India Travel Guide – Frequently Asked Questions

Are you planning to visit India? No doubt, It’s an excellent choice. We are providing lots of content about India travel guide, information and travel tips to make your India trip easier. From our readers, We’re getting so many queries regarding travelling to India. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions for your India travel guide. We address some basics question that every traveler wants to know for travelling around India before the visit. If you do not find any answer what you are looking for, feel free to leave your question on comment box or contact us through the mail, We will help you to get your questions answered with best of our knowledge.

India Travel Guide – Frequently Asked Questions

How to get the visa for travel to India?

Before getting Indian tourist visa should have a good conditioned international passport for coming to India. The validity period of the passport must cover the tour time in India. At least six months of validity period is required as well as two blank pages of passport are needed essentially. Then the travelers are to visit at Travisa.com through which online application can be processed and this outsourcing company works on behalf of the Indian Consulate. Take a hard copy of the filled up form and the signature should be affixed in the proper place.

Read More: How to apply for Indian Tourist Visa

Two 2X2 inches compulsory photographs are required with white background. No spectacles or head wears are allowed in the photographs. Travelers are requested not to glue and staple the photographs instead of just carry with a paperclip.

Next step is to show the residential address proof. The valid driving license or utility bill may be submitted as the proof of address. The address should be matched with the previous Indian visa application form. It should be remember that no multiple entry visa holders are allowed to re-visit the country within two months. If it is required to be visited the country again until two month go by, travelers may submit “A Letter of Request” to the Indian Embassy for getting permission.

If the tourists have child then the birth certificate of this baby is to be submitted with parents’ authorized signature. Plus, the passport’s photocopies of parents are also required.

Once all the documents are ready then handover all the papers to the Travel Visa Associates and take a receipt copy.

Now wait for some days but the processing time can be accelerated against some higher amount.

How safe is it to Travel in India for female?

Before coming to India, the alone women travelers should contact the Indian Embassy of her own country to have greater knowledge about the city they want to visit safely and if possible, a tour map may be collected from the consulate.

The next step starts from after arrival in the airport in India. Every airport has Government Tourist Office from where the solo woman traveler can take the assistance thoroughly. In that case, they can obtain the contact number, address and detail information of reputed hotels or about their booked hotel. The mode of conveyance for reaching the hotel can also be understood from the tourist office.

All airports in India have prepaid taxi booth from where the tourists can book a Government approved taxi to reach the destination. It is advised to hire taxi from prepaid booth and not from outside because there is a chance of cheating. In the presence of the taxi driver, the prepaid taxi booking number as well as taxi number should be texted to the hotel and someone known to you in India so that your arrival in the country is well informed.

Read More: Safety tips for female travelers in India

Each hotel contains a list of trusted and Government approved travel agents. The solo woman tourist must contact an authorized travel agent to make him understand about the travel plan. They have both options of hiring individual cab or to travel in a group.

Being a solo female traveler, it is 100times better to move in a group.  The group travel facilitates to make new Indian friends of varied culture and tradition. From this opportunity the foreign solo female visitor will gather loads of experiences which will be fruitful in future. In this manner, an experience to travel a city will enhance the confidence to travel in other cities.

To travel from one city to another, it is advisable to book flight ticket or first class train ticket. In the same manner in earlier, the process should be repeated. It is better to get in touch with the local public authority namely local police station, district block administration etc.

However, India is a country of varied nature with conservative outlook and maximum illiterates. So dressing up should be modest and traditional Indian wears to avoid unnecessary criticisms. But the first and foremost step is to be well behaved and confident. Take the help of traffic police while on road to get any information instead of male persons.

These are few suggestions for solo female traveler to trip to India.

How Can Reserve a Ticket for Travel on Indian Railways?

Traveling one part to another in India in train is easiest and as well as convenient. Booking the reservation in train becomes quite easy through online service. Sign up the name with credentials in the official site of IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation). After completion of registration in IRCTC, log in with User ID, Password and Captcha. Then put the “From Station” name, “To Station” name and Journey Date from the column of left hand side.

