10 Things to Know Before Traveling in India (From Real Experience, with a Few Bumps and Big Lessons)

India is a land of deep contrasts — dazzling beauty and raw intensity, overwhelming crowds and quiet spiritual moments, opulent palaces and humble villages. It doesn’t just offer sights — it offers transformation. But it’s also not the easiest place for first-time travellers. Here's everything I wish I knew before going, including personal experiences and tips you won't find in every guidebook.

1. Street Food Is Worth the Risk — But Take Precautions

Eating street food in India can be one of the best parts of the trip. You’ll find flavours you’ve never imagined — like the tangy burst of tamarind in a pani puri or the buttery indulgence of a Delhi paratha stuffed with paneer.

But food safety is real. I still remember getting overly excited on my first night in India and downing a lassi from a dusty corner shop in Old Delhi. It tasted amazing — until it didn’t. Lesson learned. Be particularly careful of anything which is sat in the sun for a long time or looks like it hasn't been made freshly. Given how warm India is, any food or drink left out in the sun for too long can very quickly go off.

Travel Tips:

• Stick to stalls with long lines — that means high turnover and fresher food.

• Only eat food that's cooked in front of you and served hot.

• Avoid raw chutneys, salads, or dairy unless you're confident it's hygienic.

• Carry activated charcoal, Imodium, electrolytes, and probiotics. I never traveled without my “gut kit” after that first mistake.

2. Hostels Are Great — Just Research the Area First

India’s hostel scene has grown massively — you’ll find vibrant, clean, and social options in cities like Goa, Jaipur, Delhi, and Rishikesh. But make sure to check the area of town that your hostel is in in advance. For example, Juhu Beach in Mumbai is a lovely part of Mumbai, but it's far away from the main tourist sites and will involve you getting tubes or taxis back and forth. Additionally, parts of Delhi, particularly New Delhi, are ideal for travellers, but there are cheap parts of town like Panjachel, which are run-down and we wouldn't recommend staying in.

Travel Tips:

• Read recent reviews on Hostelworld or Booking.com. Look for notes on safety, location, and cleanliness.

• Check the distance to attractions and transit options.

• Avoid staying right next to train stations or bus terminals — they’re often chaotic and loud.

• Don’t be afraid to splurge on a private room if you need a break from the social scene.

3. Flying Saves Time and Sanity

Distances in India are deceptively long. What looks like a 5-hour trip on the map can easily become 15 hours by train or road. I once spent 16 hours getting from Udaipur down to Mumbai - albeit a cheaper alternative, and overnight, it wasn't a comfortable experience and flying would've taken only a couple hours in comparison.

Travel Tips:

• Domestic airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara are affordable and reliable.

• Book early for the best prices.

• Don’t expect luxury — flights are short and functional.

• Bonus: Flying gives you more time to explore — and less time sitting on a hot, bumpy bus.

4. Tuk Tuks Are Fun — But Be Expected to Bargain

Taking a tuk tuk (auto-rickshaw) is more than just transport — it’s part of the Indian travel experience. You’ll zip through narrow alleys, dodge cows, and sometimes get caught in spontaneous street festivals.

But if you don’t negotiate, you’ll pay triple. In Jaipur, I was once quoted 400 INR for a 3 km ride — a local later told me the real fare was closer to 60. As a tourist, you are inevitably targeted and quoted a rate far in excess of what the trip is actually worth...Be ready to haggle but also be fair once negotiations reach a stalemate and you find a price that the driver won't go below - this will probably be the fair 'tourist' rate and a matter of 50 rupees for them likely means a lot more than it does for you.

Travel Tips:

• Always agree on a fare before starting the ride.

• If the driver has a meter, insist on using it — though many claim it's "broken."

• Apps like Ola and Uber are available in most major cities and save you the hassle entirely.

• Bonus: Some drivers love to chat. One in Varanasi gave me a mini history lesson while weaving through temple traffic. It was unforgettable and I ended up using him for a few extra rides afterwards - you can have some really great experiences if you get on with a driver and feel it's worthwhile sticking with them.

