Travel Tips
10 Essential India Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
5 April 2026·6 min read·By Focus Travels
India is overwhelming and extraordinary in equal measure. These ten tips will help you arrive prepared, stay safe, and leave wanting more.
1. Start Slow and Stay Flexible
India has a way of disrupting even the most carefully made plans — and that's part of its magic. Overloading your itinerary is the most common mistake first-timers make. Build in buffer days, especially around train journeys and festivals. A delayed train is an opportunity to talk to fellow passengers; a closed temple is a reason to explore the neighbourhood. Rigidity is exhausting in India; flexibility is rewarded.
2. Book Trains in Advance
India's rail network is extraordinary — comfortable, affordable, and often the most scenic way to travel between cities. But popular routes on popular trains sell out weeks in advance. Book on the IRCTC website or app, and look for the 'Tatkal' quota if you need last-minute tickets. For overnight journeys, 2AC (air-conditioned sleeper) is the sweet spot between comfort and price.
3. Drink Only Bottled or Filtered Water
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in India for unacclimatised visitors. Carry a SteriPen or a filtered water bottle to reduce plastic waste. Most hotels and restaurants provide safe drinking water — always ask to confirm. Ice in restaurants is generally fine in upmarket establishments, but be cautious in smaller dhabas.
4. Dress Respectfully at Religious Sites
India is a deeply religious country, and temples, mosques, gurudwaras, and churches all have dress codes. Cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering (carry socks — stone floors get very hot), and cover your head in Sikh gurudwaras. Scarves and light shawls are invaluable travel companions.
5. Negotiate, but Fairly
Bargaining is expected in markets, for auto-rickshaws (where meters are not used), and at unlicensed stalls. But a relentless push for the absolute lowest price from a vendor who earns very little is rarely worth the saving. A good rule of thumb: settle at a price you're happy with, not a price that makes you feel you've 'won'. Use meter-based apps like Ola and Uber to avoid negotiation entirely for city travel.
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