Read More: Indian Railway Ticket Booking Online

Now click on the desired Ticket Type option whether you want to receive E-ticket or I-ticket. E-ticket facilitates an Electronic Reservation Slip or ERS as train ticket on the other hand, through I-ticket passengers get original ticket by sitting at home via courier. Then click on the submit button to get lists of trains for desired destination. This list contains 10 columns where train number, train name, from, departure, to, arrival, distance, travel time, week and class are mentioned. Passengers can choose the train and class by clicking on 1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC, 2S and SL category.

After clicking on the class, customers will notice the availability of the train on their desired date and train fare. “Booking Now” option facilitates to put the passenger details where name, age, gender, berth preference, senior citizen, opt berth, nationality, ID card type and ID card number has to be given. Through SMS service passenger will receive ticket and for which mobile number should be mentioned. Then payment options will be opened where multiple choices are there. Customers may make payment through net banking, credit card, debit card, cash card/ wallets and IRCTC Prepaid options to reserve train ticket.

Instead of online reservation, passenger can reserve train ticket from railway counter by filling up a reservation form and cash.

What is the average cost to travel in India?

The expense of travelling in India may differ depending on the stage of solace the tourist needs and the way of travelling. The country is modifying day by day and it updates the span of choices and services for the tourists are growing.

But tourists can still plan a trip here with the cheapest rate with desiring comfort in luxurious hotels. However, the easy answer is that the travelers have to pay out between 20 USD to 50 USD per day for traveling around the country excluding flight and visa cost. You can make your budget at 800 USD to 1200 USD for a month to stay in India. That’s enough.

How do I interact with people in India?

India is a country of different languages. In different parts, people converse in their own mother tongue. But the communicative language of India is Hindi in addition to the regional languages. Hindi is considered as an official and national language.

But internationally accepted language is English. So in rural areas, Hindi is more comfortable but in metro centers and urban area English is the best medium for communication. So you can interact with the people of India in English and Hindi.

If you are not accustomed to these above-mentioned languages may take the assistance of interpreter. In that case, reliable travel guide plays an important role for interpretation of language or make arrangement for a proper interpreter.

How do I deal with Indian language?

The purpose for which you are travelling in India is the most important factor. If the purpose is to make a trip in metropolitan cities then you can easily deal the people with internationally accepted language i.e English.

Read More: Learn basic Indian Language(Hindi Phase)

But it should be remembered that India is a country where most of the people in rural India don’t know English rather than their regional languages. So to deal with these inhabitants you have to depend on Government recognized travel agency who will arrange the proper interpreter convenient to you.

What are the traditional clothing in India?

India is a subcontinent of diverse cultures and varied traditions. So the clothing patterns defer from place to place. In Northern part of India the traditional wearing for female is Shalwar Kameez, Saree, Phiran and Gagra Choli with Dupatta.

On the other hand, men wear Achkan, Kurta, Kameez and Sherwani as the outfit of upper part of the body and for lower portion they wear Shalwar, Dhoti, Churidar and Lungi. These parts of India use Pagri covering head to represent the status and respect.

In South India, the traditional dress for female is Saree and men wear Sarong. The inhabitants of eastern India mostly wear Saree, Salwar and Churidar and men wear white Dhoti, Punjabi, Shirts, Pajamas and Lungi. The people of western part of India prefer to wear Ghagra Choli, Saree, Pallu, Skirts-tops, trousers, shirts, wrap-arounds etc.

Even, various interesting traditional dresses can be found in North eastern states. These are Apatani Jacket and Sherdukpen Shawls for Arunachal Pradesh, Chador and Mekhela in Assam, Innaphi and Phanek in Manipur, Jainkup and Eking for Meghalaya, Kawrchei and Puan in Mizoram and Naga Shawl and Ratapfe is famous in Nagaland.

However, due to rapid urbanization and the impact of western modernization dresses are common to everywhere. So the traditional dresses are no longer restricted in India.

