Culture Shock in India

What to Expect as an American Parent Traveling to India

Traveling to India with kids is an experience like no other—it’s vibrant, chaotic, deeply spiritual, and full of surprises. But if you’ve never been, you might not really know what to expect. Expect a culture shock in India.

Before we visited, we had no real insight into what daily life in India would be like. Sure, we had met people from India before, but that didn’t fully prepare us for living in it day to day. The mix of cultures, religions, and traditions is unlike anything in the U.S., and while it was amazing, it also came with unexpected challenges.

Here’s what I wish I knew as a mother of young kids to deal with culture shock in India.

First Impressions: What Hits You the Moment You Arrive

Stepping off the plane in India is like walking into a completely different world—one that is alive with color, sound, and motion in a way that is hard to describe until you experience it yourself.

For us, landing in Delhi was a shock to the system. We had booked a budget stay in a less-than-ideal area, and while it wasn’t unsafe, it was overwhelming at first. The streets were packed with people, tuk-tuks weaving between cars, vendors shouting out their prices, and the constant blaring of horns. There was no quiet moment, no break from movement.

The Reality of the Streets in India

One of the first things we noticed was the sheer amount of people everywhere. In major cities like Delhi, the population density is unlike anything in the U.S. Walking outside, we were met with:

• Crowded sidewalks filled with street vendors, people selling fruit, shoes, and household goods.

• Auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks), motorcycles, buses, and cars all moving in a seemingly unstructured flow.

• Stray dogs wandering the streets, some of them well-fed and friendly, others looking a bit rough.

• Cows freely roaming the roads, completely unbothered by the traffic around them.

And then there was the trash. It’s something you might hear about, but until you see it, it’s hard to grasp the sheer volume of garbage on the streets, in empty lots, and sometimes even burning in small piles along the roadside. Unlike the U.S., where waste collection is more structured, in India, waste disposal varies greatly by city and region. Some areas have more effective garbage collection, while others struggle with infrastructure challenges.

The smell of India is another major first impression. Depending on where you are, you might get the rich aroma of spices from street food vendors, but it can also be mixed with pollution, sewage, and the occasional whiff of burning trash. It’s something that takes time to adjust to and varies from city to city.

How Did the Kids React?

We knew this trip would be a culture shock in India, but we didn’t anticipate how it would impact our kids. Their reactions were a mix of excitement, confusion, and exhaustion.

• They were jet-lagged and overwhelmed at first. The time difference between India and the U.S. meant they needed several days to adjust.

• They loved seeing cows walking freely on the streets. It was like something out of a storybook for them—one of the first things that made them smile in the chaos.

• They were shocked by the amount of trash. Coming from a place where trash is put into bins and taken away regularly, seeing piles of garbage on the street was a lot for them to process.

• The food smells were everywhere. The scent of freshly fried samosas, spiced curries, and grilled meats filled the air. While they found it strong, it was also intriguing.

• Crossing the street was an adventure. In the U.S., we are used to traffic signals, crosswalks, and pedestrian rules. In India, those rules don’t really exist the same way. You have to be assertive, step into the road, and trust that drivers will adjust. We had to hold their hands tightly and guide them through the maze of cars, tuk-tuks, and bicycles.

One of the things we didn’t expect was the way people reacted to us as a foreign family. In many areas, especially those that don’t see a lot of Western tourists, people stared at us, asked for photos, and even tried to touch our kids. While it wasn’t necessarily malicious, it was uncomfortable at times.

Red Fort in Old Delhi

Noise, Crowds, and the Pace of Life

If you’ve never been to India before, the constant noise and dense crowds might be one of the biggest adjustments you’ll have to make—especially if you’re traveling with kids. India is loud, all the time. Even late at night or early in the morning, the city streets are rarely quiet.

During our stay in Delhi, we were near a main road, and the honking never stopped. In India, honking isn’t just something drivers do out of frustration—it’s part of how they communicate. It signals everything from “I’m passing” to “I’m here, don’t hit me.” If you’re not honking, you basically don’t exist on the road. The sound blends into the background eventually, but at first, it can feel overwhelming, especially when combined with the sheer number of people moving around at any given time.

The intensity of noise varies depending on where you are:

• In major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore) – The combination of traffic, construction, street vendors, and daily life means there is no such thing as a quiet moment outside. It’s common to hear people talking loudly, motorcycles revving, trains passing, and car horns blaring all at once.

