How To Prepare For Your First Trip To India In 2023

In March 2022, India officially lifted all travel restrictions and quarantine regulations for visitors arriving from outside the country after nearly two years of closed borders to international tourists. Tourist visas are finally being given, and regular international flights have resumed.
In addition to any criteria set forth by your carrier, travellers must complete a form on the Air Suvidha portal before to departing for India (check the most recent instructions with your airline). Upon arriving in India, travellers are recommended to self-monitor their health for 14 days.
Do (continue to) check with official sources, such as your government's travel advice, for updates on Covid-19 travel regulations since they are subject to change.

Someone said, “You are never ready for India. But the good thing is, India is always ready for you!” and truly there is no other place as welcoming as India. It is uncomparable. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you plan a trip to India.

Leave your standards at the airport. Reading about India in literature and seeing images is one thing.  Being there is something else. A prime example is the Taj Mahal, which, despite its excessive popularity, is a must-see for all tourists. No amount of photos of the Taj Mahal, which we have all undoubtedly seen, can really prepare you for its true beauty. emerging from the foggy river banks behind, gleaming white in the early morning sunshine. Similar to the Taj, experiencing India for the first time is best appreciated without expectations or preconceptions.

India will help you develop patience. You can be confident of just a few things, including this.  We do not benefit when we become angry when things don't go as planned or when we find out we have been taken advantage of in some way.  It will also help you maintain your patience if you know in advance that many people do not find "staring" to be especially disrespectful and that you could get quite a few looks throughout your journey.  Simply said, having an open mind and being willing to go with the flow makes travelling in India much more fun. In this nation, train delays are assessed in quarter-, half-, or full-day increments rather than hours.  

If you haven't taken a train in India, you haven't truly experienced it. 90% of Indians still commute by train, despite the country's domestic airlines recently expanding.  Indian Railways, the world's largest employer, has passenger trains that may be up to half a km long and travel distances like Mumbai to Kolkata (2,000 kilometres; 1.5 days). Instead of choosing the non-AC option, go for a 2 or 3 tier air conditioner for added comfort. Take delight in the chance to meet new people and strike up conversations; you'll discover that many Indians are interested in you and pleased to have the chance to speak with you in English. It is advised to reserve in advance because trains might fill up rapidly.

Prepare yourself for poverty, pollution, and dirt. Unfortunately, India's population of more than 1.2 billion people has taken a toll on the nation, and it's not unusual to witness mountains of decaying waste, cows joyfully chowing down on plastic in the streets, and railway tracks covered in trash. It's simple to point the blame at those who discard rubbish, yet the infrastructure for waste (mind alone recycling) in many regions of India is far from adequate, and there is also an issue with knowledge regarding what to do with junk. It is something to be aware of, but don't let it stop you from going. People in a desperate situation may often be seen on the streets of India's towns and cities, and train stations are a haven for professional panhandlers. Whether you want to contribute is entirely up to you, but be aware that the majority of temples do provide free meals to those in need and that many people who engage in begging are addicts.

In India, not everyone feels sickened, and there are plenty of vegetarian options. Going vegetarian is simple in India since there is such excellent cuisine and a wide selection of dishes and menus that appeal to vegetarians. In an Indian household, you may enjoy Indian cuisine to the fullest (and cleanest) extent possible. Take a reusable water bottle with you to prevent plastic waste. Filtered water is widely available, safe to drink, and typically free.

You do not need to experience alone. India is not always the most convenient destination for tourists, but there are many other options, such taking an organised tour or meeting up with other travellers in India's major tourist centres like Intrepid Travel, gadventures, etc.