For some, visiting India can be a daunting prospect due to its enormous size, cultural differences and sheer number of things to see and do. We asked our Indian Subcontinent product manager Fiona for a few tips and tricks on travelling in India, plus her favourite sights, to help those considering India as their next adventure to get planning! Over to you, Fiona…
Fiona’s Top Tips:
- Dress conservatively when visiting temples
- Be prepared for “chaos” when it comes to travelling by road! Traffic can make short distances seem longer simply because you’ll spend longer in the vehicle
- As India is such a large country, travelling long distances between sights and cities is necessary
- Never drink the tap water and reconsider having ice in your drinks
Fiona’s Favourite Sights
“Totally predictable, but it’s got to be the Taj Mahal. No picture does this incredible building justice. It’s simply breathtaking, my stomach dropped the first time I saw it, plus there’s special buzz in the atmosphere around it. The Amber Fort (Jaipur) is my second favourite – it’s huge and each of the courtyards are vastly different. My favourite was the Mirror Palace.”
“Experiencing daily life is also essential when visiting India. There are sometimes six lanes of traffic in both directions that includes bikes, buses, auto-rickshaws, dogs and cattle, all moving as one. I also remember walking into local shops and getting a big surprise when I found a cow lying inside, trying to cool down!”
Fiona’s FAQs
Where are the best places to visit as a first timer in India?
The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra & Jaipur) is a great introduction for first time travellers. You’ve got the bustle of Delhi, the capital city, a showcase for the country’s diversity and historical layers, the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, considered one of the world’s most beautiful buildings and the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, with its forts and Rajput architecture. You can also easily add on Ranthambore National Park to spot Bengal tigers – that would complete the experience!
What about second timers?
India is a very diverse country with every state offering something very different, so for second time visitors there are many, many options.
For those who want to take things at a slower pace, head for the laidback state of Kerala in the very south. Here you’ve got tea plantations, beautiful beaches and the opportunity to cruise the charming backwaters on a converted rice barge, which is blissful.
I would also recommend our ‘Beyond the Brahmaputra’ tour, which takes you into the Himalayan foothills and along the serene Brahmaputra River.
Is the food very spicy?
Yes, some of it is, but there are usual mild alternatives that are more like what we’re used to! There are also plenty of vegetarian options available for those who don’t/don’t want to eat meat.
When is the best time to travel?
January to mid-April and mid-September to December – this is when you’ll get the coolest weather and lower humidity.
