Is India Safe for First-Time Travelers? How I Stayed Healthy, Clean, and Fell in Love With It

Written By alexa mcdonald

If you’ve ever been curious about India but also a little nervous about the chaos, the hygiene, or the culture shock, you’re not alone. Before my first trip, I heard everything from “India will change your life” to “You’ll get sick immediately.” The truth is that both the magic and the fears are exaggerated.

Yes, India can be intense. It’s colorful, loud, deeply spiritual, and sometimes overwhelming. But with the right itinerary, trusted contacts, clean places to stay, and a few simple habits for food and hygiene, it can easily become one of the most unforgettable places you’ll ever visit.

I planned my trip intentionally. I chose beautiful boutique stays, reputable hotels with international guest reviews, authentic experiences with locals, and enough downtime to actually enjoy the journey rather than rushing from city to city. By the end of it, I completely fell in love with the country.

This is exactly how I experienced India as a first-time traveler who prefers things clean, comfortable, and meaningful.

My India Itinerary (Perfect for First-Time Travelers)

My route through India balanced spirituality, iconic landmarks, relaxing destinations, and the magical desert region of Rajasthan. I started my trip in Varanasi after flying in from Nepal and finished in Jaisalmer before flying to my next destination.

I spent five nights in Varanasi during Diwali, although if you are short on time I would recommend two to three nights. From there, I took a train to Agra and stayed for two nights. After Agra, I traveled to Delhi and spent five nights there, although three nights would be enough if you are visiting purely for travel, I stayed longer for some work. From Delhi I took a bus to Rishikesh, where I stayed for six nights. It’s such a peaceful place that I would recommend spending at least three to five nights there, especially after the intensity of Delhi.

After Rishikesh I returned briefly to Delhi for one night before continuing on to Jaipur, where I stayed for four nights and completely fell in love with the city. From Jaipur I traveled to Jodhpur for three nights. My final stop was Jaisalmer in the desert, where I spent two nights including one night sleeping out in the desert on a tour organized by my hotel.

This route gave me a beautiful mix of India’s spiritual culture, historic architecture, vibrant cities, and quieter nature-focused destinations.

Varanasi: India’s Spiritual Heart

Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and it’s also one of the most spiritually powerful places I’ve ever visited. It’s often the city that travelers feel most nervous about before visiting because it’s known for its cremation ghats along the Ganges River and its chaotic narrow alleyways. But once you understand the meaning behind the rituals and traditions, the experience becomes incredibly moving rather than overwhelming.

I was lucky enough to be there during Diwali, when the entire city is filled with lights, celebrations, and an incredible atmosphere. Watching the ghats glow with candles and festivities felt like stepping into another world.

One of the best decisions I made was joining a walking tour with Wisdom Yatra. The tour took me through hidden alleyways and sacred sites that I would have never discovered on my own. It also helped me understand the spiritual significance of what was happening around me, from temple rituals to daily life along the river. Having a knowledgeable local guide made the city feel far more approachable and meaningful.

For my stay in Varanasi, I spent five nights at Boho Retreat. It was one of the only places I found that felt modern, affordable, and genuinely clean. The location is slightly inland, which means you won’t smell the cremation sites if you are sensitive to smell, and the environment feels much more local than staying directly along the river. The family who runs it was incredibly welcoming, and I even ended up spending Diwali with them, which made the experience feel especially personal and memorable.

Agra: Visiting the Taj Mahal

After Varanasi, I took a train to Agra and stayed for two nights. Agra is primarily known for one reason: the Taj Mahal. While the city itself is more of a quick stop than a long stay destination, seeing the Taj Mahal in person absolutely lives up to the hype.

My biggest tip is to visit at sunrise. The early morning light is beautiful, and it’s also the quietest time before the crowds arrive. Standing in front of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises is one of those travel moments that feels surreal.

Two nights in Agra is the perfect amount of time before continuing on to the next destination.

I stayed at Hotel Kamal. They have rooftop with a view of the Taj Mahal, standard rooms, and walking distance to the Taj Mahal entrance.

Delhi: Chaotic but Fascinating

Delhi was easily one of the most chaotic cities I have ever been to, but it’s also one of the most fascinating. The city is a mix of ancient history, modern life, vibrant markets, and incredible food. I originally planned to stay for three nights but ended up staying five because I had some work to catch up on.

