How To Plan A Trip To India, According To A Veteran Indian Tour Guide

Between the majestic Taj Mahal and the colorful cuisine and flower markets, India is one of those destinations that is high atop many travelers’ bucket lists. But actually planning for and executing a trip to India? It can be a lot more difficult than, say, a whirlwind tour through Europe. India is the most populated country in the world with over 1.44 billion people calling the country home. It’s also one of the largest countries by land mass—which makes narrowing down an itinerary quite tricky for the average traveler.

If you’ve been considering a trip to India but aren’t sure where to start planning, you’ll want to read on. We spoke to an experienced Indian tour guide and cruise director to understand exactly what to consider (and what to avoid) when planning a trip to India to ensure you have the best possible time in the dynamic country.

Here’s how to plan your first trip to India:

Check visa requirements

Citizens of the United States require a visa in order to enter India as a tourist—but it’s a relatively easy visa to secure. You can apply for a simple e-visa between 4 and 120 days before entering India but just make sure you note down where and how you’re entering the country carefully; you’ll want to ensure you have a travel plan in place before starting to fill out the exact details required for the visa.

The basic e-visa is valid for a total of 60 days of travel within India but it’s worth noting that a one-year and a five-year visa is also available for American citizens. The price to apply for said e-visa will run you between $25 to $80 depending on duration.

Consider travel insurance

Travel insurance while visiting India is a must; not only are the hospitals in India not up to North American standards but the cost of evacuating out of some of the more remote regions of the country would be astronomical. Most travel insurance is fairly priced and a lot of travel credit cards actually come with built-in travel insurance already, so this shouldn’t eat too far into your travel budget but you’ll be glad you have it if and when you need it.

Plan your first trip within the Golden Triangle

Hemesh Chaturvedia senior Indian tour director and river cruise manager, suggests first-time travelers within India stick within the limits of the “Golden Triangle” which, he says, is the “best of India in the least possible time.”

The Golden Triangle—a term for the popular tourist circuit within North India—connects New Delhi with Agra and Jaipur, allowing travelers to tick off major attractions within Delhi as well as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the “Pink City” in Jaipur. It takes about four to six hours to drive from city to city but many travelers prefer to take the train or fly to avoid unavoidable traffic and delays on the road.

Consider booking a Ganges River cruise

If you want to see some of the vastly different Indian landscapes and experience some off-the-beaten-path port towns, Chaturvedi suggests booking a cruise on the Ganges River (locally known as the Ganga). Most cruises along the Ganga will take at least a week or two and should include established guides to ensure the venture into smaller villages goes smoothly. Look for cruise lines that employ local Indian staff, which helps to ensure travelers unfamiliar with the country will have an educational and safe trip while still veering slightly off the tourist track.

Think about your personal interests

The Taj Mahal and Red Fort are famous Indian landmarks for a reason—but the country is so vast and has so much to offer that it would be amiss to skip something less popular if it appeals to your personal interests.

“India has a heck of a lot to offer outside of the Golden Triangle,” explains Chaturvedi. “From its vast natural splendor like the Himalayas and our unique wildlife to wellness (it’s the birthplace of yoga after all!), history, art and culture. It’s really a place like no other.”

Schedule downtime

India is going to be one of the most hectic countries you’re likely to visit and even the most seasoned travelers should plan to have some downtime in their schedule to relax and refresh between adventures and sightseeing.

The country is, unfortunately, becoming well-documented for having a rising crime rate (especially against women) and, on a lesser scale, it’s not uncommon for locals in certain destinations to stare aggressively or try to start conversations with tourists, sometimes out of curiosity, but sometimes with the intention of trying to take advantage of you. Be prepared to have your photo taken without your consent and try to be firm if you find yourself getting too much unwanted attention or feel something isn’t right.

Opt for natural fabric clothing

India gets hot, like, really hot. It’s not unusual for certain parts of the country to hit over 100 degrees come summertime and even if you’re traveling in the winter, the average temperature will still be close to 80 degrees. “Light cotton a must if you are traveling during September through to mid-October,” says Chaturvedi. “Thereafter, the morning chill can surprise some folks hence light woollen wear will be smart to pack as layers.”

Plan for potential stomach issues

Foodies traveling to India for the first time will be tempted to sample a little taste of everything—but you’ll want to try and remain responsible when sampling local fare. “Street food, though inviting, is better to be avoided unless sure of the eatery,” explains Chaturvedi.

Your stomach won’t be used to the different bacteria in the country and, unfortunately, food-borne illness and poor sanitation can sometimes occur as well. That’s why you’ll absolutely want to plan for potential stomach issues. Consider taking a probiotic a few months before your trip to build up and strengthen the healthy bacteria in your gut. You’ll also want to bring anti-diarrheal medication (like Imodium) just in case you run into any issues.

Other preventative packing essentials include hand sanitizer (you can’t always wash up with soap and water while on the go) and antacids for treating any potential heartburn you might run into if you’ve indulged a little too hard in spices you’re not used to.