

Oh, and don’t forget to secure travel insurance before you go. There’s also the risk of Malaria but health warnings in India change often so we suggest checking for the latest updates and having a chat with your GP for further advice. VaccinationsĪll tourists visiting India should get vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid. Note: It’s a good idea to carry separate photocopies of your passport, travel visas, airline tickets and travel documents. For more information, view our India visas and passports page. Don’t forget to double-check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date to the UK. The durations and costs vary for the visas depending on how long you wish to travel for. You can apply online up to four days before your arrival and must enter the country within 30 days of its issue. The easiest way to apply for your India visa is through the e-Tourist visa (e-TV) process available to British citizens in the UK. We recommend Lonely Planet and Footprint as particularly good ones. Guidebooks are always handy when you arrive at a new destination and most will include a few useful language tips and phrases to scrub up on so you can impress the locals. Our advice? Pack some Imodium Instants and re-hydration sachets to ease upset stomachs and dehydration. In fact, diarrhoea is fairly common when travelling in India. Unfortunately the dreaded ‘Delhi Belly’ is no myth. SIM cards can be topped up in phone shops all over the country.
LONELY PLANET INDIA TIPPING DOWNLOAD
It can take up to 24-48 hours to become activated, however, it’s worthwhile as this will give you access to 3G/4G to download travel apps, etc. Make sure you take a copy of your passport and visa, as well as some passport photos as they often ask for this to set up the account. Indian SIM cards can be bought on arrival, we recommend going to a mobile phone shop. There’s nothing sarong with that! Padlock and chainĪlways handy to secure baggage when you’re travelling by train. As well as being used as clothing, a sarong can also serve as a blanket, towel or even a makeshift curtain for privacy when you travel.

Mosquitoes in India can be fierce little blighters, so make sure you take along insect repellent containing DEET, as well as coils to ward off any pesky evening visitors. You can buy most things you need in India at a bargain price so it’s worth trying to travel light, packing a comfortable backpack to travel around easily. Also, revealing the soles of your feet is considered very rude so keep them covered, especially around holy sites.Īh, the essentials. This also applies when meeting people, always use your right hand. Be aware of the cultural etiquette – Eating with your left hand, for example, is considered dirty, so stick to your right hand.Mix a few tourist sites with downtime in the less hectic areas such as wildlife reserves, jungles, beaches and tranquil hill stations. Rushing doesn’t work in India – Try to adjust to ‘India-time’ and leisurely explore a small area.Be prepared for curiosity – You might come across people who ask you lots of questions about yourself and where you’re from, or even the odd stare here and there.

The country is so diverse, it will amuse, delight and distress you you will experience complete sensory overload.Īlthough you will encounter crazy traffic, loud noise, and poverty, your attitude will influence your experience if you visit India with an open heart, you’ll appreciate its beauty and warmth of human spirit. India has a population of a billion people and is one of the most chaotic, colourful and emotionally uplifting countries in the world.
