Staying hydrated whilst travelling India is essential; long days of hot, dusty sightseeing make for thirsty work.

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But many travellers here are justifiably cautious about the drinking water in the country.

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Tap Water

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No surprise here, but drinking this is a no-go. India’s tap water is untreated for consumption and may in some places contain waterborne diseases like E.Coli and typhoid. Even the bacteria alone in India’s untreated water could give the most seasoned travellers an upset stomach. Don’t go there.

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Water in Restaurants

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Many low to mid-range restaurants and dhabas (India’s roadside eateries) will offer jugs of filtered water for customers. The water is usually completely clean, but for new arrivals, or those in India on a tight schedule, it’s worth playing it safe and avoiding.

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But if you’ve been in the country for weeks or months on an epic adventure across India, your stomach will be able to handle it. The water served at restaurants is technically clean, but may upset stomachs that are new to the country.

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Most hotels and higher-end hostels also offer filtered water on tap, especially in the popular cities, usually in the lobby or around common areas, and this is fit for all travellers. Fill your bottles and head out for a day of exploring.

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Buying Bottled Water

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Purchasing bottled water from trusted brands is the safest, most convenient way to avoid any unwanted stomach issues whilst on the go in India. Look out for popular brands like Bisleri, Kinley, or Aquafina, widely available across the country. The cost of a small bottle is ₹10 ($0.14): a larger bottle is ₹20 ($0.30).

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One place to be wary of bottled water is on public transport, especially intercity trains and buses, and in popular tourist spots. It's been known for some sellers to refill used bottles with unfiltered water and pass it off it as the real thing. If in doubt, check the seal on the plastic cap. If it’s been broken, don’t buy it.

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I clearly remember the moment on a long-haul train journey when a local bought one of these suspect bottles, took a swig and immediately spat it out of the window before chucking the rest. It's rare to come across these fake bottles, but worth bearing in mind.

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‍But for a country with a plastic waste crisis, buying single-use bottles is a temporary and less-than-optimal solution. Most plastic bottles end up in burning by the roadside, strewn in rivers or blown across India’a beautiful countryside…

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Filter Water Bottles

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…which brings us to the best way to stay hydrated in India - using a filter water bottle. These bottles will filter out essentially all bacteria using an inbuilt foam purifier and leave you with completely clean, safe, drinkable water. Fill it up from any tap and you're good to go - seriously.

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There are a couple of brands to choose from:

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LifeStraw - LifeStraw’s filter water bottles are the best choice for the eco-conscious on a bit of a budget. Their Go Series range come in a variety of materials and styles, from large hiking-style canisters to 'squeeze' bottles which can be folded when empty. The filter's microfibre membrane lasts between 2,000 and 4,000 litres of water depending on which model you choose - that's a lot of plastic saved.

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Drinking Whilst Hiking in India

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India's myriad hiking trails are, unfortunately, where waste management infrastructure is often at its lowest, and it's not uncommon to see plastic bottles in India's most remote and serene areas. If you’re in India to hike, there are other ways to drink safely while minimising plastic waste:

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• Boiled Water: In areas where bottled water might be scarce or expensive, boiling tap water is a tried and tested method to kill harmful bacteria. On popular trails in the mountains, host families and teahouse owners are usually happy to boil your water for around ₹20.

• Water Purification Tablets: If you're an avid backpacker and find yourself in remote regions, carrying water purification tablets is a great option. These tablets effectively disinfect water, making it safe for consumption, and are available at most pharmacies and outdoors shops.

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Other Water Safety Tips for India

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It's not just drinking water that can catch you out in India and leave you sick - exercise caution around particular foodstuffs.

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• Avoid anything likely to have been washed with unfiltered water, like fresh fruit and veg. Wait until you’re back at your accommodation before washing thoroughly.
• Enjoy India’s fresh and widely available coconut water as an alternative.
• For some, even taking all necessary precautions won’t prevent some sickness. Bring plenty of electrolyte rehydration packets with you in case you do get ill.

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