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If you’re ready to pack your bags and head to the colorful country of India, you’re about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
With mouthwatering cuisine, bustling markets, friendly people, and incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences, India makes a lasting impression on anyone who goes there.
But before you dive headfirst into the chaos, you’re going to need to brush up on these essential tips for visiting India. People come away either loving or hating their experience in India, and I firmly believe the ones who don’t enjoy it go in unaware and unprepared.
So don’t be that person! Here is how you can enjoy India and have the best experience possible.
Essential Tips for Visiting India
Get Your Travel Vaccinations
Before you even book your flight, don’t forget to take necessary precautions from unsuspecting illnesses and check your vaccination checklist.
For India, the usual suspects like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are all on the requirement list, but some regions may also have a little mosquito carry dengue or malaria — so it’s best to speak to your travel nurse before you go and tell them where you are going.
Be sure to wear bug spray when visiting nature sites. A healthy traveler is a happy traveler — unless you count the ones who forgot to pack their sunscreen!
Bring Medicine For An Upset Stomach
I don’t know anyone who’s been on a culinary adventure in India and not taken a detour into the land of an upset stomach – the infamous Delhi Belly takes everyone down at least once!
Be sure to pack your travel medicine kit full of antacids, diarrhea tablets, and other essential meds you might need for an upset stomach.
Probiotics can also be your trusty sidekick after the initial drama is over and help you keep your gut happy for the rest of your trip.
Drink Bottled Water
You cannot drink the tap water anywhere in India, so be sure to drink bottled water only!
Some hotels will have a water cooler where you can refill bottles, but make sure that the water in the cooler is clean and bottled water.
If anyone offers you a bottle of water, check the cap and seal before drinking it.
Carry Toilet Paper, Everywhere!
Carrying your own roll of toilet paper is like having a secret weapon in your travel arsenal — because you never know when you might need a restroom and most of the time, there won’t be any toilet paper.
When nature calls, you’ll be thankful you came prepared. It’s not that toilet paper isn’t offered, it’s usually just run out.
India is a bidet culture and prefers water for washing, and paper for drying, so know where to put your paper after using it.
Also on a side note, the infamous “squatty potty” is common in India, as it is most of Asia, so if you’ve never seen or used one before – know that its a rite of passage when visiting Asia. You got this!
Be Careful Eating Street Food
You should absolutely not avoid street food, it’s some of the tastiest food in the world, but in the world of Indian street food, it can either be a thrilling rollercoaster ride for your taste buds or a dead drop to the bathroom.
While the tantalizing aromas wafting from food stalls may beckon you like a siren’s song, not all that glitters is gold — or in this case, safe to eat!
When in doubt, look for bustling stalls with long lines, as they often serve up the freshest fare, or go where the guides tell you. Make sure the food is piping hot before you chow down, and make sure the place looks clean.
Bring A Shawl For Temples
When visiting temples and holy sites, men and women often need to cover their heads, especially in Sikh or Jainism temples and mosques related to Islam.
The main religion in India is Hinduism, followed by Buddhism, and when visiting Hindu or Buddhist temples bare shoulders and knees need to be covered, so it’s a good idea to carry scarves or shawls for those instances.
Also note that when visiting temples, photography is usually restricted or banned. Look for a sign with the rules if you are unsure.
Wear footwear you can slip on or off, like sandals, so you can enter holy places easily.
Read more: Tips for women dressing modestly in other countries
Eat Curry Before You Leave To Build Up Your Tolerance
Before you jet off to India, consider building up your spice tolerance beforehand by eating curries a few weeks before you go.
Think of it as a culinary boot camp!
The spice level in India is no joke, and even when you ask for “not spicy” it comes out volcanic!
By indulging in a few spicy dishes at home before you go, you’ll not only build up your tolerance but also give your stomach a warm-up so you’re less likely to get sick by the Delhi Belly.
Get A Local Sim Card
When you land in India, snag a local SIM card as soon as you can. Not only will this allow you to stay in touch with your GPS and loved ones, but it will be essential for flagging down Ubers, using a translation to talk with the locals, and communicating with hotels.
Upon landing in Mumbai, if you want to connect to the airport WiFi, you need a local Indian number, so if you think you can avoid getting a sim card at the airport, think again!
Alternatively, you can set up an eSIM before you leave so you can land without this hassle. We recommend Airalo for effortless and affordable esim cards
Pack Warm Clothes For The North
North India can get cold. You wouldn’t think it, knowing that India’s climate is notoriously hot and humid!
