Travel to India – 15 Things You Should Know

Almost every traveler dreams of visiting India. This country delights with its rich cultures and majestic architecture, dazzles with colors, hustle and bustle and diversity. If you want to experience this during your vacation, you absolutely have to go there. However, it is not an easy region to travel to - the cultural diversity that fascinates and attracts tourists so much means that you need to prepare for it properly before leaving. Are you planning holidays in india? Be sure to read this article!

WHEN TO GO TO INDIA?

India is a huge country, so you can travel there almost all year round. It all depends on which regions you plan to visit. The best time to visit most of the subcontinent is from October to the end of March. However, temperatures start to rise uncomfortably in March. At the turn of May and June, the summer monsoon brings heavy rains. First, it starts raining in the south of the country, then the monsoon gradually moves north. However, if you plan to visit the northern, mountainous areas of the country, the best time is during the summer months, i.e. June, July and August.

CHEAP FLIGHTS TO INDIA

Many carriers offer flights between Europe and India. There are convenient connections from various Polish cities. That is why you can often find convenient and cheap flights to India. Traveling by air in India itself is also not expensive. It is a huge country, which is why its residents increasingly choose planes as a means of transport, and as a result - ticket prices are falling.

Goa Beaches and Majestic Rajasthan

INDIA - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Goa
An orgy of different landscapes, colors, sounds, smells and tastes in Rajasthan, and relaxation on the heavenly beaches of Goa. Experience the most beautiful time with us!

VISA FOR INDIA – HOW TO OBTAIN IT?

If you want to go on a trip a trip to India, you must obtain visas. You can obtain them in two ways: online or at the embassy. You can obtain a double-entry visa, valid for 60 days without the possibility of extension, electronically. You must submit an application online no later than 4 days before departure. The cost of such a visa is USD 80. However, through the embassy you can obtain multiple-entry visas valid for one or five years. The application should be submitted to the BLS India Visa Center office in Warsaw. In the case of an annual visa, the documents can be sent by post. However, if you intend to apply for a five-year visa, you must submit the applications in person. Currently, their production costs PLN 5 and PLN 511, respectively.

When deciding on a vacation in India, you must be aware that you will be entering a completely different world. First of all, for the locals, you will be a tourist attraction.

WHAT SHOULD YOU GET VACCINED AGAINST BEFORE TRAVELING TO INDIA?

When planning a trip to India, you must be aware that the local bacterial flora and hygiene standards are significantly different from ours. Therefore, it is better to take care of yourself during the trip and additionally protect yourself with appropriate vaccinations in advance. The absolute minimum are vaccines against hepatitis A and typhoid. The first of them provides immunity for life, the second - for two years. They will also be useful during your next trips to Asia, because these diseases still occur on this continent. When traveling to India, consider also getting vaccinated against rabies. Unfortunately, stray dogs are a huge problem in this country. The disease is also carried by numerous herds of monkeys, found not only in forests but also in cities. A preventive vaccine against rabies will not replace the one taken after a bite. However, it extends the period in which the injection must be taken and reduces the number of doses.

Regardless of whether you have been vaccinated, remember to take care of yourself, not to provoke danger and to follow hygiene rules when traveling to India. Do not approach or pet strange animals, drink only bottled or boiled water and remember to wash your hands. When buying bottled water, look at it carefully and check that it has not been opened before. Sellers sometimes fill empty bottles with tap water and sell them again to unsuspecting tourists. This may be trivial advice, but it can protect you from unpleasant ailments.

CUSTOMS IN INDIA

When deciding to go on holiday to India, you must be aware that you will encounter a completely different world. First of all, for the locals, you will be a tourist attraction. Indians are happy to travel around their country. Those from less touristy places are curious about foreign tourists and often ask them for photos. Perhaps this is because they want to show off their international acquaintances. Group photos are a lot of fun, especially for children, but be aware that if you pose once, there will most likely be a whole queue of people waiting for you.

When travelling in India, remember to haggle when shopping, unless the shop has set prices. All cosmetics, packaged food and drinks always have a price printed on the packaging. It is worth checking if you have any doubts. In bazaars and street stalls, most sellers do not have set prices. In such situations, you need to haggle to avoid overpaying. The same applies to setting prices for taxis, tuk-tuk and rickshaw rides. It is best to do this before getting in the vehicle. Once you arrive at your destination, the driver will be much less willing to make concessions.

