Indian e-Visa requirements for Malaysian citizens in 2024

Generally, a visa is required for Malaysians to enter India. The good news is that Malaysian passport holders are eligible for a relatively simple visa application that may be done fully online in many cases. You can apply using the e-visa program for any of the following:

• E-Tourist Visa
• E-Business Visa
• E-Medical Visa
• E-Medical Attendant Visa (issued for people accompanying e-medical visa holders)
• E-Conference Visa
• Ayush visa

Indian E-visas for tourists cover recreation, sightseeing, and casual visits to family and friends. They’re not intended for business purposes, or for people seeking medical treatment - different e-visas are available for these scenarios.

It is quick and easy to get an Indian visa online from Malaysia. The three-step application procedure takes only a few minutes.

• Fill out the online Indian visa form
• Pay the Indian visa fees and submit the supporting documents
• Download and print out the eVisa before departure

Malaysians usually receive the approved eVisa within 03 business days. Nonetheless, it is essential to apply ahead of time to avoid delays. Travelers who want a visa for India urgently can use the priority option, which guarantees 5-hour processing.

Yes, Bangalore is safe for solo female travelers but solo travel always means being somewhat careful in your selection of people and places. Here are some tips for Women and Solo Female Travelers in India:

• Start With A Strategy: To make the most of your solo travel, start with a well-planned schedule. Researching and planning are two key things before the first time you travel alone. There is a lot to prepare for, from learning everything about your location to arranging a place ahead of time.
• For your first solo trip, start by picking a nearby place that is easy to get to. Make sure the location is well-connected with transportation services so that you do not have to rely on untrustworthy sources. Always attempt to arrive before dusk, as mornings are the best time to arrive at your location. Furthermore, this saves you the trouble of exploring a foreign destination at night. Finally, during the process, don't be afraid to spend a little additional money if necessary because safety always comes first.
• Keep Your Closed Ones Informed Throughout the Trip: Not informing your family/friends about your specific trip plans might be the biggest error while traveling alone. Provide them with information such as the contact information for the hotel you want to stay at and the bus/cab driver number with whom you will be traveling. While traveling, make sure to share your current position with your loved ones so they can follow your progress to the destination. All of this will assist you avoid any sticky situations you may encounter while traveling alone.
• Use Public Transport: One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is meeting new people on buses, trains, and planes. Not only is public transportation the ideal method to meet other explorers, but it is also handy, somewhat safe, easy to pick, and, of course, quite inexpensive! Being surrounded by people might also help you avoid anxiety and uncomfortable circumstances.
• Chose To Stay In Homestays Or Hostels: When traveling alone, staying in a hostel or homestay increases your chances of meeting other solo travelers. Not only that, living in a hostel may provide you with access to numerous exciting chances that you might otherwise pass over while traveling alone. Furthermore, it is safer than being alone in a hotel room with no one to converse with. 
• Carry a mobile phone: Obtaining an India eSIM card and carrying a mobile phone are critical for both safety and convenience, as India is a mobile phone-addicted country. Everything is done by text messages, including train tickets, taxis, and manicure appointments, and you must use it to speak with drivers. When you arrive in India, you can purchase a low-cost phone or a SIM card for your existing phone. 

Maharashtra is India's third-largest state and one of the most populated states in India. Bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, it is a popular travel destination. Aside from its world-famous entertainment sector, the state is also recognized for its delicious cuisine, rich culture, and celebrations. Here's a list of tourist destinations in Maharashtra:

1. Mumbai

The capital of Maharashtra is known as the "Manhattan of India". Mumbai is made up of seven islands. Some of the key locations that must be included in your Mumbai Dashan list include India Gate, Elephant Island Grottoes, Marine Drive, Mumbai Market, Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai Beach, Notre Dame Temple and Fort Klang.

2. Aurangabad

Aurangabad is one of the most famous places in Maharashtra. As you know, the city was named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The best places to visit in Aurangabad include Devgiri Fort, Khuldabad, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Ghrishneshwar Temple, Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary, Aurangabad caves and Jama Masjid.

3. Kolhapur

You must have heard of Kolhapur Chappals. These come from nearby cities on the banks of the Panchaganga River. Besides, Gorhapur has many ancient temples, forts, lakes, and gardens that you should visit if you are in the city. Notable places to visit in Gorhabur are Mahalaxmi Temple, Jyotiba Temple, Chhatrapati Shahu Museum, Fort Panhara, and Lake Lankara.

4. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is situated within the Western Ghats. The city is known for its tranquil lakes, waterfalls, historic forts, and stunning scenery. Here you can take a boat tour of Lake Vienna and even hike at Platapugar Castle. Take stunning photos at Pratap Garden, pray at Bhawani Mandir, and have a great time in the city.

5. Sholapur

The city is located on the Deccan Plateau and has a mild and dry climate. For those who are on a spiritual journey and enjoy visiting the temple, Shorapur may be an ideal location. In addition to temples, the city is also known for its hand looms and power looms industry, a variety of wildlife, and several important historical buildings.

6. Matheran

Another famous place in Maharashtra is Matheran, located in the Western Ghats. People come to the city, especially because of its cool and less humid climate. Cape Echo, Lake Charlotte, Cape Louisa, Cape Alexander, and Mount One Tree are some of the places you must visit when you are in Matheran.

7. Alibaug

The city was developed during the reign of Malata ruler Shivaji. The seaside city of Alibaug is well-known for its quiet and cleaner white sand beaches. Alibaug's tourist attractions can easily explored in a day or two. Alibaug Beach, Nagaon Beach, Kanakeshwar Forest, Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple, and Janjira Forest are some must-sees when visiting this city.

