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Do's and Don'ts of Traveling to India

Traveling to India can be an overwhelming experience, but also a wonderful one. Traveling to India is not only about discovering the country's heritage sites and ancient temples, but also about meeting its people and getting to know them. Indian people are warm and welcoming and will do everything they can to help you. However, this does not mean that everything is always as easy as it seems. You may encounter difficulties when traveling to India, especially if you have never been there. Here are the do's and don'ts when traveling to India.

Check with your embassy before traveling

Traveling and residing in another country can be risky if you are unfamiliar with the local laws and regulations. Before traveling to India, you should check with your country's embassy or consulate to learn about local laws and customs. You may need a visa or residence permit before you can travel to India. Once in the country, you need to know the local laws so as not to be harassed by the police or robbed.

Know local laws before arriving

Although India is a very tolerant country, you should be aware of some of the local laws, which may differ from state to state. For example, you should know that it is illegal for women to visit certain Indian temples and shrines without being accompanied by a male relative. You should also be aware that smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited in many parts of the country.

Don't be afraid to ask for help or suggestions

Coming from a Western culture, you may feel embarrassed to ask for help or suggestions. Indians are very friendly and will help you if they can. If you're lost, hungry, or just looking for information, don't be afraid to ask a local. Most Indians will do their best to help you and will never offend you.

Remember that India is a majority Hindu country. Show respect!

Hindu and Muslim temples are places of worship that are visited by many people from all over the country. Respect should be shown when visiting temples and mosques. When entering a temple, wear shoes and cover your shoulders and legs with a scarf. Likewise, do not enter a temple with a bottle of wine or any other beverage. You should also avoid noisy objects, like cell phones, inside the temple. You should also wait until all visitors have finished praying before taking photos inside the temple.

Keep an eye on your surroundings, even in broad daylight

It is best not to travel alone at night, especially in remote areas. It's also important to keep an eye on your surroundings, even when you're in a well-lit area, such as a busy city.