India for the first time visitor

When you first start planning your trip to India, you are bound to feel apprehensive. India is a massive country and cultural and social heterogeneity makes it overwhelming for foreigners. Who hasn’t heard amusing stories about cows on roads and stray dogs everywhere? There is definitely some truth in those stories. India is an assault to the senses like no other. But it rewards in equal measure. There is sensational street food to be had, stunning historic sites to be seen, and warm people to be met.

If you are in India for a short time, consider staying in a hotel. Treat star ratings in India with a pinch of salt and always err on the side of caution. If you are expecting the cleanliness and discipline of a three star Bed and Breakfast in Europe, then opt for 4 or 5 star accommodation in India. If you are in India for a longer period, consider renting a spacious flat. There are a number of flats for rent in OLX India. Rental prices can vary vastly depending on the city – as a rule of thumb, rental rates in urban India are considerably higher than rural India.

When it comes to packing for India, read up a bit on the culture and tradition of India. If you will be exploring offbeat or rural destinations, it is best to pack fully covered clothes. Loose cotton trousers, flowy maxi dresses, cotton skirts, and billowy tops work well in a country like India. Don’t be scared of packing colourful clothes – in fact, when in India, the more colourful, the better. Play with pinks, blues, reds, yellows, and greens – Indians love their colour and there’s no reason for you to shy away from them when visiting India 🙂 You can also pack dozens of accessories or stock up on them when you are in India. For a definitive guide on packing for India, check out our Lookbook for Conservative Countries.

Now that the hard part (aka rentals and packing) is out of the way, it’s time for you to start enjoying India. The country is full of architectural marvels that will leave you gaping in disbelief. If you are exploring North India, then the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri in Agra and Humayun’s tomb, Hauz Khas Village, and Qutab Minar in Delhi should not be missed. If you enjoy spiritual retreats then head to the Himalayas – the mountains are dotted with dozens of tiny villages that offer the perfect escape from the hustle bustle of city life.

Alternatively if you enjoy tropical weather and beaches head to the Southern part of the country – the Portugese architecture of Goa, the coffee estates of Coorg, and the backwaters of Kerala will leave you with numerous tales to tell. Whatever you choose you are bound to having an absolutely amazing time in India – it is a magical place!!