Are you intending on taking a trip to travel to India for work or pleasure?
Once you book your flights and complete your Indian visa application form, you can look forward to planning your trip. It’s a great nation and here are the things you need to know before going there.
1. Go With The Flow
Out here, it's survival of the fittest. India is one of the most populated countries on the planet, and everyone fights for money, space and food. This will be a culture shock, and you'll have to get used to seeing extreme poverty all around you, but try not getting emotional over it. However, your very first day will feel like a huge wake up call.
While there, I saw beggars and they were demanding me to give them cash. As bad it sounds, I looked past them. I simply walked away. But I will say this, as a woman I did not feel unsafe in the country.
The people in India mean no harm, even if they are full on, and the number of people can be overwhelming and the noise can be unbearable at times. You'll always hear horns honking and beeping, and there is so much going on at any given time. This is why you need to leave whatever stress you deal with, behind you.
2. You'll Feel Famous
When I headed out to Taj Mahal, I felt like everyone was staring at me and snapping photos, and I had no issues posing for photos. I mean, I actually felt like I was famous and like I was a major celebrity, and if you're a woman, then you'll feel even more famous. As a woman, I had people wanted to come up to me, touch my hair and film me in everyday circumstances. It was an amazing feeling.
3. The Traffic Is Crazy
I remember how insane the traffic was. There was everything from motorcycles carrying fridges to cows blocking the roads in the middle of an extremely busy highway. An average road had everything you can think of, including carts, cows, trucks, dogs, cyclists, and even people who were walking. If you want to make your trip more memorable, than snap some photos of the stuff you see.
4. You Will Get Sick
There was a night that all I did was vomit, and I was always going to the toilet towards the end of the trip. Let's just say this, the food is good, but it caused diarrhea. However, it was worth eating it.
I recommend bringing antibiotics with you because it is better to be safe than sorry. Bring something for your stomach too and make sure you're up to date with shots like hepatitis and tetanus. Let's not forget about malaria pills because you'll want to take them, especially if you'll be exploring the jungle.
5. Eat Salad
Don't forget this, eat salad all the time because it is easy to access and it's good. Furthermore, don't be tempted into getting a piercing or a tattoo. If you end up cutting yourself, then clean your cut as soon as you can and drink plenty of water.
I remember how insane the traffic was. There was everything from motorcycles carrying fridges to cows blocking the roads in the middle of an extremely busy highway. An average road had everything you can think of, including carts, cows, trucks, dogs, cyclists, and even people who were walking. If you want to make your trip more memorable, than snap some photos of the stuff you see.
4. You Will Get Sick
There was a night that all I did was vomit, and I was always going to the toilet towards the end of the trip. Let's just say this, the food is good, but it caused diarrhea. However, it was worth eating it.
I recommend bringing antibiotics with you because it is better to be safe than sorry. Bring something for your stomach too and make sure you're up to date with shots like hepatitis and tetanus. Let's not forget about malaria pills because you'll want to take them, especially if you'll be exploring the jungle.
5. Eat Salad
Don't forget this, eat salad all the time because it is easy to access and it's good. Furthermore, don't be tempted into getting a piercing or a tattoo. If you end up cutting yourself, then clean your cut as soon as you can and drink plenty of water.
6. Hop Aboard The Train
If you want to do something cool, then take the train, which is easy to buy tickets for because the inner cities are modernized. There are areas of the train where women only are allowed, so make sure to use them. If you want to travel inter-state, then go online to book your tickets and do yourself a favor and buy your tickets in advance. If possible, travel via first class because you don't want to share your seats with a bunch of other people.
The overnighter is worth taking too. Just bear in mind this train is known for being days late. India does run at its own pace, so keep that in mind if you do want to take the over-nighter. Trust us, it is worth the wait.
7. Wear Conservative Clothing
Cover up because you will earn more respect. Do not show too much leg or shoulders. Keep your chest covered up too and keep most of your skin covered because this isn't like other parts of the world.