So don’t forget to pack those warm clothes, or you might find yourself wishing you had a personal space heater in tow!
Know The Best Time To Go
If you’re still in the planning stage and haven’t booked your flight yet, it’s worth knowing when is the best time to visit India.
Typically the best time is between October and March, when the weather is as pleasant as a well-brewed cup of chai!
During these months, you can explore the vibrant streets without feeling like you’re melting faster than an ice cream cone in the sun.
December is perhaps the busiest month for tourism, as the weather is perfect.
The monsoon season runs from June to September, which is not the best time to visit.
Get Your e-Visa Sorted!
Most countries require a tourist visa to enter India. Depending on your nationality, you’ll likely be able to apply for an e-Visa, which makes it so much easier, but it still requires a week or more to process.
All visitors needing a visa to India need to fill out an online application, upload a photo, and voilà—you’re one step closer to exploring the Taj Mahal!
You can check out e-visas for India here!
Don’t Think You’re Safe On Pavements, Look Out For Traffic
Everyone knows that India is busy! It’s not just the traffic that’s wild, it’s everywhere. You feel like walking down the street you’re playing a game of human tetris, weaving between people and trying to plot your course.
It’s not just people on the sidewalk though – sometimes when the traffic is crazy, motorbikes, scooters, bicycles, rickshaws, and anyone with enough enthusiasm, will use the pavement as a form of “second lane.”
So even when you’re walking around, keep your eyes on your sixth and be careful of traffic.
Be Aware Of Potential Scams
India is safe to visit, but scamming is an issue, especially around tourist attractions, so keep your eyes peeled for the crafty scammers!
One common trick is the “friendly local” who approaches you with a smile and a story, only to steer you towards overpriced shops where the only thing getting a bargain is their commission!
When buying souvenirs, there is also the classic confusion with the change. They may ask for 100 rupee notes and then give it back and ask for a different note, and get you so confused by the end of it you’ve lost out $50.
Then there’s the classic “tourist taxi” scam, where a seemingly helpful taxi driver offers to take you on a grand tour — only to have you end up at a series of shops without your permission that are more interested in your wallet than your sightseeing. Or they take the “scenic route” so they can charge you more, even though you’re only traveling short distances.
When visiting money bureaus, make a note of the exchange rates and count your Indian rupees to make sure they haven’t under cut you.
And let’s not forget the infamous “missing wallet” ploy, where someone may “accidentally” bump into you, creating just enough distraction for a quick grab-and-go.
Prepare For Culture Shock
Stepping into India is like jumping into a vibrant kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and scents that can leave even the most seasoned traveler feeling overwhelmed.
From the bustling bazaars to the symphony of honking horns, the sensory overload can be both exhilarating and bewildering.
So most people do end up grappling with a bit of culture shock when they visit India.
Respect the local way of life and learn to adjust. The concept of personal space is more of a suggestion than a rule in India, and queuing doesn’t exist either.
So, as you embrace the whirlwind of culture shock, remember to laugh it off, take it all in, don’t let yourself get overloaded by it. It’s all part of India!
Don’t Go To Varanasi If You Don’t Want To See Death
Ok, real talk now. Varanasi, also known as the Holy City, is one of the most eye-opening destinations in the world.
But it’s not a tourist destination. It sits on the edge of the River Ganges, a sacred river in India, and is where people come from all over India, sometimes even the world, to die, or cremate the dead.
In Varanasi, you will see a lot of holy ceremonies and traditions, from morning rituals of local people performing their daily prayers or washing in the sacred waters, or to see the Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening.
But it’s also where cremations take place on the banks of the river, and these are very open and public events.
Many people go to Varanasi thinking they can avoid seeing cremations and bodies, but that’s hardly ever the case.
While we would never say don’t go, it can be an incredibly thought-provoking and moving travel experience, but you should be aware of what you will see before you decide to make the trip.
Book Train Tickets In Advance
If you book your train tickets in advance, you will be thanking me every time you get on a train in India.
Not only does it secure your seat, but you get to avoid the Indian concept of queuing – which is all to rush at the ticket window at once and whoever has wrestled to the front first will win.
Also, when tickets sell out, you may find yourself traveling as the locals do, by sitting on the floor at the back of a cart with a view of the snack vendor, or maybe even sitting on the roof of the train.
Be sure to arrive early for your train, as you might have to fight someone for your seat.
