Contents
- Introduction: Why travel to India after getting your green card?
- The best time to travel to India
- What to see and do in India
- How to get around India
- Where to stay in India
- Tips for traveling to India
- What to pack for India
- India travel safety
- FAQ about traveling to India
- Resources for planning your trip to India
After you receive your green card, you may travel outside the United States and return. If you plan to travel to India, there are a few things you should know before you go.
Checkout this video:
Introduction: Why travel to India after getting your green card?
There are many reasons why you might want to travel to India after getting your green card. India is a beautiful country with a rich and varied culture. It is also a country with a rapidly growing economy, making it an excellent place to do business. And, of course, there are thefamous Indian food and spices!
No matter what your reason for wanting to travel to India, however, it is important to be prepared. Because India is such a vast and populous country, it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle if you’re not careful. In this guide, we’ll give you some tips on how to make the most of your trip and avoid any potential problems.
The best time to travel to India
You might be wondering what the best time to travel to India is. The answer may depend on what you’re looking for and what region of India you want to visit. India is a large country with many diverse regions, so the climate can vary greatly from one area to the next.
Generally speaking, the best time to travel to India is between October and March. This is the cool season in most of the country, and it’s a great time to enjoy all that India has to offer without dealing with the extreme heat of summer. Keep in mind that December and January can be quite cold in some parts of the country, so you may want to pack some warm clothes if you’re traveling during those months.
If you want to avoid the crowds, you may want to travel during the shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October). These months are considered off-peak, so you may be able to find better deals on hotels and flights. However, keep in mind that April and May can be quite hot in many parts of India, so you may want to stick to cooler areas such as Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh if you’re traveling during those months.
What to see and do in India
India is an immense country with a rich culture and history. There’s so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re planning a trip to India, be sure to add these must-see sights and activities to your itinerary.
1. Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. This world-famous mausoleum was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal.
2. Take a stroll through Delhi’s Old Quarter. This historic neighborhood is filled with narrow streets and intimate markets selling everything from spices to jewelry.
3. Go on a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park. One of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild, this park is also home to other wildlife such as leopards, deer, and crocodiles.
4. Spend time in Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This holy city is located on the banks of the River Ganges and is famed for its numerous Ghats (stairs leading down to the river).
5. Take a toy train ride through Darjeeling’s tea plantations . Sit back and relax as you travel through some of the most stunning scenery in India on this unique mode of transport .
6. Explore the cave temples at Ellora . These ancient temples, carved into the rock face , date back thousands of years and are a fascinating example of Indian architecture .
How to get around India
India is a large country with an extensive transport network. The best way to get around India depends on your budget, time constraints, and where you plan to travel.
By Plane:
The fastest way to travel between cities in India is by plane.Major airlines include Air India, Jet Airways, and IndiGo. You can book tickets online or at the airport. Be sure to check the weight and size restrictions for luggage as they vary by airline.
By Train:
Trains are a popular way to travel between cities in India, especially for longer journeys. Tickets can be booked online or at the train station. The Indian Railways website has an English-language option and offers seat reservations up to 60 days in advance. Keep in mind that trains can be quite crowded, so it might be worth paying for a first- or second-class ticket for more space.
By Bus:
Buses are generally the cheapest way to travel between cities in India. Tickets can be bought at the bus station or on the day of travel from the conductor on the bus. Buses range from local services that make many stops to express buses that make fewer stops and are faster but more expensive.
By Car:
If you’re planning on renting a car while in India, keep in mind that traffic can be chaotic and road conditions can be poor outside of major cities. It’s also important to be aware of different driving laws and regulations, such as not being able to turn left at a red light.
Where to stay in India
There are many different places to stay in India, depending on your budget and preferences. You can find cheap hostels and guesthouses, as well as more expensive hotels and resorts. In general, it is best to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel times.
Tips for traveling to India
Here are some important things to keep in mind when traveling to India:
-Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in India.
-Visas are required for all foreigners visiting India. You can apply for a visa up to three months in advance of your trip.
-If you’re planning on visiting any religious sites, make sure to dress modestly and respect local customs.
-When bargaining for goods in markets, it’s customary to start by offering about one-fourth of the asking price.
