India Is Enormous, Diverse, and Full of Nuance—Here Are 14 Things to Consider When Beginning to Plan Your Visit

In India, hospitality is deeply entrenched in the culture. The ancient Sanskrit expression "atithi devo bhava," which translates to "the guest is god," encapsulates a philosophy that fosters warmth and generosity towards visitors, whether in the Himalayan regions of Ladakh or the coastal beauty of Kerala. The experience of traveling in India can be complex, presenting a vast array of cultures as if Europe were to be condensed into one nation. This intricate amalgamation of princely states, lush villages, and bustling coastal cities is home to a multiplicity of languages, communities, and customs, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

However, the universal language of hospitality serves as a common thread that connects experiences across India. From enjoying a cup of tea and kebab in Kashmir with a newfound friend to receiving shelter from a stranger during an unexpected landslide in Himachal, kindness is a recurring theme.

Consult your calendar

India hosts an extensive array of festivals each year, surpassing the number of days on the calendar, featuring even the largest religious gathering in the world: the Kumbh Mela. To partake in these vibrant celebrations and visit the associated destinations, it is essential to plan your travel dates well in advance. For instance, the festival of Diwali can lead to fully booked accommodations in popular locations such as Varanasi, Jaipur, Amritsar, and Ayodhya, where thousands of diyas (lamps) illuminate sacred waters, markets, and historic sites.

Additionally, some festivals may be marked by more elaborate or unique celebrations in specific regions. Durga Puja in Kolkata is a prime example, being recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage event. The city experiences a standstill as residents flock to opulent displays known as "pandals." Similarly, Eid celebrations across cities feature distinctive culinary experiences: visitors can enjoy Nizami haleem in Hyderabad or savor the array of Awadhi dishes like tunday kebab at Lucknow's Jama Masjid.

Dry lips

Beyond major festivals, national holidays such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti, along with election days, can result in "dry days," where the sale of alcohol is prohibited in liquor stores, restaurants, bars, and hotels. These regulations are state-specific; for example, while Holi is no longer observed as a dry day in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh maintains a strict no-alcohol policy. For travelers seeking a glass of wine to ease jet lag, note that five-star hotels may be exempt from these restrictions.

Certain states and union territories, including Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, and Mizoram, enforce either a complete or significant prohibition on alcohol year-round, commonly referred to as "dry states." Though temporary permits to consume alcohol can sometimes be obtained in states such as Gujarat, the process is often unwieldy.

Your passport or visa won't take you everywhere

It is vital to familiarize yourself with regions in India that may have travel restrictions for foreigners. Certain areas require special permits, such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is necessary alongside a valid passport and visa. Even with these, entry to North Sentinel Island remains prohibited. Similarly, northeastern states like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, along with zones close to the Line of Control with Pakistan, often necessitate permits for access.

Not everything is a bargain—and not everything should be

Navigating fair pricing versus exploitation can be challenging in India. Travelers may frequently encounter inflated prices for souvenirs, yet also discover that artisanal crafts can come with a significant price tag. It is essential to remember that India is a nation rich with craft corridors where traditional techniques are preserved by local artisans. These high-quality goods often require considerable time and skill; for instance, authentic Kolhapuri chappals can take months to produce, and a handwoven Pashmina scarf may take a year. Recognize that you are investing in heirlooms that reflect the craftsmanship of dedicated artists.

While haggling over trinkets is common, it is important to understand that items such as saris, although they may seem pricey, often reflect their true value based on the labor and artistry involved.

It's a land of linguists

A common misconception is the assumption that all Indians speak or should speak Hindi, which is misleading for various reasons. India is among the most multilingual nations globally, boasting over 700 documented 'living languages' as of the 21st century, with many states organized primarily by language. Tamil serves as the official language in Tamil Nadu, while Kannada holds that status in Karnataka, and Gujarati in Gujarat. The Constitution recognizes 22 languages, with Hindi and English serving as the primary languages for the Central Government.

While Hindi is widely spoken, particularly in northern states, it is crucial to explore regional languages when traveling to areas like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Learning a few words in a local language can significantly enhance your travel experience.

"How is your English so good?"

Though English is an official language in India, it is not universally spoken. Comments such as "Oh my god, how is your English so good?" may come across as uninformed. The richness of India's literary tradition is exemplified by renowned authors including R.K. Narayan, Anita Desai, Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, and Amitav Ghosh, who have made significant contributions to English literature.

"Aren't you vegetarian?"

Not all Indians are Hindus, nor are all Hindus vegetarian. Depending on the region, some Hindu temples may serve non-vegetarian prasad (offerings), whereas in other areas, this would be considered unacceptable. Intriguingly, India is recognized as one of the best countries for vegetarian cuisine, while also being an excellent destination for non-vegetarian fare.

