Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi will perhaps be the entry point for most foreign travellers to India. I have always wondered why this airport was not named after Mahatma Gandhi since he is considered as the father of the nation. Anyway, from a personal point of view, this is the worst International airport I have seen and rightly so, it was once considered as the worst airport in the world by an international consortium (can’t remember which one). The reason why I say this is because I have found the toilets semi unusable, absence of decent restaurants (good coffee by the way), unsupportive staff, long and slow queues, no decent baby changing facilities, overcrowding and so no; you get the drift. But anyway, you can’t judge a country by its airports!
Please check out my book below: 👇: Namaste World. I am Diya. My life in India:
Traffic in India - what to expect
When you arrive in India for the first time, you are in for a big culture shock depending on which part of the world you’re coming from as far as traffic in India is concerned. At its best, its chaotic, which is perhaps a light word to describe the traffic in India; the word better used would be “manic”. As soon as you step out of the airport, you’re going to feel extremely hot. Imagine this, you have something cooking in the oven and you want to check if it’s done or not so you open the door with your face close to the oven and then it hits you, the heat of course. This is exactly what it’s like walking out of the airport in India in the summer.
Roundup of travel safety tips for India
It is generally accepted that India is a safe country to visit but one cannot be too safe. Here’s a round-up of safety precautions and tips when travelling to India.
To start with, here’s a compilation of my 101 tips when travelling to India. The list comprises of how to keep safe to what to wear while India.
Act like a local
Although India has many languages, you just cannot escape Hindi. English will also do just fine but what better way to impress the Indians with some of your Hindi. Here’s a compilation of some Hindi words and phrases I recorded, you might need in India. Also the local language will make you look like as if you’ve been here before and cannot be taken for a ride.
Drinking water guide in India
One of the first concerns while travelling in India is where to get water from. Drinking water fountains are a rare sight and even when where there is one, an issue of quality crops up in the mind of a tourist. The golden rule is not to drink tap water. The safest bet therefore is to go for bottled water, but is it?
There are currently half-a-dozen major bottle water brands in India. The most popular are Bisleri, kinley and Aquafina. Of these, Bisleri has a longest presence in India. It’s an Italian company which came to India back in the 1960s. It’s a big player in the bottle water industry. There are smaller players too that claim to have very high standards. But that’s only a part of the story.
Essential Hindi for foreign travellers
Hindi is an Indo-European language which its roots in Sanskrit. It is spoken widely in India; in fact, it is thought that more than 60% of the population of India are able to speak Hindi or at least understand it. It is one of the many official languages and is the national language of the Republic of India. Hindi is the official language of the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
Learning Hindi is perhaps beyond the scope a traveller but it’s quite possible to learn some words and phrases. Although, leaning Hindi is not that hard at all but English speakers might find it a little challenging since Hindi has 11 separate vowels and 35 consonants.
But don’t let this trouble you; most Hindi speakers don’t speak the standard Hindi anyway. I myself speak Hindi with a Bihari accent which is sometimes subject to ridicule in India. My personal opinion is that the worst Hindi speakers are from Delhi itself.
A little local knowledge can go a long way. Here’s some the common Hindi phrases and words that you must learn if you wish to communicate with the locals in India, at least in Hindi speaking regions of India.
Some Hindi phrases and words useful for travellers to India. Listen to me speaking in Hindi, pay careful attention to the pronunciation. If you want a complete list of Hindi words and phrases for your travels to India then you might wish to buy “Essential Hindi Words And Phrases For Travelers To India” on Amazon.
Visiting India in the summer
India is a tropical country and you are likely to meet the heat throughout the year in most parts of the country. Dirt, grim, pollution, sweat, sunburn and exhaustion become inevitable in the summer for us Indians. But if you are a tourist to India and do not come from one of the tropical countries then it is essential that you know about the weather and place you are travelling to. The summer in India approaches around May 20 to July 20 where the temperatures are extremely hot that can go up to 40 degree centigrade while 45-50 degrees in some parts of Central India. Nonetheless, you can still have great fun under the sun and find some cool ways of having fun in India while beating the heat with some of these handy tips when visiting India in the summer.
Tips to keep cool in the Indian summer
Visit amusement parks
Water sports and amusement parks in metro cities and other major cities offer loads of fun along with adventure and at the same time allows you to sooth your sweat glands.
Wonderla near Bangalore, Essel world and water kingdom near Mumbai which together form the Asia’s largest amusement park, the Ocean Park yet another sought after water park near Hyderabad and Fun and Food Village in Gurgaon (near Delhi) are some of the water parks in India that meet the international standards and allow you to soak yourself in the water. This is a perfect way to beat the heat while having fun and adventure.
