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22 things you need to know before visiting India

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

India is a feast for the senses and we've got everything you need to know before you visit © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

It would take a lifetime to see all of India , let alone understand every nuance and facet of this nation of 1.4 billion inhabitants. But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.

We've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Apply for your Indian visa online for a smooth arrival on the subcontinent. Read on for 22 more insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Plan your trip around the seasons

India has a reputation for being hot and humid, but with beaches, mountains, hills, coastlines and plains all jammed into a relatively small geographical area, the climate is quite diverse. The southwest monsoon brings rainy weather to most of the country from June to September, but this is the best time of year to visit the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh , although depending on the route you take, you risk encountering landslides and floods.

In the far south, there’s also a milder rainy season from October to December. The ideal weather window for travel is from October to May, though temperatures and humidity climb to agonizing levels from March onwards in the run-up to the monsoon. If you find yourself in India in the spring, head to the Himalayan foothills for milder temperatures and good trekking conditions.

2. Get your jabs before you travel

There is no official requirement for vaccinations to enter India (although yellow fever vaccination is needed if you are traveling from a country where the disease is endemic).

That said, it is important that you contact a health professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure your jabs are up to date. Vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, on top of childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

Vaccinations worth considering for longer trips include Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. Monkeys, dogs and cats can all carry the rabies parasite, and infection is fatal if untreated.

3. Take malaria precautions

Depending on where in India you are traveling to, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about taking a course of anti-malarial tablets. For instance, northeastern and eastern parts of India, as well as the city of Mangalore, have a higher malaria risk.

Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – this will also help you avoid dengue fever, a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and trousers in light colors, and using a repellent and/or a plug-in mosquito killer with a high concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) is advisable.

4. Get insured

Travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.

If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, contact the local police station or dial 100 or 112, the national emergency number. You’ll need to get the police to file a report (a “FIR" – First Information Report) to make a claim on your travel insurance.

5. Book ahead for busy times and festivals

India can get very busy from November to February, so affordable accommodation is usually swamped in peak season. It’s a good idea to book ahead, either directly with the venues or via booking aggregator sites such as Agoda and MakeMyTrip .

Also, book train tickets in advance where possible , particularly for popular routes. Tickets can be booked (with a fair amount of hassle) via the government booking site IRCTC or more easily through local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip .

6. Plan your comms before you travel

Many things in India (including train bookings or ordering food online) get easier if you have a local SIM card. Bring an unlocked phone from home (or pick one up locally) and get a phone shop to sign you up for a local pay-as-you-go SIM package on arrival. You’ll need to bring passport photos and photocopies of your passport ID pages to complete the application.

7. Check your lunar calendars

While India officially follows the Gregorian calendar, the major festivals for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and several other religions follow lunar calendars and fall on different dates from year to year. Always check festival dates before you book your trip (bearing in mind these dates are subject to change); the Indian government maintains a useful online list of public holidays .

8. Learn local etiquette

English is the  lingua franca in most metropolitan areas in India, and you’ll get away with polite hellos, goodbyes and thank yous in smaller towns too. However, if you’re traveling in northern India, you can say "namaste" (I bow to you) with your hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of your chest. Similarly, when meeting Muslims in north India, you can say "salaam alaikum" (peace be with you) – the correct response is "alaikum salaam." Most of the time, it’s the effort that’s welcomed over pronunciation, so don’t be shy!

Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.

If you get invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift (flowers or sweets are always a safe bet) and remove your shoes before entering. It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.

9. Dress modestly

Depending on where in India you are, modesty is taken seriously – especially for women. Travelers of any gender will have an easier time if they wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their legs and arms. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach – although it is not uncommon to see locals swim fully clothed. To fit in, consider investing in a kurta pyjama (a traditional garment resembling a long shirt and loose trousers for men) or a salwar kameez (a long shirt, loose trousers and scarf for women).

10. What to eat and how to eat it

Many religions in India have their own dietary rules. Muslims avoid pork, many Hindus avoid beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan. Many Jains are vegetarians who avoid some vegetables (most notably onions, garlic and potatoes) and who try to avoid causing harm to all living creatures. These rules mean vegan and vegetarian food is often easy to find in India.

Eating with your hands is the norm in many restaurants, particularly in parts of southern India. Take your cue from other patrons in the restaurant, and remember to eat with your right hand. Mix rice and curry into balls with your fingers and push it into your mouth with your thumb. Some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple dishes served in tandem) are served not on a plate but on a washed and flash-heated banana leaf.

11. Haggling is not a game of life and death

Haggling for a fair price when buying things – in street stalls and open-air markets – is a way of life in India. Although it can sometimes be a frustrating experience, losing your temper is extremely bad form – if you can’t agree on a price with the vendor that you are both happy with, politely decline and shop somewhere else.

The rules of the game are as follows. The vendor will quote you a price that is more than the item is worth, then you’ll come back with a counter-offer, working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure.

The “walking away” trick may bring a few last-minute adjustments, but before long, you’ll reach a threshold that the vendor won’t go below. Throwing in extra items may bring a discount on the overall cost. Many travelers prefer not to haggle in places where the money goes directly to artisans.

12. Respect etiquette at religious sites

Religion is taken very seriously in India, so it pays to know the rules and expectations for visits to temples, mosques, monasteries, gurdwaras (Sikh shrines), synagogues and churches. Always check if you are allowed to enter – some temples and mosques are closed to people who don’t follow the faith. Mosques may also be closed to visitors during prayers or on Fridays.

If asked to do so, remove your shoes before entering any religious building, and be prepared to cover your head with a scarf or shawl. Generally, always cover your legs and arms (a sarong can be handy as an emergency cover-all). Some temples also ban leather goods, and many religious sites do not allow photography.

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards a person or deity – this is considered disrespectful. The same goes for touching any person or effigy on the head. It is conventional to walk around Buddhist and Hindu shrines in a clockwise direction, in a ceremonial circuit known as a parikrama .

Making an offering or leaving a donation is often expected – locals always offer something, but be wary of people waving receipts showing huge donations. Giving something is appropriate, but don’t feel pressured into leaving large sums.

13. Giving alms is common but up to you

The giving of alms has a long history in India, and foreigners can expect to be approached regularly with requests for money. Whether you give or not is a personal choice, but many Indians give on a daily basis, particularly when visiting temples and mosques. Be aware that some requests for money will be scams, and you may be able to do more good by giving your time or cash to charity or aid organizations you’ve taken time to research, rather than handing out cash.

14. Respect local social attitudes

India has complex social rules about respect for elders. Depending on where you are traveling to, older people are often greeted with the honorific “auntie” or “uncle,” and the ending ji may also be added to someone’s name as a sign of respect.

Outside bigger cities, India can be quite conservative when it comes to interactions between unmarried men and women. Also, most parts of India are conservative when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whatever your sexuality, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

15. Street harassment is unfortunately common

Although harassment can happen anywhere, parts of India are constantly in the news owing to a lack of women’s safety. Beyond long, unwelcome stares and persistent attempts to start a conversation, more serious assaults are also a risk. Groping is common in crowds (particularly during festivals).

Exercise caution like you would anywhere else, and remain alert. Never get into a taxi or auto rickshaw containing anyone other than the driver, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas, particularly at night. Decline offers of food or drinks from strangers.

If traveling by public transport as a woman, it's best to seek out train carriages and designated seating reserved for women. Wearing a wedding ring (even if not married) and using dark sunglasses and headphones can buy you some privacy on public transport. If you are being hassled, drawing loud attention to the intrusion may encourage others to come to your aid.

16. Keep track of security situations in India

India has seen deadly attacks by separatist and Marxist groups and Kashmiri insurgents. Monitor the local news and be alert for suspicious behavior, particularly around major tourist sites. Always check the security situation before traveling to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley in case of flare-ups of unrest. Strikes, demonstrations and protests are also best avoided, as violence is a risk. It goes without saying but in the event of trouble, obey local curfews and stay inside – your hotel is probably the safest place to be.

17. Take the altitude seriously when hiking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk when traveling above 2500m (8202ft), which covers most of the Indian Himalayas . AMS can be fatal, so always ascend slowly and take rest days to allow your body to acclimate to significant elevation changes. If you begin to feel ill while hiking in the mountains, stop, and if your symptoms don’t improve, descend immediately.

18. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

India has a few laws and regulations that visitors might be unfamiliar with. For instance, taking photographs of bridges, the periphery of military camps and border crossings – or flying drones over them – is considered a serious security issue.

When traveling by plane internally in India, you may be asked to surrender batteries from devices in your cabin bags. Smoking is banned in most public places, and a few states also have bans on the consumption of beef – killing or injuring a cow in a road accident, even accidentally, can lead to violent reprisals.

To avoid sticky situations, take the time to research where you’re going, and talk to staff at your hotel or hostel or your B&B host for advice on things to be aware of.

19. Steer clear of drugs

India may have a reputation amongst travelers as a place to push boundaries, but its drug laws are strict. Possessing even small amounts of drugs for personal use can lead to a prison sentence.

Some religious groups are permitted to consume marijuana for ceremonial purposes, but that often doesn’t extend to tourists. You can, however, find bhaang – a marijuana mixture made with the leaves (rather than the bud) of the cannabis plant – at government-approved bhaang shops.

20. Avoid the tap water

The tap water in India is not potable. Drinking or brushing your teeth with it can be a fast track to stomach troubles – the most common illness tourists experience in India. Stick to purified or bottled water (or even better, purify your own to avoid contributing to India’s plastic waste mountain).

The water rule extends to ice (be wary of ice in drinks and ice cream) and to uncooked foods, particularly salads and dishes such as coriander chutneys, which may have been washed with contaminated water. When eating fruit, stick to things you can peel or wash thoroughly yourself, and be cautious of freshly prepared juices. Hot drinks are generally fine, so drink your fill of chai (milky tea, often spiced and sweet).

21. Watch local news to keep track of natural disasters

Some geographical areas in India are prone to natural disasters, and the risk is higher in certain seasons. Hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, for instance, often see flash flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Be alert to signs of natural disasters and keep an eye on the local news so you know which areas to avoid. Follow the Indian Meteorological Department’s website as well as their social media handle for timely updates.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster, follow the advice of emergency workers and try to leave the area quickly.

22. Spot the scams

India has a reputation for scams designed to separate tourists from their money, and touts and confidence tricksters can often be found where tourists gather. Get tourist information and make bookings at official offices, rather than “tourist offices” you have been led to by people offering unsolicited help.

If anyone steers you to a hotel, shop or other establishment without you asking, they may be angling for a commission, which will be added to the price you pay. Be dubious of claims that the place you want to go is “closed” – always check yourself to be sure.

Exercise common sense and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true – for example, the gem scam, where travelers are tricked into buying worthless gems to “sell at a profit back home.”

This article was first published Mar 19, 2022 and updated Dec 15, 2023.

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"Almost Fell Asleep": Biden Reacts To Debate Debacle Against Trump

Biden, who has always been gaffe-prone, appeared to struggle while responding to former us president donald trump's charges..

Joe Biden, Donald Trump accused each other of being history's worst.

US President Joe Biden today blamed jet lag from his recent travels overseas for his disastrous debate performance against Republican rival Donald Trump.

"It's not an excuse, but an explanation," he said while addressing a fundraiser.

Biden said he "wasn't very smart" for "traveling around the world a couple times... shortly before the debate."

"I didn't listen to my staff," he said. "And then I almost fell asleep on stage."

