A Canadian’s Guide to Visiting India for the First Time

Regardless of whether your travel goals are to walk through the Himalayas or see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, India has some of the most rewarding and challenging experiences available. Geographically, Canada is the second largest country in the world owing to its almost 10-million square kilometer landmass. India is about one-third the size of that. Approximately 38 million people live in Canada. India has a total population that is one billion more than Canada’s and may be found in just two cities, Mumbai and New Delhi. Moreover, historically, they are also older. The entire Indian subcontinent has been populated for many thousands of years and has played a vital role in world culture and commerce. Numerous travel enthusiasts from Canada book flights from Canada to India every year to explore the glory and rich heritage of India.

In light of this, events in India are radically different. The good news is that with a little planning, you can surpass your initial feeling of stress and set the foundation for a journey that can genuinely change your life. Below are a few things to bear in mind before making your first trip from Canada to India.

Visa

To enter India, Canadians require more than just a passport. Prior to your arrival, you must get a travel visa and have a passport that is still valid for 180 days. The satisfactory information is that obtaining a travel visa for India is relatively simple as it may be done online, and visas can often be issued in a matter of days, after which you can browse for the best deals on flight tickets conveniently without any stress.

Consult a doctor before leaving.

Even though it generally seems to be more stable in metropolitan centers than in rural areas, the efficiency of medical care in India varies considerably across the nation. Nevertheless, making sure you have all the necessary vaccinations nowadays could spare you a lot of trouble in the future. Your doctor will probably advise getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and he or they might also write you a prescription for anti-malarial drugs. In addition, you should check the Government of Canada website for any travel health advisories and make sure you are current on your routine vaccines against diseases like typhoid and rabies prior to booking flights from Canada to India.

Be prepared to bring money and plastic too

India’s economy is currently expanding at the highest rate in the world, based on the Central Statistics Organization and the International Monetary Fund. Despite this, compared to Canada’s economy, it is still rather unorganized and non-digital, so you’ll probably need to carry more cash than you would at home. Purchasing a money belt is a smart move to deter pickpockets. Since India is the world’s I.T. hub, major credit cards are still handy for making online reservations, and you may still use your plastic in stores and malls in large cities. To avoid this, ensure that you inform your bank and credit card companies in advance of your travel intentions when you book international holiday package to India. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to withdraw rupees from an Indian ATM only to discover that your card has been frozen.

It’s also true that “Indian Time” exists.

When you book flights from Canada to India, get acquainted with the word “Kal” which has two meanings in Hindi, the most widely used language in India: tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. This alone ought to provide important insight into how India views time. Almost every train, bus, and airplane timetable you meet when traveling will reflect the fact that most people do not share your sense of urgency and worry over the passing of time. The best course of action is to still arrive on time but learn to be patient and forgiving when people and things take longer than expected. Try to avoid having a crowded daily schedule and limit your hard and fast “deadlines” to those for your prearranged flights to make it simpler for yourself.

Avoid limiting yourself to just one place in India

Even though India is physically smaller than Canada, traveling between the country’s main tourist destinations via domestic flights is quick and remarkably inexpensive. For instance, the duration of a flight between Mumbai and Delhi takes just over two hours; the train from Mumbai to Delhi may take up to a full day. Online booking is available for both domestic flights and accommodations, and if you book early, you may frequently get great deals. Browse your net for amazing international flights from Canada to India today:

Recognize these figures

In a situation of emergency, avoid dialing 911. In India, you may approach the police by dialing 100, and you can contact ambulances by dialing 102.

If not already done so, download Uber.

Happy news, Uber users: Ola, the Indian version of the ride-sharing app, offers a quick and convenient way to reserve ground transportation on your smartphone. For a Canadian visiting India with the best deals on flight tickets for the first time, the most appealing feature of these web apps is the fixed fare, which eliminates the possibility of being taken advantage of by a dishonest driver. Both web apps provide the ability to pay with cash instead of automatically charging your credit card, which is different from Canada. Of course, you may always call a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to travel around; just make sure to haggle the fee in advance.

Develop your negotiating skills

Indians enjoy bartering. Even though it doesn’t take place in shopping centers, it is practically a national sport in the chaotic markets that can be found in every city in India. Don’t be afraid to make an offer that is 30% less than the price that was given, and then stick to that price at least three times during the ensuing back and forth. If you really want to buy the item, you might finally choose to make a small concession out of regard for the seller. To witness different hues of the country, book flights from Canada to India today and let your heart be painted with the love of the country.

India will be sobering while also being a wonderful holiday destination. Inhale & immerse ahead; certainly won’t be disappointed it. A journey to India is the unforgettable experience of an entire lifetime.