Entry to India
A passport is required to enter India, which is still valid for at least 6 months. A visa must be applied for at the Indian consulates before traveling. This can be done comfortably from home, online via the Indian e-Visa website. A tourist visa is usually issued for 6 months.
Air travelers from abroad usually reached India via the international airports in Delhi, Bombay, Bangelore or Calcutta.
Travel in the country
In addition to domestic air traffic, rail traffic is a primary means of transport for long distances within the country. India’s rail network is the second largest in the world.
Travel comfort on the train is divided into four classes, which are far apart in terms of price. Alternatively, you can travel by bus. There are also different price categories here. However, the road conditions in India are very bad, so a longer bus trip should be avoided. Because it can be very uncomfortable for hours. An individual trip with a rental vehicle is also generally not recommended.
Haggle in the bazaars of India
The countless bazaars, which offer a wealth of works of art, textiles, jewelry, furniture and souvenirs, are popular with tourists. It is common practice in these markets to negotiate the price. However, sellers quickly recognize the inexperienced tourist and like to set the price a little higher. In contrast, professionals can make real bargains in such markets and bring the most beautiful things home with them. It is worth knowing that many bus tours or city tours naturally also include a visit to shops, where it can be assumed that bus drivers and tourist guides are involved in the profit. This means that the bazaars are sometimes approached unannounced. It’s not bad, because where else could you shop so interesting on vacation?
Indian cuisine and its hygiene
Indian cuisine is very diverse. Larger cities offer restaurants in various price categories. For European standards, however, a visit to a higher-class restaurant is relatively inexpensive. In addition, these restaurants offer a very high standard of hygiene and equipment, so that guests can enjoy the food and drinks without hesitation. On request, the dishes can be prepared less spicy, which are otherwise very strongly seasoned.
If you are traveling to more remote areas of India, you should avoid raw, uncooked food such as salads. The tap water is often not very clean here and can often contain germs that bind you to the toilet bowl for 2-3 days. This gastrointestinal virus is often called Delhi Belly because travelers who are simply not used to the bacteria are often affected. As soon as it catches you, it is usually over after 2-3 days. In any case, it is worthwhile to equip your travel pharmacy for India with charcoal tablets and a few packets of an electrolyte solution (recommended by WHO).
Discos and bars are rare in India, which is due to culture and religion. For example, alcohol is completely prohibited in some countries. In particularly spiritual places, such as Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, you will also not find meat on the menu of the bar next to alcohol. Both are forbidden in the whole place, but this does absolutely nothing to detract from the culinary experience. Discos and bars are more likely to be found in Goa and in high-class hotels in larger cities such as Delhi, Bangalore or Calcutta. It is definitely worth a visit here, because there is a really good party and you can have a lot of fun.
Before traveling to India
Anyone visiting India should first find out about certain rules of conduct and security features. India is usually a safe travel destination. The Indians receive their guests in a friendly and respectful manner. If you travel alone as a woman through India, you should plan your route a little better in advance and try to book long bus or train journeys at night in the respective 1st class. Furthermore, in less touristy areas, you should definitely have a headscarf with you and wear long, airy clothes that reveal little skin. Not that anything else would happen to me, but it would definitely be provocative and you will simply feel more comfortable yourself if you adapt to something.
Holidays in India
According to findjobdescriptions, holidays and celebrations in India are based on religious and historical traditions. A national holiday is Republic Day on January 26 or Independence Day on August 15. Major Hindu festivals include Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday on October 2, the Diwali festival of lights on November 7, or the Spring Festival of Colors, the Holi Festival in March.
