Nestled in South Asia, the Republic of India stands as the 7th largest country and boasts the title of the 2nd most populated democracy on the planet. With its vibrant landscapes, lively festivals, and mouth-watering cuisine, India captivates as one of the world's most intriguing destinations. Here, cows are revered and enjoy the right of way on bustling streets, and you can marvel at over 300,000 mosques showcasing some of the globe's most stunning architecture. Don't miss the chance to see the world's highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, soaring 1,178 feet above the Chenab River.
Capital City: New Delhi
Population: 1.42 Billion (2022 est.)
Currency: Indian Rupee (symbol: ₹; code: INR)
Time Zone: India Standard Time (GMT+5:30)
Emergency Number: 112
Outlet: Types C, D & M
Travel Guide
India: Trip Preparation & Destination Information
Your complete travel guide to India
Overview
Packing List
Active Shoes
Perfect for those extended days spent on your feet.
Conservative Clothing
We recommend packing conservative attire, which means keeping those shoulders covered and opting for clothing that reaches the knee. It's best to leave those low-cut tops and short shorts at home.
Protect Your Tummy
We suggest packing Pepto Bismol and Imodium to handle any unexpected stomach issues. If you're someone who gets motion sickness, having Dramamine on hand can be a real lifesaver.
Sunblock with SPF
There's nothing like a pesky sunburn to put a damper on your getaway! We suggest packing some sunblock with SPF to keep your skin safe and sound while you're soaking up the great outdoors.
Bug Spray
We suggest using bug spray containing DEET or Picaridin to keep those pesky bugs at bay and ensure you stay healthy on your adventure.
Hand Sanitizer
Do I need to say anything else?
Ear Plugs
Are you a light sleeper? It's handy to bring along if you might have a snoring roommate.
Laundry Soap
Individual packets are ideal for quick sink washes when you're short on clean outfits.
Day Pack
For toting around cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, and more.
Reusable Water Bottle with filter
Keeping hydrated is key to a successful trip, but remember, tap water in India isn't safe for drinking. We suggest picking up some purification tablets or a Grayl filtering water bottle to ensure you always have access to clean water.
Portable Chargers
Perfect for keeping your batteries powered up while you're out and about.
Travel Adaptor
We suggest packing a universal travel adaptor to keep all your electronics charged and ready to go.
Call Your Bank
Banks might temporarily freeze your card if they notice any suspicious transactions. It's a good idea to give them a heads-up about your travel plans, including your destinations and dates, to avoid any hiccups.
Always pack extra underwear!
Language Information
Language: The Constitution of India has stipulated the usage of Hindi and English to be the two official languages of communication for the national government.
Common Phrases
Hello
नमस्ते (Namaste)
Goodbye
अलविदा (Alavida)
Thank you
धन्यवाद (Dhanyavaad)
Do you speak English?
क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं (Kya aap angrezee bolate hain)
How are you?
क्या हाल है (Kya haal hai)
I’m fine, thank you
मैं ठीक हूं धन्यवाद (Main theek hoon dhanyavaad)
What’s your name?
आपका क्या नाम है (Aapaka kya naam hai)
My name is…
मेरा नाम है.. (mera naam hai..)
Where is...
कहाँ है.. (kahaan hai..)
Local Weather
Culture Notes
When visiting temples or stepping into an Indian home, we suggest taking off your shoes and hats. Dressing conservatively is a great way to show respect for these sacred spaces or homes.
We suggest being mindful of local customs regarding hand usage. It's important to avoid using your left hand for touching others, as it's traditionally seen as unclean and could be offensive. Instead, use your right hand when giving or receiving items. If you want to show extra respect, using both hands is a wonderful gesture.
We suggest avoiding pointing with your index finger, especially when it comes to sacred items or paintings. Instead, you can gesture with your chin or extend your hand with the palm flat and facing upwards towards the object you're referring to.
In many Hindu temples, leather items like wallets, belts, and bags are not allowed. It's important to remember that these are sacred spaces where individuals come to worship, and taking photographs might not be suitable.
In numerous Hindu temples, there are areas within the temple complex where non-Hindus are not permitted to enter.
We recommend dressing modestly, especially for women. It's best to avoid wearing revealing clothing, such as sleeveless or low-cut tops and tank tops, as well as shorts. Ensuring that your knees are covered is a good practice.
Tipping Guide
Tipping Suggestions: In India, tips, typically referred to as baksheesh, are mostly optional. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.
Guides USD $9-13 per person/per day
Drivers USD $7-10 per person/per day
Restaurants USD 10% of total bill, given directly to the wait staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find information on travel safety?
Visit the US Department of State's website for the latest safety information when traveling.
Is the water safe to drink?
Travelers should steer clear of tap water. It's best to avoid using it for brushing your teeth too. We recommend using a water bottle with a filter or purification tablets for drinking water.
Do I need a Visa?
For Visa details, click here. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your return date and contains at least two blank pages. Otherwise, entry into some countries might be denied.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Although it's not mandatory, we strongly suggest that all travelers consider purchasing travel insurance to safeguard against unforeseen events! Explore travel insurance choices with our partner, worldnomads.com or with any provider you prefer.
How much should I pack?
Since we'll be using shared transfers and spaces during our tour, we suggest all travelers pack as lightly as they can. Please take a look at our luggage restrictions below.
What does public transportation look like?
In Indian cities, buses account for over 90 percent of public transportation. Many cities lack rail systems and instead depend on a mix of buses, minivans, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and taxis.
Is Uber or Lyft available?
Indeed, both companies operate in major cities like Delhi.