Every Vacation brings a new trending destination that seems to be on everyone’s bucket list. With some travelers keen on finding the hidden gems of India and some others hoping on the trend wagon. Exploring adventure activities, one can only be confused as to what should their ideal firsts getaways be like.

A Traveller is born with the spirit of Wanderlust and we believe dear travelers that you will find your own personally curated experiences very soon. But a common confusion always stems from the question, where does one begin the journey of exploring India? Here is a comprehensive Beginner’s Travel Guide:

When you have such diversity in a country it can get difficult to put your finger on one particular city, state, or the experience they offer.  However, we are here to help you through your confusion, help explore India and the places you need to begin with simple Beginner’s Travel Guide:

Let’s have a quick look at the destinations and experiences that should be on your beginner’s travel guide to traveling India:

Goa The perfect first for every traveller in their beginning phase:

Goa is on our list for multiple reasons apart from the beaches, seafood, nightlife and laid back life. Whether you want to travel solo or with your family or friends, Goa will always have a different experience to offer.

Also, fact that this state is as small as it gets in terms of its territory you can explore the entire state over a week or certainly explore a side of it (North or South Goa) over a fun weekend trip too. Why do we recommend Goa?

Because it has a lot more to offer than what seems like on the surface. The beauty and simplicity of Old Goa and the Goan families that live in their bright coloured homes.

The calm relaxing temples and churches, and the quiet of less crowded beaches in South Goa will make you want to visit again and again. While if you are looking for a fun getaway, sea adventures and beach activities are popular. You can also explore Goan- Portuguese food and beverages, and visit the cruises and casino decks at Panjim’s Miramar beach. 

Places we recommend you should visit for your Aesthetic Instagram stories:

•  Artjuna Restaurant.
• Garden of dreams cafe.
• Chapora Fort.

Kerala – Gods Own Country and The Soulful First:

Kerala is the crowning glory of the southern states and this little gem will leave you craving for serenity every time you come back to the hustle and bustle of the city. The Backwaters, Houseboats, Delicious seafood, magnificent temples and architecture around in the form of households.

The South Indian Charm that co-exists beautifully along with the modernity in this State will leave you awestruck. While language can be a barrier in the other Southern States, People in Kerala are fluent English speakers thanks to the literacy rate of the state.

The most authentic experience you can have in Kerala is not at any tourist spot or location but in a traditional Keralite household. The verandas and the Aangans of their homes with the roof open in the centre of the house. White rangoli made out of rice paste on red brick or mud pavement floors of the house.

The basic pooja offered to the deities every day, will make you want to have a second home in Kerala. Some cities of the state we would recommend visiting are Kochi, Munnar, Alapuzzah or Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram. Even cities like Kovalam, Kumarakom, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kolam, Palakkad, Wayanad and Kottayam.

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh – Mountains are calling:

If you are a Mountain Person and Beaches are not your thing, Dalhousie is the perfect first getaway for you to explore India in all its glory. While Shimla, Manali, are closer alternatives we specifically recommend Dalhousie because of the lesser commercial more authentic experience the place has to offer. Moreover, people are not in your face to buy local souvenirs like at the mall road at Shimla.

Nevertheless, you will certainly want to bring back one as a memory. Snow clad mountains that are lush green in Summers, picturesque townships on slanted slopes of the hills, lakes that look surreal. Locals who smile with their hearts and put in so much effort to curate a pleasant experience for you are what make Dalhousie a memorable first to begin travelling with. 

As you are heading out on your first expedition as a traveller, a few tips listed below could help you have a memorable experience and in a good way:

• Make sure you have all your essentials in Handy: we are talking of phone or any other device chargers, physical paper maps of the place you visit, a small dictionary with local language translation. A list of places that you could stay and accommodate at. Having cash currency to help you in places where digital or plastic currency won’t help. A torch, medical first aid with basic medicines, and a few ready to eat meals or snacks along with water.
• Be cautious and alert of your surroundings and keep a check for suspicious activities: trust your instinct and gut feeling. If something doesn’t feel right about where you stay what you eat and how you travel. Being a solo traveller in India can be challenging. As you have to make sure you are safe and alert while having fun and enjoying your expedition. Have emergency contacts in handy and always carry self-defence tools or objects. A few toll-free numbers by the government are available 24×7 to help you feel safe and secure. To assist you with what to do in a situation where you feel helpless. Inform your close ones about your whereabouts frequently.
• Ask for help whenever you seem confused: be it your route, or anything else you feel you aren’t sure about. Make sure you ask the locals for directions and help. In fact, we always advise having a local person or a guide along for your exploration. They tend to know their region better and this could help you save time and reach locations accurately.

In Conclusion:

Nevertheless, travelling does not have to feel like a task if you make sure you have a checklist. We wish you luck as you take on this journey of exploring the beauty of India. However, be rest assured you are about to experience the many firsts in your life as a traveller and hope this beginner’s travel guide helped you out!

Follow India Chalk on Instagram for more amazing travel content. You can share your travel story with us. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]ndiachalk[dot]com. This blog is curated by India Chalk and written by Megha Sapre.