Planning Your Trip
Prayer flags flying in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Before you get started, you will need to decide if you want to join a guided tour or travel the subcontinent on your own. Guided tours can be much more expensive than independent travel, but they can save you the hassle of dealing with travel arrangements. On the other hand, part of the adventure of Indian travel experience is being able to experience the culture close up.
There is a large backpacker travel scene in India; the flexible traveler can easily enjoy himself without making any advance reservations at all. If you are interested in mountaineering in India, you can find out about expedition permits and restrictions at indmount.org.
Considerations for Hotel Rooms
When booking budget or mid-range hotels it is always important to ask about the amenities. Not all hotels have private bathrooms, Western-style toilets, running hot water, air conditioning, heating or clean linens. Electricity does go out regularly in many parts of the country, so it is worth asking if the hotel has an alternate power source in case of brown outs. If you plan on traveling to any off-the-beaten path locales, you should be prepared to use squat toilets and take bucket showers.
Booking Rooms Online
Many hotels in India now offer online booking. Before booking a hotel room online be sure to consult guidebooks or travel forums for reviews. One place to read reviews from other travelers is tripadvisor.com. You may not be able to book ahead for rooms in more remote regions, so you should always carry a travel guide and basic maps with you to help you find lodging for the night.
Warning
The Indian tourism industry has its fair share of scammers. Be ready to be bombarded by men trying to sell you things, take you in their taxis or to some "special" hotel. Be particularly careful when hiring hiking or trekking guides. Female solo travelers should never hike alone or travel with only a male guide.
Language
Being a former British colony, English is widely used in India. Most hotels that cater to foreigners have English-speaking staff. The Himalayan regions of India have a well-developed tourism industry, and you can easily find tour and trekking guides who speak English.
Article Written By Heather Carreiro
Heather Carreiro is a certified English teacher who has been writing since 2008. The editor of Matador Abroad, her work has appeared online at BootsnAll, Matador Network, GoNOMAD, Journey Beyond Travel and Expat Women. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and Middle Eastern studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is pursuing a Master of Arts in English at Bridgewater State University.