There are a variety of classes to choose from, but tourists who are overwhelmed should get first or second class, which is still cheap by Western standards.
Adventurous travelers may be happy with lower classes, but don’t expect it to be comfortable.
Stay In Unique Properties, Including Bed & Breakfasts
India has some amazing property options available, but Bed and Breakfast style accommodation is the most popular, especially in the major cities.
Some may be on the commercial side and are run more like hotels, but most are run by families, or couples that love to host travelers.
It’s a great way to taste local cuisines (sometimes with a touch of home-made motherly love), find out the hidden gems in the area, and learn to cook an authentic Indian meal or enjoy an Indian breakfast.
Our recommendations:
- Delhi – Check out Colonel’s retreat or Indee Home in South Delhi. Colonel’s retreat offers spa services as well as yoga classes and cooking classes.
- Rajasthan – Why not stay in a traditional Haveli style or Fort Palace? We recommend Neemrana Fort Palace a 15-century fort restored with rooms for all budgets. Or splash out and treat yourself to a luxury Haveli stay at Alsisar Haveli in Jaipur. This group of heritage hotels are owned by a sub clan of rajputs started by the grandson of the Maharaja Udaikaran of Amer.
- Northern India – Our Himalaya Elements experience is a 10-night experience in the foothills of the Himalayas which include hand-picked exclusive B&B properties, plus some hotels and lodges along the way. The highlight is definitely Vanghat Lodge in the middle of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Also experience a beautiful heritage Bed and Breakfast property 2,500m above sea-level and inside Binsar Sanctuary with 180-degree views of the western Himalayas.
Visit Local Markets Outside The Tourist Traps
Let’s face it, to the locals, western tourists can stand out like a sore thumb.
It’s for this reason that the tourist shopping areas near popular monuments like the Taj Mahal can be a little overpriced, and a little on the tacky side.
It can be a bit overwhelming when you’re being coaxed by a tout or guide shop hopping from one place to another looking to make a quick commission, a regular experience in Jaipur.
Do a little research before you travel or use a reputable travel company to help you find those little local gems that you’ll be telling your friends about and remember for years to come.
Delhi:
If there was one place we would call the ‘One Stop Shop’ it would be Dilli Haat. Dilli Haat is located in South Delhi and has that traditional market ambiance, with vendors represented from all corners of India.
Prices are reasonable and you can bargain till your hearts content without being hounded by vendors, you might even have some fun with them while you’re at it.
The vendors rotate their stall positions every 15 days to keep the peace and make it fair for all the stall holders.
It’s not just a place to buy your handicrafts, clothing, shoes, fabrics, jewellery, but it’s also a place to tantalise your taste buds with delicious authentic cuisines from all over India. We recommend momo’s from Sikkim, but there is just so much to choose from.
Rajasthan:
If you are doing the traditional Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur), why not add in a 2-night safari experience at Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, then make your way to Dhonk Craft?
Dhonk craft supports tiger conservation by providing sustainable employment opportunities to the local community, in particular, a community that is currently in the process of moving away from poaching endangered species like tigers, deer, leopard, and moving towards sustainable, responsible tourism.
Spending a couple of dollars here is your way to support them in this transition from exploitation to conservation of both animals and environment. Their handicrafts and clothing are pretty awesome too.
Put Away Your Guide Book And Listen To The Locals
Guide books are great and they have a time and place, but it’s ok to occasionally put your guide book away, and just follow your intuition and start exploring.
I bet you can remember a time you did this and ended up not only with an awesome experience, but a great story as well!
Stop at a sweet shop where you see locals congregating. If you buy something from a shop, ask the owner for a recommendation for dinner or lunch. You’re likely to go where the locals go rather than where the tourists go.
If you’re staying in a homestay, don’t forget to ask your host family as well.
They’re always grateful for the opportunity to be of service. The best experiences are always those where you are present in the moment, connecting to people.
Connect With The Locals
A little similar, but different to my earlier point in that when a street vendor approaches you to make a sale, most people recommend no eye contact. Just keep walking.
This is good advice, as they can be pretty tenacious characters and just a glance in their direction, to them says ‘I’m interested in what you’ve got to sell’.
Try this instead – make a joke, or ask him a personal question like where is his family from? Does he like cricket? Who is his favourite batsman (9 times out of 10 the answer will be Sachin Tendulkar!). The point is to do something they aren’t expecting to disrupt their ‘sales flow.’
