India is a country of contrasts, colors, aromas and surprises. Someone falls in love with her at first sight, and someone runs away on the second day. But one thing is for sure: this is not a country where you should go unprepared! There are mistakes that can turn a trip into chaos, or they can turn it into a real adventure.
Mistake No1: Not Considering Seasonality
India can have scorching heat, heavy rains, or a pleasantly dry climate – all in the same month, but in different parts of the country. For example, in Goa, the rainy season is from June to September, but in winter the weather is perfect there, in Delhi in summer the temperature easily goes over +40C, and there can be snow in the mountains. So the weather is the first thing to check before traveling.
Mistake No2: Eating like a local from day one
Indian cuisine is delicious, but for an unaccustomed stomach it is a test. The food on the street smells so much that you want to try everything, but it is better to limit yourself to restaurants where sanitary standards are observed. You can drink only bottled water, always have sorbents and probiotics with you, and then the acquaintance with Indian cuisine will pass without unpleasant consequences.
Mistake No3: Trust "well-wishers"
There are many people in India who will offer "unique excursions", "free gifts" or "special" prices with a smile. But most often this is a scam for money. Especially popular are stories like: "This temple is closed, but I know the secret entrance for a small fee." The best way to avoid deception is to plan trips yourself or contact trusted agencies.
Mistake No4: Inappropriate clothing
In India, clothing is not just clothing, but respect for culture. In churches, you cannot walk in shorts and T-shirts, and women need to cover their shoulders and knees. For men, light long pants and a shirt with sleeves are recommended, for women - loose trousers, long skirts, scarves.
This, by the way, is not only respect for local traditions, but also protection from the scorching sun.
Mistake No5: Money Problems
In India, large bills are often not accepted, especially in small shops. It is worth always having small money with you and dealing with local payment systems such as Paytm - it is convenient, safe and saves nerves.
Mistake No6: Trying to see everything at once
India is huge, but if you try to travel around Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Mumbai and Goa in a week, then instead of delight, only fatigue will remain. It's better to pick a few places and enjoy them without fuss than to try to fit the whole country into one short itinerary.
Mistake No7: Neglecting Security
Pickpockets, scammers, cunning taxi drivers - yes, alas, all this is in India. It is better to keep documents, money and valuables in inner pockets or in a belt under clothes, and also avoid dark alleys, do not agree to offers to "give a ride for free" and generally keep your eyes open in crowded places.
Mistake No8: Inflated expectations
India is not Europe, and you should not expect perfect service here: the train may be late for several hours, the waiter may bring the wrong dish, and the taxi may come to the wrong place. Everything works according to its own laws here, and the sooner you come to terms with this (it is completely useless to be indignant), the easier and more interesting the trip will be.
Mistake No9: Driving without insurance
Medicine in India can be very expensive if something goes wrong. Treatment in a good clinic can cost thousands of dollars, so without insurance, not a step!
Mistake No10: Culture Shock
Crowds of people, noise, chaotic traffic on the roads, sacred cows in the streets, the smell of spices, the scorching sun and exhaust – India is unlike any other country. You need to be prepared for this: here you either fall in love immediately, or dream of returning home as soon as possible.
The main rule in India is to be open but cautious
If you take these mistakes into account, India will not be a stress, but a real adventure. Here you can see fabulous palaces, ancient temples, endless beaches and the Himalayas, taste unique cuisine, and feel the atmosphere of a thousand-year-old culture. The main thing is not to try to understand India logically, but just to immerse yourself and feel.
