Unlocking India's Wonders: A Guide to Thriving Amidst Chaos, Culinary Delights, and Cultural Riches!

Frances at the Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh, India

Navigating the Bustle: Essential India Travel Tips"  

India is a place I loved exploring, where every street tells a story, every dish is a feast, and every encounter is an adventure waiting to unfold. Most of the people we have met on our travels throughout the country have been very wonderful. However, we did find a few who were not which, caused a couple of difficult encounters.   

However, India is not for the faint hearted, you need to be prepared as it is one of the more intense and harder to navigate countries in Asia.

In this guide, we offer indispensable tips on navigating India's dynamic tapestry, staying safe and thriving amidst the hustle, planning your journey, and immersing yourself in the diverse experiences that this vibrant nation has to offer.    

From handling the clamour of busy streets to savouring street food delights and choosing the right accommodations, consider this your passport to an unforgettable Indian odyssey. 

These tips are based on my travel experience and are meant as a guide. Use them as a base for your research to ensure you make the most of your budget and time in this fabulous country. 

So, buckle up and get ready for an exploration that goes beyond the ordinary – where every moment is a discovery, and every step is a celebration of the incredible journey that is India.  

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka India.

General Tips for Navigating India.

• Many parts of India are hectic and VERY loud. This will definitely take some getting used to - but if you're anything like me you will find yourself missing the craziness after you leave!

•  Head movement in conversation differs significantly in India from the UK. The Indian head wobble has 3 different types which all slightly differ in meanings. They pretty much all mean yes but to different degrees. This was so tricky to adjust to as you may ask to use the toilet and receive a head shake - which means yes! 

• Be savvy and confident in difficult situations. For example, if someone is trying to get you to donate money for something you didn't realise you had to, you DON'T have to. We were in situations where people were asking for £20+ of donations. Just say no and walk away.  It is always at your own discretion if you want to donate anything!

• If you ever get taken into shops while walking around or after a tour, you DO NOT have to buy anything. Don't be afraid to say no, as pushy as they may be.  

• If driving mopeds - especially in Goa, try not to carry too much money on you. About ₹1000-1500 (£10-£15) will normally do you for a day, depending on what you have planned. If you need to take more, keep some in your wallet/purse and keep the rest elsewhere! If you get stopped by police the fines are more 'how much do you have on you' than set prices a lot of the time! (see driving in India section)

• Airtel offers excellent deals for calls and internet at cheap prices (this is helpful for booking travel and tickets). You can get these at any phone shop. Download the app to check your allowance and details. For example, for £5, we got 1.5GB per day and unlimited calls for 28 days.   

  
  India Travel Insights for a Seamless Journey 

• India is also a huge and beautiful country. If you plan to move around and see different places, it's best to plan this in advance. The trains are very busy, which makes travelling day by day difficult due to train bookings. (More info in "Travel" section)  

• DO NOT go to any travel offices or shops to book your travel. In our experience, you will most likely be overcharged and sometimes even scammed, as the tickets and plans can be fake. The main of this being 'TOURIST OFFICE' in Delhi.

• There are trustworthy companies that will book trips for you, including travel, accommodation, some sightseeing, etc., if you don't want to plan it yourself. However, travelling like this is more costly. Do your homework to ensure you book with a reputable company.   

• Make an IRCTC account (an online platform for booking train tickets) BEFORE you leave your country so that you can use your home mobile number (for a fee of 100₹). You cannot book trains without this. If you are already in India, make an account with your English number and then change it to your Indian number to authenticate it.  

• If the above steps don't work, find a TRUSTED 3rd party to book train tickets for you.  

• Flights are far more expensive than trains but still don't break the bank. They are also far quicker than the train, which is helpful if you have a slightly bigger budget but less time!

• Apps like "Uber" and "InDrive" work in bigger cities and are cheaper than local travel. However, these apps are not available in Goa.  

•  Buses are very cheap and useful in many places. Most local people are also very helpful in showing you where to catch them.  

  Travelling by train

• If you're booking trains, book them in advance to get the train you want, as they get booked up quickly booking 2 weeks in advance minimum is advised!

• Once you've got your tickets, ensure that under "Booking Status, " it says "CNF. " It will also normally show you your coach number and seat. If it doesn't, you can find this at https://www.indianrail.gov.in/enquiry/PNR/PnrEnquiry.html?locale=en. You may only get your seat number closer to the time of departure.  If the ticket is not confirmed you have no seat and may end up sat in third class corridor next to the open door (this did in fact happen to us!)

• Try not to travel in general class as it can be dangerous for tourists, especially women. We have been told this by multiple people, from foreigners to Indian people.  

• When travelling on sleeper trains, book 2A or 1A, as they are the most comfortable and relaxing. These are very affordable and cover long distances.

Hyderabad Market Place India

Renting a vehicle in India. 

• If you plan on renting a vehicle, ensure you have a "1949 International Driving Permit". You will require the "A" stamped for motorbikes and the "B" stamped for cars.   

•  Make sure you have a permit before renting either of these vehicles. You WILL be fined if pulled over; the fine usually works on a "How much money do you have?" basis. That's one of the reasons you shouldn't carry too much money and must hide money!  

• Driving in India is definitely at the harder difficulty of countries, there’s so many vehicles on the road so you need to ensure that you’re aware of people around you!

• Horns are used WAY more than in any of the countries I have been to so try and match this - use your horn to make drivers aware of where you are on the road.

• From my experience india is full of the best drivers I have seen - it may look crazy but they are so aware of everything around them!

