anti social elements.

3-Money Exchange Don’t exchange money exchanger who comes to your hotel room, the rate may be very good but who knows a couple of 100 rupee notes are fake??? You will be in jail for the rest of your life, always exchange from BANKS only and keep receipt , yes State Bank Of India , it is everywhere even in Himalayas.

4-Travel We have super clean and efficient Metro train in major cities, make use of it search “Delhi Metro “ “Bangalore Metro” etc . And there is Hop on Hop off bus in Delhi, Auto (3 wheelers) are best and cheapest for short travel, and always travel in 2nd AC in trains . Purchase tickets online, there will be chaos at ticket counter in train stations (we are 1.3 billion people =160 times the population Of Switzerland or 4 Times US population)

5-Eating in India, Normally if you visited anywhere and fall sick or robbed, you immediately make a website and narrate it or put in lonely planet or tripadvisior, if it is otherwise that your journey is fine and wonderful you will share it with your immediate friends only, So don’t be scared with the online negative reports of any country it is just 5% of the fact. I went to Pisa (Italy ) very very scared, after reading the negative comments online and in travel blogs , stories like Africans waiting to snatch your purse and pick pocketers and shady characters waiting at train station etc , but my trip went wonderful and smooth ( yes I put it in Tripadvsor ) So most non native tourist comments on a country or a place will be 99% negative , just take it that way That’s why I am advising to read native Indian travel bloggers , there are plenty, search “top 10 Indian travel bloggers”. It is quite safe to eat generally in India very less die of food poison in India, not all foods are made with e-coli laden water, eateries make sure to provide good hygienic food or else they know they will be featured in Trip advisor with 100 negative comments, you must try Indian street food it is fantastic.

6- Water All restaurants will give you “hot water” free, or use bottled ones Perfectly ok to brush with tap water in KERALA

7-Hotels Please stay in 3 star hotels at least or in one who charge you at least 50 Euros per head per day, which will solve 90 percent of India travel related problems, like toilet paper, European toilet, towels, travel service, taxi , clean water , safe locker etc , no need to bring Pad lock or door stopper mosquito net etc All province \state governments run affordable and neat Motels or Hotels – for Kerala search for “KTDC hotels “ You are ready to pay for a smelly bunk bed in 12 bed hall in a Norway Hostel 50 Euros without any sheet or towel is isn’t it? Why you are not ready to pay here for a big spacious room 50 Euros? For long term affordable stay take spiritual route , India have plenty of “ Ashrama “ run by Hindu gurus , you will get cheap accommodation and food if you research and plan ahead of time .(try Art Of Living Foundation or amritapuri.org , all in south India )

8-Shopping Please don’t bargain that much, let them also make some money For nice cotton handmade dress and clothes look for “KHADI” centers The shops are called “Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan” search in google to see nearest locations You will get stitched Indian dress, no bargain all fixed price, salesmen are monthly salaried paid by government ,so may not be keen to sell you things .

9-Temples You will not be allowed very inside of most of Indian temples, You can enter temples managed by Archeological Society Of India or in Temples managed by some Prominent Gurus, you are allowed to up to a certain periphery only ,the inner sanctum is only for Hindus , the temple architecture is mesmerizing , in south it is with granite and in north it is mostly with Marble and sandstone

10-Communication Learn Indian head wobbling, there are plenty of you tube videos Everybody understands Basic English all over India, There will be fewer pleasantries like ‘please’ “sorry” “Thank you” etc; everything is in tone and gesture You can’t hear a rude “sorry”or loud “please” as in west, people are polite and mild Ask direction to students and teens they speak excellent English 9-Photography I don’t know, but please don’t take garbage and dirty toilets photos and put online (there is plenty already) Take beautiful pictures, Indian is colorful and vibrant. We have a public garbage and garbage processing issue, we are working on it

I hope I touched all the sections Asher G An undergraduate course in Ayurveda Medicine is a 5 year full time course; my uncle a ayurveda practitioner says in college you learn only 10% And to learn Vedas you must know Sanskrit, as 75% will be lost in translation, as we have 5 different “You”s to use in different kind of situation and age groups . Come back to India and learn more . Thank you

Thanks Hemanth ji 🙂

You have many good tips and great that you also have some Western perspective to share. Here are my replies to your points:

1) There are plenty of South Indian restaurants outside of India. I’ve incredible dosa, idly & uttapam etc in Australia and the UK.

2) Kerala has less pollution than other parts but in Trivandrum or other cities like Kochi it still can be strong for someone with sensitive lungs or who isn’t used to it.

3) Yes, you can buy toilet paper in India but depending on where you stay you may need it before you get a chance to find it at a shop. Some medications may not be available or will not be as high quality e.g the electrolytes I’ve bought in India taste horrible.

4) iPad is okay to bring but be very careful with the electricity while charging it. The Indian power supply can fluctuate from 50 volts to 300 volts and then go off all within a few minutes. I’ve had many electronics get fried.

5) Simcards are harder to get than you might think for a Westerner. In my last trip in February 2015 I wasn’t able to get one because they said it would take 10 days but I wasn’t in any one location for more than 4 days.

6) State Bank of India is good but will only let you take 10,000rs at a time. Citibank will let you take the limit of you local country.

7) Your points about the metro and buses within a city are good – thank you.

8) I agree most places you’ll be fine eating in India as long as you only eat cooked food and nothing raw. Although street food is just not worth the higher risks in my opinion.

9) Certain places I’m sure are fine for brushing teeth with tap water but how do we know? We’re not going to do a scientific analysis at each hotel we visit so it’s safer and simpler to just use bottled water and then not worry about it.

10) Agreed, 3 star hotels and up a good choice for many people but some travelers, especially young travelers like to stay at cheap places so that they can travel for a longer time without spending all their money. The tips I’ve given above for the cheap hotels are very important to make the stay more comfortable.

11) Agreed, it’s nice for locals to make some money but it’s also important that the prices don’t get too crazy. Also with large transactions such as a long taxi ride – it may be necessary to bargain so that you don’t get ripped off by a few thousand rupees.

The khadi stores are amazing. I’ve had some wonderful custom kurta’s made there that have lasted 6 years without a problem.

12) Most temples have allowed me into the inner sanctum. It’s only in some places in South India that you may not be allowed to even see the inner shrine such as at the Meenakshi temple in Madurai.

13) Definitely learn the “head wobble” – it’s a great communication help in India.

14) I know Sanskrit only for it’s sound value. It’s the primordial “language of nature” which has a lot of health benefits purely from recitation.

Thanks again for spending the time to give you input, Hemanth!

hi..ma’am. …whatever you wrote in your blog somehow that is reality of India.. but what to do.. corruption poverty and population is the big challenge of the country… let’s see what happened further, now we have good prime minister at this time but it’ll take some time. … but for visitors it’s interesting part of India. ..thats the real fun of India. .

Dear friends. Nice and inspirational knowledge for foreign tourists…i think to much…And of course it’s good. .. Keep righting…thanks to mr Asher Fergusson and many thanks to HEMANT…BLESSINGS..Tripathi

I lived outside India for nearly 25 years and living in India for the last 12 years and…… travelling here. I couldn’t agree more on your comprehensive- list, if I may – well thought out !

I guess Asher’s is more like this, I lived in New York city for 20 years and loved it, yet telling people travelling from here not to get shot or mugged in Central park or on the streets. So long the tips aren’t too ‘discouraging’, guess it’s ok.

Hello Hemanth- JI,

After attempting to comprehend your barely understandable grammar, I have several things to say when I see you trying to attack a Western Blogger who has been nothing but cordial and patient in his replies to the absurd disrespect you have posted on the website he has created in order to show the world what a fantastic place your home, India, is. In fact, I am married to an Indian, specifically an Indian from Kerala. Trivandrum to be exact. Before blasting your opinions and being as close minded as you have made yourself to be, remember there are three sides to every story. Yours, mine and the TRUTH. Mr. Fergusson has created his side, from a non-Indian point of view. Therefore, non-biased. Reading a blog from an “Indian Blogger” will show others India from a bias point of view, since they will most likely not be familiar with Western customs and what we may consider a “Culture Shock” however are “normal” for Indians. Therefore next time you want to insult using your narrow minded, insecure, and defensive comments, think twice. The internet allows the world to read comments such as yours and don’t be surprised if your opinion becomes the reason people start to dislike India rather than the contaminated water or pollution.

Sincerely, MDP

Great informations

hi, Asher-Ji , I am so impressed with your detailed and to the point realistic assessment about India . Please keep writing …your outlook is what i like .Because many of us do possess 🙂

thanks for loving Sanskrit and India

Thanks Abhishek ji!

I will keep writing about India and I can’t wait to come back in December!

First off, I want to say that overall this advice is awesome, but after having just spent 4 months in India and left yesterday, I’d like to add some perspective. I realize I do not have the same amount of experience as the author, but it’s always nice to have different perspectives.

1. While I agree that many people with a motive to make money from you will try to make as much as possible or rip you off (taxis, rickshaw drivers, some shop owners, guides/fake guides, etc), you shouldn’t be afraid or be closed off to everyone. Here’s why: most scams in india amount to nothing more than 1) being ask to pay too much for something or 2) being ask to pay for something that was given to you for free (advice/directions). For scam #1, the author provides great tips but in general, know what the price should be by asking an independent source and don’t be afraid to shop around as there are usually hordes of providers for any basic product or service. To avoid the 2nd type of scam, when someone approaches you and offers you something, make it clear to them that you won’t be paying them. Then when/if they ask you for money, it won’t be hard to blow them off. (Unless they genuinely deserve it for helping you out. Though most genuine, helpful people won’t ask for money unless they are desperate.)

In this way, you can still remain friendly and open towards people (which will give you the opportunity to meet great people and have special experiences), while avoiding scams.

I’m really stressing this because when you read advice like that given in the article, the tendency is to be closed off and suspicious of every person you meet. It’s easy to be angry and unhappy when you assume everyone is trying to rip you off and it will happen often enough that it will be easy to support those negative beliefs. But, if you have this attitude, you won’t have much fun and you won’t be able to trust people enough to have amazing experiences that only come when you let your guard down a little and give people a chance. There are some amazing shop owners, rickshaw drivers, and other Indians out there who will take care of you, treat you with respect, and sometimes go above and beyond what you expect from them. It’s these people and experiences that will make India special for you.

2. I have to disagree with the author’s advice on accommodation. Yes, if you want to only spend $2/night, you will be roughing it a bit. And yes, there are a wide range of options, all the way up to 5 star luxury. But, you don’t need to spend $40-$70/night to find a really nice, comfortable place to stay that has everything you might want (hot shower, western toilet, comfortable/clean bed, air con, balcony, view, safe location, etc). For about $8-15/night, you can find beautiful accommodation in many places. In most places, $5-8 will be enough money to get a comfortable, clean, safe place. We stayed in an amazing place in Dharamsala for $11 that rivaled the comfort level of our Canadian friends who were paying $75/night.

3. On temples. The author had a completely different experience with temples than I did. If you are coming to India for a spiritual experience, it is very possible to have one. I deepened both my yoga and meditation practice during my time in India. I had great experiences in ashrams, classes, and at meditation retreats, and when talking with individual people. In general, there are many opportunities to develop your spirituality.

That said, I found very little to be spiritual about the temples in India. In fact, I found them, especially the popular ones, to be anti-spiritual. When you arrive in a crowded temple you will most likely see crowds of people pushing at each other, yelling at each other, and engaging in all sorts of selfish/rude behavior just so they can perform a ritual. There may be some spiritual value to them in going through these rituals, but it doesn’t show by their actions. Not only that, but you can expect as a foreigner, that people will try to scam you out of money (even those holy men working at the temple). Also, if you go to a Kali temple, you can expect to watch hordes of people gather around as the holy men cut the heads off of baby goats. For me, this type of environment is not conducive to anything spiritual, which I view as an inward journey.

I’ll admit thought that while I did meditate a lot during my time in India, I never attempted to meditate at a hindu temple. I will try in the future based on the author’s recommendations, but I view meditation as an inward journey and most hindu temples are not good environments to withdraw and go inward.

Despite my generally negative opinion about the spiritual sanctity of the temples in India, I still think it’s worthwhile to visit them and I continued to do so throughout my time. They make for great opportunities to see important aspects of Hindu/Indian culture.

As with anything spiritual, I don’t discredit the author’s personal experiences. The fact that he had them means it may be possible for you You should go into your temple experiences with an open mind to find out for yourself. All I’m trying to say is lower your expectations about temples and if you want spiritual growth and don’t find it at the temples, seek it out elsewhere.

Thanks for your tips and the time you took to put this together. Many would have been helpful to me before my trip 🙂 No disrespect

Thanks for taking the time to share your perspective. I agree it’s really good getting multiple points of view since everyone experiences the world differently.

Here are my responses:

1) Your “ripoff/ scam” points are great. I agree with you 100%. I have had wonderful experiences with some auto rickshaw drivers, such as Anil in Ellora (he looked after my wife one afternoon and took her to all these amazing temples and was so sweet and let us choose our price for his services) and from other shop owners like Lal in Kovalam (he made me amazing custom underwear for fair prices).

I guess my article is attempting to educate people on what is possible to experience and to know what the different types of scams are so that you can avoid falling into the trap. At the same time I agree it is important to be open and like you say not “closed off” because there are so many Indians who are fair and don’t want to rip you off. I will add this point into that section.

Many of my friends who went to India unprepared were shocked by how much they got scammed and tricked and this turned them off from ever returning to India which I think is sad. So it’s good to be aware so you can avoid trouble but open at the same time to give people a chance.

2) I would love to know about these places you speak of. In my experience, it will be hard to find such accommodation in most cities and tourist towns but I’m sure it is possible if you look hard enough. What was the name of the place you stayed in Dharamsala? Can you give other examples?

3) With regard to the temples I agree they are crazy places that on the surface appear to be “anti-spiritual”. If you can go beyond that external chaos and settle down to the internal silence and peace then that’s when the magic happens. It really helps to have ear plugs and then you have to find a quiet corner where no one will bug you. Sit there with eyes closed for at least 20 to 30 minutes and meditate (I personally do Transcendental Meditation – TM). I sometimes end up being in temples for 2 to 3 hours at a time – it’s like going to another universe and so transformative.

My wife and I were just in India for the month of February this year and it was her first trip. She had more amazing spiritual experiences in the temples than me and can’t wait to go back. She also does TM.

Of course this may not happen for everyone and visiting the less crowded temples may help and like you say going to a meditation or yoga retreat can be an amazing way to tap into the spiritual power of India.

I’m glad you found the guide helpful and thanks again for adding your India tips.

Thanks for the reply.

As far as hotels are concerned, my girlfriend and I never paid more than $15 in our entire 4 months in India. In a few cases, we ended up with semi uncomfortable places, but most of the time, it was fine. Here are examples of what we received and for how much:

-Dharamsala: We actually stayed in Dharamkot, just up the hill from McCleod-Ganj, in a place called Raj Residency for 700 rupees. This was the best place we had in all of India and we stayed there after our 10 days in Vipassana. It was a huge, clean, well decorated room with a big comfy bed and a well-appointed private bath. The room had a balcony that looked over the valley (perfect view), and since the property was in the hills, we woke up to birds every morning instead of rickshaws 🙂

-Arambol, Goa: We stayed at the Zen Garden for 400 rupees (~$6.50) which was a 20 minute walk down the beach from the main town. We had our own private beach bungalow with private bath and porch. The bungalow was in a grove of palm trees and with the fan, was at the perfect temperature in the evenings for sleeping. We had a western style toilet, shower, mosquito net over the bed, fantastic restaurant with beach view (meals prices: 80-250 rupees), and were 1 minute walk to the beach.

-Hampi: We stayed at Goan Corner for 300 rupees (~$5). We had a basic private room with shared bath. Everything was clean and the place had a great vibe because it’s a popular spot for backpackers. We had hammocks, nice restaurant on site, motorcycle rental on site, and it was run by a really friendly family.

-Jaipur: We stayed at Chirtakatha for 800 rupees. http://www.chitrakatha.co.in/ This was an actual western style hotel. Super clean and safe. Nice staff. Rooftop restaurant. Price listed on the website is 1000 rupees but we were able to bargain when we arrived.

-Jodhpur: Cosy Guest House (550 rupees). We originally booked the room for 350, but upgraded to a nicer room and got a special price with some bargaining.

cosyguesthouse.com/

I could continue, but this should give you a general idea of the types of places we stayed at.

In general, you don’t need to pay more than 300-1000 rupees ($5-16) to find something safe and comfortable. In this price range, you don’t often get A/C, but we traveled in the beginning of the Indian summer (Feb-May) and not having A/C was a problem just a handful of times. Usually the rooms are cool enough in the evenings for sleeping, especially with a good fan.

As far as temples, I get what you are saying. Your experience is interesting to me and I’m looking forward to exploring it next time. But, for most people (especially those inexperienced with meditation), I can’t see the temples being optimal for a spiritual experience.

Thanks Scott!

Awesome tips on hotels – I’d like to try some of these! 🙂

The Dharamsala place sounds amazing. I’m guessing the pollution isn’t bad up there, right? That’s often a problem for me… I can’t breathe in places like Delhi or Chennai and I end up coughing all night! 🙁

Thanks again for your perspective on the temples. I forget that I’ve been meditating since I was 10 years (I’m now 29) and so I guess I’m quite experienced. I agree for a newbie, the busy temples may not be the best place to gain a spiritual experience but you never know. Still worth a visit regardless…

Namaste Asher. If you find yourself in Kolkata, do know that there are chai wallas on every corner! Plus, if you wish to visit a temple, avoid Kalighat. There are a lot of people who claim to be priests who will do pujas for you, but instead they make you have darshan from really far and try and squeeze 200 to 2000 rupees from you. Just firmly refuse and don’t give in to their taunts. One of them even threatened to sacrifice me to the goddess if I didn’t give him Rs. 1501 for chanting a simple two-line shloka.

Thanks for the tip, Maulin! 🙂

Yeah, the fake priests are a sad sight – which can give temple a bad name. It’s quite unfortunate! 🙁

I have some more comments –

1- Restaurants I disagree with you ,outside India if the restaurant name is “XXXXX Indian Restaurant ” it is a north Indian restaurant , a restaurant selling south Indian dishes will be named clearly “South Indian Restaurant” not just “Indian” compare to “Indian” restaurants there are very few, say 1 in 500 south Indian restaurants out side India ……one such south Indian chain you may see outside India is “SHARAVANABHAVAN” which always serve only south Indian “Pure Vegetarian” dishes .

Summary-Outside India : “Indian restaurant” = Serves North Indian Chicken,Mutton,Veg Dishes sometimes few south Indian dishes . “South Indian Restaurant ” Serve South Indian Veg Dishes ONLY

2-Sim Cards It should not take 10 days ! , check the shops who are authorized to sell simcards ,the guy at the shop may be giving wrong info , all mobile shops you see on street sells just “recharge coupons ” get & pass authentic info , check the location of shops sells new sim cards here .

ideacellular.com

3-Electrolytes

The pharmacists at “Medical Shop” may not be familiar with the term ” Electrolytes “, ask for “ORS packet ” he will show you at least 10 brands with different flavors , Electral,Enerzal etc . in India the best thing is that all things comes in tiny packaging also , you can by 10 gram coconut oil in small plastic bottle , 5 gram Colgate tooth paste in a small sache, a one time use shampo sache, 20 Gram bath soap etc ,very convenient for travelers ,and all dirt cheap!

4-Electricity Please don’t generalize ,since the target audience of your blog is a non Indians who never been to any part of India. it all depend on the place one stay ,a 2$ a night shack taps electricity from nearby power line by throwing and hooking cables to it , so there will be heavy fluctuations if there is wind !, my brother’s 1st generation iPad is working fine till now in India, Apple sells 500K iPhones in India in every 4 months ( Economic times report ) yes electricity is not as consistent as in a developed nations , but it is quite safe to charge all your gadgets .

5- Temples I will not allow you in any of my temples 🙂 in south India ….. ha ha ha Generally Hindu temples does not allow non Hindu tourists strictly followed in South and in high profile temples in North. Mrs.Indira Gandhi (late Indian prime minister ) was not allowed to enter the temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri because she had married a Parsi (those who follows Zoroastrian Religion ) The non Hindu restriction is because the inner Sanctrum is supposed to be the holiest place in the temple architecture. There are certain rituals which a Hindu generally follows when he visits a temple, like not eating meat, taking bath etc. Probably, these things cannot be expected from a non-believer that is why he/she is restricted from entering the Sanctum. There are temple privately owned/on private ground, or publicly owned (ie, by the government). If it’s privately owned ( by Gurus Or God-man) then the owner has full jurisdiction , normally an orthodox Hindu like me will not go such noisy touristy temples . See some temples inside here dinamalar.com

thank you for reading

Hi Hemanth ji,

Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts. 🙂

1) I’m not disagreeing with you on the point about North vs South Indian restaurants – clearly there are not as many South Indian restaurants outside of India. My point is that it’s possible to find good authentic South Indian food all over the world. For example, there’s a great chain of South Indian restaurants in London, the US and around the world called “Woodlands”. Here is the London one’s website http://www.woodlandsrestaurant.co.uk/

2) Simcard access varies widely across the country and the government regularly changes the regulations. Even if you go to an official place that says they “sells new simcards here” and you follow their procedure giving your address & photo etc they may take sometime before approving it and then they can cancel the service without warning. People have told me that this tightness is to help counter terrorist activity but it seems a bit silly making it so difficult for tourists.

3) Yes, the medical shops or chemists carry all kinds of medicines and toiletries. My point is that the quality may not be the same as similar items bought in one’s home country and so if you’re particular about a brand then bring it from home. With that said it’s nice to be able to fall back on the medical shops in an emergency.

4) It is definitely not “quite safe to charge all your gadgets” in India, even at more classy hotels and homes the electricity can be very unreliable. As I’ve explained earlier, I have had an iPod, iMac and many Canon batteries get fried and the same has happened to friends. Even 5 star hotels occasionally can have power outages where they have to switch to generators.

5) In my experience, most Hindu temples do allow us tourists in if we are dressed correctly. Here is a list of some of the Hindu temples I’ve been in the inner sanctum without any questions (some of which are in South India):

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati, Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tirupati Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram Srikalahasti Temple, Srikalahasti Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi Maa Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, Vindhyachal Hanumangarhi, Ayodhya Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Kashi Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram Devi Kanya Kumari Temple, Kanyakumari and many, many more

The only place where I wasn’t allowed in the inner sanctum (unless I had “documents proving I was a Hindu”) was at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

With regards to SIMcards…I found out too late that one can get a free tourist SIM card upon arrival at major airports . Virtually impossible once in the country. I’m only in India for a short time, so no big deal. But, if I had read it in Asher’s guide, I would have known to ask upon landing in Mumbai. . Having a great time here in Bhubaneswar. Heading toPuri and Konark tomorrow

Asher! You da pro! Brilliant, perceptive insights, clearly written, and highlighted with beautiful photos. You’ve covered practically everything with concise, essential advice worth many $1000s for any adventuresome pilgrims. Your love of India is obvious. Well done!

Thanks Doug!

It was a labor of love! 🙂

Dear Asher, I live in Bangalore near INFOSYS campus for the last 4 years , I never experienced any major power related issues ,nor my gadgets damaged due to power spike , only precaution I take is unplug the gadgets when there is thunder storm and lighting . And your info about entry to Indian temples may mislead the first time visitors. Advised to check Lonely Planet or Trip Advisor forum, for entry related info in south Indian temples. Every temple in Kerala is off-limits for non Hindus, there are generally signs up saying non-Hindus are not allowed in (mostly in Malayalam Script), Kerala seems to be the state in India where they are least open to having foreigners inside the Hindu temples, if you are non Hindu and enter the temple you are violating applicable rules, there won’t be much policing in most temple as it is a sacred place, no armed bouncers , so if nobody stops you at entrance don’t believe that you have the right for entry. Please respect the rules. Here is the Trivandrum Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Web Site padmanabha.org/

It clearly says “Entry is restricted to those who profess the Hindu religion” This temple treasury hold sacks of diamonds and gold coins as well as golden idols, Estimation of its worth is not yet finished, but it thought to be around US$20 billion. Due to unearthing of treasure now there is heavy security now in this temple.

