Don’t be shocked to see this in India

If you are travelling to India then one of the most striking features that you will notice is her poverty. You might have heard of lots of nice things about how India is making progress and about its growing economy. That is all well and good and rightly so; millions of people have been uplifted out of poverty. You can read more about poverty in India here. Gone are the days when people used to starve to death – thankfully none of that anymore.

Tips for hiring an auto-rickshaw in India

To explore any city in India one must be aware of the various modes of commutation that are available at hand. In most cities in India you would find the local state transport buses and hired cabs or taxis. In addition to these, larger cities such as Mumbai, there is the option for “local trains” and Kolkata has the “trams” while Delhi has the “metro“.

However, the one mode of transport that is vital across most of India is the auto rickshaw. In fact, in cities and towns across the country, the black-yellow or the green-yellow rickshaws are the backbone of city transport. They are called “autos” by the locals. The seating capacity of a normal auto is 4, including the driver. There are also six-seater rickshaws in certain towns and cities. Normally their fare rates of these autos controlled by the government.

Top holy places to visit in India

Thousands of people visit India so that they can experience Indian spiritually. But many of them who visit the country do not know that other than Hinduism there are other religions that also exist in India. This means that there are non-Hindu religious places that can also be visited and can provide spiritual upliftment.

What to wear in India?

What to wear in India? What kind of clothes would be safe to wear? What should I pack? Can I carry my shorts along? Should I carry cotton or linen or woollens or all? Should I carry flats or high heels? Are these questions in your mind too? Well then read along, as I pen down some basic tips that would help you pack that bag for your trip to India.

Pizza Hut in India

If you are one of those people like me who love pizza then don’t worry, you are in luck. There are places in India for example the Pizza Hut where you can eat. The good thing is that you will find them in most major cities and towns of India. Although you may not find Pizza Hut in smaller towns and villages but most metros and larger towns of India will have them. If you are travelling to Delhi then there’s one in the popular destination of Connaught Circus in Connaught Place in Delhi.

How to Stay Safe When Traveling in India

Staying safe in India requires awareness and caution. While India draws millions of visitors each year and is known for its great beauty and diversity, there are simple precautions that tourists need to take in order to help ensure a pleasant and enjoyable vacation. The following tips are some of the best ways you can protect yourself from illness, aggravation, and theft.

Watch Out for Pickpockets:

First time visitors to India are easily overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, scents, and colors. With well over a billion residents, it’s easy for newcomers to fall victim to theft and pickpockets. Carry valuables, credit cards and cash in a concealed place, with a combination of cash and reliable credit cards for travelers. Additionally, it is a good idea to save copies of all documents and emergency numbers in a separate place, if you should need assistance. Watch out for individuals posing as guides and porters and expect service providers to show proper identification. Remember that, as the second largest nation on the planet, India is crowded! It’s not unusual to be pushed and jostled, just try to keep calm and reasonably assertive!

Use Caution with Food and Water:

While most food is safe in India, be careful about eating anything that has been sitting out (unrefrigerated) for an extended time. Carefully wash vegetables and fruits before eating them and use extra safety measures when drinking the water. Avoid drinking tap-water from any source that is unknown and plan to drink bottled mineral water with a familiar label. Even then it is recommended that you check the cap to make sure that the seal has not been broken. Carry tablets for water purification as a back-up. Take along insect and mosquito repellents and speak to your doctor about the need for anti-malarial medications. (Note: if you should require medical attention in India, medical providers and medications are usually available at reasonable costs.) Here’s a water buying guide in India.

Extra Precautions:

It may come as a surprise that photography is not allowed in many areas, such as airports, military sites, in railway stations, and on bridges. If you’re not sure, it’s probably best not to use your camera. If you should have a legal problem, ask to speak to the ‘senior inspector’ in the local police-station or get in touch with your national embassy. While violent crimes are not that common in India, it is advisable to remain aware at all times. If you are female, there are additional precautions that are advised.

Safety Tips for Women:

Female visitors are encouraged to take extra precautions when visiting India. Avoid unwanted attention (and potential groping) by dressing modestly. It helps to cover bare skin, wear long skirts, and avoid body-tight clothing. A shawl or scarf is a great way to cover up and prevent harassment. Avoid: touching strangers, posing with men in photos, friendly gestures that could be taken the wrong way, large gatherings, ‘gurus’ and wandering ‘holy-men.’ Additionally, avoid staying alone in a guest house; sit next to women while traveling, and avoid being alone after dark. Be cautious even with hotel staff and remember to securely lock doors and windows.

Final Tips:

Smokers can be fined on the streets and while on public-transportation; always check to see if there are restrictions wherever you. Possession of illegal drugs subject travelers to a minimum of a ten-year sentence. Watch out for scams and sting operations. Stay alert at all times, don’t take anything for granted, use good judgement, and enjoy a safe and healthy trip to India!

Interview with travelers Savi and Vid of Bruised Passports

There are travel blogs and there are travel blogs with a difference. If you have not met Savi and Vid of BruisedPassports.com then you should check them out. Not only do they blog about their travels but blog about the outfits they wear on their travels. They are the most glamorous travelers I have known. Gorgeous Savi has a PhD in visual arts and literature. She describes herself as a bit of an urban gypsy. While handsome Vid loves taking pictures and is a coffee geek.