Travel to India is surging. This vast and diverse subcontinent is an incredible destination that provides a plethora of options for first time visitors. The rich cultural diversity offers a dynamic and unique opportunity to traverse the modern and ancient in a short time. Choosing what to do and see on your first trip can feel daunting, but Elevate Destinations can help you devise the best way to tour India and provide you all the details you need to have a smooth and life-affirming trip. The colorful cities of Rajasthan, wildlife-rich tiger parks and snow-covered Himalayan Mountains are perfect destinations for first time visitors.
By providing essential tips, we hope to prepare you for visiting India for the first time.
What do I need to travel to India?
You must have a valid passport and visa to enter the country.
Passport Requirements
- The six-month rule applies! Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months after your return date from India. If your passport expiration date is sooner than six months from your return date, you will not be admitted.
- You need two (2) blank pages available in your passport to enter India. Please note that the last two amendment pages are unacceptable for immigration/visa stamps.
- You will need to renew your passport if you are out of visa pages, as the State Department no longer provides additional pages.
Visa Options
- E-visas for US citizens: Citizens from the United States must apply for and obtain a tourist visa to enter India.
- There are currently three e-visa options available for the e-tourist visa; a 30-day visa, a one-year visa, and a five-year visa. Each has its own associated application fee payable at the time you apply.
- 10-year visa: You can apply for a 10-year visa (in case you fall in love with India and want to return repeatedly over a 10-year period!) which must be applied for by mail.
When should I apply for a visa?
For the e-visas, you need a minimum of 4 days in order to apply for and receive your visa before departing. We recommend you continue to monitor the e-visa website leading up to your trip, just in case there are any changes to their requirements.
Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready to upload when you go to apply online.
This includes:
- One recent front-facing photograph with white background.
- A photo of the information page in your passport – the page that includes your photo and details like your name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, expiry date etc.
When your e-visa application is approved, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) form that you need to print and bring with you to the airport. The length of the ETA corresponds with the length of your visa. For example, if you apply for the e-visa for 30 days, you’ll receive an ETA that’s valid for 30 days from the date of issue (not from date of arrival.) Travelers must arrive in the country while your ETA is still valid to get your passport stamped. Once your passport is stamped by immigration officials, your visa is valid from your date of arrival.
For 10-year visas, give yourself 2-3 weeks for the application process. When your application is received by the consulate, it usually takes a minimum of 5 business days to process paper visa applications, so submit your application ahead of time.
Best way to tour India
To make the best use of your time, we recommend booking through a trusted and experienced travel company to help you design a personalized trip. India is a huge country and with the help of a travel company, you can maximize your time by not getting mired in the logistics on the ground and wasting precious time trying to figure things out as you go along. This will allow you to access regions and experiences which might otherwise be missed if you’re just staying on the regular tourist path. It will also provide you peace of mind and allow for efficient traveling between destinations. Also, if any issues arise, you have the assistance of your local and international contacts – a whole team poised and ready to help you when needed.
Top Destinations for First-Time Visitors
India has gems worth visiting in every corner of the country. However, if this is your first time to India, there are some highlights worth considering!
If you fly into Delhi, you must visit Old Delhi, known as Shah Jahanbad to experience the chaotic and entertaining maze of markets, food stalls and restaurants. A visit to Hukayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort, and the India Gate are recommended for any first trip to the city!
The Taj Mahal is usually on everyone’s list and for good reason. If you’re coming from Delhi, there is a fantastic 90-minute train called the Gaatiman Express. It runs from Delhi to Agra most days of the week. We strongly encourage everyone who visits the Taj Mahal to experience this train!
For a unique and immersive experience, staying at a palace hotel is a must! Throughout the country, there are impressive, historical palaces that have been converted into stunning hotels. One of the best regions for an immersive experience is Rajasthan and any one of its enchanting cities such as Jaipur (the pink city,) Jodhpur (the blue city) and Udaipur (the white city.) Additionally, there are some remarkable palace hotels in the remote and lesser known regions Deogarh, Chanoud, and Chattrasagar.