Hi Hariya ji,

Thank you for sharing your experience.

That’s great to hear about the Bangalore power supply. I’m sure it’s improving everywhere in India all the time. As a tourist visiting many places (often remote places) all in one trip, I think it’s important to be careful everywhere because it’s hard to know what the electricity will be like. And, like I’ve explained I’ve lost $1000’s of equipment before I learned how to take precautions. I now only bring a cheap PC laptop when I travel to India rather than my expensive Macbook and then I charge my other devices via USB through the laptop. I haven’t had a problem since doing this but I also never leave it plugged in when I’m away from my room or I see the light flickering.

Yeah, I agree Kerala seems to be the most strict with foreign tourists entering temples. Thanks for the added info.

This list is just so comprehensive, and clearly informed by years of experience travelling through India, which I have to say looks like a pretty daunting place to be! Thanks so much for sharing!

Glad to help! 🙂

please remove the word survival from it

Hi Shailendra,

I can see your point but for Westerners going to India on their first trip I think “survival” is an accurate word for the title of the guide.

No offense is meant by it.

– for drinking coconut water, you do not need a straw… ask the vendor to cut a deep groove on the side and drink straight out of the shell… I do that all the time … its nicer and a fun way to drink the water

– do not ever ever give money to beggars and children. the babies are kidnapped, drugged and made to go to sleep. there is a mafia behind the begging. all of that money goes to gangs. its hard … but you will get used to it.

– i strongly disagree with street food recommendations. all said and done the street food is not only cheap but guaranteed to be freshly cooked often in front of you. in contrast you know nothing about the food in four star and five star restaurants. the cooking kills the bacteria and germs. also, don’t be quick/harsh to judge hygiene by the environs of the stall/food carts. a personal judgement for approaching a right stall will develop in about a few days . some street carts are more crowded than others. in places like khao gallis(food streets) the food turnover is high and always fresh at the very least. acclimatise your taste buds and stomachs. do it steps if possible. spicy foods outright will affect you and hurt you especially if you never had spicy food before. give yourself atleast a couple of weeks with safer and blander varieties of Indian foods before jumping into traditional foods. Indian dal rice/dal kitchidi is safest and easily available foods to start out. you can start off bland and gradually grow to accept hot spiciness. stick to vegetarian and avoid meats. its not the food but water that can make you sick. be careful with water you drink, go for coke or pepsi if available. when in a new place the common rule is always head for the ones which are relatively crowded. miss out the street foods and you will miss out on a huge part of the cultural experience.

luv it, hate it … but you can never ignore India … 🙂 but why do some people luv and it and others hate it. if you dig in a bit deeper that’s because of expectations of the travellers themselves.

India is not an ideal place for short relaxing two week trips . in two weeks you will be in a cultural shock, mentally and emotionally drained and you are going to go back with feelings of frustration and negativity. backpackers on the other hand come in with fairly low expectations and mentally prepared to rough it out over a longer period of time. these people often go back with positives and light up the torch of their luv for India online.

India is best experienced at a very slow and an easy pace and very unsuitable for travellers with rushed itineraries. i will recommended it for backpackers and travellers with a longer and relaxed itineraries.

i’m an Indian by the way … and these are my personal opinions ….and i know my conclusions are broad and sweeping ones …. u may want to take it with a pinch of red chilli powder … or salt … whichever is available … 🙂

Hi Sandeep,

Thank you for the taking the time to add your thoughts! 🙂

1) Your method of drinking coconuts in India sounds interesting – the only thing I would be concerned with is the sanitization of the outside of the coconut?…

2) I agree for sure you should never ever give money to beggars – it fuels their “business”.

3) You make some great points about street food which make sense to me. Some people will never have trouble with Indian street food especially if they are smart about it like you’ve explained. I’ve personally made a conscious choice to simply avoid the street food (except for chai) for many reasons based on years of experience. The other thing that is often very difficult for a Westerner to digest is deep fried food which seems to be a common form of street food.

4) I agree, you should try to go to India for 1 month at a time minimum in order to fully get used to the culture and enjoy a more relaxing itinerary.

Thanks again for your contribution to my blog.

🙂 … hmmm asher… with regards to the coconut water … ask the vendor to cut a groove on the edge of rim opening … not on the side … and then tip the contents into ur mouth … well … just like u were to drink wine or beer … the shell is ur glass … well actually u don’t even need a groove… jus use the shell as ur glass and be done …. now this may seem a bit less erudite to the sophisticated western tourist … but it is my way of drinking the water …the cave man style … and its more fun … 😀

these days the vendors are more tourist savvy and i have often seen them draw out a fresh straw from a sealed pack. but yea … coconut water is nature’s own packed electrolyte and there is plenty available in India so go ahead have more coconut water.

there are three kinds of coconuts that the vendor sells pani wala (water coconut), halka malai (light coconut cream) and malai wala (coconut cream)

the water coconuts have more water and water is a bit salty and acts as a rejuvenating electrolyte. this is what i usually go for when i’m thirsty and need energy. the halka malai(light cream) is good too. the water is sweeter. after ur done drinking the water u hand over the shell back to the vendor who fashions out a small scrapper out of a piece of coconut shell and then uses that to scrape the cream sticking to the inner part of the shell. that is very nice and tasty. if the vendor forgets remind him to do that. the malai wala(thick cream) coconut has the sweetest tasting water and nice bits of coconut. i personally avoid this variety. the coconuts chunks are best enjoyed with jaggery which is available cheap in grocery stores. and another point to note is that these varieties are usually known differently in different parts of India … for eg Kerala down in south probably has different terms for the coconut varieties. Kerala grows some of the best coconuts in the country.

ok … i’m finally done here. never thought i would end up writing an exposition on coconuts … i never even knew i knew so much … 😀 😀

Thanks for sharing your detailed coconut water knowledge Sandeep ji!!

Namaste Asher Jee..

I agree with you. Just saw your tips for the people traveling to India are commendable and there is nothing wrong. Being an Indian, i firmly believe these thing persist.

Best regards for future…

Thanks Davendra ji!

Hello Asher,

I agree with you that you should set your expectations from the start. Be prepared. This way you will enjoy India while taking care of yourself at the same time.

Great Tips you have collected here, thanks for sharing.

Cheers, Pankaj

Thanks Pankaj ji!

Vey nice useful post, India is amazing if you are ready to admit it as it is. I was little bit afraid to visit India as it is absolutely diferrs from other countries I have been to before, but now I could say that if you are still in doubt, just go there!

Yes, I agree. It’s good to be prepared but then the only way to know what’s really like is to go there and experience it for yourself 🙂

This article is just amazing!! I’m travelling to India in December and after reading your post, I can’t help but wish its December already! will share with you my experience once I come back.

Thanks Joy!

Have a great trip and I’d love to hear your experiences when you get back. 🙂

Great Site! So many excellent tips! I’ve taken a pilgrimage to Mother India almost every year since 1970. Please check out our Pilgrims Guide at www.vanamaliashram.org . Mataji Vanamali is a Sagittarius… always on the go…always sharing her blessings in her writings…If you are not familiar with her writing, Please check out Sri Krishna Lila, Sri Hanuma Lila, Sri Devi Lila…. Also check out The Transformational Therapy/ Energy As Medicine Workshop That I will be offering in Tiru this January at www.weare1.us, Blessings, Arvind

That ashram looks interesting and Mataji seems really sweet 🙂

Thanks for sharing,

I’m so happy to find your article. I have read it a few times and I love it all! I’m traveling to India with my daughter next week. We are excited and nerveuos at the same time but with all your recommendations, I feel more prepared. Thank you so much for such a great tool and please, keep writing!

Thanks Yrama!

Your encouragement keeps me going! My writing is definitely a labor of love and feels so good to help fellow travelers 🙂

Enjoy your trip!

My 16 year old son has the opportunity to go to the Golden Triangle next May 24th for 9 days with a school tour. I could also go as a chaperone. He and I are both very interested and we have traveled quite a bit. However, it is supposed to be 90-105 the whole time. Is ot worth going in that heat taking buses etc? Or would it be better to go at a different time? Thanks, Julie

I personally think that it will be too hot for it to be worth it. The latest I have ever stayed in India was April 15th and it was already too hot for me then. I’m from Australia and can handle pretty hot temperatures but the heat in India without AC can be dangerous for Westerners. I recommend you travel to India from November through February for the best experience.

Hope this helps,

India is definitely worth a visit but be VERY wary of both scammers and any potential assistance required from a law firm. I was scammed of nearly $3,000 by Ganesh Prasad Nautiyal, an Indian tour guide, for a tour of Bhutan he did not deliver. The law firm I engaged in the fight for justice and to stop others being scammed, Ashok Gupta and Co, gave me stress, just kept asking for money and still produced no result after THREE summonses were issued. Just before I left Australia for India, I asked the Indian taxi driver for some tips about his country. He gave me just one: Trust no-one. I have learnt the hard way that, sadly, he was right.

Thanks for sharing your experience and sorry it was not a good one! 🙁

One thing that I always do is not pay for a service upfront (where ever possible). This forces the vendor to deliver the service before running off with your money.

I agree that you should “trust no-one” at least at first and definitely always be super cautious with large sums of money.

Great articles about India from everybody. I am an Indian bought up in the west mostly and I have been to India 3 times in the past 25 years & spent at least 2 months at a time there. First time was certainly a culture shock and I wanted to get back onto the plane! but given time to understand its diversity & culture made me more of an understanding person. Yes there are scams, uncleanliness, pushing etc.. but still when you look at the western way of life it is kind of ‘camouflaged’ and hidden. The Indian life is open & roar it always fascinates me to compare and at times I do not know where I lie between the two. I still take the precautions of the western bloggers for added security but have found subtle changes in 25 years. Like I say it is an extremely interesting experience and for me a life changer in my thinking and thoughts.

Thanks for your perspective!

I see what you mean about feeling like you are between the two. I feel so at home in India that sometimes I forget I am a Westerner 🙂

Great tips for travelling in India. India is a great destination for tourists. There are importance tips! rishiajaydas.org/

Thanks Rishi! 🙂

Hi and thank you for 201 wonderful tips.

We are soon traveling to India from Norway, have been invited of some lokals from Chennai. I off course want to bring a gift, but I have not got a clue. Do you have a tip nr 202 for me? What to bring?

I would bring something unique to Norway that isn’t very expensive but is special to you. For example some kind of small food item that would be a novelty in India. Or maybe some nice postcards or a picture of you in Norway in a small frame. Or even a nice new $1 note or small coin from your home country can be a cherished gift.

I’m sure you’ll think of something.

Also be ready for the pollution and chaos of Chennai – it’s a busy place with narrow streets.

Nice travel tips!! Nina -> You can bring pick up some chocolates or perfumes which will work in most cases. I have a blog at http://giftsforindia.com about gifts ideas for India. It has more ideas.

I had experience working in Mumbai last year. Although India can be initially overwhelming for someone coming from a Western nation, with a little time to acclimatise, it can be one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences of your life. I loved the Mumbai second hand markets around Mutton Street, where I found vintage Bollywood posters. The people I met there were warm and generous of spirit. So much so that I made this short film: https://vimeo.com/151162654

Loved your short! It gave a glimpse into Mumbai. You must have an awesome camera – the quality is beautiful!

Nice vid, Dan!

Downloaded your ebook. Thanks. Will be visiting India in November for two weeks. Obviously, never been there, but figured it would be fun visit such a place. I’ll just go wherever the wind takes me. Again, thanks.

That’s awesome Ben!

I’ve done that a few times in India and ended up having the most amazing time meeting the locals and going all kind of unplannable adventures 🙂

Dear Asher, Greetings of the day !

I am really impressed with the effort taken by you to organize the website pages with the required details.And the of piece of support by words needed for any traveller. I was planning to write a blog about Travel to india and reached to your website. About me – you can visit my page. I wanted to ask your permission to use your web information in my blog page to offer the travel in India to my students who visit Rishikesh or Other part of India. I am part of Yoga and Meditation School and acknowledged that the details embedded in your posts are really useful for travellers.

For any questions or if you wish to share any info which you wish to highlight in my blog page. Do share me – [email protected]

Hi Sarvottam ji

Thank you. Yes, you can quote parts of my website on your website but please link back to the source articles on my site.

Thanks and good luck with your school!

Thank you for all the information. I am married to an Indian. But he moved to America when he was 4 years old. We are going back alone for the first time soon. I will be honest, I am scared to death. But the information I got here made me feel a little better. I am sure it will be weird for them to see a white girl married to an Indian boy. Any more advice?

I would ignore the starring that you will inevitably get. Don’t worry if you turn heads just be proud and stand strong. It doesn’t seem to be rude to stare in India. You will find it can be overwhelming at times but the main thing is to just ignore it and you’ll have a great time.

Hi Asher Your post is really very good . Mostly all where in many post or blog i read same things what tourist write about india. I lived in india and planning traveling all tourist place in my country without takeing money (its a chalenge) for write my experience. And want add some more point of views what foreigner or many indian travelers may be not write about India. I have some ideas and want write all that very soon. I send you message here because may be in future i need to copy paste your some views in my website or blog when i started then. I hope you give me permission to copy paste some things

Hi Amit ji,

You can copy and paste sections of my website but please link back to me as the source.

hi Asher Thanks to give my permission. when i create my site and copy-paste some text then i send you link

Hello Asher

So far I have only read your ’17 things to pack for India and what NOT to take’ article as my Internet Connection has been down. I’m going on a tour of South India for three weeks next Saturday with Exodus Travel and thank goodness I’m now up and running again, so I shall be able to read the e-book you sent me and everything else on here.

I have a question about the camera you recommended, the Canon PowerShot SX410 (there’s also the SX400 but I read that the 410 is meant to be the better one). It is presently half-price in Argos and the reviews on their website are good. However the reviews on the Amazon website, which you give as a link, are pretty bad, so I’m not sure what to do. Apart from my old SLR camera (but not DSLR, so consequently you pay a lot nowadays when you get the film developed), I have been using a Fuji Finepix 10 compact camera when on holiday. However these old cameras take XD memory cards rather than SD ones, which are not easily obtainable, and it doesn’t have much of a zoom and, while I’m buying cards, I could be putting the money towards this Canon bridge. (I would buy a DSLR but don’t have time to do the research on it or learn it before I go, which is why I’m interested in this much cheaper bridge camera for this trip.)

BUT on the Amazon website people are saying that it doesn’t have a viewfinder, the pictures taken on full zoom are blurry and that images are not sharp. One person says you need to go to a camera shop and get a polariser if you’re going to use it on a sunny day and another to save your money and look elsewhere. I don’t have a viewfinder on mine and do indeed find it annoying just to see my reflection in the screen rather than the image I want to take, even though the pictures, surprisingly, usually seem to turn out quite well.

I think you must have used this camera and liked it or you wouldn’t suggest it, so I’d like your take on this please. It’s cheap enough at £119 (or £99.99 for the SX400), so I was planning to buy it until I saw the reviews on Amazon. Strange that they’re so different on Argos. I need to get something very quickly and could buy this one at Argos early next week. Also it sounds as though it’s easy to use. I don’t want to miss being able to photograph wonderful scenes and people in India, so would think in the circumstances it would be worth going for. I would love to hear what you think? And thank you. Also thank you for all the information which I’m looking forward to reading this weekend. Anna

Yes, I have used that camera and liked it. I prefer my DSLR Canon 60D nowadays but for a point and shoot, that Canon Powershot camera does the trick. Almost all the pictures on this blog post https://www.asherfergusson.com/2010/07/experience-maharishis-funeral-cremation-allahabad-india-2008/ were taken with that camera.

Have a wonderful trip!

Great post!! very effective guide for travellers. I also want to add tips for selecting the budget hotel. To know more visit : http://www.katriyahotel.com/blog/budget-hotel-in-hyderabad/

Thank you Shanti.

Good Asher, you described India very well. Really loved your blog.

amazing amazing resource you’re written here. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Your tips are really well thought out and written.

Thanks Jay!

It was a labor of love 🙂

Thanks Santhosh ji! 🙂

You’re awesome, thank you so much for this information 🙂 this will help me have the trip of my life :).

Such positivity and light and so great that you share this information and your experiences.

A wonderful Resource.

Namaste Dayna

Thank you Dayna – it’s so nice to be able to help fellow travelers have a trip of a lifetime! 😀

As an Indian I have shared some of my tips while travelling in an Indian train…and how to make that a beautiful experience. http://solotravellerindia.blogspot.com/2016/03/tips-for-beautiful-indian-train-journey.html

Hi Milind ji,

Your link is broken 🙁

Wow. You have covered all the points very beautifully. As an Indian living in South India, if I need to add any points, I can do very little. Hats Off!

And wishes for a happy and safe trip to India!

Hi Sampath,

Thanks for your encouragement – it’s nice to be endorsed by an local! 😉

It was great to read a very detailed guide to travel in India from a different point of view. Being an Indian in India, reading the post was eye opening to me. Thank you for such a detailed description.

Thank you – I’m glad you got something from my site! It’s been a labor of love 🙂

To all travellers. I did a e-visa application in decmeber 2015. I was charged twice and it is impossible to have a refund. At the helpdesk I am asked to make an email with my credit card voucher, and when I make an email with all the proofs, they ask me to call the callcenter. But no refund is done since then (we are now 5 months later !). And no help from the local Ambassy in Brussels. Does someone had te same problem in the past ? And how was it solved ?

Sorry you had this experience. Indian bureaucracy can be a nightmare. Unfortunately I don’t know if you will be able to resolve it at this points… 🙁

Wonderful article!! Precise compilation of tips to travel in India. I wrote an article for motorcyclists preparing for long trips in Inda. Do leave your feedback 🙂

http://www.budgetyatri.com/2016/04/travel-tip-for-staying-healthy-on-the-road-while-travelling.html

Hi, Asher! Brilliantly captured advice! As a travel writer and inter-cultural adviser for expats relocating to India I could relate to it perfectly. Most of it is spot on. It would be good to connect further. Cheers! Bindu

Glad you liked it and think that it’s accurate. Feel free to contact me if you want to connect.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! I’ve travelled extensively, but you just never know what you might have missed when you’re in a new country. You answered pretty much every question I had, including whether I should’ve shook hands when I arrived (I didn’t, just to be safe) and what sort of mark up I should expect when bargaining. When they start at 2000, I’m scared I’ll offend if I counter with 50, so you’ve put my mind at ease. Thanks!

Great! I hope you get some good deals – Indian’s are the best negotiators on the planet! If they smile after the transaction then you know they still made money 😉

well explained, liked it as I am planning my first trip to India at the end of this year. Cheers

every country got scammer. nothing special about India, Singapore is the worse.

I am planning to go India, but I was hit by a stroke 2 weeks before my trip to Kashmir. Indian Airline did refund me some money. Now I could not walk much. I got a budget to a walk, for only 1/2 hour a day. After that I am tired and my legs are loose.

Hey! Really great job with collecting and putting all together! Many many pieces of advice esp on food and water etc are However I would like to give separate opinion on “comments and responses” front. While going through all of them I would need to say that I started having an impression that some comments – responses sound like comparing and bragging on who lived longer where or who travelled more places and paid less/more for hotel with or without toilet paper. Who learned more sanscrit or visited cheaper places after meditation. Seems after 10 days of sitting boy we want to talk That is true anyway just why would one want to prove another something different anyway. Everyone has their own experience finding toilet paper after all

Good points 😉

oh sh….sorry…the smiley faces did not appear in my previous message (smile) where they had to be…oh well…let them disappear. I also wanted to say that advice about mafia existing in India is very helpful. I really did not suspect about that. Thanks

Yes, it’s important to be aware that the mafia does exist in India and to have your wits about you especially in big cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.

what a lovely post it is… I am glad with some of them points are listed in the points. I like this post very much…

This is really great site, it will surely be helpful for the ones who are planning to visit India, really nice.

Hi, my friend and I have been travelling India for the past 5 days. So far we have visited Delhi and are currently on our second night in Agra. Since being in Agra, for both evening meals we have ordered curry and have felt very ‘spaced out’ after eating this, exactly the feeling you would get if you were high or had taken truffles (lasts about an hour) At first we thought we had been spiked after the first night as the empty restaurant seemed a little dodgy. However after eating a different meal at our 5 star hotel the following night, we had the exact same feeling. Do you know anything that would cause this or have any advice? Thank! (It’s only happened in Agra so far, all meals in Delhi were completely fine)

Hi Katherine,

I’m guessing it might be MSG or some other kind of food additive. My wife has experienced a similar thing at a Thai restaurant in the US and said it sounds exactly like what you’re describing. I believe some people are allergic to MSG and that’s what causes the “space” or “high” experience.

Hope this helps and have fun on your trip!

Thanks for this lovely article, very informative info & beautifully written, great 🙂

Thank you Nasir! 😀

India also have many cultures around it based on the places, I think you are visited around north india places. The south culture will varied from that.

Hi Sangeetha,

I have spend many months in South India. You’re right it is very different from North India but my tips above definitely still apply.

Hi!!! I read your advices and every post… I enjoyed a lot, and i wish you write some more 🙂

Dear Travellers, Namaskar !!

Saying namaskar is our culture because we see god in a human beings. India is very beautiful country with so much things to know, above things are so true and well explained. But, when you hire travel agency for your trip to india then you don’t have eto worry about these things becuase we take care of your needs.

Do not hesitate to travel india, and it will be my pleasure to recommend you all here. It’s our website (www.splendidvacationsindia.com) anyone wants to visit india do let us know. We offer best to best services with deligence and honesty 🙂 🙂

What a great blog! We (a family of 4) are in our way to india on Monday 9/5/2016 and can’t wait to be there… Thank you from Tokyo for all the great information.

Antonio Tokyo

Thanks Antonio!

Thanks you for sharing such wonderful safety tips to survive in India please keep it updating.

Your site is amazing. thanks for the great travel tips. cheers!

Namaste Asher Ji I am still laughing remembering the points you mentioned: 1. They over feed you when you are a guest by saying you don’t eat much, look at your health, how weak are you, take some more. 2. 1minute expands to 5-10 minutes always, it’s kind of ritual here. It’s so honest and it’s so true. Such detailings you have noticed, it shows how much India is in your blood now. I wish you keep enjoying being a part of India . Keep traveling, keep spreading love, wisdom and useful information. Love and Peace Kuldeep

Thanks Kuldeep ji!

Glad you got a kick out of my writing 😀

Thanks for all your help and advice! I’m off to Nagpur in a few weeks but can’t seem to get a straight answer on what us ladies should wear!

The trip revolves around a Buddhist retreat and won’t be visiting any other religious places.

I’ve heard shorts past the knee are ok then shorts that are 2/3″ above the ankle are ok and that the ankles must be covered so trousers are needed…. What do I need to wear?!

I have shorts that are past the knee but only one pair of thin trousers so may need to go shopping!!

I think the simplest and best thing is to buy some local punjabi’s when you get there. Here is what they look like .

It is fine to wear flip flops (thongs) as footwear and I don’t think your ankles need to be covered. Just make sure your not wearing anything too revealing.

Have a great time!

Hey! First off thank you so much for your super informative blog and tips. Reall really good stuff.

At your invitation, I am going to write you with a question:

I’m in India and got open cuts (from running off into the bushes and climbing on rocks) that I’m not sure how best to clean.

First off, not sure what kind of things could be there at the initial moment of the cutting, and second off, washing an open cut in Indian tap water doesn’t sound like a good idea. I did it anyway since I couldnt figure out an alternative and wanted to take a shower.

Any idea what kind of diseases I just put myself at risk for? Any tips on how to best take care of it? (Rinse in purified water maybe?)

I put disinfectant on it and covered in ointment (cuts are on feet and hands).

I know you’re not a doctor but cuts aren’t unusual so I’m just curious how you’ve dealt with things like this in the past.

Sorry to hear you got cuts! I would definitely make sure your wounds are well disinfected with something good like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Then I would keep them covered in bandaids to prevent further foreign bodies entering. Another trick may be surprising is to use honey on the wounds after you’ve disinfected them.

Hope this helps! And this proves another good reason to bring a travel first aid kit .

