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Spontaneous Travel in India – What You Need to Know!

Updated: Feb 3

Sometimes, even travel planning pros can have everything go wrong. And in my case… it all went wrong. Not because I forgot to check something, skipped my research, or slacked off on preparations. Nope. After months of planning, I suddenly found myself back at square one. Why? Well, let me explain.


Świątynia Akshardham, New Dehli, Indie
Akshardham Temple, New Delhi. Before entering, you have to leave your phone and all other electronics in a locker—even your watch!

In this article, I’ll share my spontaneous adventure through Northern India. Plus, I’ve got some handy tips for you in case you’re planning a trip to this part of the world!


This is also the first part of a series about this journey.

Part 2: Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of the World (coming soon!).



Spontaneous Travel in India – Is That Even Possible?

I had been thinking about going to India for years. But I never quite felt ready. I wanted to prepare properly. Do my research. Make sure I knew which places I wanted to visit. I wanted to understand the culture and religion, so I could experience everything with respect and appreciation.


Now, imagine this: after more than 10 years of traveling the world, I had never run into any major travel disasters. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful. Part of it, I’d say, is thanks to my planning skills, common sense, and careful approach. The other part? Probably just plain luck.


But on this trip? Oh boy. It felt like everything that could go wrong, did. Natural disasters, trip cancellations, missed connections, denied boarding, visa delays—you name it. At one point, I even had a near miss with getting run over (not to mention all the chaotic road situations that could've easily ended in disaster). One problem triggered another, and before I knew it, I found myself in a completely different climate, with a heavy backpack full of gear that was utterly useless for the scorching weather. Sound like a disaster? That’s exactly how it felt.


Long story short, my carefully planned trip took a 180-degree turn. And the thing about spontaneity? You can’t predict everything on the fly—especially when traveling in a country as intense as India.


But let’s start from the beginning...


The plan was to go trekking in the Himalayas. Instead, I ended up spending just three days in Nepal (a wild story for another article). Then, with my full trekking gear in tow, I returned to India. And guess what? 36°C (97°F) in the shade.


Notes from Delhi


First Impressions

My first thought as I drove from the airport into New Delhi? It’s so green! We always have some kind of image in our heads about a place, even if we’ve never been there. My idea of Delhi was completely different from reality. The streets today seemed surprisingly calm—turns out it was because of the national holiday dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi (October 2nd). Tomorrow, I’d get to see what real Delhi traffic looks like.


At first glance, India—or at least Delhi—feels much more developed and organized than Nepal. There could be many reasons for this: a different geographical location, less exposure to earthquakes, but also better infrastructure and faster economic growth. A simple example? In Delhi, I don’t see the chaotic tangle of electrical wires hanging over the streets like in many other Asian countries. Well… except in some of the side streets.


A Not-So-Great City Tour

I checked into my hotel (practical info: here) and immediately decided to take a guided city tour. The hotel offered tours with their own guides, so I figured it would be a good way to spend the rest of the afternoon. Though "guide" might be an overstatement—in reality, he just dropped me off at the attractions and waited in the car. The plan was to see four places, but we only made it to two. And I understood nothing of what he was saying. But hey, what can you expect for 120 PLN with only 30 minutes' notice?


To top it off, he took me to a restaurant that was clearly meant for tourists—I didn’t see a single local dining there. It’s a bit sad when places assume that tourists would rather eat in sanitized, tourist-friendly spots instead of where locals actually go. And this wasn’t a one-time thing. Every time I invited a guide to eat with me (offering to pay), they always declined. Oh well. Since I was already there, I ate. But next time, I’ll pick my own spot—something authentic.


India Gate, New Delhi
India Gate, New Delhi

India Gate & The Selfie Frenzy

That evening, I walked to India Gate. At some point, a young boy asked if he could take a picture with me. I said yes. And suddenly, out of nowhere, a whole crowd gathered around me—each person wanting the same thing. At first, they were politely taking turns, but when it turned into an uncontrolled selfie session, I decided it was time to get out of there.


