Fun Facts About India Every Traveller Should Know

There’s nowhere quite like India. This vast country is a place of extremes. Home to nearly 1.5 billion people speaking around 1600 languages, it’s a place of rich history, incredible food, and often chaotic urban life that, if we’re being honest, can quickly get overwhelming. You never forget your first time in India, but the key to getting the most out of this unique place is to understand it before you arrive. 

Let’s take a look at some facts about India you should know before you go. Not only are these interesting in their own right, but they can help you have a smoother and richer experience of a country that is home to 17% of the world’s population.

India is incredibly diverse

India is not just big. It’s also very varied - so much so that travelling from one of its 28 states to another can feel like entering a different country. The chaotic energy of Mumbai is a million miles away from the slower rhythms of Goa, just as the deserts of Rajasthan feel like a different world from the lush mountains and tropical beaches of Kerala. Different states can have different food, different culture, and different languages, giving you a completely different experience from one part of the country to another.

For travellers, that means that you should think about what you want to experience in India and choose your location based on that. You’re not going to be able to see everything in one trip, no matter how long you have, so focus on a specific region and explore what it has to offer. Whether you want incredible food, chaotic urban life, or to relax on a tropical beach, you can find it in India by choosing the right region to explore.

Take the train

India has one of the largest rail networks in the world, and it’s the main mode of transport for millions of people every day. Every major city in India is well-connected to this rail network, and even smaller towns can often be reached by rail.

If you’ve seen those videos online of trains absolutely packed and station platforms heaving with people, you might be intimidated at the thought of taking the train. And yes, it’s true that Indian trains can be incredibly busy, and that health and safety laws here aren’t the same as you may be used to at home. However, that’s not the full story of Indian train travel. Trains in India cover the full range from budget sleeper classes all the way up to luxurious air-conditioned cabins. And although taking the train isn’t always the fastest way to travel, it can be one of the most memorable.

Indian food is more complex than you probably think

There’s no question that India has one of the richest food cultures in the world. And thanks to the worldwide Indian diaspora, you may well be familiar with elements of Indian food. There’s hardly a major city in the world that doesn’t have at least a few Indian restaurants, but these dishes are often adapted to suit local tastes.

What most of the world tends to think of as Indian food is generally North Indian cuisine. That’s where you get rich, creamy dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, and lamb Rogan Josh. Honestly, it’s making me hungry just thinking about it.

But beyond the north, you’ll find a huge range of different favours. In South India, lighter rice-based meals like dosa and idli are more common, and if you like spicy food, you’ll definitely find something to test your taste buds here. Meanwhile, in the west of the country, you’ll find a mix of sweet and spicy and a big focus on vegetarian cuisine, especially in Gujarat. East India, on the other hand, is well known for amazing seafood prepared with subtle spice blends that make for unforgettable meals.

Wherever you go in India, it’s easy to eat well. But try to focus on regional dishes and seasonal ingredients for the best experience.

India is home to the world’s largest religious gatherings

Religion is part of everyday life in India. After all, India was the birthplace of major world religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. India is also home to around 170 million Muslims and 28 million Christians, so expect to find temples, mosques, churches, and shrines almost everywhere you go.

For a truly unforgettable experience of Indian culture, consider attending a religious gathering like the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious festival on the planet. This Hindu pilgrimage is held every four or twelve years, depending on the position of the planet Jupiter, and the 2025 festival attracted around 660 million people. 

Personal space works differently here

What’s travel without the occasional culture shock? One of the things I found most striking on my first trip to India was the way that people handle personal space. After all, this is a densely populated country, and that changes how people interact with one another.

Queues aren’t always orderly, and can often seem more like a chaotic group all trying to get served at once. Crowds can feel intense, and people will often stand closer to you than you are used to at home.

They’re not being rude. This is just the way things work here. But it can take some getting used to, especially if you’re from a culture where people give each other more room.

Many Indians are curious about foreigners, especially in smaller towns and villages. Sometimes, this can come across as nosy. Indian small talk often involves questions about personal matters such as whether you have kids, and if not, why not? This direct style of questioning can take some getting used to, but it’s just the way things are done here.

Staying connected makes everything easier

Travel is always easier when you have your smart phone to help out. Whether you’re booking trains and taxis, navigating busy cities, finding restaurants, or translating languages, your phone is often your best friend.

It’s worth noting, though, that public Wi-Fi in India isn’t always reliable. Plus, public Wi-Fi networks come with security risks. That’s why the best way to travel in India or anywhere else is to have your own eSIM ready to go.

A ZenSim eSIM lets you connect to local networks and get the best coverage and fastest data speeds from the moment you step out of the airport. You can say goodbye to expensive roaming charges and use your phone like you would at home. Prices start at just AU$25 for 5 GB of data, or AU$129 for an unlimited 30 day card. And if you’re seeing India as part of a wider expansion of Asia, our Asia plan covers India, China, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and several other countries.

India is incredibly affordable if you plan it right

India is one of the best destinations in the world for budget travel. The average salary here is US$337 per week, so the cost-of-living is far lower than in the US, Europe, or Australia.

You can eat fantastic food for the equivalent of a few dollars, and even quite nice hotels can be extremely affordable. Obviously, there are luxury options here too, and there’s really no limit to what you can spend. But if you do a little research and plan your trip carefully before you arrive, you can have an amazing experience without spending much money.

Of course, this has its unpleasant side. India is a country of contrasts, and that includes the contrast between poverty and wealth. In the same city, you can expect to see luxury hotels and high-end shopping malls along with informal settlements and street vendors, including young children. It’s a sad fact of life that many Indians live in extreme poverty, and that’s something you’re probably going to encounter while you’re there.

Stay respectful, and avoid treating people’s lives as part of your tourist itinerary. Although it can be hard to see, it’s important to understand that this is the reality of the nation. If it moves you to want to help, there are plenty of charities that will happily accept a donation to their important work in combating poverty.

Street food is incredible

I already mentioned the food scene, but the street food is so good, it deserves its own section. Fresh samosas, chaat, and masala chai are available just about everywhere, are incredibly cheap, and are usually delicious.

It’s worth remembering, though, that food hygiene here can be variable. Try to choose freshly cooked food instead of stuff that has been sitting out for a while, and avoid untreated water, including ice. If in doubt, have a look at where the locals are eating, as they always know the best spots.

Exploring India

From the history to the culture to the food, there really is nowhere else in the world quite like India. There are so many different sides to this country that no matter what you like, from vibrant streets to beautiful mountain scenery, you can find it here.

And the size and diversity of this country make it a great place to explore again and again.

Staying connected with an eSIM from ZenSim can help you make the most of this vibrant, unique, and often chaotic nation. Take a look at our plans and find the right offer for your next trip.