Incredible India: An Essential Guide for First-Time Visitors (2023)

FAQs

Which is the best place to visit in India for first time? ›

First-timers can't go wrong with the Golden Triangle, which travels around Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and takes in the incredible monuments such as the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort in a week-long trip; it's the perfect introduction to the country.

Our country is also incredible because of its beautiful mountains, lakes, forests, seas, oceans, etc. Many foreigners each year visit India to see the beauty of our country that is its rich historical temples, its traditions, its language, its heritage, etc.

The Ministry of Tourism has launched the “Incredible India 2.0” Campaign which marks a shift from generic promotions across the world to market specific promotional plans and content creation.

India is not an easy place to travel. It's not a relaxing vacation destination. It is, though, an experience — often a life-changing experience.

The best time to visit India is in the winter, from December until early March. The whole country tends to get very hot from April onwards and most regions experience the summer monsoon in at least June, July, August and September.

On the other hand, Shillong, Puducherry, Sikkim, Kasol, Kochi, Ladakh, and Coorg are also some of the safest destinations for female travellers in India.

“In India, we celebrate the commonality of major differences; we are a land of belonging rather than of blood.” “Everything is recycled in India, even dreams.” “Everything is recycled in India, even life.” “This is indeed India!”….

American tourists have been outnumbering the tourists that visit the country from other European and South Asian countries in 2021. In 2021, citizens from Bangladesh, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom had the highest number of tourists visiting India.

The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, is the country most reliant on tourism. Around 20 others across the world derive more than 10% of their gross domestic product from tourism. Most are small, with a population well below a million people.

Considering the large number of studies on sustainable tourism, this study focused on the five key pillars of sustainable tourism development, namely tourism attraction, accessibility, amenity, ancillary, and community involvement as well as the three sustainability aspects.

Why India is amazing? ›

India is amongst the top 10 countries in the world in terms of the number of World Heritage Sites. There are 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, of which 30 are cultural sites. The spectacular Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Konark's Sun Temple and Jaipur's Hawa Mahal are some of the greatly admired monuments.

India can be a safe country as long as all precautions are taken to avoid any inconvenience. Nevertheless, we must be honest and tell you that although India has many attractive places to discover, the security of the city is not 100% safe. In fact, during the last years, criminality against tourists has increased.

Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements. All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India.

Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Tetanus; Typhoid. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Rabies. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera; Japanese Encephalitis.

Honestly, you can spend six months in India and yet not see all of the country. Unfortunately, not a lot of people have the luxury of that much time. If you are looking at a practical time frame to tour India, really experience the country and culture, and see a few diverse regions, we recommend spending 3 weeks here.

Most people spend 7 to 14 days in India. For first timers, this almost invariably includes the classic route visiting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur (India's "golden triangle"), which usually takes about 7 days.

While you can never guarantee safety completely while travelling anywhere, India is considered to be a fairly safe country for women to travel around as long as certain precautions are taken to minimise any potential danger.

As of 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) claims that Kolkata is the safest city in India. It has less crime rate compared to other metropolitan cities.

What is the most beautiful thing about India? ›

“Adventures do occur, but not punctually.” “Life never gives us what we want at the moment that we consider appropriate.” “Life never gives us what we want at the moment that we consider appropriate. Adventures do occur, but not punctually.”

"I want to see the real India." "Come on, India's not as bad as all that. Other side of the earth, if you like, but we stick to the same old moon." "Adventures do occur, but not punctually."

What is the most popular food in India? There are various types of dishes that are quite famous in India. Some of them are – biryani, butter chicken, samosas, dal makhani, tandoori meat, chaat, and more. The food of different cities of India reflect their unique cultural setup.

According to the Historical Popularity Index 2022, Mahatma Gandhi is the Most Famous Personality in Modern India. He is also the most famous Hindu of all time.

Home to some of the world famous structures like Taj Mahal and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in various states, oldest monuments, biggest wildlife sanctuaries and large tourist destinations, there is everything to find attractive about Incredible India. The tranquil nature is one of the top attractions in India.

The United States was the country worldwide with the highest international tourism receipts in 2021. That year, inbound tourism receipts in the U.S. amounted to roughly 70 billion U.S. dollars.

What are the top three countries for tourism? ›

As such Wolwedans operates within the prescribed 4Cs: conservation, community, culture and commerce.