• In smaller towns – The noise level is lower, but markets are still lively, and main roads remain active with rickshaws, buses, and trucks.

• In rural villages or hill stations – It’s much quieter, but you may still hear morning prayer calls, livestock, and daily activity in small communities.

Handling the Crowds with Kids

The density of people in India is unlike anything we had ever experienced. Even in places like New York City, there is still some sense of personal space. In India, that concept doesn’t really exist in the same way. People move as a collective rather than as individuals with designated space, and navigating through crowds with young kids takes extra awareness and planning.

One of the most challenging experiences was using the metro in Delhi. Our kids actually found it exciting because public transportation was new to them, but during peak hours, it was overwhelmingly packed. People squeeze in shoulder to shoulder with no concern for personal space. If you’re carrying a backpack or bag, expect it to be pushed, pressed against someone else, or even slightly opened if you’re not careful.

In big gatherings, such as markets or religious events, the crowds can feel like a living, moving wave. People don’t stop to let you pass—you have to move with the flow or risk getting stuck in place. If you hesitate or stop in the middle of a crowd, people will push past you.

Keeping Kids Safe in Crowds

1. Always hold your child’s hand or carry them if needed.

• In highly crowded areas, children can easily get pushed or separated from you. We learned quickly that picking up our younger child when entering the metro or a packed street market was the best way to keep them from getting jostled around.

2. Be extra cautious in religious gatherings or festivals.

• India has many religious festivals that attract thousands of people at once. During one event, we heard about people getting trampled due to the sheer number of attendees. If you find yourself in a situation where the crowd is getting too dense, move to the edges or exit as quickly as possible.

3. Expect people to stand very close to you.

• If you’re not used to people standing just inches away while waiting in line or walking through a market, this might take some adjustment. It’s not considered rude in India—it’s just how people navigate space in a densely populated area.

4. Use quiet spaces for breaks when possible.

• If your child gets overwhelmed, find a quieter location like a park, a bookstore, or a less crowded café to let them decompress. Even in the busiest cities, there are usually temples, gardens, or museums that offer some relief from the chaos.

5. Teach kids how to move confidently through traffic and crowds.

• Crossing a street in India isn’t as simple as waiting for a pedestrian signal. You have to move with purpose, make eye contact with drivers, and walk steadily to the other side. We had to physically guide our kids across roads because if we had waited for a clear moment, we’d still be standing there today.

What We Wish We Had Known Before Traveling

• The noise will be constant. If you or your kids are sensitive to loud sounds, consider bringing noise-canceling headphones for moments when you need a break.

• Crowds are everywhere. If you’re not used to navigating through thousands of people at once, it will take time to adjust.

• There is no real concept of “waiting your turn.” People don’t form lines the way they do in the U.S. If you’re at a ticket counter, expect people to move in from the sides and try to get served first.

• Be prepared to move quickly. Whether it’s crossing the street, getting off the metro, or walking through a market, standing still in a high-traffic area is not an option.

Indian Food

Food Culture: What to Expect with Kids

One of the biggest adjustments when traveling to India with kids is the food. If you’re used to eating at Indian restaurants in the U.S., you may think you know what to expect—but the reality is quite different.

Indian food in India is deeply regional and varies not only from North to South but also from city to city. The level of spice, flavors, and ingredients depends on where you are.

• North Indian food was more familiar to us. We found plenty of naan, paneer, dal (lentil dishes), butter chicken, and biryanis. The flavors were rich but not overwhelmingly spicy.

• South Indian food was where the spice level really took off. Dishes like sambar (spiced lentil stew), dosa (fermented rice and lentil crepes), and Chettinad curries packed layers of heat that even a “mild” request couldn’t remove.

Even when we specifically asked for non-spicy food for the kids, it almost always still had some level of heat. It wasn’t just about the chili—it was the complexity of the spices that made even “mild” dishes challenging for them.

How Did Our Kids Handle the Food?

Our kids had a love-hate relationship with Indian food. Some things they loved, others were just too intense.

• They struggled with spice levels. Even dishes that seemed mild to us were too much for them. They would take one bite and immediately ask for water.

• Many Indian parents told us their own kids don’t like spicy food either! It was interesting to hear that even local kids often have to wash the spice off their food before eating it.

• Bread was a lifesaver. Naan, chapati, and parathas were something they could always eat. Rice was also a safe bet.