Rajasthan is the best place to visit in India. It it is the only place in India that is very famous for its Culture , Visiting Palaces and Foreigner Tourist. You can here visit Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Udaipur. This is the best state for the Wildlife Tours also. Golden triangle tour with Ranthambore Tour Packages are the best option to visit here.

Amazing work, Asher.

Being an Indian, this is the most comprehensive list I have ever seen for travelling to India.

You have very well put out all the points which will be helpful for anyone travelling to India for the first time and even for those who are from there (like me!)

People visiting any country have a better, un-biased view of things than it’s residents! And I loved your style of writing!

Thank you Amandeep! I’m glad you like my writing 🙂

Hi Asher Fergusson, I am glad to know that you have travelled whopping 7 times uptill now. Understandably, you are in a much better position to write a detailed article about the tips to travel in India. I agree on all the points especially when it comes to drinking bottled water which you should purchase from a busy and main hotel shop. Similarly, bargaining is another attributive factor where majority of Indians are quite best at and as a traveller, you have to master the skills . Lastly, trains being the most obvious transport is slow when compared to other developed countries and you have to start at a slow pace, and soon you will get familiar with the traditions, which you rightly spoke about as well. Overall, Indians take things at their own pace, meaning unlike U.S where people are busy literally 24*7, here you can see people passing their evenings strolling or at the street shops munching some thing or the other.

Being a research writer, I have also written a post on Top reasons to visit India here http://socialchaal.com/2016/09/28/top-10-reasons-to-visit-india/

Thanks for adding your perspective Afzal. 🙂

I have no word to express my filling even I couldn’t recognise the time while reading this article. Seriously I loved the way you express your journey through India.

// beautiful flower arrangements outside peoples homes // Its called “pookkalam” 🙂

And onam is the biggest celebration in kerala celebrated by all the keralites irrespective of religion, cast, social status etc…

Thanks for the addition Neeraj! 🙂

Asher (and all):

My wife and I will be visiting Mumbai for 5-6 days for the first time in a couple of weeks, staying near the U.S. Consulate. I’ve read the Lonely Planet and have a good idea what to do, but does anyone have any recommendations for places to see and things to do?

We’re a reasonably active couple in our mid-thirties from the east coast of the USA – we’ve traveled to Europe and South America, and when we like to see a lot and especially get up to a place where we have views (climbing up steps to towers, etc).

Thanks in advance for any insight!

One place that may be somewhat off the beaten path that is cool is the deity, Mahalakshmi who resides at a seaside temple in Breach Candy, South Mumbai, 2 km north of Babulnath. These are the Deities who many believe to be responsible for Mumbai’s great wealth and prominence. A temple has been here for thousands of years, but the present temple is from the 18th century. The murthi appeared on the beach, and was duly installed. Circumambulation of the mandir includes many other shrines and seaside meditation sites. 6am-Noon, 4:30-8:30pm. Crowded on weekends.

HI ASHER I AM COMING TO KERALA LATE NEXT YEAR, CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE SITUATION IS REGARDING ALCOHOL, I UNDERSTAND THAT ONLY 5 STAR HOTELS NOW HAVE A LICENCE TO SELL ALCOHOL, IS THIS TRUE? I EAGERLY AWAIT YOUR REPLY, REGARDS JOHN.

I think you are right that it is only 5 star hotels able to sell alcohol in the state of Kerala now. See here for more details http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35192246

India’s Supreme Court has upheld Kerala state’s decision to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in bars.

The court rejected a petition by bar owners to overturn the ban, which restricts liquor sales and consumption to bars in five-star hotels.

The southern state wants to shut bars in a move towards total prohibition within 10 years. Kerala has India’s highest per capita alcohol consumption at more than eight litres per person yearly.

The national annual average for alcohol consumption is estimated to be about 5.7 litres per person.

The government wants to make the southern state free from alcohol in the next 10 years to “protect youth from destroying their lives”.

Its a very complete list and guide..so useful no wonder it bcome popular post thank u for sharing

My pleasure. 😀

Dear Asher,

I am currently planning my first ever visit to India.

During my initial research into planning my trip I felt rather nervous and overwhelmed about what to ‘expect’.

Now, after reading many of your posts and your fabulous free e-book, I am most excited and very much looking forward to ‘expecting the unexpected’, with an open, caring and respectful mind.

Although India is a country that has fascinated me for many years, and I realise that nothing can describe one’s experience better than experiencing it oneself (by ‘being’ there), I’d like to thank you most gratefully for creating this post and for sharing your tips and experiences.

I’d also like to thank all of the above people for sharing their comments too on your post.

“Thank you.”

Kind Regards, Dean

Thanks Dean!

It is really encouraging to get feedback like yours. It inspires me to keep on writing and sharing everything I know about India travel.

“Thanks” understates my respect for your single-India-info-source effort. I read thru your entire e-book and all comments of substance just to validate what I have learned in 20 years of solo world travel and to pick up what I didn’t know. Ironically, at 76 I think I am winding down on the ‘hard’ travel. Again, Thanks. Solowild

Thanks Solowild! 🙂

Asher, great job. Heading off to India for my first time in June and so looking forward to it. You have answered a lot of my questions here. Andy

I’m glad you found my writing useful. Let me know if you have any questions.

I am trying to book a tour of india and found a great deal but how can I check if this company is legitimate ?? Is there some sort of checking system?? There are some reviews online (videos on you tube) of guests but wonder fi there was a tourist athority in india to check and be sure I am sending money to a genuine travel company Cheers and thanks for the info…

I am not aware of a checking system except for Googling reviews of a company but they can be faked. The tour company I recommend and trust is Intrepid .

Thanks for the excellent information. I am 2-3 x/year in India for the next 5 years- I am excited and nervous at the same time being a late 40 yr old guy travelling on my own. Your info was great

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Its always fun to read your post. Well those tips are helpful. If you need any help in India mail us.

Hi Asher, Your information is really clear and useful – it’s really going to help us in our upcoming visit to India. I have a quick query which I’d appreciate your opinion on. We are staying in a couple of homestays in India and the first one in Delhi has said that he’s got a special ‘reverse osmosis’ system in the water in his home which saves his guests the expense of buying drinking water. I’ve done some googling but I don’t feel I’ve come up with a definitive answer as to whether it’s worth risking or not. I appreciate that it could cause offence so I wondered if you’d come across this and could offer any advice? Many thanks.

We are traveling in December with our family. There are 12 of us from 10 years to 81 years. We are staying in mostly luxury hotels. What advice do you have for us?? We are going to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodpur, Mumbai, Kerala.

Do we need mosquito netting? In Kerala on houseboat?? Toilet Tissue? Shampoo? etc. Shower shoes??

Lots of questions, but I don’t want to take stuff we don’t need

Dear Jacquie Boynton , Defiantly Dec is the perfect month to travel any part of India, In Kerala houseboat you will get the Toilet Tissue and shampoo but I suggest you must carry your personal brand shampoo. shower shoes hmmm you will not get any hotel also not in houseboat. You can get the disposable slippers at the hotel room that is for sure because you have chosen the luxury hotels. Feel Free to ask any question Happy to help you [email protected]

Nice tips to travel all over india.

This piece of writing is really a good one it helps new web viewers, who are wishing for blogging.

Hi Asher, Your dedication and zeal all through your journey is inspiring many like me who actually starts feeling jealous of you. :p On a serious note, you have shown that there is a “life” beyond our comfort zones as well. 🙂 Thanks for sharing

Great info Asher, thank you. I have one question. I am planning a trip for my 17yr old son and I to Delhi. The only time I can make it for 8 days is in June. How bad would the temperatures or monsoon season be at that time?

I personally think it might be too hot to go then because it would regularly be over 100 degrees. The monsoon doesn’t normally hit Delhi until later in June.

The only consolation of that time is that the pollution levels are usually quite a bit less because there are not as many cooking or harvesting fires going.

Hi Asher! Thanks for all this great info! I’m a solo female traveler and leave next week. I start my travels at my best friend’s wedding in Mumbai for a week and when I bid them farewell I’m off for a 10 day journey to 5 cities by myself. I would not have considered street food to be unclean and I probably would have accidentally brushed with tap (I did that in Africa on accident) I got really sick in Africa after eating street food and I never even thought about it. I wish I had taken charcoal and pro-biotics (Thanks for the links I just put in my order for 2 day shipping)

I travel alone often and it is really great to get detailed insite, although I don’t usually have too much anxiety, I love being overly informed. Thanks also for the airport tips as I am on a short schedule and only taking flights between Mumbai-Goa-Varanasi-Delhi

Also found the female advise helpful and with long road trips between Delhi/Jaipur/Agra I will now be more prepared. Also thanks on the specific brands of water tips!

Really can’t say enough thanks. I’ll say hello again when I return 🙂 Blessings and Namaste.

I’m so glad to be of service. Thanks for the encouraging feedback!

Have a fantastic trip!

When they ask for your address do they want where you’re staying in India? Or your address back home? I’m just going to travel around for a few months so I don’t really know where I’ll be. Do you think that will be a problem? Can I just use my hotel in Delhi as my address in India?

They want your address in India. Yes, use your Delhi hotel address.

PS I’m talking about buying a SIM card…

Hi Asher, first of all thank you for putting this really comprehensive guide together! This is really amazing and I can really tell how much you enjoy your time in India. Also the photos are stunning!

Thanks Therie! 🙂

I am a big fan and I really like this so I will share (once I get a Gmail)

Good Day Asher, Thanks so much for the details, I feel better prepared. We’re going to Delhi in Dec for a friend’s wedding and our son has asthma. Our local friend will be taking us to the ‘street market’ and we’re looking forward to seeing a few local sites. Should we get a mask for him? where? Or do we bring one with us? Would him wearing a mask attract unwanted attention? or should we just limit our time outside? Thanks in advance, Stephen

Hi Stephen,

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. I don’t have asthma but I have difficulty breathing there. So I would definitely avoid too much going outside.

With that said this is the mask I would recommend and I would get it before you go https://www.amazon.com/3M-8511-Particulate-Respirator-10-Pack/dp/B0002YKBV2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NE9S7KDYNBB3TB74KW44&linkCode=ll1&tag=1331-ipl-20&linkId=ecef99e7bcd97a412d66516266c706c9 I don’t think it would draw too much extra attention.

Good Day Asher, We have returned from India, the air quality was indeed horrible. We brought ‘Cambridge Masks’ with us, prevented breathing discomfort for us all and enjoyed the wonderful wedding. Thanks for your blog, it was key to our preparation. Regards, Stephen

Adapter problem is the main problem in India for the foreigners because adaptors used in India are different than other countries. So it is better to use your own extension. Drink bottle water, don’t eat street food because sometimes it may unhygienic.

Yes, here are the adapters my company sells https://www.amazon.com/Premium-India-Power-Adapter-Grounded/dp/B01MAX1PDT?tag=1331-ipl-20

Lots of great tips to survive this country alone, all while having a great time!

These tips are useful and helpful for us .foreigners can have a lot of fun in India.there are green hills ,green fields and beaches in India , I would recommend to visit to kasoli ,manali these places.

I love the beaches in Kerala – they’re so relaxing and dreamy! 🙂

Couldn’t have written it better. As an Indian, I can understand how overwhelming traveling in the country is, especially when you are stared at But truth be told, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Feels nice to have people appreciate your culture and accept it for all it’s faults Thank you for sharing this. Stay blessed. Malvika.

Thanks Malvika! 🙂

Wow killer tips on India., Good stuff. We spent 4 weeks in India on a whirlwind itinerary visiting 6 different regions yet only really scratching the surface of this complex and diverse country.

Loved your photos! And glad you like my tips 🙂

Wow, thank you very much for the effort. Going to India in a couple weeks so that is really helpful. Especially the tips for not getting scammed are awesome since I´m quite good at getting ripped off.

Haha – I’m so glad you’ve found it useful! It makes my day to get comments like this 😀

Memorize those scams and you will minimize the chances of falling for them!

Correct, we all Learn from mistakes. lol!

Thank you so much Asher, your tips is super useful for prepare my India trip.^=^

My pleasure, Kunlada!

Hi Asher Your Experience with India Tour help other foreigners too and it is really great and valuable information to all tourists or foreigners. It’s glad to know you are appreciated other country’s culture. Stay Blessed and Keep Visiting India.

I think this is one of the best-written posts about India – with almost everything being covered. India overwhelms an outsider at first, but slowly but surely draws travelers around the world 🙂 The best way to experience India is to be open minded!

Thanks Reshma! Yes, India will teach you to be open minded if you’re not already! 🙂

Thank you so much for this useful information. This is one of the best tips and reviews I had read for India. Again thanks.

My pleasure, Reza!

I’m glad you found it useful 🙂

Internet access. How is internet in the cities, such as Rishikesh? My partner relies on his internet connection to work. Can you find hostels or rent a house with strong and fast internet in Rishikesh? Thanks

Internet varies widely across India and even within a city.

Most accommodations offer wifi but it can be very slow. If you want to get reliable fast Internet, the best bet is a 4G Dongle like this http://www.airtel.in/4g/index#!plans-and-devices/on-the-go

Have a great trip!!

India is many things to many people. Keep an open mind when you get there and take each day as it comes. Having an itinerary is important because the country is too big with thousands of tourist attractions.

Hi Asher, I have 3 American friends whom I met while on journey to NeyYork and I finally persuaded them to come to India after 4 years of being in touch. They liked coconut water and spicy food and local transport especially tonga Your post is indeed a total reflection of the extent of awesomeness which they have encountered in their journey to India

Hi Asher, thanks for all the awesome info. Quick question (well, depends… :). My friend & I are off to India for a month in Feb-March, flying into Delhi. I want to see Varanasi, he wants to see turquoise waters and we both want to do some hiking and see the hill stations, probably in Kerala. Any beach suggestions for pretty landscape & less crowds? Would like to avoid Goa! Cheers & continued happy travels!

I’ve heard great things about Varkala. It is quite crowded but it’s very beautiful. There might be some less popular beaches nearby there too.

I wanted to express thanks for creating this site! I was just googling “what to eat in India” and your site popped up! It was a pleasant surprise since I think we have some Fairfield friends in common.

Leaving for my second trip to India this week and your site reminded me of a few things I need to pack!

Best, Genevieve

Hi Genevieve!

Thanks! I’m glad you found my site helpful! 🙂

And yes, I think we have a lot of friends in common. I know Heather H. and Austin A. quite well. I love how small the Internet makes the world.

Have a wonderful time in India!!

Thank you Asher for the wealth of information. I’m leaving next week for New Delhi and this endeavor of yours has helped tremendously.

One question: I’d like to hire a driver who might also serve as a tour guide for the 2 weeks I’m there. Do you have any ideas?

Once again, thanks for your splendid work!

Namaste, Leo

Excellent blog. There are so many places to travel in India. Foreigners can have a lot of fun in India. There are green hills, green fields in India.You have sharewd in detail. Its really appreciable.

Just came across this site and want to tell you how informative it is. My husband and I will be leaving for India the end of October with a small tour group and basically visiting the golden triangle region Delphi,Agra and Jaipur for a few days then off to Nepal for a few more. Question: What is your opinion / requirement On immunization. Should We be taking malaria pills before leaving, hepetitus A and B vaccines. Don’t mind being vaccinated for hepetitus but don’t really want to take malaria medication. I hear you need to take before and after a trip and it can also make you sick.

Excellent tips and its one of the most comprehensive lists i have read in a while! Thanks Asher

Im going to india with my boyfiend for three weeks in January and after reading this I AM SO EXCITED. I wish we had longer to visit!

In India there is many temples and cultural tourist places,these are very different and wonderful from another. every one like tourist places in India and wants to take a lot of fun in these places in India.

I think this post is sufficient for new visitors in India. Thank you so much for all your effort on this blog. I really appreciate it. While searching on India travel I found your site.

The Post has been written incredibly with lots of pictures. Thanks for writing on India.

Thank you Asher for all the invaluable information. I am months away from visiting India and your guide will be my compass for preparation. Just one comment, I am 74, US resident and the travel insurance company you mentioned (and I found the same about most others) has a cutoff at 69 yrs. As I am sure a good percentage of your readers are seniors you may consider to present information aimed at them. I have found Allianze here as one place where seemingly there is no age limit. Cheers, Joseph

I’ve heard some people mention that. I’m sorry World Nomads doesn’t cover your age group. I will look into Allianz.

We really enjoy all the usefull tips on your site; they’re highly appreciated. We started following usefull travel tips since we have booked flights to Delhi this Winter 2017 travelling two adults and our three 14-11-8 year children. We’ve booked camel safari in Jaisalmer, Thar desert but all train tickets are sold out and the domestic flight is quite expensive (INR 124.000/five persons) but the only option still avaliable.

Alternatively we have looked at Pushkar desert that is easier to reach.

Do you have any knowledge of the difference between the two desert areas – would Jailsalmer be worth the difference in cost and travel time?

Hope to hear from you, and greetings from Denmark

Regards Valdemar

Hi Valdemar,

Sounds like a great trip you’ve got planned!

I don’t have experience in the difference between those two deserts. Although, I’ve found that if you can minimize travel time within India it’s always a good thing and saving the money is a bonus too! 🙂

Have a wonderful time!

Excellent article with so many useful tips about India. I am so happy that i stumbled upon to this blog. I have not seen a comprehensive India Travel Guide blog post like this before. Thank you for sharing it!

Thanks Serhat.

thanks for sharing about india, it will help people who visit india first time. once again thanks author to share interesting info about india and india’s culture.

Great tips Asher!

I’ve been to India before but that was back in 2005! I’m going to India again next year, so some of your updated tips will come in handy as many things have changed.

Thanks for writing and sharing it!

Excellent – let me know how your trip goes! 🙂

Am looking for advice on hiring a driver/car for a longer distance. Specifically from Jaipur to Tordi Sagar, and then Tordi Sagar to Pushkar.

I always ask at my hotel for the person they recommend and I’ve almost always ended up with great drivers.

Hello, thanks for the great blog! Very helpful, the link to your travel adapter given in the PDF book says that it is not compaitable in India? Is this the incorrect link? Many thanks

Thanks! Yeah, I am currently out of stock of the India adapter so for some reason Amazon is forwarding any links to my International adapter which is not compatible with India. I know it’s confusing!

The India adapter will be back in stock within the next day or so.

Hello, thank you for such a lovely blog. I am very good friends with some Indian men I work with who invited my husband and me to visit their hometown outside of Mumbai. We would be guests in one of their mothers’ house.

I am so excited to explore the beautiful colors, tastes, and sounds of India and meet his warm and friendly family.

My concern is that I am chronically ill and I rely on my husband very much. I am so worried about not being able to touch him or hold his hand in public when I need assistance and going through the airline queues alone etc.

I do not look sick. But I suffer from severe chronic pain and weakness and other health problems. Some days I cannot get out of bed and I am worried my hosts will think I am disrespectful because I actually look fairly fit.

I am also terrified of the unclean water and I have extremely uncommon food intolerances (all grains of any kind, potatoes, eggplant, dairy, soy and a few more) I am so worried about offending my hostess if I cannot eat something. Also, I am asthmatic and concerned about pollution and not being able to find a hospital if I get sick.

As an unlucky aside…. I am left handed… oh well.

Anyway, I have always wanted to go to India. I want to meet my friend’s family, learn about the culture, appreciate the food and history. If I don’t go now, I may never get another chance.

I was so excited about the invitation but sometimes I feel too sick to leave my house let alone my country.

How can I make preparations for my health without offending my friends by implying their country is unclean?

I want to travel but I am way too sick to risk food poisoning or eat something I am allergic to because I don’t want to mortify my friend’s mother.

Hi Jessica,

I am so sorry to hear about your health challenges – it sounds very hard. 🙁

To be totally honest, I don’t think it’s a good idea to go to India with these challenges you mention. India is a wild place and I don’t think you would have a good time based on what you’ve said.

If you really want to go I would consult your doctor for professional advice.

thank you for this great blog. i am looking for information about the best way to connect to the internet while traveling through india. (for work purposes, not just skype, email, google maps. i want to be sure that i can upload/download large files). i am considering getting a trabug phone, but wondering if i will be able to connect my macbook air to that wifi. i’ve been looking into services that deliver the wifi device to you in the US, but i am having a hard time finding if they work in india. any advice would be much appreciated!

I would use a USB 4G Wifi dongle that you can get in India. Here is some info from Airtel https://www.airtel.in/4g/index#!plans-and-devices/on-the-go

The challenge may be in getting the device as a foreigner. If you have any business colleagues in India – I would ask them to see if they can get it setup for you and then they could send it to your hotel if you won’t see them in person.

Thanks for the great info- i have only just begun to look at India today and this is probably all the info i need! Only been on the computer for an hour! I do have one question though.. where the hell do you start? I have in mind going by myself, or maybe with a friend if i can persuade them.. but India is so big, that i have no idea where to begin.

Id be looking to go for around 3 weeks, and travel to 3/4 different hotels. Any tips?

It totally depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, spirituality or healthcare it would take you do different parts of India. So I recommend thinking of what you want to get out of the trip and then going from there.

With that said I highly recommend going with a friend or joining a tour group if it’s your first trip. You can check Intrepid Tours to see the different options they have.

Another tip I have is to not try do too much in one trip. I rarely spend less than 3 or 4 days in any one location. That way I can really enjoy the place without getting too overwhelmed or tired from traveling between locations.

Lastly, since the pollution can be horrendous in the big cities, I try to avoid them and instead go to smaller places that aren’t as bad.

Hi Asher, I’m on my way to India and l was wondering what the update on SIM cards are for Oct 2019. When l get off the plane, l hope to find a sim vendor. Do you know a good one? Thank you muchly for your great post. Being a little older and going by myself (two days before l join the tour group), l had much anxiety until l fell onto your blog, and l read EVERYTHING! I no longer have nightmares. 😉 Kindest regards, Lorelie

Just wanted to say thank you for the tips. We are heading to tour the golden triangle in a few weeks time and I’ve just bought most of the items you recommend to pack.

Really comprehensive tips for any traveler. I’ve made use of some of them in my travels too. Thanks!

Hi Asher, Thanks for all your helpful points, I am traveling alone as a woman and would like to know the following : what clothes should I take with me as the weather in March looks really hot, can I take a suitcase with food that I am happy to eat including bottles of water, you mentioned that its important to wear a wedding ring if you dont is it a big issues, which tour company do you suggest as I found a company who offers solo trips with a dedicated driver for the week. Modesty seems to be important so you suggest a shawl do I travel with that all the time ? lastly where do you suggest we keep phones , passport etc while going on the tours.

Thanks for you amazing guidance Karen

Your blog is very helpful for all traveler. I search on google for travelling tips and i got the your blog. I read it and i am happy with your tips because your tips are very useful. Thanks for sharing the great information. Good Luck!

Excellently written tips, in a world where information needs to punchy or it’s skipped I found myself read the entirety of it. 🙂

Me and my partner wish to travel to Goa but also visit some poorer places away from the beaten track and buy children shoes and food etc, we wanted to do something selfless for her 30th instead of self indulgence. You say don’t give children money is this culturally not acceptable or does trouble come this in terms of countless children lining up?. It is something we plan to do so we would like to know how to hit the ground running.

Nicely compiled list. Traveling to india can be challenging but ultimately hugely rewarding. Travel to india should be on every traveler’s bucket list. So many different cultures, festivals, languages, food. Such diversity is hard to find anywhere else in the world. A place to use your five senses to the fullest 😉

The post is worth for the people who plan to visit India for the first time. All the point discussed above in the post are somewhere true and useful to have a memorable visit to India. But apart from these points I want to introduce one more point if you consider: The Online Coupons in India for Booking flight & Hotels, online shopping, wallets promo codes, and even more. Today people, in India use online coupons for saving more money on shopping and using web services. Their are some genuine coupon sites like SavioPlus, Coupon Raja, etc. which are useful for saving extra money.

I will travel to India on 11th August, the destinations will be Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi and Agra, I will stay in 5 stars hotels during my journey since I will travel alone! Your blog has been really helpful, thanks for sharing!!

I am travelling to India in December. I will be doing a 20-day group tour of Northern India, using mostly buses and overnight trains. I am finding it hard to decide on what bag is should take on the trip for my luggage. I am stuck between a backpack (one I’ve taken on many hiking trails) and a heavy-duty duffel bag with a long strap to put over my shoulder.

