India is beautiful! It’s has vast history behind the architecture and diverse cultures. Every culture offers unique traditions and mouth-watering cuisine. If you are planning to visit India, here is quick list of things you need be aware of, to make your travels more comforting and less confusing
1. Pack light. Except in December and January, India is mostly pleasant in weather. So, there is no point carry too much of extra baggage. Carry light and comfortable clothes.
2. Cuddle the diversity. Every part of India, different people, different food, language and culture. India cannot be defined by one culture. Enjoy every bit of it.
3. Be open up to the local people and accept invitations. Most of the local residents of India are welcoming. More you get closer to them, more you will enjoy their culture.
4. Ignore the staring eyes – Just like Indian are new to you, you are new to them as well. They might stare at you for quite a while. Ignore them, focus on your journey.
5. Be ready to be treated as celebrities: In many parts of India, it’s very normal for tourists to be seen often. But in other parts of India, it could be unusual. Lot of people will be very curious and surprised to see a foreigner in India, and it’s likely they will stare at you like you are a celebrity.
6. Download google maps: if you have google maps in your hand, you are no longer a stranger to any place.Also there are less chances that the local taxi or auto drivers fool to by taking you to the longer route to your destination. You already know the shortest route, right?
7. Research about your destination in advance:If you do that, before moving out of your hotel room, you will be able to save a lot on your time and money. At times, you might feel overwhelmed with the size of cities and busy crowds, researching about your destination will help you stay calm as well.
8. Book your accommodation in advance: reaching the city without any prior book for your stay, may lead to an overwhelming situation, particularly if you are travelling in a peak season. You might have to travel from one hotel to another to find the availability. So, make sure that you book your stay in advance.
9. The food is amazing. Indian food is tangy, sometimes spicy but mouth-watering all the time. Before ordering a full platter try to taste a bit of it, so that you know, whether you like it or not. Most of the food joints (even the street food hawkers) are kind enough to offer a small sample of the food item.
10. Check the weather – Weather conditions in different parts of the country are different at different time. So before you visit a place in India, do check the climatic conditions of that particular region.
11. Dress to Respect:In certain areas and places in India, you have to know when to cover up. Especially when you are visiting any religious place like temple, mosque or Gurudwara. Most of these places are very particular about keeping your head covered. Even if you are a traveller, it’s good to respect the values of the place. Research the dress code before visiting the places.
12. Indians respects the elders tremendously: You’ll hear kids addressing you as “didi” (elder sister), “aunty”, “uncle” or bhaiya (brother), don’t get frightened,these are just signs of respect.
Indians are full of love (with some exception), if you open up to them, they will welcome you and treat you with great love and affection