Our accommodation for a two night stay

Accommodation Recommendations for a Comfortable Stay 

• We found Airbnb best, as the hosts have accountability. However, it is usually the most expensive, but you can also often cook your own meals - I personally love to get to cooking on occasion on a long trip. You can find some simple one-pan recipes here. 

• Hostel World was also good, but do some research into the reviews on the app or Google first. 

• There are A LOT of fake and forced reviewing of restaurants and hotels. We have seen people receiving messages offering money to fill out 5-star Google reviews. Looking at a place online and then turning up in person was best, as if the place isn't good you don't loose any deposits (you usually also get a cheaper price in person).

• Booking.com gave us the worst results, with multiple hotels being crazily photoshopped and fake! There will be some good ones on there, but do your research well, and maybe also swing by as well if you can!  

• Be careful to keep a tab on food and drinks at hostels and hotels, as they sometimes try to add on extras when you come to pay the bill. If you haven't kept a tab of what you have had, it can be hard to get out of paying these "extra items".  

One of our many street food snacks.

Culinary Adventures: Navigating Street Food and Local Delights 

• Our favourite tries from the streets of India are chilly pakoras (and all the rest of the pakoras), fried veg momos, samosas, vada pav, kulfi, sugar cane juice, masala chai and the coffee! And by favourite I mean we had most of them at least once a day!

• It's hard to say how much street food costs, as it varies greatly. Many vendors have a fixed price written somewhere, but if they don't, make sure you ask before taking and eating the food, as they can tell you any price once you've done that. Generally, you will never pay more than £1, with samosas usually being about 10p!

• Food portions in most places are big (compared to the UK). We found that, a Thali for lunch (maybe with an extra chapati or naan on the side) is normally enough for two people—unless you eat a lot of food, of course! But with the heat I definitely found myself eating smaller meals and having lots of street food snacks throughout the day!

• Vegetable dishes are the safest street food option, mainly because the food is kept in the heat with little refrigeration if you're travelling in summer! 

• Look for places with a queue or where they're cooking to order, as this food is usually the best and freshest!  

Dressing Appropriately. 

• For women, try always to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. It's also much better for the climate -  make sure that you bring light breathable clothes!

• If you do have your shoulders exposed, bring a scarf with you to cover them for temples.

•  It is far more relaxed for men, but be respectful and observe how locals are dressed. Trousers and a T-shirt are a good rule of thumb!  

Being a Celebrity - I completed it, mate.  

• If you're pale or have light hair, you will be asked for pictures a LOT. It is at your discretion to take photos; however, be more wary about taking photos with men as you may be posted as someone's 'girlfriend'. 

• I also got asked why I was ‘pink’ by some kids in Mumbai! Which was a very tricky one to try and explain.

• People can be pushy about this; however, make sure you're firm with your answers.   

• If we ever felt it was just better to take photos, we ensured Filipe was between me and the man/men. If you are travelling with a partner, this is probably the best!  

• The ladies and kids also love photos! Be prepared for a lot of hand-holding from them - it is very sweet!

Sunset over Jag Mandir palace, which is built on an island in the Lake Pichola.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Essence of India

Amid chaos and charm, India beckons travellers with its kaleidoscope of experiences. As we conclude this comprehensive guide to unlocking India's wonders, we reflect on the vibrant tapestry that is this incredible nation. From the bustling streets to the tantalising street food and the rich cultural encounters, every moment in India is an adventure waiting to unfold.  

Our journey through India has been a mix of warm hospitality and occasional challenges, and we've distilled our experiences into indispensable tips for fellow explorers. Navigating the lively streets, savouring culinary delights, and embracing the cultural riches require a blend of caution and enthusiasm. As we have encountered both the helpful and the challenging, we emphasise the importance of being savvy and confident in unfamiliar situations.  

From the clamour of busy streets to the authenticity of street food, choosing accommodations wisely, and planning your travels meticulously, this guide serves as your passport to an unforgettable Indian odyssey. While we share our experiences, it's essential to use these tips as a foundation for your research, ensuring you make the most of your budget and time in this fabulous country.  

Embracing India: A Culmination of Chaos and Charm

The diversity of India extends beyond its landscapes and traditions, seeping into the nuances of daily life. As you navigate through the general tips, travel insights, accommodation recommendations, and culinary adventures, remember that every encounter is an opportunity for discovery.  

India's vastness poses both the challenge and the allure of exploration. Planning ahead is crucial, especially when it comes to train travel, a lifeline that connects the nation. Be cautious of travel offices and scams, and consider reliable companies if you prefer a more organised journey. Embrace technology with apps like Airtel, Uber, and InDrive, but also appreciate the simplicity of buses, where locals willingly guide you.  

Renting a vehicle demands a 1949 International Driving Permit, an essential document to avoid fines. Accommodations vary, with Airbnb providing accountability, Hostel World offering affordability, and Booking.com requiring careful scrutiny. Remember to keep a close tab on expenses, especially in the food and drink domain, to avoid unexpected charges.  

Delving into the world of street food, respecting local dress codes, and navigating the unexpected celebrity status that might come with being a foreigner – our guide covers it all. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a culture connoisseur, or an adventure seeker, India awaits you with open arms.  

As we wrap up this guide, remember that India is not just a destination; it's an experience that transcends the ordinary. So, buckle up and embark on an exploration where every moment is a discovery, and every step is a celebration of the incredible journey that is India. 

Overlooking the beautiful landscape of Jodhpur.