Chuck the chicken tikka masala

While enjoying British-Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala can be delightful, it is indeed disheartening that such offerings often overshadow the vast array of regional cuisines available to first-time visitors. India features a rich tapestry of non-vegetarian dishes, such as spicy fermented trout from Kashmir, juicy pork momos in Kalimpong, Kongunadu-style deep-fried quail, Keralan beef stir-fried with high-quality black pepper, fresh river crab in Sikkim, Rajput laal maas (Rajasthan's mutton curry), semolina-dusted prawns along the Konkan coast, and the famed hot Hyderabadi biryani.

Also, there's no need to specify "chai tea" or "naan bread," as simply saying "chai" and "naan" suffices.

Trains, planes, and travel pains

Traveling across India via train can leave some travelers feeling bewildered, akin to a young Harry Potter attempting to comprehend what a "partially confirmed train ticket" entails. To secure a reserved sleeper seat, air-conditioning, or even a window seat, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance through the Indian Railways website, which opens seat selections 120 days prior to departure.

For those seeking a luxurious travel experience reminiscent of the film Darjeeling Limited, be prepared for a significant financial investment in premium train journeys such as Maharajas' Express, Deccan Odyssey, and Palace on Wheels. Alternatively, consider taking India's "toy trains," vintage steam locomotives that operate on narrow-gauge mountain railway routes, including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka-Shimla Railway, perfect for scenic excursions.

While cab and auto rickshaw fares are intended to follow a meter system, this does not always occur uniformly. In cities like Mumbai, compliance is generally reliable, particularly with rickshaws; however, it is not uncommon in Delhi for drivers to charge tourists considerably more than the standard fare. To simplify the process, utilize ride-hailing platforms like Uber or regional apps such as Ola or Rapido, which even provide motorbike taxi options for navigating traffic efficiently. Keep in mind that Goa does not permit these ride-hailing services, and local taxi fares can be disproportionately high compared to other areas in India.

When flying, ensure that your travel documents are readily accessible prior to entering the airport, as Indian authorities will check tickets and identification before admittance to the terminal and check-in counters.

A journey into personal space

Travel in India often leads to reflections on the concept of personal space. Given the country's dense population, interactions can sometimes feel cramped or congested.

To avoid undue discomfort, opt for off-peak travel on public transportation. For longer journeys, select routes with frequent connectivity, as train lines with limited service have historically experienced crowds and overcrowding, particularly during major festivals like the Kumbh Mela. Air-conditioned night buses can offer comfort and affordable transport while guaranteeing that you have an assigned seat for restful travel. Additionally, First or Business class passengers often benefit from expedited airport entry, navigating security and immigration checks through less congested channels.

Holy places

India is replete with sacred sites, and respectful attire is crucial when visiting these locations. An easy guideline to follow is to remember "head, shoulders, knees, and toes." Women should consider carrying a light scarf or stole to cover their head, chest, and shoulders, while men ought to remove hats when entering spiritual spaces. Lightweight, long linen or cotton pants and comfortable sandals can help facilitate movement while exploring these significant sites. Public displays of affection are generally discouraged in India, and particularly frowned upon in sacred environments.

It is also important to note that not all religious sites are accessible to everyone. For instance, fire temples (Agiary) only permit initiated Parsi-Zoroastrians within the consecrated hall for prayer, while specific Hindu temples impose entry restrictions to practicing Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs who acknowledge the Vedas, such as the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Guruvayoor Temple in Kerala.

Monsoon mayhem

India's seasons can be quite distinct from what travelers may expect. In central and southern regions, spring and autumn are nearly nonexistent, while winter may present as a mild temperature. The monsoon season brings its own challenges and beauty: it can be a picturesque time if one is cozily indoors, yet it can also lead to discomfort if navigating the making-shift conditions of local transport.

Plan ahead for wet weather. In humid locales, quick-dry clothing, sandals, and umbrellas are essential, while in cooler areas, solid waterproof garments and footwear are advisable. The monsoon season can also lead to widespread flight delays and challenges such as landslides, particularly in states like Uttarakhand and Assam.

It's not just cricket

Although cricket reigns as the most popular sport in India, it is essential to note that it is not the country's national sport. There is much excitement in watching India's skilled cricketers compete, but India is also home to a variety of sporting events that may capture your interest. Field hockey, which is recognized as the national sport, is celebrated with competitions held in Coorg, featuring over 200 family-based teams annually. Additionally, central and northern India offer traditional kushti (mud wrestling) tournaments, the Pro Kabaddi League, ice hockey contests in Leh on frozen lakes, and the historic polo (Sagol Kangjei) grounds of Manipur.

Give yourself time

The breadth and depth of India can be overwhelming. To genuinely appreciate the country's diversity, a two-week visit is often insufficient. Given the magnitude of exploration possible within India, one could easily spend a lifetime discovering its intricacies and still yearn for more. If vacation time is limited, it may be more rewarding to immerse yourself in a specific region or state, rather than attempting a rapid nationwide tour. India will always welcome you back for subsequent adventures.