If you are planning a trip to India, you probably already have some idea of ​​the poverty and ubiquitous beggars there. However, the reality almost always turns out to be too much for them. Hundreds of hands reach out to tourists asking for help. These images are shocking for first-time visitors to India. It is hard to refuse children and the elderly asking for a few rupees. Unfortunately, it is not always help. The scenes from the film "Slumdog" are not a figment of the creators' imagination. Self-harm and deliberate mutilation of children are ways to arouse greater pity and gain more profit. Not all beggars live on the streets - some earn well enough to afford an apartment or contribute to the family budget in this way. A much better way to help is to find a charitable foundation with a good reputation and donate to their account.

The Indians also do not look kindly on the expression of feelings in male-female relationships. Prudery in a nation that created Kama Sutra and erotic sculptures in Khajuraho may be surprising. Currently, it is not very frowned upon for couples to hold hands or exchange hugs and kisses in public spaces.

When traveling in India, you will certainly visit Hindu temples. Before entering the mandir, you must leave your shoes. Most temples allow non-Muslims to visit, but some prohibit them from entering the most sacred part, known as the garbhagriha. Sometimes you will also encounter a ban on taking pictures of deities. Respect these customs, otherwise you may face unpleasant consequences.

Idyllic Kerala

INDIA - Kerala - Cochin, Thekkady, Allepey, Kovalam
A land bathed in lush green jungles, surrounded by velvety sand beaches and crisscrossed by picturesque canals. Discover a completely new face of India – the idyllic state of Kerala.

IS INDIA SAFE?

The question of safety in India is not easy to answer. When travelling, you should exercise common sense and not venture into dark alleys after dark. Just like almost everywhere, pickpockets prowl the crowd, so you should also watch out for them on public transport. Indians like to engage in conversations with foreigners. They will certainly ask you about your marital status, whether you have children or your job. These are harmless questions and completely normal in this culture. However, it is better to avoid informing your interlocutors about the details of your stay in a given place. If questions about the hotel arise, it is better to withdraw from the conversation.

Security in India also depends on the state you are visiting. Kashmir, often called the "Crown of India" by Indians, is a beautiful region in the north-western part of the country. Unfortunately, it is a disputed area - Pakistan is demanding it, and many Kashmiris want independence and autonomy for this region. That is why there are exchanges of fire and even terrorist attacks there. When I visited Kashmir in 2015, I constantly passed armed Indian soldiers on the streets of Srinagar. Due to the tourist attractions of this place, the Indian authorities make every effort to ensure the safety of visitors. It is visited not only by many tourists from abroad, but above all by thousands of Indians looking for a place to cool off during the hot summer.

During your holiday in India, you will often come across cows walking on the streets of cities. They are used to the presence of humans and the hustle and bustle of the city. However, it is best not to bother them, because if provoked, they may attack. Although you may not associate them as dangerous animals, they can make use of their strength and powerful horns.

SOLO TRIP TO INDIA

Solo travellers travel all over India, but they need to be very careful. Indians are happy to strike up conversations, especially on long train and bus journeys, so there’s no need to worry about being without company. Unfortunately, this also makes them easier targets for potential attacks. Women travelling alone need to be particularly careful. Sexual violence is still a huge problem in India, and it’s important to bear this in mind when deciding to travel alone. Does this mean that solo female travellers should give up on travelling to India? Of course not. However, you should be especially careful – choose more expensive train seats (especially on night routes), avoid walking after dark and don’t admit to people you’ve just met that you’re alone. It’s best to say that your husband is waiting at the hotel or in the city you’re travelling to. It’s also good to remember that Indian women aren’t as open in their contacts as Western women. That’s why the behaviour of female tourists is often misinterpreted by Indians. A good way to travel to India alone is to use the services of Planet Escape – private transfers and the care of an on-site representative are a guarantee of safety.

Indian women, regardless of their religion, in their vast majority always cover their legs. They also do not wear deep necklines and cover their shoulders.

