India is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and we can see why. It is a fascinating and varied destination with a vast selection of activities to offer travellers, including some of the world’s best safaris and many world heritage sites to explore.
However, before booking your flight to this part of the world, there are some things you need to know. Keep reading below to find out more.
1. Do I Need a Visa?
Unless you are an overseas citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, you will require a visa. The great news is that applying for a visa isn’t as tricky as you’d think. Visit ivisa.com to find out more.
2. What Vaccinations Do You Need?
Before booking a trip to India, you must find out what jabs you need. If you travel to India, you’ll need protection from various tropical diseases, including rabies, dengue fever, and malaria, so ensure you get vaccinated before leaving the UK. Contact your local healthcare provider if you are unsure which vaccinations are required.
3. Is Insurance Important?
Make sure you buy travel insurance before you travel to India. Public hospitals in this part of the world are not great and private hospitals ask for payment upfront before treatment can begin.
4. The Official Language
Unlike most countries worldwide with just one or two official languages, India has a whopping 22 official languages and 1721 other languages. While this might sound impressive, it can be a nightmare for tourists. The good news is that most Indian citizens speak English to some degree.
5. The Official Currency
Most shops in India only accept cash. This means that travellers need to ensure they take cash with them. The official currency of India is the rupee. Tourists can exchange their money before they leave or once they arrive in the country. However, be aware that according to Indian law, it is an offence to take Indian currency out of the country when you leave. Instead, you must exchange it before you head home.
6. Indian Food
While it is possible to get a range of foods when travelling around India, if you want to immerse yourself fully in the culture, try the local cuisine. Indian food is generally spicy. Even the mildest versions tend to be too spicy for foreigners. The good news is that most restaurants are willing to reduce the amount of spice they use if you ask them politely.
7. The Dress Code
In India, you must observe the local dress code. People in this part of the world dress conservatively. They do not have a lot of skin on show.
8. Be Prepared for the Chaos
Before visiting India, preparing yourself for the chaos is essential. India is the second most populated country in the world, so expect a lot of crowds, especially in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
9. Is it Safe to Drink the Water?
Although India has come a long way over the past few years, it is still inadvisable to drink tap water here. While some parts of the country have clean water, others do not.
10. Is India a Friendly Country?
Adults and children in India are extremely friendly. They love meeting foreigners and learning about their lives.
Travelling to new destinations gives us our most cherished memories and incredible stories we can share with others.
