Guide on Traveling to India Solo as a Russian Traveler
Planning to travel solo from Russia to India? The country of mystic and culture. In this blog, we explore India from a Russian solo traveler’s perspective. Solo travel sounds like a good plan, but it needs accurate planning and prior research.
Solo traveling in India from Russia is an unforgettable experience, as travelers can come across a colorful culture, bustling cities, and traditions enriched with respect and antiquity. Many people from Europe, including Russia, come to travel solo across India every year.
Russians come to India because of the country’s spiritual roots and affordability. Moreover, India’s recent infrastructural development has been very beneficial for solo travelers, both men and women. So, India has been a popular destination for them. The country offers an indelible experience for the Russian people.
There are a lot of things a solo traveler can consider before traveling to India.
- Required documents, including a passport and visas.
- Sufficient Indian currency
- Accommodations, booked in advance.
- Hygiene, especially food hygiene.
But first, we will discuss the entry requirements and visa details to enter India as a Russian tourist.
What Are the Entry Requirements for Russian Citizens?
Russian citizens can arrive in India by applying for a tourist visa for India. Since the Indian government offers different types of eVisas, solo travelers from Russia will need an eTourist visa. Here are the visa requirements for Russians.
Documents Required to Apply for an Indian eVisa
These documents are to be uploaded in order to obtain an Indian visa for Russian citizens online.
- Scanned copy of the front and back pages of your Russian passport. Your passport needs to have a validity of six months from the time of application
- A passport-sized photograph, digitally scanned [in JPEG Format, file size should be maximum 1 MB, minimum 10KB]
- Proof of address in the home country
- Return ticket to Russia or onward tickets to a third country
- Travel itinerary, including proof of accommodation
- Documents proving your financial capability to support your stay in India
Russians must also carry enough Indian currency to spend in India. You will need to use your debit/credit card to pay the fees online. Moreover, it is strongly recommended that you have travel insurance, which will cover your entire solo travel in India.
Visa Information (Validity, Valid Entry Port, and Processing Time)
There are 3 types of e-tourist visas.
- E-tourist visas with a validity of 30 days. You can stay 30 days in India at once using this eVisa. Plus, this is a double-entry visa, which cannot be extended or upgraded.
- E-tourist visa valid for 365 days. This is a multiple-entry visa.
- The multiple-entry e-Tourist visa has a 5-year validity. Both 1-year and 5-year visa holders cannot stay above 180 days in India in a year. These eVisas are typically processed within 72 hours of application.
Foreign visitors can enter India through 31 valid entry ports and 5 seaports.
Application Process
Here are the steps to apply online:
- Firstly, you need to visit an authorized website.
- Upload your photo and other documents.
- Provide the eVisa fee using a debit or credit card
- You will receive an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) within the next 72 hours stating the status of your application. Make sure this shows ‘Granted’ as your application status.
- You need to get a print of this ETA to which is needed to be present at an Indian Immigration check post where they will stamp your eVisa on your passport.
Alright, now that your documentation is in order, let’s discuss some of the other equally important and practical aspects. First, safety.
What Are the Safest Cities in India for Solo Travelers?
The first and foremost thing a solo traveler needs is safety. Now India is a welcoming nation (atithi deva bhava is the unofficial motto after all), and there are many Indian cities and towns that a Russian solo traveler to India would really enjoy.
But are they safe? You bet they are! These places see a huge influx of foreign tourists year long, and there’s not many that are considered exotic. As long as you are respectful of the customs and the locals, you will be safe and sound.
| Cities | Why is It Considered Safe |
| Rishikesh, Uttarakhand | Strolling across the majestic river Ganges, Rishikesh is a very safe city for travelers to visit. There is a significant amount of security and police forces deployed in crowded places, especially at ashrams or shrines, making it safer for solo travelers. |
| Jaipur, Rajasthan | With a welcoming local culture, Jaipur in Rajasthan is one of the safest places to travel around. The well-planned town also makes it easier for first-time visitors to navigate. |
| Pondicherry, Puducherry | For solo Russian travelers, this is a safe and serene city with visible French influence. You may love the simple yet sublime spirit of Auroville, giving a fresh breath. |
| Udaipur, Rajasthan |
Affectionate people, charming culture, and one of the most secure cities of India, that’s all about Udaipur. The local government is always vigilant about tourist safety. Famous locations like Lake Pachola and Bagore ki Haveli are very well secured and protected. |
| Goa | Wildest night lives, colorful beach days, that’s all about Goa! Considered generally as a safe place to travel, it is a very popular destination among solo travelers. |
Table 1: Safest Cities to Visit in India as Solo Travelers
What Should You Pack for a Solo Trip to India?