Famous for their critically endangered royal bengal tigers, we highly suggest splurging on a tiger safari. Safaris are available between November and February, as winter weather is the best. Other months the regions will be unbearably hot or in the monsoon season. If you’re short on time, Ranthambore is a great park and offers excellent opportunities for tiger spotting. If you have more time to venture into Central India, we recommend Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and/or Pench for a remote and less-crowded safari experience.
Varanasi is an epicenter of Hindu culture and tradition and is the holiest of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. The famous Ganges River flows through Veranasi and the city is a pilgrimage destination for Hindus. As a visitor, you bear witness to life and death where loved ones tend to the funeral pyres along the ghats of the Ganges. Visitors are permitted to observe the cremation pyres, but please be aware that photography is strictly prohibited because photos are believed to interrupt the soul from entering Nirvana. Most importantly, behave respectfully during your visit.
India’s Himalayan regions are incredible! A whopping 70% of the Himalayan mountain range is found in India. The exquisite landscapes offer charming villages, sacred places of worship and pilgrimage as well as wild, remote nature. You may recognize names like Darjeeling, Dharamshala, Kashmir and Ladakh and while some of these destinations can be challenging to access you will be rewarded with iconic scenery, the opportunity to learn about Buddhism and the lives of Sadhus. If you’re into wildlife photography, the snow leopards of Ladakh are a must (*winter only.)
Located in Southern India, Kerala is an unusual experience offering backwater cruises on houseboats, Ayurvedic medicine, and fantastic food.
If you need a beach destination, Goa is known for its laid-back atmosphere, hip restaurants and clubs, and incredible seafood curries.
Traditional Festivals in India
Indian festivals provide a wonderful avenue to celebrate with locals and experience their heritage and traditions. They tend to be full of energy and are a visual feast for the eyes.India’s most famous festivals are Holi and Diwali.
- Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, marks the end of Winter and the start of Spring. You may have seen the images of people covered in bright colors? One of the most well-known elements of the festival entails big groups of people congregating together and throwing paint on each other in celebration.
- Diwali is Hindu festival of lights. Observers often light candles, firecrackers, and diya (clay lamps) which symbolize the victory of good over evil, inner light over spiritual darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival focuses on gathering with loved ones, celebrating life, and committing to making sound decisions in life.
- Hornbill Festival: If you’re interested in smaller, regional festivals, there is the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. This festival was established by the Nagaland tourism board and highlights the region’s diversity, rich cultural history and ethnicity. Adorned in beautiful costumes, local residents show off their heritage through art as well as dance and music performances.
- Sufi Spirit Festival is a feast for the eyes and soul. The Sufi Spirit Festival takes place in Nagaur, a city that was founded in the 4th century BC and has a long tradition of Sufism. Witness the incredible dance, music and poetry at this mesmerizing multi-day event that will surely leave a lasting impression.
- Dev Deepawali Veranasi, also called Dev Diwali, is a festival of the Gods! This visually enchanting festival takes place in Veranasi, where gods come to mingle with the living along the Ganges. Oil lamps create a mystical atmosphere, lighting up the ghats along the river.
- Kumbh Mela Festival occurs every 12 years. This Hindu religious event is the world’s largest, peaceful gathering of pilgrims that come from across India to Allahabad to bathe in the confluence of the sacred Yamuna and Ganges Rivers. The belief is that bathing in the Ganges will free them of their sins, liberating them from the cycle of birth and reincarnation. Mass bathings in the Ganges have been recorded back as far as 2,500 years. The festival will take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025 – we’ve hit the 12 year mark!
Key Tips for Traveling Around India
Transportation tips
Trains are a very traditional and common way to travel in India. However, if you’re traveling long distances and are trying to maximize your time, we recommend opting for domestic flights or instead.