What type of clothes should I wear in India?

India is truly heterogeneous from the perspective of climatic features. So your clothing will mostly depend on when you are coming to India and which part of the country you will visit. Even your outfit will vary upon the purpose of your visit.

So first determine these above criteria and choose the wearing. S far the dress is concerned three main seasons namely summer, monsoon, and winter are most important to select the dresses. So if you plan to visit in India during summer or in South India, cotton dresses are most preferable.

In winter or planning to trip in north hilly regions, you have to choose the woolen fabrics in addition to leather jackets and windcheater. Cotton outfits along with raincoat should be brought if the travel time is within monsoon. However, the best time to bag pack in India is September to March.

Can I buy a SIM card in India as a foreigner?

Yes, you can buy SIM card from India on production of your valid travel documents from airport kiosks or local cell phone dealers. Travel documents include passport sized photographs, photocopy of passport, photocopy of Indian visa, an address proof and proof of your staying in India.

How safe is drinking water in India?

While staying in India locally available packaged drinking waters can be purchased for your safe drinking. It is advisable to check the packaging date displayed on the bottle’s neck before purchase and buy branded water bottle because these are 100% safe.

What is the traditional food of India?

As India is a subcontinent of diversifying climates and nature, the food habit of the inhabitants mostly depends on the crops and cereals grown in that area. While chapatti and rice are common in north, south Indian prefers dosa, idly, sambar, rasam, uttapam whereas in Gujarat, Rajasthan the chapatti made from maize instead wheat are found.

Read More: Some famous Indian Street Food

When is the Best Time to visit India?

When it is all about the best time to visit India the vast range has to be remembered. There is no special climate depending on which it can be answered.

The month of October to the end of March, India offers awesome climatic time. The travelers must select the spots according to the climatic variation.

As the winter is awe-inspiring in South but northern part of India in freezing. On the other hand, western India welcomes monsoon cordially but eastern India may face landslide and flood during the rainy season.

So North India is ideal during summer and South India is more or less perfect for every season. Due to presence of wide deserts the western part of India belongs in hot climatic belt. So better to avoid summer season for west India tour whereas northeast or eastern India is best during summer.

Where to go in summer in India?

As the summer can be tremendous intolerable and sweating in many parts of India, it is the best time to travel hill stations and mountainous regions. There is fresh and calming breeze during summer.

On the other hand, nature loving tourists may visit various National Parks in India to spot tigers and other wild creatures as in summer time they come to drink water.

Where to go in winter in India?

November to February is considered as winter in India. The departure of the monsoon creates begin of cloudless sunlit sky along with tourist season throughout the India. Two months i.e December and January are the most overloaded months of winter when tourists make crowd in the sea beach regions.

Even the dessert states are truly enjoyable during summer as the searing heat of sunlight can be avoided. But Himalayan belts are too adventurous in winter for them who love skiing and to experience snow fall.

Where to go in Monsoon in India?

Actually India consists of two monsoons- Southwest and Northeast monsoon. It is needless to say that most the parts of India receive monsoon due to influence of southwest monsoon from early June. But the states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu receive rainfall by northeast monsoon by October.

So travelers prefer to utilize monsoon for tripping they can opt for Kerala for Ayurvedic and spa treatment, Spiti Valley and Leh-Ladakh for experiencing violent beauty of nature.

How should I prepare for weather in India?

There is nothing to be prepared for weather in India. Just you have to be clear about the season of different parts and carry suitable garments according to the climate for chosen holiday destination.

What type of transportation is used in India?

There are several kinds of transportation systems prevailing in India. These systems include railway, air transport, roadway, coastal shipping and inland water transports.

What are the different types of trains in India to travel?

Indian Railway system is very complex in nature. Trains are designed according to the need of the passengers and their budget. Some trains are designed according to the path they move like toy trains or narrow gauge trains. On the other hand, local trains mainly connect the metro cities and its suburban. Besides these long distance trains are also designed for low cost budget ad quick communication.