Being the only white (and solo) woman in sight? It draws attention. Sometimes, it’s sweet—when little girls or kids approach, it feels like you might be inspiring them to think beyond their world. That’s a beautiful feeling. But when groups of young men gather around, it’s a different story. Maybe I was overthinking it. Maybe there were no bad intentions. But still, it was uncomfortable.


The ‘Rich Foreigner’ Assumption

One frustrating thing about traveling in some parts of the world—also here in India—is that people often assume that if you’re from Europe, you must be rich. That means higher prices for everything. Even though India is an incredibly affordable country, I keep hearing prices that are nowhere near local rates.


I mentioned this to a friend from India, and he made an interesting point: people here don’t really differentiate between tourists and travelers. To them, both are just wealthy foreigners. And that’s where the pricing mindset comes from. Makes sense.


A Rare Sight: Shorter Women’s Restroom Lines

For the first time in my life, I saw a place where the men’s restroom line was longer than the women’s. But honestly, it makes sense—there are so many more men than women in public spaces. I rarely see groups of female friends walking together. Mostly, it’s men hanging out with other men. Women are usually with their families, husbands, or children.


And nearly all of them wear traditional clothing. Hardly any women are dressed in Western-style outfits. Maybe that’s another reason why I stand out even more, walking around in my trekking gear. (Note to self: I really need to go shopping—at least for different shoes.)


Agra

“Give him money. It’s a ladyboy, and having their blessing is good.” My driver hands me 10 rupees and gestures toward the woman knocking on the window.


Today, I’m traveling to Agra. My driver is from the same hotel. He drives pretty well. And most importantly, his English is understandable.


Masala Tea

On the way, we stopped for some Indian tea, served in a clay cup. It was made with tea, water, milk, and ginger. Really good. Later, I learned it’s called Masala Tea. The roadside stop felt like a gas station, but in reality, it was more of a marketplace. Naturally, I was the only woman there. But no one dared to bother me with my driver around.

The road between Delhi and Agra is nearly empty. Just farmland stretching endlessly, green as far as the eye can see. It makes me wonder—where exactly do over a billion people live when there’s still so much open space? Thankfully, India still has places like this, full of greenery and quiet.

We’ve arrived.


Agra Fort: The Imprisonment of Shah Jahan

I found out that the Agra Fort is where Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned—by his own son, Aurangzeb, who overthrew him and took the throne. Why? Partly because Shah Jahan had spent insane amounts of money on the Taj Mahal and other costly projects, draining the empire’s finances. But it was also a political move—Aurangzeb wanted complete control and saw his father as a threat.


Shah Jahan spent the rest of his life locked in the fort, in a chamber overlooking the Taj Mahal. They say he spent his days staring at the monument he built for his beloved wife. Some say he cried, reminiscing about Mumtaz Mahal. Who knows? Maybe he also felt a sense of pride, seeing his greatest masterpiece..


The Black Taj Mahal Legend

Taj Mahal India 7 wonders of the world

There’s a legend that across the Yamuna River, opposite the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan planned to build another mausoleum—almost identical, but black. A perfect mirror image of the white Taj Mahal, completing the symmetry he so loved. Light and dark, day and night, Glinda and Elphaba. But supposedly, he only managed to lay the foundations before Aurangzeb locked him away.


Is it true? Who knows. Historians say it’s just a myth. Just like the story about the artisans who built the Taj Mahal having their hands cut off afterward—supposedly to ensure that nothing as beautiful would ever be created again.


Sounds dramatic, right? But there’s no historical evidence to support it. In reality, the craftsmen who worked on the Taj Mahal were well-paid and respected. Maybe the legend was meant to emphasize the monument’s uniqueness? Or turn Shah Jahan into even more of a mythical figure? We’ll never know for sure. But one thing is certain—Taj Mahal still fascinates people centuries later, no matter how much of its story is fact and how much is fiction.


