{"id":28255,"date":"2018-07-22T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-07-21T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures?p=28255&preview=true&preview_id=28255"},"modified":"2026-07-10T00:20:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T14:20:54","slug":"how-to-avoid-delhi-belly-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/how-to-avoid-delhi-belly-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"How to avoid Delhi belly in India while still experiencing *all* of the food"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An upset stomach is a quick way to slow down a good trip. Here are some tricks to help you avoid getting sick on your next adventure in India.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re mid-walking tour, tangled in the markets of Delhi and disoriented by unfamiliar smells of spices and incense. Your local leader, is explaining something when your stomach lurches. Uh-oh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh hot sweat prickles at your hairline as your eyes dart around the space, your panic starts to heighten. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s an all-too familiar story of Delhi belly in\u00a0India<\/a>\u00a0and usually shows up at the most inopportune time (think boarding a 13-hour overnight train from\u00a0Delhi to Varanasi<\/a>\u00a0or at the entrance of the Taj Mahal).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, don\u2019t let the fear of getting sick stop you from travelling. Delhi belly can be easily avoided if you\u2019re aware of the risks and follow these mindful tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Following safety recommendations helps ensure you get the most out of your trip<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Here are five easy tips to help prevent Delhi belly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Make sure you wash your hands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keeping your hands clean is the golden rule of travelling. It\u2019s easy to remember to clean your hands before a meal as everyone in your group will likely whip out their hand sanitiser at the table. Plus, there may not always be cutlery as Indians traditionally eat with their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But beware of times in between main meals. To keep Delhi belly at bay, avoid touching your face or anything that\u2019s going in your mouth, until you\u2019ve cleaned your hands. Soap and water is best, because it removes dirt, but wet wipes are great when a sink isn\u2019t available. Follow up with hand sanitiser and you\u2019ll be fine. Trimming your nails short and keeping them clean is another simple tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Chai Lord takes us into the culture of India’s national drink<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lean into local customs for a rich cultural experience<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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2. Make that a soda water \u2013 and hold the ice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Indian tap water is unsafe to drink, so stick to filtered water. Filter bottles and water purification tablets are great options for avoiding single-use plastic, just be sure to research the most effective products. When in doubt, ask your local leader, if travelling on a small-group trip with Intrepid<\/a>, where the safest places are to fill up your reusable water bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have to buy plastic bottled water, check the seal is intact. Some vendors have been known to refill bottles with tap water before gluing the lid back on. Listen out for the cracking of the seal and let your local leader<\/a> know immediately if it\u2019s faulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Re-sealing doesn\u2019t work for fizzy drinks, so soda water is a great choice for staying hydrated. Always skip the ice though \u2013 it\u2019s usually made from tap water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Use filtered water while brushing teeth <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For me, it goes like this. Happily brushing teeth. Thinks about using filtered water to rinse mouth and brush. Starts day dreaming. Turns tap on. Spits. Rinses mouth with tap water. Every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I find the bathroom is easiest place to slip up with tap water because of habits, so be extra careful. This also applies to those who shower with their mouth open. Zip it, kid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Group dinners are a great way to try to a little bit of everything<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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4. Eat food that’s freshly cooked<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Indian food<\/a> is incredible and your local leader will point you towards the tastiest. Don\u2019t be scared to try new things. However, follow these dos and don\u2019ts to ensure the food stays in<\/em> your belly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n