Living in India: What It's Really Like for Travelers and Expats

When you think about living in India, the vibrant, chaotic, and deeply human experience of daily life across one of the world’s most diverse countries. Also known as residing in India, it’s not just a trip—it’s a shift in rhythm, perspective, and routine. Most people assume it’s either overwhelming or exotic, but the truth is quieter, more practical, and far more personal. You’re not just visiting temples or eating curry—you’re learning how to buy milk from a street vendor, navigate monsoon traffic, and decide whether that salad is safe to eat.

People who live in India for more than a few weeks quickly notice how budget travel India isn’t just about cheap hotels—it’s about rethinking value. A Coke costs less than 30 rupees, but a private driver for a day might cost less than $10. You’ll find that South India travel, a region known for its calm cities, lush landscapes, and slower pace compared to the north. Also known as traveling in Kerala or Tamil Nadu, it’s where many long-term visitors choose to settle because of the weather, food, and community feel. Places like Mysore and Kochi aren’t just tourist spots—they’re homes to expats, digital nomads, and retirees who’ve traded crowded metros for quiet courtyards and temple bells.

Living here means understanding India culture, a layered system of traditions, family structures, food rituals, and social norms that vary wildly from village to city. Also known as Indian daily life, it’s what makes the country feel alive in ways guidebooks never capture. You’ll learn that safety isn’t about avoiding places—it’s about knowing when to say no to street food, how to spot a fake tour guide, and why asking for permission before taking photos matters. Women traveling alone find Punjab and Kerala surprisingly welcoming. Budget travelers discover that Thailand might be easier, but India is deeper. And if you’ve ever wondered how long to stay, the answer isn’t weeks—it’s months. You need time to adjust, to stop seeing chaos and start seeing order.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of top attractions. It’s the real stuff: how much a meal costs, which city feels like home after a year, why the Taj Mahal draws millions but Mysore keeps people coming back, and whether that salad will make you sick. These aren’t travel tips from a brochure. They’re lessons from people who woke up in India, stayed a while, and learned how to live there—not just visit.