Solo travelers to India need to be extra mindful of their baggage and belongings. The lighter the packing is, the more you can freely move around different cities. Here is a general checklist that every Russian solo traveler can use before starting their packing.
|
Items |
| Lightweight Cotton clothes (High humidity, and respectful for visiting temples) |
| Power Adapter (Type C and M plugs) |
|
Hydration salts and mosquito repellent |
| Offline maps and translator apps (Google Translate or iTranslate) |
| Multiple duplicates of the Passport and tourist visa for India |
| Head coverings (For temple visits) |
|
Debit/Credit card or sufficient INR cash |
Table 2: Essential checklist for solo travelers
How Can Russian Travelers Stay Safe in India?
When it comes to solo travel in India, the safety concerns cannot be put out of discussion. Russian solo travelers need to be vigilant about their surroundings and make quick decisions as the situation demands. Here are some tips that a Russian traveler can keep in mind to stay safe in India while traveling solo.
Avoid Traveling Alone at Night in Unfamiliar Areas
Even if you are strong or brave enough, roaming around in unfamiliar areas at night, that too alone, is not a good idea after all. You may come across miscreants or drunk people, or snatchers. Moreover, you may lose your way to return.
Use Verified Apps Like Uber/Ola for Taxis
If you consider taking app-operated cabs, consider only verified apps like Uber and Ola. Even if you do not get an app cab, bargain with local cab drivers to get a sensible fare.
Stay in Hostels or Hotels with Good Reviews
It is recommended to stay in only high-quality hotels with an already established value, instead of those that look fancy or are internet-popular. Don’t forget to look up reviews and take a look at the neighborhood as well.
Register with the Russian Embassy in India: Russian Embassy
For Russian tourists thinking of solo travel to India, you must register with the Russian embassy.
What’s the Best Way to Travel Within India as a Solo Explorer?
As a solo traveler in India, traveling in public transport is the best way to travel in India.
| Transport Mode | Pros | Cons |
| Trains (IRCTC) | Scenic routes and cheap ticket prices. Entire India is connected through rail. | The booking process is usually slow. |
| Domestic Flights | Quick for long-distance travel | High ticket price during peak tourist season |
| Intercity Buses | Modern buses with advanced amenities for a comfortable journey. | Not ideal for remote locations |
| Auto-Rickshaws | Fun for short distances | Always negotiate fares if it is not metered. |
Table 3: Pros and Cons of Indian Transport Systems
How to Deal with Language and Connectivity Challenges?
Language barriers and connectivity issues will arise throughout your Russian solo travel. However, in most popular tourist areas, English is widely spoken and understood by the local people. Here are some additional tips you can remember:
Download Hindi and Russian Language Packs on Google Translate
Use the Hindi to Russian and Russian to Hindi translator pack in Google Translate. Enable voice translation for real-time translation.
Get a Local SIM Card With Data Packs at the Airport
Solo travelers can get a local SIM card with data packs just close to every airport. The internet is fairly cheap in India.
Use Offline Map Apps Like Maps.me or Google Maps with Downloads
When using maps, do not forget to download these maps offline so you can access these maps even if you do not have data or a network to access the local maps.
In Summary
Traveling to India solo as a Russian traveler can be a memorable experience, as it will change your perspective on seeing the world differently. Solo travels are not only about independence. It is also about knowing yourself more purely.
Ready to Discover India? Apply for an e-Tourist Visa to India!
Planning to visit India in the next holidays? Thanks to the welcoming visa policy of India, you can easily and safely travel around the country. So hurry up, apply for your Indian visa and set out for a journey of self-discovery!