As someone born and raised here, I've explored all of India and met many first-time tourists.
I've also seen visitors make the same mistakes when planning and embarking on their trips.
I recommend learning a few local customs and following the crowds when buying street food.
As someone who's lived in India my whole life, I've seen it all: the chaos of a Delhi market at noon, the quiet streets of a Rajasthan village, and the seemingly endless railway platforms where people jostle for a spot on a train.
Visitors often come expecting a single "India experience," but having lived in big cities and small towns, I know that the country changes every few hundred miles.
With different cuisine and customs in every part of the country, it's no wonder first-time visitors to India are often unprepared. Here are the mistakes I see tourists make again and again — and how to avoid them.
Visitors often stick to the "Golden Triangle."Spiti Valley captionTK.
Poonam Binayak
Many first-timers fly into Delhi, rush to Agra for the Taj Mahal, and then stop in Jaipur for forts and palaces, believing they've "done India."
This route, known as the "Golden Triangle," is iconic, but it's also one of the country's most crowded tourist circuits, where hourslong lines and heavy traffic can overshadow the experience.
That fast, checklist style of travel shows only one version of India: frenetic, historic, and packed with people.
Instead, I'd recommend ditching the crowds and exploring other areas. Some of my favorite underrated parts of India include the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
Don't skip rural India, either. Well over half of India's population lives in villages, and in my opinion, spending time in one can teach you more about the country than any monument.
Walking through a small-town market and chatting with local families can give tourists a real sense of daily life.
Trying to hit too many towns and cities in one trip can be a mistake.Mandawa - Rajasthan captionTK.
Poonam Binayak
Many travelers try to see all of India in just one or two weeks, but getting from one city to another can take most of a day due to traffic, road conditions, or transportation delays.
Plus, it'll be harder to enjoy everything India has to offer if you're frequently exhausted from a grueling travel experience.
I believe it's better to focus on one city or state at a time.
For example, you can spend two weeks in Kerala exploring canals, stunning hills, and spice plantations; meanwhile, a trip to Rajasthan can include visits to many colorful cities and the fresco-rich Shekhawati region.
Many travelers skip food stalls, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy India's iconic street food without getting sick.chaat in Varanasi captionTK
Poonam Binayak
Most travelers skip street food, fearing "Delhi Belly" — that is, traveler's diarrhea — but doing so means missing some of India's iconic local flavors.
Each city has its specialties, from Mumbai's vada pav (a potato fritter between buns) to Varanasi's chaat (a savory street snack) to Kolkata's kathi rolls (a kebab rolled inside a flatbread with onions and sauce).
To enjoy street food safely, I recommend generally following the crowds, since high turnover usually means fresh food.
I'd also suggest avoiding consuming anything cold or raw unless you can peel it yourself, and refraining from using ice unless it's made from bottled water — tap water isn't safe to drink here.
If you're nervous, you can also book a guided street-food tour. These are available in most major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Varanasi.
Knowing some small cultural courtesies goes a long way.varanasi - captiontk
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India is famously hospitable: The Sanskrit saying "Atithi Devo Bhava," or "the guest is god," exists for a reason.
That said, paying attention to some basic customs doesn't take much effort, and it will likely make your interactions smoother and earn you some goodwill.
Across the country, it's respectful to remove shoes before entering temples or homes, and also to dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
I'd also recommend avoiding public displays of affection, as it can make some locals uncomfortable. Finally, use your right hand for eating or passing items, since the left is traditionally considered unclean.
With 28 states and eight union territories, India's customs can vary widely, so it's also wise to check local etiquette before your trip.
Make sure you've got a SIM card and cash.delhi market - captionTK
Nikada/Getty Images
So much in India runs on WhatsApp messages and OTPs (one-time passwords), so you'll need a local SIM to pay for a cab ride or buy train tickets.
I suggest buying a SIM card at the airport upon arrival, or using an eSIM. Preload it with enough data for your entire trip; adding more later can sometimes be tricky with foreign cards.
While you're at it, take out some cash, too. The Indian rupee is our only official currency, and although many shops and restaurants accept digital payments, it's smart to carry cash for smaller vendors at local markets.