Travel Tips

A little preparation goes a long way. On this page we've pulled together the questions UK travellers ask most before a South Asia adventure – visas and entry, the best time to travel, what to pack, food, temple etiquette and a few local words. For the day-to-day essentials – money, staying connected, luggage, safety, tipping and health – see our Practical Information page.

Get these sorted a few weeks before you fly and you'll arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment.

Both countries require you to arrange entry online before you travel – it's straightforward, but don't leave it to the last minute. Always check the latest at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

• India – British citizens need an e-visa, applied for online through the official Indian government portal before departure. A 30-day tourist e-visa is available, as well as 1-year and 5-year options; apply at least a few days ahead and enter via an approved airport. Passport valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages.
• Sri Lanka – British citizens need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), currently issued free of charge and valid for 30 days. Apply online at the official portal before you fly. Passport valid for 6 months.

Use only the official government websites – many look-alike sites charge extra fees.

The best time depends on the monsoons, which vary across the region.

• India (including Rajasthan): the cooler, dry season from October to March is ideal, with pleasant days and clear skies; Rajasthan is loveliest November to February. Avoid the intense heat of April–June and the summer monsoon.
• Sri Lanka has two monsoons: the south-west and hill country are driest from December to March, while the east coast is best from May to September. There's almost always somewhere in Sri Lanka enjoying good weather.

We're happy to advise on the best timing for your chosen route.

Think light, breathable clothing in natural fabrics, with a few modest options – lightweight trousers and tops that cover shoulders and knees for temples and rural areas. A light scarf or shawl is endlessly useful for covering up at religious sites. Bring a warm layer for cool evenings in the hills (Rajasthan winters and Sri Lanka's tea country can be chilly).

Useful things to pack: comfortable slip-on shoes (you'll remove them often at temples), a sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream, insect repellent with DEET, a reusable water bottle, hand sanitiser and a universal adapter. Most hotels offer laundry, so pack light.

South Asian food is a highlight in itself – fragrant curries, freshly baked breads, Sri Lankan rice and curry, dosas, biryanis and endless spices. The region is a paradise for vegetarians and vegans, with superb meat-free cooking everywhere, and dishes can be made milder on request.

Dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for, especially with a little notice – please tell us when you book. To keep your stomach happy, favour freshly cooked, hot dishes, drink bottled or filtered water, avoid ice and unpeeled fruit you haven't washed yourself, and ease into the spice. Trying new flavours is one of the great joys of the trip.

A little cultural awareness goes a long way and is warmly appreciated.

• Remove your shoes before entering temples, mosques and homes, and dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees; a scarf helps).
• Use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving – the left is considered unclean.
• Public displays of affection are best kept low-key.
• Always ask before photographing people, and never inside shrines where it's forbidden.
• A little patience with the hustle and bustle goes a long way – haggling in markets is normal and good-natured.
• Greet people with a 'Namaste' (India) or 'Ayubowan' (Sri Lanka), hands together with a slight bow.

English is widely spoken across India and Sri Lanka, especially in hotels, with guides and at tourist sites, so you'll get by easily. That said, a few local words are always warmly received.

In Hindi (India):

• Namaste – hello / greetings
• Dhanyavaad / shukriya – thank you
• Kitne ka hai? – how much is it?

In Sinhala (Sri Lanka):

• Ayubowan – hello (literally 'may you live long')
• Istuti – thank you

India has many languages (Tamil is widely spoken in the south and in Sri Lanka), so your guide is the best person to teach you a few local words as you go.

A few simple habits keep you feeling good. Drink only bottled or filtered water, favour freshly cooked hot food, and ease into the spice – mild stomach upsets are common but usually short-lived, so pack rehydration sachets and any personal medication in your hand luggage. Wash or sanitise your hands before eating.

The heat and humidity can be tiring, so drink plenty of water, wear a hat and take it steady in the middle of the day. Roads can be long and lively; a little patience and a sense of humour go a long way. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical care and evacuation, and pace yourself so you enjoy every temple, market and safari.

Unforgettable moments

Some experiences reward a little planning: sunrise at the Taj Mahal or over Rajasthan's forts, a dawn safari in search of tigers or leopards, the hill-country train through the tea plantations of Sri Lanka, and quiet moments in ancient temples. Your guide will help you time each one to avoid the crowds – ask questions, and don't try to cram in too much. South Asia rewards those who slow down and soak it up.

Photography tips

The region is wonderfully photogenic, and the light is loveliest early and late in the day. Carry a power bank and spare memory, protect your gear from dust, and always ask before photographing people – a smile and a shared laugh often follow. Never photograph inside shrines where it's forbidden, and remember to put the camera down now and then to simply take it all in.