• They didn’t always want curry-based dishes. Many Indian meals come with rich, heavily spiced gravies, and our kids sometimes just wanted plain, dry food.

We ended up sticking to a basic rotation of chapati, plain rice, yogurt, and mild dal for them when they needed something simple and familiar.

Where We Found the Most Kid-Friendly Food

While Western food options exist, they are not always easy to find. Even when we did find them, they weren’t always what we expected.

• Delhi and Kochi had restaurants like KFC and Pizza Hut, which was a big help. In smaller cities and towns, we had to get creative.

• Western-style food was easy enough to come by but you did have to go searching for it in some cases and beef is bison.

• Hotel buffets saved us a few times in Munnar. Their breakfast and dinner buffets usually had a mix of Indian and international dishes.

Overall, we tried to embrace Indian food as much as possible, but we also made adjustments when our kids needed a break from all the spice.

Food Safety: What You Need to Know

Eating in India requires a different level of awareness than in the U.S. There’s no way around it—your stomach will be tested.

Street Food: Is It Safe?

• We actually ate a lot of street food, and most of it was fine. Vendors cooking food fresh in front of you tend to be safer than restaurants where you don’t see the kitchen.

• Look for busy stalls. If locals are eating there, it’s probably safe.

• Avoid raw chutneys and anything with ice—these can carry bacteria from contaminated water.

Getting Sick: What We Experienced

• My husband got Delhi Belly within our first week. It hit him pretty hard for 24 hours but passed quickly.

• A month later, myself and our kids got sick too. Everyone in our family had at least one bout of stomach issues at some point.

• This wasn’t like the occasional food poisoning in the U.S.—it was an adjustment period for our stomachs.

How We Managed Food Hygiene

• Hand washing is not always an option. Many places don’t have soap in restrooms, so we always carried hand sanitizer and wet wipes.

• Toilet paper is often unavailable. Many public restrooms only have water sprayers, so we always carried our own toilet paper or tissues.

• We avoided tap water entirely. We only drank bottled or filtered water and made sure it was sealed before drinking.

• We skipped salads and raw vegetables. These are often washed in tap water, which can carry bacteria.

• Dehydration can happen fast when you have a stomach bug, so be sure to find an electrolyte replacement that works fast to get you back to your vacation.

Traffic & Transportation: Chaos on the Roads

If you’ve never experienced traffic in India, nothing can truly prepare you for it. The roads are a constant, moving puzzle of cars, motorcycles, tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws), buses, pedestrians, and even animals. The idea of structured lanes, predictable stoplights, and orderly intersections does not exist in the same way it does in the U.S.

At first glance, it seems like complete and total chaos. Vehicles pass within inches of each other, horns blare continuously, and pedestrians weave through moving traffic without hesitation. But somehow, it all works. There’s an unspoken rhythm to the chaos, and once you observe it for a while, you start to realize that drivers are hyper-aware of everything around them—even if it looks like they’re driving recklessly.

That said, for families traveling with kids, navigating India’s traffic requires serious preparation and patience.

How Traffic Works in India (Or Doesn’t Work)

In most cities, there are no clear traffic rules like what we’re used to in the U.S.:

• Lane markings are just suggestions. Drivers will create as many lanes as they need, regardless of what the road was designed for.

• Red lights don’t always mean stop. If a traffic signal exists, drivers may or may not obey it. Often, people just inch forward until they can merge into oncoming traffic.

• Honking is a language of its own. It’s not aggressive like it is in the U.S.—it’s how drivers alert others of their presence. Expect to hear honking every few seconds as drivers navigate through the streets.

• Pedestrians do not have the right of way. If you’re crossing the street, you cannot wait for a break in traffic—it will never come. You have to move with confidence, walk at a steady pace, and trust that vehicles will adjust around you.

Getting Around with Kids

Figuring out safe and efficient transportation with kids in India is a challenge, but it’s manageable with the right approach.

1. Metro: The Safest and Most Reliable Option

If you’re in a city with a metro system, use it whenever possible.

• Delhi, Kochi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and a few other cities have metros, and they are the most efficient way to travel.

• Women-only metro cars are available in some cities, which can be helpful if you’re traveling with kids and want extra space. (We used this in Delhi and were quite satisfied with the experience)

That said, during rush hour, the metro can get packed. If you’re traveling with small children, hold them or carry them to prevent them from getting pushed.