Biden had flown to France, back to the United States, to Italy, among other travels, over a 14-day period before taking just a few days to rest at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He was dragging, according to several people who observed him during this period.

Joe Biden, who has always been gaffe-prone, appeared to struggle while responding to former US President Donald Trump's charges during the debate.

A bombastic Trump lashed out at his successor, calling him a failure on the economy and the world stage. Biden looked to hit back, but his delivery was hesitant as he spoke rapidly in a soft, trailing-off voice and stumbled on his words several times.

It was the first debate ever between a president and former president -- and each accused each other of being history's worst.

The 81-year-old's fumbling, halting performance has sparked calls from Democrats for him to end his quest for a second term and for "soul-searching".

Biden's remarks could invite even more scrutiny over whether the 81-year-old is fit for rigorous traveling, packed schedule.

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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre today admitted the debate was "a bad night" but added that Biden "knows how to come back" from adversity.

Responding to the criticism, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said people around the world were looking at what Biden has done since coming into office, not just one night, and that they appreciate his policies. 

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Team India Stuck In Barbados Due To Hurricane Beryl: Report

Indian cricket fans might have to wait a little longer to see their t20 world cup-winning heroes back in the country as the rohit sharma-led side's travel plans have been impacted by a hurricane at bridgetown, barbados..

After a grueling month-long T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, is in the midst of celebrating their glorious victory in Barbados as Hurricane Beryl, a Grade 3 hurricane, approaches the island, threatening to trap the team and pose significant risks of flight cancellations. Sources close to Indian team have told the IANS that, "Rohit-led side is currently stuck in their Hotel Hilton at Barbados." The team, originally scheduled to depart Barbados on Monday at 11 AM local time (8:30 PM IST), is now facing delays due to the impending hurricane. Their planned route was to New York, followed by a connecting flight to Dubai and finally back to India.

Even worse, the Hilton, where India is staying, is close to the coast and is probably going to be hit by a Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane is predicted to hit Barbados at midnight on Sunday or early on Monday morning.

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that Grantley Adams International Airport would close by nighttime on Sunday in anticipation of the hurricane, preventing any flights from landing or taking off.

However, it is unknown at this point if they will be able to board that flight, but should they become stuck in terrible weather, they could be left stranded in Barbados for a duration of 36 to 48 hours.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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India Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 23, 2023, india - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
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Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

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Is India Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• India : Safety by City
• Navi Mumbai
• Thiruvananthapuram

The largest country in the South Asia Region, the land impossible to remember once you visit it, India, is located in the center of South Asia.

Officially referred to as the Republic of India, it is the seventh-largest country in the world by area and has a population of over one billion people.

It is second only to China in population, though probably not for long.

India is an extremely memorable country, and due to its size, it varies widely in geography, climate, culture, language and ethnicity across the country.

As for tourist attractions and things to see and do in India, there are so many options that you would probably need to stay in India for a period of six months in order to see it all.

It one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and fastest developing countries which make its cities an attraction by themselves.

Though it has its parts that are ridden with poverty, it’s considered to be an emerging superpower.

Among the breathtaking things to see in India is one of the world wonders – the Taj Mahal, you can see tigers in some of the best national parks, and enjoy the Goa beach that is visited by more and more tourists every year.

• Warnings & Dangers in India

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Though India is considered a generally safe country, due to its size, there are more dangerous areas and less dangerous ones. It is necessary that you remain vigilant at all times.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Be wary of pickpockets in public transport, and taxi drivers (as well as tuk-tuk drivers) trying to rip you off. Be especially careful in the overnight buses or trains and don't accept any food or drinks as they might be spiked. Keep in mind that driving is dangerous because of poor road conditions and the fact that India follows the left-hand driving system.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets operate literally everywhere in India. Be careful not to get your pockets picked and bag snatching is another very common form of petty theft. Pickpockets are especially common in public transport.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

The main threats to India when it comes to natural disasters are earthquakes, floods and severe storms that commonly hit this beautiful country causing great damage.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings and kidnappings aren't at all common in India.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

India keeps being targeted by terrorists so there is a great risk of them trying to carry out an attack again. Anti-Western terrorist groups sometimes operate in India, including Islamist extremist groups.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

This is a serious issue in India. If you're a first-time traveler to India, you will most certainly get scammed as this country is notorious for scams performed on tourists. Taxi scams with taxi drivers convincing you to take other accommodation are very common, as are those where vendors give you less change than they should. Whatever service anyone offers you - you find out how much it costs first, because they will try to charge literally everything.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Sexual assaults are on the rise in India, and it is dangerous for women to travel alone in this country, whether by day or night. Always strive to be accompanied by someone when outside. Move-in groups and avoid poorly lit and deserted streets.

• So... How Safe Is India Really?

Generally speaking, India is mostly safe for tourists.

Violent crime isn’t common in this country, especially not against foreigners, while petty theft does exist but it is more prominent in areas frequented by tourist.

You can expect pickpockets in crowded places such as bus and train stations, and it is highly advised that you keep your bags and belongings tightly by your side because bag snatching is also one of the popular forms of petty crime.

Thieves have been known to break into accommodations and rooms where tourists reside.

Be prepared that people are going to try and scam you or extort money from you, even the police, though the situation with corruption has improved during the last couple of years.

Keep in mind that homosexuality is illegal in India under a colonial-era law, with penalties of imprisonment or a fine.

The law that is still in force has been used for years to harass the LGBTQ community.

Police officers have been known to harass, extort money from and blackmail homosexuals in India, so members of LGBTQ might want to think twice before venturing into this country.

India follows the left-hand driving system, which can cause difficulties for tourists wishing to rent a car.

If you plan on driving in India, bear in mind that Indian roads aren’t in the best condition and that Indian drivers can oftentimes be reckless when behind the wheel, and don’t forget that you might run into wandering livestock on the road.

• How Does India Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries need a visa in order to enter India. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, it is best to visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa.

The Indian rupee is the official currency in India. ATMs are widespread in most towns and as for credit cards, it is advised to always carry cash as a backup. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards.

Indian climate is mostly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. Since it is so large, the climate in India vastly varies, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the Himalayan north. The elevated areas in the north commonly receive sustained winter snowfall.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary civilian hub for the National Capital Region of Delhi, India. It is located in Palam, 15 km south-west of the New Delhi railway station and 16 km from New Delhi city centre.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to India, since it covers not only the costs medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

India Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

India - Safety by City

Explore india.

• 13 Cheapest Places to Live in India
• 10 Best Beaches in India
• 10 Most Dangerous Cities in India
• 10 Most Beautiful Castles in India
• 10 Safest Cities in India
• A Culinary Tour of India for Vegetarians
• Where to Next?

114 Reviews on India

Section 377, LGBTQ+ people are now legal in India.

Awesome India

Contrary to what internet mentions, India is a very safe country if you understand and respect local culture, tradition and beliefs. Excluding the 7 metros, women dont go out putting their meat on display. Dress modestly and in comfortable clothing without putting your undergarments on display. You are seeking unwanted attention when you dont dresss properly. I have travelled every other year to India and not once I have been mugged or my drink has been spiked even after accepting drinks from strangers. The biggest safety factor in India for tourists is its population !! There are just people everywhere and nowhere to hide from public. Tell me which city in west doesnt have shady areas in its cities and towns? Indian also has its fair share. Avoid them and you will be safe. Day time is very very safe in India and dow aht you want. pickpocket is a huge problem but mainly in 4 metros and big cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad. On another note, it is fun to watch how people of differnet religion, belief, culture live in one country with such a good harmony. They not only celebrate Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi, but also celebrate Eid, Christmas, Mahavir jayanthi and Hanukkah. You will NEVER see that ANYWHERE in the world.

Thank you soooooo much

You will see multi ethnic celebrations in Mauritius too

I went and was almost scammed every 5-10 minutes… people trying to pick pocket and being annoyed by everyone trying to be my friend….. holiday turned into a nightmare

How surprising, people in India have fear from law and order. So, no such thing happens. Yes, of course wherever this happens are not tourist or general place to visit by tourist or normal Indians even. India is safe to travel in night even. Roads are much better now in past 5-6 years. Everything is online and record of booking and can be shared with any of your known. Every genuine travel co. is on apps enabled with police alerting system. Everyone in India will tell you where to go if you want some such adventure. That is for Indians themselves as well. But no one will kill you.

Well said 🙏

I agree...India is quite safe.

You might want to visit Suriname on the northwest coast of South America. Diwali and Holi, Eid, Christmas, Mahavir Jayanti as well as Hanukkah, all publicly celebrated there as well. BTW – I enjoyed my visit to India very much and found it quite safe. Of course, I investigated and respected local customs during my visit.

This is why my Dutch Indian friend said We Indian always said we’re proud of something or we’re good at something but in the end, they are not. They are just skippy mean they rather ignore the mistake and keep doing mistake. Why not just said we’re not proud human beings but we are trying to make things living better and make it safe. Like for India r*pe crime is like Holy *** that s*** higher than Covid infection

religious hatred on raise

I don’t know when you wrote this review… but today India is a country of concern for women, minorities and hindu dalits Multiple agressions against minorities, religious hate speech by politicians and hindu godmens have rosen to 1130 % last year… Unfortunately the bjp ruling party pays heavily the medias to mask all the odds but only lies on the net.. Anyway just check your consul services and you will have better information

Best Country to visit, live, learn and enjoy.

am not sure which part of country or even the world you have roam around! India is by far one of the most safest countries for people of all the cast, color and sex. Its population is almost 4 times of USA and there are more than 18 officially recognized languages in India, with every 100 Kms the dialect gets changed and every state having there own mother and state languages. With so much of diversity and with a population of 1.39 billions its pity how the fewer cases of violence and aggression are read as biggest threats to the community and harmony. When the whole world is crippling against the religious hatred India is holding its head way higher as epitome of religious harmony. In US, every other day some or the other racial attack will happen, people will ignore, go to Paris the most beautiful city in the Europe, every minute of your walk will be full of fear of getting looted or attacked by small miscreants. Forget nights, even in the day time its so unsafe to walk in the streets of Paris. Everywhere pick pocketing will happen. On the concern of women, no western world can stand in front of India. As every day hundreds of cases will come up as the crime against women, child in the US, Germany, France but nothing seems to effect you people but the cases or crimes once it happened in India becomes a world wide spectra. Agreed India is still developing and still in lag with the western world but when it comes to the safety and developments it is and it will always be the best country to visit, live, learn and enjoy. cheers!

It’s an amazing country,best place for tourists to enjoy and above all I guarantee you the safety as well .Yes go well dressed be decent enough and there you go the finest things ,places food shopping to enjoy .Yes there is no country in the world 100% safe but from all India is the safest .Thanks.

Nope..just because you are india..you won’t deny anything right..rape cases happen in india every 13 sec lol

Bro I think you are politically influenced.we want travel opinions not political views

Your attitude makes things better or worse

pick pockets, frauds are around everything else is good. nowadays some moral policing cases reported. anyhow dont believe any one blindly then it would be a nice vacation over there

India is Safe

India is the most misunderstood country in the world.

There is no country in the world which assure 100% safety in the world, same with India.

