What You Need to Know About Visiting India

If you want to visit a country with a rich history, colorful culture, and terrific food, you couldn’t do much better than India. The country has enough fascinating sites to keep you busy for months; in India you can visit tiger reserves, mangrove forests, a temple plated with gold, and of course, the famous Taj Mahal. India also has the advantage of being a very affordable country to stay in. You’ll be able to shop, eat, and sightsee even if you’re on a limited budget. Before you get on the plane, though, there are some important things you need to know and preparations that you need to make.

• Health Information. The CDC recommends that you see a health care provider that specializes in travel medicine at least four to six weeks before you plan on leaving the country. You’ll need to make sure that your routine vaccinations are up to date, and if you’re going to be traveling through any other country before arriving in India, you may need to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. Depending on where in India you plan to be visiting, you may also need to take anti-malarial medication. While you’re visiting India, you should take some common health precautions: Stick to bottled water, make sure that your food is fully cooked, and avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves, long pants, and a hat.

• What to Pack. It’s fairly common for tourists to India to pack light and purchase clothing while in the country – this is one way to insure that your style of dress will adhere to the local customs. Whether or not you choose to purchase clothing in India, know that the standards of dress are generally conservative. Women and men should avoid shorts and be sure to cover their shoulders. Most personal care items are easily purchased in India, but you should bring your own mosquito repellent, as the western brands are more effective. You should bring a voltage converter and plug adaptor if you plan to use electronic devices from the U.S.

• Customs and Culture. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with Indian culture before you travel there. That way, you’ll know what to expect and what is expected of you. You should know, for example, that public displays of affection are considered offensive in India and should be avoided, even if you’re married. In India, the left hand is considered unclean. You shouldn’t use your left hand to eat with, nor should you pass anything to an Indian using your left hand. It is polite to remove your shoes before entering someone’s house in India, as feet are also considered dirty. Female visitors should avoid traveling alone at night, and should dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention.

If you take the time to understand and respect Indian culture, your visit will be much more enjoyable. It may seem very different from what you’re used to, but those differences are why India is such a fascinating country to explore.

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