Ideal travel pants
When you come to India, I suggest you wear combat pants. They are the best travel pants you can get. Combat pants also known as Combo or Cargo pants have numerous pockets and will keep your hands free. They are practical, lightweight, and decent looking, styled to look good and you can go almost anywhere in them. Just make sure they are made of cotton and light in colour usually khaki that goes well in the hot Indian climate. They are basically designed as loose pants with numerous pockets for outdoor activities. Typically they have 6 deep pockets on each leg each with a secret pocket inside of cargo pocket giving it increased carrying capacity. Some of these pants have pockets near the feet making it almost impossible for pickpockets to steal your money.
How to pack a suitcase
Going on holiday is fun and the last thing you need is agony over packing a suitcase. If you are travelling to India on holiday then you really don’t need to take a lot of things. Remember, India is a country where you can buy cheap goods. Things like clothes, toothbrushes, shaving kits and other toiletries etc can be bought at next to nothing prices so you can always buy them when you are there.
So you must plan your holiday and need to think of the things you need to carry in your suitcase. In addition, if you pack your suitcase with items that are not permitted, you’re bound to get in trouble at the airport.
101 travel tips to India
India is a place that can capture your heart, no wonder tourists come back for more. India is a hectic, daunting place with overcrowded bazaars, noisy music, pungent spices, dusty roads, cow dung on the streets; a mesmerizing place that will make you addicted to this amazing country. It will cast a spell that few will forget from the moment they step off the plane. Here is a compilation of travel guide and travel tips for India that you need to know before you make your trip to India. But mind you, these travel to India tips is not the complete list. Bookmark this page for more tips on India from me!
1. Come with an open mind
2. Stay healthy
3. Keep cool. India is a hot country, try to keep cool, drink plenty of water and don’t get dehydrated
4. Avoid crowds
5. Be careful with your money
8. Avoid booking taxis from hotel
9. Although no vaccinations are required for entry to India however consider taking the hepatitis A,Typhoid and malaria vaccinations. Other health risks could include dengue fever, bird flu, polio, meningitis, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, diphtheria and rabies
10. Do not show or flash your money in public
11. Don’t wear too much gold that will attract attention
12. Try not to take too much luggage with you; you can find what you need in India
13. Don’t eat too much if you are not used to spicy food
14. Take it easy and slow down. India is not a day trip, you need months. So tailor your trip accordingly
15. Always carry a handkerchief
16. Take care of children to avoid abduction
17. Learn how to use the Indian toilets
18. Beware of scams and touts. Avoid timeshare scams in Goa. If you do get pressured in to buying one, go through a timeshare exit when you leave
19. You can always bargain with the prices. Negotiate everything, prices, guides, fares, etc
20. Always carry a bar of soap with you. You might consider taking anti-bacterial wipes or gel and toilet paper
21. Wear a cap to avoid the heat on you head
22. Be calm, India is a hot, crowded place and tempers can easily boil. Stay calm
23. Be prepared to wait. India has more than 1.21 billion people, be prepared to wait at cues
24. Acknowledge that Indians and foreigners have to pay different tariffs and entry fees at historical monuments and museums
25. Don’t get cheated or over charged
26. Learn some Hindi or the local language. India has 22 official languages. Think of it this way, each Indian state has a different Indian language. Hindi is the official language and spoken by 60% of the population. English is common across India. Here’s my Hindi book for your travels in India
27. Always wash your hands before you have your food
28. Learn salutations used in India, such as Namaste (Hindi), Vanakkam (Tamil) although “Hello” or “Hi” is fine
29. You might consider becoming a veggie in India. Firstly, as most Indians are vegetarian and there are great vegetarian food to be had secondly a dodgy meat kebab is more likely to harm you than undercooked vegetables
30. Get more understanding where you are and about the local place
31. Tailor your trip accordingly
32. Walk like a pro, show or pretend that you know the place. Don’t let anyone know that this is your first trip to India
33. Don’t give too much to beggars perhaps Rupees 2 – 10. There are people who pretend to be beggars. Once you give a handout, be prepared to be swarmed for many more
34. Buy from reputable shops. There are fake and counterfeit goods that may look like the real thing but they aren’t, common ones include Ray-Ban sunglasses
35. Beware of corrupt police officers. Corruption and inefficiency are present in many aspects of the Indian police force. Be prepared to pay bribes to get your case registered
36. Beware of fake notes. Pakistan is trying to destabilize India by pumping fake currency
37. Avoid local buses (not coaches), take taxis or autos instead
38. Some people say avoid street foods; if you want to test your karma, go ahead
39. Don’t just go to India just for the weed
40. Always make hotel reservations in advance. Hotels will take photocopies of your passport and visa
41. Make sure your hotels are air conditioned or at least has a ceiling fan
42. Be alert on trains unless you are on the Maharaja Express
43. Just be safe and watch out if someone is being too friendly
44. Don’t eat or drink anything any one gives you while travelling, it may not be safe