There are few pointers which separate India from the outside world:

1. People carrying a gun or any dangerous weapon is uncommon and not legal in India. While most of the nations are fighting with this problem, India is far better and secure in these terms. 2. Indian people are genuinely good, especially in tourist areas like Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Northern State, Kashmir and more. They accepted tourism as a culture and source of earning. 3. I do not buy writers comment about terrorism in India. I am not denying terrorism especially in one state JnK has some issues, but even in that state they treat guests and tourist well and there is not a single incident in JnK in last 20+ years where foreign tourist face any problem. All other India is completely safe. 4. Women safety is a world wide issue and needs to be taken seriously. Basic precautions are necessary not only in India but in every part of the world. Indians are mostly well-behaved but misunderstood in this term. 5. India is too crowded to be unsafe :-).

India is a beautiful country with all the flavors and culture.

Few things as per me you need to take care of are:

1. Don’t drive. If you are an outsider do not even try to drive in India, even if you are a certified F1 driver. 2. Avoid street food, especially who has a weak stomach. 3. Choose your time carefully to visit India in terms of weather.

Edit it man

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Thank you for your advice.

Nice joke,india is safe country

Really nice pieces of information. Thanks for sharing. We have not seen any terrorist attack out of J&K for the last 7 years. Today India has the best government that nicely maintains terrorism.

What ever Hemendra Singh told about india is absolutely correct generally indian people are friendly behivour with others they give all respect to evey one , they won’t think indian are foreign but unfortunately media either india are foreign not giving importance about this beautiful country to visit every one . regarding safety some croudy places may be pickpocketers problem arise this is not in all only populated cites that’s in railway station Most rush areas if person takes care there is nothing to be done .

Not good for all community.

Aptly said…in fact you gave a realistic picture of India as a country. It is pretty better in safety compared to the other countries in the subcontinent

Stop being bias Hemendra Singh Patel

Reading your reply it shows that you are a bias Indian trying to defend his country without knowing much about other countries.

1. Gun problem is typically a US problem. Saying that most nations are fighting this problem shows your ignorancy about other countries. 2. The problem is you don’t see it from a tourist’s point of view. Depending on where, you are literally harrased every few minutes from people asking money, wherever you go prices are more than actual prices, same for taxis and such… Ofc you’ll never experience this as a local. 3. Are you living under a rock if you seriously think there hasn’t been terrorist attacks in the last 20 years? The 2008 attack on Mumbai was so horrible why would you pretend it never happen. While I agree that many countries are more at risk, we can’t say that India outside J&K is completely safe. That’s a lie. 4. Women safety is not a world issue. Go to most european countries. Go to Scandinavia. People over there will laugh at your ignorant statement. You just can’t deny the number of rape and sexual agressions. Well-behaved or not, numbers don’t lie… 5. Population cannot be an excuse. China has around the same population but it is way more safe for tourists.

safest place in the world

Everything said in this page is wrong, India is one of the safest places in the world. first rape and other sexual assault has been going down for 12 years straight now and mugging is not a problem. Terriosim is a very small risk but still it is a risk but very little. if you go to India theirs almost no chance of being the victim of a terrorist attack. transportation is mainly safe but i will say India is very corrupt its also very cheap which is good for you. honestly its the perfect place to visit theirs so many things to do. you will probably hear a lot about dont travel to the Pakistan boarder but actually theirs a bunch of festivals and gatherings at the boarder and its perfectly safe. India is extremely safe period.

Do not visit unless you want to catch a third world undiscovered disease

Ignorance is bliss, clearly.

Racist much?

No racism in her comment, but I didn't see anyone get sick.

Wait. Did Magdelena write anything about race? This fake “wokeness” is getting too thick. She said nothing about race, she commented on the liklihood of getting sick, which I might add is quite low, because of all of the vaccinations one needs to get before visiting India. I had a great time (2016) and did not witness anyone getting sick, but I did see several people who were carrying guns and they were not police. With the prevalence of guns in the US, it might not surprise you to know many people like me are tuned to be able to spot someone with a concealed weapon. I spotted several while in India. I minded my own business and had lots of fun. India not dangerous for me, but I could see how a woman might be intimidated in some situations there more so than in most countries.

Now get lost

We are very happy that you won’t visit, we have enough chutiye as it is. India is as safe as you want it to be. Don’t be stupid and you’ll have the best time of your life, but that’s applicable for the entire planet, not just India.

You are Just Idiots. Most Corona cases are in USA and even after so much Population less number of cases

What does that have to do with it?

What does COVID-19 have to do with traveler safety in India? Did you post to the wrong thread or something?

You must be Pakistani

India is Safe, cultured and friendly

There is no such issue. How surprising, people in India have fear from law and order. they care of safety, food and life much more than any European or American now. So, no such thing happens. Yes, of course wherever this happens are not tourist or general place to visit by tourist or normal Indians even. India is safe to travel in night even. Roads are much better now in past 5-6 years. Everything is online and record of booking and can be shared with any of your known. Every genuine travel co. is on apps enabled with police alerting system. Everyone in India will tell you where to go if you want some such adventure. That is for Indians themselves as well. But no one will kill you.

SO RUDE!!!!!!!

Historically, most epidemics have started in European countries due to the terrible sanitation systems and the high population density in their overcrowded cities (Smallpox plague spread through North America by colonizers). I hope you’re trying to be sarcastic, because I’m not. Not talking about Covid, but a high population density OVERALL does not equate “third world undiscovered disease”, and it definitely does not equate ignorance, that mantle is held firmly by Internet users and review posters.

Safe, but not completely safe.

I would not say it is the safest place in the world, but it is relatively safe to travel there. Pickpockets are there, and it does have quite a few common scams in the busy district of India, such as a bird poop scam, in which they often deliberately spill poop on your shoes without you noticing, then pretend that they are the good ones, helping you clean your shoe up. Afterwards, they charge crazy prices for your cleaning after they are done. Terrorism may happen here as well, but I bet it is quite rare in India. What I don’t exactly agree with you is the sexual assault. India is a place where you have to be wary. Avoid going to dimly lit areas because that’s where most prey. Other than that, enjoy your trip to India. Have been there thrice, and will do it again.

obviously Indian ppl care too much abt their country image and try to defend whenever and wherever possible–it only tells me one thing–their lack of confidence and eagerness of getting acknowledge and accepted

ye paka pakistani hai… m sure!!!

Says the well-behaved Indian ^

As an Indian I observed how chinese media loves to portray India as the worst place possible yet Chinese are among the top five countries which visit India so you enjoy living in your small bubble of ignorance. It would be better for us.

Stop being bias

Anonymous, your reply made no sense. Chinese are not even top 10 countries that visit india the most. Most are from the US, UK, Bangladesh, Canada, Nepal. And what that shows is they are probably Indians visiting their relatives in India… Your comment just proved the point of the OP.

Unsafe for attractive women

Don’t go as an attractive American female. You’ll be harassed, yelled at, followed and in fear.

You can’t wear normal American attire. You can’t even go to a bar and drink without being physically intimidated or even mildly assaulted as a woman. You can’t go to any tourist attraction without being consistently bombarded and scammed. You’ll spend weeks sick to your stomach. I’ve traveled all over the world and never felt more unsafe than when in India.

I’ve seen men beat women openly in public with the police onlooking and not caring; I’ve seen an older orphan beat a toddler until his head split open and the police told me not to try to stop it, that this is how it’s supposed to be. The men are the most sexually aggressive of any country I’ve ever been to and won’t take no for an answer, and that says a lot.

I’ve been to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, and felt less threatened as a woman in all three. I’m not a tourist with a bad attitude, I opened an entire office in India with hundreds of employees and lived there for 6 months while doing so. It was quite possibly the worst human rights violation I’ve ever witnessed.

Equal rights are not a thing

People who think women’s basic rights are safe in India are blind to a growing problem of epic proportions. I’ve seen too much documented proof to believe that India is just as safe, as say, Norway, for the female traveler.

+BN yes violence is not nice and the police should be more vigilant when they see things like that but if by ‘normal american attire’ you mean skimpy/tight clothes and mini skirts drinking in a country where girls wear long shalwar kameez and dupaatas on their heads and don’t leave the house without their fathers/brothers/husbands so men don’t have a chance to raise an eyebrow or harass them then i would also be ashamed of you if i saw you like that. even women TV presenters wear a headscarf when they visit countries where women cover their hair to show respect. and seriously go sort out your abusive, racist president before talking about a country that was divided, scammed and robbed of for years by all of u ppl in exchange for your bloody alcohol and is now a third world country. and who said you are ‘attractive’?????? maybe in fifty kilos of makeup (that one of the 60,000,000 child laborers in india has mined minerals for in tunnels to put in your lipsticks) learn some manners.

…okay calm down…

You are not talking about India, women do not need anyone’s permission do go anywhere unless they are Muslim. Islam is one of many religions in India, do not give an unnecessary impression of an Islamic country. In general, if you are planning to visit a country, try to respect local customs. If you are not interested in understanding other cultures then there is very little point in your being here, and India already has enough people as it is. You are free to wear what you please as long as it is legal, but if you have noticed that people around you dress more conservatively, then you can’t with any conviction complain about the amount of attention you draw when you are aware why you are drawing it. Tourist scams are a thing, the exchange rate is so high that tourists don’t notice when they are being overcharged and they get taken advantage of at times. It is better to travel in a group, and bars in India are as unsafe as they are all over the world.

As for the violence you are talking about, I’ve lived 20 years in India and never seen anything like it, and I don’t even live in a “safe area”. Granted, some people engage in violence. That is rare, and rarer in India than its occurence worldwide.

It seems you open your office right in the middle of Wasseypur. I’ve never seen the amount of crime you’ve seen in just 6 months, that’s got be a record. The point about children spilitting each other’s heads open was a nice one, did you take video? The amount of BS you’ve written is insane’. There are some parts of the country that are definitely bad, and it seems you chose those exact places for some odd reason. Can’t blame a stupid person for being stupid.

DONT GO THERE I got robbed 3 times when I only went there only for 3 days just to visit the mosque and I am an American.

Danger country in the would

Yes , I am agree with you and I am live in India from birth , I am also some experience.

I think you travelled to Pakistan and mistakenly writing about India 😂😂🍌🍌

Rapist/Goons\uneducTed/ uncuvilized/castesystem/ poverty/overpopulation

Lets face the truth my fellow Indians, India is very unsafe for its own ppl too. My gf from germany visited india and was harassed to almost mentally raped level.

An Honest Reply to this Comment.

I have to write this reply to clear others’ misconceptions (most of them). and mind you… I’m not writing this to save my country’s image and “eagerness to get acknowledged and accepted”.

I’ll be honest with you all.

First, you tell me, if you could… How many places have you and your “gf” visited in India?

1. I do accept the point of overpopulation, but hardly any few places are there where you’ll be choked to death (***sarcasm if you didn’t get***).

2. According to you, if you’re considering a person “not knowing English” as uneducated, then… my boy… I’ll have to assume that, you’ve never visited any European countries (except the UK ofc).

3. Rapes and goons… well tbh, rapes cases happen in India in a significant amount. so for that one, I’ll recommend taking extra care while visiting any places. But goons?? are you that “popular/demanded to be dead” person? if you’ve faced any cases of goons (I’m assuming your life got threatened multiple times)… I think because of the naiveness you’ve got from fake news on the internet, any person got impatient and wanted you to be dead (***sarcasm again***). but tbh…. I’ve hardly seen any goons cases in both mainstream media (authorized) and in my personal life.

4. Uncivilized (pls improve your chatting/typing skills)… now I don’t know where’ve you went for tourism, or lived? If you think most of the people around you are uncivilized… nothing to say, teach your “elite” standard of living to your “uneducated” people in those countries where your concept of “being civilized” is accepted by most of the people there. Here, people will live their lives according to their lifestyle and livelihood… and yeah… different countries have their own culture… tourism is meant to know and experience those different cultures and lifestyle apart from their own. (that’s one of the basic things you should know if you’re touring).