2. Tuk-Tuks (Auto Rickshaws): Fun but Unpredictable

Taking a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) is an experience in itself. It’s one of the most affordable ways to get around and a fun ride for kids, but it can also be nerve-wracking due to how closely they maneuver through traffic.

• Always agree on a price before getting in. Many drivers don’t use meters, so you need to negotiate a fair fare before starting the ride. You can select them on Uber as well.

• There are no seatbelts in tuk-tuks. You’ll have to hold onto your kids tightly to keep them steady.

• The ride can be bumpy. Roads aren’t always in the best condition, and tuk-tuks don’t have much suspension.

3. Taxis and Ride-Sharing (Ola, Uber)

Taxis are available in most cities, but ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber are a better option because:

• They provide upfront pricing. No need to negotiate.

• You can see driver ratings. This helps ensure a safer experience.

The downside? Most cars do not have seatbelts in the middle back seat.

4. Car Seats: Bring Your Own or Go Without?

Car seats are not commonly used in India. For long car rides, bringing your own car seat is worth it. If you plan on hiring a private driver for longer trips (such as traveling between cities), having a car seat is the safest option.

• For short city rides, you’ll have to make a judgment call. Many parents hold their children on their laps, which isn’t ideal but is often the only option.

Crossing the Street: A Skill You Have to Learn

One of the most challenging things to adjust to in India is crossing the street.

• Pedestrian crossings are rare. Even when they exist, drivers don’t always stop.

• You can’t wait for traffic to stop. If you do, you’ll be standing there all day.

• The best strategy is to follow locals. Walk at a steady pace and don’t stop in the middle of the road. Vehicles will adjust around you.

For kids, this is one of the hardest things to get used to. Our children were used to waiting for a crosswalk signal and holding our hands until it was safe. In India, we had to teach them to walk quickly and stick close to us while moving through traffic.

Our picture was taken, I took a picture

Social Norms: How Indians React to Foreign Families

One of the biggest cultural adjustments for us while traveling in India was how much attention we received as a foreign family, especially as a white American family with young kids. Unlike in the U.S., where people tend to mind their own business, India has a much more interactive social culture, and people are naturally curious about visitors.

At first, the constant stares, requests for photos, and even people wanting to touch our kids caught us off guard. But after a while, we realized that most of it wasn’t meant to be rude or invasive—it was just curiosity.

Things That Surprised Us

1. People Stared at Us—A Lot

From the moment we stepped outside, we could feel people watching us. Whether we were walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant, or even riding in a tuk-tuk, people would stop and stare.

• It wasn’t aggressive or unfriendly, just intense curiosity.

• In smaller towns or areas with fewer tourists, the stares were even more noticeable.

• Even though we were prepared for some level of curiosity, we weren’t expecting it to be this constant.

After a while, we just got used to it. If you’re a foreigner in India, especially if you have young children, people will look. It’s part of the experience.

2. People Asked for Photos with Us and the Kids

This was something we had never experienced before. Complete strangers would approach us and ask for a picture—sometimes politely, sometimes without warning.

• Some people asked directly, which we appreciated. If we were in a good mood and it felt appropriate, we would say yes.

• Others tried to sneak photos without asking, which felt more uncomfortable.

• The strangest moments were when people didn’t even ask for a picture with us but just stood next to our kids to sneak one.

It was literally anybody. We later learned that in many parts of India, seeing Western tourists is still a novelty, and for some, having a photo with a foreigner is almost like a status symbol.

3. Some People Tried to Pick Up Our Kids for Pictures

This was probably the biggest shock and discomfort we experienced socially.

• In some cases, people would reach out and touch our kids without asking.

• A few even tried to pick them up to pose for a picture.

• Our kids absolutely hated this—they didn’t understand why strangers wanted to touch them.

While most people didn’t mean any harm, it was a huge cultural difference for us. In the U.S., this would be completely inappropriate, but in India, it’s not uncommon for children—especially foreign children—to attract a lot of attention.

Other Social Norms That Were Different from the U.S.

While the attention was the biggest social adjustment, we also noticed a few other cultural differences:

1. Personal Space is Different

• In India, standing close to someone is normal, even with strangers.

• Lines (queues) don’t always exist—people move forward when they see an opportunity.

2. The Head Wobble Can Mean Yes, No, or Maybe

• In India, people often wobble their heads when responding to a question.