If you have any suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated.

A great collection of tips to take care while traveling to India. Currently, living in UK and planning to visit in January 2019. I’ll more happy if you share what special precautions should I take during my visit?

India is the perfect example of colorful world. You will find both good and bad here. The thumb rule is to be aware of the country vibes. Your post says it all.

come to pakistan once 🙂

Great content. Here all information’s are very useful to everyone. Thanks for all these information.

good help to others get this link through http://www.indigo-air.net get good servce and hoapitality

I really like your post, it has some interesting and useful points. Are you currently dealing with a malicious program called 9oogle?

Thank you so much for sharing a great information. I appreciate your time and effort in your work. Keep posting…

India is nice country to visit. We are heartly welcomes all foreigners to visit out country..

Collection of good information and tips for foreign tourist in India. This information will be very helpful for them to travel healthy and safe in India. For tourist places in India with detail information, recommendations and tips of that tourist place you can also visit on the website https://www.touristbug.in/.

Thanks for your blog….very informative and spot on with your advice. Probably the best thing my wife and I took to India though is something that seldom gets mentioned, and that’s a surge protector.

My wife needs to plug in a cpap machine at night. Our surge protector not only keeps this costly machine safe from India’s wonky power, but provides a 5′ cord which is handy in foreign hotel rooms. Even handier though is that it also gives us numerous USB ports to charge our devices overnight as well as a second Nth American outlet.

The model we chose fits in a little bag about 8″ x 5″ x 2″ and, being virtually a plastic box with a cord attached, weighs less than 1/2 a pound. With one of these along, you can even get away traveling with less wall adaptors.

Thanks again for your informative blogs.

I really appreciate your hard work. The blog is highly informative & I will certainly share this link to to those travelers who are planning to visit India.

Great, piece of Knowledge. Really interesting about India.

Amazing information! When I visit India, I will keep these tips in my mind.

Great advice! Sounds very scary but I’m sure if you stay near touristy spots you’ll encounter less of this.

Grt job!I find your article very informative and interesting.keep posting.

There are many tips to follow for foreigners travelling to india. Do not get fooled by local people

Great and informative article. Contact India Trotter if anyone wants a luxury and safe trip to India.

The details you have described in this blog is so useful for the traveler who wants to explore India in a unique way. I think this blog covered satisfy the necessities of each traveler, whether they want to explore India cultural or natural beauty. Thanks for sharing

Hello, I like a blog is the best trip to travel India Famous culture Temples is nice. Thank you for share us

Let me share this article on my personal facebook, because I found the sharing information quite detailed and useful. In the near future, I have a similar travel plan, so I will consult to go for easy and most convenient.

Wow, what an exhaustive list. Loved how you categorized the sections making it easier for readers to go through the list.

Well! huge informative post! Interesting to read this blog

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Great Book. What facilities are there to do laundry. Do the hotels provide such service?

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I like your tips, all tips are good. I love to read it. it is good for all the persons who are not from India.

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I think your exploration is waste and you didn’t have wide experience. If every things are polluted in India in the sense how we peoples are living here.

such a nice and inspirational knowledge for foreign tourist and this blog is very helpful for tourist, i refer your blog to our friends and family members..

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Awesome Info to share keep doing this kind of things

Now a days dental tourism is the most popular things to visit India.

I really like your post, it has some interesting and useful points for tourist. Contact PACIFIC TOUR INDIA if anyone wants a luxury and safe trip to India.

Awesome Article. Contact Pacific Tour India for luxury and safe tours

Great tips Asher, very detailed pieces of information. Impressed to see that you have even covered the smallest points of concerns. If you are planning your next visit to India, you can contact us at https://www.shivoydmc.com/. We are a destination management company based in Bangalore.

Thank you, your advice is very good, it really helped me a lot, good luck on your next trips!

Nice blog. I really like it. Thanks for sharing this blog with us.

Great information – glad I discovered your stuff. Ordered some things on your Amazon links. Question – Are you allowed to take ANY rupees into the country? I am able to get them in Texas but have heard everything from “it’s forbidden to bring any amount in and you could be arrested if you do” to “You can bring in under 25,000 Rs if you don’t want to declare it, but if you bring more you have to declare it.” I called three different Indian consulates and got three completely different answers. What’s your experience? I’m not looking to bring in heaps of money, just trying to avoid waiting in line at a currency counter at the airport just so I can buy a bottled water and catch a cab. Also worried about going to ATMs (what if they eat my card – it’s happened!).

I read that Lyric is paleo. I have to eat paleo for my autoimmune conditions or I am miserable! How can I do this in India? I am planning on bringing jerky and some snacks but I am traveling with my husband on university business and I know there will be some times when I would like to join in on the meals. Thank you! Nancy

It is very nice blog. About us : Char Dham Package, Chardham Package is top 4 Dham travel agency in Haridwar which deal with best price and good quality providing to their customers

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I have been to India many many times and I still got a few tips from your amazing post. You guys really know how to write an insightful post. It was very inspiring. I think my favourite point was Coca-Cola can be a godsend and I would agree with this point wholeheartedly. I look forward to reading more of your posts and thankyou.

Really your post is very useful for who wants travel to India. Few information I got after reading this post. Keep posting such great informative blogs.

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Anamika Mishra

Author, Travel Blogger, Life Coach & Tarot Guide

How to Travel for Free in India? Is it Really Possible?

I am a travel blogger and I have been getting paid to travel since over a decade. But being a travel blogger is not easy. It is full-time job that requires a lot of efforts, skills and years of hard work. It is not like you open a wordpress account, write 10 articles and you become a travel blogger. You need to write well, research, invest from your own pocket, work hard, try difficult things, challenge your comfort zone, write informative and original content and years of hard work in building a community and set of loyal audience.

But this is not the only way to travel for free. There are many ways to travel for free in India. With ‘travel for free’ I mean you don’t have to pay for tickets and accommodation because this is the major chunk of expense where one has to put money. You will have to do something in order to get to travel for free or almost free. Here’s how:

There are many organisations and NGO in the off-beat locations and villages of India who need volunteers.There are many organisations hiring teachers, social media managers, home-stay managers, singers, painters, techies and more, to help them run their organisation or do good work for the area. Simply search on google and apply!

Tip: Search a suitable option here on https://freevolunteering.net/volunteer-india/ website. They have plenty options!

Become a photographer

This one requires good photography skills. You can become a photographer and apply for a job in a production house or events company. Once you get this job, you will get to travel for free as all the expenses are taken care by your company.

Work for barter

If you are a regular follower of this blog, you must remember the time when I traveller to Amritsar with StayOnSkill ? Well, this is something that you too can do. There are many companies like Stay-On-Skill who offer barter options where you work with the home-stay or hostel and you get to stay and eat for free. Sometimes, these properties also take care of your tickets. You need to check availability beforehand.

House-keeper

Many NRIs and expats have their holiday homes and guest houses in the tourist places of India. They are often looking for housekeepers or managers for their properties. Search, apply and you might get lucky!

Travel Jobs

Like I mentioned about the photography Job, there are many jobs such as event managers, driver, pilot, air-hostess and cabin crew, tour leader, where you work and get to travel along. But most of these require skills that you should know.

Blogger/Youtuber

And now, the most popular way to travel for free – becoming a travel blogger or youtuber. BUT let me burst a bubble here. As I mentioned in the first paragraph, you don’t just become a travel blogger or youtuber just like that for the sake of travelling for free. You need to have an intention to seek, explore and share the information genuinely. As fancy as it may seem, but this work is simply not for everyone. In order to become a blogger, you need good writing and photography skills while in order to become a travel blogger, you need good videography and editing skills. Also, this doesn’t just give you the freedom to travel for free from the day1. Initially you have to invest from your pocket and create a community with good number of viewers and readers. After some time, you will start to get collaborations and get to travel with brands for free.

I will share how to become a travel blogger and other things related to this in another post. But for now, I really hope this helped!

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How do I afford traveling once per month? Do I have a trip budget planner? Of course, I do

If you like reading novels, do check out my bestselling novels as well. Do follow me on my instagram and facebook and be a part of my social media fam to get realtime updates from me! And just in case you don’t know, I also have a Youtube Channel, subscribe me there for my travel vlogs and other interesting stuff. And lastly but most importantly, Subscribe to my NEWSLETTER to receive updates from this blog via email. 

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

India Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

I’ve never been to India. I know. Crazy, right? It’s not that I don’t want to go but life has just always gotten in the way. However, India is a place a lot of people visit and, since I can’t write about it, I want to bring in someone who can: my friend Mariellen Ward. She’d a travel writer who has been going to India since 2005 and runs the website Breathedreamgo . We’ve known each other since 2010. Today, she’s going to share some tips on how to visit India for first-time visitors.

I will never forget my first time visiting India. My first car trip in Delhi felt like a roller-coaster ride. Cars and trucks of every size, overloaded bicycles and motorcycles, and even the occasional bullock cart, seemed to be coming at me from every direction. No one was paying any attention to lanes or the rules of the road. Vehicles were driving the wrong way. I couldn’t make sense of what was happening.

I had heard about the “sensory overload” travelers feel in India, and now I was experiencing it. It was exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure. And just a taste of things to come.

I spent six months crisscrossing the subcontinent on my first trip, back in 2005 and was often overwhelmed by the huge crowds, the foreign traditions, the perplexing bureaucracy, the mind-boggling complexity, and the bewildering culture shock.

These things combined make India a challenging — though very exciting and rewarding —destination.

However, if you read and follow these travel tips for first-time visitors, they could help smooth out some of the more disorienting bumps.

1. Slow down

It takes time and some know-how to successfully navigate in India. This is not a place for hurried travel. Don’t try and see as much as you can; that is not the right approach. It’s tiring to travel in India, and the object should be to experience it, not to check things off a list.

As a general rule, for every two weeks you are in India, pick one region. For a one-month trip, just pick two regions — say, two weeks in Rajasthan and two weeks in Kerala . You can even sit in one place and still not miss anything. No matter what, if you are in India, you will experience India.

2. Adjust your attitude

Likewise, accept that things will not go as planned. Cultivate the philosophy that things happen the way they are supposed to, not the way they are planned. This attitude can lead to the most marvelous adventures.

3. Be careful who you trust

Having said that it’s a good idea to be open, a healthy level of skepticism also comes in really handy in India. There are many con men there, especially in the travel and hospitality sector. They have a sixth sense for first-time visitors and will try and take advantage.

So, learn the prices by asking locals and other travelers before negotiating with auto-rickshaw drivers and market vendors. Don’t believe drivers — or random people you come across at airports, train stations, and tourist attractions — who tell you things such as your hotel burned down, or the train you want was canceled.

Often, an opportunity to make money off of you will spur creative tactics, and some of these scams can easily catch you off guard. Once, I was looking for a new iPhone case and the vendor showed me one and told me it was made by Apple. But a close look revealed four spelling mistakes in one short sentence engraved inside the case.

4. Practice safe travel

There are also anecdotal reports of women being molested, especially in busy, crowded places. Follow basic precautions and safe travel strategies, and use common sense in India.

Here are several safety travel tips (please read my top tips for women traveling in India for more details):

• Buy a local SIM card so that you can make local calls and stay in touch.
• Research carefully where you want to go, ensuring it is an area frequented by other travelers, with good infrastructure and hotels.
• Plan your travel so you don’t arrive late at night; travel during daylight hours only.
• Be careful when posting to social media, so that you are not revealing your current location.
• Stay alert to your surroundings, and keep a close eye on your handbag and luggage.
• Keep the Tourist Helpline number handy and call if you need any assistance: 1-800-111363.

5. Try a small group tour

For your first time in India, try taking a small group or custom tour to help you get your feet wet. My company, India for Beginners , was founded to help women travel safely and well in India. We offer a few small group tours, but we specialize in creating custom tours and providing a high level of personal service, such as meeting travelers at the airport and assigning a tour manager who is available 24/7. We hold your hand in India!

6. Take the train

Taking a train in India is a great experience and should not be missed. However, you need some basic knowledge about the classes and the trains. You may not want to dive into sleeper class or general class immediately; I would recommend 2AC (second class with air conditioning) or CC (chair car). Or even 1AC (first class with air conditioning) or EC (executive chair car).

Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains are among the best in India, so try and book one of these. Overnight trains can be a problem because they don’t clean the toilets at night, so keep that in mind when you book.

7. Eat the food

India is one of the world’s great culinary destinations, and first-time visitors should not shy away from trying all the delicious cuisine on offer, even street food. Some of the famous Indian items you shouldn’t miss are masala chai, sweet lassi, biryani, pakoras, dosas, and sweets such as gulab jamun and kheer.

It’s hard to avoid getting sick in India, though, because you never know when a tainted item will cross your plate. It could be at a street stall or a five-star restaurant. However, you can reduce the chances of getting sick by following these basic rules:

• Drink filtered or bottled water only.
• Watch for undistilled water in ice or sauces.
• Avoid salad and other raw food unless you can peel it (such as an orange or banana).
• Eat only food that is freshly cooked.
• Look for busy stalls and restaurants with high turnover.

8. Get a local SIM card

Everything in India runs on WhatsApp, one-time password (OTP) verification, and text messages. Because of this, you need a local number. To do so, get a local SIM at the airport when you arrive. Still, you may have trouble paying for things online with a foreign credit card, as India requires OTP verification, and getting registered with Indian Railways so you buy train tickets online is nearly impossible.

9. Remember where you are

For example, unless you’re on the beach in Goa, it’s wise to wear modest clothing in India . Long, loose, and flowing are key for dressing for the climate and the culture.

It’s also best to be very respectful, especially with regard to the myriad religions. And be aware that genders relate differently in India, and overfriendliness can be misconstrued. Be polite, but with strangers, and especially those working in the hospitality sector, it’s usually best to dial back effusive friendliness.

10. Follow the seasons

Weather and the season matter in India. It’s incredibly hot almost everywhere in May and June, the monsoon season is July to August, and it’s surprisingly cold in north India in winter, December to February. Do some research and find out the best places to visit in India by season .

So, when it’s cold in north India, head down to tropical Kerala or Goa and hit the beach. In the heat of summer, check out Ladakh, a high desert plateau that sometimes seems otherworldly. Note: Fall is festival season, so you can experience Durga Puja in Kolkata, Diwali in Jaipur, or the Camel Fair in Pushkar.

11. Visit attractions in the morning

(However, this rule does not apply to shopping. Stores, and even restaurants, tend not to open until 10 or even 11 am. Urban Indians tend to do everything late. Breakfast and lunch are late, and dinner can be very late indeed.)

12. Head into the countryside

You can go trekking in the mountains, take a tiger safari , visit one of the many national parks, camp out overnight on a sand dune in Rajasthan, or take a boat cruise on the Brahmaputra River.

And don’t forget the rural areas. Most Indians still live in villages. It’s really worthwhile to meander through the quaint villages of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, or Uttarakhand.

India is not an easy place to travel. It’s not a relaxing vacation destination. It is, though, an experience — often a life-changing experience. Start by doing research, read books about India , watch movies about the country, learn about the cultures and various destinations, and get ready for a transformative travel experience.

Like many before you — from The Beatles to Steve Jobs to Elizabeth Gilbert — you may just fall in love with the place. As writer Rumer Godden said, “Once you have felt the dust of India, you will never be free of it.”

Mariellen Ward fell in love with India, with travel, and with travel blogging on her first trip to the country in 2005. She has spent more than seven years of the last 18 in India, and now lives there. Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen considers India to be her “soul culture.” With her travel blog, Breathedreamgo , she tries to encourage and help other female travelers to go after their dreams. And her custom tour company, India for Beginners , is dedicated to helping women travel safely and well in India.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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e-Tourist Visa Scheme - Fly to India trouble-free

Tourism has grown leaps and bounds over the years in India, with each region contributing something to its splendor and exuberance. India's rich cultural diversity reflects through its people, languages, cuisine, traditions, customs, music, dance, religious practices and festivals, its holistic healing traditions, art and craft.

To make travel to India trouble-free and unforgettable for foreign tourists, the Government of India launched e-Tourist Visa scheme - External Website that opens in a new window on November 27, 2014 to 43 countries from nine designated Indian Airports. The Government extended this Scheme to the citizens of Guyana and Sri Lanka in January, 2015 and April, 2015, respectively. The e-Tourist Visa facility - External Website that opens in a new window was extended to the nationals of 31 countries in May, 2015. With more addition, the total number of countries under the scheme is 76. The scheme will be extended to more countries in a phased manner. The Government is aiming to extend this scheme to 150 countries to encourage and promote tourism in India.

e-Tourist Visa Facility - External Website that opens in a new window is currently available for holders of passport of following countries; Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Vietnam.

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Print eTV and carry at the time of travel

• International Travellers whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short duration medical treatment or casual business visit.
• Passport should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.
• International Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.
• International Travellers having Pakistani Passport or Pakistani origin may please apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.
• Not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders.
• Not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.
• Not available to International Travel Document holders.

The documents required for e-Tourist Visa (eTV)

• Format -PDF
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• Format - JPEG
• Size: a. Minimum 10 KB b. Maximum 1 MB
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• Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.
• Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
• Background should be plain light colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders

• Applicants of the eligible countries may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 30 days. Example: If you are applying on 1st Sept. then applicant can select arrival date from 5th Sept. to 4th Oct.
• Recent front facing photograph with white background and photo page of Passport containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc. to be uploaded by the applicant. The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded document and photograph are not clear/as per specification.
• e-Tourist Visa (eTV) - External Website that opens in a new window fee is US$ 60/- per passenger excluding interchange charge for credit/debit cards. The fee must be paid at least 4 days before the expected date of travel filled by you otherwise application will not be processed.
• eTV - External Website that opens in a new window fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either Grant or Rejection of VISA.
• Applicant should carry a copy of eTV - External Website that opens in a new window along with him/her at the time of travel.
• Biometric details of the applicant will be mandatorily captured at Immigration on arrival in India.
• The validity of visa will be 30 days from the date of arrival in India.
• eTV - External Website that opens in a new window is valid for entry through 9 designated Airports i.e. Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai & Trivandrum. However, the foreigner can take exit from any of the authorized Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in India.
• This facility is in addition to the existing Visa services.
• eTV - External Website that opens in a new window is allowed for a maximum of two visits in a calendar year.
• eTV - External Website that opens in a new window once issued on arrival is Only single entry, non-extendable, non-convertible & not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas.
• Applicants can track the status of their application online by clicking visa status.
• Please be careful while making payment of the eTV - External Website that opens in a new window fee. If the number of unsuccessful attempts is more than three (03), then the application id would be blocked and the applicant would be required to apply afresh by filling the application form again and regenerating a new application id.
• Before re-applying, the applicants are requested to wait for 4 hours for payment status updating, after final submission of the application form and payment of the fee. The payment status updating may take up to 4 hours.
• Nationals of Yellow Fever affected countries must carry YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CARD at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for 6 days upon arrival in India. Please visit the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare's latest guidelines regarding yellow fever countries - External Website that opens in a new window .
• For any assistance call 24x7 Visa support center at +91-11-24300666 or send email to indiatvoa[at]gov[dot]in

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• Ministry of Tourism
• Bureau of Immigration
• Incredible India
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Know before you go: India

Planning a trip to this vast, vibrant nation can be overwhelming, but it’s sure to be an adventure of a lifetime.

There are so many ways to experience India, where diversity abounds in every way. Here are a few highlights to kindle your wanderlust, help you focus your interests, and inspire you to create your dream trip to a land alive with color and remarkable adventures.

CHARTING YOUR TRIP

You can’t take in all India has to offer in one visit. It’s a huge country, a third the size of the United States, yet home to more than 1 billion people. It’s divided into 29 states and is bordered by the Himalaya mountain range to the north, and extends south into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.

Experiences: India offers every kind of travel experience imaginable, from active adventures, cultural celebrations, luxury indulgences, journeys by train, yoga retreats, incredible wildlife excursions, and more than two dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites . There are 104 National Parks in India and more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries. Or time your trip to experience one of India’s sacred celebrations and famous festivals, such as Holi (February/March), Ganpati (September), or Diwali (October/November).

Old and New Delhi

India’s bustling capital is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the main spoke of the county’s famous Golden Triangle. Formed by the three most visited cities in the northwest– Delhi , Agra, and Jaipur–the triangle is aptly called “golden” for the collective abundance of cultural and historical treasures. In Agra, tour the magnificent Taj Mahal and the fortified ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri. Visit the mesmerizing Pink City of Jaipur to see architecturally stunning forts and monuments. Shop the amazing Khari Baoli spice markets Old Delhi and tour Delhi’s imposing Mughal Red Fort. As you travel, catch a cricket match and sample regional specialties like soft and sweet petha, a traditional Agra candy made from winter melon.

Romantic Rajasthan

The charming and capital city of the northern state of Rajasthan is Jaipur . It is a crown jewel and now known for its luxurious palaces-turned-hotels with impeccable services to match. Explore Jaipur’s temples, museums, and markets and get a sense of classic India that prospered along the trade route centuries ago. For a more tranquil experience, stay at the lovely Lake Palace in nearby Udaipur.

Bustling Mumbai

There’s plenty to see and do in the thriving hub of Mumbai . Catch a Bollywood movie at one of the old Art Deco theaters. Enjoy the cosmopolitan restaurants and nightlife scene, but take time for afternoon (chai) tea or a special cocktail at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel . Hunt for antiques in the Chor Bazaar. Hop the ferry to Elephanta Island to see one of India’s early Hindu cave temples. For a peaceful time out explore the nearby Ajanta Caves , built into the rock by Buddhist monks centuries ago.

Iconic Kolkata

Rich in history, densely populated, and full of extremes, today’s Kolkata is reinventing itself in the modern era. One must see the public buildings, landmarks, and churches of its Colonial heyday, especially the Victoria Memorial Hall. Try to time your trip to experience Durga Puja, the city’s most spectacular (and creative) festival, held in September and October. Kolkata is the eastern springboard to many other experiences for travelers interested in spiritual and mountain adventures.

Lush Kerala

Water rules in this distinctive state in southwest India, known for its beaches, fishing, and backwater boating. There are many ways to explore Kerala. It’s many islands, lagoons, rivers, and tributaries. Hop a public ferry or motorboat for hire. Rent a houseboat, complete with crew, for multi-day tours. Or paddle through this watery paradise at your own pace. Pamper yourself by staying at an upscale hotel in overlooking Lake Vembanad in Kumarakom.

PARKS & WILDLIFE

India is home to numerous national parks and some of the most important nature reserves on the planet. There are also wild places for adventures on land, air, and sea. To accommodate travelers interested in sustainability, eco-lodges have sprouted up in recent years that offer nature tours and the chance to view tigers, wild elephants, and even the rare Asiatic lion, all in their natural habitats. March through June are generally the best wildlife viewing months. Winter (October – February) is also a good time to visit, when sightings are plentiful and the forests are inviting and beautiful.

A number of the larger National Parks are accessible from India’s major gateways – for example:

From Delhi: Kanha is one of India’s best and largest national parks, and nearby Bandhavgarh National Park offer idlyllic fauna-rich jungles where Royal Bengal Tigers are found and you just might spot an elusive leopard. The bird sanctuary at Keoladeo National Park is home to more than a thousand species of resident and migrating birds. Jim Corbett National Park was India’s first wildlife sanctuary and its first tiger reserve, and is now home to elusive tigers, Himalayan black bears, wild boar, rhesus monkeys, crocodiles, river turtles, and more.

From Rajasthan: Make reservations in advance to visit Ranthambore National Park , a popular tiger reserve in the Aravalli and Vindhya Hills area.

From Kolkata: Don’t miss Sundarbans National Park and Tiger Reserve , a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest mangrove eco-region. You can tour the islands by boat looking for Bengal tigers that have adjusted to this aquatic landscape by both swimming and eating fish.

The Kanha National Park tiger preserve in Madhya Pradesh is legendary for its fiery red sunsets and boasts a wide array of wildlife, including tigers, jackals, and monkeys.

