20 Essentials You Need to Know Before Traveling to India
Namaste!
This list is all based on my experience traveling in India, and I thought it would be helpful for you to know them before you visit this incredible country!
Let’s get on with it!
1. “Not spicy, please”
Thou shall remember this important phrase whenever you order, otherwise, you can’t eat your food.
2. It is always suggested to order one “dry” and one “gravy” dish.
Balance is the key!
Image Source: www.gskitchen.nl and www.simplyrecipes.com
3. Indian food is eaten with your hands
(No problem, I’m from the Philippines!)
They use cutleries too of course! but as most Indian cuisine is eaten with bread, so it’s common to use their hands to eat. There are always wash areas with soap at any restaurant!
4. Do not eat with both hands though!
It’s also preferred to use your right hand, as some claim that using the left hand is considered unclean or even disrespectful!
Some say that you can choose either side as long as you just use one hand, as the other hand is used for serving the food – so be it right or left!
5. Another food tip: Never accept food or drinks from strangers!
It might be drugged!
6. Beware of religious scams!
Politely refuse if someone comes up to you and offers you a prayer. Sounds thoughtful but you’ll end up paying a hefty price, even if they say it’s for free at first! They’ll later pretend that they never said that!
7. Samosas will keep you alive in a long train journey.
They are tasty and really cheap!
8. If you really want to experience India, you have to travel by train!
No buts, no ifs!
9. Always book your train ticket online!
Avoid the long queues.
Check the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation IRCTC’s official website for train schedules and online ticket booking.
Or you can download the IXIGO app, IRCTC’s official booking partner right on your mobile phone for a more convenient train booking!
10. Do not leave your belongings unattended!
Not just in India, but anywhere in the world!
11. You really need to use the toilet on the train? Some trains dump your poop directly onto the rail tracks.
I left a mark on one of Rajasthan’s railway tracks!
12. Drinking alcohol is restricted in some states.
Generally, the drinking culture in India is not that big.
13. Smoking is banned in all public places.
14. Cows, cows almost everywhere!
Hinduism is the major religion in India, and cows are believed to be sacred. So a lot of cows are free-roaming! Their meat is not being consumed, but their milk is being drunk or used in cooking.
15. Bromance is a strong part of Indian tradition – it’s common for straight men to hold hands.
Don’t stare!
16. Politely ask for permission from locals especially Sadhus (holy person) if you want to snap a picture of them.
Simply be respectful!
17. Taking photos of the cremation sites (in Varanasi) is strictly prohibited!
Or take photos from afar. It is a holy tradition and pointing a camera in front of them is simply disrespectful.
18. Take your shoes off whenever you enter temples, mosques or mausoleums.
It’s common knowledge, but please remember!
19. Dress appropriately!
Check out this helpful blog: What to wear in India: A packing guide for women
20. Lastly, greet people with “Namaste” (Hello) whenever you arrive, and “Shukriya” (Thank you) whenever you leave!
Manners and politeness will never be old-fashioned -Auliq Ice
There are more than 20 languages in India! It would be fun to try to greet in different ways: Learn 21 Ways of Greeting in India