HOW TO DRESS ON A TRIP TO INDIA?

Another important issue is the issue of clothing. Hindu women, regardless of their religion, in the vast majority always cover their legs. They also do not wear deep necklines and cover their shoulders. Women who show their legs are considered immodest. A European woman in a mini or shorts will therefore attract attention and provoke comments about herself. Of course, fashionable residents of larger cities increasingly wear short skirts and trousers, as do tourists in beach areas such as Goa and the coast of Kerala. However, this is still not a common phenomenon. Therefore, for your own comfort and safety, it is better to opt for long, airy trousers and skirts. They have another advantage - they protect against the scorching sun and sunburn. For this reason, men should also consider choosing this type of clothing. If you do not have them in your wardrobe, do not worry - you can stock up on them on the spot. Indian textiles are at very good prices, especially those sold at markets.

WHAT TO PACK WHEN GOING TO INDIA?

Before you start packing for your trip to India, first think about what will be more convenient for you to pack. If you are staying at a seaside resort or traveling with a private driver during your vacation, you can safely pack in a suitcase. However, if you plan to travel by train and bus, it will be much safer to take a backpack. It will be more convenient to travel with it. It is also a more difficult target for thieves, of whom there is no shortage at Indian train stations.

Speaking of safety, it's also worth taking a pouch to India to wear under your clothes, in which you can safely keep larger sums of money and passports. Fanny packs are great for handy things. Because they are carried in front of you on a belt, you can safely keep a phone, a handy wallet (so you don't have to pull out a hidden pouch at every stall) or a small camera.

When travelling to India, also pack a repellent with DEET, a cream with a strong filter, sunglasses and a hat. Be sure to take a camera! In India, you can buy good quality cosmetics at low prices - so it is not worth carrying a stock of them with you. Also take a handy first aid kit with plasters, disinfectant and anti-diarrheal medicine. If you intend to travel on a budget on your own, it is worth packing a thin sleeping bag. The hygiene standards of the cheapest Indian hotels leave much to be desired. However, if you decide to travel with Planet Escape, you do not have to worry about this. The hotels we have selected for you will certainly meet your expectations.

Rajasthan, mystical Varanasi and the unknown Andamans

INDIA - Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Andamans
Touring Rajasthan in a truly royal style - Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra and colorful Jaipur await you. Let's add to this the mystical Varanasi, where Hindus burn the bodies of their dead in the Ganges. Finally, the undiscovered Andaman Islands.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN INDIA

 The cheapest way to travel around India is by public transport. Train tickets should be booked in advance – because trains can cover huge distances cheaply, they are very popular. Their routes are very long – the train can travel for several days before reaching its destination. For this reason, they are equipped with sleeper cars. At the stations, vendors also enter the train, offering water and drinks, tea or coffee, snacks, or taking orders for a hot meal delivered at the next stop. Indian Railways offers several classes of carriages, which determine the price of the ticket and the comfort of the journey. Sleeper cars always have reserved seats, so you don't have to worry about crowds. There are three air-conditioned classes and one, the cheapest, with fans and opening windows. Night train travel is a great way to travel a long distance and experience a real adventure. However, it should be remembered that Indian Railways is not famous for punctuality.

When it comes to buses, so-called sleepers also run on longer routes. Depending on the standard, they may or may not be equipped with air conditioning. Tickets are usually much more expensive than train tickets, but the journey is faster and more efficient. State buses run on shorter distances. In addition to the driver, each bus also has a ticket collector from whom you can buy a ticket. The prices are very affordable, but the conditions are far from comfortable. Most buses, especially on popular routes, do not depart according to the schedule, but when they are full. It is worth noting that the Indian understanding of a "full bus" is very different from ours... The bus will start when you are sure that absolutely no one and nothing will fit on it. And then it will stop anyway to pick up other passengers waiting along the way.

While on holiday in India, you can't miss the snacks served at street stalls. The leading one among them is samosa – a type of fried dumpling stuffed with potatoes and onions. You'll also certainly come across street vendors selling pakora – vegetables fried in thick batter.

