Is it safe to drink tap water?

No. Stick to bottled water (₹20-40 per bottle), avoid ice in drinks, and skip raw vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.

How do I avoid getting sick?

Eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Avoid street food for the first few days while your stomach adjusts. Carry Imodium and oral rehydration salts.

What's the best way to get around cities?

Ola and Uber work in major cities. For short distances, use auto-rickshaws but negotiate fare beforehand. Delhi and Mumbai have good metro systems.

How much should I tip?

Restaurants: 10% if service charge not included. Hotels: ₹50-100 per day for housekeeping. Drivers: ₹200-300 per day for full-day tours.

Can I use my credit card everywhere?

Cards work in hotels, restaurants, and malls in big cities. Carry cash for street food, auto-rickshaws, and small shops. ATMs are everywhere but have daily withdrawal limits.

How to Plan Your First India Itinerary

Start with 2-3 weeks covering the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) plus one southern city like Mumbai or Goa. Book trains in advance, get your visa 6 weeks early, and budget $40-60 per day for mid-range comfort.

Pick your entry and exit cities. Delhi and Mumbai have the most international flights. Plan to arrive in one and leave from the other to avoid backtracking. Book flights 8-10 weeks ahead for better prices.
Choose 4-5 destinations maximum. Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) takes 7 days. Add Udaipur (2 days), Mumbai (3 days), or Goa (4 days). More than 5 cities means you'll spend more time traveling than exploring.
Book trains between major cities. Use IRCTC app or Cleartrip 30 days before travel. Choose AC 3-tier sleeper for overnight journeys ($15-25) or Shatabdi Express for day travel ($8-15). Trains sell out fast during peak season.
Plan around the weather. October to March is ideal. Avoid April-June (too hot) and July-September (monsoon). Rajasthan gets cold in December-January, so pack layers.
Book accommodations in advance. Reserve first 3 nights before arrival, especially in Delhi. Use booking.com for hotels or Zostel for hostels. Budget hotels start at $12/night, mid-range at $25-40/night.
Arrange airport pickup. Pre-book through your hotel or use Ola/Uber. Delhi airport to city center costs $8-12 by taxi, $3-5 by metro. Never take unmarked taxis from the airport.

Is it safe to drink tap water?: No. Stick to bottled water (₹20-40 per bottle), avoid ice in drinks, and skip raw vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
How do I avoid getting sick?: Eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Avoid street food for the first few days while your stomach adjusts. Carry Imodium and oral rehydration salts.
What's the best way to get around cities?: Ola and Uber work in major cities. For short distances, use auto-rickshaws but negotiate fare beforehand. Delhi and Mumbai have good metro systems.
How much should I tip?: Restaurants: 10% if service charge not included. Hotels: ₹50-100 per day for housekeeping. Drivers: ₹200-300 per day for full-day tours.
Can I use my credit card everywhere?: Cards work in hotels, restaurants, and malls in big cities. Carry cash for street food, auto-rickshaws, and small shops. ATMs are everywhere but have daily withdrawal limits.