SPIRITUAL ADVENTURES

Gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism by following the Buddha Trail . Visit sacred sites, such as the Bodh Gaya, and spiritual places such as Upper Dharamsala, the residence of the Dalai Lama located near the Tibetan border. Visit or spend the night at a tea garden, where the backdrop is snow-capped mountains and forests. Explore the spiritual town of Rishikesh , known as the “yoga capital of the world.” As the starting point for the Buddhist Char Dham pilgrimage, it’s an ideal destination to hike, trek, and explore ancient practices on your own or at meditation retreats.

HIMALAYAS AND MORE

The northeastern region splits off geographically and is indeed other-worldly. The eight states that make up this area are all diverse and stunning, offering travelers a range of experiences from extreme to serene.

In the monsoon-enriched region of Meghalaya , explore the verdant hills of East Khasi and canoe down the Brahmaputra River. Trek Sikkim’s lush forest to see Dzongri’s rhododendron forest in May. Ride the narrow-gauge Toy Train to Darjeeling or travel there by car from Shiliguri. Walk along the Chowrasta (mall) to get a sense of Darjeeling’s Victorian era, then to the Planter’s Club, founded in 1868. Watch the sun rise from atop Tiger Hill, with its views of the three tallest mountains on Earth. Treks to many eastern areas are offered, including to Everest that leave from Darjeeling. Daring skiers can heli-ski the Himalayas in Manali (bring your own gear). There's so much to explore in starkly beautiful Ladakh ("land of high mountain passes"), a great spot for trekkers, with routes that take you through medieval monasteries perched on craggy cliffs with sparkling mountain vistas.

ADVENTURES BEYOND

India offers some of the best adventures in the world and many are located in the Himalayas. But you can also head to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal to enjoy their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and the world’s best snorkeling and Scuba diving.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

There are a number of things you need to know before you travel to India and here are the most important:

Documents: You’ll need a valid passport and a visa obtained before arrival, plus any special permits for visiting restricted areas.

What to Pack: Helpful items to bring include sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, sterilized wet wipes, and antiseptic cream.

Altitude: Those venturing into high-altitude zones need to allow time for acclimatization, drink plenty of bottled water, and avoid overexertion during the first few days.

Technology: Internet cafes abound, and connectivity is generally good, but can be slow in some places.

Phone service: If your cell phone will not work in India, it makes sense to buy or rent a handset and a local SIM card. Check online or with your tour operator for which cell phone service is best for the areas you’ll be visiting. International roaming charges can cause post-vacation sticker shock, so be sure to check your service agreement before leaving home.

ATMs: India has a modern banking system with credit card facilities and ATM in all major cities and most towns. Currency is the Indian rupee.

Getting around: Most cities now have ride share services, but budget permitting, renting a car with a driver is the way to go. For longer distances, the subcontinent is connected by numerous domestic airlines as well as the world’s most extensive and amazing rail network, from budget options to extreme luxury.

Language: Hindi and English are the two main languages you’ll encounter in the cities, but throughout the country, Indians speak more than 20 languages and hundreds of dialects.

When to Go: The sweet spot for visiting most areas is November through March. Traveling in summer (April - July), can be hot. Monsoon season is July – September, except for in the mountains, when prime time to visit is May - October.

For more comprehensive travel planning, visit incredibleindia.org .

About the author: Tahir Shah is a journalist and documentary filmmaker of Afghan-Indian descent. He is the author of 20 books, has produced documentaries for National Geographic Channel and is a frequent contributor to National Geographic Travel. Follow his journeys on Twitter .

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Your Ultimate Trip to India: The Complete Guide

How to Get an Indian Visa

India's Visa Types, Explained

Applying for an E-Visa

India's Climate & Seasons

Monsoon in India

Your Essential Packing List

Things to Buy Before You Go

What to Pack for Monsoon

The Best India Guidebooks

How to Save on Your India Trip

The Top Destinations in India

The Most Iconic Sights in India

Which Region Is Right for You?

India's Top Historical Destinations

Romantic Indian Destinations

India's Top Hill Stations

India's Top National Parks

The Best Beaches in India

India's Best Backpacker Spots

India's Most Spiritual Destinations

The Best Luxury Spas in India

India Off the Beaten Path

India for Adventure Travelers

Where to Experience Rural India

The Top Things to Do in India

Palaces & Forts in India

India's Best Surfing Beaches

Volunteer on a Budget in India

7 Cool Sound & Light Shows

India's Most Popular Festivals

India's Best Bike Tours

See India by Motorcycle

India's Top Tribal Tours

Offbeat Tours to Take in India

India's Best Homestays

Palace Hotels in India

India's Coolest Treehouse Hotels

Top Wildlife & Jungle Lodges

The Best Hostels in India

Best Budget Hotels in India

Transport in India: An Overview

India's Major Airports

India's Best Airlines

Domestic Airlines in India

Hiring a Car & Driver in India

Your Intro to Indian Railways

Travel Classes on Indian Trains

How to Reserve a Train Ticket

How to Find & Board Your Train

Tips for Train Travel in India

India's Scenic Toy Trains

12 Indian Etiquette Don'ts

The Top 10 Indian Stereotypes

Tipping in India

What Does the Head Shake Mean?

9 Challenges You'll Face in India

How to Avoid Culture Shock

Top 5 Monsoon Health Concerns

Voltage Information for India

How to Use Your Cell Phone

How to Say Hello in Hindi

Often Misunderstood Hindi Terms

Hindi Language Books

Most Common Indian Scams

How to Handle Begging in India

How to Spot Fake Indian Currency

What to Buy in India

How to Buy a Sari in India

How to Bargain at Indian Markets

India Travel Tips

How to Reduce Culture Shock in India

Culture shock is definitely a "thing" in India. It's particularly hard on first-timers who arrive unprepared, but knowing a few India travel tips beforehand certainly helps.

The first days on the ground in India are considered by many travelers to be the most challenging. Sensory overload combined with jetlag and the chaotic pace of urban life in India can be overwhelming.

Don't despair! Although understanding India would take a lifetime of devotion, you'll quickly catch on enough to find a travel groove. After arriving, consider getting out of the busy city and rest in a quieter place to collect your wits until jet let subsides .

The Traffic and Crowds

With well over a billion people calling the subcontinent home, India is the second-most populous country in the world. You'll be keenly reminded of this factoid after you arrive, particularly in cities such as New Delhi where overcrowding is a problem.

Many Indians grow up without the luxuries of privacy or personal space; don't be offended or surprised when people lean on you in the subway or stand too close when they speak to you.

The overcrowding problem is especially prevalent on the streets; clogged traffic is the norm, and the soundtrack is usually a cacophony of horns honking. Overindulgence of the car horn isn't as rude as you may think; it's actually blown as a safety measure and even out of courtesy to hopefully prevent accidents.

Dealing with Extra Attention

Western travelers often receive a rock-star amount of attention in India, usually friendly but sometimes in the form of staring. You'll probably be asked to pose for photos with locals.

Female travelers will inevitably be the target of lots of staring. Returning a man's gaze could be misconstrued as flirting; instead, ignore them completely or wear sunglasses. Solo women may also want to turn down photo requests to eliminate the chance that photos are later used inappropriately for bragging rights.

Unfortunately, getting stared at while traveling in India is part of daily life — consider it a small price to pay for enjoying the exciting subcontinent!

Is Delhi Belly Real?

Unfortunately, the infamous "Delhi belly" is a reality. Locals deal with it, too. The tap water in India is generally unsafe to drink. Even if you stick to bottled water, you may still get a bad stomach from dirty ice, fruit and vegetables washed with dirty water, or water droplets on plates and utensils. Even a cook who fails to wash hands could wreck your stomach for a week.

Traveler's diarrhea affects many people and is an unfortunate part of life on the road. While tourist restaurants are usually safe, who knows what goes on in the kitchens. Food handling and cleanliness are often issues in India behind the curtain. You can reduce your risk of a bad tummy by avoiding watered-down drinks and by peeling fruit that you eat. Simple washing fruit or salad is not enough to eliminate microbes embedded in the skin.

India Travel Tip : Always check the seal before paying for bottled water in shops and restaurants! A loose lid could mean that a bottle has been refilled with unsafe water.

Dealing with Beggars in India

Despite lots of economic growth, the wealth divide and caste system are very prevalent: you'll encounter beggars of all varieties — particularly in urban areas — throughout India. Unlike other parts of Asia, the beggars in India can be extremely persistent, sometimes even grabbing your arms and legs.

Encountering the young children begging on the streets is heartbreaking, but you are contributing to the problem when you give money. Many children are kidnapped, mistreated, and exploited by "bosses" who force them to beg in organized gangs. If you give, the whole vicious circle continues to be profitable to those on top and will never end.

Even giving out pens or trinkets can encourage children to beg for items from foreign tourists. Better to lend your support through established charities, volunteering opportunities, and trustworthy NGOs.

Practice Patience

Like other places in South Asia, the rules of saving face loosely apply in India. Strive to never lose your cool in public, you'll likely make matters worse for yourself rather than solving whatever challenge you're facing. Doing so isn't always easy, but try to stay calm!

With well over a billion people squeezed onto the subcontinent, you'll have to get used to crowds of people. Don't be surprised when people often bump and shove their way through a queue. Stepping in front of others in line is common. Hold your ground and be polite — but not too polite — or you may never get service! Use those elbows a little.

Patience is the key, particularly when dealing with the overwhelming bureaucracy often encountered. From the time you begin your Indian visa application to checking in at your first hotel, someone always seems to be pondering over paperwork. Consider the mass paperwork a small price to pay for visiting a fascinating place.

India Travel Tips for Female Travelers

Female travelers often receive a lot of extra attention from local men in India. Sometimes boundaries are pushed beyond staring — shameless groping and touching can happen in public in the middle of the afternoon.

Female travelers can reduce some of the unwanted attention by dressing more conservatively. Avoid tight-fitting clothing; consider wearing ankle-length skirts and covering the shoulders. The beautiful local shawls sold everywhere are an excellent investment and easy to carry.

Here are some ways female travelers can potentially reduce harassment:

• Cover up with a shawl.
• Avoid physical contact — even shaking hands — with men.
• Don't agree to pose for pictures with men.
• Realize that even a warm smile could be taken the wrong way.
• Consider staying somewhere else if you are the only guest in a budget guesthouse.
• The staff in budget hotels can be bold ; always keep your door locked while inside.
• Avoid being alone with wandering sadhus (holy men) or "gurus."
• Try to sit next to other women on public transportation, particularly on night buses.
• Make use of the female-only train carriages.

As you travel through India, locals will often ask to pose for a picture with you. Several may be taken so that all men can be photographed with your group. While this practice is usually harmless, female travelers do often get clutched or grabbed while standing still for the photo.

Chaotic Indian festivals such as the Holi Festival are often used as opportunities for grabbing women.

Petty Theft and Scams

Although armed or violent muggings aren't too common, being vigilant makes a difference. Plan ahead so that you don't have to walk alone at night, keep your valuables close at hand in busy places, and never leave your bag out of reach (e.g., in a chair at your table nearest the street). When using an ATM, be conscious about anyone who may be watching or could follow you.

People in India are exceptionally outgoing. Differentiating between random friendliness or an elaborate scam beginning to unfold can be difficult, even for experienced travelers! In general, be wary of any stranger approaching you in crowded areas — particularly in transportation centers and outside of popular attractions that attract tourists.

Wandering sadhus and babas — you'll recognize them wearing robes and carrying water pots — are not always genuine. Many of these "holy men" make a living by selling hashish or scamming tourists who often think of them as gurus.

Pickpocketing is a problem on public transportation and in crowded urban spaces — pretty well throughout India. Don't allow yourself to become too distracted by someone; thieves often work in teams.

Count your change carefully in restaurants and shops before walking away from the counter.

Cigarette Smoking in India

Although smoking is common in guesthouses, hotels, and many restaurants, you can receive a fine for smoking on the street or in public throughout India. Look for the presence of ashtrays or ask the owner to be sure before you light up.

Drugs in India

Marijuana and hashish are smoked openly in many Himalayan tourist centers such as Manali in Himachal Pradesh , but both are illegal. Getting convicted of possession carries a minimum prison sentence of 10 years. Even if you are not convicted, you may wait in jail for months until your case is heard.

Undercover policemen are known to approach tourists for bribes during random shakedowns.

13 Tips to Help Avoid Culture Shock in India

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Trips to Delhi: A Complete Guide

India Travel: Issues to Know at Top Tourist Places

The Ultimate Guide to the Taj Mahal in India

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Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India Indianvisaonline.gov.in

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Visa on Arrival for the nationals of Japan, South Korea and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) Available at selected Airports

Advisory: Government of India has not authorized any agent or intermediary to charge any fee for facilitation of emergency / express Visa/eVisa. For travel to India a regular/eVisa along with passport is mandatory. Only categories exempted under bilateral arrangments may not need a visa. For persons of Indian origin (all categories), OCI card is mandatory.

e-Visa - Only Ordinary Passport holders may apply for eVisa application online. Select Visa Service as G20 eConference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Regular Visa - Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary Passport holders may fill online application and submit at concerned Indian Embassy/Mission in their country. Select Visa Service as Conference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

The best ways to travel around in India

Dec 16, 2023 • 12 min read

With top tips on everything from buying train tickets to riding in cycle rickshaws, we can help you find your way around in India © Tuul & Bruno Morandi / Getty Images

India serves up travel on a massive scale.

The journey from northern Ladakh to the tip of Tamil Nadu covers 3214km (2000 miles), and it’s a 2933km (1822-mile) trip from the western edge of  Gujarat to the eastern border of Manipur in the Northeast States . Needless to say, getting from one end of this vast country to the other takes some time and effort.

Luckily, India ’s magnificent rail network is on hand to do much of the heavy lifting, with more than 13,000 trains running daily on 68,103km (42,317 miles) of track, carrying a staggering 8 billion passengers per year. Every journey by train is backed up by thousands of journeys by bus, 4WD, taxi and rickshaw, and planes connect every corner of the country, from the beach resorts of Goa and Kerala to tiny mountain airstrips high in the Himalayas.

Whether you’re making plans for the plains or getting high in the hills, here’s our guide to getting around India.

Taking the train in India is one of Asia’s most evocative experiences

Traveling by train in India is by far the most atmospheric way to explore the country, even with aging facilities on some parts of India’s vast rail network. Trains connect almost every corner of the country, including several charmingly nostalgic “toy trains” that run high into the foothills on narrow-gauge tracks. Recently, high-speed, modern Vande Bharat trains have started appearing on routes between major cities, offering a step up in comfort and convenience.

Indian Railways operates almost all of the nation’s trains, which are identified by name and number, as well as by the category of service (express, passenger or mail). Express trains are best, as there are fewer stops at minor stations to slow things down; for fast journeys, seek out the Rajdhani Express trains that connect Delhi to other state capitals, or the Shatabdi Express and Duronto Express trains that zip between India’s largest cities.

Make sure you use the right train station; many cities have multiple stations – often a city and cantonment stop, from the days when trains served British army barracks as well as downtown hubs. Some journeys involve connections in small towns that you’ll only visit for as long as it takes to jump across the platform.

Choose your class and book your train ticket in advance

There are many different classes – air-con 1st class (1AC) is the cream of the crop, with two- or four-person berths featuring seats that convert into beds, compartments with lockable doors and food service delivered to your seat. Two- and three-tier air-con carriages (2AC and 3AC) are almost as comfortable; sleeper carriages are similar to 3AC, only with fans instead of air-con. All are great for overnight trips, saving the cost of a hotel room for a night in relative comfort.

Unreserved 2nd class is something of a free-for-all – incredibly cheap, incredibly crowded and best saved for short journeys in the countryside. For all reserved classes (sleeper and above), there are special quotas and waitlist booking systems that can get you a seat even when the train appears to be fully booked. Major stations have special booking offices for quota seats.

Train tickets are best booked in advance, either at stations or online. The online booking process via the official Indian Railways website is complicated, however – you need a mobile phone to set up an account, and international cards are not always accepted. It’s usually easier to book through local booking sites such as 12Go , Cleartrip and Make My Trip .

Tips for train travel in India : When booking a trip, you’ll need to know the train number and the names (or codes) for the start and end stations. Consult the hard-copy booklet Trains at a Glance (available from station bookstands), use the journey search engine on the Indian Railways website or visit Erail . The website Seat 61 is a treasure trove of information on Indian rail travel.

Buses are the backbone of Indian travel

India has a huge and impressive bus network, operated by both state-owned and private bus companies, and buses run almost everywhere at almost any time of day or night. Even if you can’t get where you want to go directly, there’ll often be a bus going halfway, and another bus completing the journey.

Unless there is no other choice, night buses are best avoided since drivers often take advantage of the emptier roads to drive at reckless speeds. On any mountain journey, avoid sitting over the wheels or behind the rear axle, unless you want to be tossed around like spaghetti in a colander.

"Ordinary" buses run by state bus companies and local private operators are super cheap, but they stop everywhere and admit passengers until even the aisles are full. The price increases for various classes of “deluxe” and “express” buses and goes even higher for “Volvo” or “2x2” buses with airplane-style reclining seats. Private companies tend to charge slightly higher fares than government buses. Note that the duration of any journey to or from a major city will largely be dictated by the traffic in town.

On many local services, every seat and every inch of space in the aisle will be filled with passengers. Make your way toward the doors before the bus reaches your stop to make sure you can disembark. Bags go under the bus or up on the roof (you’ll be expected to carry them up yourself via a ladder on the back of the bus). Keep bags locked, and be watchful at food and toilet stops.

If you’re traveling on from India, international buses run to Nepal , Bangladesh , Myanmar and Pakistan . The international bus services run by state governments are usually reliable, but be wary of “tourist buses” run by travel agencies: it’s not uncommon to be charged luxury bus fares for two local buses, one running on either side of the border.

Tips for bus travel in India : More comfortable classes of bus can usually be booked in advance at the bus station or through travel agencies. On local buses, someone will wander up and down the aisle collecting fares – don’t panic if the conductor doesn’t bring your change right away; this may only be handed over when you disembark. If your change doesn’t materialize, a gentle reminder is usually all it takes.

Shared 4WDs are the best way to experience the Himalayas

While buses travel high into the mountains, you can also get around on an army of shared 4WDs, from venerable, British-colonial-era Land Rovers to muscly local 4WDs made by Tata and Maruti. They’re sometimes known as "shared jeeps" or "Sumos" (the brand name of one of India’s best-selling 4WDs). Drivers charge by the seat (the roomier seat beside the driver may cost extra), and vehicles leave when full – or you can charter the whole vehicle for an immediate departure.

Shared 4WDs are more expensive than buses – but not by that much – and are by far the easiest way to reach hill towns such as Darjeeling and Leh in Ladakh. Being smaller than buses, they’re able to squeeze around landslides and navigate dirt roads that are unsafe for buses because of flooding or snow.

Hiring a motorcycle or a car with a driver is a great way to explore

Few people self-drive rental cars in India, but it’s easy to find motorcycles and scooters for rent, including for long-distance trips across the Himalayas. Delhi’s Lalli Singh Adventures has decades of experience renting classic Royal Enfield motorcycles to riders attempting epic road-trip routes like the journey from Delhi to Ladakh. To ride a motorcycle in India, you’ll need an international driving permit, and when hiring by the day for local exploring, you may be asked to leave your passport as a deposit. Ride slowly and defensively, and always give way to larger vehicles.

If you don’t feel up to the challenging driving conditions, renting a car and driver is an easy alternative, and the cost can be very reasonable when shared between several people. Find vehicles for hire through travel agencies or at taxi stands operated by local driver collectives.

Many stands display printed lists of excursions with fixed prices, or you can arrange bespoke half-day, full-day and multiday trips. Ask what languages your driver speaks. For multiday trips, check that the price includes fuel and the driver’s food and accommodation (drivers will make their own eating and sleeping arrangements).

Taxis and rideshares are great for shorter distances

Taxis are found everywhere in India, and they can be hired for in-town rides, day trips and multiday journeys. However, some taxis are only permitted to operate in certain areas, so don’t expect every cab to be able to take you across state lines. As well as conventional cabs, rideshares can be summoned via the Uber, Ola, Lyft and Bla Bla Car apps.

Officially, taxis should use the meter, but many drivers refuse, so you’ll have to negotiate a fare before you set off. The taxis that loiter around tourist sites and train stations often overcharge, so flag down a moving cab to have a better chance of paying a fair rate. Prepaid taxi stands at major transport hubs offer cab rides at fixed prices.

Urban transport in India is cheap and frequent

Urban transport in India is provided by crowded city buses, taxis, rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, urban trains and – in some cities – clean, modern, air-conditioned metro systems. The metros in Delhi, Kolkata , Mumbai , Bengaluru , Hyderabad , Chennai and Kochi offer an easy way to explore these cities.

Cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws – small motorized vehicles with a cab and room for two or three passengers plus the driver – are the most popular form of transport for short trips in any Indian town. Auto-rickshaws have meters, though drivers are reluctant to use them. If you can’t get a metered ride, agree on a price with the driver at the start of the journey (unless you use the prepaid booking stands at major train stations and airports).

Tips for rickshaw travel : Don’t expect rickshaw walas (drivers) to have change for larger bills. Keep a stash of ₹10, ₹20 and ₹50 notes handy so you always have change to pay the fare. Don’t be too ruthless when haggling over a fare – drivers are poorly paid, and a few extra rupees can make a big difference to their take-home wage.

Take a cruise along the rivers

Ferries run across many rivers in India, but point-to-point trips along rivers or the ocean seaboard are uncommon. Slow sea ferries also run to Lakshadweep and the Andaman Islands .

There are some wonderful luxury multiday cruise services along some of India’s major rivers, including evocative trips on the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers with Assam Bengal Navigation . In rural areas, look for delightful cross-river trips by wooden rowboat or coracle (a small, basket-like vessel) – including at the ruins of Hampi . In sacred towns all along the River Ganges, boaters offer their services for rowboat tours, most famously in Varanasi .

Domestic flights will save time, but not carbon

Once upon a time, domestic air travel in India was a dubious proposition, with unreliable schedules, aging aircraft and elevated US-dollar fares for non-Indian passengers. Since the liberalization of air travel in India in the 1990s, domestic aviation now offers bargain fares for online bookings with budget airlines that bring cheap air travel to the masses.

Given its environmental impact and the many inexpensive alternatives, a lot of travelers are happy not to fly around India. However, a short flight can be a good way to avoid overland travel through areas with poor security (for example, in Kashmir and the Northeast States), or save days of rough travel in ancient 4WDs that aren’t exactly paragons of safety or environmental friendliness themselves.

If you want to fly sparingly, save internal flights for trips into the Himalayas – the flights to Leh in Ladakh and Pakyong in Sikkim rank among the world’s most spectacular air routes, with dizzying views of the tallest mountains on earth. With heavy competition, airlines come and go:  Air India , Indigo , SpiceJet and Air Asia India are presently the biggest carriers.

Accessible transportation is very limited in India

India can be a challenging destination for travelers with mobility issues. While locals are extremely helpful, infrastructure is variable, and the crowds can make it tricky to explore. Having a companion will always be an advantage.

Wheelchair users and the mobility impaired face particular challenges – where pavements are found, they are often potholed and uneven and frequently full of people and vendors. Using the road instead can be dangerous because of speeding vehicles; take extra care when crossing the road as crossing signals are often ignored. Also, be wary of sidewalks made from concrete slabs laid over open drains – these are often wobbly or broken.

Steps, stairs and a general absence of ramps are further obstacles. Where hotels and other buildings have elevators, these sometimes only stop at mezzanine levels between floors, rendering them somewhat redundant. Upmarket hotels are more likely to have proper elevators and fully accessible rooms with bathrooms that will fit a wheelchair.

With the number of small steps and curbs to navigate, a folding manual chair is an easier option than an electric chair. If you charter a car or 4WD with a driver, you may be able to explore in comparative comfort, but note that in some cities, the boot of taxis is filled by an LPG/CNG tank, leaving no space for a folding wheelchair.

India’s buses and trains make little accommodation for travelers with disabilities. Among other things, they tend to be filled to capacity, providing a serious challenge for the mobility impaired. If you travel by train, staff can help you board and disembark, but it’s best to stick to the roomier air-con classes. The IRCTC offers an "e-wheelchair" service at select train stations. Many agencies offer specialist tours for travelers with disabilities, including Royal Indian Voyages , Disabled Holidays and Enable Holidays . For more on accessible travel, see Lonely Planet’s Accessible Travel Resources .