Yes. Kerala is a safe destination for all types of travelers, including men, women, transgender people, foreigners, and others. However, just like any other tourist destination, you should follow specific travel guidelines for Kerala.

There's a reason why Kerala is often regarded as India's top state for peace and order. It is highly safe to go across the state since the people are literate and nice to travelers, and the government is actively promoting tourism and the protection of tourists, particularly women and children, by deploying pink police vehicles in public locations.

Here are some major tips for a solo trip in Kerala for Women to ensure your trip is a smooth one.

1. Choose a well-rated accommodation

Before you plan your Solo female trip in Kerala, conduct an extensive study on the region so that you do not appear disoriented when you arrive. When traveling alone, never compromise on your accommodation selection. Always choose a decent, popular hotel.

A well-rated homestay is another choice for lodging on a solo vacation to Kerala for women. Interacting with the host is a terrific way to learn about the local culture, sample home-cooked cuisine, or discover a new dish that you simply enjoyed.

2. Travel Light

While you should take what you need, such as a medical kit, a power bank, and other basics, don't overpack your bag for your lone vacation in Kerala. This travel advice for Kerala applies to almost every Kerala trip, not just those for solitary female travelers. Unwanted luggage might impair your trip experience if you want to use public transportation. Avoid carrying valuables. 

3. Beware of swindlers

Keep your distance from commission workers who frequently approach travelers. This is one of the most important travel advice for Kerala. Make sure you don't waste money on unnecessary purchases or fall victim to swindlers. Nobody can trick you unless you let them. So keep your awareness acute!

4. Keep in touch

Solo trips in Kerala for women may be both fun and fascinating. Don't forget to communicate your trip information with your family, and always keep your phone charged. It's a good idea to make friends with other visitors or residents who share your interests. Interacting with others teaches you a lot and can even lead to lifelong friendships. Make your Solo Woman Tour in Kerala unforgettable by including a few family-friendly activities!

5. Follow the standards of local culture.

This is the most critical travel recommendation for ladies visiting Kerala single. Women in beachwear are not widely tolerated on Kerala's public beaches, with the exception of Varkala and Kovalam.

So, when you go to the beach, wear vest tops with shorts. Dress modestly when going sightseeing, especially in smaller towns. Indian clothing, long skirts, and airy slacks with tops would look great. Smoking and drinking are permitted within hotels and pubs in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, but not outside. So, make sure to keep to these rules when arranging a solo trip in Kerala for women.

The most commonly known tribes of India are Gonds, Bhils (or Bheels), Santhal, Munda, Khasi, Garo, Angami, Bhutia, Chenchu, Kodaba, and the Great Andamanese Tribes.

According to the 2011 census, the Bhil is India's biggest tribe. It accounts for a startling 38% of the country's entire scheduled tribal population.

The Bhils' language is named after them, but the majority of them also speak Marathi and Gujarati, the official state languages where they live. The tribe has origins throughout Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, portions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and possibly Tripura, making it India's largest tribe.

In addition, Bhil is one of the few scheduled tribes in India that is well-known for its art form, Bhil Art. The objective of these artworks is to depict the tribal members' daily lives. They manufacture a variety of goods utilizing Neem tree twigs and branches as brushes, as well as natural color pigments generated from various leaves and flowers.

Bhil Art is also distinctive in that it depicts their deities and ancestors as dots painted over the painting's backdrop in varied colors and patterns, giving it a distinct appearance. Questions on Bhil Art and its purpose are regularly asked in IAS test exams.

Here are some things you need to know about traveling to India from Malaysia:

1. Booking your flight: There are two main ways to get to India from Malaysia: by plane or train. Flying is the fastest and most convenient option, while traveling by train can be cheaper. Direct flights to India depart from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to major Indian cities such as New Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Chennai (MAA); in fact, Malaysia Airlines alone now operates nine routes to key Indian hubs.

Flight time to India from Malaysia ranges from 3h45 mins to 5h40 mins, depending on where you're departing - and once you're in India, you can easily connect to additional destinations via rail, bus, or domestic planes.

2. Applying for an India visa for Malaysian citizens: Malaysians will need an Indian visa to enter the country. The specific visa you can apply for will depend on the purpose of your trip. If you are going to India as a short-term tourist, you may be able to apply for an e-visa. 

3. Booking your accommodation: Finding suitable accommodation for you and your family is a top priority if you’re arriving in India. There are many ways to book your accommodation in India, depending on your budget and preferences. You can choose to stay in hotels, homestay, or guest accommodation

4. What can I bring to India? When you arrive in India, you must clear customs and disclose any products that may be banned or require you to pay additional taxes or charges. While customs standards are generally similar across the world, it's vital to double-check the details, particularly tax-free exemption criteria, which may be found in India's luggage rules. Another significant reminder is that you cannot import INR in cash beyond 25,000 INR (about 1390 MYR at the time of writing).

5. Buy travel insurance: India is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. It's also an extremely safe tourist destination to visit. However, if you plan to visit India, you need to take certain steps to protect yourself from the hazards that might afflict travelers. In India, travel insurance is very necessary. If you're going to India, be sure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, hospital fees, and any pre-existing problems you may have.

6. Get a travel e-sim: Indian eSIM is essentially an embedded SIM card that can connect to any network provider without requiring a traditional SIM card. You may enable an eSIM card directly from your smartphone. Your smartphone should also be compatible with eSIM in India. You can choose to get an ESIM card through the Indian Immigration Services website.

7. Exchange currency in India: There are many ways to exchange currency in India including private money changers, banks, and airports, among others.