INDIA TRAVEL GUIDE • FIRST-TIME VISITORS
First Time in India? 35 Things You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning your first trip to India? Discover practical travel tips about visas, food, water, trains, taxis, scams, money, clothing, safety and local customs.
FREE BONUS: Interactive India Travel Checklist and a printable one-page travel preparation sheet.
India is a country that can surprise you every single day. One moment you might be walking through a busy market filled with colourful fabrics and the smell of spices. The next, you could be sitting beside a peaceful lake, watching the sun disappear behind an ancient temple.
For someone visiting India for the first time, the experience can be exciting, confusing, fascinating and sometimes overwhelming.
I've put together this practical guide to help you prepare for your journey. Whether you're travelling from the UK, USA or somewhere else, these tips will help you feel more confident before you arrive.
Check entry requirements, arrange your first airport transfer, carry suitable travel insurance, understand food and water precautions, learn a few useful phrases and allow more time for travelling between destinations than you think you'll need.
Before You Travel to India
1. Check your passport carefully
Before arranging your trip, check that your passport meets India's current validity and blank-page requirements. Do not assume that the rules are identical for every nationality.
2. Apply for the correct Indian visa
Most foreign tourists need a visa or another recognised form of entry permission. Eligible visitors may be able to use India's e-Visa system. Always check the official Indian government visa website rather than relying on an unofficial agency.
3. Check any arrival-card requirements
India's immigration procedures can change. Before flying, check whether you need to complete an electronic arrival card or provide additional information. An arrival card does not replace your visa.
4. Research the regions you plan to visit
India is enormous. Delhi, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa and the Himalayan states offer very different experiences. Look at regional weather, transport connections, local customs and current travel advice.
5. Get travel-health advice early
Check your routine vaccinations and ask a qualified travel-health professional whether any additional vaccines or malaria precautions are appropriate for your itinerary.
6. Arrange appropriate travel insurance
Choose insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellation, your planned activities and any necessary evacuation. Make sure it applies to all the regions you intend to visit.
7. Save copies of important documents
Keep secure digital copies of your passport, visa, insurance details, hotel reservations and flight tickets. A separate paper copy is useful if your phone is lost or runs out of battery.
8. Don't try to see all of India in one trip
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is planning too many destinations. A slower journey through one or two regions can be much more enjoyable than spending your entire holiday travelling between cities.
Your First 24 Hours in India
9. Arrange your airport transfer before arrival
After a long international flight, organising transport in an unfamiliar airport can be tiring. Consider an approved prepaid taxi, reliable ride-hailing service or hotel transfer. Verify the driver and vehicle before getting in.
10. Keep your hotel's address available offline
Save your hotel's address, telephone number and map location. Having the address written in the local language can also help when speaking with drivers.
11. Plan how you'll use your phone
Check international roaming charges or investigate eSIM and local SIM options. A local SIM may involve identity checks or activation delays. Download offline maps as a backup.
12. Carry more than one payment method
Cards and digital payments are widely used in many cities, but some smaller businesses still prefer cash. Keep some Indian rupees for everyday purchases and avoid carrying all your money in one place.
13. Don't over-plan your first day
Your first day should ideally include checking into your hotel, having a good meal and getting some rest. Jet lag and travel fatigue can make a busy sightseeing schedule feel exhausting.
Food, Drinking Water and Staying Healthy
14. Be careful with drinking water
Do not assume tap water is safe to drink. Choose properly sealed bottled water or water that has been reliably treated. Be careful with ice and drinks prepared with untreated water.
15. Choose freshly cooked food
Food that has been cooked thoroughly and served hot is generally a more sensible choice than food that has been standing at room temperature. Pay attention to hygiene and storage conditions.
16. Enjoy Indian street food sensibly
Street food is one of the pleasures of travelling through India. Look for food freshly cooked in front of you, and be cautious with uncovered food, unrefrigerated sauces and raw ingredients.
17. Pack a small travel-health kit
Consider taking oral rehydration salts, prescribed medications, plasters, sunscreen and insect repellent. Seek professional guidance about medicines appropriate for you.
18. Prepare for different climates
India includes tropical coastlines, dry deserts, hot cities and cold mountains. Check the weather for each destination rather than assuming everywhere will be hot.
19. Avoid touching unfamiliar animals
Street dogs and monkeys may look approachable, but bites and scratches can carry serious health risks. Avoid feeding or handling them. Seek urgent medical assessment after a bite or scratch because rabies exposure may require immediate treatment.
Getting Around India
20. Understand Indian train classes
Indian trains offer different classes with different prices, comfort levels and facilities. Air-conditioned chair cars, sleeper coaches and premium trains are suitable for different journeys. Check the exact class before booking.
21. Book trains using reliable services
Use official railway booking channels or reputable agents. Confirm the correct train number, travel date, departure station and boarding point. Popular routes may sell out well in advance.
22. Allow extra time for transport
A journey that looks short on the map may take longer than expected because of traffic, road conditions or delays. Avoid scheduling important flights or connections too tightly.
23. Agree on auto-rickshaw fares
Where a metered fare is unavailable or not being used, agree on the price before starting. Ask your accommodation about typical fares or compare the price with a reliable ride-hailing option.
