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We are glad you are considering traveling to India to visit JoyCorps in November 2026. Your journey with us will be more than just a trip. It is an opportunity to connect, learn, and experience local impact firsthand against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayan foothills.
This page serves as your practical guide to preparing mentally, culturally, and logistically for your trip to Dehradun and Mussoorie, and other parts of India.
Information for foreign visitors to India
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India at a glance
India is a country of vibrant contrasts, where thousands of years of history blend seamlessly with a rapidly growing modern economy. Roughly one-third the size of the United States, India is bounded by the towering Himalayan mountains to the north and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the south. India thrives as the world's most populous democracy, offering a rich tapestry of diverse languages, colorful festivals, and deep cultural traditions. For an American visitor, India offers a captivating blend of deep cultural traditions, vibrant festivals, rich culinary heritage, and booming modern industries, making it one of the most dynamic and culturally significant destinations in the world today.
Weather
November will be winter in the foothills of the Himalayas. You can expect bright, sunny days and cold winter nights without snow. It is a beautiful time of the year.
However, starting in October, a combination of shifting weather patterns, agricultural crop burning, and holiday festivities triggers spikes in air pollution across the region, especially in New Delhi. To ensure a comfortable journey, we recommend keeping your New Delhi transit time as brief as possible and using high-grade PM2.5 protective masks.
How will you reach us?
Many JoyCorps team members, including our Founders Mel & Dave Murray are based in Dehradun, which is about 3 hours north of New Delhi. From New Delhi, you will travel to Dehradun in a taxi with our trusted driver, Prem. Prem has been driving JoyCorps team and our guests for over a decade now, and is the kindest and funniest person, and a really great driver!
Other options to reach Dehradun from Delhi include multiple daily flights (45 minutes) and
trains (5-8 hours). You will be spending your time in two beautiful places here: Rajpur and Mussoorie/Landour
Prem
Rajpur, a beautiful Hamlet in Dehradun
On the outskirts of Dehradun is the small hamlet of Rajpur. This location showcases the astounding natural beauty of the Shivalik hills (the lower range of the Himalayas) and the Malsi forest. Rajpur has recently become a popular destination for travelers. This has led to a wide variety of multicultural cuisines. With Nepali, Tibetan, Italian, Mexican, Punjabi, and many other cuisines on offer, you will be spoilt for choice.
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Mussoorie, the Queen of the Hills and Landour
Just a short, scenic drive up the mountain from Rajpur lies Mussoorie, known as the “Queen of the Hills”, offering sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayas and the valley below.
Perched just above Mussoorie lies Landour, a quiet, historic cantonment town surrounded by ancient deodar forests and peaceful mountain trails. Renowned for its nostalgic charm, cozy bakeries, and stunning, unobstructed views of the high Himalayas, Landour offers a serene, timeless escape in the crisp November air.
Should you visit the Taj Mahal in November before coming to Dehradun?
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, which sits within the same geographic basin as Delhi and experiences hazardous winter from late October through January, which can significantly diminish the visitor experience. Heavy morning pollution often completely hides the Taj Mahal behind a dense blanket of fog, leaving travelers with thick gray haze instead of the clear, iconic views and photos they came for.
Mobile and internet connectivity in India
Staying connected while traveling to India is essential. India runs on WhatsApp and digital tools. You can choose to get a local SIM in India or purchase a travel eSIM in your home country for digital data roaming while you are traveling. The third option is to get an international roaming plan on your current phone plan.
To get a local SIM in India, you can either buy one at the airport kiosk in New Delhi or ask us to arrange one for you, which we can provide upon arrival in New Delhi. Airtel provides the best service, and the SIM + data recharge will cost you between USD 7 and 10. If you would like us to arrange a domestic SIM for you, please contact Shweta (shweta@joycorps.org)
If you prefer getting an eSIM while you are in your home country, the following videos might be helpful in deciding which service provider to choose:
Digital apps to use in India
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Google Maps: Essential for getting live directions, local transit options, and finding nearby spots.
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WhatsApp: Widely used by hotels, drivers, and tour operators to confirm details and chat.
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Google Translate: English is widely spoken in India, but you may need the assistance of Google Translate from time to time.
Navigation and Communication
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Zomato / Swiggy: The top two choices for finding nearby restaurants, reading reviews, or getting food delivered straight to your door.
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Blinkit/Swiggy Instamart: These are highly reliable 10-20-minute grocery delivery apps that are incredibly useful for tourists in India to get quick essentials delivered directly to your hotel or stay, serving as an excellent lifeline if you need immediate access to convenience items without having to find a physical store.
FOOD AND GROCERIES
(With a domestic SIM, use popular quick-delivery apps with Cash on Delivery (COD). A ₹50–₹100 tip is appreciated)
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Quick Snacks & Water: Order bottled water, soft drinks, chips, chocolates, or local snacks instantly.
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Emergency Toiletries: Get immediate delivery of toothpaste, sunscreen, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, or sanitary products.
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Over-the-Counter Healthcare: Order basic wellness supplies such as band-aids, rehydration salts (ORS), antacids, or pain-relief sprays.
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Tech Accessories: Replace lost items quickly with fast delivery of phone chargers, charging cables, power banks, or earphones.
Currency Conversion (USD to Indian rupees)
You will need to purchase currency after arriving in India and some ways to get currency is :
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ATMs: Use major bank ATMs (such as HDFC, ICICI, or SBI) upon arrival at the airport to withdraw cash directly with a US debit card. Always select "without conversion" or "charge in local currency" to get a fairer home-bank exchange rate.
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Airport Exchange: Swap a small amount of US cash at airport kiosks immediately after landing to pay for initial taxis or tips. This is generally not advisable because the exchange rate is unfavorable.
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Local Exchange Houses: In Dehradun, we work with an authorized currency exchange bureau, MoneyHop, that gives better rates than airports, and delivers currency to you at a nominal cost. Contact Shweta (shweta@joycorps.org) to avail this facility. A copy of your passport will be needed to convert your USD to INR, and we can bring it to you when we pick you up at the airport.
Hear from American travel vloggers and bloggers!
Here are some American YouTube videos and travel blogs to browse if you would like to know more:
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Benjamin Jenks - American in India: This video gives detailed information from an American living in India about everything you may be thinking about as you prepare to come to India. Watch
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Beth Whitman- Wanderlust and Lipstick: Beth has made a name for herself as a women’s travel expert, and her packing list is extensive and practical. Read
Reach out to us!
If you have any questions or want our help creating an extended itinerary, please reach out to our Lead for Operations, Shweta (shweta@joycorps.org), who is based in Dehradun and is proficient in travel itineraries, places to visit in India, and other travel-related queries.
We look forward to hosting you in November!
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