5. Caste system… yeah. This happens but not in all places. you’ll see this in rural and few town areas of the northern region in India (states like UP). but it doesn’t make sense how this integral matter (poverty point too) of our country will affect any other’s tourism…

Female traveler alert

yes thats my experience as a female traveler from North Asia I tend to wear trousers and t shirts when sightseeing which isnt generally considered skimpy. Even when travelling with groups, the women with us would get harassed constantly by the local men. It was just shocking and stressful.

She lives in India, dude.

It is getting worse with Hindu Nationalism on the rise.

Yeah, right.

Sure. Hindu extreme terrorists are destroying all sense of safety you could feel in your home. Do try to sound less ridiculous next time.

Muslims are the problem

LOL, tell me one hindu terrorist group in the world.. everywhere Muslims make the mess. Now, enough, hindus have started countering terrorist Muslims.

India is unsafe place for woman to travel alone or in small group

Come on I haven’t been to Norway , but been to Dubai, London ,Toronto and all are way safer than India especially Haryana and Delhi are most unsafe for woman to travel alone even in day.I have heard so many cat calls and rowdy behavior in India.No need to sugar coat the fact.India is possibly worst place for woman to visit

Yes, our country is not the most safest for women. I would not recommend visiting rural areas as it is more unsafe there, most of the urban areas with the exception of Delhi are very safe for everyone. Just be sure to not get out of your way to cause trouble and mostly youd be ok!

Safety precautions

India is not safe as everywhere in the world.As a foreigner u need to take a little more precaution and do a little homework before u go there. Book a decent 4 or 5 * international chain hotel and u will be safe.As for taxis and tuk tuks, u cannot trust them better hire a uber or ola .Or ask the hotel for advice.As for the food u just have to check inside the restaurant if u fund it clean . Or u can eat in food courts or take rooms with kitchenette where u can prepare ur own.If u want a budget hotel better book with Airbnb i think they r more reliable.Hope this helps.

Update this page !!

This page is not factually correct LGBTQ is now legal in India and corruption in India has decreased considerably. I have gone with friends who are white women and who were safe throughout their trip. Be cautious as when travelling to every country.

This website is a shit

This is a soo biased website that it says Honduras and El Salvador are safer than India shame on them

yes, I agree with you, because they haven’t updated the things in ages. they have given terrorism as high. Can you please help me with the last terrorist attack in a public place that has casualties except for J&K as scenario it is different and Tourist and normal ppl(Indians) are not allowed to go as of now

How can you exclude terrorist in J&K? The rating is for the entire country and terrorist is indeed high.

The meaning of travel safety has changed in 2020.

if you’re a woman or muslim don’t go

Uhh, 15% of India is Muslim. That’s 196, 374, 000 people. Please elaborate. Women’s safety is dubious in rural regions if they are alone, but travel with just one more person and use your wits to avoid falling into exchange-rate scams. You’ll be fine. Or not.

Wrong Information by website

Who wrote this poppycock ? Surely this person never visited India !! Terrorism is high in India😂😂 Women Traveler’s risk is High 😂😂 The person writing this is High I guess 🙄🤔

Women Traveler’s risk IS high in India.

And if I say about Woman safety – As per NCRB REPORT 2019 1. Over 4 lakh reported cases of crimes against Women 2. 32,033 Rape cases reported (in 2019) So, you decide yourself, you high or the writer high?

That didn’t happen to tourists in india. Also police would support u better if u are a tourist. Even in Jammu where terrorism is high it don’t happen to tourists they literally have so much respect for tourists there.

So you’re saying those things don’t happen? Maybe you want us to come so you can harass the women and scam everyone.

Generally Speaking,India is one of the safest country in the world crime rates are low but serious security crime is rare in India.

Best joke of 2020 😂😂😂

Amazing + PKMKB

The country and it’s people are amazing. Do a bit of research and the scenery will blow your mind. South India is better.

Just stay away from Pakistan border region like Kashmir and you are safe. Really sad what radical islamic insurgency from Pakistan has turned this place into.

Terrorism is non-existent in India now (besides Kashmir valley), women’s safety is a major priority now. Some parts of the country, including parts of Delhi can be considered unsafe but what country doesn’t have such parts? If you use your brain, you will alright.

Delh is unsafe because haryana and UP are its neighbouring states

This does not reflect the India I know. Almost all people you’ll meet are very friendly and hospitable. Simply follow some basics

1. If eating street food: Make sure food is made freshly for you. It should be sizzling hot, Avoid the side salads and ice in drinks Keep to bottled water for drinking n brushing

2. When travelling: Inform hotel or relatives of journey. Use Uber and Ola, most others will charge more. Apply common sense on security of valuables. Hire a driver for the whole day or the entire trip.

3. Sight seeing: Check your guide is an official one. Book excursions with hotel or an agency. Do not give alms to beggars (organised crime).

Overall advice, be vigilante, be sensible but above all enjoy yourself (simple really).

India is Best country in world to visit. People are friendly , World class infrastructure ,4G internet , 3, 5 Star hotel’s Restaurants in every city. Indian food is best in World. From last 10 yrs no terrorist attacks. Everyone is safe here. No serious crimes.

one of best country in the world, where I went, lots of love from pakistan

one of the best country in the world, where I went, lots of love from Pakistan

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WRONG

THIS ARTICLE IS SOOO WRONG, I VISITED INDIA AND HAD NO PROBLEM AT ALL Please actually visit India and see how safe the is !!!!!!!!!!!

Just mind your own business, stay quiet, and avoid any topics related to religion, caste, and politics … you will be on the safe side.

And if I say about Woman safety – As per NCRB REPORT 2019 1. Over 4 lakh reported cases of crimes against Women 2. 32,033 Rape cases reported (in 2019) So, you decide yourself.

144,300 in USA. and India has 1.4 billion people the USA has 332 million. so the USA has almost 5 times more rape cases per million citizens.

Not too safe

This article is literally a joke.

India is the most unsafe country to live. One of the minsters in india said if girls(tourists) don’t want to get molested they shouldn’t wear revealing clothes. This country is disgusting.

Seriously! , India is unsafe just because some rubbish politician said like that. You are too dumb to if you are believing a single word from a politician. It could be due to the low class mentality or maybe just a publicity stunt to become popular. Yes, people here from 2 tier cities are of conservative thinking. But people in big cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata they do wear like you said revealing clothes and believe me no one bothers.

Haryana, UP, Bihar, Rajasthan are dustbins of India. Delhi is unsafe for women because Haryana and UP are its neighbouring states

Haryana is a million times safer than Delhi.

OMG is its safer than the united states. this country is like our unsafest city st louis

India not safer than St Louis

Wow. India is a way more dangerous place than St Louis, but I still found India quite safe. But then I’m a 6’3″ 250lb well-muscled man; I don’t even get hassled as a white guy in Zimbabwe.

But I have to ask…you really think St. Louis is “our unsafest city”? Ever been to Baltimore? Yes, St. Louis is not exactly “posh” compared to almost anywhere else in the US, but it really is not unsafe unless you walk around shouting racial slurs in North County. In case you couldn’t tell, I’ve lived in St Louis…didn’t stay long…but still longer than my time in India.

As an Indian who lived in St Louis its really scary especially living closeby to a bad neighbourhood, it was kind of scary as I have literally never heard gunshots in my life and it felt like I was going to die right there.. not to say I have been so close to being mugged…

Jesus Christ yes. The USA is so f… up. But thank god they got rid of trump in the dump!

The good, the bad and the ugly

Poor, filthy and over priced. Scammers everywhere in big cities. Not safe at all for foreign women, lot of sexual harassment if not properly taken care of. Though the food was good but the hygiene was very poor. Ahmedabad is my favorite city and hate Mumbai. Delhi had some awesome food.

Full of rapists, scammers and filthy unwashed people. Also they will greet you while pooping on the street. Yuck.

Allegedly Good.

You should avoid getting raped, this can range from getting raped with a rod, or penis. Better have a pepper spray with you all the time. Also, scammers have their ears raised all the time, hunting for rich white tourists. Religion can be the cause of trouble too. If you’re a Muslim, better not get lynched publicly. Also, don’t get very honest about the ground realities in India, or they’ll call you a “Pakistani Agent” or “Anti-national”. Hindutva Terrorism risk is quite high too, so is the transport risk. Other than these very minor things which are part of any civilized and highly evolved society, India is an extremely safe and tolerant country ☺

Such a foolish and 3rd grade observation. There is no Hindutva terrorism and no one calls you by religion or country. Locals know their culture better than your observation and System know their law and authority to safe guard foreigners. People are supportive to keep you safe and sound. No one cheats you until you yourself get into such groups or places. And that is same for Indians as well. But they will not kill you. Indians have fear of law and order. System and transport and Roads are developed in past 5-6 years like anything.. Everything is online and through internet to connect to govt system. No one can guarantee about scammers though all over the world. But all genuine travelers, Taxi, Air, Train system is well connected now and even connected to police station and Safety system now. All Indians know what is good and bad in taste for their own safety. So, it can be told to tourist as well.

India safe? No, but it's better then it was.

India has been improving in recent decades but make no mistake, it’s still third world. You can see incredible wealth and even more incredible poverty all in the span of a few minutes. It’s a beautiful country, but many have no problems trying to rip you off.

I go to Goa at least once a year, but occasionally go to other parts of the country as well. My company (I work for, not own) does a lot of business in New Delphi, but I try to avoid it like that plague. I much prefer the smaller villages/towns over the massive cities.

Almost everywhere you go, you’ll see a great number of people.

if you say terrorism risk in india is very high tell me how much last year terrorist attack in india and he had captured the tourist or indian people if you really want india visit india

“Transport and Taxis Risk: Keep in mind that driving is dangerous because of poor road conditions and the fact that India follows the left-hand driving system.”

What nonsense. I’m willing to believe that road conditions are probably poor, but SURELY the taxi drivers are used to the ‘left-hand driving system’ and have probably spent their whole adult life driving on the left!

Lovely Place to Visit

India is such a good country to visit. Lots of amazing food and places to visit. It’s also getting better. It has improved a lot over the past few years. You should go to india

India is more Secure I have visited plenty of countries like USA, Canada, China but I feel India is Safe Like other countries you Can Enjoy Here

Don’t visit India if you think its not safe for you. Simple.

Hi. I’m Iranian and love India. Visit India soon but i can’t create in bank cuz i’m Iranian :/

Way better than it used to be

I felt safer here than when I visited in the 90s, things have changed drastically. Yes, you still have the occasional petty crimes but if you’re careful and avoid flashing your wallet’s content you will be ok. Plan your daily routes using popular locations, going off track might set you up for a meeting with a desperate mugger.

hindutva fanatism on raise

Current political business by ruling party and other hindu facts : Hate speec, multiple agressions against minorities, communal hatred, religiosity In the last 7 years and particularly in the last 3 years, multiple lynching of muslims and dalit hindus and christians. Beware those people with white skin are considered ‘ Christians ‘ and those with beards and scarfs as mulsims.