• Sometimes it means “yes,” sometimes “maybe,” and other times just an acknowledgment.

• At first, it was confusing, but eventually, we learned to interpret the context of the conversation.

3. Shoes Off in Many Places

• Temples, homes, and some businesses require you to remove your shoes before entering.

• It’s considered disrespectful to wear shoes indoors, so we got used to slipping them off frequently.

4. Hand Gestures and Touching

• In some parts of India, it’s not as common for men and women to shake hands. A nod or a simple “Namaste” is sometimes more appropriate.

• The left hand is considered unclean, so it’s best to eat, give money, or accept items with your right hand.

Hygiene & Bathroom Differences

One of the biggest adjustments we had to make while traveling in India—especially with kids—was getting used to the differences in hygiene and bathroom facilities. Public restrooms, even in major cities, don’t always have the same amenities that we’re used to in the U.S., and in some cases, you may find conditions that require preparation and flexibility.

While most hotels and higher-end restaurants have Western-style toilets with toilet paper, that is not the case everywhere. If you’re out sightseeing, in a local market, or at a roadside stop during a long drive, you’ll likely encounter bathrooms that are different from what you’re used to.

What You Need to Know About Indian Bathrooms

1. Always Carry Toilet Paper

One of the first things we learned was that public restrooms in India rarely have toilet paper.

• Most locals use a water hose or a small bucket of water instead of toilet paper.

• Even in places where toilet paper is provided, it may not be replenished regularly.

• If you’re traveling with kids, having a roll of toilet paper or tissues in your bag at all times is essential.

2. Many Restrooms Have a Hose Instead of Toilet Paper

Instead of toilet paper, many Indian bathrooms have a handheld hose, known as a bidet spray, or a small bucket with a water scoop.

• If you’ve never used one before, it takes some getting used to.

• Floors in public restrooms are often sopping wet because of this system, so be prepared for damp shoes if the drainage isn’t great.

• If your kids are not used to this kind of setup, they may find it uncomfortable—having toilet paper as a backup helps.

3. Soap Isn’t Always Available—Hand Sanitizer is a Must

One of the most surprising things was that many restrooms didn’t have soap.

• This means hand sanitizer or wet wipes are essential, especially when traveling with kids who touch everything.

• If you find a restroom with soap, use it generously—it might be your only chance to properly wash your hands for a while.

4. Some Bathrooms Are Squat Toilets

While Western-style toilets are common in hotels, malls, and nicer restaurants, many public places, especially in older buildings, train stations, and rural areas, still have squat toilets.

• Squat toilets require balance and practice—for kids who have never used one, they may struggle at first.

• They are typically more hygienic in high-traffic areas because you don’t sit on a shared surface.

• If using one, roll up your pant legs to avoid getting them wet from the floor.

Subhash Bose Park in Kochi

Kid-Friendly Activities & Must-See Places

One of the things we were most excited about when traveling to India with our kids was experiencing new sights, cultures, and adventures as a family. While some aspects of traveling in India can feel overwhelming, there are plenty of things for kids to enjoy—if you know where to go.

Unlike in the U.S., where cities are full of large playgrounds, children’s museums, and interactive exhibits designed specifically for kids, India’s family-friendly activities are often woven into everyday life, historical sites, and nature.

Our Kids’ Favorite Experiences

Munnar’s Tea Plantations – A Peaceful Escape from the Cities

After spending time in India’s bustling cities, we needed a break—and Munnar was the perfect place.

• The rolling green hills, fresh air, and cooler temperatures made it feel like an entirely different country.

• We took a Jeep tour through the tea plantations, which the kids enjoyed because it felt like a mini-adventure.

• Seeing how tea is grown, picked, and processed was fascinating for all of us.

• Compared to the traffic and chaos of Delhi or Mumbai, Munnar was calm, quiet, and relaxing.

Tips for visiting Munnar with kids:

• Plan for cooler temperatures. Bring a light jacket since it can get chilly in the hills.

• Go early in the morning to see tea pickers in action before it gets too hot.

• Consider hiring a driver. The roads are steep, winding, and can be difficult to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with them.

Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi – A Fascinating Sight for Kids

In Kochi, one of the most unique things we saw was the massive Chinese fishing nets along the shore.

• These huge wooden contraptions are lowered into the water with a pulley system to catch fish.

• The kids loved watching the fishermen work—some even let them help pull the nets up!

