Travelling through India is like stepping into a movie that refuses to stick to one genre; it’s comedy, drama, chaos, and poetry all at once. So if you’re planning to explore this wild, beautiful, unpredictable land, here are some tips and tricks, not the usual “pack light and hydrate” kind, but the kind that actually help you fall in love with India the way it deserves.

1 Come With Curiosity, Not Expectations

The first rule of traveling in India? Expect nothing, and you’ll get everything. Trains may run late, street vendors might try to sell you ten kinds of tea in five minutes, and a sacred cow may decide to nap in the middle of the road. That’s India. She’s chaotic, yes, but also full of surprises. One wrong turn might lead you to a centuries-old temple or a street so vibrant it feels alive. If you arrive with an open heart and a flexible plan, India won’t just show you her beauty; she’ll let you become part of her story.

2 The Art of Bargaining (and Smiling While You Do It)

Shopping in India is not just a transaction; it’s a performance. Whether you’re buying scarves in Jaipur, spices in Kochi, or jewelry in Delhi’s Janpath Market, bargaining is expected. But here’s the trick, it’s not a battle; it’s a game. Smile. Joke. Act surprised when the shopkeeper quotes a price that could buy a small car. Counter with half. Then meet somewhere in between. By the end of it, you’ll walk away not just with souvenirs, but with stories and laughter, and maybe even a free cup of chai.

3 Street Food = Happiness on a Plate (But Choose Wisely!)

You haven’t truly tasted India until you’ve tried its street food. The sizzle of samosas, the crunch of pani puri, the smoky aroma of tandoori, every corner smells like temptation. But here’s the golden rule: follow the crowd, not your curiosity. Go where locals eat. If a stall has a long line of people laughing and chatting, that’s your cue. Carry hand sanitizer, eat fresh, and stay hydrated, but don’t deny yourself the joy of a hot, spicy plate of chaat under twinkling streetlights. It’s worth it.

5 Dress Like You Belong

India loves color. The brighter, the better. When in doubt, go local,  cotton kurtas, flowy dupattas, or linen shirts. Not only will you stay comfortable in the heat, but you’ll also blend beautifully into the rhythm of the streets. It’s also a sign of respect, especially in temples, mosques, or monasteries, where modest clothing is appreciated. Take off your shoes when required, cover your head if requested, and you’ll find people smiling at you with warmth that feels almost familial.

6 Carry an Open Heart (and Some Wet Wipes)

India is beautiful, yes, but she’s also intense, full of sound, scent, and soul. You’ll see dazzling palaces next to humble homes, luxury beside simplicity, and through it all, an energy that never fades. There will be moments of awe, and moments that overwhelm. But if you look deeper, you’ll find kindness in every corner,  a stranger helping you find your way, a chai vendor refusing payment because “you are a guest,” a child waving at your camera.

So come not as a tourist, but as a traveler, ready to listen, laugh, and get a little lost. Because in India, even when you lose your way, you somehow find yourself.