India Travel Tips: A Guide to Visiting India for the First Time

Visiting India for the first time is wildly overwhelming, yet it’s one of the most incredible destinations you’ll ever travel to. So unlike our known Western culture, old traditions mix with modern life, and the subsequent entrancing chaos can be a lot for first-time visitors. That’s why we created this guide.

We’ll show you the best places to visit in India for the first time, what to expect, culture and etiquette, India’s seasons, the best experiences and accommodations, must-have cuisine and so much more in our guide to visiting India for the first time.

What are the best places to visit in India for the first time?

There are two regions that we recommend as must-visit places for your first time traveling to India, and that’s Kerala and Rajasthan.

For those concerned about navigating the hecticness of India’s cities, especially with kids, we recommend Kerala in South India. While it’s not only for new visitors to India, its laid-back and relaxed culture is warm and welcoming to all travelers, making it the perfect introduction to this incredible country. Think traipsing across tea plantations, wandering old colonial towns, and remote backwaters lodges. South Indian cuisine is also very different to the more widely known North Indian cuisines, adding an extra layer of authenticity to your trip.

For those wanting to get stuck in the thick of it, visiting Rajasthan should be top of mind when traveling to India for the first time. Rajasthan is the cultural and historic heart of India and with it a buzzing hub of activity. Jaipur will act as your gateway to Rajasthan, and from there complete the Golden Triangle tour with a trip to Delhi, sampling their old street food markets along the way, and Agra where the Taj Mahal astounds.

Not only do these places offer the perfect authentic blend of culture, cuisine and exploration, they’re also well-suited to tourists. So even the most anxious travelers will be comfortable here.

When is the best time to visit India?

The best time to visit India is between October and March, during the country’s dry season and before it gets too hot in the summer. For southern India, you can push for November to April.

June through September is the monsoon season for most of the country, and while the off-peak pricing may be attractive, the heavy rains and humidity will affect your overall trip and impact your travel and experiences.

The Himalaya have their own unique climate, where visiting in the summer months from June to September is ideal, especially for visiting the northern areas like Ladakh. However, we don’t recommend the Himalaya for those visiting India for the first time as you need to be a confident traveler as it's off the beaten track and geared towards active vacations.

What do I need before traveling to India?

From visa requirements to dress codes, here are the essentials you need to know before you travel to India.

Visa Requirements

US citizens need a visa when traveling to India. 

Most citizens will be eligible for the e-tourist visa, which is all completed online and takes between 3-5 days for approval. Your Scott Dunn travel specialist will help sort this out for you and provide guidance on any questions you may have.

Cultural Etiquette and Dress Codes

Like all cultures, India has its own unique etiquette all travelers should follow.

While there’s no strict dress code in India, its strong religious roots do require travelers to dress modestly when visiting certain temples or religious places. Keeping shoulders and knees covered and having a shawl on hand is often enough. Temples that require extreme modesty, like Jain Temples, will provide the necessary garments.

Our travel specialists will thoroughly prepare you before your trip to ensure you understand and pack to meet any necessary requirements when in India.

Tipping is another important part of the culture here. Always keep local currency cash on hand as tipping is customary for your private guides, drivers and porters. On top of that, much like when in a safari lodge, at the end of your stay at your accommodation leave an envelope in your room with a tip for the housekeeping staff.

Again, our travel specialists and on-the-ground team will always aptly prepare you of what you need to do and what to expect, so you won’t get surprised by any unique local customs on your first time traveling to India.

Travel Tips and What to Do in India for First Time Travelers

Aside from the best places to visit in India and what to expect, the experiences you have abroad should feel authentic, culturally rich and uniquely yours.

First-time travelers to India can still get off the beaten track and immerse in the local culture alongside visiting iconic sites and staple experiences like the Taj Mahal, Old Delhi and the Pink City of Jaipur.

Here’s what we recommend for your first trip to India and how to explore them.

Savoring Indian Cuisine: A Culinary Adventure

Indian food is full of flavors, smells and spices. From fragrant curries to tasty street food, India has many different dishes that appeal to everyone, especially with its rich offering of plant-based dishes.

Each area has its special blend and cooking traditions, so visiting local markets to find fresh food, fragrant spices, and traditional sweets is the best way to get a real taste of the different cultures.

Curry is a big part of Indian food, but it's just a small part. Indian cuisine has many regional dishes and cooking styles.

In North India, you can enjoy rich, creamy curries, soft buttery naans, and fragrant biryanis. If you go south, you will find spicy Chettinad cuisine, tangy seafood curries from Kerala, and the comforting tastes of a traditional Tamil Nadu thali.

