5 Things to Know About India Before Visiting
By Sloan Campbell
1. Health and Hygiene
Before traveling to India, it is a good idea to check in with your family doctor or travel-health provider. They can help you make sure routine vaccinations are up to date and explain whether any additional vaccines or precautions are recommended for your specific trip.
It can also be helpful to carry a few basic travel supplies such as hand sanitizer, tissues or toilet paper, especially during long travel days.
Health recommendations can change and may depend on where in India you are visiting, how long you are staying and what activities you have planned, so use current official travel-health guidance rather than relying on a fixed vaccine checklist.
2. Crowds
India is one of the most populous countries in the world, and busy cities, train stations, markets and attractions can sometimes feel crowded.
When traveling with children, create a simple family plan for staying together. A recognizable hat, backpack or other accessory can make family members easier to spot. You can also practice what your child should do if they become separated from you.
3. Food
India has an enormous variety of regional cuisines, flavors and spice levels. Some dishes may taste unfamiliar to children who have not tried them before, so tasting a few Indian foods at home can be a fun way to prepare for the trip.
Try exploring commonly used ingredients and spices such as:
- Turmeric
- Chili powder
- Coriander
- Mustard seeds
- Garam masala
Remember that not all Indian food is spicy, and dishes vary greatly by region, family and community.
4. Language
India is highly multilingual. Hindi is widely spoken, but many other languages are used across the country, and English is also commonly used in many travel, business and education settings.
Learning a few simple phrases can still be a fun way for children to connect with language before a trip. If you choose to practice Hindi, make sure spellings and pronunciations are checked carefully before using them in a learning activity.
A small phrase activity might include greetings, polite words and simple travel questions.
5. Transportation
Transportation in India can include cars, auto-rickshaws, buses, trains, metros, taxis and other local options depending on the city or region.
Before traveling, help children practice reading a simple route map. This can make public transportation feel less confusing and gives them a chance to build map-reading and problem-solving skills.
Use the attached activity to practice following a route and figuring out how to reach a destination.