Top Tips For Travelling In India

The enchanting landscapes, colorful tapestries and opulent palaces of India are waiting to be explored. To make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with essential India travel tips, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free adventure through this majestic country.

Tips for first-timers in India

For first-time visitors, Rajasthan offers an excellent introduction to the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Prioritize popular destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer, renowned for their magnificent forts, palaces, and bustling bazaars. Visit places like the iconic Taj Mahal – a vast marble mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna River, which is best experienced at sunrise, when the golden light turns the central dome in a glowing orb – you can have this once-in-a-lifetime experience on our 10-day Regal Rajasthan trip.

Also, consider Amer Fort – also known as the Amber Palace. This monumental site is hard to forget with its towering ramparts and vast entry gate, all built into the rocky hillside. Finally, be sure to visit a Bishnoi village. The Bishnoi people are a small Hindu community that live by a set of nature-preserving principles, maintaining a traditional way of life that’s barely changed over the centuries. Spending time with them offers a powerful insight into the diversity of culture in India.

While Rajasthan warmly welcomes solo female travelers, it’s essential to prioritize safety and well-being. Dress modestly, respect local customs, and avoid traveling alone at night. Stay in reputable accommodations, arrange reliable transportation, and be cautious of unwanted attention. Connect with other solo female travelers through online forums or seek guidance from experienced female travelers. Small-group travel is always a great option for solo female travelers in particular, since being part of a group, especially one led by a local guide, offers a far greater sense of security and safety.

Embrace the local cuisine and culture

Indulge in the flavors of Rajasthan’s rich culinary heritage. Savor iconic dishes like Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Laal Maas, each offering a unique blend of spices and regional specialties. Explore bustling street markets, savor street food delicacies, and don’t miss the opportunity to try a traditional Rajasthani thali. One of the greatest joys of traveling in Rajasthan is the opportunity to connect with its warm and hospitable people. Engage in conversations, learn basic greetings in Hindi, and embrace the local way of life. Participate in cultural activities, visit rural villages, and contribute positively to the communities you encounter. Respecting the cultural sensitivities of Rajasthan is essential. When visiting temples and religious sites, dress modestly and remove your shoes when required. Seek permission before taking photographs of people, especially in rural areas. Embrace the local customs and your interactions will be met with warmth and openness.

Transportation tips

Navigating Rajasthan’s vast expanse is made easier with efficient transportation options. Consider hiring a private driver for longer journeys, as it provides convenience and flexibility. Utilize local taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws for shorter distances. Embrace the vibrancy of Rajasthan’s bustling cities by taking a leisurely stroll through their enchanting streets. Even consider exploring Old Delhi on two wheels to dodge the heaviest traffic. If you have the time we even recommend exploring Udaipur by foot, it is the best way to soak it all in. Book a small-group trip with Culture Trip and all overland travel is taken care of for you.

Travel with Culture Trip

Of course, we have to say it, but it’s true! Becoming a Culture Tripper is the best way to discover the real India. We’ll show you another side to the iconic sights, as well as show you a few you’d never heard of. We’ll also bring you closer to the locals, their customs, and their cuisines, be it through authentic meals or the depth of knowledge brought by our local insider, armed with a lifetime of lived-in experience.

Accommodation, domestic travel, and all pre-planned activities will be booked in advance for you (with plenty of free time along the way), safe in the knowledge that your itinerary has been carefully planned out by seasoned Travel Experts. Know where you stand with your budget, without having to worry about extra costs beyond a snack here and a souvenir there, and join a group of like-minded travelers eager to explore India.

Inspired by India? Book your spot today on our immersive ten-day adventure in the majesty of Northern India.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.