7 Must-know Tips for Your Next India Trip, According to a Top Travel Advisor

"I was born and raised in India, yet everytime I return, it still manages to offer something new. This majestic, multifaceted country is so much more than a destination-it's an awakening of the senses. For the discerning traveler, India offers beauty and complexity in equal measure, and thoughtful preparation can elevate the experience from merely memorable to truly transformative. I plan trips for a living, and here are some of my insights to guide your first journey to India."

"India is vast, diverse, and full of surprises. Instead of racing through a number of cities, linger in a select few. Each region offers layers of culture, cuisine, and character. A slower pace allows for richer immersion and more meaningful encounters. Be flexible and openminded: a detour might reveal a hidden shrine, and a delay might bring you into a local festival."

Travel slowly and linger in a few regions to achieve deeper cultural, culinary, and social immersion. Allow schedule flexibility for detours, festivals, and unexpected moments, and reserve downtime to absorb sensory experiences. Redefine luxury by seeking meaningful, historic accommodations and intimate rituals rather than only lavish interiors. Use trusted travel specialists and seasoned local guides to handle logistics and curate seamless, authentic encounters. Respect local customs by dressing modestly in temples and villages, removing shoes when expected, and learning local greetings to build rapport and enrich interactions.

Read at Travel + Leisure