45. Indians in general are very friendly people but crooks take advantage of this. Basically, don’t accept food or drinks from strangers, they could be spiked. Exercise a high degree of caution
46. Tips are acceptable in India usually room service (at the end of your stay not after every service)
47. Keep your passport with you at all times and hide it
48. Keep several photocopies of your passport and tickets
49. Keep your travelers checks with you at all times, don’t just leave them in the hotel room
50. Keep your suitcases locked at all times. This is not to say that everyone are thieves but who knows opportunists might be lurking around
51. Buy some local clothing like a Kurta, a saree or a salwar kameez and blend in
52. Learn dietary habits of Indians. Many are vegetarians. Hindus don’t eat beef, Muslims don’t eat pork. Don’t offer them anything that they can’t eat
53. Remember photography in many places is not allowed such as airports, sensitive controversial religious places such as Mathura and Ayodhya. You might need special permission to take photos or shoot videos. If you are a casual tourist then it will be fine. You might have to pay a “camera fee”
54. When entering shrines and temples remove your shoes. Some temples prohibit the entry of leather goods such as belts and leather wallets
55. Wear sunglasses, look cool and keep the extreme sunlight out of your eyes
56. Many Indian roads are poorly constructed, be prepared for bumpy rides
57. Carry your own medication. Sometimes fakes are sold in India
58. Remember alcohol is available in India except some states such as Gujarat. Kingfisher beer is a popular one in India
59. If you are expecting to eat beef curries and pork sausages, forget it
60. “Holy” cows are revered (not worshipped). Show respect. Stroke her if you can. Mooo
61. No tips for taxi drivers
62. Always use pre-paid taxies from airports and stations (not all stations have pre-booking services). If that’s not available, fix the price before you take the ride
63. Bargain with the guides at historical places. Rupees 100-300 is fine for 30 minutes to 1 hour
64. Don’t always trusts travel agents for booking tickets, they overcharge. Book at airports and train stations if you can
65. Never accept a free ride from anyone, use relevant transport
66. Keep money in various pockets so that if you get pick pocketed in one then you’ll have money in the other
67. There is a remote possibility of a terror attack in a crowded place from Islamic terrorists
68. Foreigners are known to have been kidnapped by Maoists also called Naxalites (Outlawed groups that want Communist rule) in exchange of prisoners. Two Italian tourists were abducted by Maoists from the Daringbadi area of Kandhamal district, in Orissa on 14 March 2012. They are active in states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Orrisa
69. Remember Kashmir is disputed with Pakistan. Always travel to Kashmir by air. Although violence has decreased, there is a remote possibility of bomb or grenade attacks, shootings and kidnappings
70. Remember state of Arunachal Pradesh is disputed with China. (the Chinese wants to engulf the entire region)
71. If you trek mountains, remember there are no rescue services above 3,000 meters. Only the Indian Air Force can rescue you once they know you are there. Don’t hike alone
72. Always buy travel insurance before coming to India
73. Goa is the epicenter of tourism in India. Tourists have been coming to Goa for drugs, stay away from drugs. Drugs are illegal in India
74. There have also been incidents of rape in Goa, women travelers must be careful
75. Tourists leaving India will not be allowed to re-enter India again for 2 months
76. Beware of the weather in India. Weather in India can be severe such as heavy rains during the Monsoon season between June to October
77. If you lose your passport, report to the police station and get a report. Talk to your embassy or consulate for replacement or other travel arrangements
78. Consider emailing images of your passport, tickets, other important documents to yourself just in case you need to retrieve it later
79. Be careful with your hand luggage, snatching do occur. There is very little or no risk of street robbery in India. “India is not Somalia”
80. The electrical supply is 220/240V and 50Hz. Carry the appropriate “round pin” electric connectors similar to European ones
81. Remember Indian Standard Time (IST) is 10 ½ hours ahead of American EST, 5 ½ hours ahead of GMT/UTC and 4 ½ hours behind Australian EST
82. India is not disabled friendly. There are very few facilities at airports, trains, coaches or hotels. However Indian people are generally very helpful in this regard and will be more than willing to help disabled people
83. Carry mosquito repellents or nets with you
84. Have your hip replaced in India for a fraction of a price you would pay in the USA or avoid the 2 year waiting list in the UK. Thousands of medical tourists come to India. One such good hospital is the Apollo Hospital in 20 Indian cities
85. Don’t be alarmed if you get waken up in the early hours of the morning with the sounds of prayers from loud speakers
86. Don’t be surprised to see poverty on the streets
87. Be extremely cautious when travelling alone at night
88. Try to organize money in various ways such as traveler’s cheques, cash, credit cards
89. You cannot buy mobile sim-cards in India without permission. In Jammu and Kashmir, local government does not allow roaming facilities to foreigners. The best thing is to take your own mobile with roaming
90. Although India is secular country but religion is sensitive in India. Don’t go around converting people, you will need a missionary visa. Not a safe thing to do
91. The death penalty in India is alive and kicking for some crimes such as murder, kidnapping for ransom and drugs
