{"id":31778,"date":"2019-07-30T13:39:46","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T04:09:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=31778"},"modified":"2022-11-07T13:17:26","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T02:47:26","slug":"india-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/india-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Visit India as a Twenty-Something Female"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two weeks in Sri Lanka, I thought, would allow me to acclimatise to the month I had before me in India…I was wrong. But sometimes, ignorance really is bliss.<\/p>\n

Wide-eyed and gob-smacked, nothing could have prepared me for this country of 1.33 billion. But, don\u2019t get me wrong, I would do it all again\u2026 that sensory-overloaded adventure in one of the largest countries on earth.<\/p>\n

\"Front<\/p>\n

The majestic Taj Mahal.\u00a0Image:\u00a0Akshaye Kumar<\/em><\/p>\n

We began our journey on India\u2019s western coastline, picking the well-known tourist town of Goa. Hammocks, beach parties and markets play homage to the historical hippie\u2019s movement from the 70s. It felt safe enough for two Australian girls in their mid-20s to relax in before heading north.<\/p>\n

\"Front<\/p>\n

Jamia Masjid of Delhi is one of the many significant places to visit in Old Delhi. Image:\u00a0Akshaye Kumar<\/em><\/p>\n

Beginning the journey<\/h2>\n

I used Booking.com<\/strong> to find a one-week stay, close to the cafes and beach. Getting from the airport to Goa was a one-hour drive and we booked a private shuttle safely in the airport.<\/p>\n

While Goa is known for its fish curries, we decided to go vegetarian for the month. It was easier than I thought. India does vegetarian well and, if you\u2019re like me, you won\u2019t feel a lack in your diet. Be careful of cocktails though. I\u2019d suggest sticking to beer because the server opens it in front of you.<\/p>\n

When in India, it\u2019s best to lean on the side of precaution.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Built in 1565, Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site.\u00a0Image:\u00a0Akshaye Kumar<\/em><\/p>\n

Should you do a tour?<\/h2>\n

Seasoned-travellers (and having lived in SE Asia<\/a> for over six months), we felt confident once we were at our destinations. But, we didn\u2019t want to risk taking overnight trains alone or trying to navigate cities like New Delhi. We also knew many of the spots that were on our list, weren\u2019t easy to get to.<\/p>\n

After much deliberating between \u201cshould we do it ourselves\u201d and \u201cwe\u2019re two young girls in India\u201d, we decided on a 15-day tour with Gap Adventures<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In hindsight, some of my favourite memories happened in villages I would have never visited. We were treated like royalty, on a camel ride through a town called Tordi. The locals welcomed us with smiles and waves \u2013 an unspoken dialogue that helped me understand the beauty of their culture.<\/p>\n

\"Camel-ride-in-Tordi\"<\/p>\n

We were treated like royalty when riding on camels in Tordi. Image: Hillman India Adventure<\/em><\/p>\n

Wrapping up in New Delhi<\/h2>\n

The tour we chose wrapped around New Delhi, including Jaipur, the pink city, into the desert, and over to Agra, home to the majestic Taj Mahal. The quintessential holy city, Varanasi, where millions of Hindus go to cremate their loved ones on the River Ganges, was the last stop on the two-week trek.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

The Taj Mahal is a globally recognised site that symbolises the rich history of India. Image:\u00a0Akshaye Kumar<\/em><\/p>\n

Advice for first-time visitors<\/h2>\n

I still think of many of these colourful memories, nearly three years on. For first-time visitors to India, I suggest following a similar path as we did. Those rare moments of solitude are essential on a trip to India and being with a group offers you (and your family back home) peace of mind.<\/p>\n

You can still pick moments to explore autonomously. But, you can do it with the safety of a group knowing where you are at all times. Trust me, India isn\u2019t the place for big egos. Accept the help and enjoy making new friends in unfamiliar lands.<\/p>\n

But before the forts, cows, spices & curries\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Swarn-Jayanti-Dwar-Pathankots<\/p>\n

It’s a good idea to explore in a group, Swarn Jayanti Dwar, Pathankot.<\/em><\/p>\n

Prepare yourself!<\/h2>\n

When it comes to India, you can\u2019t overprepare. Okay, maybe, but recognise this is going to be unlike any other place you\u2019ve ever been. It\u2019ll push you to the limits, but there are beautiful lessons to unravel.<\/p>\n

Visas & onward flights<\/h2>\n

Before you book your flight (and your tour), apply for a visa. Every traveller requires a visa, so don\u2019t assume you can get this once you arrive – here\u2019s the official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The same goes for your onward flight. We missed our first flight from Sri Lanka to India because we didn\u2019t have proof of a flight out of the country. Again, we assumed we could do this there. They won\u2019t let you on the flight, so have it printed out as you board.<\/p>\n

\"Passengers<\/p>\n

Have proof of your onward flight with you when you travel to India. Image: Jovita Aranha<\/em><\/p>\n

Vaccinations & travel insurance<\/h2>\n

As I was living in Bali<\/a> at the time, all my vaccinations were up to date. I recommend visiting your doctor before you leave to find out what you need to be covered for. Smart Traveller<\/a> is also a great resource, for preliminary research.<\/p>\n

Make sure you take out a new travel insurance policy. I use World Nomads<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Clothes & daily supplies<\/h2>\n

Expect to be uncomfortably hot, a lot of the time. But, you\u2019re in India, so respect cultural norms when it comes to clothes. T-shirts are better than singlets. Long, flowy skirts are favoured over shorts. It\u2019s important to follow cultural customs, especially in religious areas. You can\u2019t expose your legs at the Taj Mahal. You\u2019ll discover \u2018rules\u2019 like this, along your journey. Pack accordingly<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Be conscious of what you wear, particularly in religious areas.<\/em><\/p>\n

Money & belongings<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t assume in a country of billions, ATMs are readily available. If you\u2019re on a tour, your guide will be able to show you the safe places to get money out. I would take out lots of $200 at a time, leaving most of it in the hotel safe, and bringing $20-30 out with me. Unless we were visiting major attractions with entrance fees, $25 per day is more than enough.<\/p>\n

\"Red<\/p>\n

The Red Fort is just one of the sights you should see. Image:\u00a0Akshaye Kumar<\/em><\/p>\n

Decompressing after your trip<\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re returning home or flying to another country, give yourself a couple of days to decompress after India. Trust me, you\u2019re going to need it\u2026 physically, emotionally and mentally.<\/p>\n

For every pungent smell and chaotic, in-humane sight you\u2019ll see, there are many more heart-opening, spiritually-awakening moments that\u2019ll change you.<\/p>\n

Get ready for a full mind, body and soul adventure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do you plan on experiencing the sights and sounds of India for yourself?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n