• It was interesting to see a fishing method that has been used for centuries and is still in practice today.

While in Kochi, we also explored Fort Kochi’s colorful streets, checked out local markets, and enjoyed the relaxed vibe of the coastal town. It was a nice break from the more fast-paced cities.

Things to keep in mind when visiting Kochi:

• The best time to see the fishing nets in action is early morning or late afternoon.

• Some fishermen will let you try pulling the nets up for a small tip.

• The waterfront area is a great place for a stroll, but be mindful of the heat—bring water and sun protection.

Local Parks – Where to Find Play Areas for Kids

Unlike in the U.S., where playgrounds are easy to find, in India, they are much less common, especially in cities. However, when we did find parks, they were always full of families and a great place for the kids to run around.

• Many parks fill up in the evenings when kids are out of school.

• Some larger cities have well-maintained parks with walking paths, benches, and even small playgrounds.

• We found that parks near temples or historic sites often had green spaces where kids could play.

Dealing with Culture Shock as a Family

Traveling to India as a family is a transformative experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. No matter how much you prepare, there are certain things that will challenge your expectations, test your patience, and push you outside your comfort zone.

For us, the biggest emotional adjustments came from experiencing things that were completely different from our everyday lives back home. It wasn’t just the traffic, food, or weather—it was the deep cultural differences, unexpected interactions, and emotional moments that left us struggling to process everything.

The Biggest Emotional Challenges We Faced

1. Being Photographed Without Permission

One of the most unexpected and uncomfortable experiences was constantly being stared at and photographed.

• As a white American family, we stood out. In many areas, people were simply curious, but sometimes the attention felt overwhelming.

• People would take photos of us without asking, sometimes even walking right up next to us and snapping a selfie as if we were an attraction.

• The kids hated it. At first, they didn’t understand why strangers wanted pictures with them. Eventually, they became frustrated and started asking us to say no.

How We Handled It:

• We set boundaries. If someone asked politely for a photo, we sometimes said yes, but if it was intrusive or uncomfortable, we firmly declined.

• We taught our kids to say no. If someone tried to take a photo without permission, we encouraged them to shake their heads and walk away.

• We moved away from crowds when needed. If we felt overwhelmed, we would step into a quieter space or leave the area.

2. Getting Sick in a Foreign Country

No matter how careful you are, someone in your family will likely get sick at some point in India. For us, it wasn’t just about food poisoning—it was dealing with stomach issues, exhaustion, and adjusting to different bacteria and climate conditions.

• My husband and I both got “Delhi Belly” within the first week. It hit us hard for 24 hours, but we recovered quickly.

• Our kids got sick later on. They weren’t used to the change in food.

• It wasn’t just stomach issues. The air pollution in big cities caused coughing, congestion, and dry throats, especially in Delhi.

How We Handled It:

• We carried medicine with us. Electrolytes, probiotics, fever reducers, and anti-diarrhea medication were essential.

• We stayed hydrated. We only drank bottled or filtered water and made sure the kids were drinking enough, especially in the heat.

• We took breaks when needed. If someone wasn’t feeling well, we adjusted our plans and gave them time to recover instead of pushing through.

How to Help Kids Process Culture Shock

Culture shock isn’t just about external differences—it’s also about internal emotions. Our kids had moments where they felt excited, confused, frustrated, and overwhelmed all at once. Here’s what helped them adjust:

1. Talking About Experiences Every Day

Instead of letting them bottle up emotions, we talked about what we saw, how we felt, and what we learned.

• Every night, we had a “check-in” where we asked, “What was your favorite part of today?” and “What was the hardest part?”

• This helped them process new experiences instead of feeling overwhelmed by them.

• It also helped us understand what they were struggling with so we could offer support.

2. Taking Breaks When Overwhelmed

India can be sensory overload—the noise, the smells, the traffic, the heat. Sometimes, we just needed a break.

• We made sure to schedule quiet downtime in the afternoons, whether it was relaxing in a hotel room, visiting a park, or finding a peaceful temple.

• We chose restaurants and cafes with air-conditioning when possible, just to escape the heat and noise for a little while.

• If the kids started getting frustrated, we adjusted our plans instead of forcing them to keep going.

3. Sticking to Tourist Areas at First

If you’re new to India, diving straight into the most chaotic parts of the country can be overwhelming.