I agree…India is quite safe I feel India is Safe Like other countries you Can Enjoy Here Lovely Place to Visit India is such a good country to visit. Lots of amazing food and places to visit. It’s also getting better. It has improved a lot over the past few years. You should go to india

India is no more safe country tnx to Hindutawa

The most important reason is the Hindutva policies of the Modi government. local roits out break there in most area of the country india. For a long time me Hindutva on the peak in India with the advent of Modi government. Not only with Sikhs and Muslims but also Hindu and now Christians rights are not safe in India. The ratio of rape cases are increased at dangerous level, to elaborate this is enough to write that an old age will women about 90 years has been gang rapped in India few days ago. The video of a Hindu boy is viral in which he cuts the girl’s throat in front of his family in past week in the shade of hindutawa,,, just bcz he failed to win the love of that girl.. Tourist are not safe there also bcz of the security is only in the eyes of the media of india but not in the reality. Kashmir issue and khalistan issue has gained more power and danger of local roits no one can deny this…

India is a Safest country

India is a safest country. There is no doubt about it. As Indians are facing too many issues in america and other countries. India is a safest country

Safe Place, just use common sense and try to respect local tradition and blend in

I visited Chennai, Tanjore, Trichy, Kozhikode, Kovalam, Wayanad, Munnar and a few more places in Kerala during September 2018 along with my family. I can throw some light on a few aspects :

1. Transport – We only used Cab (OLA ?) so I cant speak about public transit. But we did try the metro in Chennai and it was exactly like here in DC but much more clean. I don’t know who would accept food and drinks from strangers anywhere so that point doesn’t make sense.

2. Pickpockets – Cant comment on this but I did carry cash everywhere and I was fine. I never used any coins and the currency is very similar, just round off everything to the nearest 10. This honestly seems so minor but I would suggest keeping any important IDs like passport in a Hotel or something if you are worried.

3. Terrorism – I did some reading on this while planning for the trip, apparently most of the terrorism is concentrated in the northern areas and its pretty much non-existent anywhere else. Honestly I am more scared of mugging and homeless shootings here in DC.

4. Natural Disaster – India is such a big country and this is something that can happen anywhere anytime. Unless you are travelling to say Japan this entire section is ridiculous. It rained and there was water everywhere but never enough to cause a problem.

5. Risk for women – This seems to be the most debated issue. There were a lot of stares but NO ONE misbehaved inappropriately. Again, we have a lot of experience travelling abroad and we do our best to dress conservatively and not stand out in a crowd.

My overall take is to just use common sense and respect the local customs. India is a conservative place so don’t go running around in swimsuits. Its not our place to question if its right or wrong just respect the local tradition and blend in as much as possible. We were planning a second trip to Delhi. Agra, Leh etc. last year but you know what happened !

Poor and developing country usally safe for travelling.

India is a diverse country. So there is a high chance you will end up unfollowing societal and cultural practices and could cause trouble to yourselfs. Better use an authorised Tourist Guide if you are concerned of safety while travelling in India even though the country is generally Safe.

(Disregard my rating but do read my opinion)

The most common myth about India is that crimes against women are frequent. People should know that safety level is judged by crime rate (i.e., per capita) and not by total number of occurrences. There are certainly discriminations against women, especially in rural India, but women are no way in a disadvantageous position in urban India than anywhere else in the world. (we know there is underreporting and the ideal rate should be zero but one cannot simply inflate the figure to suit one’s narrative.)

Further, although petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft are common, violent crimes are rare. If you know the things to avoid while in the country, you can enjoy your time very much. All you need is to ask someone from your circle and your country what are things to be cautious about.

the hindu terrorism is increasing. People of other religions like muslims, sikhs and christians are in danger if living or traveling in India.

Indian delights

Most guys in India don`t respect women, that`s the problem. We travelled a lot in India as two always very decently dressed women and we felt harassed in most cities except Kerala. we truly not recommand you to travel in India as a woman.Even with men`s companion people widely dont hesitate to bother you, may be beggars or shopkeepers. Its very exhausting. The other issue is, that India is a very, very dirty country and most people don`t care about cleanliness and hygiene, especilly the toilets are unexplically dirty and no wonder the food is also unsafe. So travel in India is really an experience far from safety! If you want to enjoy indian culture, you better go to Mauritius or Singapur!

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• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
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The best ways to fly to India with points and miles

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

India is a top destination for many travelers. You can occasionally find flight deals to India, especially if you are patient and have flexible travel dates. If you find a good flight deal, you may want to use a credit card travel portal to book your flights .

Otherwise, you may want to redeem points and miles for flights to India . This guide will discuss some of the top airline loyalty programs to use when booking award flights between the U.S. and India.

Whether you are booking paid flights or award flights, remember to consider booking positioning flights in the U.S. and India. Doing so may unlock more award options or better pricing. Let's get started.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

ANA Mileage Club

If you're looking to book a round-trip award, booking with ANA Mileage Club may be a good option. ANA is a member of the Star Alliance but also partners with some airlines outside Star Alliance, including Etihad Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

You can redeem ANA miles to fly round-trip between North America and Asia (which includes India) at the following rates:

• Economy : 55,000 to 70,000 miles on ANA-operated flights; 80,000 miles on partners.
• Premium economy : 84,000 to 99,000 miles on ANA-operated flights; not available on partners.
• Business : 100,000 to 115,000 miles on ANA-operated flights; 136,000 miles on partners.
• First : 195,000 to 210,000 miles on ANA-operated flights; 240,000 miles on partners.

You'll still pay these rates even if you fly one-way. So you'll only want to consider ANA Mileage Club if you plan to book a round-trip award.

For example, here's an economy round-trip award operated by Singapore Airlines that you can book for 80,000 ANA miles plus 84.30 Singapore Dollars (about $64):

However, taxes and fees are a lot higher on ANA-operated awards. Here's a premium economy round-trip award operated by ANA that you can book for 94,000 ANA miles plus 817.90 Singapore dollars (about $618):

If you need to earn ANA miles to book your award, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio or Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred).

Related: Quick Points: Book mixed-cabin awards with ANA Mileage Club to stretch your miles

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is another option for flights between the U.S. and India.

You can redeem for flights on Virgin Atlantic, although the taxes and fees are often too high for this to make sense. For example, consider the following off-peak awards from New York to Mumbai via London:

The award costs jump higher for Virgin Atlantic-operated awards on peak dates, though. Combined with the high taxes and fees, these awards won't appeal to most travelers.

You can also redeem Virgin points according to off-peak and peak zone-based charts for long-haul flights operated by Air France and KLM. Here's the pricing you should see for one-way awards between the U.S. and India operated by Air France or KLM:

• Economy : 28,000 points off-peak to/from eastern U.S., 38,000 points peak to/from eastern U.S., 31,000 points off-peak to/from central or western U.S. and 41,000 points peak to/from central or western U.S.
• Premium economy (only on Air France): 56,000 points off-peak to/from the eastern U.S., 76,000 points peak to/from the eastern U.S., 62,000 points off-peak to/from central or western U.S. and 72,000 points peak to/from central or western U.S.
• Business : 110,000 points off-peak to/from eastern U.S., 120,000 points peak to/from eastern U.S., 122,500 points off-peak to/from central or western U.S. and 132,500 points peak to/from central or western U.S.

But in practice, the rates you'll see for awards operated by Air France and KLM on the Flying Club website may not match the award chart rates. For example, these awards operated by Air France and KLM cost 27,000 points (1,000 points less than we'd expect).

If you want to earn Virgin points , you can leverage the following transferable currencies:

• American Express Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (if you have the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) or the Citi Prestige® Card , which is no longer open to new applicants).
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio.
• Bilt Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio.
• Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus points for every 60,000 points transferred).
• Capital One miles at a 1:1 ratio (to Virgin Red ).

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: When and how to book Delta awards with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Flying Blue

The Flying Blue program is another option for award flights between the U.S. and India. One-way awards between the U.S. and India start at 35,000 miles in economy, 65,000 miles in premium economy and 95,000 miles in business.

For example, we could book the one-way KLM-operated economy award that costs 27,000 Virgin points plus $219 (see the previous section) for 35,000 Flying Blue miles plus $125.

Finding business class awards at the starting rate of 95,000 miles can be challenging. But you can easily check award pricing by cabin around your desired travel dates by looking at the bar above the results. Unfortunately, as you'll see in the one-way business class award example below, the taxes and fees are rather high on business class awards.

If you want to earn Flying Blue miles , you can transfer any of the following transferable currencies:

• Capital One miles at a 1:1 ratio.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (if you have the Citi Premier Card or the Citi Prestige Card ).
• Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred).
• Bilt Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to either Air France or KLM (both of which use Flying Blue as their loyalty program).

Related: This month's Flying Blue Promo Rewards

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan award prices follow region-based award charts . The U.S. is in the North America region and India is in the Atlantic region. However, most one-way awards between the U.S. and India have a distance of 6,001 to 8,000 miles and hence are priced as follows:

• Economy : 55,000 to 80,000 points for Air Canada-operated flights; 55,000 points for partner-operated flights.
• Premium economy : 70,000 to 100,000 points for Air Canada-operated flights; not offered on partner-operated flights.
• Business : 85,000 to 200,000 points for Air Canada-operated flights; 90,000 points for partner-operated flights.
• First : 120,000 to 225,000 points on Air Canada-operated flights; 130,000 points on partner-operated flights.

However, if you combine Air Canada-operated flights with flights operated by partner airlines, you may see different pricing.

Aeroplan's rates are higher than what you'll find with other programs, especially once you consider the partner booking fee.

But, if you want to add in a stopover or have inflexible travel dates, you may find that the Aeroplan program is best for your trip to India. I had little trouble finding partner awards pricing as expected from major cities in the U.S. to major cities in India.

If you need to earn Aeroplan points for an award, you could use the Aeroplan® Credit Card . However, if you need points more urgently, you could leverage the following transferable currencies:

Related: Complete guide to Aeroplan's stopover and routing rules

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles can be a good way to book Star Alliance awards between the U.S. and India. You can book round-trip promotional awards on Turkish Airlines or its partners between the U.S. and India at the following rates:

• Economy : 68,000 miles.
• Business : 105,000 miles.
• First : 154,000 miles.

You can also book a one-way promotional award for half the cost in miles of a round-trip award. There's plenty of economy award availability on Turkish Airlines-operated flights from the U.S. to India for 34,000 miles plus $128.80 one-way.

You can also find some availability on Star Alliance partners. For example, here's a one-way business class award on an Air India-operated flight from New York to Delhi for 52,500 miles plus $277.90.

If you want to earn Turkish miles to book an award, you can transfer Capital One miles at a 1:1 ratio, Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (if you have the Citi Premier Card or the Citi Prestige Card ), Bilt Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio and Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred).

Related: 10 things to know about flying Turkish Airlines

Avianca LifeMiles

Avianca LifeMiles is another option you could use if you want to fly Star Alliance airlines between the U.S. and India.

You'll usually find one-way Star Alliance awards between the U.S. and India for 47,000 miles in economy, 90,000 miles in business and 120,000 miles in first.

But one interesting part of the Avianca LifeMiles program is how it prices mixed cabin awards. For example, you could pay just 3,330 miles more to fly Air India business class instead of economy class from Hong Kong to Delhi on the following award.

If you want to earn Avianca LifeMiles, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio, Capital One miles at a 1:1 ratio, Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (if you have the Citi Premier Card or the Citi Prestige Card ) and Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio.

