Tips for tourists in India

India is a land of spices, colors and vibrant beauty! Once you set foot on this sacred land, be prepared to be mesmerized by the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty and warm hospitality of the Indian people.

Winter (November to March) is considered the most popular and comfortable period for traveling around the country. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, ideal for sightseeing. In the northern regions such as Delhi, Rajasthan and the Himalayan regions, daytime temperatures are usually between 20-25°C and nights are quite cool at around 5-10°C. Winter is the best time of the year to visit the desert areas of Rajasthan when the heat is not as debilitating. In the southern states like Kerala and Goa, the winter season has a warm sunny climate with a daytime temperature of 28-32°C. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher accommodation prices and large crowds at popular destinations.

Spring (March-June) brings hot and dry weather throughout the country, especially in the last months of May-June. In the northern part of India, the established high temperatures reach 40-45°C. This is a good time to visit hilly areas like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand where daytime temperatures remain more comfortable between 25-30°C. The May-June period is suitable for traveling to Ladakh and Kashmir before the onset of the monsoon season. Generally, spring is considered less favorable for visiting the plains towns and lowland areas due to high heat.

Summer (July-September) is characterized by active monsoon rains in many parts of India, especially on the west and east coasts. For example, Mumbai experiences the peak of the rainy season with heavy downpours that last from June to September. Visiting Goa's beach resorts in summer is not recommended due to incessant rainfall. However, it is a great time to travel to Ladakh and Kashmir where the monsoon season is drier. In hilly areas like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the rains are less intense and the weather can be quite comfortable for vacationing.

Autumn (October-November) this period is considered the second most auspicious time of the year for travel after winter. October-November are the ideal months to visit the famous 'golden triangle' of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur as well as the desert areas of Rajasthan. The weather in the north is mild and warm with clear skies and daytime temperatures around 25-30°C. At the same time you can have a great beach vacation in the resorts of Goa and Kerala.

Thus, the seasons of winter and fall with warm and dry weather in most parts of the country are considered the most comfortable and popular for travel to India. But for some areas like Himalayas and Ladakh, spring and summer would be more favorable periods.

Visas. Before you can travel to India, you need to get an e-visa. You can apply online on our website, where you can also find information about the necessary requirements and documents to obtain it.

Health Insurance. Before going on a trip, it is advisable to take out medical insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen situations. This will help you avoid additional medical expenses in case of emergency.

Health and immunizations. Visit your general practitioner 4-6 weeks before departure to get recommendations on necessary immunizations. The standard set of immunizations for travel to India usually includes hepatitis A, typhoid fever, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, and for some regions also malaria. In addition, take your standard medications - antipyretics, antihistamines, painkillers and anti-diarrhea medications. Plasters, disinfectant wipes, sunscreen and insect repellent should also be in your travel kit. Keep in mind that tap water in India is often unsafe to drink, so only consume boiled, bottled water or sealed drinks.

Preventing illness. To avoid getting sick while traveling, wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after visiting public places. Avoid undercooked or raw meat, fish, and egg dishes, as well as unwashed fruits and vegetables. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Do not swim in rivers, canals, or other bodies of water that are not protected from pollution. Use insect repellent, especially in the evening when mosquitoes are active.

Safety and fraud prevention. For accommodation, transportation and excursions, use only official channels and reliable trusted companies. Never hand over money or personal data to strangers on the street. Keep valuables (passport, money, credit cards) in the hotel room safe and do not show them in public. Also, do not accept food and drinks from strangers to avoid possible poisoning. Be wary of pushy vendors and scammers who may demand money under various pretexts.

Connectivity and Internet. India has a well-developed mobile network, major operators Airtel, Vodafone, Jio, BSNL and others provide international roaming services. To access the Internet, it is recommended to purchase a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot upon arrival in the country. In major cities and tourist destinations, internet is usually available via Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes and shopping centers.

Transportation. India has a well-developed system of ground transportation - buses, trains, subways in major cities. For traveling between cities it is most convenient to use airlines, long-distance trains and tourist buses. For short distances you can take a cab, rickshaw or use carsharing services. For traveling in metropolitan areas, study the routes of metro and electric trains. It is better to book transportation tickets in advance.

Tipping and gratitude. In India, tipping waiters, maids and other service workers is not compulsory, but is encouraged for good service. In restaurants and hotels it is customary to tip 5-10% of the bill. Tour guides and drivers of sightseeing tours are advised to give about Rs. 100-200 for a half day's work. Carriers at airports and train stations are tipped 10-20 rupees for assistance.

Local customs and etiquette. In Hindu temples, shoes must be removed before entering and shoulders/knees must be covered with clothing. When visiting Muslim mosques, women must cover their heads completely with a headscarf or scarf. Generally, it is considered disrespectful to touch the heads and feet of others in India. It is customary to use the right hand for most actions: eating, paying, shaking hands. Public displays of affection in the form of hugging, kissing, etc. are allowed only to a limited extent.

Culture and safety. Try to avoid lonely walks during dark hours, especially for women. Avoid openly displaying expensive jewelry, gadgets and other valuable items to avoid attracting the attention of thieves and robbers. In crowded places, keep bags/backpacks visible and watch your pockets because of the risk of pickpocketing. Dress discreetly, modest clothing will help to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. In remote rural areas, travel only in organized tour groups led by experienced guides, as some places may be unsafe to visit on your own.

Shopping and souvenirs. The best places to shop in India are busy markets, shopping streets and government shopping centers. Typical souvenirs from India include wood, metal, ceramics, fabrics, jewelry, spices, tea and much more. It is customary to haggle in the markets - the initial price announced by the seller is usually overestimated by 2-3 times. Do not buy dubious goods from random people on the street, it is better to buy them from official licensed traders with guarantees of quality and authenticity.

Currency and exchange. The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). It is recommended to have some amount of rupees for the first time immediately upon arrival in the country to pay for services such as airport transfers, tips, etc. It is better to exchange currency in banks, official exchange offices in major hotels and airports. Avoid money changers and illegal street exchangers for security reasons.

Emergency Services. India has well-organized emergency services - police, fire brigade and ambulance - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In case of emergency you can call them on the following numbers: 100 - police, 101 - fire brigade, 102 - ambulance.