Sightseeing ::
Dress codes for religious places can include covering your head, being barefoot etc. Ask, so that you don't unwittingly give offence. Some temples do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises. Certain temples are not open to Non-Hindus. Please check with the local tourist information office. Most museums in India are closed on Mondays and Site Museums, those near archaeological monuments, on Fridays.
Photography is not always permissible, and at many places it is permitted only at a fee. There is usually a higher fee for using a video camera.
Smoking is not allowed at public places. All properties of the Indian Railways including trains and railway stations are strictly non smoking zones with stiff penalties for violations.
English is spoken at almost all tourist centers, but you can also request Government-trained and approved guides who also speak German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian or Russian.
Health Precautions ::
Always drink bottled water. For the first few days it might be advisable to clean your teeth in bottled water. The dry summer heat can drain you completely. Drink lots of water and fluids. The sun is strong. Remember to use sunscreen on exposed parts of the body. Wear sunglasses to screen out harmful rays. Eat fruit you can peel. Always wash fruit well before eating it. Wash your hands before and after eating. Always keep a tube of mosquito repellent with you.
Other Health Tips ::
Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need for diarrhoea, fever, etc. Also, band aids and an antiseptic ointment.
If you do catch a bug, do not panic. It will go away in a few days - but try the following tips to keep it down:
Drink lassi - a yoghurt drink. It will help tone down the bacteria.
Eat plain rice, or try a simple khichdi - an easily digestible mixture of rice and lentils.
Drink plenty of coconut water. It's cooling, and naturally sterilized!
Drink plenty of fluids and take some electrolyte salts if the bug persists.
Time ::
Everything in India takes time - longer than in most places. So always give yourself extra time for whatever you may have to do - even it is just a visit to the Post Office or changing money.
Indians joke about the concept of "Indian Stretchable Time" (IST). Certainly, if you're a super-punctual sort, India can be frustrating. Make allowances for this.
Others ::
Keep extra photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport. This will be required for Indian permits. Also, keep extra photographs of yourselves. These will be required for permits, filling out forms,etc.
Taxi and auto-rickshaw fares keep changing, and therefore do not always conform to readings on meters. Insist on seeing the latest rate card (available with the driver) and pay accordingly.
Insist on the taxi/auto meter being flagged down in your presence. As much as possible, especially from the airport or railroad station insist on using the pre paid services which are available at most important places.
In cities you can change most major foreign currencies and brands of travellers' cheques - but you'll widen your options and save yourself hassles if you stick to US dollars or pounds sterling, and either Thomas Cook or American Express travellers cheques.
Most big cities have ATMs which accept both Visa and Mastercard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expanding and in some states, you can find them even in small towns and cities.
