Travel tips before you arrive in India.
A short, practical brief for the traveller coming from far away — how to stay safe, move with respect, and pack for a country that changes climate every few hundred kilometres. Read it once before you land; your WorthATrip host handles the rest.
Engineered into the route before you ever see it.
Arrive with a plan, not a vibe
Every transfer from the airport is pre-arranged by WorthATrip. Do not accept rides from touts inside the arrivals hall — your driver waits with a name card at the pre-paid or meeting point we send you.
Drink sealed, eat smart
Only sealed bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice in street drinks, peel fruit yourself, and eat hot, freshly cooked street food. Your host curates every restaurant on the route.
Keep documents close
Carry your passport, e-visa printout, and WorthATrip emergency card in a money belt. Leave a photocopy in your luggage. We hold digital copies on file for you.
One number, any hour
Your dedicated host is reachable 24/7 on the line we provide. For anything — a late arrival, a lost item, a sudden question — call us first, not the internet.
Dress to be respected
Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites. We provide covering shawls at temples; carry one in your day bag. Modest dress reduces unwanted attention everywhere.
Haggle with a smile
Bargaining is expected in markets, never in fixed-price shops or with your driver. Settle a fair price early, keep it light, and let your host step in if a seller gets pushy.
Move with respect, and India opens to you.
Greet with the namaste
Press palms together at the chest and say "namaste." It's warmer and more correct than a handshake, and avoids the left-hand taboo around strangers.
The right hand rules
Eat, pass objects, and exchange money with your right hand. The left is reserved for personal hygiene — never use it to touch food or offer a gift.
Shoes off at the threshold
Remove shoes before entering any home, temple, or shrine. Some shops request it too. Slip-on shoes make this effortless across the day.
Photographs are a courtesy
Always ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas and at cremation ghats. A smile and a namaste open most doors.
Public affection stays private
Hand-holding between friends of the same sex is common; romantic physical affection in public is not. Keep it discreet to respect local norms.
Tipping is appreciated, not obligatory
10% is generous in restaurants if no service charge is added. Round up for drivers and porters. Your host can advise exact amounts per region.
One country. Four climates. Pack light, pack right.
North & Himalaya
High altitude, big swings- Layered fleece + windproof shell (nights drop below 5°C even in summer)
- UV sunglasses, SPF 50, lip balm — thin air burns fast
- Broken-in walking shoes for fort and monastery steps
- Light down jacket for Ladakh/Spiti even in July
- Reusable bottle with a filter or purification tablets
South & Kerala
Tropical, humid, lush- Breathable cotton or linen — avoid synthetics
- Light rain shell for monsoon (Jun–Sep)
- Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
- Sandals that survive water + closed shoes for forest walks
- Modest swimwear; cover-ups for village stops
West & Rajasthan
Desert dry, hot days, cool nights- Loose light-coloured cotton for daytime heat
- A warm layer for desert evenings and AC buses
- Scarf or bandana against dust
- Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
East & Northeast
Wet, green, remote- Quick-dry clothing and a sturdy rain jacket
- Waterproof day pack or pack cover
- Sturdy grip shoes for tea-trail and monastery paths
- Power bank — long drives between charges
- Modest layers for tribal village visits