- Trains: We suggest taking trains between two big cities. Always book an air-conditioned class. For overnight travel, we recommend an AC 1st class (1A) cabin. If those are sold out, go for the AC 2nd class (2C) cabin. These cabins are cleaner and provide sanitized bedding if you have overnight travel. For overnight trains, you will have to rely on shared restrooms and these are conditions that are not for everyone. In which case, we recommend shorter day trips lasting 2-5 hours maximum. This will give you the unique train experience, while not having to commit to a long journey. In the nicer train cars, there are both Indian and Western-style toilets. Trains coming from bigger stations generally have clean toilets, but this cannot be guaranteed; therefore, shorter train travel times are recommended.
- Domestic flights: Flights are very well connected throughout the country. Indigo Airlines,one of the biggest carriers in India,is an affordable airline. There is also Air India, a company which is growing rapidly and will provide many connecting flights around the country. Checked baggage allowance is typically 15KG (approximately 32 lbs,) but you can pay an additional 5KG to bring it up to 20 KG (or approximately 42 lbs).
- Car touring: hire a driver or if you have booked through a travel company, they will provide you with a private vehicle and driver. Driving in India is intense and complicated and it’s important to have an experienced driver.
- Local transport, taxis: If you use taxis, only take certified taxis or taxis arranged by your trusted hotel concierge or front desk.
Money and currency exchange
India’s currency is the Indian rupee (Rs). In some instances, USD can be used for larger tips, e.g. for guides and private multi-day drivers. Here’s what you need to know about money and currency exchange in India:
- Exchanging cash: You can exchange money at the airport exchange counters. They are located right after you come out of customs. Usually the rates are fair and this can be a hassle-free way to obtain local currency to start your trip. Your hotel can also be a good place to change money. India does not have money exchange facilities in markets like many other countries, so the above are your best bets for the most favorable exchange rates.
- ATM machines are also available most everywhere. Make sure to alert your bank that you will be traveling abroad so they do not freeze your debit cards.
- Credit cards are also accepted at most major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. For tips and small purchases in more rural or remote regions, we recommend using cash (in Indian Rupees.)
Health Precautions
- Visit a travel clinic: 6-8 weeks prior to your departure, we recommend that you visit a travel clinic to determine what shots and inoculations you may need for your trip. Requirements change and depend on your specific itinerary. You will receive best advice from a physician who specializes in travel health. It is also good to visit the CDC website for information on vaccines.
- Shots and vaccines: No inoculations or vaccinations are required, but we do recommend speaking with a travel doctor about possible preventative vaccines, like Typhoid and Hep A to prevent any other food or waterborne illnesses. It is suggested that you have an up-to-date tetanus shot for travel in general.
Water and Food
- Avoid all tap water, fountain drinks, drinks in bags, and ice cubes. Bottled water is recommended and available everywhere.
- Only brush your teeth with bottled water!
- Avoid eating raw vegetables, fruit which you cannot peel, and food from street vendors. However if you’re with your guide, they can advise on where you can try hygienically prepared street foods and tea.
- If you are staying at one of our selected luxury hotels, you may be able to have ice in your drink if it is made with purified or bottled water. Ask your guide or hotel manager to confirm if ice is made with purified, bottled water.
Must-Try Indian Cuisine
India is brimming with a diversity of foods and ingredients. Food and its preparation varies regionally and even town to town. If you can, try and experience a local, home-cooked meal. These are typically the best-tasting meals you can have while in India.
All across India you find “thali.” These include regional specialties of beloved, every-day foods. A thali is served on a round platter and offers a diversity of dishes served in little bowls, including rice, dal or sambar made of lentils, seasonal vegetable curries, chutneys, raita (fermented dairy), pickles, flatbread (chapati) and papadum. All preparations vary from region to region.
Indian breads are varied and delicious. Some of the most common and tasty breads are paratha, chapati, naan, parotta, and fried puri. All contain wheat.
In Southern India, you find the dosa and Idli. These are paramount to Southern Indian cuisine and identity. Along the coast of Kerala, you will have the opportunity to try fresh seafood cooked in a unique Malabar style.