-Be prepared for crowds, noise, and chaotic traffic when visiting cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
What to pack for India
What to pack for India
Visiting another country is always an adventure. No matter how well you think you know a place, there are always surprises in store. That’s especially true when traveling to a country as different from your own as India. Here are a few tips on what to pack for India, based on our own experience:
-Clothing: India is a conservative country, so it’s important to dress modestly. That means avoiding short skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops. Long pants or skirts and long-sleeved shirts are best. In general, it’s also a good idea to avoid clothing with large logos or other graphics, since that can make you a target for thieves.
-Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking in India, so comfortable shoes are a must. Avoid open-toed shoes, since they offer no protection from the elements (or from beggars who might grab your feet!).
-Toiletries: India is a dusty country, so it’s important to pack plenty of facial cleansing wipes and other products that will help you stay clean and refreshed. And don’t forget the sunscreen! The sun is intense in India.
-Medications: If you take any prescription medications, be sure to pack them in their original containers with your doctor’s note. It’s also a good idea to bring along over-the-counter medications for common ailments like diarrhea and colds/flu.
-Money: Most transactions in India are done in cash, so it’s important to have plenty of rupees on hand. We recommend carrying small bills (100 rupee notes or lower), since it can be difficult to break larger bills. You should also have some US dollars on hand in case of emergencies.
India travel safety
When traveling to India, there are some things you should keep in mind in order to stay safe. India is a vast country with a population of over 1.3 billion people, so it is important to do your research before you go. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when traveling to India:
-Avoid traveling alone, especially if you are a woman. It is best to travel in pairs or groups, and to stick to well-lit and populated areas.
-Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep your belongings close to you. Pickpockets are common in busy tourist areas.
-Do not accept rides from strangers or enter into any vehicles without first confirming that it is the correct one for your destination.
-Only drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes, as the water quality in India is not always up to western standards.
-When possible, try to eat cooked food rather than salads or raw fruits and vegetables, as these may be contaminated with bacteria.
-Be sure to get vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid before you travel, as these diseases are common in India.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your trip to India is enjoyable and safe.
FAQ about traveling to India
Are you a new green card holder? If so, you may be excited to start traveling the world. While you can travel to most countries with your green card, there are a few exceptions. India is one of the countries that requires a visa for entry. In this article, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about traveling to India with a green card.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter India?
Yes, all green card holders need a visa to enter India. The only exception is if you have an Emergency Certificate, which is issued by the Indian embassy in cases of emergency.
How Do I Apply for a Visa?
You can apply for an Indian visa online or by mail. The process is fairly simple, but it can take several weeks to get your visa approved.
What Are the Requirements for an Indian Visa?
To get an Indian visa, you’ll need to submit your passport, two passport-sized photos, and a completed visa application form. You may also need to provide proof of travel plans and/or proof of funds.
When Should I Apply for My Visa?
You should apply for your visa at least four weeks before your planned arrival date in India. This will give you plenty of time to get your visa approved and make any necessary travel arrangements.
What Is the Cost of an Indian Visa?
The cost of an Indian visa varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. US citizens can expect to pay around $100 for a tourist visa or $200 for a business visa. UK citizens will pay slightly less, while citizens of other countries may pay more.
Resources for planning your trip to India
Congratulations on getting your green card! You now have the freedom to travel and live in the United States. If you’re planning a trip to India, there are a few resources that can help you plan your trip and make the most of your time there.
The first step is to decide what type of traveler you are. Do you want to backpack through India, or would you prefer a more structured trip? If you want to backpack, check out resources like The Lonely Planet guide to India. This book will give you an overview of India and help you plan your trip.
If you prefer a more structured trip, then start by looking for tour groups that specialize in travel to India. There are many companies that offer tours, and it’s important to find one that matches your travel style. Once you’ve found a tour group that interests you, research their reviews online and make sure they have a good reputation.
Once you’ve decided how you want to travel, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. What places do you want to visit? What activities do you want to do? Start by making a list of all the things you want to see and do, and then narrow it down based on your budget and timeline. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, look for sites like Couchsurfing where you can stay for free with a local host.
Finally, don’t forget to get travel insurance! This is especially important if you’re traveling with expensive electronics or planning any risky activities. Travel insurance will protect you in case of lost luggage, cancelled flights, or medical emergencies.
With some careful planning, your trip to India will be an unforgettable experience!