The tourism components 4As (Accommodation, Access, Amenities and Attractions) are the ones that tourism managers should consider in the development of the destination and ensure that all components are best suited with the quality and requirements of visitors (Haneef, 2017).

Thus, identification of the Brajan Tourism Village done by 6 elements, namely attraction, image, accessibility, facilities, human resources, and price.

The enthusiasm, colours and traditional attire will be loved by every foreigner who visits India! Indians are very kind and cultural people who treat guests as God! The short conversations can invite you to their homes or for any celebrations in their family!

The U.S.-India strategic partnership is founded on shared values including a commitment to democracy and upholding the rules-based international system. The United States and India have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.

There are plenty of reasons to visit India – be it mountains or plains, beaches or backwaters, wildlife tours or adventure activities, secluded islands or bustling metropolitan, culinary delights or local drinks, spiritual holidays or romantic vacations.

Can I Wear Shorts in India? In touristy beach areas like Goa, shorts are perfectly fine, and in cities like Mumbai shorts are commonly worn too (by women as well as men).

Cover Yourself

Both men and women travelers should have pants and avoid tank tops as clothes to wear in India. In India, attire for women (if you really want to look like a local) includes long skirts that go down to the ankle instead of pants. While T-shirts are acceptable, always err on the side of modesty.

Dress conservatively in a way that expresses respect for the place of worship or household. Wash your hands before and after eating. Avoid touching people with the left hand, as it is considered unclean and will cause insult. Keep this in mind and use your right hand when giving or accepting any object.

Do I need malaria pills for India? ›

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

According to a White House press release on 26 June 2017, over 700 U.S. citizens reside in India. In 2002, one widely cited estimate stated that 60,000 Americans including African Americans lived in India.

The best time to visit India is between October and March, when the weather is more likely to be warm, sunny, and dry. During this time, the north offers clear blue skies. However, December and January are much cooler, with potential fog, while the higher Himalaya can be very cold, but with clearer mountain views.

Maximum stay by a foreigner in India on an e-Tourist visa or regular paper Tourist visa or both in one calendar year shall be restricted to 180 days. Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter India through land routes on e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa.

Unfortunately, India does not provide visas on arrival to US Citizens. Before your trip you need to apply and obtain your Visa, US citizens who arrive in India without a valid visa will not be allowed to enter.

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most popular choices among international travellers. With ancient culture and modern technologies going hand-in-hand, countries like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the hotspots for leisure as well as adventure holidays.

North Sentinel island, Andaman

This place is alienated from the main island because of the Sentinelese tribes that live there and they do not permit any tourist or fisherman to enter the island. It is a part of the Andaman but tourists are not allowed to visit this place because of the indigenous tribes.

How many days are enough for India trip? ›

Most people spend 7 to 14 days in India. For first timers, this almost invariably includes the classic route visiting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur (India's "golden triangle"), which usually takes about 7 days.

India is in general a conservative society. Women should dress modestly – meaning legs and shoulders should be covered. Shorts and short skirts are certainly to be avoided. Men must always wear a top in public and should wear light trousers rather than shorts.

Buses are the backbone of Indian travel

Even if you can't get where you want to go directly, there'll often be a bus going halfway, with another bus completing the journey.

Millions of foreign visitors come to Royal Rajasthan from all over the world. The most well-known tourist destinations in India for foreign visitors are the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, the largest live forts, and the exquisite palaces of Rajasthan.

Udaipur. Most famous for its stunning lakes, forts, temples and palaces, Udaipur is another city located in the state of Rajasthan, and is certainly not to be missed. Lovers will be delighted to hear that this is a city filled with romantic spots, as well as beautiful gardens.

The financial capital of India and the capital of Maharastra is the most populated city in India. Mumbai has a population of over 12.7 million, with a population density of 21,000 per square kilometer.

India can be a safe country as long as all precautions are taken to avoid any inconvenience. Nevertheless, we must be honest and tell you that although India has many attractive places to discover, the security of the city is not 100% safe. In fact, during the last years, criminality against tourists has increased.

For the most part, India is a rather safe country. Certain places can be more dangerous than others, but the most beautiful sites of India, including the Taj Mahal and Hawa Mahal, are mainly safe for travelers.