92. A daily dose of pro-biotics or yogurt pills a month before coming to India and during your stay can help reduce stomach upsets
93. Politics is big in India. Try to be neutral
94. Homosexuality is not socially accepted in India and homophobia is prevalent. Although homosexuality is not a crime in India, Indian society is struggling with gay rights. By the way men do hold hands in India
95. Remember that it is unusual for the opposite sex to kiss in public
96. Note the emergency phone numbers are: police (100), ambulance (102 or the nearest hospital), medical and fire emergency (101)
97. Can use internet cafes to access the internet at a price of about 10-20 Rupees per hour. There are only a few Wi-Fi hotspots in India although there are wireless internet services
98. International calling is cheap from India. The country code for India is 91. Use a telephone booth if there are no international calling facilities from your hotel. They are known as a PCO (Public Call Office) and they offer STD/ISD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing/International Subscriber Dialing), or national and international long distance
99. Try not to drive; it’s not safe for the faint hearted. If you must then be prepared to encounter mad truckers, speeding maniacs, honking taxis, wandering cows, suicidal pedestrians, pot-holed tarmacs all at the same time
100. If it’s your first time in India, book a tour. You’ll know exactly where you’re going
101. Don’t be over cautious or be nervous, India is a safe country
If you want more travel advice or travel tips to India feel free to contact me. You can also buy some of my books on India.
How to use the Indian squat toilet
Tourists coming to India will have their first culture shock when they come out of the airport. First thing they will notice that India is one crowded country, too many people walking around, people wanting to talk to you or staring at you, some even offering you to take you to hotels and so on.
The second shock comes in quite unexpected. As soon as you walk in a public toilet you will notice that toilets are different to what they are used to. You may not notice this at the hotel as most hotels will have western style toilets. Depending what part of the world you are coming from, you will notice that the Indian toilets are like a hole in the ground. It’s not exactly the same as the pit latrines or the makeshift squat-holes you will find in sub-Saharan Africa but close. But there you have it, these are the traditional latrines used in all over India. You will find these types of squat toilets in many places in India including trains. Unless you are travelling on the Maharaja express you are bound to encounter squat toilets.
You will be forgiven to think, how on earth people take their dump. First things first, don’t panic, it’s quite simple. Also known as the squat toilets, they are pretty simple to use. It’s used in many countries around the world including Japan.
How to use the Indian toilet
All you need to do is take your pants down, yes take them all down including your undergarments and hang them on the hook on the toilet door. Make sure they are hung properly otherwise they might drop and get wet or dirty. You can always pull them half down to the knees but there is a remote possibility of getting them wet even soiled if you haven’t done this before.
Then sit down on the ceramic commode in a squat position. This goes for both men and women. You will require the extensive use of muscles, hamstrings, tendons and ligaments. They will include hip flexors and extensors, knee flexors and extensors, lateral and medial hip rotators. It’s a good exercise, wouldn’t you say. It sure will make you fit in no time. Think of it like the gym lifting Olympic weights sitting across your shoulders in a squat position. Those are half squats, now just be brave and get down to your knees and perform the full squat. So you see, there are natural benefits of squatting as well. It might be uncomfortable in the beginning but believe me, it’s not that bad, and you might even like it. It’s all about practice. Anyway, take a dump. Try to aim in the hole.
Oh by the way, make sure before you couch down that there is a bucket of water in the bathroom otherwise you are out of luck. Indians like to use water rather than toilet paper and it is unlikely that you will find a bidet in a public location. Anyway, fill the mug of water and wash your backside with your left hand with multiple washes and make sure it’s thoroughly washed. It may seem strange at first washing your own backside with your hand, but that’s the way majority of the Indians do it. If this is your first time, you might even like it and discover something you never knew about yourself.
As a matter of fact, squatting is a good you. It has been suggested that those using the squat toilets are less likely to suffer from colon cancer. The rationale behind is that squatting empties the bowels completely while in the western styles, some crap remains in the colon and over a period of time it stiffens leading to cancer of the bowel (sorry no references).
Now get up, pull the flush chain, and wash your hands in the sink. It might be a little difficult to stand up from the squat or crouch. Often you might not find soap as health and hygienic education is poor in India. You should have checked this before you couched down. This is what I call tough luck.
If you did find soap or you’ve got your own, wash your hands thoroughly. You might need to wash several times to wash the faecal matter off your hands. Now you’re done. Put your pants back on and walk out and enjoy the rest of the day.
Don’t let cultural factors ruin your latrine use. I would like to hear about your experiences of your stay in India and your use of Indian toilets.
How to use a squat or the Indian toilet
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