Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Never drink tap water. Drink only bottled water with a sealed cap, and use it for brushing your teeth as well.

How do I handle the 'Delhi Belly'?

Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover and stick to freshly cooked hot food. Avoid raw salads or fruit that you cannot peel yourself.

Planning Your First Trip to India

Focus on the 'Golden Triangle' (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) for your first 10-day trip to balance iconic sights with manageable travel. Use a mix of pre-booked trains and private drivers to navigate the country efficiently without burning out.

Choose your region. For a first trip, stick to North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan). Do not attempt to cross the entire country in two weeks; the travel time will exhaust you.
Book your internal transport early. Book train tickets at least 60 days in advance via the IRCTC website or authorized agents like 12Go. For shorter hops between cities in Rajasthan, hire a private driver for a fixed daily rate.
Sync your itinerary with the weather. Plan your trip between October and March. Avoid the summer months (April–June) where temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F).
Secure your e-visa. Apply for the e-Tourist visa online at the official Indian government portal at least 4 weeks before departure. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Never drink tap water. Drink only bottled water with a sealed cap, and use it for brushing your teeth as well.
How do I handle the 'Delhi Belly'?: Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover and stick to freshly cooked hot food. Avoid raw salads or fruit that you cannot peel yourself.