India is too diverse for any single rule to apply everywhere. Think of these as helpful starting points, not a rulebook.
India, Unpacked
Things worth knowing before experiencing India:
Culture & Etiquette
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Greetings: Namaste is widely recognised, though a simple “hello” or a smile works just as well. Learning a few local words is always appreciated—dhanyavad and shukriya both mean “thank you.”
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Dress & religion: When visiting temples, mosques and other places of worship, dress modestly and follow local customs. Some places may require you to cover your head, shoulders or legs, or remove your shoes.
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Smoking & alcohol: Rules vary by state and venue. Smoking in public places is generally prohibited, while alcohol regulations differ considerably across India. Follow local laws and venue-specific rules.
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Eating with your hands: In many parts of India, eating with your hands is perfectly normal—and often part of the experience. Cutlery is perfectly fine.
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Personal space & greetings: Customs vary by region and context. In more traditional settings, people may be less likely to shake hands across genders; follow the other person's lead.
Food, Water & Wellbeing
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Water: When in doubt, choose sealed bottled water. Check that the seal is intact, and be cautious with ice unless you know it has been made with safe water.
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Street food: Street food can be part of the fun of India, but we recommend caution and being selective about where you eat, particularly on your first visit.
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Be prepared: Carry a small travel kit with essentials such as oral rehydration salts, any personal medication you may need, and hand sanitiser.
Practical India
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Plan ahead: October to February is peak travel season in many parts of India. Popular and well-priced accommodation can fill quickly, so booking ahead is wise.
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Carry some cash: Keep some small-denomination rupee notes handy for tips, local transport and small shops. Digital payments are widespread, but cash is still useful in many situations.
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Allow extra time: Traffic can be heavy and unpredictable, particularly in cities. Build some flexibility into your travel plans.
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Pack a light scarf: A versatile travel companion—for covering your head at places of worship, protecting your face from dust, or simply keeping comfortable on the go.
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Expect the unexpected: India doesn't always run to a predictable schedule. A little patience, flexibility and a sense of humour can make the journey much more enjoyable.
“Indians don't understand personal space.”
Reality: Personal space can be more fluid in India, particularly in busy places. Standing or sitting close doesn't necessarily mean someone is being intrusive—it can simply reflect familiarity, warmth or the realities of crowded spaces.
“There are no queues in India.” 😄
Reality: There are queues. They just don't always look the way you might expect. You may encounter orderly lines, informal clusters, multiple lines merging into one—or what appears to be complete chaos that somehow works itself out.
“Indian food is always spicy.”
Reality: Indian food isn't one cuisine, and spice levels vary enormously by region, dish and household. “Spicy” can mean chilli-hot, but it can also mean richly flavoured with spices.
“Everyone speaks Hindi.”
Reality: India has hundreds of languages and dialects, and Hindi isn't the dominant language everywhere. English is widely used in many tourist-facing settings, while local languages vary from state to state.
“India is chaotic.”
Reality: It can certainly feel chaotic at first—but there's often an underlying rhythm to it. Traffic, markets, streets and public spaces can look wonderfully unpredictable while still functioning in their own way.
Myths & Reality
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