Alright, I’m gonna be real with you guys. Before I landed in Delhi, I was convinced I was going to spend my entire trip either being scammed or stuck in a bathroom with the "Delhi Belly."

The reality? India is the most exhausting, beautiful, frustrating, and rewarding place I’ve ever been. It’s a complete sensory assault, but once you get past the initial "culture shock" of the first 48 hours, it’s incredible.

A few things I wish someone had told me before I went:

• The "North vs. South" vibe is real. If you’re a first-timer and you’re nervous, start in Kerala. It’s basically "India Lite." It’s lush, tropical, and way more laid back. If you jump straight into the middle of Paharganj in Delhi, you’re going to want to fly home immediately. Pace yourself.
• The trains are actually great. I was expecting the "clinging to the roof" scenes from movies. Nope. The Vande Bharat trains are cleaner and faster than the Amtrak I take back home. Just book your tickets way in advance via the IRCTC site (it’s a clunky website, but worth the effort).
• Stop over-planning. My favorite days were the ones where I didn't have a "sight" to see. I spent four hours just drinking chai and talking to a shopkeeper in Udaipur, and that taught me more about the country than any fort tour did.
• Safety & The "Stare": As a traveler, people will look at you. Most of the time it’s just pure curiosity, not malice. A firm "No, thank you" and walking away works 99% of the time for touts. Don't be afraid to be a little blunt; it’s the local way of communicating.
• The Food: I ate street food every single day. The secret? Only eat where there is a massive line of local families. If the locals trust the oil, you can too. My favorite meal cost me roughly $1.50, and I still think about it daily.

Bottom line: India isn't a "vacation" in the sense that you go there to relax by a pool. It’s an adventure. You’ll have moments where you hate it, and moments where you never want to leave.

If you’re on the fence about going, just buy the ticket. Just maybe bring some Imodium, just in case. ;)

Happy to answer any specific questions about the e-visa, budget, or how to handle the heat!