Refreshed: August 2026
India was one of the most exciting and memorable countries I have visited, and I would happily return. It has a rich history, magnificent architecture, excellent food and some of the friendliest and most welcoming people I met on my travels.
It can also be busy, noisy and overwhelming, particularly when you first arrive. That is part of the experience, but knowing what to expect certainly helps.
I visited in February and travelled through Delhi, Rajasthan and Agra. These tips aren’t intended to be a complete guide to travelling around India. They are simply some of the things I learnt from my own experience that I would pass on to anyone planning a similar trip.
Be Prepared for the Culture Shock
India can be an assault on the senses when you first arrive. There are people, vehicles, rickshaws, motorcycles, animals, horns, smells and activity seemingly everywhere.
My advice is not to arrive expecting things to work exactly as they do at home. Give yourself time to adjust, keep an open mind and enjoy observing a very different way of life.
Don't Be Too Precious About Personal Space
India is incredibly busy, and in crowded places your idea of personal space may disappear very quickly!
Markets, railway stations, tourist attractions and streets can all become extremely crowded. I soon learnt to relax about it rather than becoming irritated by people being close to me.
Watch Where You're Walking
This may sound obvious, but walking along a pavement in India can sometimes be an adventure in itself.
You may find yourself sharing the space with pedestrians, motorcycles, rickshaws, street vendors and, of course, cows. Traffic can also come from directions you aren’t expecting, so pay attention when crossing roads and don’t assume that a pavement is exclusively for pedestrians.
Be Sensible About Drinking Water
I drank factory-sealed bottled water throughout my trip and always checked that the seal hadn’t already been broken.
I also avoided ice unless I knew it had been made from safe drinking water. One thing I didn’t think about initially was brushing my teeth. I used hotel tap water and later wondered whether that might have contributed to my brief encounter with Delhi Belly. I can’t know for certain, but next time I would use bottled water for brushing my teeth too.
Be Prepared for an Upset Stomach
Yes, I got Delhi Belly despite being careful!
I had brought medication with me, which meant I was prepared when it happened and was able to continue enjoying my trip. If you normally carry a small travel-health kit, make sure you have whatever you would usually use for an upset stomach.
I was adventurous with street food but chose food that was freshly prepared and served piping hot. I ate some fantastic food in India and wouldn’t have wanted to miss that part of the experience.
Dress With Local Customs in Mind
India is diverse, so what is appropriate can vary depending on where you are and what you are visiting.
For temples and religious sites, I found it useful to dress modestly and have something available to cover up when necessary. Comfortable clothing and shoes are also important because sightseeing can involve plenty of walking.
Be Ready to Take Your Shoes Off
You will often need to remove your shoes before entering temples and some homes.
Shoes that are easy to slip on and off can therefore make life much easier. Follow what local people are doing, and if you aren’t sure, simply ask.
Learn a Few Useful Words
I always enjoy learning a few words of the local language when I travel. Even when my pronunciation isn’t perfect, people generally appreciate the effort.
A few words I found particularly useful were:
Namaste — Hello
Shukriya — Thank you
Chalo — Let’s go
You don’t need to learn dozens of phrases. Even a few words can help to break the ice and start a conversation.
Don't Underestimate the Metro
One of the things that surprised me about Delhi was its modern and efficient Metro system. It is an inexpensive way to get around such an enormous city.
I did manage to get completely lost on it one evening, but that led to one of the most memorable experiences of my trip when two local women came to my rescue and eventually invited me home for chai!
Sometimes getting lost has its advantages.
Keep an Open Mind
India isn’t necessarily an easy destination, and that was precisely why some of my friends — including my partner — decided that this particular trip wasn’t for them. I completely understood.
If you prefer quiet streets, lots of personal space and everything to feel familiar, India may take some adjustment. But if you go prepared for the crowds, noise and contrasts and are willing to take things as they come, you may find yourself loving it as much as I did.
I certainly did.
My Biggest Tip
Don’t try to control every part of the experience.
Some of my best memories of India came from things I could never have planned: being treated like a celebrity on a local sightseeing bus, having lunch bought for me by a family I had only just met, being invited into a stranger’s home for chai and travelling through Delhi at midnight on the back of a scooter.
Be sensible, stay aware of your surroundings and respect local customs, but leave a little room for the unexpected.
India might just surprise you.
Have you visited India? Is there anything you learnt along the way that you would add to my list?
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