Travel to India from Australia
In case you are wishing to take a travel to India from Australia, you need to know a few things. The idea of visiting another country requires a lot of planning and thinking. India is no different. India is a vast country, where you can get to see multiple shades of life. Visiting India can be the most memorable experience for you as you can explore a whole new world in India, including different languages, different customs, and many more. Almost everything is quite different in India as compared to the west.
Things that Australians need to know before travelling to India
Since India is so diverse, it is really difficult to plan out everything properly as something unexpected can always pop up. But to have a pleasant experience of travelling from Australia to India, Australians need to aware themselves with a few things, which are discussed below:
Travel Documents
Travel to India from Australia. There are certain travel documents that you must carry while travelling to India from Australia. At the minimum, you require a valid passport and a visa. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the arrival date in India. Travelers from Australia need at least 2 empty pages in their passport to travel to India. It is also imperative to carry a passport all the time as you need to show it as a proof of identity at almost every tourist spot in India. Also, note that the visa is valid from the time it is processed rather than the time of your arrival in India. Tourists visiting India from Australia are also advised to get travel insurance, covering all medical expenses.
Vaccines
Though it is not mandatory for Australians to get vaccinated before visiting India, it is better to take some vaccines as prevention is always better than the cure. You should take vaccines only after consulting your doctor. However, it is recommended for a tourist traveling from Australia to India to take vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid. It is also well-considered to be careful in the mosquito-prone area to avoid suffering from dengue and other similar diseases.
Time Difference
It is also important to understand that India and Australia have different time zones. Australia is 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of India, which means that initially, you will find it difficult to cope up with the changed time zone but within a few days, it will be normal for you. Therefore, you need to plan your tour from Australia to India taking into consideration the time difference.
Weather
It is a well-known fact that India is a seasonal destination. Different regions are hit by different seasons at different times. Therefore, it is important to research about the weather conditions before traveling to India from Australia. Though India is generally seen as a hot, dry country, it observes multiple seasons, each of which lasts for 3-4 months. The summer lasts from April to June, during which the temperature is unbearably hot and therefore, not suitable for traveling to India from Australia. On the contrary, there are heavy rains and thunderstorms between July and September in India, making the season unfit for traveling. The winter season, which is observed from October to March, is the best time to visit India from Australia. It gets quite freezing in the hilly regions during the winter. However, in case you are looking out to take a budget-friendly tour of India, you can travel from Australia to India between April and September, which are the cheapest months. Moreover, Australians can enjoy more and that too with fewer crowds in the off-season, i.e. April to September.
Flights
There are direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi and vice versa. If you don’t have Delhi included in your tour itinerary, then you can opt for the indirect flights, which connect the major cities of India and Australia, via Singapore, Bangkok, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, etc.
Indian Currency
Indian Rupee (INR) is the Indian currency. There are ₹1, ₹2, ₹5 and ₹10 coins and ₹ 1, ₹5, ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, ₹500 and ₹2000 Indian notes (paper money). The images on the paper notes and coins are of great significance to India just like any other country. For example, the image of Mahatma Gandhi, who is said to be the father of the nation, is on the front side of every Indian note. The only exception to this is ₹ 1 note, which features ₹1 coin on the opposite side.
Though ATMs can be found all over the country, it is necessary to carry cash as auto-rickshaw drivers and small vendors prefer to deal in cash only. Since debit cards and credit cards can be used at big shops and showrooms, it is advised to convert less money to Indian currency and that too from a reliable source. Australians can also look for a travel card with no foreign currency conversion fees. Another important thing that you must always bear in mind is that the exchange rate fluctuates daily. This will help you in not getting tricked.
Suggested India Tours Packages
- Golden Triangle Tour.
- Rajasthan Vacation Tour with Taj Mahal.
- Kerala Backwater Tour.
- Culture Tour of India.
- Rajasthan Tour Package.
- Agra Taj Mahal Tour Package.
Indian Culture
India is a diverse country, which lets you experience almost every aspect of life. Here, you can come across almost all in the form of palaces, forts, castles, hills, mountains, waterfalls, temples, churches, caves, museums, art galleries and much more. India is a whole new world in itself, with unique characteristics, unique charm, and unique culture. You will come across people with liberal thoughts in Northeast India and Goa while in states like Haryana and Rajasthan, people have a conservative approach. In metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, one can view a blend of cultures as people belonging to different walks of life coexist happily. Similarly, the differences can be viewed in eating habits, dressing style and many more. That’s why it is suggested to gather a bit of information regarding the region before visiting India from Australia. It will add up to your tour of India from Australia as you will not only feel comfortable but you will also be able to enjoy more along with the natives. Religions hold special importance in the lives of Indians. So, it is imperative to respect religious and social traditions. Displaying public affection is generally not perceived as a good action in India.
Laws
- Women are entitled to file a complaint even through an email or post in India.
- Consumption of beef is strictly banned in several parts of India.
- Non-residents are not allowed to import/export Indian currency.
- A male officer can’t escort a woman to the police station. Moreover, a woman can be taken in custody only between 6 am to 6 pm.
- Women are escorted to the police station only by female officers.
- Avoid capturing photographs and videos in prohibited areas.
- The legal age for drinking varies from state to state from 18 – 25. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Nagaland and the union territory of Lakshadweep Islands.