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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How to travel for free: the secret that no one tells you

Want to travel the world for free? I've been doing that for a long time. In this article, you'll get an in-depth view of what I do, how I do it, and how you can do it too!

Ayla Life in Lala's Land

Dec 19, 2023

Of course I have seen people all over Instagram and Facebook living these incredible lives, getting to see amazing places all over the world. I must confess I always thought this was fake or that they were all rich people. But since I came across the answers of how to travel for free (that no one told me) it completely transformed my life.

The purpose of this article is not to simply give you a list of the options you have to travel for free. You can find that on the internet anywhere.

I’m here to give you real life proof of how I already travel the world for free , since I’ve been travelling and living the nomadic life since July 2019. I'm crazily excited to share this, knowing just how much of an impact it can make to a person's life.

Some people get a little sceptical before they really get what I do , which I completely understand. If someone I didn’t know told me I could travel the world for free, I would probably think they were trying to scam me or something. But I didn’t have anyone tell me about it. I found it myself , and now I want to help others do the same.

I knew I wanted to travel and quit my job to do it . That would mean no money coming in - an exceptionally tight budget. So, I found a solution to the problem:  free food and accommodation !

In this article I’m going to walk you through how to do that. You can travel the world doing activities you love and get free accommodation - and even get paid to do it!

You might also like :  14 TOP cheapest countries to visit as a Worldpackers volunteer

Travelling for free: how it all started

One day I woke up and realised just how much I hated my daily life . I was working a ludicrous number of hours to get a great paycheck each week, but I was miserable. I decided that I had to take it into my own hands and create a life that I enjoyed living. And for me, that means new discoveries and environments.

In February of 2019 I handed in my resignation with 4 months’ notice. This was mainly for me to know I finally had a date I would be escaping the rat race. By July of that year, I was on a one-way flight to volunteer in India with a backpack and a suitcase with everything I owned in them.

When I said goodbye to all my friends and family, they knew that I had no intentions of ever returning to Australia or the life I was so eager to leave behind. 

I had no idea of what I was going to do, how I would be making money travelling or being able to survive, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that I had left behind a life that I didn’t want, in search of one that I loved.

It was then that I happened to stumble across the greatest life hack known to mankind – how to travel the world for free ! I have now been doing this and enjoying every moment of it.

I have the freedom to go anywhere I want in this world, and know that I am able to support myself. With a combination of these two life hacks that I will be speaking about here, I get almost all my food and accommodation paid for. 

I write for about two hours a day and I'm able to actually save a significant amount of money whilst I am travelling and experiencing the world.

How to travel for free: here's the secret

The number one best life hack that I have ever known is Worldpackers , hands down. 

Worldpackers is a platform that connects volunteers with certain skills or abilities to hosts who are looking for help in these areas. The method behind it is work exchange , where volunteers give their time helping out around the place in exchange for accommodation  and other benefits like meals, classes and tours.

It has provided me with numerous opportunities to travel through different countries on a tight budget, by not having to worry about accommodation and food. Not only that, but it has also given me an opportunity to build my name as an artist through both India and Sri Lanka .

As a girl who had a dream of travelling the world for free - with no idea of how to actually do it when I started - I am so lucky and grateful to have stumbled across Worldpackers!

Basically, you pay one fee of $49 USD which gives you access to all the hosts for a full year. To put that into perspective, $50 USD is likely A LOT less than you pay for one night of food and accommodation in most countries . And then you can spend 12 months with free accomodation and food wherever you want!

Seem’s crazy not to do it right? And what you give in exchange for the ability to travel for free, is often an experience you would be paying a hefty price for.  So really, it’s wins all around! You’re saving sooooo much money when you travel the world with Worldpackers.

Volunteer and travel for free

There are heaps of different options available when it comes to volunteer programs. So you’re sure to find something that calls to your heart. Some of them that I have chosen to work with are:

• Work in Schools
• Work on Eco projects
• Work with Hostel Administration 
• And primarily Art Projects

There are so many more options available , but these are the ones I have volunteered with so far. I typically look for art projects as I love painting. But other times I will apply for positions that pique my interest such as eco projects, because I am very much a save the world type of gal.

I have been very lucky to have had a range of volunteering experiences , mostly with painting. Mural painting is not something that I had ever even considered doing before.

I was so excited to do my first one and put my heart and soul into it, and surprisingly it was actually  not that bad. From there I was able to apply for more Worldpackers positions as an artist where I received free accommodation and all my meals for free.

This is a dream come true for someone who had been travelling for two months. I had no idea how to make any money and was just trying to spend as little as possible to stretch the money I did have as far as it could go. 

I’ve built great connections throughout communities doing this, and I’ve been asked to come back to a number of places, which is so heartwarming.

If you’re wondering how to travel for free, making an impact and giving more value to your contribution in this world , this is the secret. There are volunteer options that suit a range of different personality types and interests.

How to travel for free and also get paid

Although using Worldpackers covers almost all my expenses that I need to survive , there are still other things I need to pay for as I travel. Any flights, visas, sightseeing and going out with friends are costs that come out of my own pocket.

But someone I met at my first volunteer position provided me with a solution. I was only about two months into my travels at this point, when I explained to her my situation. She was blown away that I had no plan to balance working and travelling . In hindsight, it's a pretty crazy thing to do. Quit your job, pack your stuff and leave your own country without any means of income.

So, she introduced me to the world of  freelancing . This is something I had never heard about before then. She explained to me that there are many people that work remotely and get paid for it, which is what she does for a company she worked for back in Germany.

I told her that I wouldn’t be able to do it as I was absolutely terrible with technology and had no skills that would be of any value . She convinced me that I had everything I already needed: fluent English and a tablet I could write on.

She told me about some freelancing websites and I signed up to both Freelancer and Upwork . I then started applying for different positions but was not getting any luck. I had been trying for basic administration positions, which of course every other unskilled person was also applying for, so I was just getting lost in the masses.

Earlier in 2019 I had decided that I wanted to write a novel , which I am currently still working on, and this is something that I had shared with the girl who told me about freelancing. She saw me working on my novel all the time and motivated me to apply for some content writing positions . 

"The worst they could do is say no, and the best that can happen is you start getting paid to travel."

Eventually one company gave me a trial. Turns out they loved my writing style and offered me an ongoing position.

Becoming a digital nomad

The work I do could not be more perfect. It is incredibly flexible, I can ask for as much or as little work as I want, and it is something that I enjoy doing. 

I write content for businesses all over the world . Each piece might take me around 3 hours and will make me $50 USD. It’s not a lot, in fact, this job pays pretty terribly compared to the others I have now.

But depending on which part of the world I am, it pays for a LOT more than it would be back home. 

And I have such a different relationship with money than I did when working a ‘normal’ job. I am only interested in making enough money to cover my expenses from the previous month or to splurge on a vacation, such as a fancy resort somewhere.

Not only has securing a freelancing job been able to free me financially, it is such a different experience to be working on your own clock . Sometimes I might go a few days or a week without writing at all. Because I don’t have the need for money. But other times I might write for a full week and do nothing else. That is the beauty of freelancing.

Each week I decide how many projects I want, which generally is anywhere between two and 10. So that is a maximum of 30 hours a week if I really want to make some serious money, but I rarely have the need for that. So most times, I only work about 6 a week.

Combining this small amount of income with travelling the world for free with Worldpackers, I am able to save money while I’m travelling ! How crazy is that? I never would have thought that was possible.

An added benefit to freelancing is how much y ou learn about the potential of online work. I went from a non-tech savvy girl 15 months ago, to now having my own digital marketing agency . 

I do this by outsourcing all the work to the talented freelancers I’ve met along my journey . So whether you’ve got that business mind, or just want to work 5 hours a week to live as a digital nomad, it works for everyone.

Balancing freedom and motivation

When I was in Australia, I was a businesswoman. Always in a suit rushing around from meeting to meeting and under immense stress. Now I wouldn’t be recognisable to any of the people from my old position, or the clients that I worked with so closely. I am able to completely and freely express myself.

I now have blue hair and am starting to gather a collection of tattoos , and do you know what? It makes me so happy that I am able to live a life that is true to my own personality . Not to be living life restricted by the confines of society. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have responsibilities.

I have the freedom to now travel where I want, dress (country-specific of course) and later my appearance as I please. And all I need to do is work about 5 hours a day to make that happen. So on average, I would spend 1 hour a day working and another 4 volunteering.

Although it can be tempting to run out with my friends as soon as the volunteering is done, I just give myself a reality check. It’s one hour. And if I schedule my time well, it makes little difference to my day, but a big difference to my life.

For me, I found setting out schedules works best for me. Mine looks something like this: yoga, breakfast, work, volunteer, lunch, write my novel, then free time. Sometimes I find myself creating stress out of nothing , but finding my balance with a schedule and yoga always helps me to keep motivated.

What in the world are you waiting for?

Yes, there is a legitimate way to travel the world for free and get paid, if that is the kind of life you want to live. I do it myself, and I’m just your average everyday person. Sometimes I realize how lucky I am to live this life, and then remember that luck had nothing to do with it . I found this out through research and took a leap of faith.

Seeing new countries and experiencing new cultures has been eye opening for me. And this is not something I would have been able to do for so long if I hadn’t stumbled across this life hack so early into my trip.

But luckily for everyone reading this, I have found them so that you don’t have to go searching . So now that you know how to travel for free, what are you waiting for? Go see the world! 

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Ayla Carlin

Life in Lala's Land

An Australian solo traveller who set out to find herself while discovering the world. My aim is to discover the untouched, make long lasting connections, and expand my mind through the new people I meet and places I discover. I want to inspire others through my experiences, showing just how important travel is for the soul, and how it can transform your life in the most positive ways.

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Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Oct 15, 2020

You're living the life, girl! As an author myself, that's pretty much a dream come true. Traveling and writing. Thank you for your words. I wish you all the success!

Oct 22, 2020

I wanna thanks you for your loyalty, and probably encourage you gave too all committee, thanks for who you are

Ayla (Author)

Nov 02, 2020

Thank you beautiful girl!! You also do the same??

Unfortunately, I don't. Right now, I just write in my home country. But I was published by a small publisher this year and I'm working on getting better to write on the road one day

Oct 19, 2020

Wow you're ao cool

Oct 20, 2020

Thank you beautiful people! Let's keep sharing our stories and welcoming more people to the traveling the world for free community!

Amazing text 🤍🤍 thanks for that

Oct 24, 2020

Good job👍👍💐💐

Feb 26, 2023

Amazing. Great job. Good Luck

Thank you ☺️

Oct 31, 2020

Thank you so much❤️

You are so welcome girl! ❤️❤️

Wooaaaaahhh 🤩🤩🤩🤩

Nov 06, 2020

Nov 08, 2020

It's great, I am cherishing the trip like you, currently I am looking for an online job to have money for the trip but I still haven't found it. Please guide and share your online work experience and your itinerary. Look forward to your guidance. My email: [email protected]

Nov 10, 2020

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Nov 11, 2020

Welcome Morocco

Nov 12, 2020

Super inspiring! :)

Nov 25, 2020

Hi Ayla, your story is very encouraging and motivational. I’m a newly certified Health and Life Coach, my dream is to work from anywhere, I got lost and confused, meanwhile I’m working part time as a professional organizer and decluttering, my dream is to travel so I decided enough of waiting to do it so I signed up here. But I’m interested in knowing more about your Marketing Biz, would like to talk to you about my business. Please could you reach out to me, [email protected] Thank You!!!

Nov 27, 2020

Well articulated

Dec 01, 2020

wow i like it thank you so much for sharing this

Dec 03, 2020

Thanks for your inspiring words, keep it up! :)

Cool with patient and courage

Wow, I really needed to hear this. I'd love to chat with you deeper since I have so many questions! How can I contact you? Do you have Instagram?

Dec 04, 2020

Hey Linda, I'd be happy to help 😊 My insta is lifein_lalasland

Sent you a message there!

Dec 08, 2020

Hi there, I admire your courage, wish i can do the same, but i'm in a different situation. I loved your article, it's inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

Dec 09, 2020

Wow! This was such a good read.

Dec 13, 2020

World are amazing & I love Nature 🙏🏞️🌄🌎🌏🗺️🥰

Dec 17, 2020

Hi there we had a small conversation in Bangkok while Brushing the truth i am so glad to meet you cheers Appreciate it

Dec 22, 2020

And you have written a beautiful blog here 😊

Very inspiring after reading what you have wrote. Yes, the money for buying a ticket is really concerning for me to step out from my comfort zone, and was thiking a lot should I make this work with travel the world with FREE. ❤

Dec 29, 2020

Wer are you from

Jan 04, 2021

Thank you dearly, you have helped me and beyond, I have connections and so do they. Keep sprinkling more kindness, also free lol.

Jan 13, 2021

Thank you so much for all what you've shared am impressed good luck to you bye

Jan 17, 2021

I am very much inspired by your story, I have a account in freelance and upwork. But in freelance they ask me to pay security deposit first is it safe to do so .

Jan 18, 2021

Hi I want to travel world for free

Jan 19, 2021

click bait title and too long text which is a lot of filler text. could be shorter and to the point.

Feb 02, 2021

l am active now in France heading to Spain

Mar 26, 2021

Is this possible with two children?

May 16, 2021

مرحبا انا عندى سؤال هل انا بدفع مصاريف السفر صح ام لا وهل ينفع ان اعمل واخد مال ام لا

May 31, 2021

Such a priceless story that you can even describe with words🙏 I absolutely believe that hapiness can change this World. And when everyone starts to SHARE yourself for others - we will make a planet smile and blossom❤👋

P.s. Thank you for that motivation. I will try to spread around the love which I found here

Jul 23, 2021

Oct 09, 2021

great writing. I hope i can join this life soon enough

Hi Pretty I hope you are doing in good health, I am Asif fresh graduate from United Arab Emirates Dubai. i am interests travel to European countries. i am applying many volunteers position. If you are free then guide me which European countries best cheap for foreigner students. Respectfully thanks for your precious time.

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Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
• Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for India.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter in either on a paper visa, valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa.

Required for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from an infected area; others are suggested.

The possession of satellite phones is prohibited in India; Currency in excess of USD $5,000 must be declared. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency into India.

Check local law for reporting requirements for exiting with large quantities of foreign currency and Indian rupees.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi   serves American citizens in the Indian states of  Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

U.S. Consulate General Mumbai (Bombay) C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022. Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata (Calcutta) 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) 99030 42956 or +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Assam. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras) 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services.(Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44) ) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry and Lakshwadeep Islands. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Phone: 040 6932 8000

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to the U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India. Indian visa regulations and instructions change frequently, often with little advance notice. Travelers are urged to check the  website of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.  before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days prior to their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.  

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services to individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa .

Diplomatic and Official visa applications are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must obtain country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps with you at all times. Consider downloading these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit visa from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take four or five business days.   

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to  study, do research, work, or act as missionaries,  as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days,  are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)  closest to where they will be staying in addition  to having the appropriate visa  when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the  Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)  section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa, or otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country. Generally, you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit  the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal  to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing of an exit permit under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India  at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in Atlanta ,  Chicago , Houston ,  New York , or  San Francisco . Outside the United States, inquiries should be made at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the  Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS:  There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of India  before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings (including local customs and etiquette) and keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly.  Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.   

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur at any time.  Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity.  In eastern India’s Bihar state, 10 security personnel were killed and five injured in a Naxalite-triggered Improvised Explosive Device blast on July 18, 2016.  In the eastern state of Jharkhand, seven policemen were killed and eight others injured in a landmine blast by Naxalites on January 27, 2016.   

Beyond the threat from terrorism and insurgencies, demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook  page, and enroll with the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will post information about routine demonstrations on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General websites, under the heading “Demonstration Notices.” Please monitor our websites regularly for information about protest activities in the country. Please note that the Embassy and Consulates General will issue emergency/security messages for other purposes, as necessary.

Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing religiously chauvinistic agendas. There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in the past. 

Swimming in India:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

If you visit the Andaman Islands, be aware that there have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt water resulting in fatalities.  Ask local residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.

Wildlife safaris:  India offers opportunities for observation of wildlife in its natural habitat and many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is a good idea to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks.

Trekking in India:  Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually or with one or two companions. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be as high as 25,170 feet (7,672 m); please make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to ensure that you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel:  India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India generally is safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in the death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State strongly recommends that you avoid travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Since 1989, as many as 70,000 people (terrorists, security forces, and civilians) have been killed in the Kashmir conflict. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below).

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you avoid travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern states:  Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India:  Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Restricted/Protected areas:  While the Indian Government has designated that travelers to “portions” of certain areas need special advance permission, actual practice has been to require a permit to enter any portion of certain states or territories. Areas requiring a permit include:

• The state of Arunachal Pradesh
• Portions of the state of Sikkim
• Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
• Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
• The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
• Portions of the state of Manipur
• Portions of the state of Mizoram
• Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s  Bureau of Immigration .

“Restricted Area Permits" are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, be aware the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in  STEP  to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the  U.S. Embassy in New Delhi  as well as the U.S. Consulates General in  Mumbai  (Bombay),  Chennai (Madras),  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata  (Calcutta).

CRIME:  Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If you are traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent years there has been a modest increase. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. ATM card scams have been used to clone credit card details to withdraw money.

Sexual Assault:  Travelers should be aware that there have been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. citizens traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Women traveling in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Customary everyday dress for Indian women throughout the country is conservative, and even more so in non-urban areas,  with women wearing clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of the major cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and can quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in market places, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping. The Government of India has focused greater attention on addressing issues of gender violence. One outcome has been greater reporting of incidences of sexual assault country-wide, and Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of reported crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas across India underline the fact that foreign women are at risk and should exercise vigilance.

Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding use of public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones).

Scams:  Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay.  There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.

You should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents to book trips. Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their name on a sign when they leave the airport. Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and use the distraction to rob them of their valuables. Tourists have also been given drugged drinks or tainted food to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. Even food or drink prepared in front of the traveler from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, gemstones, or other expensive items that may not be of the quality promised. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints.

There have been a number of other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad.  In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary.  In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on  international financial scams . 

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and/or consulates are unable to provide legal advice or intervene on behalf of United States citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters.  A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

In another common scam, family members in the United States, particularly older people, are approached for funds to help callers claiming to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on  Emergency Assistance to Americans Abroad . 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.                      

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Please note that you should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally are unable to take any meaningful action without the filing of a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, you should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A FIR is required by the Indian government in order for you to obtain an exit visa to leave India if the lost passport contained your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days, but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to determine if you have been injured and to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that in order for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

There are a number of resources in India for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad one can dial 1-800-425-2908 or 1098 for crimes in general.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our  information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol purchase and consumption. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Drugs:  Several U.S. citizens have been arrested at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India.  All claimed that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics.  Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide: Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef.  In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual nationality: India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment. The OCI program is similar to the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card except that PIO holders must still register with Indian immigration authorities, and PIO cards are not issued for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for PIO or OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington, or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens are required to travel on a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Religious activities and faith-based travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .  If you plan to engage in religious proselytizing you are required by Indian law to have a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the general public is invited, may violate immigration law if the traveler does not hold a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religious faith to another. If you intend to engage in missionary activity, you may wish to seek legal advice to determine whether the activities you intend to pursue are permitted under Indian law.

Tourists should also be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.  

Customs restrictions: Before traveling to or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and clothing thoroughly to ensure they do not inadvertently contain prohibited items. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained when airport security officials discovered loose ammunition (even spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could be charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported from India.

In addition, U.S. citizens have been arrested for possession of satellite phones. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and hand-held GPS devices are illegal in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from India of such items as, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. Permission from the Government of India is required to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If you are charged with any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have an attorney review any document before you sign it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs .

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or email USCIB for details. Please see our section on Customs Information for more information.

Natural disaster threats: Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehra Dun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life.  Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings.  Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and inavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility: While in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Students:  See our   Students Abroad  page and FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Section 377 of India’s penal code makes same-sex sexual acts illegal in India. On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared unconstitutional the application of Section 377, barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, effectively legalizing homosexuality in India. Reports of widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Zika is present in India. See the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India.  Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you could be subjected to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccination is recommended for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza is transmitted from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India), and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all travelers during the flu season.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam. For further information on pandemic influenza, please refer to the Department of State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Sheet .

Malaria prophylaxis depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the CDC website for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. The highest number of cases is reported from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. Daytime insect precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent are recommended by the CDC.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. For further information, please consult the CDC’s Travel Notice on TB .

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you.  The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Current air quality data can be found on the Embassy’s Air Quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly.

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia.

For emergency services, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Medical Tourism: Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information.

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices.

Surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation.  For additional information, visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy . 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in taxis’ back seats. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles.Travel at night is particularly hazardous.

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise.

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.

Public Transportation: Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite common.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed.

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver.

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station. Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Emergency Numbers: The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata:

• Fire Brigade 101
• Ambulance 102

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast. 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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How to Plan Your Dream Trip to India + Planning Checklist

Planning a trip to India is not a small task (but yes it’s worth it!). In a world of turn-up-and-go travel, India is one of the outliers, where “just go” is a little more difficult to do. In this guide to how to plan a trip to India, I’ll walk you step by step through India trip planning – whether it’s your first time to India or you’re heading back for more.

This post may contain compensated affiliate links. More info in our  disclosure   here.

How to Plan a Trip To India – Your Complete Guide

Planning a trip to India is where the magic begins – and it’s just as well, as in our experience of both living in India and travelling around India, at least some level of India trip planning before you set off is needed – much more so than for other Asian countries.

Why the need to plan a trip to India in advance?

India has unique ways of doing things, and if you’re a foreigner planning your first time in India, then it can be frustrating (at best) trying to navigate Indian bureaucracy and systems (or lack thereof) while your allotted trip time steadily trickles away.

The question of how to travel around India is not straightforward – it is a sub-continent, after all.

It’s also important to prepare your trip to India in advance for other reasons. You’ll want to learn about Indian culture so that you can get more out of your trip to India, perhaps learn some Hindi , find out which India itinerary is best for you, work out which places to visit (that can be huge distances apart).

There are also many opportunities to support sustainable tourism in India on your trip too, which a little planning will make it much easier to do.

I also recommend reading up on safe travel in India (especially for women) and which scams to look out for. Unfortunately, un-prepared first time travellers to India make easy targets for scamsters on arrival in Delhi and other cities – but a little preparation can save you from a lot of hassle and being yet another scam victim.

Not least, by spending time to plan your trip to India ahead of time, you’ll get far more out of the experience. Whether this is your first time to India and you’re planning a 2 weeks in India itinerary, or you’ll be spending months in India, planning will help you relax and enjoy all of the magic that India has in store for you.

In this travel to India blog I’ll walk you through the most important things to know when you start to plan a trip in India, as well as how to prepare for the best India experience. Let’s get started!

Current Status of Travel to India (2022)

The information below is provided with the intention of helping readers plan future trips to India but is subject to change without notice. Please cross-check with official sources such as your government’s travel advisory. (Last updated October 2022).

In March 2020 as a response to the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic by the WHO, the Indian Government rolled out an India travel ban which stopped travel to India for touristic purposes and saw all tourist visas suspended (as well as many travellers stranded in India).

As of 2021, India re-opened its borders for tourism, and in 2022 international travel to India has pretty much returned to normal. There are very few covid measures in place now in India – with the exception of wearing masks on flights, and in general travel has returned to how it was pre-pandemic.

Tourism visas for India are now being re-issued – see my guide to India e-visas here – and borders are fully open.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BRITS & CANADIANS – Please note that if you’re travelling to India on a British or Canadian passport , you are NOT currently able to get an E-Visa, and you need to allow a LOT of extra time to apply for a regular paper/sticker visa and attend an in-person appointment at your nearest Indian High Commission / VFS processing centre.