Make sure to try India's lively street food scene too. Here, you can enjoy crispy samosas, tasty chaat, and flavorful dosas, all with lots of spices and local ingredients. Eating at busy stalls is best, as they’re constantly using fresh ingredients.

Our Old Delhi street food tour sees you traveling through the bustling market streets trying local favorite stalls and dishes with a private guide. You’ll end on a private haveli rooftop for an elevated gastronomic experience that still feels rustic and authentic.

Authentic Experiences: Getting Off the Beaten Track

While Rajasthan and Kerala may be the best destinations for visiting India for the first time, there’s still plenty of opportunity to have those unique experiences we crave on vacation.

Visiting Kerala itself is already off the beaten track, especially as many people's first time to India will focus on the Golden Triangle. Many of the typical adventures here will have you exploring the colonial towns and tea plantations. We recommend pairing it with a homestay at Phillip Kutty’s Farm where you'll arrive by boat to the family’s home, and get to experience cooking traditional Keralan food, witness organic farming methods for coconut, toddy, nutmeg, banana, cocoa, and pepper, and spot local wildlife in the farm's canals. It’s the remote rustic simplicity that sets it apart from other experiences and truly immerses you into the local way of life.

There are also some fantastic hidden beaches in Northern Kerala in Bekal and Marari and luxury resorts that are perfect for unwinding after a busy trip.

Rajasthan is highly accommodating to tourists, with its well-trodden travel routes, however, outside the Taj Mahal and Pink City there are many unique experiences to be had. Visit the Bishnoi Tribes south of Jodhpur or amble around the local villages in Amanbagh, just two hours from Jaipur. Stay in a heritage hotel like Ramathra Fort, a 350-year-old fort located between Agra and Ranthambore National Park, where you can spend days on private jeep safaris, seeking out India’s famous tigers, and evenings dining on delicious traditional home cooking beneath the intricate designs of this historic building.

Where to Stay: From Heritage Hotels to Luxury Palaces

Where to stay in India for first time travelers is just as important as the things you do. Often times your accommodation will offer unique experiences you can’t get without it, like a homestay or safari lodge.

A must for everyone is a stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra. Its picturesque view of the Taj Mahal is next to none and must be enjoyed by all visitors.

For opulent palaces, stay in the former private home of the Jaipur Royal Family at Rajmahal Palace. Close to the walled Pink City and bursting with Art Deco flair – you’ll feel completely transported with your stay here as the staff ensure a stay that’s unique to you from private viewings of the City Palace to trips to the Royal Polo Grounds. For a different kind of ultimate luxury, Purity, located in the Kerala Backwaters, is a tranquil retreat where you can indulge in renowned Ayurvedic treatments and more on its extensive spa menu, finished off with home-cooked Keralan curries.

For adventure and heritage hotels, Ramathra Fort is truly the best with its historic significance and private game drives. If you’re after just adventure, the Windemere Estate in the Western Ghats promises all that and more. 1600m above sea level, the property promises breathtaking views of the surrounding green tea hills and its own cardamom estate. Famous for its ambience and charm, there are rooms in the farmhouse or individual surrounding cottages, and you can enjoy guided or solo walks through the vast estate. Learn the art of tea making, visit ancient caves, or hike and see wildlife in the nearby national parks.

These are but a few of the amazing hotels we offer in India. While these are incredible options, explore our carefully curated portfolio of hotels. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch and let our travel specialists do what they love best, and match you to your best accommodation.

How to Explore India on Your First Visit

We can’t emphasise enough not to do too much on your first trip to India. While it may feel necessary to do as much as you can to “make the most” of your trip, the reality is India is a massive country and shoving too much in takes away from the magic of the destination. It’s not about seeing as many sights as you can, it’s about meeting the local communities, having a gastronomic affair and getting swept away in the colors and warmth of this destination.

While it will be the trip of a lifetime, it’s not a once in your lifetime trip, as you’ll want to come back time and time again to visit the other regions.

We often recommend at least 7 days for your first trip, but 10 or 12 is even better. We like to start with the busiest bits of your tour first, then end with a few days on the beach or a sanctuary to decompress. As you’ll see, our tours for first-time guests to India often start in the city, like Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, then end in the Maldives for true bliss.

For getting around while there, opt for a private driver during your stay. We can arrange for a trusted driver to be with you throughout your stay. This will make going between locations much easier. For greater distances domestic flights are available.