What I loved most about Delhi was the contrast between different parts of the city. One moment you’re exploring historic Mughal architecture or centuries-old temples, and the next you’re walking through buzzing markets filled with spices, textiles, and street food.

It can definitely feel overwhelming at first, so I recommend giving yourself time to ease into the city and possibly booking a guided experience or two to help you navigate the culture and history. I did a food tour with the incredible Gajendra, @tourwithgajendra! When I say this was one of the best food tours or tours in general I have ever been on, please believe me! I highly recommend him! I posted a reel about my experience with him here.

Rishikesh: The Perfect Reset

After the intensity of Delhi, I took a bus north to Rishikesh. Known as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh has a completely different energy than the big cities. It’s surrounded by mountains and sits along the Ganges River, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels perfect for slowing down and recharging.

I stayed six nights here and could easily have stayed longer. My hotel was Vileen Rishikesh, which ended up being one of my favorite stays of the entire trip. The hotel is located slightly outside the main center of town, which makes it quieter and more connected to nature.

The staff were incredibly kind, the food was fresh and health-focused, and the balcony views were beautiful. I spent my time here doing yoga, going on peaceful walks, and simply enjoying the slower pace of life after the busyness of Delhi.

Jaipur: The City I Fell in Love With

From Delhi I continued on to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, and it quickly became my favorite city in India. There’s something about Jaipur that feels special. The architecture is stunning, the palaces are beautiful, and the entire city has a vibrant yet elegant energy.

I stayed for four nights at Namli Haus, a boutique luxury stay that I absolutely loved. The design of the property is stunning and thoughtfully curated, with an aesthetic that feels both stylish and comfortable. It’s the kind of place where every detail is beautiful without feeling overly formal.

The owners also have other boutique properties in Jaipur that I visited and loved as well. If you’re someone who appreciates beautiful design and a cozy boutique hotel atmosphere, this is an incredible place to stay.

Jodhpur: The Blue City

Next, I traveled to Jodhpur, known as the Blue City because of the endless blue-painted houses surrounding the historic Mehrangarh Fort. The city is visually stunning and has an atmosphere that feels both historic and relaxed.

During my time there, I stayed at Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle and had a really memorable stay. The staff were incredibly helpful and gave me great recommendations for things to do in the city. I also had a massage at the hotel spa that was fantastic after months of travel.

Every meal I had at the hotel was excellent, and the comfort of the stay made it a perfect base for exploring Jodhpur.

Jaisalmer: Sleeping in the Desert

My final stop in India was Jaisalmer, a golden sandstone city located deep in the Thar Desert. I spent two nights here, and one of those nights was spent sleeping in the desert during a safari tour organized by my hotel, Jaisalmer Toffu Safari.

Watching the sunset over the sand dunes and sleeping under a sky full of stars was one of the most magical experiences of my entire trip. It felt like the perfect way to end such a diverse and memorable journey through India.

How I Stayed Healthy in India

One of the biggest fears people have about visiting India is getting sick, but staying healthy is actually very manageable if you follow a few simple rules.

First, always drink bottled or filtered water and avoid tap water entirely, even for brushing my teeth. Second, choose restaurants that are busy and popular with locals, since high turnover usually means the food is fresh. Third, avoid raw vegetables and stick to cooked foods when possible. I also carried hand sanitizer everywhere and washed my hands frequently.

Finally, I’d personally saw, choosing clean and comfortable accommodations makes a huge difference in your overall experience.

By following these simple habits, I didn’t get sick once during my entire trip!

Final Thoughts

India is not a destination that slowly eases you into its culture. It’s vibrant, chaotic, spiritual, and sometimes overwhelming. But if you approach it with curiosity, patience, and a thoughtful itinerary, it can easily become one of the most transformational travel experiences you’ll ever have.

I came to India curious about the culture and the spirituality. I left completely in love with the country, the kindness of the people, the beauty of the traditions, the incredible food, and the unforgettable energy that seems to exist everywhere you go.

If India has been on your travel list but fear has been holding you back, consider this your sign to finally go.

You might just fall in love with it too.


Here are some of my favorite travel resources:

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alexa mcdonald
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