Taj Mahal, Agra

The Taj Mahal: Beauty Beyond the Surface

Does the Taj Mahal truly take your breath away? That depends on what you expect. At first glance, it might not seem as overwhelming, especially compared to India’s colorful temples, which immediately grab your attention with their intensity. The temple I visited in Delhi yesterday actually made a bigger first impression.


But the Taj Mahal grows on you when you start noticing the details. That’s when you begin to understand why it’s considered an architectural masterpiece. The entire structure is made from incredibly dense white marble, and what looks like paintings on the walls are actually inlaid gemstones—onyx, jasper, turquoise, agate. No paint. Just an insane level of precision, with artists carving marble and embedding stones into the grooves.


Once you start seeing that—imagining the work, the skill, the patience—it hits you. That’s when the Taj Mahal stops being just a pretty building and becomes something else: a testament to human creativity and our obsession with beauty.


The New Seven Wonders: A Questionable List

As you probably know, the Taj Mahal is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But the more of these places I visit, the more I question the list’s objectivity. Sure, it sounds impressive, but does it really reflect the world’s most extraordinary places?

The whole selection process was basically a public vote—votes cast by regular people, not historians, architects, or experts. Some countries went all-in, pouring money into campaigns to get their landmark on the list. Others didn’t care at all. It became a competition of who could drum up the most votes rather than a true ranking of the world’s wonders.


Don’t get me wrong—every place on that list is incredible. But I’ve seen places that left me completely speechless, and they never made it onto any ranking. Like any such list, the Seven Wonders are an opinion. And opinions are subjective, often shaped by factors that have nothing to do with actual beauty or significance.


But that’s a topic for another post. And when I write it, I’ll be sure to link it here. ;)


The Golden Triangle

What's around the Golden Triangle? Oh, where do I even start? There’s so much more than just the main attractions of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Sure, those are the big players on the tourist map, but there are plenty of lesser-known gems nearby that are just as fascinating. The Golden Triangle is an awesome base to explore Northern India, but if you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, why not venture deeper into Rajasthan? That’s where you can really feel the magic of the desert and dive into the region’s rich culture.

Agra Fort, Agra

Rajasthan isn’t just about colorful cities filled with historic palaces, forts, and bustling bazaars. It’s also home to one of the world’s largest deserts – the Thar Desert – offering unforgettable experiences and some truly unique landscapes. This region has a totally different vibe when it comes to nature and wildlife, with animals showing up in unexpected ways.


Speaking of wildlife, Rajasthan is a hotspot for spotting tigers in their natural habitat. One of the best places for this is the Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in the northeastern part of the state, in Alwar. It’s one of the most popular reserves in the region.


But if you've got a bit more time to spare and are a true tiger lover, you can’t miss the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. This is the oldest national park in India, and it's one of the best places to catch sight of wild Bengal tigers. It’s a must-visit if you're serious about wildlife watching!


I decided to head that way, but a little further north, to Rishikesh. I just felt like it was exactly what I needed, and let me tell you—it was a great choice. The experience was incredible, and I can’t wait to share all the details with you soon. Stay tuned for the adventure coming up here!

holy river ganges, Rishiskesh

Practical Information and Tips for Planning a Trip to India (Delhi and Surroundings):


  1. Hotels:

    • Fake Reviews :Many hotels in Delhi on booking platforms like Booking.com may have inflated ratings. Just because a hotel is rated as "great" doesn't always mean it is. Cross-check reviews across multiple platforms, such as Google Maps, TripAdvisor, or others, before making your final booking decision.

    • Location: Some hotels intentionally mark fake locations on maps to make it appear as though they are closer to the airport, city center, or popular tourist spots. Always verify the hotel's location on Google Maps, paying attention to the actual distances.

