The practical stuff, not the obvious stuff
There is no shortage of India travel advice online. Most of it covers the basics. Here are the things I have learned across multiple trips that made an actual difference.
Transport
Book trains as early as possible — 120 days in advance for popular routes. The IRCTC website works but requires patience. Use the Foreign Tourist Quota at major railway stations if the train shows full — reserved seats for foreign visitors are separate from the main booking system. Uber and Ola operate in all major cities and have transformed the experience of getting around — use them for anything in cities rather than negotiating with taxis or autos.
Money
ATMs are everywhere in cities but can be unreliable in rural areas. Carry cash — many smaller restaurants, guesthouses, and transport options are cash only. HDFC and ICICI ATMs are the most reliable for international cards. UPI (unified payments interface) is used by locals everywhere but requires an Indian phone number to set up.
Accommodation
Book ahead in popular tourist areas, especially during peak season (October-March). The price range is enormous — from $5 dormitories to $500 heritage hotels. The sweet spot for good value is $25-60/night for a private room with AC in a well-run guesthouse. AC is not optional in most of India from March to June.
Health preparation
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are strongly recommended. Malaria risk varies by region — get specific advice for your itinerary. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is non-negotiable — healthcare quality varies enormously and evacuation from remote areas is extremely expensive without coverage.
Connectivity
Jio and Airtel tourist SIMs are available at airports. Alternatively Airalo has reliable India eSIM plans. Data is extraordinarily cheap in India — unlimited for around $5-10 per month. The connectivity in cities is excellent; rural areas vary.