How to Not Get Sick in India

You have heard the stories. A colleague who spent two days in a Delhi hotel room, a friend of a friend who swore off street food forever. It is the question we get asked more than any other at Tiwari Tours: “But will I get sick?”

 

The honest answer is that most travellers who visit India with a bit of preparation and the right support come home having eaten well, felt well, and wondering what all the fuss was about. Getting unwell in India is not inevitable. It is manageable, and largely comes down to a handful of sensible habits. After more than 20 years arranging private tours for Australian couples across India and Sri Lanka, we have put together this practical guide to help you travel with confidence, not worry.

 

Before You Go: Preparation Makes the Difference

The groundwork for a healthy trip starts weeks before you board the plane.

 

See your GP or a travel doctor. Book an appointment six to eight weeks before departure. They will confirm your routine vaccinations are current and discuss any additional recommendations based on your itinerary and medical history. This is also the time to sort travel insurance with solid medical cover, and to fill any prescriptions you will need for the trip, packed in their original containers with a copy of the script.

 

Pack a simple travel health kit. A course of rehydration/electrolyte sachets or tablets, any regular medications, basic pain relief, and something for an upset stomach will cover most eventualities. Your GP can advise on anything specific to your itinerary.

 

Build in time to adjust. Long-haul flights and a big time difference can leave anyone feeling depleted before the trip has even begun. A relaxed first day or two at the start of your itinerary gives your body a chance to settle before you are out exploring.

 

Eating and Drinking Well in India

Food is one of the great pleasures of travelling in India, and it does not need to be a source of anxiety.

 

Stick to bottled or filtered water, and use it for brushing your teeth too. Check that the seal is intact when a bottle is opened in front of you. Avoid ice unless you know it has been made from purified water, which is standard practice at the quality hotels and restaurants we work with.

 

Choose busy places with high turnover. Whether it is a hotel restaurant or a well-regarded local eatery, food that is freshly cooked and popular with locals is generally your safest bet. Freshly cooked, still-hot dishes are a good rule of thumb, as thorough cooking kills most of what could otherwise cause trouble.

 

Ease into the spice and richness. Indian cuisine varies enormously by region, and a rich, generously spiced meal after a long flight can be a lot for anyone’s system. Pace yourself over the first few days rather than diving straight into the most adventurous dish on the menu.

 

Fruit is fine when you can peel it yourself. Bananas, oranges and similar fruits you peel on the spot are a safe and refreshing option almost anywhere.

 

This is exactly where travelling with a local guide pays off. Our local teams know which restaurants consistently deliver both a wonderful meal and peace of mind, and they will steer you towards them without you having to guess.

 

Staying Well While You Travel

A few daily habits go a long way over a two or three week itinerary.

 

Wash or sanitise your hands regularly, particularly before eating and after visiting markets, temples or busy public sites. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser in your day bag.

 

Protect yourself from the sun and heat. Depending on the season and region, temperatures can climb well beyond what most Australians are used to at home. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle will keep you comfortable, and drinking water consistently throughout the day, rather than catching up when you feel thirsty, helps prevent fatigue.

 

Pace your itinerary. One of the real benefits of a personalised tour is that the days are built around you. If you would rather have a slower morning after a big day at the Taj Mahal or a full day exploring Jaipur’s forts, your itinerary can simply flex to suit. There is no bus timetable to keep to and no group waiting on you.

 

Rest when you need to. A short break in the afternoon is not a failure of nerve, it is smart travelling. Some of the most memorable trips include a quiet hour with a chai on a hotel terrace, watching the world go by.

 

Why Local Support Matters

This is the part that often gets overlooked. With operations based in both Australia and India, our team on the ground knows the destinations intimately, from which water sources are reliable in a particular region to which restaurants our past travellers have returned to again and again. If anything does come up during your trip, whether it is a minor stomach upset or something that needs a doctor’s attention, having a trusted local contact who can arrange care quickly makes an enormous difference. You are never left to work it out alone in an unfamiliar city.

 

As a small family business, we also stay closely involved throughout your journey, not just in the planning stage. That responsiveness is something our travellers consistently tell us set their trip apart.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need vaccinations to travel to India?

Requirements vary depending on your itinerary, health history and how long you are travelling. Your GP or a travel medicine clinic is the best source of advice tailored to your trip.

 

Is the water safe to drink in India?

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Bottled or filtered water is widely available and is what we recommend throughout your trip, including for brushing your teeth.

 

What should I do if I feel unwell during my trip?

Speak to your guide or our local team straight away. They can recommend reputable clinics or doctors and help arrange care quickly, so a minor issue does not need to disrupt your holiday.

 

Ready to Explore India with Confidence

A trip to India does not need to come with a side of worry. With good preparation, a few sensible habits and the right local support, you can focus on what drew you to India in the first place, the colour, the history, the food and the warmth of the people. Our team has spent more than two decades helping Australian couples experience India and Sri Lanka the comfortable way, with every detail considered.

 

Request Your Personal India Travel Plan today and let us build an itinerary designed around you.