India is exciting, intriguing and will challenge your assumptions. It is one of the most amazing countries you can ever visit; the cultures, history, rituals and diversity will amuse you in more ways than one. However, caution is imperative while traveling in India. Carelessness and mistakes can cause safety, legal, cultural issues ultimately leading to disappointment and bad experience.
Never ignore cultural norms
India is still a conservative country deep rooted in its cultures, rituals and beliefs. As a foreign tourist in India, be respectful to the surrounding cultures and norms. Dress modestly specially in conservative areas like temples, mosques and homes of locals (If you are visiting).
Avoid:
- Wearing revealing clothes in religious or rural areas
- Public drunkenness outside party destinations
- Public displays of affection in conservative areas
- Entering temples/shrines with shoes where prohibited
Especially in smaller towns, behavior considered normal in Europe or North America may attract intense attention.
Never trust all strangers
Most Indians are welcoming, polite and smiling. However, it is wise to not trust all strangers. Tourist scams are common and can pose safety risks as well.
Common scams to avoid
- Fake tour guides
- People giving lifts
- Inflated taxi fares
- Aggressive sales tactics
Things to follow
- Use official Apps/Services
- Book with a Travel Agency
- Don’t believe everything you hear from strangers
Say No to late-night arrivals
Avoid commute in nights, especially for female travelers
Avoid
- Arriving late at night without travel arrangements
- Wandering late night at isolated ares
- Poor lit areas
- Unofficial Taxis
Things to follow
- Book your pickups and drop offs in advance
- Be at your hotel/accomodation by 10 PM.
- Have emergency numbers saved
Be careful on Indian Roads
Traffic in India is chaotic when compared with Western Standards. Be very careful when on Indian roads.
Things to follow
- Try to understand pattern of how locals cross the road
- Don’t panic much! You’ll make it to your destination
- Avoid taking overnight road trips
Never carry drugs
Never carry anything that is illegal in India. Or else, you might end up in serious trouble. Easy availability does not mean grants. Police crackdowns in major tourist places like Goa, Manali and Kasol are common.
Never drink Tap Water
Tap water in India is unsafe for drinking and can make your stomach in trouble or even worse. Say no to tap water. Rather opt for sealed bottled water from nearby shops. It is much better and safer for drinking.
Never photograph where it is prohibited
Avoid photography, videography or aerial shots wherever it is prohibited or else can land you in trouble.
Avoid photography at:
- Military Areas
- Airports
- Temples and places of worship
- Religious ceremonies
Don’t expect India to be same everywhere
India is unlike any country in the world. Rajasthan is different from Assam, Gujarat is different from Tamil Nadu. Every 100-150 kms, the language, food, rituals and culture changes. Hence, expecting similarity is rare when you travel long distances in India
Summary
In spite of all these, millions of tourists from all around the world visit India and create memories of a lifetime. Many foreigners visit India repeatedly. The Indian experience becomes amazing when tourists plan their tour smartly, stay flexible and book with a trusted partner.