Health & safety: India
Tap water
Not safe
Food safety
High risk
Can you drink the tap water in India?
Tap water NOT safe. Bottled (sealed cap only — check seal!). Avoid ice.
Food safety in India
Famous for traveler's diarrhea ('Delhi belly'). Risks: contaminated water, raw vegetables, dairy outside trusted sources. Stick to fully-cooked + hot food. Street food = pick busy turnover.
Vaccinations
Required for entry
- Yellow Fever if arriving from risk countries
Recommended by CDC/WHO
- Hepatitis A + B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis if rural
- Rabies if outdoor activities
- Cholera if visiting outbreak areas
Always check the CDC traveler's health page 4-6 weeks before departure for current recommendations.
Altitude warnings
Ladakh (3,500m), Sikkim (up to 4,000m), Manali (2,050m), Mussoorie (2,000m). Diamox advisable for Ladakh.
Mosquito-borne diseases
Dengue + Chikungunya + Malaria + Japanese Encephalitis. Year-round, peak post-monsoon. DEET essential.
Heat risk
Apr-Jun 40-50°C in plains. Avoid midday sun.
Emergency medical infrastructure
Apollo + Fortis + Medanta world-class. Insurance essential. Many local pharmacies sell prescription meds without prescription.