For modern foodies, Goa and Mumbai have some of the most iconic restaurants where you can find everything from incredible mom-and-pop eateries to trendy restaurants as well as Michelin fine dining.
And for dessert, try the syrupy sweet, fried jalebis and gulab jamun or the heavier sweets like halwa made with ghee or the milk-based barfis.
Food and Spice levels
Generally food in India is not supposed to be very spicy, as in hot-spicy, but this varies by region and recipe. For example, the city of Hyderabad is known for its spicy cuisine! And India does include some chiles in their cooking. If you like a spicy hot dish, you’ll have to request for food to be extra spicy. However, India is known for its variety of rich spices like garam masala, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and cumin. Feel free to tell your server which spice level you would like your food to be, and most chefs will happily oblige.
Cultural etiquette tips for travel in India
Out of respect for local culture, we recommend following the below guidelines when traveling in India.
- Use your right hand to touch people, pass money, or pick up objects. The left hand is considered unclean.
- Only touch food with your right hand.
- Always ask permission before taking photos of people. See our blog on photography etiquette when traveling.
- When visiting temples or entering an Indian home, remove shoes and hats.
- Dress conservatively when visiting places of worship or local homes.
- Do not wear revealing clothing, short shorts/short skirts/dresses, tank tops, low-cut tops.
- Wash your hands before and after eating.
- Refrain from showing public affection or angry outbursts.
- Do not turn your backside to religious statues.
Packing Essentials for Travel in India
What to wear
Visitors to India should respect local codes of dress and behavior. Generally dressing modestly is the most respectful way to cover your bases. Women should keep their shoulders and legs covered and have a scarf on hand for entering mosques and temples.
While on tour, dress informally and comfortably. Carry lightweight clothes that can be laundered easily. For evenings out and dinners, smart casual clothing is appropriate in most cases.
In general, shorts, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate when not actually at the beach or in a resort area. Knee-length shorts are generally okay.
Clothing packing list
- Light-colored, breathable cotton pants and shirts (long and short-sleeved)
- Knee-length or longer skirts and dresses for women (if desired)
- Knee-length shorts
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Raincoat or windbreaker
- Smart-casual, wrinkle-free outfits for dinners out in nicer restaurants in larger cities and higher-end hotels
- Scarf to cover your shoulders/head in temples and mosques (women only)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Swimsuit/swim trunks
- If visiting in November or December and planning to go on a tiger safari, bring a warm insulated jacket and wool or insulated base layers.
Footwear packing list
- Comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes (e.g. sneakers, hiking shoes)
- Sandals
- Pair of casual dress shoes for dinners out
- Flip flops for showers or inside your hotel
Other items to pack
- A small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Adapter plugs and converters for electrical appliances
- Charging cables for phones, laptops, tablets, cameras
- Packaged biodegradable/compostable wet wipes (disinfectant wipes)
- Good quality sunglasses — preferably polarized (tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light)
- If you wear contact lenses, bring extra cleaning solution and a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
- Personal toiletries like face wash, shampoo and conditioner (basic amenities are supplied by many hotels but can be low quality)
- Moisturizing cream and sunscreen (SPF 30+ recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Camera and extra SD cards
- Travel alarm clock
- Extra resealable plastic bags
- Journal with pencils/pens
Travel medical kit packing list
- Hydration salts
- Immodium
- Ibuprofen/Tylenol/aspirin
- Antacids for indigestion
- Band-aids
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Benedryl/antihistamines
- Cold/flu medicine
- Throat lozenges
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Any necessary medications, prescriptions, or supplements
- Tissue packet
Ready to plan a trip?
Planning a trip to India doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you have the help of experienced travel designers. Elevate Destinations will prioritize your interests and develop a unique, bespoke itinerary that reflects your preferences. We will ensure all of the necessary arrangements are in place so you can relax and enjoy the colorful journey without sweating the details.