At the time of writing, India requires either proof of full Covid 19 vaccination (2 shots) and/or a PCR test taken within the last 72 hours for entry to India. You will need to upload relevant proof via the Air Suvidha portal – more information here . The requirements vary per country, so please check information for your specific situation carefully.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic and lockdowns, unimaginable numbers of people working in and relying on tourism to earn a living struggled to make ends meet. Throughout this India travel blog on Soul Travel India my focus is on promoting organisations that have a positive impact on communities in India, and we recommend that travellers to India support sustainable and local tourism initiatives wherever they can.

When to Visit India

One of the first steps to plan India trip is to decide when is best to visit India for you. There are 3 main seasons – although like everything, as our global climate changes, these seasons are becoming blurred and sometimes temperamental. So, pack a sweater and waterproof just in case!

• High Season – Winter – October to February. India’s winter falls between October/November and February and this is the most popular time to visit India. Expect warm – cool days (except for in the far north and mountains of India where it is positively wintery and/or inaccessible). Popular festival Divali occurs (Oct/Nov). Book ahead as this is peak season, especially over Christmas, New Year and Divali. Best time to go if you want good weather.
• Off Season – Summer – Late March to June. Most of India becomes unbearably hot and dry, starting from mid/end of March depending on the year. Many come for Holi (Feb/March) which marks the beginning of Spring. But between the end of March and June it’s really too hot for sightseeing unless you’re heading to the hill stations and mountains of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Avoid from late march on unless you’re heading to the hills.
• Shoulder Season – Monsoon – July to September. Much of India gets periodic deluges for monsoon which starts in late June and ends in September or October depending on the year and where you are in India. This can be a great time to explore parts of India with fewer crowds – not all regions of India get lots of rain (Rajasthan and the north get relatively little), but travelling during monsoon requires patience and can go wrong. Best time to go if you want to avoid crowds and don’t mind getting wet and/or delayed. Ideal time for trekking in Ladakh.

Some of the best times to go are shoulders of seasons – I personally love October and late February / early March as they see fewer visitors and often good weather in between seasons. Plus if you want to see places with differing climates, one of these periods is likely to be the best time to travel.

Where to Visit in India

There are many different India itineraries – whether you’re looking for a 2 week India itinerary, 3 week India itinerary or backpacking India route. Where’s best for you will depend on your interests, budget, travel style and more. We don’t believe in sending everyone on the same old regular cookie-cutter travel itinerary India has because there’s so much more to India than that!

Some tips when planning your own India travel itinerary:

• Everyone tends to head to north India for their first trip to India (Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, etc) but there’s more to India than this. The south of India is actually much easier going and has better food (we’re biased on that!)and a better place to start, especially for solo female travellers to India.
• Travel distances in India can be long. Don’t try to fit too much in.
• Allow a day on arrival to rest and adjust – it’s easier to deal with the culture shock after a few hours of sleep.
• If you don’t want to plan everything in advance, my advice is to at least book your first night in a new place , especially for female travellers . You don’t want to arrive in a new place looking lost and scrambling to find somewhere to stay as this is where it’s easy to fall for scams.

Not sure where to visit in India? Take our free quiz here to find out which itinerary for India is right for you!

Popular India Itinerary Options

Especially if it’s your first time India, people often wonder which of the many India itineraries is right for them. Whatever you choose, know this: It’s just not possible to see ‘India’ in one visit. What you will get, though, if you plan right, is the perfect taste of India that’ll leave you wanting more on your next visit.

India Golden Triangle

The most popular and our least favourite of all typical India itineraries is the Golden Triangle route of Delhi – Agra – Jaipur. So named because of the geographic position of these 3 cities to each other, and for the fact that they are home to some of India’s greatest treasures: The Taj Mahal (Agra), Delhi’s treasure trove of history and culture, and the UNESCO listed “pink city” of Jaipur.

While these are absolutely places that anyone visiting India should include on their itinerary, the reason this is one of our least favourite itineraries is because it’s also where you’ll find most of India’s scamsters that pray on tourists, as well as most of the bus-loads of tourists.

The location of the Golden Triangle is also in some of India’s most polluted, heavily populated and industrial areas which means that the culture shock is dialled up a notch – not necessarily the best welcome to India.

So, how to ‘do’ the Golden Triangle right?

We understand that most people planning their first trip to India want to see the Golden Triangle, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Here’s what we suggest:

• Don’t just see the Golden Triangle. Make time to stop in other places, such as smaller towns, stay at a homestay or go to one or two less touristy places.
• Don’t go to the Golden Triangle first . Start in another part of India (we highly recommend south India), or fly in to Mumbai (much easier going) and work your way north. Finish up at the Golden Triangle once you’ve found your India legs.
• If you’re short on time, take a tour (or plan it yourself) that shows you the Golden Triangle plus other places.

This one is one of my favourite Golden Triangle tours .

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Other North India Itineraries

There are plenty of alternative options for exploring north India beyond the Golden Triangle. Here are a few suggestions:

• Rajasthan Itinerary – Easy to combine with the Golden Triangle, it’s possible to spend over a month exploring the cities, deserts and village camps in Rajasthan, India’s most kingly state, staying in palaces fit for a king or humble backpacker guesthouses with views of forts to boot. Make sure you check distances when planning travel as distances as big!
• Delhi to Kolkata – Follow the plains of India along the Ganges travelling from Delhi to Agra, historic Lucknow, magical Varanasi before arriving in India’s 3rd biggest but oh-so-charming and surprisingly tourist-free city of Kolkata – gateway to the bay of Bengal and where India’s literati hang out, with some of the country’s best food, too. (Aside – if you are a solo female traveller on your first visit to India, you may find it better to buddy-up if you want to do this itinerary, as Uttar Pradesh, the state that it mostly runs through, is not known for its liberal attitudes towards women and can be tough going).
• Tiger Parks & Magic of Central India – If you feel called by India’s incredible biodiversity and wildlife then you won’t want to miss the tiger reserves and national parks of central India spanning Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Break up the game drives by visiting beautiful Orchha and to gape at the “Karma Sutra” temples in Khajuraho.
• The Mighty Mountains of North India – If spiritual India is calling, (or you love beautiful mountain views and trekking) consider heading north from Delhi to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. The further north you go, the more remote it gets and the more stunning the views. Explore the historic hill stations of Shimla and Dharamshala or stay a while in Rishikesh before heading to Gangotri in search of the source of the Ganges. Plan plenty of time in the mountains, as the roads are as windy as routes are indirect. NB The mountains get snow-laden in winter, so Feb – May is best for this region, or May-Sept for Ladakh.

South India Itineraries

South India offers some of the best trips to India and is well worth considering for your India travel route. In fact, in our view, south India is a far more leisurely entry point into India than the north. The lush south offers amazing foods, verdant green fields and rice paddies, beautiful beaches and stunning temples. Did we mention the food?

Culturally, architecturally and even when it comes to weather, the south is very different to the north of India. If you want a more laid back trip, south is definitely best. Here are some of our favourites:

• Mumbai to Goa – Say hi Bollywood in Mumbai before heading down the beautiful Maharashtrian coast towards India’s smallest state, Goa. Delight yourself with caves and hill stations along the way or pay a visit to the bustling student city of Pune before winding up on Goa’s beaches.
• Bangalore to Goa – Explore beautiful and off-beat Karnataka, one of India’s most lush states taking in coastal towns such as Udupi and Gokarna, clamber over rocks at the ruined temples of Hampi and gaze in awe at Mysore Palace.
• Kerala & Tamil Nadu – The southern tip of India, these states are a world away from the north of India. Watch life on the Kerala backwaters pass you by, soak up the French vibes of Pondicherry, or take a mountain railway up to one of the hill stations for a cup of freshly-picked tea.

India Planning Timeline

There are lots of moving parts to any India trip – and even if you’re someone who likes to plan as little as possible, there are a few things you’re going to have to plan up front for your India trip, especially if you want a low-stress experience.

Here are some of the key things to plan ahead:

6 Months Before Your Trip to India

• Research seasons, when to go to India and itinerary ideas
• Join my India travel planning facebook group here !
• Check weather for the time of year of your trip for where you want to visit in India
• Start researching flights, make sure you’re subscribed to your favourite airlines for sales
• Book your tour if you want to take a multi-day group tour or guided trip

3 Months Before Your Trip to India

• Plan out your rough itinerary day-by-day
• Apply for your visa if you’re not eligible for an e-visa (currently includes British & Canadian nationals)
• Book arrival accommodation & first night(s) in new places
• Book tiger safaris / national park safaris (these get booked up)
• Book your main train journeys (these also get very booked up)
• Book domestic flights

1 Month Before Your Trip to India

• Book your airport pickup via your hotel / use Sakha Cabs (highly recommended for female travellers or if you’re arriving in Delhi at night)
• Apply for your E-Visa (28 days prior)
• Get vaccinations / prescription medicines needed for travel to India (check your government’s travel health website).

These timings are just guidance and you can switch them around to suit your own planning preferences, however note that some things, such as railway tickets, are not open for booking more than 120 days out.

If you only book one thing for India (apart from your flights and visas!) make it your arrival accommodation and pre-arranged airport pickup . It just helps so much to have a smooth landing.

Money & Cost of Travelling to India

Budgeting for your trip to india.

One of the key aspects of how to plan a trip to India is budgeting. One thing to note when planning a trip to India for beginners is that there’s unfortunately a lot of old and outdated information out there about how much it costs to travel to India.

Unfortunately, the days of travelling India on $10 or $20 a day are gone, even for a hardcore backpacking through India trip.

Another important thing to note is that the costs of travel in India vary widely depending on where you are travelling. Hotel prices have steadily crept up in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore over the last few years – meaning finding a room on a budget can be a tall order. Overall, across India inflation is a real problem and prices are changing rapidly. So check when budgeting for the real time rates of accommodations in different locations around India.

A more realistic estimate for travelling India on a budget is a minimum of 3,000 Rupees ($41 USD) for a solo traveller, or 4,000 INR per couple per day, towards the bottom end of the comfort range. This is broken down as (per day):

• Basic private room in a guest house / homestay / cheap hotel: 1500 Rupees (note for cities like Mumbai and Delhi you may need to pay upwards of 2000 or be prepared to share a dorm)
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: 1000 Rupees per day (the cost of food varies hugely in India. Get simple street-side thalis for 60 rupees to meals upwards of 500 rupees in restaurants)
• Public Transport and Admission to sites, anything else: 500 Rupees per day.

As you can see, this is basic travel, and you won’t have much to play with on that budget.

Prices vary as well for “mid-range” travel as there are no consistent standards. Broadly speaking, for a comfortable trip around India, we suggest budgeting between 6,000 ($82) – 8,000 ($110) Rupees per day for a solo traveller or up to 10,000 ($137) per day for a couple. This is broken down as (per day):

• Mid Range Accommodation 3,000+ Rupees
• Meals in restaurants 2000+ Rupees
• Day Tour 1000+ Rupees
• Admission to sites & short hop taxis/public transport 1000+ Rupees

Just as it’s easy to travel relatively cheaply in India, there is also a great range of luxury options, especially in Kerala and Rajasthan which are home to some amazing luxury resorts and hotels to stay at. The sky is really the limit with these options and costs vary widely.

Here are some sample costs (you’ll notice some high ticket items are quoted in USD in India, usually because they are marketed at foreign tourists – you’ll do better if you negotiate in local currency).

• 1 night Stay at Taj Hotel Lake Palace, Udaipur: $700++
• 1 night Stay in a 5* hotel: 15,000 INR ($205)
• Air Balloon Ride in Jaipur: $200++
• Private driver for a week around Rajasthan in a Toyota Innova: 35,000 INR ($478)
• Meal in a high-end restaurant with drinks for two: 5,000 INR ($68)

Whatever level of budget you are travelling to India on, make sure you have access to a contingency budget or credit card if you need it.

Money Matters for your Trip to India

Although things are changing, India is predominantly a cash economy, and cash-less payment systems such as PayTM are unavailable to foreign visitors without an Indian bank account. It’s important to have some cash on you at all times.

Typically payments at higher end hotels, restaurants and shops can be made with foreign credit cards, but budget and lower-end places will want cash. American Express and Diners cards are not widely accepted.

Here are some of the money essentials to know for travel in India:

• If you can get Rupees, take a modest amount out and try to get small denomination notes (100s, 50’s, 500’s) – see why below.
• If you can’t get Rupees, don’t worry. You can get them in India on arrival at the airport.
• The only places you’re likely to find international Credit or Debit cards accepted are at large upscale hotels (5*) or upscale restaurants, or large travel agents. Everyone else will want cash, from rickshaw drivers to hotels to shops.
• The best way to get cash is to either use your Debit card at ATM’s (we have good experiences at State Bank (SBI) Atm’s or Axis Bank ATM’s. If you’re worried about if your card will work, try to find a cash withdrawal machine inside a bank.
• ATM’s in small towns can run out of cash. Don’t get stuck. Stock up before leaving a large city and keep your cash in different places to be on the safe side.
• Try to get change at large restaurants/hotels/shops as small shops and rickshaw drivers will often claim “sorry no change” (even when they do have it. 100, 50, 20 and 10 rupee notes are useful so always try to hold on to a few. Everyone will claim they have no change, but stand your ground at larger places and say you don’t have change. Don’t try to pay a rickshaw driver with a 2000 Rupee note. It’s asking for trouble and may cause an awkward situation.
• If you’re not sure if your ATM/Debit card will work in India, you could look at getting a Transferwise pre-paid card . It’ll also help reduce your transaction fees and exchange fees while travelling in India.
• You can charge Uber rides to your credit card if using the Uber app but watch the exchange fees from your credit card company – it’s generally better to pay cash.
• ALWAYS CHECK YOUR CHANGE. Unfortunately a common arrival in Delhi scam is to try and short-change tourists. Our readers have even caught the Airtel booth inside Delhi airport at it. Count your change in front of the vendor and don’t leave until you are happy.
• Fake currency is a problem with higher bills. Tripsavvy has a good article on how to spot it here .

Getting Around in India

Think of a mode of transport and India has it. Planes, trains, automobiles and, er.. camels. As a rule of thumb, the more you pay, the quicker you’ll get to where you want to be, but equally, the more you pay the less interesting your journey will be ;-).

The least interesting way of travelling India. There are several companies running domestic flights around India and a record number of Indians are taking to the skies. Useful for long distances such as Delhi – Kochi. Airlines include Indigo (recommended), the luxury carrier Vistara (recommended) Spice Jet (not great) and Air India (least recommended). My recommendations are based on reputation for punctuality and general reliability.

• Make sure you have the credit card you booked your flight with to check in. Some airlines may refuse you boarding without it.
• Baggage allowances are generally less than international flight – around 15kg. Check carefully before packing!
• In winter flights can get delayed by fog and in monsoon by heavy rains. Factor in extra time.

Now we’re talking :-). You can’t come to India and not experience an Indian train ride. Even if it’s just one. Many of the stories of Indian train journeys (including my own) come from long train journeys, with many new friends made. You can also take a day train if you’re not sure if you’re up for a sleeper , the Gaatiman Express from Delhi to Agra is super efficient and comfortable in Chair Car Class. Also worth a mention is the Mumbai to Goa Jan Shatabdi Express which arrives in Madgaon in time for a mid-afternoon fish curry.

• Indian Railways has up to 9 classes of travel. Nine . Read my g uide to train travel to work out what’s best for you. Generally we recommend AC2, AC3 and Chair Car on daytime trains.
• Train travel in India has it’s challenges – the main one being booking tickets. Read our guide above, or to do it the easy way, use site 12go.asia to book your tickets easily from abroad.
• You need to book train travel in advance. Trains sell out. With 25 million people travelling by train per day in India you can imagine why.

Buses come in a range of shapes and sizes with Volvo buses being the top quality and recommended for when you are travelling between cities. There are plenty of night buses in India and I recommend taking the train over these as the train is much more comfortable (you can get up and walk, use the toilet etc). However, they’re a useful option when trains are full or there’s no railway to where you want to be.

• AC vs Non-AC – usually there will be a choice between AC and non-ac busses – Non AC are suitable for short distances only in winter, and are usually older buses. AC recommended.
• Redbus.in is the best app for checking buses and booking if you want to book buses in advance – but there’s less need to book buses in advance like there is with trains.

Taxis & Rickshaws

A range of vehicles fall under this category! There are regular Taxis in major cities although these have fallen in popularity as ride hailing apps Uber and OLA (the Indian version, who are great).

UBER & OLA – Just open up your app, order and get in. OLA has the added bonus of being able to hail a rickshaw. There is also Uber intercity which you can use for longer transfers. If Uber drivers try to negotiate on price / message you and ask you where you are going, choose another one instead.

Taxis – ‘Regular’ taxis are available in most cities, and you can find ‘pre-paid’ taxis which are a little costlier but have the advantage of being pre-paid at the booth so avoid you being overcharged. Usually found at train stations or airports. Don’t give the paper slip to the driver until he drops you at your destination.

(Auto) Rickshaws & Cycle Rickshaws – Almost omnipresent is the tuktuk (so named after the tuk-king sound of it’s compressed natural gas engine), also known as an Auto or Auto rickshaw. These are great for getting around cities but you’ll usually have to negotiate before getting in. Unfortunately many rickshaw drivers refuse to use the meter for tourists and will add on extra. In a few places you can still find cycle rickshaws which are considerably harder work for their pullers so please be kind to them and don’t sit in one with your luggage. Also negotiate.

Private Car & Driver

If all of the above sounds like far too much like hard work, you can hire a car and driver for parts of your trip. This is handy if you’re exploring one state, say Rajasthan. Or you can just hire one for a day. As a starting point, ask your hotels for driver recommendations.

Now you know what to think about when planning your trip to India, it’s time to make your itinerary and decide how you want to experience India!

Need an extra helping hand? Jump into our free India Travel Community on Facebook and ask away!

Are you planning a trip to India for 2022 or beyond?

More Resources for Planning your Trip to India:

• What to pack for India – read our India packing guide here
• The best India group tours – comparison of some of the top tours and tips
• Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel in India – read all my tips here

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Considering travelling to volunteer in India? Volunteer opportunities in India can include volunteering in an orphanage, educational projects, animal care, spreading environmental awareness, teaching English, farm helping or volunteering with a benevolent cause.

Check out our guide to volunteering in India , we show you how to get the foundations in place so you can start applying with confidence to go volunteering in India.

How HelpStay works? Volunteer in India for free and you’ll get to see India while enjoying a low cost work away adventure with HelpStay. HelpStay is a skills-based volunteering platform that connects travellers with hosts of great projects around the world. The platform makes travelling meaningful and affordable by allowing helpers to exchange work for accommodation. The host opportunities featured on the site have been vetted and reviewed by the HelpStay staff. This keeps helpers safe and the community strong.

Browse Opportunities: Helpers can browse the profiles of different hosts by location or type of help activity. They’ll see photos and information on what type of help activity is being sought and how many hours they can expect to put in for their stay. If a helper finds a hosting opportunity that they’re interested in, they can send the host a message directly. The message should include some information about the helper and why they think they’ll be a good fit.

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The Government Will Pay You To Holiday In 15 Destinations Across India & Here’s How To Avail The Offer

A dream job that we all long for is travelling to scenic destinations and also getting paid for it. The good news is, this dream can finally come true for us. The Ministry of Tourism, India has decided to reward travellers who can visit at least 15 locations across India by 2022. Wondering what’s the reward? You will get the travel expenses of these trips sponsored as an incentive. To bag the fundings, you will have to visit the destinations, click stunning pictures and upload the photos on the website. But first and foremost, you need to take the pledge for travelling by filling out a form.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kamiya Jani (@kamiya_jani)

How To Take The Pledge?

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Incredible India, has launched an initiative that will allow domestic travellers to get paid for exploring destinations. To take part in the “My Resolve For Dekho Apna Desh” campaign, interested candidates need to visit the My Gov Pledge website and click on Take Pledge. A form will appear where the applicant needs to provide details like name, date of birth, pin code, state, district, e-mail and mobile number. After filling in the details, they can download the certificate from the website or receive it on phone or e-mail.

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Also Read:  5 Serene Homestays In Himachal Perfect To Work From The Mountains

What Are The Conditions?

Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel had announced this ‘Paryatan Parv’ campaign back in 2020, where he had stated, “Tourism Ministry will fund the travel expenses of tourists who visit 15 destinations in the country in a year and submit the photos to our website.” To get the incentive, the travellers will have to tour within India and they also need to travel out of their own state. To become eligible for the reward, one needs to complete travelling to all 15 destinations in the span of a year.

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This is definitely an offer of a lifetime. So, go and grab it without delay.

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Travel FOR FREE: No Money, No Problems!

How to Travel FOR FREE: No Money, No Problems!

It’s something I’ve never been able to fully instil in my non-travelling friends back home:  just how cheap travel can be.  The myth is that travelling the world is expensive; the reality is that it’s often cheaper than being at home. Travellers don’t pay taxes, or electricity bills, or student loans. Travellers live cheap.

So what if we took it one step further? Today, we’re talking about how to travel the world for free!

The best things in life are free, or so it’s been told. Everything we need is right here. Maybe these things are true, I’m not sure. What I do know is…

Life is as simple as we choose to make it.

Nothing in this list of tips for travelling without money is complicated (except maybe frequent flyer miles – goddamn credit cards). Everything in this guide is easy and actionable – the more you apply, the more inexpensive your travelling will be. With enough practice and ingenuity, you may even find yourself spending  $0 !

Did anyone say  “Take a vacation for free” ? Yes, me, right now! Weren’t you listening? Well, you better start because I’m about to teach you…

How to travel for free!

Dis shit is gonna get cheap, yo!

A Big, Sexy Disclaimer

Folks, this article is not about how to travel the world like a dickweed. Anyone can travel for free if they take advantage of people along the way, lying, cheating, stealing, and being an all-round douchenozzle.

Similarly, though we’ll cover some of the more crusty methods of travel, as well as tackle that sticky topic of ‘begpacking’ , THAT’S not what this article is about either.

This article is about  learning how to live a low-cost lifestyle of travel. One that’s sustainable in the long-term as well as financially independent.  Travelling until you run out of cash and move back in with your Mum or Dad is cute in your early 20s, but that’s not what we’re about at The Broke Backpacker. That’s not what a broke backpacker is .

At The Broke Backpacker, we’re about teaching you how to live a lifestyle of indefinite travel in a responsible way – responsible to the world, yourself, and those who love you. Go out, travel, see the world, and do it for as long as you like, but do it right.

Don’t begpack, don’t abuse your privilege, and don’t ever expect a handout. Free travel is NOT about exploitation; it’s about travelling without burning through your savings in a way that’s more authentic and less insipid than simply blowing your funds on all the cheap booze and drugs .

Oh, and it shouldn’t have to be said, but, please,  don’t ever go travelling with literally $0 in your bank account. That’s just bloody stupid.

The Best Ways to Travel for Free

How to get a free vacation, how to travel when you’re broke, travel the world for free: is it possible, remaining tips for how to travel free, closing thoughts on free travel.

Let’s start by talking about how to travel for a living. These options for free travel mean exchanging your time and energy (i.e. working) for the freedom of being on the road. (And probably somewhere super-duper pretty too!)

Yes, ok, they aren’t all strictly ‘free trips’ but you’re away from home, not burning through your savings, and, potentially, maybe even saving some money too! If you disagree with my criteria, well, shush your face! Go travel the world for more than three years with your savings still intact like I have and then come back and we’ll argue semantics.

Still with me? Good because I want to travel the world for free and you should too!

Travel the World for Free Volunteering

Volunteering abroad for free – ahhh . This is where it all began for me and, sometimes, when it all becomes too much, it’s back with the hippies in the fields, shoes off and muddy, that I return to. For me, this will always be one of the most authentic and best ways to travel for free or otherwise.

The name of the game is simple: you work some agreed subset of hours, you get a place to sleep and food in return. Hopefully, a washing machine too!

Travelling free by way of volunteering could mean a lot of things: hostel work, farms, working with kids, charities, construction, kitten sanctuaries (god yes). The only way to find out what’s out there is to get out there! (You could also start by reading this review/guide/informational post on Workaway .)

