When visiting Incredible India
On arrival, immigration check is carried out for all passengers at the airport. Foreigners arriving in India are required to furnish true particulars in the Disembarkation Card (Arrival Card) as to their name and nationality, his age, sex, place of birth and address or intended address in India. Immigration control includes checking of Passport, Visa, Disembarkation Card, entering foreigner’s particulars in the computer, retention of Arrival Card and stamping of Passport of the foreigner. It is best to request your hotel for their service; alternatively, use the prepaid taxi service available at the airport to avoid being conned by the taxi operators outside the airport.
TRAVELLING IN INDIA
Indians drive on the left side of the road. It is unusual to hire and drive a car by yourself, so it is best to take advantage of the various options available to get around. In big cities, it’s auto-rickshaws and taxis. Yes, they are old and noisy, and you might think they are ready to break down, but they present an experience in themselves and do their job remarkably well. For travel between cities, you could fly or take trains. It’s better to travel 1st class or 2nd AC compartments in trains. Don’t forget to lock your luggage in the train or anywhere for that matter to avoid it being stolen!
VISITING POINTS OF INTEREST
One should do the research before you visit any point of interest. Know the opening times and holidays.
Dress to respect – India is largely traditional; especially at places of worship, and being secular in nature, you need to know the dress codes. Some tourist spots, like a mosque, temple or other holy places require you to dress modestly by covering your head with a scarf and taking off your shoes before entering.
Whenever you go to a Hindu temple, be sure to get some flowers before entering. It is best to leave your footwear at the shop you bought the temple offerings for a small amount to avoid being stolen, especially if you have fancy footwear.
WHAT TO DRINK AND EAT
Always drink bottled water and check to ensure that it is sealed on the purchase. Food in India is as varied as its language and culture. But food anywhere in India is simply delicious. There are numerous restaurants serving a wide variety of food. Indians often share food, so if you are eating as part of a group, it’s common to order many dishes to be shared with everyone – and it’s a good way to try lots of new tastes. Mention your spice tolerance levels. Even though street food is extremely popular and mouth-watering, do not eat at roadside eateries, unless you are going to an area specifically meant for street food. Its better to avoid raw foods, salads and cut fruit! Go in for fruit that you can peel or cut yourself with your own sanitised knife.
SHOPPING
Shopping in India is my favourite thing to do next to eating. Try to buy at a fair price shop, else you will need to learn the art of haggling. The vendor will probably quote a price that is quite high and he expects you to give a counter-offer that is lower. Then, you can go back and forth and reach a price that works for both of you. Don’t forget to count your change in such shops.
India has beautiful fabrics and outfits (saris, traditional suits, kurtas, etc.). Pick something for yourself and for your home. Make sure you buy at good stores to avoid after wash disappointments. Ask around for trusted and reliable shops.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Don’t venture alone late at night.
- Beware of pickpockets – tuck away your money and passport safely in your clothing. Handbags and your pockets are easy targets.
- Don’t accept food from strangers.
- Carry hand sanitizer, multiple-use wet wipes and toilet paper as they are not widely used.
- Don’t give money to beggars, no matter how difficult it is to see them. If you want to help, buy them some food
Ignore the staring – people will stare at you for a long time. In most cases they are just being curious, not considered rude. - Dressing –It is advised to dress according to where you are heading to. If you are unsure, check with your hotel or with a local contact. Due to the diversity of cultures and traditions across India, the way you dress can have different implications, varying from region to region.
- Don’t expect things to happen on time. Punctuality lacks. Trains won’t necessarily leave when they are scheduled, Indian friends might not arrive when they said they would and things can take a lot longer than expected.
Enjoy your trip!
