Considering a trip to India and don’t know what to expect? Travel writer Laura Holt shares her key takeaways and speaks to Intrepid’s on-the-ground pros for their top advice.
The distinctive orange and black stripes of a Bengal tiger slink through the forest in front of me. High up in the Jeep, our group sits, collectively holding their breath. The big cat snakes through Ranthambore’s thickets with Kipling-esque insouciance, artfully camouflaging itself amid the reserve’s flame-red scenery.
The silence is deafening, more so because only a few minutes earlier we’d been rattling along the park’s pathways at breakneck speed. ‘Indian massage!’ shouted our driver, as we juddered along the park’s root-riddled tracks at spine-shuddering velocity, dust spiralling.
An African safari this is not. There are no sundowners here. No white-linen tablecloths set up beneath acacia trees. Because this is India: and even to a professional traveller like me, the country is incomparable. One minute it’s cows, camels and carts trying to run you over. The next it’s a curtain fluttering through your haveli hotel’s window, as peacocks coo contentedly below.
There’s no perfect way to prepare you. But Intrepid’s local trip leaders, who’ve spent years guiding up and down the country – from trekking trips in the Himalayas to the highlights of Rajasthan and Kerala – are as good a place to start as any, with useful tips for every traveller on how to master India with Shere Khan-like certainty.
‘Use India as a mirror – it may surprise you’
People often fixate on the external stimuli when it comes to considering a trip to India. And, of course, it’s hard not to. The sight of sari-swathed women threading marigold flowers to lay at temple. The sound of macaques parkour-ing along the rooftops, silhouetted like simian paperchains.
But Intrepid leader, Mahaveer Singh, who loves exploring India’s backstreets with groups, has some sage advice: ‘Many things will be challenging in India. The sounds, the smells, the different food, the chaotic pace of life… But those travellers who get the most out of their small-group trip are the ones who use it as a time of self-reflection.’
So, as much as India is about looking outward and observing the vibrant culture, ensure you also pause and take a moment to look inward, too. ‘Use India as a mirror,’ Mahaveer advises. Question yourself – your place in it, your response to it – and the answer may just surprise you.
‘Arrive with an open mind, not a pre-written story’
Sure, you could spend hours researching every aspect of India ahead of your trip. But nothing’s going to set you up for the sands of Goa or the spiritualism of the Ganges quite like getting on an actual plane and going with an open mind.
‘One of the biggest mistakes I see is overthinking,’ says Temsurenla Yaden, who loves doing food tours on Jaipur’s pink women-driven rickshaws. ‘Before guests even land, they’ve watched documentaries, read websites and imagined every possible scenario.’ Naturally, some arrive already overwhelmed, bracing themselves for culture shock and chaos, feeling overstimulated and questioning their life choices.
But Tem has the antidote: ‘When travellers allow themselves to soften, to observe instead of judge, to experience instead of compare – everything shifts. That same busy street that felt intimidating becomes fascinating. The unfamiliar food becomes a favourite memory. Cultural differences become lessons rather than discomforts.’ So, her biggest tip? ‘Don’t arrive with a fixed narrative about India. Arrive ready to be surprised. You might just leave with a completely new perspective.’
‘Trust your leader and go with the group’s rhythm’
We all know what happens when someone’s energy is off in a group (mentioning no names). They arrive with their own agenda, it feels like they’re tugging in the wrong direction and rubbing the group dynamic up all the wrong way. Don’t be that person, says Sabyasachi Pathak (aka Saby), who loves leading cycling trips in India for Intrepid – especially in Rajasthan.
‘Small-group travel is different from travelling independently. Each day is thoughtfully balanced with activities, optional experiences, travel time, meals and – crucially – rest within a limited number of hours.’
So, when someone suggests ‘just one quick stop’ (groan) without checking first, it can create pressure for the leader and affect the group flow. Your leader sees the bigger picture, understanding when there’s flexibility and what’s truly worthwhile. So trust them. After all, they’re the experts. ‘Trust isn’t about losing independence, it’s about teamwork,’ says Saby. ‘The best journeys happen when everyone communicates openly and embraces the shared adventure together.’
Tem agrees: ‘Coming in scared or skeptical affects not just your own experience, but the group dynamic, too. Energy spreads quickly in small-group travel. When one person relaxes, the group relaxes.’ So, all together now… inhale, exhale, and breathe.
‘Start the day with a local ritual’
Still feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a great tip for you from Varsha Shekhawat, a local leader who loves Varanasi especially for its raw authenticity, spiritual depth and the power to confound expectations.
Her advice is to tap into local rituals to find a moment of calm. And what more Indian ritual than a cup of freshly brewed tea? ‘Start your day with a simple routine like drinking chai, while you check the plan ahead,’ says Varsha, who’s been guiding with Intrepid for nearly a decade.
Find a local chai wallah (Varsha can show you the way), take a seat, watch the market come to life and sip from the terracotta cups (known as kulhads or matir bhar), which this morning staple is typically served in. Tea not your thing? Make it a smoothie-style lassi instead.
‘Now you have your drink’, says Varsha, ‘take a minute to consider your day. It’s impossible to see everything in India. So, it’s important to take these moments of rest when needed. Slowing down will enhance the experience, allowing you to stay flexible, trust your instincts – and enjoy the journey, one sip at a time.’
‘Travel light, with an open heart’
Now you’re prepped on the emotional baggage you need to ditch – it’s time to get practical on physical baggage. Namely, what to pack and what to leave at home. Because India is actually quite a big place, you’re going to be covering a lot of ground, whether you opt to take in the sights of the gilded Golden Triangle or head south for tropical beaches and tribal lands.
‘The travellers who gain the most from a journey aren’t weighed down by what they pack,’ says Ripudaman Singh Shaktawat, a born and bred Rajasthan local, who’s favourite Intrepid activity is guiding local village walks in his home state. ‘I’ve seen guests with half-empty suitcases embrace spontaneous market visits, last-minute festival detours and long conversations with locals, while others worry about extra baggage. When you travel light – physically and emotionally – you create space for shared moments, cultural surprises and genuine connection,’ he adds.
Madan Singh, a seasoned pro who’s clocked up 12 years with Intrepid, agrees. ‘After years of leading group trips, I’ve learned that the happiest travellers are the ones who can grab their bag and go. A small daypack, comfy walking shoes, a scarf for temples, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle will save you more often than a suitcase full of just-in-case outfits.’
After all, you want to be breezing through India’s train stations, soaking it all in, not wrestling with zips and missing the moment entirely. Packing smart keeps mornings light, perfect for if you’re rising to catch sunrise at the Taj Mahal. It keeps transfers smooth. And, crucially, it keeps energy high. ‘Less stuff, fewer worries,’ is Madan’s motto. So, here’s to travelling light, leaving more time for unexpected adventures – and prowling around India with big-cat-like confidence.
Ready to embrace the adventure? Embark on a small-group trip to India with Intrepid.
