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1. What is the best time to visit
India?
The coolest weather lasts from November to mid-March, with
cool, fresh mornings and evenings and dry, sunny days.
2. I hear Indians are a more
conservative lot especially compared to people in Western
countries. What kind of clothes would be acceptable here?
Shorts, minis and tank tops are unadvisable unless you're on a
beach. In small towns and cities especially, people may tend to
stare if you expose too much skin. Safe clothing would be
trousers, peddle pushers, capris, skirts, tops and shirts. India
has some good cottons which are trendy and affordable. Buy
yourself some. Women could try wearing a salwar kameez which is
very cool and comfortable and could even improve the attitude of
people towards them.
3. What is the best thing to do
if pestered by beggars and street urchins?
Well, you can start by ignoring them completely and if they
get too persistent give them a stern look. If you must give them
something, let it not be more than 1 to 2 rupees only.
4. What are the important Hindi
words I should know when I'm in India?
Well, there are many phrases and words in Hindi that could
come in use. We would advise you to look at our 'Useful Hindi
Phrases' page in Useful Stuff.
5. Can I hire a mobile phone in
India?
You can pick up a mobile phone connection from most
departmental stores and often even at small roadside stores. The
service provided by these private companies is on par with the
best in the world.
6. How safe is drinking water in
India?
If you are from a foreign country, you may not be used to
drinking the water here. Hence we advise that you pick up a bottle
of mineral water which is cheap and widely available and usually
provided in flasks in hotel rooms. Order the same when you are at
a restaurant. As far as possible, avoid drinking any kind of water
or juices from roadside carts and vendors.
7. How should I tip waiters at
restaurants / hotels?
In tourist restaurants or hotels a 10% service charge is often
added to bills, in which case there is no need to tip. In smaller
places, where tipping is optional, you need only tip a few rupees,
not a percentage of your bill. It is customary to tip waiters,
porters, guides and drivers.
8. How safe is it to eat
non-vegetarian food in India?
India, being a primarily Hindu country, beef is rarely served.
Pork is also not easily available. Eat non-vegetarian food only in
good restaurants. What you get in smaller places is generally of
dubious quality though tastes quite yummy, thanks to concoctions
of Indian spices and masalas.
9. Are there pubs and
discotheques in India?
Yes, definitely. Though these are concentrated only in metro
cities and big towns. In places like Mumbai and Bangalore you are
likely to find several cocktail lounges and coffee bars as well.
Most pubs and discs have state of the art sound equipment and an
experienced DJ to provide you with good music. Do try the spicy
chaats and snacks with your Pina Colada.
10. How best can I get the
flavour of a particular destination I visit in India?
We would love you to try using the local transport. But this
is not advisable in crowded cities like Mumbai. However, do take a
ride or two in a state transport bus or tram whenever you have the
opportunity. It would be better to take an Indian friend along.
Try and interact more with the locals of the area. There will be a
language problem but many people in small towns are quite fluent
in English and a few other foreign languages.
Buy a handicraft or souvenir which is typical of the place. It
would be better to wear a piece of clothing from the place you are
visiting. E.g A sarong in Goa, a baandhani dupatta in Rajasthan.
You would blend in well with the local people. |