Related: Can't find award availability with Avianca LifeMiles? Don't give up until you try this trick

United MileagePlus

United MileagePlus offers reasonably priced economy awards between the U.S. and India on most dates. On most dates, you'll find one-way economy awards for 46,800 miles plus modest taxes and fees. For example, here's a calendar view of economy awards from Austin, Texas, to Delhi:

You'll likely end up on Air India if you're looking for the least-expensive one-stop routing:

But keep an eye out for other Star Alliance carriers, such as LOT Polish:

United MileagePlus awards between the U.S. and India are often expensive in premium cabins. So unless you have a lot of United miles , you'll likely want to utilize other programs if you want to fly in premium cabins. Here's an example of some of the least expensive business and first class awards I found between New York and Delhi:

If you want to earn United miles , you have multiple options. For example, you can use a United credit card or transfer rewards from Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1.1 ratio (with 5,500 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred) and Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Related: 6 things you need to know about United Airlines MileagePlus

Alaska Mileage Plan

Alaska Mileage Plan provides some nice options between the U.S. and India. Based on Alaska's new simplified award chart , you'd expect to see one-way awards starting at the following rates between the U.S. and India:

• Economy : 42,500 miles
• Premium economy : 55,000 miles.
• Business : 65,000 miles.
• First : 80,000 miles.

But in practice, you may find less-expensive awards when you search on Alaska's website. For example, here's a Japan Airlines-operated economy award from Seattle to Bangalore for 35,000 miles plus $31.

And here's a Japan Airlines-operated business award from New York to Delhi for 60,000 miles plus $30.

Alaska Mileage Plan may be very appealing if you want to build a stopover into your one-way award. For example, you can book the same Japan Airlines itinerary shown above with about a week stopover in Tokyo for the same number of miles and just slightly higher taxes and fees.

The primary downside of redeeming Alaska miles is the difficulty you may face in earning Alaska miles . That said, you can earn miles through Alaska credit cards , the Alaska Mileage Plan shopping portal and by transferring rewards from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio (with 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred).

Related: Maximizing redemptions with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

American AAdvantage

Finally, American Airlines AAdvantage provides some good options between the U.S. and India. You can fly one-way awards that involve American's partners between the U.S. and India at the following rates:

• Economy : 40,000 miles.
• Premium economy : 62,500 miles.
• Business : 70,000 miles.
• First : 115,000 miles.

You'll usually see reasonable taxes and fees if you avoid British Airways-operated flights. Also, American's large network within the U.S. makes it easy to connect within the U.S. at the start or end of your award.

It's relatively easy to find economy awards involving American's partners for 40,000 miles each way. For example, here's a one-way economy award on Qatar Airways-operated flights from Los Angeles to Bengaluru for 40,000 miles plus $41.80:

And here's a one-way business class award on Finnair-operated flights from Dallas to Mumbai for 70,000 miles plus $12.30:

The biggest downside of American Airlines AAdvantage awards is that it can be difficult to earn American miles . But you can earn miles through American Airlines credit cards , Bask Bank and the AAdvantage shopping portal . Plus, you can transfer rewards to AAdvantage from Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio and Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio.

Related: Maximizing redemptions with American Airlines AAdvantage

Bottom line

This guide discussed various ways to redeem points and miles for flights to India. The best program for you will depend on various factors, including award availability, what points and miles you currently have and how you want to fly.

Booking flights is just the start of your trip planning. Luckily, you can also redeem hotel points in India — and there are some excellent properties to consider. For example, Hyatt's Alila Fort Bishangarh near Jaipur is spectacular. You can stay at the world's only Category 1 Park Hyatt in Chennai . And the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Agra offers views of the Taj Mahal from its roof-top infinity pool.

If you don't want to plan what to do in India once you book your flights, Elsewhere (owned by TPG's sister brand, Lonely Planet) may be able to plan the perfect trip for you.

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India Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in India. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Measles May 28, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Chikungunya

There has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in India within the last 5 years. Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for the following travelers:

• People aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in India, OR
• People planning to stay in India for a cumulative period of 6 months or more

Chikungunya - CDC Yellow Book

Cholera is  presumed to be present  in India. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to India.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to India. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to India.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for India.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in India.

Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in India, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

• Arrive within 6 days of leaving an area with risk for YF virus transmission, or
• Have been in such an area in transit (exception: passengers and members of flight crews who, while in transit through an airport in an area with risk for YF virus transmission, remained in the airport during their entire stay and the health officer agrees to such an exemption), or
• Arrive on a ship that started from or touched at any port in an area with risk for YF virus transmission ≤30 days before its arrival in India, unless such a ship has been disinsected in accordance with the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), or
• Arrive on an aircraft that has been in an area with risk for YF virus transmission and has not been disinsected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules, 1954, or as recommended by WHO.
• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
• Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad only), Venezuela

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Avoid skin contact

Antimicrobial-resistant (ar) ringworm.

• Close contact with infected person
• Shared objects (e.g., towels, bed sheets)
• Shared surfaces (e.g., locker room and shower floors)
• Keep skin clean and dry.
• Do not share bedding, towels, or clothes.
• Avoid touching the infected area so it does not spread to other parts of your body. 
• Consult a healthcare provider for treatment and testing.
• Avoid steroid creams, as they can make the ringworm worse.
• Use prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) antifungals exactly as directed and contact a healthcare provider if treatment is not working.
• Topical antifungals and oral terbinafine are frequently ineffective against AR ringworm.

Emerging Severe and Antimicrobial-Resistant Ringworm | Ringworm | CDC

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in India, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in India. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in India—such as dengue, Zika, filariasis, and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in India include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis and leptospirosis, infections that can be spread in fresh water, are found in India. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call India’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in India. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of India may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in India, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in India.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in India, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for India .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in India, dial 100 or, from a mobile phone, 112. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about India before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on India from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for India for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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What are you looking for?

India packing list: what to pack for india in 2024.

Knowing how to pack for India is actually a pretty tough task, and one that we first struggled with.

There are all kinds of questions probably racing through your head, such as …

“What can I wear in India as a woman tourist?”

“Is there a dress code in India for tourists?”

“Can males and females wear shorts in India?”

Their relatively strict and reserved religious culture means that the dress code in India certainly won't be quite as laid back as it is in the western world.

You also need to take into account other important things such as the time of year and the many diverse climates that India has.

To help put your mind at ease and help you know exactly what to pack for India, I’ve gone ahead and put together the ultimate India packing list .

Filled with all the tips & tricks we picked up on when backpacking in India .

Let's get started!

Before traveling anywhere, make sure you have your travel insurance in place. We recommend SafetyWing. ‍

Here's a few reasons ...

• They Cover for Covid-19
• You can pause and restart policies each month
• They are more affordable than many providers

For more info, check out my in-depth SafetyWing review .

Ultimate India travel packing checklist

Men's packing list, women's packing list, travel essentials, tech/gadgets, health & safety, miscellaneous, other items to consider, a few things you need to know about india.

Here are 3 key things you need to first be aware of before you start packing your bags and heading off abroad for an epic trip across India.

1. Religion in India

Just like Bali , and many other places throughout Asia, the dominant religion in India is Hinduism, with roughly 80% of the population claiming to be so.

People tend to dress more conservatively than in western countries, though they are certainly not the strictest of religions.

Yes, you will typically see women covering up more of their bodies (particularly their legs) but they do still have skin on show.

Many women have parts of their back open and many locals even have parts of their cleavage and stomachs showing, no matter what age they are.

Religion and dress code in India becomes more important when visiting religious sites.

Here, it is more respectful if you have some way to cover up.

Cazzy always carries some sort of light shawl with her so she can cover up the rest of her arms if required.

She typically always had on a long, light dress that covered up more than enough and didn’t offend.

On a side note, if you are a female tourist in India, then you will get stared at a LOT by locals, particularly the men.

As she's from Ireland , Cazzy is naturally very white and really stands out.

So if you have a lot of skin on show then you are just encouraging more people to stare at you in an uncomfortable manner.

2. Geography of India

India is HUGE!

It’s more than 3 million square kilometres and home to more than 1.3 billion people; roughly 13 times the size of the UK.

As such, you can expect it to have an incredibly varied climate depending on which part of the country you visit.

On our visit, we went as far south as Goa and as far north as Delhi & Agra , so were able to experience many of the changes.

As a very rough guide, the further north you get, it tends to get a little cooler, whereas Goa in the south is much hotter.

This is a VERY rough idea and not totally accurate as your experiences of temperature and rainfall will vary depending on how far east and west you are.

For a much deeper understanding of the expected temperatures and climate in the parts you plan on visiting, check out this website .

3. Seasons in India

India has 4 seasons:

• Winter - January to February
• Summer - March to May
• Monsoon - June to September
• Post-monsoon - October to December

Again, these will vary depending on which part of the country you are in, but are the typical overarching months.

We were packing for India in November, and had great weather during our entire 3 weeks there .

In the south it was definitely hotter, with many days being in the low 30s or high 20s, and by the time we were in Delhi it was typically in the mid-20s.

The most popular months to visit India are November to February and it’s not surprising as the weather is much more manageable across the board.

Choosing the right bag for India

When packing for India, the first important decision you need to make is deciding which bag to take.

If you are backpacking India, like us, then I’d recommend one larger rucksack , perhaps 60-70 litres and one smaller day bag , closer to 25 litres.

This will be plenty big enough to pack everything you need, plus more.

Our visit to India formed part of a much larger 3 month backpacking adventure through Sri Lanka and Nepal, and our bags were perfect for holding everything we needed for our entire trip.

Of course, everyone’s trip is different, so when selecting the best backpack for India (if you haven’t already), consider this:

• How long will your total backpacking trip be?
• What sorts of activities do you plan on doing in India?
• Will you be backpacking India on your own or with someone else?

Choosing a larger backpack

I received my backpack as a backpacking gift just after uni, and it's still going strong. It’s accompanied me on every backpacking adventure across more than 2 dozen different countries on 4 continents.

It’s made by Osprey who are the go-to choice for the majority of backpackers.

We see them used everywhere and it’s really unsurprising why.

They are fantastic quality, lightweight, strong and look great.

I’ve even sewn badges into the sides of mine for every country we visit and it hasn’t ruined the integrity at all.

Here are our 2 recommendations:

Bradley's choice

OSPREY PACKS FARPOINT 70 (FOR MEN)

Cazzy's choice.

OSPREY PACKS RENN 65 (FOR WOMEN)

Choosing the perfect day bag.

A day bag is an essential travel item for India for 2 reasons.

Most obviously because you’ll need it when out exploring individual areas during the day.

But a great day bag is also essential for helping you to keep valuable items close to you when moving between destinations.

For example, when taking long bus or boat journeys between places, we like to store our expensive equipment, like our travel laptops and cameras, in these bags so they are always closer by.

The Loctote Flak Sack is perfect for just this occasion as it's a specially designed anti-theft travel bag .

When choosing which day bag is great for you, consider things like:

• Will you be doing a lot of vigorous activities? Like hiking
• Do you need special compartments for your own travel tech?

My day bag is slightly smaller but best suited for day trips and hiking; it’s plenty big enough for both Cazzy and my own needs.

Cazzy’s day bag choice, the Tropicfeel Shell backpack, is an amazing bag in it's own right. A little more pricey but can actually be doubled up as a main backpack or camera backpack as well as it has the ability to expand and contract. Read more in our review of it here .

2-in 1 Backpack combination

If you're looking for a backpack and daypack combination that's waterproof, spacious and practical, then we highly recommend the Salkan.

We've conducted a full review on the Salkan backpack and daypack which you can find here , but I seriously feel it's a fantastic investment that will last you a lifetime of travels.

We've been using it for a while now across Canada and the USA and it's totally awesome.