• We started with more tourist-friendly areas to ease into the culture before venturing into local markets, crowded streets, and rural areas.

• As we became more comfortable, we slowly started exploring beyond the tourist hotspots.

• If we felt exhausted or overwhelmed, we would choose a more relaxed activity for the day.

Lodhi Garden in Delhi

What We Would Do Differently

Looking back on our time in India, there are a few key things we would have done differently to make the experience smoother, especially as a family with young kids. While traveling in India is an adventure no matter what, a little extra planning in certain areas would have made our trip more comfortable and less stressful.

1. Spend More on Better Accommodations—Comfort is Worth It

Before arriving in India, we had a budget traveler mindset, thinking that we’d save money on accommodations and put more toward experiences. What we didn’t realize was how far our dollar would go on experiences that we had to upgrade on our stays to be more comfortable.

• Our first vacation rental in Delhi was cheap, but it made adjusting harder.

  • The location was noisy, dusty, and chaotic, making it impossible to get quality rest.

  • The room itself was dark without light, which made it hard to decompress after long days exploring.

• Moving to a nicer place made all the difference.

  • A good night’s sleep helped us feel more refreshed and ready to explore.

  • Having a clean, comfortable place to return to made the culture shock easier to process.

  • Reliable air conditioning, hot showers, and better food options helped us adjust to India’s climate and new environment.

What We Would Do Differently:

• Book mid-range especially in big cities like Delhi.

• Look for places with good reviews from other families.

• Prioritize stays with nearby restaurants and grocery stores, clean bathrooms, and quiet surroundings to have a better place to relax.

2. Be Even More Cautious with Food Choices

We knew food safety would be something to pay attention to, but even with caution, we still got sick during our trip.

• We initially thought street food would be fine as long as it was cooked fresh, but not all vendors follow proper hygiene.

• After our first bout of food poisoning, we became extra careful and stuck to:

  • Hot, cooked foods served straight from the pan.

  • Bottled drinks instead of fresh juices or tap water.

  • Restaurants with high turnover rather than small roadside stalls.

• Our kids struggled the most with spicy food, and even when we asked for “not spicy,” there was still a level of heat they weren’t used to.

What We Would Do Differently:

• Stick to restaurants with good hygiene ratings rather than taking chances on street food.

• Avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit, as they may be washed in tap water.

• Introduce kids to Indian flavors before the trip so they are more comfortable with the food.

3. Be Prepared for Pollution in Major Cities

One thing we hadn’t fully prepared for was how bad the air pollution could be in certain cities.

• Delhi’s air quality can be extremely poor, especially in winter when crop burning contributes to smog.

What We Would Do Differently:

• Check air quality reports before visiting certain cities. If the air pollution is high, consider staying indoors more or choosing an alternative destination.

• Bring masks for bad air quality days, especially if traveling with kids.

• Stay in hotels with air purifiers if possible, particularly in Delhi during peak pollution months.

Final Thoughts: Is India Worth It for Families?

Absolutely.

Traveling to India as a family was one of the most intense experiences we’ve ever had, but it was also one of the most rewarding, eye-opening, and unforgettable trips we’ve taken. Yes, it was overwhelming at times, frustrating in moments, and required a level of patience we weren’t used to, but India has a way of pushing you outside your comfort zone while giving back tenfold in rich experiences, deep cultural insights, and incredible memories.

Our kids saw a completely different way of life, one that made them ask questions, think deeply, and understand that the world is bigger than just what they know. They saw temples and mosques standing side by side, experienced festivals unlike anything we have at home, and met people who were incredibly warm and welcoming. They learned how to adjust, how to be flexible, and how to appreciate differences in culture, food, and daily life.

Would We Recommend India for Families?

Without a doubt—yes.

But it’s not a trip you just book and go into blindly. India requires mental preparation, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. If you go in expecting a smooth, easy, and predictable vacation, you will be in for a shock. But if you go in with an open mind, ready to experience something truly different, you’ll find yourself growing as a family in ways you never imagined.

Would We Do It Again?

Despite the challenges, absolutely. India left an impact on us that no other place has. It’s a destination that stays with you long after you leave, and for that reason alone, it’s worth experiencing at least once.

If you’re thinking about taking your kids to India, I say go for it—but go prepared.

More on the Blog:

See how much we spent in Delhi on a 1 week stay as a family of 4.

You will need a visa, get step by step information here.

Learn how we deal with money while traveling.