Before my trip, I had heard so many opinions about India - most of them from people who had never actually been there. Stories about chaos, questionable safety and hygiene, overwhelming crowds, and intense culture shock. So when I finally booked my ticket, I honestly had no idea what to expect.

India was also my first Asian country, and since I was traveling as a female solo traveler, I knew I wanted to start gently. That's why I chose to explore Northern India with a group tour. It felt like the right balance between adventure and safety.

I was especially lucky because I already knew our guide, Shakiri, from my yoga teacher training. She’s not only deeply knowledgeable about Indian culture and yoga philosophy, but she has a unique way of making the country feel more approachable, understandable, and alive. Traveling with someone I trusted immediately took away so much of the anxiety - and replaced it with curiosity.

This is the beginning of my journey through India, a country that’s louder, brighter, calmer, and more complex than any stereotype could ever prepare you for.

Facts

Capital: New Delhi
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) → 19,421 IDR = 1 Euro
Visa: Required for most nationalities (e-visa available, 25$), you also need to fill out an e-Arrival Card
Language(s): Hindi + many regional languages; English widely spoken for travel
Ideal Travel Time for Northern India: October - March (cooler and drier)
Cash & ATMS: best to withdraw cash or exchange currency directly at the airport upon arrival; reliable ATMs are rare and at a lot of places it is cash only
SIM card: get a physical SIM at the airport or use an eSIM (i.e. Holafly)
Plug Type: European plugs work most of the time; I always carry a global adapter just in case
Transport: Minivan, Rickshaw
Onward-Ticket: recommended

Before you go

Hygiene & Health Tips

India challenged some of my habits, but not in the dramatic way I had been warned about (oh the warnings about explosive diarrhea :D)

Yes, hygiene standards are different from what many of us are used to, especially coming from Europe. But with a bit of awareness and common sense, I never felt unsafe.

What helped me the most:

I only drank bottled or filtered water, but I used tap water for brushing my teeth (you know your body better than anyone, if you are sensitive use filtered water here as well)
Hand sanitizer became my best friend, especially before eating
I avoided ice cubes and raw foods in places where hygiene seemed questionable, but in most high standard hotels and restaurants it’s not an issue
I washed my hands frequently and always carried tissues (toilet paper is not a given)

Food-wise, I had far fewer issues than expected (no diarrhea yay), especially eating vegan meals. Ashram food, in particular, felt clean, nourishing, and easy to digest.

My takeaway:
You don’t need to be afraid, just mindful.

Cultural Etiquette

India is deeply spiritual and culturally rich, and small gestures of respect go a long way.

Things I quickly learned:

Dress modestly, especially at temples and ashrams
—> I recommend long pants that reach your ankles and a T-shirt or a tank top with a light scarf
Always remove your shoes when entering temples or someone’s home
Use your right hand when giving or receiving items
Public displays of affection are uncommon and best avoided
Taking photos inside temples is often not allowed (when in doubt, ask)

As a woman, I noticed that modest clothing not only felt respectful but also made me feel more comfortable and less visible in crowded places. People will still be curious and might want to take pictures either of you or with you - it’s still your choice if you want to or not, just decline firmly and politely.

What Surprised Me vs. What I Expected

Before arriving, I had heard countless opinions about India - mostly negative, and mostly from people who had never been there.

What I expected:

Constant chaos
Feeling unsafe as a woman
Poor hygiene everywhere
Being overwhelmed all the time

What actually surprised me:

How warm and welcoming people were
How safe I felt, especially traveling with a group, but also exploring alone
Moments of deep peace and gratitude, especially in places like Rishikesh
How spiritual and grounding daily life can be
That India can be loud and deeply calm at the same time

Packing Tips (Especially for Women)

Packing thoughtfully made my experience in India much easier.

What I’m glad I brought:

Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton and linen are lifesavers)
Long dresses, loose pants, and tops that cover shoulders
A large, light scarf (for temples, sun protection, warmth, and privacy)
Comfortable walking shoes + sandals that are easy to slip on and off
A small daypack with hand sanitizer, tissues, sunscreen, and water

My tip:
Blend in rather than stand out. It makes travel easier, calmer, and more respectful.

Cost Level (How expensive is India?)

Cost Level: Very budget-friendly

I traveled with a tour operator, so it was quite expensive, especially since I had to pay extra for a single room. My total for the trip was 3.865 €, not including flights, food/drinks during the day, donations at temples etc.

But in general India is one of the most affordable countries to travel in, especially for food, transport, and accommodation. Comfort levels vary widely, but it’s easy to travel long-term on a low budget.

Biggest expenses:
Private drivers/local guides, higher-end hotels

Cheapest categories:
Food, local transport, accommodation