OSPREY PACKS STRATOS 24

Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

What about roll-on luggage.

If you're not really into backpacks, and prefer roll-on luggage, then our top recommendation (based solely off personal experience) would have to be Horizn Studios (read our review of them here ).

They make absolute top quality cases, and in particular I am a big fan of the M5 Smart . It's a little more expensive but comes integrated with a portable charger.

Meaning you can charge your devices on-the-go and while waiting around at airports.

If you're planning on backpacking India, then roll-on luggage might not be the most practical solution, though some people do disagree.

If youre going for more a off a resort-based holiday to India, then it will be spot on!

For more ideas, check out our guide on the best luxury carry-on luggage .

Final thoughts on picking bags for travel to India

If you do plan on travelling as a couple in India, then here’s something to consider.

Less is more.

What do I mean by this?

Well, it means that you probably don’t need to take anywhere near as much with you as you think you would.

When Cazzy and I backpack for a few months or more, we only actually take one larger 70 litre backpack between us and it is plenty.

And as you will see in the rest of this India packing list for backpacking, we take plenty of stuff with us, more than the average travelers.

Partly because of Cazzy’s need for medical supplies (she’s type 1 diabetic) and partly because we work whilst travelling so need a lot of tech.

It’s so much more liberating having just one rucksack between us and is much more convenient overall.

For more backpack ideas, check out my in-depth Solgaard review . These guys offer a full range of backpacks, specifically designed for modern digital nomads who need to carry a mixture of clothes, as well as work gear (like laptops) when travelling.

You might also like: Best Eco-Friendly Bags For Travel

What to pack for India: Travel Essentials

Here’s a look at all the other travel essentials for India that you might need. Feel free to use the buttons below to skip to different sections.

What to wear in India for men

A male India packing list should ideally be made up of light, loose fitting clothes.

For the majority of the places you visit in India, it’s going to be hot and humid, so heavy clothes are just going to leave you feeling exhausted.

That being said, the night-times can have cold weather once the sun goes in, so it’s worth having one pair of jeans and a hoodie with you as a minimum.

Here’s a look at what I packed for India.

• 2 pairs of swim trunks
• 1 pair of jorts
• 1 pair of jeans
• Lightweight trousers
• 1 evening shirt - For those nicer restaurants
• 2 tank tops
• 1 lightweight rain jacket - If you visit during the monsoon season (June to December) then make sure you have one of these!
• 1 pair of trainers - I recommend Tropicfeel as a great all round travel trainer for all kinds of weather
• 1 pair of flip flops - I wore my Reef flip flops wherever possible in India, I love them as they are incredibly robust and well suited for longer walks
• 5 pairs of trainer socks
• 1 cap - Essential in helping to keep the hot, mid-day sun off your face
• 1 pair of sunglasses - You can pick these up really cheap in most parts of India

What to wear in India for women (from Cazzy)

When it comes to packing clothing for India as a woman, you’ll be happy to hear it isn’t overly complicated. 

One thing I would note is that India is bursting with amazing clothing, so I would actually bring less, so that you can purchase some beautiful pieces whilst out there; such as long skirts, or one of a kind dresses and shoes! 

• 1 shoulder scarf - These are light and airy and perfect for covering up when you’re at certain temples, like the Taj Mahal
• 1 pair of sunglasses 
• 1 light rain jacket - I would base this on the season you’re visiting, so if you’re visiting in the dry season, you will not need this
• 1 pair of flip flops - Essential for the wearing on the beaches in India
• 4 t-shirts 
• 2 pairs of shorts 
• 1 swimming costume - I prefer swimming suits in India, just out of respect for local culture 
• 3 sun dresses - A must see for when walking around different sites 
• 1 pair of trainers - Bring just one pair of shoes for India; I recommend either Skechers or Tropicfeel . Any other shoes you need you can easily buy when in India
• 5 pairs of trainer socks 
• 1 long skirt - Either bring one with you, or wait and buy one out in India because they’re beautifully made and very cheap! 
• 1 pair of light trousers - Great for the evenings in India or if you’re doing some light hiking. I recommend Buddha Pants for a great choice on style, and they're super easy to pack.
• 1 playsuit or jumpsuit - Perfect for jazzing up an outfit for the evening if you’re somewhere special 
• 1 light jacket - Perfect for long train journeys, internal flights and if you pick up a sea breeze in the evening

Washing clothes in India

Getting your clothes washed in India is pretty easy, and you’ll find places to help you out in all major tourist areas.

In fact, the hostels and hotels themselves usually offer a cheap and easy service, and you can have your clothes back within a day.

First aid kit

For all of our travels, we always pack a straightforward first aid kit, just in case of minor emergencies. Here’s what we took with us to India:

• Diarrhoea kit - Essential for India where many people suffer from the dreaded “Delhi Belly” which wasn’t an issue for us, yay!
• Paracetamol
• Scissors/nail clippers
• Moleskin tape
• Needles and thread
• Bandages & tape
• Antiseptic cream
• Travel sickness tablets - Great for all those long bus and train journeys through India where it's easy to get travel sick

Ready-made travel first aid kit

If you don’t yet own a travel first aid kit, then here’s a good option to buy.

It contains the majority of what you need and you can then just add in any other items you want to take with you.

Plus, it’s small enough to tuck away in your backpack and not take up much space.

You can pick up any toiletries you need when in India, but the exact products you are used to back home might be hard to find or a lot more expensive than what they would usually be as they are imported.

That’s why one of my top India packing tips would be to buy a full set of your toiletries before you leave, and these should last you for at least a good few weeks of your trip.

I wouldn’t take much more than that as then you’re just asking for trouble with some sort of unwanted liquids explosion in your luggage!

• Wash bag - Buy one ( like this ) that has a handle on it. Many bathrooms in Indian hotels and hostels are cramped with nowhere to set them, but having a handle makes your life a LOT easier!
• 2 x toothbrush 
• 2 toothbrush travel container
• Men’s deodorant
• Women’s deodorant
• Shampoo & conditioner 2 in 1
• Dry shampoo
• Disposable razors
• Shaving foam
• Electric razor
• Small perfume
• Small aftershave
• Toilet paper - It’s worth keeping a spare toilet roll on your when travelling through India, as many public toilets won’t have any

Travel Banking

When people sort out what to pack when travelling to India, they rarely give enough thought to how they’re actually going to get the best value for money when there.

Well, a key part of packing for any trip should include which travel cards you decide to take with you.

These will allow you to get the most bang for your buck when abroad and make the most of the money you have worked so hard to save for travelling .

It’s also important to make sure that you have enough travel cards so that, just in case you lose one or have something stolen, then you have backups.

When we travel, we have 4.

• 2 live in my wallet
• 1 lives in my big rucksack
• 1 lives in Cazzy’s big rucksack or day bag

That way, if one bag goes missing, or my wallet gets stolen, then we have some way of withdrawing and spending money.

What are the best banks in India?

India is the only country we have visited where we have had issues withdrawing money.

Despite there being so many different banks, very few actually seemed to allow us to withdraw money, which ended up being an issue in Goa in particular.

I had to ride on the back of our hotel owners moped for about an hour, visiting every ATM in the area and finding none that would work!

Outside of Goa, the best and most reliable bank that we found for withdrawals was Bank of Baroda.

Which travel cards do we use?

Nowadays, there are so many great solutions out there that you need to find yourself an option with the best possible currency conversions and limited charges on ATM withdrawals.

We have trialled a number of different solutions over the years and the two favorites we have come down to are Monzo and Revolut .

We’ve used these guys since the start and, if you’re from the UK then I recommend these above all other options.

If you’re from the USA, then check their sites as they are both either live or set to launch very soon abroad.

For more information, check out this guide I put together: Monzo vs Revolut .

It also includes details about the other options available to you.

To get started with either of these, all you do is download the app, enter some basic details and order your free travel cards.

• Find Monzo here: Apple / Android
• Find Revolut here: Apple / Android

Important Documents

There are a number of key documents you will need to include as a part of your packing list for India; including ...

• Wallet to hold important documents - This is one of my favourite travel tips and a great way to keep all important documents together and organised. Particularly important if your trip lasts a few months and there’s lots of pieces of paper that could easily get lost
• Driving license and international driving permit - One of the best ways to get around in India is by moped, particularly when out and about exploring the areas around cities like Udaipur . To hire a moped (or a car) you’ll need your home driving license as well as an international driving permit. If you’re from the UK, then you can get this from The Post Office , be sure to sort it at least a few weeks before you’re set to depart.
• Copy of your passport and travel insurance - It’s always useful to keep a photocopy of your passport and travel insurance on you when travelling
• Copy of your vaccinations - When entering India, the officials may require you to show proof of having certain vaccinations. It all depends on which country you come from; but as we visit so many countries, we always keep a copy of this with us
• Print out of your travel insurance - If ever you do have an accident and need medical treatment abroad, it's extremely useful to have a printed copy of your travel insurance, with detailed notes of what you are covered for and to what level
• Travel insurance - You will definitely need travel insurance for India! For that matter, you should have travel insurance for any country. You never know what will go wrong and the cost of treatment without insurance can easily enter the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you’re from the US, then SafetyWing is known for providing good value travel insurance with solid coverage. If you’re from the UK, then they may be too expensive and it’s best to start your search with a tool like Compare The Market. Be sure to check the terms & conditions before buying. For example, I could only find one insurer able to offer me insurance for trips of up to 90 days, most only cover you for trips up to 2 or 3 weeks.

Cameras & other tech

As mentioned earlier, we tend to take more travel tech with us than the average traveller.

Probably because we work whilst travelling and are always looking to create great content to share on the blog!

Here’s a look at the cameras and other equipment that we packed for India.

If you want to capture the best quality travel pictures possible in India, then a DSLR is what you need. When combined with a variety of lenses ( like this one ), you have the ability to create some epic shots, especially as your skills and understanding get better. Our skills with our DSLR are slowly getting better and we try to practice more and more as we go.

Handheld video camera

We used our Canon video camera everywhere we went in India, and it’s perfect for capturing really high quality pictures, video and sound no matter where you are. Best of all, it’s lightweight and far less bulky than a DSLR camera . So when we were out on day trips around places like Pushkar , with just a daybag, it was essential in capturing all the gorgeous photos you see on our India travel blog posts . For more ideas, check out this guide on best blogging cameras . They work just as well for non bloggers too!

Underwater camera / action camera

We’ve tried a few action cameras in recent years, but none compare to the GoPro Hero 8 which is a truly revolutionary and awesome piece of kit. In particular, the auto-stabilisation feature means that you can pick up smooth footage no matter what. It also has much-improved sound quality and is far less bulky than any other decent action cameras on the market. If you don't want to splash the cash on a GoPro, then there are some much cheaper GoPro alternatives out there which don't cost near as much and still have many of the same great features.

When we travelled to India in 2018, we did take our travel drone with us, however we didn’t use it. The reason was that it was illegal to fly them there without having the right permit. It appears that many of those restrictions have now lifted , so you may want to take yours with you and actually use it! If a top drone from DJI is a littler too expensive for your budget, check out this guide we published on the best DJI alternatives currently available.

Other Gadgets we travel with

Staying healthy in India

Before visiting India, it is worth picking up a few key items to help make sure you stay safe.

In particular the biggest issues you could face in India include the incredibly hot sun, mosquitos and the dreaded “Delhi Belly”.

