Over the trip of six days I took in India’s Golden Triangle Zone (Delhi – Jaipur – Agra), I learned a few things that anyone traveling to this beautiful country should take care if he/she wants not to have major adapting problems. India is a country where you have to come prepared for what you’re about to meet. Unfortunately, many people are overwhelmed by the impact of a civilization that runs its everyday life by a different set of rules than the ones we’re used to. So here are just ten tips for a trip to India, to follow especially if you’re going for the first time.
1 Drink only bottled water
The tap water’s not drinkable; moreover, try to brush your teeth with bottled water. Use one of these three marks: Aquafina, Kinley, or Bisleri. Watch out for the ice cubes – avoid them! Pay attention to freshly washed vegetables and fruits – avoid them! Eat only peeled nuts.
2 Drink tea
Indian tea is excellent. I recommend you try the milk masala tea — a sublime experience.
3 Do not speak with the beggars and to the men that try to sell you all kinds of things
Once you get in touch with them, they’re able to keep up with you for the next kilometer, or until you’re going to buy something. Don’t give money or other things to kids or beggars because you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by dozens of yearners, and it’ll be hard for you to get rid of them.
4 Tip
India is a country where the tip is king. From carrying the luggage to dining, the Indians are waiting for something. Try to have 10, 50, or 100 rupee papers in your pocket all the time because people in India know how to make themselves useful in situations where nothing would mean it. Eager to help you with something, always smiling, always helpful, and ready to offer services in exchange for a tip. Baksheesh is a term that comes from the Persian language, and Indians are significantly in love with it.
5 Bargain until death
Fortunately for those who love the bargain, and unfortunately for those who hate to waste time in useless talks with the sellers, pretty much everything is negotiated in India. And not anyway. One example is enough, and it can be expanded almost everywhere: if a seller initially asks you 2000 rupees for an object, insist on bargaining until you get it with 2-300. Keep calm, use acting tricks, leave (he’ll scream after you), come back, put up the offer or not. In crowded commercial areas, you will not always be successful. Otherwise, especially if you want to buy more products from the same seller, you always get a much lower price than the one initially he is asking for.
6 Do not buy precious or semi-precious stones from suspicious persons: they’re 100% fake
If you go on an organized trip, the guides will definitely take you to places where you can buy only genuine jewelry. Do not buy anything expensive from people who put bargains under your eyes.
7 Be careful with the traffic
Traffic in India comes from chaos heaven, and as if that wasn’t enough, in India is driving on the left side. So be careful, as a pedestrian, with cars, trucks, rickshaws, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, bicycles, and cows on the streets. Indians have a sixth sense when it comes to driving, but that’s not a guarantee that it won’t make you a laid-down poster. Keep an eye out when you’re crossing, don’t rely on traffic lights and don’t get angry when it comes to traffic, because that’s part of the charm of India. With horns and everything.
8 Attention to thieves
In six days, I haven’t fully figured out what the robber thing is, but I’m sure it exists, and the thieves are acting like champions. Whenever the group stopped to listen to the guide’s explanations, many seemingly dubious guys gathered together, curious to hear in their turn about the history of the place. Maybe some did, but surely others didn’t care about it. Personal space in India is a relative notion, so be careful with your pockets. Don’t carry valuable objects, don’t keep your ID or cell phone in sight, be cautious with your pockets or backpack, and generally guard your bottom. As in any other country, after all. It’s just that in India, you might find yourself more exposed.
We strongly recommend investing in a quality anti-theft backpack (or anti-theft waist bag) before travelling to India for peace of mind.
9 Be patient
India is a country where people do not rush to solve things. Be patient with waiters, drivers, lines, anything. Sometimes we rush too much and unnecessarily. Life is worth contemplating.
And if you want to teach yoga, get advice about how to choose the right school for yoga teacher certification in India.
10 Pose with the people
Just as you’ll want to photograph various interesting characters (and, I can assure you – you’ll find a lot), people in India will want to pose with you. Especially if you are blonde (apparently, they have an idea that blonde women bring them luck). You’ll feel like a star. Let them take pictures of you, take photos of them, and don’t get mad that they ask you to. They’ll show you the photo on the phone, and if you give them your email address, they’ll even send it to you later. They’re adorable with this thing, and they’re charging you with positive energy. Besides, don’t be scared of seemingly bizarre acts. Indians have this stare custom. They look at you like you’re an alien from an unknown planet. They’re fixing your gaze. Smile at them, and you’ll see the result.
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