If you’re headed to New Delhi for adventure, you probably move through life quickly and are already mentally packing your backpack. Fortunately, a trip to India is the perfect reminder to slow down and pace yourself. The city may feel frantic, and not everything will happen on schedule, but stopping to have tea with the guest house owner or checking out a new Bollywood film will allow you to more fully experience Indian culture before hitting the trail.

You can put that patience into practice before stepping on the plane by keeping in mind visa regulations. It’s mandatory to obtain a visa before arrival and processing times can vary (as can the level of frustration during the application process). Most adventure seekers coming to India only need a tourist visa, but if you’ll be in India for a long time or participating in other activities like classes or volunteering, you may need to apply for a different type. For more information on obtaining a visa in your home country, check out the Embassy Directory.

Just being in New Delhi can feel like an adventure in itself, as everything is just a little bit different. You’ll re-learn how to cross the street among barrelling rickshaws; taste new foods with names like chikki, pani puri, and kulle chaat; and figure out how to bargain with the best of them. You’ll also come across devastating poverty and profound need, which can be difficult to witness and may drive you to want to do more. Whatever your experience in New Delhi, you’re sure to come away from it with intense emotions, vivid memories, and a newfound appreciation for its enigmatic culture.

Read our comprehensive guide on adventuring all around India here.