• Antimalarials - Mosquitos are present in different parts of India at different times of the year. To find out if you are at risk during your visit, it’s best to visit your local travel doctor before leaving your home country.
• Mosquito repellent spray - Bug spray is very useful for keeping all manner of bugs away in the evening. It can be expensive to buy in India, so best to pack it before you leave home.
• Plug in mosquito deterrent - If you are particularly worried about mosquitos or other bugs getting you whilst you sleep, then a plug-in deterrent is a great way to keep the little blighters at bay. You simply plug it into the wall where it emits a high pitch noise, that you can’t hear but which the bugs can.
• Sunscreen - Temperatures throughout India regularly exceed 30 and sometimes even 40 Degrees Celsius . It's important that you have suitable sunscreen to help protect you against the worst of the rays. It’s best to pick up a couple of bottles before you fly there as finding good quality sunscreen for a low price can be challenging when in India.
• Diarrhoea kit - I already mentioned this earlier in the packing list but it’s well worth including again here. The risk of getting sick from eating food in India is relatively high, especially if eating cheaper food from local street vendors. We never suffered with this in India but we certainly did when in Thailand ! Our diarrhoea kit was a vital piece of kit that helped us through.
• TSA Approved Travel Padlock - Take at least one, so that you can keep your main rucksack safely secured whenever it’s not in your sight. Particularly useful for flights as well as bus and train journeys. Be sure to get a TSA approved travel lock.

Miscellaneous things to pack for India

Here’s a few other pieces of travel gear for India that you may want to add to your own packing list ...

• Fold down coffee mug - If you love your coffee (like Cazzy!) then having your own mug is a great way to take coffee on the go and cut back on using paper cups. A fold down one is best as it allows you to pack it away in your bag with minimum space being used.
• Multivitamins - We like to take these travelling with us, just to make sure we get our necessary amount of vitamins and minerals each day. It’s definitely one of the best things to take travelling to India, as you may find that you end up eating much of the same food every day which doesn’t necessarily give you all you need.
• International Travel Adaptor - In India you will find 3 types of adaptors: Type C, Type D & Type M. My best advice would be to pick up an international travel adaptor which will have you covered for all future backpacking destinations .
• Pin to open sim card hole in phone - By getting a local sim card in India, you can stay connected to data no matter where you are. But to change your sim you’ll ideally need one of the special tools to open the socket where they are held in your phone. I always keep a metal one in my wallet that is useful all around the world.
• Dry bag - If you plan on heading out onto the water in India, then a dry bag is useful for keeping your stuff safe and dry.
• Quick drying towel - There is no need to take a large towel with you to India as all hotels seem to offer them inclusive with your stay. Of course, if you’re staying in hostels then you’ll need your own, but a quick drying towel is still best. You can use it for day trips when out and about and it can dry quickly on the end of your bed when not in use.
• Playing cards
• Hand sanitiser - It’s a good idea to clean your hands regularly and before eating so as to avoid getting unnecessarily sick

What NOT to pack for India!

Here’s a few things that you should not add to your India packing list ...

• Water purifier - The only time you’ll need one of these is if you plan to go off hiking in the wilderness. Everywhere else you can pick up bottled water that is perfectly safe for you to drink.
• Sleeping bag - Again, only necessary for camping, and not needed for staying in hostels.
• Tonnes of clothes - India is one of the best countries in the world for picking up cheap clothes. Best of all, they are of great quality. Cazzy picked up a few dresses in Jodhpur that she still uses more than 2 years on; they look fantastic and cost less than $4 each. You can also pick up knock-off branded products that are the same quality as the real thing but at a fraction of a price. I bought a new wallet in Jaipur and it’s still going strong more than 2 years later. These markets are located in most major cities.
• Lots of valuables - Theft can be common in India, especially if strolling through busy cities like Mumbai with cameras, money and jewellery on show. Instead, only take what you really need. If you do have to carry more, pick up a quality anti-theft bag to help better secure your valuables.

Other items to add to your India packing list

Here’s a few other awesome things to pack for your India trip that we didn’t take personally, but you may want to.

• Binoculars - If you plan on going on safari anywhere and trying to spot wildlife, then be sure to pack some binoculars.
• Travel pillow - Great for all those long bus and train journeys throughout India. Personally, we don’t take these as they’re just too bulky and take up more space than we think they’re worth.
• Packing cubes - We WISH we had taken these to India!
• Physical books/travel guides - To help save space, you can pick up downloadable travel guides from Lonely Planet and Rough Guides and access these through your phone. Or, if you do like physical guide books then you’ll find that most hostels and hotels have a copy of these that you can borrow and read.
• Ear plugs - If you’re a light sleeper and plan on staying in a lot of hostels, then definitely get some of these.
• Waterproof phone case - If you’re going to be in the water a lot and want to snap some cool photos, then one of these is a must have travel item for india
• Mosquito net - We don’t travel with one of these, but if you’re heading to areas with lots of mosquitoes and don’t think your accommodation is very high quality, then these might be necessary.
• Kindle - I love reading when travelling, and use the Kindle App on my phone. But having a Kindle could be a good way to go if you want a bigger screen.
• Hiking boots - Only if you plan on doing enough hiking to warrant them. They do take up a LOT of space in your backpack.
• Selfie stick
• Bluetooth speaker
• Underwater dome for GoPro - These look so cool and we wish we had one when out exploring the beaches of Goa !
• Buff - This is a really versatile piece of kit to have with you, and many travellers won’t go anywhere without one.

Top tips on what to bring to India

Remember, it gets hot there.

It’s hot in most parts of India almost all year, so light clothing is the ideal way to go. Also, be sure to take anything you think necessary in helping to protect you from the sun; including sun lotion, hats and glasses.

Keep asking yourself “do I really need this?”

I love how travelling for long periods of time forces you to become more minimalist and only pack what you need. So when packing for India, regularly ask yourself if everything you’re planning on taking is strictly necessary. Remember, almost everything can be bought cheaply out there so, just in case you do need something, you can always pick it up when there.

Don’t take any risks

You’re going to face a few health risks travelling in India, including malaria and the chance of picking up a range of other diseases. So take precautions by visiting your travel doctor well before your trip and getting their advice on how to best stay safe . This will require, not only getting malaria tablets, but also getting a range of other injections prior to travelling. They can also advise you on any other necessary medications to take to India.

Well, that’s just about everything we packed for India.

As well as answering all of your burning questions, you should now know what to pack for a trip to India!

Is there something that you think we forgot and that you’d add to your own India packing list?

Great! Drop me a comment below and let me know!

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

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The Best Ways of Traveling From India to Nepal

Want to take a side trip from India to Nepal? It's a popular thing to do and there are a number of ways to go about it, depending on how much money you're prepared to spend. This guide outlines the best options for travel.

Do note that Indian citizens don't require a visa to enter Nepal. However, if traveling by air, Indian citizens must show a valid passport or Voter ID when checking in, and at immigration. Aadhaar Card is not a satisfactory form of identification. If traveling overland, other forms of government-issued identification can be used at border crossings. However, it's likely that no one will even be bothered to check.

Foreigners can obtain a Nepali tourist visa on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. Nepali tourist visas are also available from immigration at land border crossings that are open to foreigners. In addition to your passport, you'll need passport-sized photos and possibly foreign currency (some crossings insist on payment in US dollars).

Delhi to Kathmandu

If you want to fly (and get some incredible Himalayan views), Delhi to Kathmandu is the least expensive, least time-consuming route by air to Nepal (under two hours). Otherwise, the best option is to take a train to Gorakhpur and then a bus. Taking the bus all the way has become slightly more appealing since the Delhi Transport Corporation launched a direct service to Kathmandu. However, it's still a long 25-hour haul.

Varanasi to Kathmandu

Many people travel overland from Varanasi to Kathmandu, either by bus, or train and bus combination. It takes less time than overland from Delhi (around 15 hours). It's also possible to fly. However, it's much costlier than from Delhi and there are very few direct flights.

Kolkata to Kathmandu

Nepal-based Buddha Air operates three direct flights a week from Kolkata to Kathmandu: on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The flights depart at 9.05 a.m. and the flight time is about 90 minutes. Expect to pay about 20,000 rupees one way. Air India also operates direct flights for a slightly cheaper cost, starting at 15,000 rupees. Alternatively, you can go by land via the Raxaul or Panitanki borders (see more below).

Via the Sunauli Border Crossing

Most people going overland from north India to Nepal pass through the Sunauli border to Bhairahawa in central Nepal, accessible from rather unappealing Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh (although, pleasingly, Gorakhpur has become a lot cleaner in recent years). This is the biggest and busiest India-Nepal border crossing. There are frequent connections to Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini from there.

Via the Raxaul Border Crossing

The Raxaul border crossing to Birgunj in southern-central Nepal is accessible from Patna in Bihar . It's most convenient for anyone traveling from Bodh Gaya or Kolkata. There are direct trains from Kolkata to Raxaul (16 hours). From Bodh Gaya, it's quicker to take a bus or car and travel by road as opposed to train (13 hours). From the border, buses take six to seven hours to reach Kathmandu and eight hours to Pokhara. Shared jeeps to Kathmandu are a quicker option and only take four to five hours.

Via the Panitanki Border Crossing

The Panitanki border crossing, to Kakarbhitta in far eastern Nepal, is accessible from Siliguri in West Bengal. It's most utilized by people traveling from Darjeeling, Kolkata, Sikkim and the rest of northeast India . Buses, taxis and shared jeeps run to the border from Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Gangtok in Sikkim. Siliguri to Panitanki (for those going from Darjeeling) takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Though the border crossing is open 24 hours, the Indian and Nepali immigration offices close are only open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. so foreigners should ensure that they arrive within this timeframe. There are regular buses to Kathmandu (14 to 16 hours) and Pokhara (15 hours) from Kakarbhitta. It's worth stopping at Chitwan National Park on the way to break the journey. Get off the bus at Sauraha (nine hours from Kakarbhitta), which is the closest town and travel hub to the park.

Via the Banbasa Border Crossing

This border crossing, at Banbasa in Uttarakhand , is the most westerly crossing into Nepal from India. It's the quickest, and most rural, route from Delhi to Kathmandu. Yet, it's still a long way from Mahendra Nagar (now officially called Bhimdatta) on the Nepali side of the border to Kathmandu. Buses take about 15 to 17 hours. Banbasa can be reached from Bareilly, Rudrapur, or Haldwani in Uttarakhand (three hours). It's possible to get buses to Pokhara and Kathmandu from Mahendra Nagar. If you're not short on time, it's worth visiting Bardiya National Park on the way (get off at Ambassa, about five hours from Mahendra Nagar. Thakurdwara is the closest village to the park and it's about 40 minutes from Ambassa).

Other Border Crossings

Two other border crossing points (from Jamunaha in Uttar Pradesh to Nepalganj in western Nepal, and Gauriphanta in Uttar Pradesh to Dhangadhi in far western Nepal) are open to tourists. However, they're difficult to reach and rarely used. Non-official border crossings at Janakpur, Biratnagar and Ilam rarely allow foreign tourists.

There are a few popular choices depending on whether you're traveling by air or overland. Delhi to Kathmandu is the cheapest and quickest (less than two hours) route by air to Nepal.

If traveling by bus or train, though, Varnasi to Kathmandu is the most popular route.

Varnasi to Kathmandu is the most popular route by train, but there are also direct trains from Kolkata to Raxaul.

Varnasi to Kathmandu is a popular route for traveling by bus. Additionally, from Bodh Gaya to the Raxaul border, it's possible to take a bus or car.

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