Interested in travelling the world for free volunteering? Here are some excellent platforms:

• Workaway – The biggest in the game. Follow the link and sign up to receive an extra 3 months on your subscription!
• HelpX – The oft-forgotten cousin of Workaway.
• WWOOF – Exclusively for organic farm work.
• Talking to people – In the 21st-century? Get outta my house!
• Facebook and other platforms – Plenty of groups for this stuff but it’s best to search by the country or local area.
• Worldpackers – Follow the link or enter the code BROKEBACKPACKER to get $10 off your subscription. We’ve also reviewed Worldpackers !

Note:  Most of the platforms have an initial subscription fee (nothing in life is  truly  free). It’s a small price to pay in exchange for a year of travelling and volunteering around the world for free.

Work and Travel for Free Teaching English

If you’re reading this sentence, then you probably speak English. Awesome! Step one complete! What’s step two?

Get your TEFL certificate. With that in hand, it’s time to discover another one of the best ways to travel the world. Didja guess yet?

Yup, teaching English!

There’s a whole host of ways to get involved teaching English overseas and what an experience it is! Impart wisdom, see cute Asian kids smile (yay), and learn how to travel abroad for free. Well, not free… you’re actually earning money – oh snap!

If you want to take it a step further, you can teach English online . You’re entering the realm of the digital nomad which is certainly a different way to travel but that’s ok because – BOOM, SEGUE!

Ditch Your Desk for a Different Way to Travel

Now entering the realm of the digital nomad . If you really want to learn how to travel more, nothing will give you quite so much geographical freedom.

Anywhere your laptop (and stable internet connection goes), your source of revenue goes. Living the vanlife? Easy.

Renting a nudists-only Airbnb by a beach somewhere? Making money online is best done while tanning your best bits.

Volunteering at a kibbutz in Israel? Now you’re actually travelling for free, costs covered, WHILE earning money. Level-up!

Learning how to travel the world for a living is a whole new ball game. It’s the holy grail for many travellers but beware of the ‘grass is greener’ syndrome: it’s a lotta work and a lot to take on and, at times, your brain will hate you. Is it awesome though?

Fuck yes it is.

So, yeah, this may be stretching the how to travel for free concept but it’s an important mention for anyone looking at opportunities to travel free and extend their already indefinite adventures. Theoretically, we all gotta grow up eventually and make some cash, right?

I dunno, don’t ask me. I’m still Peter Pan-ning it up over here.

Or Just Work for Inexpensive Travelling

If a job that glues you to your laptop isn’t appealing but adopting the low-cost travel lifestyle of a working traveller is, then maybe just get a job-job. You know, one that sounds better on your Tinder profile than “influencer” .

What kind of job? Well, potential travel jobs is a long-ass list (which we conveniently have right here) , but if you’re starting from scratch and need to know how to travel the world with no money, here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Busker – Traveller-life and street performance go together like drugs and sex.
• Bartender – A extremely internationally-transferable trade and lucrative too… if you know how to bat those eyelids just right.
• Scaffolding and stage construction – Construction/labouring is good in general, but the stage construction and scaffolding industries are very international.
• Picking/Trimming – Also a lucrative industry IF you’re fast.
• Flight attendant – How to travel around the world for free 101.
• Cruise ship work – The money can be good contingent on the company and you’ll always have the added bonus of copious amounts of drugs and sex!
• Tuk-tuk races in Sri Lanka – I dunno; my cousin does them and he seems to be doin’ alright!

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

Free international travel is about to get hacked! Ready to hack? It’s time to hack with these hacks!

Did I say ‘hack’ too much? Righto, moving along.

These following ways to travel the world for free are more courtesy of the convenience of the 21st-century. And, that’s exactly where we like to be.

Being a “nomad” these days is very different from what it used to be. No longer do we have to hunt elk and forage for berries in the woods – now we can just order a pizza with UberEats!

Now, we have a whole host of tools and platforms to uncover and exchange free travel opportunities!

Catch Flights Right: How to Travel Overseas for Free

It doesn’t matter how cheap you live when you arrive, you’ll still have to pay for an expensive-ass flight to get there… right? Wrong!

Learning how to catch cheap flights is going to be integral to learning how to travel without money. Error fares, mega-discounts, turning on incognito mode… booking flights does my head in – truly. I just want to travel the world; I don’t have time for this humdrum!

I’d suggest reading the above-linked post because it’s really a whole other Pandora’s Box.

To take it one step further, you can sign up with airlines to earn frequent flyer miles. Accrue enough of these and you’re looking at a cheap or even free trip overseas. A travel rewards credit card is going to stack up points in much the same way until, eventually, you get a free trip.

All of this credit stuff does my head in but the point is obvious. Do your research and find the best program to sign up in. Don’t you be wasting them points!

Or, if you’re like me and credit cards and booking flights gives you anxiety, just do what I do – overland it ! Planes are for fools; border crossings are where it’s at. And cheaper!

Apps and Platforms with Opportunities for Free Travel

Ok, now it’s really time to hack this open, right to the gooey, delicious centre. Oh, sorry, I made it weird, didn’t I?

No matter. It’s the 21st-century and now the smartphone has paved the way in much the same way that the wheel once did. These days, a lot of good platforms exist online that offer their own free ways to travel the world:

• Couchsurfing – Where to go when you have no money… to a mate’s couch! Except now all your mates are strangers and internationally based. Check out our Beginner’s Couchsurfing Guide for more info but it’s basically a platform where travellers asked to be hosted by people with a sleeping space to spare.
• Housesitting – You’ll need to build up a few references and pay a membership fee but then you can get all kinds of free accommodation… and in a private home too! Travelling by housesitting is a fantastic way to travel for free with the bonus of never having to share a hostel dorm with fatty, unshowered humans.
• Fly and swap vacations – It’s kind of like housesitting except your swapping homes with someone. That means it’s a bit more nuanced – you need to actually have a home to swap away. HomeExchange and HomeLink are two platforms that cover this.
• Au Pair – If you enjoy the company of miniature-monster-gremlins hiding in the bodies of children, then consider working as an Au Pair . Travel around the world for free, connect with a family and their spawn, and make some money too!

Yay, ok, my speciality! I may get anxiety from credit cards and fancy hotels but the broke-ass swashbuckling backpacker lifestyle is my answer to the emptiness of existence. Life gets simpler.

Real quick, these tips can be also found in our Budget Backpacking 101 article – some crossover is inevitable in the world of low-cost travel!

There’s a whole host of good advice in there if you’re not just specifically looking at how to travel for free but also at the cheapest way to travel the world. Yeah, these two posts may crossover a bit but hand-in-hand they make for some excellent reading (self-plug) if you’re dedicated to learning about how to backpack around the world with no money.

Consider this your Budget Backpacking Light.

Believe it or not, there is a lot of free food out there! The first and most common way (arguably) to eat for free is dumpster diving . People throw away a lot of perfectly edible food and useful stuff (half my wardrobe comes from late-night scores) and getting good at harnessing this awesome power of wastage is going to go a long way if you want to travel for free.

From the humble park trashcan up to the almighty power of the supermarket skip, free food is everywhere. Alternatively, you can acquire food before it hits the bin by asking for food wastage: bakeries, fruit and veg shops, food markets especially. Then there’s tablesurfing too – eating someone’s leftovers at a restaurant.

It’s an excellently fun game!

You’ve also always got food giveaways (we’ll touch on that tentative topic of begpacking in a moment) and religious shindigs too. The Hare Krishnas love, love, love feeding travellers for nothing or next to it.

I’ve eaten free Prasad in the streets of Varanasi and in Gurdwaras in Agra. There’s free food near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and free bread at every turn in Jerusalem (it might be for the cats…). Hell, there’s even an online platform dedicated to helping us intrepid raccoons find excellent freegan sources (urban fruit trees are shockingly common).

The point is if you’re travelling without money, there are still heaps of ways to fill your belly. You just gotta get creative!

This one is a pretty basic tip for free travel. I’ve already mentioned Couchsurfing but option two is to just sleep where you land . It’s a big, wide world out there with ample floor space!

For this, except for truly warm and rain-free climates, you’re gonna need a few things. In my personal order of importance:

• A sexy-warm sleeping bag
• Backpacking sleeping pad (the floor is cold)
• A budget backpacking tent (you could get really nice tent but I’ve always found it to be overkill)
• A sleeping bag liner
• Or, alternatively to the tent and pad, a backpacking hammock

With a combination of these things, you can sleep free while travelling pretty much anywhere. Camp out in the woods, in urban environments, or if you think the cops will get funny about you pitching a tent, sleep under a bridge or in a bus station or abandoned building. As my dirtbag travel companion in New Zealand always said: we can sleep anywhere!

This, however, is not a commentary on safety. I’ve never had an issue but also I’m a white man covered in tattoos that looks like he sleeps with a knife in his pocket. Be smart, be safe , don’t go past your limits, and learn what a good pitch looks like.

Pro-tip: No one goes into graveyards at night. Oh, and on that note, leave no fucking trace.

Travel Free

If we’re talking the most literal definition of the term, there’s only one way to travel for free that I can think of: hitchhiking. I love hitchhiking! It’s free travel to places, you meet local people – people you never would have met otherwise – and see many worlds from the inside (or outside) of many vehicles.

Hell, sometimes people invite you over, offer to let you stay the night, or to go on an adventure. I don’t do it as much as I used to but sometimes, when I’m just needing a holiday from the work and travel life, I take a break from the tech and hit the road.

I see who picks me up and sleep where I land – no schedule, no itinerary. Simplicity at its finest. Hitchhiking is grand! And to those who question if it’s ethical – I can assure you some of my best travel memories involve those that gave me a ride.

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I guess that’s the last big question:

How can I travel for free? Is it really possible? Teach me sensei that hasn’t bought a new piece of clothing in almost-three-and-a-half years!

Yes! It is. Buy a plane ticket on miles, choose a visa-waiver country, hitchhike from the airport to your volunteering gig, eat only the finest cuisine from the dumpster! It’s a free year long trip !

Ok, look, that may not be your ideal vacation (free or not), but it’s a portrayal of an extreme circumstance. This isn’t a strict guide to travelling the world for free; it’s a handbook. Take what works, when it works, and apply it at will.

Practice makes perfect and pretty soon you’ll be finding that you’re having some pretty dope-ass adventures on some pretty low spendings. Hell, why not set up some passive income at home and then earn a bit while you’re volunteering abroad cheaply. (Or just Couchsurfing.)

I met a dude in New Zealand way back near the beginning and he said something very insightful.

“You don’t need a lot to travel. A plane ticket, $500, and you can be gone for a while.”

He was so right.

Why travel without money?

Because it’s fucking awesome!

Seriously, the stunning sunrises and sunsets I’ve seen only because my days hitching ended where they did. The adventures I’ve ended up on just because I was asking around for a spot of work. The things I’ve done because I was working for a bed and feed… I milked a goat once!

Learning how to start travelling abroad for free opens up a lot of doors, both in the world and in yourself. Pretty soon you start to realise that you’re pretty damn capable! That in all likelihood, you got dis.

And, on the off-chance you don’t, chances are there’ll be someone around to lend a hand.

Give it some time and you’ll start to find that there’s always somewhere to sleep and something to eat. There’s always a spot of work that needs to be done by a willing hand.

After a bit more time travelling the world without money, you may start finding you already have everything you need. If not the best, then at least some pretty insanely spectacular things are free, and, best of all…

Simplicity is so damn blissful!

“I want to travel but have no money.” – Voluntourism, begpacking, and tact.

I said we were gonna touch on this, yeah?

Voluntourism is one can of worms; one that I feel fewer people take issue with. There are some points against it, and some validity in these points, but nothing that I truly believe is able to undo the sheer amount of good that comes from people travelling through volunteering overseas.

Connections between local communities and travellers are made and something is returned while travelling around the world. It’s a symbiotic relationship – if you’re heart is equally in it for the work as it is for the free-living – and it works, usually for the best.

Begpacking gets stickier – it’s a modern-day complaint against a style of living that has existed much longer. That, somehow, choosing to travel with no money makes you self-entitled and undeserving of the kindness of strangers. However, even the name “begpacking” itself stands as a bit of a misnomer.

I’ve never “begged” for something and I don’t know anyone who has. (However, travellers who do quite literally “beg” exist and they should promptly hand in their backpacker card).

I’ve hitchhiked but I’ve never even directly asked someone for a ride. I’ve never asked someone for a place to stay and certainly never for money. I have eaten at free food giveaways but only ones that were welcoming and warm to travellers and wanted me there (sometimes, with some volunteering on the side).

Usually, if someone wants to offer you something, then that’s a gift of kindness (except when ulterior motives may be at play). As a traveller, a long way from the comfort of home, a bit of kindness goes a long way.

I know there are people out there that abuse this kindness in their attempts to get a free trip. This is a reminder not to .

It’s about having tact and moving with grace; leaving places in the world better than when you arrived. Be a little bit of good in the world wherever you go. Considering all the places you’ll go, that’s a lot of good.

If you’re choosing to travel without money, then remember that’s your choice. A long way from home or not, no one owes you a hand, so be grateful when they lend it.

Before I tie up the ‘How to Get a Free Vacation Handbook’, it’s time for the final bonus tips. These may not individually rock your boat, but together they’ll groove it a bit for sure!

• Don’t burn out – Always stressing about money, looking for the cheapest way to travel to your next destination, and racing against yourself: it can be exhausting. Don’t push yourself too hard. Take a rest sometimes, go slow, and remember that when travelling without money gets stressful, home is always waiting.
• Every country is unique – Every country has its own nuances. What food is cheap, expectations on people volunteering abroad, even the hitchhiking hand signals! It takes time to learn a new place and mistakes probably will happen so cut yourself some slack, alright?
• Mistakes do happen – On that note, so as much as free travelling around the world may be the goal, it pays to stockpile a little rainy day money. Unless you don’t mind calling in financial favours from the ‘rents.
• There’s free food in more places than the dumpster – Many countries have food growing in abundance that isn’t privately owned (or in a bin). Learning edible plants and how to forage is pretty goddamn top-tier Broke Backpacking, but it’s certainly possible.
• Know your rights volunteering – While it’s important to put the hard work in for your hosts when volunteering, it’s equally important that you aren’t being exploited either. Not all hosts are top blokes and some do seek to take advantage of backpackers. Remember that no one is doing anyone any favours: it’s an exchange.
• You’re broke but you’re not poor – This is especially true when travelling in developing nations. It does get tiresome feeling like you’re being targeted as a tourist by touts and beggars, but you are a tourist. Travelling without money doesn’t bring you down to the level of the legitimately homeless and impoverished; one party chose to be there, the other did not. Just keep that in mind.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Oh, and one last tip… Get insured before embarking on your free travel adventure!

Yeah, ok, insurance isn’t free (or cheap) but when you’re lying in a hospital bed with some truly astounding food poisoning from the dumpster diving, at least your treatment will be! Seriously, travel insurance is a super important consideration for any journey.

Members of The Broke Backpacker team have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re an easy to use and professional provider that the team swears by.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

You don’t need a lot of money to travel: that’s the takeaway! Maybe eventually you’ll need some money so leaving the country with $0 in the bank account isn’t necessarily smart. That said, I have a friend that got his working visa in Australia by photoshopping his bank statement, so, really, anything is possible!

Even if the low-cost world traveller game isn’t for you, I still think everyone should try it once. It changes your perspective a lot.

It changes your perspective on the idea of what you need and what you need to be happy; on what is possible. I have a friend that lost it all in Australia (a different friend) and spent months as a hammock-hobo in Melbourne. He says it was the happiest time of his life.

I can relate. My first experience travelling still remains some of my sweetest memories. It was free travel in New Zealand – a smelly backpacking vagabond volunteering, hitching, busking, dumpster diving, and sleeping in parks – and It taught me how beautiful life is. It taught me how kind people are and how simple things can be, should we so choose.

Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

To close, I’d like to repeat what a friend said to me today as we bid farewell (at another hippy farm). He said:

“No, I won’t wish you ‘safe travels’ because everywhere you go, you are safe. You have a good heart and many adventures ahead. I wish you to be free because that is the most important thing.”

And I smiled because I understood (and because he’d just written my outro for me). That’s all it is: be free, travel the world with a good heart, and learn what joy there is in nothing. You don’t need anything to learn how to travel for free.

And you don’t need money to travel.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

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16 Comments

Awesome article for traveller specially who has low budget. Wonderful Insight.

Hey, great blog, read it like 3 times already!!! One question though…do you also get jobs ‘under the table’ with tourist Visa? Cause everyone talks about working and traveling to finance their further travels, but nobody talks about Visa issues. Could I work for a bit of money (whatever crappy job) with a tourist Visa/Visa waiver? And would people actually accept my work for cash on the hand, or can you actually find people who would accept your work for them although it could cause trouble because of the ‘under the table’ issue? Cause Work and travel Visa is too expensive for a broke gal like me and one year a long time for one country. I’m talking more about the ‘getting a bit of cash for travel’ kinda thing. Answers would be so so appreciated. Greetings from germany Svenja

People find, and will continue to find all sort of ways to make it work, Svenja… and so will you I’m sure. Some countries do have very strong rules against this type of thing tho, so it may be better looking for other things to trade for, such as food, accommodation, transport.

Wonderful and surprising information, Thank you

What a blog! Very funny and different, I was delighted with this wonderful content.

😀 dumpster eating

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with us! It is so appreciated and I would suggest you travel once to India

Hahah guess where that first picture of me in the tree is taken? Gokarna, baby! 😀

now i know how to travel, the next thing that is left is how to have guts to travel lol

Just do it, dude – you got this!!! All you gotta do is take the first step :)))

Is panhandling, begging/scamming arrogant rich backpackers and sneaking into peoples bushes/fields to sleep considered douchebaggery?

Scamming people is morally deplorable on every level.

As for sleeping in peoples fields and bushes, well as long as you remember the “leave no trace” principle.

Ziggy Samuels, it is very courageous of you to be able to travel like this. Besides, in the middle of the way, find good people to help you, even without asking. Good luck in this adventure that in a way is the best freedom.

Thanking you kindly, Sam – Perhaps it’s equal parts courage and stupidiity 😉 You’re 100% right though. There are good and kind people everywhere, and often, travel wouldn’t be possible (nor nearly as special) without them.

Last year i traveled for Australia for volunteering work and i can say it was one of the best experience of my life without any cost.

One good App for volunteering work is Workaway and it was that i used.

Interesting, I never thought that one can travel so easily without expenses a penny. But few ideas are really I think works like “volunteering the work” helps one to travel without any cost. I’m curious to check how this work. You shared some great ideas here to work on…Thank you for sharing such wonderful post.

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• > 10 Places Where You Can Stay For Little To No Money In India & Enjoy Your Budget Trip

Oct 22, 2021 at 05:23 PM

10 Places Where You Can Stay For Little To No Money In India & Enjoy Your Budget Trip

Accommodation consumes a major portion of our travel expenses. But did you know that you can reduce this cost to a minimum or even get free stay options in some parts of India?

Since the accommodation is almost free, it won’t be like they have in hotels but it’s definitely worth a try if you are travelling on a budget. Let’s see some of the places where you can stay for free or very nominal prices.

1. Govind Ghat Gurudwara, Uttarakhand

If you are travelling to Hemkund Sahib or trekking to the Valley of Flowers, Govind Ghat is the place where the motorable road ends. It comes under the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is often visited by pilgrims and trekkers.

The gurudwara  allows  travellers to stay for free. A few trekkers have talked about staying there during their visit to the Himalayas. The views from the Gurudwara are amazing as it is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River.

Travellers prefer staying here for the night before heading to their destination next morning. The gurdwara also offers free food (langar).

2. Gurudwara Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji, Dwarka, Gujarat

The Gurudwara offers  free  accommodation and food in Langar to pilgrims and other visitors. The premises is very neat and clean so if you are travelling around Dwarka in Guajarat, the gurudwara can be a perfect place to spend the night.

3. Geeta Bhawan, Rishikesh

This ashram in Rishikesh provides free accommodation and food for those who wish to stay here. Situated on the banks of River Ganga, the facility has around 1,000 rooms for visitors and pilgrims.

4. Anandashram, Kerala

If you are in Kerala and need to relax and rejuvenate, you can participate in some volunteering activities and stay here for free for a few days.

Make sure to  check  with the ashram before you visit.

5. Kashi Mumukshu Bhawan

It’s a sort of dharamshala that offers accommodation for as less as ₹400 for a 2-bed room.

6. Government guest houses

If someone from your family is a government official, you can stay in one of the government guest houses with prior permission. These guest houses are present in almost every city of India and offer accommodation at very low prices.

You need to visit the concerned state government website for details and booking.

7. Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, Himachal Pradesh

If you are visiting Kasol and other places in Himachal Pradesh and are looking for a short stay, you can choose Manikaran. The gurudwara here offers free accommodation, parking and food to visitors. The sevaks at the gurudwara might ask you to volunteer for some basic services like serving langar, you can choose the work you want to do and stay there easily.

8. Gurudwara Sahib Chail

Chail is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The gurudwara sahib here is maintained by the state government and offers free accomoodation and food to the visitors. You will have to stay in dormitories.

9. Nyingmapa Monastery, Himachal Pradesh

Rewalsar is a small town and a pilgrimage place in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. There’s a lake here by the name Rewalsar Lake. If you are in or around Mandi, you can stay at this monastery at low prices. They generally  charge  you ₹300 per night.

10. Monasteries in Sarnath

Dharmashala, the  monastery  operated by Sri Lanka’s Mahabodhi Society, in Sarnath offers stay for as low as ₹50 per night.

The Nyingmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is another monastery that offers stay at affodable prices. Here, you will find rooms with private bathrooms also. The rent for one day is ₹200.

Please note that most of these places are religious and hence you will have to follow some basic rules if you wish to stay here. You might have to do some volunteer work also. But I guess we can do this for free stay.

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Referring to this, Bukele added that this will account for less than 0.1 percent of the country’s population. And since it’s a small number, granting them full citizenship, including voting privileges, will not pose any logistical challenges. Additionally, he pledged facilitation of their relocation, ensuring zero taxes and tariffs on the transfer of families and assets, including valuable items, such as equipment, software, and intellectual property. Read less

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From Japan’s e-visa to Dubai’s 5-year tourist visa, here are the latest visa updates for Indian travellers

Latest visa news for indians: check out the latest visa updates for indian travellers to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience this summer vacations..

Latest Visa Updates for Indian Tourists:  As the summer holiday season is just around the corner, it’s crucial to start planning one’s travel itinerary to ensure a memorable and stress-free vacation. As per the Henley Passport Index 2024 , India is ranked 80th. Indians get visa-free access to 62 countries.

From eVisas introduced by Japan to Dubai’s multiple entry five-year visa, in recent months, there have been new visa regulations in various countries across the globe for India, and being well-versed in the latest visa requirements will ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience and making informed decisions.

Here is a complete list of the latest visa updates every Indian traveller should know.

1. japan’s e-visa:.

Japan has introduced an eVisa system for Indian travellers, making it easier and more convenient to visit the country. Starting in April, eligible Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India can apply for an eVisa for short-term tourism purposes through the application process operated by VFS Global. Now, instead of physical stickers in passports, visas will be issued electronically and would offer a single-entry option, allowing stays up to 90 days.

2. Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia’s Schengen visa:

Becoming the recent EU nations to join Europe’s Schengen travel area, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen area, expanding the scope of the Schengen visa  to include 29 countries across continental Europe. This means that Indian travellers can now obtain Schengen visas from Romania and Bulgaria, allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

3. Dubai’s five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa:

Dubai introduced a new visa program tailored to Indian travellers in February, which offers a five-year, multiple-entry option, allowing stays of up to 90 days in the country, with the possibility of a single extension not exceeding 180 days annually, for both business and leisure trips, with unlimited entries and exits within five years.

4. Thailand’s visa-free entry:

The Thai Government has introduced a temporary visa exemption for Indian passport holders, enabling them to enter Thailand without a tourist visa from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, with an exemption granting a 30-day stay for tourism purposes.

5. Kenya to eliminate visa requirements:

Starting from January 1, 2024, Kenya has abolished visa requirements for Indian citizens and all international tourists, to boost its tourism industry. This decision aims to provide easier access to Kenya’s rich wildlife and beautiful beaches, encouraging more visitors to explore the country’s unique attractions.

• e-Tourist Visa
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