Some things you need to know before traveling to India
India is no longer your average vacation destination. It’s worth preparing for a trip like a journey to another world. Often, travelers can get a shock in their first few days. The powerful energy of the place, its bewildering abundance, the smells, the noise, the hustle and bustle and the colors – India can be a bit too much of everything. However, once you get into your head and learn to flow within it, you’ll discover a magic like no other in the world. India offers beautiful sights, delicious food, unique experiences and rare people with a cultural heritage just waiting to be discovered. To ensure you have the best possible experience, here are a few things to consider before you start planning your trip.
Set a general itinerary in advance
India is not just a place to travel, it is a place that just happens to you. It is likely that your travel plans will change more than once depending on the experiences you have. However, it is a good idea to have at least a general plan for your trip. India is huge and it is worth recognizing in advance the fact that there is no chance of exhausting even a small part of it. In addition, many of the areas in India are very intense and overwhelming and sometimes we will need rest and recovery in quieter and calmer places. Therefore, it is better not to try to devour it all in one go. It is better to take your time and visit fewer destinations in much more depth.
Prepare for culture shock
India is unlike anything you've ever seen. The worldviews of the locals, the social norms, the treatment of women, child labor, poverty, and the way people communicate and behave, there's almost no encounter with India that doesn't leave you speechless. It's best to just accept this fact in advance, keep an open mind, and leave your expectations at home.
Maintain modest dress.
Although India can be very hot, it is not recommended to dress in too revealing clothing. It is a very conservative society and such clothing can attract a lot of negative attention. Whether from religious people who will be angered by this clothing or from harassers who are not uncommon in India. What is certain is that in temples this clothing will not be received well. It is always a good idea to have clothing that covers the shoulders and make sure that you have a scarf or shawl with you just in case.
Learn to bargain
Bargaining is a natural part of the way people shop in India. For Israelis, this art is not foreign at all, and it is worth knowing that Indians do not see trying to lower a price as disrespectful behavior, but rather as friendly negotiation. In most cases, sellers will offer high prices, precisely because they expect bargaining. The price is always negotiable.
Be more flexible with your personal space
As Westerners, we are used to privacy being sacred and most people, especially foreigners, giving us personal space. In a country of over 1.2 billion people, personal space has a different concept than we are used to. People pushing into each other's space, staring and glaring, and being able to strike up a conversation with complete strangers is just part of how this culture works. Once we understand this, it will be much easier for us to get by in India.
Set the clock to India time.
Plans in India are always subject to change. Trains don't always leave on time, Indian friends may simply not show up for their scheduled meetings, and if you've ordered a meal at a restaurant, it's a good idea to open a book and take your time. Your perception of time on your trip is going to change completely. This is a great opportunity for you to let go, enter the Shanti atmosphere, and along the way, develop patience skills you didn't know you had.
The "What's Happening in India" team is here to accompany you every step of the way. From hotel and restaurant recommendations to advice on any matter, we invite you to contact us and our team will get back to you with all the information.