INDIAN CUISINE – DISHES YOU MUST TRY

Indian cuisine is one of the main reasons to visit this country. You absolutely must try chai – sweet tea with milk and spices. It is served both in restaurants and street stalls. In southern India, you can also get coffee from such stalls – with lots of milk and sugar. You should also drink lassi – a drink based on yogurt available in both the traditional, salty version and sweet and with various fruit additions. During your holiday in India, you cannot miss the snacks served at street stalls. The leading among them is samosa – a type of fried dumpling stuffed with potatoes and onions. You will certainly also come across street vendors selling pakora – vegetables fried in thick dough. Vada, fried savoury balls, are also popular in the south.

Don't be afraid to eat at street stalls and small restaurants. Choose those where many Indians eat - you can be sure that the food is fresh and tasty. During the holidays, you can't miss thali, a traditional Indian lunch. In the northern part of the country, biryani is very popular - rice mixed with meat and vegetables. In the south, start the day with masala dosa - a crispy pancake with potato filling or idli - rice flour balls served with sauces. For dinner, you can order sauces with paneer cheese, dal - a sauce with lentils or korma, which will surprise you with its sweet aftertaste. You should choose rice or chapati or naan, which is an Indian "bread".

Alcohol is not widely available in India. Prohibition is in force in some states (e.g. Bihar). In others, alcohol can be bought in special shops or in pubs. Beers produced in India are not very popular among tourists, they are relatively expensive and worse in taste than those known to us from Poland, for example. It is worth trying Indian spirits, such as whiskey or brandy. You can also try traditional rice wine produced in Assam. In addition to local brands, you can also buy imported alcohol in India.

INDIAN FESTIVALS

Many people traveling to India wonder when the Holi Festival is held? The festival of joy and spring is famous all over the world because of the tradition of throwing colored powders at each other. It falls at the turn of February and March, on the full moon of the month of Phalguna. So if you want to take part in it, you need to check when exactly it falls. Remember that although Holi is celebrated all over India, the tradition of throwing colored powders at each other is common only in the northern part of the country.

Another important Hindu holiday is Diwali – the festival of lights. It is celebrated in autumn, but its date is determined according to the traditional lunar calendar, which is why it is a movable holiday. Diwali celebrations last several days, during which you can see many interesting ceremonies. Another spectacular holiday is Shivaratri, which is celebrated at night. It falls at the end of February or beginning of March.

WHICH REGION OF INDIA TO CHOOSE?

India is a huge country, so the answer to this question will depend on what you plan to do during your exotic vacation. The coasts of Goa and Kerala are best for sunbathing. The beaches there are beautiful and sandy. If you want to admire the beauty of Indian nature, Kerala will be perfect. There, you will have the opportunity to walk through tea plantations and sail along the picturesque canals around Alleppey. Idyllic Kerala delights with its lush greenery. In Kochi, you will also have the opportunity to watch a Kathakali performance - a native theatrical tradition.

If you feel like mountain hiking, head to the Kashmir and Ladakh regions. The landscapes there will surely delight you. In Srinagar, you will have the opportunity to sleep in a hotel on a boat in the middle of a lake, and in Leh, you will get to know the mystical nature of Tibetan Buddhism.

In Rajasthan you will see majestic Rajput forts, beautiful palaces and desert landscapes. Delhi and its surroundings are the most famous and popular monuments.

Unknown India - Kashmir and Ladakh

INDIA - Delhi, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Kargil, Alchi, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake
Kashmir and Ladakh are famous for their mystical atmosphere and stunning landscapes. Called the “crown of India,” Kashmir enchants with its crystal clear Dal Lake surrounded by towering mountains. Situated amidst the majestic Himalayas, Ladakh is a stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism and an ideal place for those seeking spirituality and closeness to nature.

INDIA'S BIGGEST ATTRACTION - TAJ MAHAL

When in India, you definitely can't miss the Taj Mahal - one of the new seven wonders of the world. This beautiful white tomb built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal is located in Agra. While there, it is also worth visiting the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, a few kilometers from the city - the capital built by one of the Mughal rulers, which probably had to be abandoned due to lack of water.

The capital of India also has many interesting places to visit. Among them are Humayun's Tomb, the Red Fort in Delhi., the Lotus Temple and the Jama Masjid, or Friday Mosque.