How to Plan the Best India Trip

Before You Go – How to Plan the Best Trip to India

India is an incredible country and features highly on many bucket lists. If you’re thinking of making a trip there, you may feel overwhelmed by the many things to know and do before you go. Don’t panic, however, as we are here with a comprehensive guide to planning the ultimate India trip.

Decide what kind of trip you want

India is enormous, so much so that it has been dubbed the sub-continent. Travelling the length of the country is the equivalent of going all the way from Canada to Mexico. Naturally, there are many different landscapes and variations throughout this vast land, and consequently plenty of different experiences to be had. You can’t do it all, so focus on the type of experience you think you would enjoy the most. Do you want to hang out on the beaches of Goa and play at the best online casinos in India? Do the house boats and jungles of Kerala call to you? Would you like to visit the ancient forts and temples of Rajasthan? Or is an adventure holiday trekking in the Himalayas more your thing? Whatever you decide, plan your trip accordingly. It’s also very important to make sure that you have chosen the right season to visit – if you go to Goa during the summer you will be caught in the monsoon.

Get prepared for a culture shock

Almost all western visitors experience some degree of culture shock when they first arrive in India. You can prepare yourself a bit by watching documentaries and reading about the country. The first day or so can be very overwhelming, often compounded by jet-lag. It’s during these hours of acclimation that you are most vulnerable to the annoyances and scams that many newcomers encounter. Read up about the most common ones so that you know how to recognise them, and make sure you know exactly where your hotel is and how to get there. Another important point is to read up on local etiquette and customs. For example, shoes must always be removed before entering someone’s home or a temple.

Book flights and accommodation

Finding accommodation in India is relatively easy, unless you are visiting a remote area. Your international flight will take you first to a big city, most likely Delhi or Mumbai. Even if you plan to wing it for some of your trip, it’s vital to at least book your first hotel for when you land. Take advice from a reputable and recently-published guidebook. When booking flights, make sure that you have the next step in order as well.

Visas and vaccinations

There are quite a few essential vaccinations that you will need before embarking on your journey. Depending on how up to date you are, this may require more than one visit to the doctor, so don’t book your flights before you know how long it will take. Similarly, visitors must acquire a tourist visa before leaving their home country. Contact the Indian Embassy where you live to find out what the procedure is.

Pack your bags

This may be one of the most difficult parts of the preparation process. Nobody ever gets it quite right, and what you take with you will depend largely on the type of trip you intend to take. Bear in mind that clothing in India is conservative, especially for women. Make sure that your outfits cover upper legs, chest and shoulders, in order to avoid unwelcome attention. Many travellers decide to pack light and purchase a lot of their clothing when they arrive. This can be a good idea – not only is it inexpensive, but it will help you blend in. Aside from clothing, there are the regular travel essentials to think of, such as adapters, medicines and toiletries. If you do forget something, don’t worry. One phrase you will hear repeated in India is ‘sab kuch milega’, which translates to ‘everything is available’ – and it’s true. Especially in the big cities, you will be able to find any item that you may need.