The next thing you will notice, his selling will stop and he will connect with you, and most likely a big smile will form on his face for having met someone who responded a little differently than the rest of the tourists he met.
By the way, this can also lead to a killer deal if you’re actually interested in what he’s selling.
The thing to remember is that ‘annoying vendor’ is a person like you and me at the end of the day.
They are often in a personal situation where pushing for the sale could mean the difference between food or no food on the table for his kids that night, or medicine or no medicine for his sick mother.
This doesn’t mean you become a push over; it’s just something to keep in mind. Keeping this in mind can help you connect to the locals on a deeper level than you ever would have.
Forget Everything Your Friends And Family Have Ever Told You About India
Everyone has met someone who will often talk about how they, or about how their friends and family, were so shocked about travelling to India.
Here’s the deal – everyone has an opinion and it’s often based on second hand knowledge, not personal experience.
Family and friends will often have the intention to keep you safe, and that’s wonderful, but India is a place of contrast and contradiction.
India will be challenging and it’ll force you to step out of your comfort zone – true. However, the journey will be life changing leaving an imprint on your soul forever – also true.
When someone has an opinion, smile and say, “thanks for that, I’ll keep it in mind,” and be open to the journey that will come to you personally.
No two travel experiences are the same, find out for yourself.
India Guided Tours
You may wish to travel to India on a guided tour rather than solo travel to India. Here are a few we recommend:
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How To Travel India Video
Need more inspiration and advice on visiting India? Check out our webinar with tips on travelling to India safely, which is especially important for solo female travelers!
More India Travel Tips
- Bundi: My favourite place in all of India
- 10 reasons why Rajasthan is perfect for solo travellers
- How to safely travel to India as a solo female traveller
What other tips can you offer to have a unique and authentic travel experience in India? Let us know in the comments.
Great post, I haven’t made it to India yet but reading this has given me a serious hankering to get there! Love the tips on getting a more authentic experience, everywhere I go travellers are trying to get the “real” experience but finding it hard to get past the tourist traps & being viewed as walking ATMs by street vendors! Definitely going to try asking for recommendations from shop keepers, great idea.
Cool! Since I am an Indian I can relate to all of it. 🙂 Staying in a heritage property would be fun and wandering the local markets would be the best way to smell the essence of India.
Renuka, I read your India blog post on Ytravelblog. I’ve been meaning to get in touch with you 🙂 Would love to connect!!
Reena Tory
Reena tory
You do not seem Indian. Maybe you are half indian half australian. Maybe your mother is aussie. Surname Tory does not seem Indian too. But anyway. What i can about safety of women is that, The PER CAPITA RAPE is lowest in India. All the western countries such as USA, UK, SWEDEN are top in rape list in spite of their less population. I don’t know about australian rank or rape numbers. But i’m sure they are high.
another thing. India has millions of middle class people too in addition to poor and rich people. Many western countries have homeless people.
India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.
India sounds so exciting and I can’t wait to visit later this year with Mantra Wild Tours. Looking forward to the lodges and safaris, the food, the accommodation, all of it!
Sarah, thanks for your comment. I’m so gald you enjoyed my tips. We would be happy to help you craft your perfect India experience when you’re ready 🙂
Reena Tory
Mantra Wild Adventures
Travel on Purpose
Awesome post, I can speak from experience that all the above are great tips! By venturing out of your comfort zone and out of the tourist traps is where you create the most amazing memories, stories and connections with the country, culture and locals! Aaah you have me dreaming of going back to India…hopefully one day soon… 🙂
Thanks for your comments Christie. So great to hear they resonated with you 🙂
Nice Tips 🙂
We grew up in Delhi and listening to the Locals for advice on where to go, shop, and eat is definitely a must. Dilli Haat is great, but is becoming quite “touristy” now – some other cool markets are the ones in Sarojini Nagar and North Campus.
Love Neemrana fort too 🙂
Cheers
Vid – great to know! I lived in Delhi too for 6 months. Sarojani Nagar is fantastic. I did some of my wedding shopping there 🙂
I enjoyed my trip to Golden Triangle but I haven’t been to Neemrana. after reading about this, I surely going to enjoy this soon..
Great tips. I think it’s so important to talk to the locals. Staying at little family run guesthouses was my favorite part of India. After backpacking, I moved here a little over a year ago and now love showing people around where I live. I think it helps them get a better experience! I think when people tell me “be careful, it’s not safe” I usually take some time to explain how safe I find it to be and explain some of the stereotypes and why they happen
Great to hear Rachel 🙂 Thanks for your positive comments and always great to hear about other’s love of India. It’s makes my heart smile 🙂
Awesome to see a reassuring, positive article about travel in India on your site! And I agree with all the advice, too. Getting to know locals, getting off the beaten path, local markets, guest houses — these are all the things I do when I’m in India.
