Devcon India — a travel guide
Everything you should know for your trip to India. And a little bit more.
India can be a challenging visit as a first timer, and preparing helps - but I genuinely think framing the experience the right way in your mind helps even more. You’ll see extremes of all kinds, and you’ll be pushed to your limits at times. Just take a breath and go with the flow. You’ll be met by a country that’s amazingly friendly, one that can reshape how you see the world.
Caveats: I’ve only been to Mumbai once, so those recommendations lean heavily on friends who grew up in the city, and I’ve used AI to fill gaps around my own notes and fact-check against multiple sources. Reach out if you have questions or want help planning your trip.
Read it in order if you’re planning from scratch, or jump straight to whatever
you’re stuck on:
- Before You Go — Visa, money, SIM, weather, safety, what to pack.
- Arriving in Mumbai — The airport, getting into town, and which neighborhood to sleep in.
- Mumbai — Trains, sights worth your time, the ones worth skipping, vada pav.
- Eating in India — The cuisines, how to order, and the one food-safety rule.
- Travel — Four side trips out of Mumbai, ordered by what they ask of you.
- Goa — Portuguese-Konkani coast, 1h from Mumbai. Plan 3-4 days.
- Ajanta & Ellora — Rock-cut caves near Aurangabad. Mind the closing days.
- Hampi — Vijayanagara ruins in a boulder field. Plan 2-3 days.
- Kerala — Backwaters, tea hills and the best breakfasts. 5+ days.
- Everyday Practicalities — Tipping, bargaining, scams, what to expect, the app list.
- Watchlist — Films, books and music to prime you before you fly.