24. Think carefully before renting a vehicle
Traffic conditions can be very different from those in the UK or USA. Check licence and insurance requirements, wear appropriate safety equipment and do not assume driving rules are always followed consistently.
Safety, Scams and Cultural Awareness
25. Be cautious with unsolicited travel help
If someone approaches you at a station or tourist attraction claiming your hotel is closed or your ticket is invalid, independently verify the information. Do not follow strangers to unofficial travel offices.
26. Keep valuables secure in busy places
Use a secure bag, avoid displaying large amounts of cash and keep your phone and passport protected in crowded markets, stations and transport hubs.
27. Learn to decline offers politely
In tourist areas, you may receive repeated invitations to enter shops or use services. A calm but firm "No, thank you" is often the best response. You don't need to explain yourself.
28. Dress for the location and occasion
India has many different attitudes towards clothing. Lightweight clothes are useful in warm weather, while modest clothing and a scarf may be appropriate for certain religious sites. Follow local requirements and customs.
29. Ask before photographing people
Markets, festivals and street scenes offer wonderful opportunities for photography, but people deserve privacy. Always ask permission before taking close photographs, particularly of children.
30. Respect religious places
Temples, mosques, gurdwaras and other religious sites may have rules about footwear, clothing, photography or entering certain areas. Follow the instructions displayed or ask a member of staff.
31. Save emergency telephone numbers
India's national emergency response number is 112. Save important hotel, insurance and embassy or consulate contact details before you travel.
Enjoying India and Communicating with People
32. Learn a few Hindi phrases
Hindi is useful in many parts of northern India, although other languages are spoken throughout the country. English is also used in many tourist settings. Learning a few local words can make everyday interactions friendlier.
33. Be prepared for different levels of noise and activity
Some Indian cities have busy streets, lively markets and heavy traffic. Build quiet time into your itinerary if you find crowds tiring.
34. Be flexible when things don't go to plan
Transport delays, changing weather and unexpected closures can affect travel plans. Keeping a little spare time in your itinerary makes these situations easier to manage.
35. Take time to experience everyday India
India isn't only about monuments and famous attractions. Visiting local markets, trying regional food, observing everyday life and speaking with people can become some of your most memorable travel experiences.
Free Interactive India Travel Checklist
Use this checklist while preparing for your journey. Tick each item when it is complete.
My India Travel Preparation
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The print button opens a separate document containing only the checklist, not the blog article or sidebar.
Useful Hindi Phrases for Travellers
Hindi is just one of India's many languages. These phrases are especially useful in Hindi-speaking areas.
| Hindi | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Namaste | Hello |
| Dhanyavaad | Thank you |
| Kitne ka hai? | How much is it? |
| Mujhe madad chahiye | I need help |
| Paani chahiye | I need water |
| Shauchalaya kahaan hai? | Where is the toilet? |
| Mujhe samajh nahin aaya | I didn't understand |
| Kripaya dheere boliye | Please speak slowly |
Recommended India Travel Books
If you're planning a trip to India, you may find my books useful for preparing your journey, learning practical travel advice and becoming familiar with the country's languages and traditions.
Essential India Travel Guide: Travel Tips and Practical Information
This is a useful companion to the advice in this article. It is designed for people looking for practical information about travelling around India and understanding what to expect.
Find My India Travel GuideIndia Travel Survival Guide for Women
For women preparing to travel around India, this book provides further reading on travelling independently and considering practical safety questions.
View My Travel Book for WomenEssential Hindi Words and Phrases for Travelers to India
Learning a few Hindi expressions can make travelling easier, especially in Hindi-speaking regions. This book is another resource for preparing everyday conversations.
View My Hindi Phrase BookIndia for Kids: Amazing Facts About India
Travelling to India with children? Introduce them to India's culture, places and traditions before your family holiday.
View My India Books for ChildrenMore India Travel Resources
Continue preparing for your trip with these useful pages:
Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to India
Is India suitable for first-time international travellers?
India can be a rewarding first international destination if you plan carefully. Choosing a manageable itinerary, arranging your first-night accommodation and understanding regional conditions can help.
Do British and American tourists need an Indian visa?
Entry requirements depend on nationality, travel purpose and immigration status. Check India's official visa information before travelling.
Can tourists drink tap water in India?
Do not assume untreated tap water is safe. Choose properly sealed bottled water or water made safe by an appropriate treatment method.
Do I need to speak Hindi?
No. English is used in many tourist settings, and India has numerous regional languages. However, learning a few phrases can be helpful.
How long should my first trip to India be?
It depends on your interests and budget. A slower itinerary covering one or two regions is often more enjoyable than trying to visit too many places.
What is the emergency number in India?
India's national emergency response number is 112.
Official Travel Information
Travel requirements and health advice change. Before leaving, consult:
- UK Foreign Office India travel advice
- Official Indian visa portal
- US State Department India travel information
- CDC India travel-health guidance
Final Thoughts
India is not a country to rush through. Give yourself time to explore, learn, taste different foods and discover the enormous variety of everyday life.
Some of the best travel memories happen when you are not following a strict itinerary. Prepare sensibly, stay aware of your surroundings and leave room for unexpected discoveries.
Enjoy your first trip to India!
Travel guide by shalusharma.com. Information reviewed October 2026. Always check current government guidance before departure.