Thanks Mariellen. It was great to meet you at KTM and in Delhi briefly! I’m sure we will catch up again very soon. Reena x
One of my favourite memories of the time I spent in India was wandering around a non-touristy market, was absolutely fascinating! All the ideas are really great, but that’s the best way to explore any country in my eyes 🙂
All great tips, and I love that you included recommendations. We almost always stay at B&Bs or homestays, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can especially relate to the one about asking local merchants questions unrelated to the product. They almost never get that, and it’s true that it completely changes the tone of the conversation!
Katie, great to hear you liked my tips especially when talking to Vendors. I found this really helped me connect with with them on a deeper level, and then we would talk about what they were selling. Because of the connection I made, they really felt like they HAD to give me a good deal (even a couple of freebies!). B&B’s are great too. My guests tend to spend at least 20-40% of their tours at B&B’s. Many will do impromptu cooking classes with you, or invite you to have dinner with them. They are great!
Cool tips! Thanks for all the details about places to stay! We try to stay in a B&B or AirB&B so we can stay around more local neighborhoods. I definitely agree with going outside the regular tourist areas. You can find the most amazing hidden treasures when walking off the beaten path.
WOW! Awesome blog! Having been to india, it was a pleasure to read this. Next trip is DEFINITELY going to be with Mantra Wild Adventures. You’re obviously a professional outfit 🙂
Great post. I have an Uncle who is Indian, he is really good and talks so much about India. I can relate a bit with your blog. Sounds interesting.
Great post! I’m planning a trip to India soon a good friend of mine just got married and moved there from the states. Super helpful and eye opening tips! Thanks for sharing!
Great post!
I had only one weekend of free time when I traveled to India as it was a business trip. So I only did touristic stuff. Would love to go back and discover the authentic India!
I loved India!! I want to go back, so when I do I’m taking this list of recommendations.
I loved meeting the locals there, so many people just wanted to chat and find out more about us and where we are from!
x
Great tips, Reena! I’ve always wanted to go to India and this just convinced me to do it! I’ve traveled a bit myself and agree with your tip on listening to the locals. It makes for such a different (and better!) experience. I love your advice about forgetting what your family and friends have told you. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Anne! I’m glad my post has inspired you to take the leap 🙂
I love the reminder that pushy salespeople are often pushy for a reason. Its easy to get annoyed with people and we forget that the sale usually makes a profound difference for that person.
I’m glad you are encouraging travel to India. Would love to go there and I will take your suggestions along.
India is such a huge country, so planning is more important than ever before a trip because you can’t just “go over there” on a whim if you only have a limited time to get a great first impression of the country. We are looking forward to visiting parts of India soon – thanks for the tips.
I went through the tips and got glued to them. Last year I was in India, and was on a short volunteer and travel programs by Active Internationals. I really liked their work, and I believe the tips written here are an exact reflection of what I learnt after being to the wonderful country.
I recommend all people to visit this beautiful country and explore it to its depths.
Wonderful blog post! I am currently traveling through India for the month on a travel blogging trip and found this post an excellent read!
When you visit india, India’s memories & experiences will stay with you forever. You could visit Taj Mahal, the Himalayas, the palaces and desert landscapes of Rajasthan, Mumbai, the beaches and Portuguese relics of Goa etc.
Key attractions are the enchanting Taj Mahal in Agra, the holy Ganges river at Varanasi, the Indian Himalayas in the north, the palaces and desert landscapes of Rajasthan in the west, Mumbai (formerly Bombay), the beaches and Portuguese relics of Goa and the former capital Calcutta in the east. Hundreds of religious and cultural festivals each year provide a fascinating and colourful spectacle. – Incredible India Tours with http://www.holidaytravel.co/
Hii Reena..very nice post. have you forgot to mentioned south india and kerala ( Gods own country ) ? How you can skip great back waters, house boats, beaches…..
Sujith, Oh yes, so many more experiences to add! We use some amazing B&B’s in Cochin and in Coorg, Karnataka. India has so much to offer and Kerala – God’s Own country deserves a blog post of it’s own 🙂
There are several places in India where one does not find beggars Ladakh is serene area and one of the most beautiful part of India.