  2. Visa: Apply for your visa at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute complications. Without a valid visa, you won’t be allowed to board your flight. Double-check all the required documents and track your visa application status online.

  3. Money: Use the local currency – Indian Rupees (INR). Seeing foreign currencies like dollars might suggest you're wealthy, which can lead to higher prices or unwanted attention. Many places, especially local ones, won't accept cards, so always carry some cash. Fun fact: All banknotes feature the image of Mahatma Gandhi.

    rupie indyjskie

  4. Clothing: Dress according to local customs. Many Indian women wear traditional clothing, and covering your shoulders and legs is standard in most places. This not only helps you blend in, especially as a female traveler, but it also decreases the likelihood of being overcharged, as you'll appear more "local." Invest in lightweight, breathable clothes appropriate for the climate and cultural norms.

  5. Transportation:

    • Rikshaws and Taxis: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey when using rickshaws or taxis. While some vehicles have meters, they are not always switched on. Apps like Ola and Uber are widely used and usually provide more transparent pricing.

    • Public Transport: The Delhi Metro is well-developed and relatively safe. There are special cars for women, providing extra comfort and safety. Consider purchasing a metro card to avoid buying individual tickets for each trip.

    • Trains: Trains are a popular and budget-friendly option for intercity travel. Trains have different classes, ranging from luxury 1AC (first class with air conditioning) to Sleeper Class (the cheapest, without air conditioning). It's best to book tickets in advance through the IRCTC website or apps like Cleartrip or MakeMyTrip. Trains can be delayed, especially during the winter fog season, so plan for some buffer time.

    • Planes: Traveling by air within India is relatively cheap. The domestic flight network is well-developed and safer than traveling by car. Air India and low-cost carrier IndiGo are popular options.

  6. Health and Safety:

    • Water: Avoid drinking tap water. Always go for bottled water with a factory seal. It’s also a good idea to bring along a portable water filter or purification tablets just in case.

    • Food: Eat at places that seem popular with locals, as that’s a good sign of freshness and quality. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you're certain they've been properly washed. Always carry some stomach medications, such as activated charcoal, probiotics, and electrolytes.

  7. Communication:

    • SIM Cards: Local SIM cards are inexpensive and handy for staying connected (e.g., Airtel, Jio). You can purchase them at the airport or from authorized retailers in the city. You'll need a passport copy and a photo to register the SIM.

    • E-SIM: You can also opt for an eSIM if your phone supports it (e.g., Sparks), which tends to be more expensive than a local SIM but much more convenient.

  8. Culture and Social Interactions:

    • Photographs: Locals may ask for photos with you, especially if you're a foreigner. Feel free to oblige, but set boundaries if something makes you uncomfortable. Politely decline if needed.

      Negotiations: Negotiating prices is standard in local markets and souvenir shops. Start by offering less than half of the quoted price. If you're not interested in buying, avoid showing too much interest.

  9. Sightseeing and Attractions:

    • Opening Hours: Check the opening hours of attractions, as many close early, especially outside of the peak season. Some sites also close on specific days of the week, so verify these details before your visit.

    • Crowds: Popular sites like the Taj Mahal are less crowded early in the morning. It's a good idea to book tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

  10. Responsible Travel:

    • Bring a reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste. Many places offer refill stations for water.

    • When visiting religious sites, be mindful of your behavior – remove your shoes, cover your shoulders and legs if required.

  11. Trust:

    • Be Cautious with Guides: Not everyone offering guide services is trustworthy. If you need a guide, hire one through a reliable source.

    • Avoid Over-sharing: Be cautious about sharing too many details about your travel plans with random individuals.



Spontaneous Travel in India – Is It Possible?

Of course! Just remember to use common sense. Planning day by day has its advantages, and you might be pleasantly surprised by how events unfold. The key is to stay calm and flexible, even if your journey takes an unexpected turn. Because maybe, at that very moment, you'll experience exactly what you needed the most. 😊

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