Low cost trains are mostly passenger’s trains which stop in all the stations and take more time than express. The express trains and superfast trains are used to cover long distances which stop in major stations comprise pantry car, AC coaches, sleeping berths and unreserved compartments also.

Even for traveling purpose, tourists have the plentiful opportunities to traveling in luxurious trains in India like Maharaja Express, The Golden Chariot, Palace on Wheels, The Deccan Odyssey, The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels and The Royal Orient Train.

How should I travel between cities?

To communicate between two cities you have the option to travel by air, railways and on road. Advance booking is required to get air tickets or railway reservation for comfort journey. On the other hand, various travel agencies offer their services to frequent one city to another on road by hiring four wheelers.

How do I deal with taxi/Auto drivers’ fees?

Major cities in India have the arrangement of meter taxi and meter autos. So tourists can pay the fare according to the meter reading.

On the other hand, there are many private agencies which provide cab facility within metro cities. They provide printed fare slip after reaching the destination. Even, some cities don’t have meter facility in taxies and autos. In that case, you have to bargain and fix fare to reach safely in the destination.

How clean are the hotels in India?

India is a vast nation with different types of tourist attractions. So in every city there are variety kinds of hotels from one star to five stars facility. The cleanliness and other amenities naturally depend on the services provided by the hotels.

Read: Best Hotels in Goa

While five stars facilities hotels give you the utmost comfort and care with proper cleanliness but low cost one star hotel can’t satisfy that much expectation. So four to five star hotels are quite acceptable from the hygienic angle, solemn ambience, security and top grade services.

Where Can I See a Tiger in the Wild in India?

Feeling proud to inform that 70% tigers of the whole world reside in India. Total 49 tiger reserves which are managed by National Tiger Conservation Authority are there in the country. The list of tiger reserves are furnished below:

Karnataka: Bandipur, Bhadra, Nagarahole, Biligiriranga, Kali.

Uttarakhand: Jim Corbett, Rajaji.

Madhya Pradesh: Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Satpura, Sanjay-Dubri.

Assam: Manas, Nameri, Kaziranga, Orang.

Maharashtra: Melghat, Tadoba, Pench, Sahyadri, Nawegaon-Nagzira, Bor, Umred Karhandla.

Jharkhand: Palamau.

Rajasthan: Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukandra Hills.

Odisha: Similipal, Satkosia.

West Bengal: Sunderbans, Buxa.

Chhattisgarh: Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar.

Arunachal Pradesh: Namdapha, Pakhui.

Kerala: Periyar, Parambikulam.

Uttar Pradesh: Dudhwa, Pilibhit.

Tamil Nadu: Kalakkad-Mundanthurai, Anamalai, Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam.

Bihar: Valmiki.

Mizoram: Dampa Tiger reserve

Telengana: Kawal, Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam, Amrabad.

Where Can I Go On a Camel Safari in India?

Experiencing the most unconventional trip of camel safari is truly exciting to the adventurous travelers. The state of Rajasthan and Leh-Ladakh in northern part of India offers breathtaking camel safari.

In Rajasthan belt, Jaisalmer Camel Safari, Pushkar Camel Safari, Bikaner Camel Safari and Jodhpur Camel Safari are world famous. On the other hand, two-humped Bactrian Camel Safari allures millions of travelers in the snowy desert of Leh-Ladakh.

Where will I get sea beaches in India?

If you want to make your holiday destination in the sea beach region then south India tour is ideal for you. Though you will get vast range of beaches in Maharashtra and Goa trip, still the whole south India tour satisfy you more with almost 50sea beaches.

Where can I go for Lion Safari in India?

To see Asiatic Lion you must have to visit Gir National Park in the state of Gujarat. It is near about 348km from Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat. Here you can witness the “King of Jungle” with majestic presence in the wild atmosphere.

So, Hope these above information and India travel guide FAQ helps you to make a wonderful experience. If you need anymore instruction or guide, comment below with your question or query. We will try our best to give you accurate information as possible.