What's Up India?

Preparing for a trip - everything you need to know

Planning your trip to India? Don't know where to start? That's exactly what we're here for. The What's Happening in India website will give you all the information about all the preparations and steps before your flight.

Planning your trip to India? Don't know where to start?

That's exactly why we're here. The What's Happening in India website will give you all the information about all the preparations and steps before the flight. The What's Happening in India team is also available on WhatsApp for any questions. You are welcome to contact us.

First of all, before you even start thinking about the trip itself, where you're going and what you're taking, you need to get a visa for India = an entry permit, without which you can't enter the country. The visa is issued electronically, and there are several types. The most common visa is a tourist visa valid for one year from the moment it is issued. The visa has various restrictions. All the information is on the page Issuing a visa to India.

The second step is to book a flight ticket. Fortunately, flights to India have become faster and more affordable than ever. Still unsure? Need help? We have an answer for that too! Visit the page Flight to India.

Now that you're really ready to take off, what else do you need to do?

Insurance – Trips to India are usually long and last at least over a month. During such a significant period, chances are we will encounter cases where we will need medical assistance or some kind of assistance, so we must prepare accordingly with appropriate insurance. There are several highly recommended companies for insurance. The well-known Passportcard company with its high reputation is of course an excellent option, but it is more expensive than the other companies. Other options that most travelers choose are Harel, Migdal, Phoenix, etc. And of course there is also Clal. 
What insurance do you take out? The most basic package that includes coverage for medical expenses and consultation with a doctor when necessary is, of course, mandatory. Those planning extreme attractions, which are most common in India, such as rafting, trekking, motorcycle tours, omegas, etc., can add the extreme insurance supplement. It should be taken into account that it cannot be added and discontinued intermittently. Check the terms with the insurance company you choose. Additional add-ons are baggage insurance (in the event of loss on a flight or theft), cell phone/camera/various electronic device insurance. This is your personal choice. We recommend that you check exactly the terms and prices offered by all companies for the basic services and the various add-ons and make the most appropriate choice for you. 

Passport – Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. If it is not, you will not be able to fly.

Important tips – If you have taken out insurance for a shorter period than you will be traveling, and it is about to expire It is very important to renew your insurance before it expires. If you go beyond the number of days defined by the company, they will not renew it for you (and if you do renew it after a few days, it becomes more expensive).

Take all printed forms with you – visa, insurance, passport and ID photocopies, driver's license photocopies, flight ticket, etc.

So… what do I take with me anyway?

Please note:

* You can delete what is already there and see what is missing.

* India is a huge country with a variety of destinations of different nature. This list is partial and should be adjusted to the season and region you are visiting.

White additions:

– Pads, tampons, etc. You can't find tampons in India.
– Creams, ointments and specific products – don’t rely on finding them in India.

 

Important things you should buy in India:

– Sunscreen – will be much cheaper in India.
– Altosh – those from Israel simply won't help you there.

– Soaps and toiletries – There are great companies in India, local and international. Of course, much cheaper.

– Toothpaste.

– In most pharmacies you will find medicines for everything without the need for a prescription.

– You can find water purification tablets or altitude pills in most pharmacies, especially in towns near hiking and trekking. It is up to you whether to bring them from Israel or buy them in India. 

 

Route planning 

So what is better? Plan everything in advance? Or land and see where the wind takes me? We recommend a combination of both approaches. There is no need to book hotels in advance or decide exactly what you will do each day and it is most possible (and even recommended) to flow slowly. But it is worth reading where you want to go, depending on the season. What are you looking for and what each destination has to offer you. Here on the What's Happening in India website you can find all the information you need about each place. You are also welcome to help In our Seasons and Destinations Guide In it you can simply enter the months you want to come to India and it will suggest the places that are suitable for the season. Then you can read all the information about them on our website.

There's no reason you shouldn't have a soft landing.
Soft Landing Service in India — We'll take care of everything!