5. Trains Are an Iconic Experience — Book Early and Choose Wisely

Train travel in India is a beautiful chaos. You'll see families sharing meals, chai vendors calling out "chaiiiii," and landscapes shifting from rice fields to desert to jungle. But it’s not the place to wing it. Always make sure to book well ahead and don't try to save cash on this area of travel - I thankfully booked all my trains in advance, but peeped into sleeper class while trains were at the platform and saw broken beds and fans throughout the carriage.

Travel Tips:

• Use official websites like IRCTC or booking platforms like 12Go Asia or Cleartrip.

• Book at least 2 weeks in advance for major routes.

• Choose AC 2-Tier or AC 3-Tier for comfort, privacy, and safety on long trips. Sleeper Class is fine for short day rides if you're feeling adventurous.

• Carry your own toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and snacks

• Train stations can be hectic, so arrive early, and watch your belongings closely.

6. Carry Cash — Especially Small Notes

While India is rapidly adopting digital payments through UPI and apps like Paytm or Google Pay, cash still rules in many places — particularly in rural areas, markets, and small shops. It can be problematic stuck with a 1,000 or 2,000 rupee note without anybody near to give you change - even paying for a 150 INR tuk tuk ride with a 200, I ended up having to give a 50 INR 'tip' because the driver didn't have any change (at least he said he didn't!)

Travel Tips:

• Withdraw cash from ATMs in major cities. Try to break large bills at supermarkets or transport hubs.

• Keep some notes stashed separately for emergencies.

• Tip service workers with small notes — porters, guides, drivers, and hotel staff.

7. Cross Roads Like a Local — With Confidence and Calm

Crossing the street in India feels like stepping into live traffic — because it kind of is. There are few pedestrian crossings, and even fewer rules. On my first day in Delhi, I watched a barefoot fruit vendor walk across without blinking. That’s when I learned the key: rhythm over hesitation.

Travel Tips:

• Don’t wait for a clear gap — it may never come.

• Walk slowly and steadily across the road; drivers anticipate your movement and swerve accordingly.

• Use locals as shields (politely!). Follow behind them if you’re unsure.

  And honestly? After a few days, it becomes second nature.

8. Water Safety Is No Joke

India’s tap water is not safe for foreigners — full stop. That goes for brushing your teeth, ice in drinks, or rinsing fruit. In Kerala, I brushed my teeth with tap water without thinking. I regretted it 12 hours later! Always take care to remove ice from drinks or whether fruit has been sat in water from a long time, and even buying water from a local vendor. The only exception to this would be in very high end hotels if you're told that the tap water is safe (but even then, take precautions!)

Travel Tips:

• Use bottled water for everything, even brushing your teeth.

• Always check that the bottle is properly sealed. The cap should click when opened.

• Avoid drinks with ice unless you're in a high-end restaurant or café.

• I also carried a LifeStraw bottle for emergency situations and filtered my own water on hikes.

9. Luxury Can Be Affordable — And Worth It

India has some of the most beautiful and unique luxury accommodations in the world — think palace hotels in Rajasthan, colonial mansions in the hills, and tranquil Ayurvedic resorts in Kerala. I once spent £70 for a night in a 300-year-old palace in Udaipur. I had a four-poster bed, a lake view, and staff who treated me like royalty.

Travel Tips:

• Book directly on hotel websites or compare on Trip.com and Booking.com.

• Even one night in a luxury hotel can break up the rougher parts of travel and help you reset.

• Splurge especially in intense cities like Varanasi or Delhi — a peaceful retreat can make all the difference.

10. Embrace the Chaos — It’s Part of the Magic

This is the real travel tip. India will test your patience, mess up your plans, and surprise you in every possible way.

I’ve had tuk tuks break down in the middle of a wedding procession, been invited into strangers’ homes for chai, and watched sacred rituals on the banks of the Ganges — all in a single day.

You can’t always control India. But you can let it shape you.

Travel Tips:

• Leave buffer time in your itinerary.

• Let go of Western expectations about time and structure.

• Journal your days — even the hard ones will make great stories later.

• Say yes to conversations, invitations, and detours (while staying safe, of course).

Traveling in India isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always transformative. It’s a country that teaches you how to be present, how to adapt, and how to find beauty in chaos.

So pack your meds, download your train app, practice your bargaining skills — and go.

You’re in for the ride of your life.