Ladakh the land of lamas worth a visit a paradise for photographers
Awesome listings, I also read the novels and online blogs so i have finding great place for traveling trip in budgets and some special places going to our family and friend. I really like to this blog, it’s very nice travel blog with authentic ways experience in India.
Great Posts! This is really nice travels in way for experience in luxury trip in India. You can visit for travelers blog writings and read the bloggers for improve a knowledge.
A Great Article on Travel to India. One must read. I also have a blog on Travel and History of India.
Thanks for great advise to safe traveling in any new destination to provides this blog. It’s best experience to travels way in India.
There are many destinations in India to make your trip remember able. But I think Rajasthan is the best destination.
Really good post, this. I traveled around India for four months this year and after spending the first two weeks flitting from one tourist attraction to the next I decided to skip the big tourist sites and just wander without a map. You’re right, you have to dig deeper in India to really get to know the country and its people.
This is really nice post yous shared, India is very good country with helpful people, i liked your post..
India is always top on traveller’s list . Because of culture and heritage. Every state and city has different cultures… So it always good experience.
You Have Mention 4th Point Connect with the Locals how i can do to i am fearful person can you give me some tips about that.
Incredible travel tips cater the top unique authentic ways experience in India.
Can totally relate to it Reena, a great post.
I just booked my trip to India for my birthday next year. After booking I googled, and what confronted with horror story after horror story and warning after warning. Everyone has also said “omg why are you going to India?”. But then you come across various travel bloggers, particularly solo female travelers who say WHY INDIA! I’m going, and not going to listen to other’s opinions. Excited!!!
That’s great to hear Nikki! Have an amazing time!
Hi Reena, nice post and great tips to make people start loving and traveling India. However to explore real India, one can’t miss south and east India having full of Scenic beauty and traditional markets.
I am so glad to have read a very different perspective from you. No, its not about India but more so on your way of looking at the sales agents you meet on the road. That one sentence “Food or no food on the table for his kids” just struck the chord with me. These are everyday scenes outside so many temples and historical monuments but I myself never ever thought about it like this. Cheers !
I am following you, for sure !
Loved reading about India through your experiences
Hope you get to visit Goa sometime! I’m sure you’d love it.
http://www.thatgoangirl.com
So happy to hear that you liked our country.I am backpacking and covering whole of India and will put details of every place in write ups to help the other travelers visiting our country.
Anyways great article 🙂
Great post! I’m planning a trip to India soon a good friend of mine just got married and moved there from the states. Super helpful and eye opening tips! Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy your trip to India Ravia. We have some more Indi content here: https://www.ytravelblog.com/category/destinations/asia/india/
Great post! I’m planning a trip to India soon a good friend of mine just got married and moved there from the states. Super helpful and eye opening tips! Thanks for sharing!
You can add Sundarban Biosphere Reserve to you list while visiting India, it is the biggest mangrove jungle in the world and the only one with tiger population. You can get more details here. http://www.visitsunderbans.com
Being a adventurous tourist do not forget to visit Zuluk.
Zuluk (The Curving paradise of East Sikkim) is the main Point of Interest in Old Silk Route Tour (East-Sikkim). Taste the charm of mountain climate on 10,000 feet . Enjoy the adventurous ride on most curving roads(95 Turnings point) in India. Now days it is fast arising as a new tourist destination. Zuluk creates its tourism undisputed value due to the excellent view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including the Kanchenjunga from here. For this trip to the area requires special restricted area permit(RN/GN Permit). The permit shall be issued by us with necessary documents.During the summer months, the area and its surrounding hills are covered by thousands of blooming rhododendron.
Loved the way you have represented India. I have been born and brought up in a small town in India and good to see that country has inspired travellers to go beyond usual route of exploring golden triangle. May be you want to add south Indian heritage exploration as one of the points which is offbeat thing to do in India. Written some blogs on this 🙂
Wow, Great information, thank you for sharing!
Such a helpful and comprehensive guide—perfect for first-time visitors to India!
This is such a well-written and practical guide for anyone planning their first trip to India! I especially appreciated the advice on staying healthy — packing a basic medicine kit and avoiding tap water can really make or break the trip. Also, the tips on local customs, like carrying a shawl for temples and being prepared for squat toilets, are super helpful. India truly is a beautiful chaos, and being prepared makes it all the more enjoyable. Thanks for sharing these insights, Reena — bookmarking this for my next trip!