Food and water
The diversity of India is manifested in its cuisine as well. The eating habits of people vary from state to state. If you are accustomed to consuming spicy and tangy food, then Indian cuisine would surely delight your taste buds as Indians like their food this way only. Here, dishes are prepared using multiple spices and condiments. Make sure that you consume only freshly cooked food. Don’t get swayed by the appealing appearance of dishes. In case you don’t like spicy food, mention it to the shopkeeper to keep it less spicy. You can also go for Jain food, which is easily digestible and less spicy as compared to other cuisines. Refrain from having street food. Don’t overeat out of the liking for taste as it might prove harmful for your health. It is also suggested to opt for vegetarianism during the stay in India. Avoid drinking tap water and go for packaged water only.
Language
There is almost nothing in India in which variety doesn’t exist. Likewise, there are various languages spoken all across the country. There are as many as 22 languages recognized by the Indian Constitution but Hindi is the most widely spoken one in India. Besides, there are many other dialects and languages, prevalent in different regions. Though Australians can get along well with English in India, knowing a bit of Hindi will be an add-on to your tour of India. It will benefit you in negotiation and navigation. Moreover, you will be able to connect more with the locals if you know Hindi. Some of the basic things that Australians may learn include:
- Hello – Namaste
- What is your name – Aapka naam kya hai
- How much does this cost – Ye kitne ka hai
- How are you – Aap kaise hai
- Thank You – Dhanyawad/Shukriya
Things to bring
Though tourists traveling from Australia to India need to pack as per the season of the tourist destination, it is important to carry some basic things that you may need during the tour. It is suggested to carry not too many but only a few loose-fitted and comfortable clothes. Ensure that your footwear is comfortable enough as you will be walking a lot in India. Carry a medical kit comprising mosquito repellants, bandage, sunscreen, etc. Also, don’t forget to bring sunglasses, hat, extra batteries, and a camera
Tourist destinations
Travel to India from Australia, India is a huge country comprising 29 states and 7 union territories. It is the second-most populous country and the seventh-largest country by area in the world. Therefore, you can’t explore all of it within a few days/weeks. Even a lifetime is not enough to inquire into the beauty of India. So, you need to decide on a tourist destination, which you will explore during the vacations. Australians can choose the destination according to their likes and dislikes. Some of the most famous tourist destinations in India are:
Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is the most popular tourist circuit in India comprising three major cities – Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. These three cities are quite equidistant to each other and almost form a shape of an equilateral triangle on the Indian map. That’s the circuit is known as the Golden Triangle. All three cities have something peculiar about them. You can have the most memorable experience of visiting India by choosing the Golden Triangle Tour. During the tour, you will visit several famous tourist spots as well as you can savor local delicacies. Moreover, you can shop for handicrafts, jewelry, clothes and many more things from the local markets. In a nutshell, the tour introduces you to the culture and heritage of the country.
Rajasthan
Famously known as the incredible state of India, Rajasthan is synonymous with royalty. The reason behind its fame is magnificent forts, palaces, and castles, which portray the lifestyle of the bygone rulers. The rulers, locally known as Maharajas were highly inclined towards arts and religion. That’s why they built such marvelous forts and palaces, which showcase the finest architecture of early times. There are also many temples in Rajasthan, dedicated to different Hindu and Jain deities. In addition to the beautiful shrines and awe-inspiring historical edifices, Rajasthan is blessed with folk dance and music forms. These art forms are world-famous and lure tourists from all over the world. In all, tourists visit the imperial state of Rajasthan to get to know about the vast history and vibrant culture of India. The most famous cities of Rajasthan are Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Kota, Ajmer, etc. It is in Rajasthan that desires of every tourist can be fulfilled as the state has a plethora of options to offer to its guests.
Kerala
Nestled in South India, Kerala is referred to as God’s Own Country. The state is an epitome of natural beauty and therefore is one of the best tropical destinations in India to have refreshing vacations. It can please tourists with languid backwaters, ayurvedic treatments, palm-lined beaches, diverse wildlife, mouth-watering cuisine, fine handicrafts, splendid art forms, blooming tea gardens and much more. A few of the best tourist destinations of Kerala include Alleppey, Kumarakom, Munnar, Periyar, Kochi, Kovalam, etc. Australians visiting Kerala can have an unforgettable experience staying in a luxurious houseboat while enjoying amidst the best of nature. In all, Kerala is a perfect destination to revive body, mind, and soul.
Suggested India Tours Packages
- Golden Triangle Tour.
- Rajasthan Vacation Tour with Taj Mahal.
- Kerala Backwater Tour.
- Culture Tour of India.
- Rajasthan Tour Package.
- Agra Taj Mahal Tour Package.
Travel to India from Australia, Besides these destinations, Australians can head towards the northeastern states, which are no less in terms of beauty. You can also explore the regions of Central India, East India, and West India. No matter which part of the country you choose, India will never stop to astonish you. A tour to India from Australia will surely be a memorable trip for you and your dear ones.
Now that you have bumped into such an informative piece related to India, you must not delay taking a tour to India. It is an amazing country and deciding to take a tour to India from Australia will surely be one of the best decisions of your life. Furthermore, a tour of India will stimulate you and you will be compelled to visit the beautiful country again and again.