doubledeuce44
|
1. go with a very open mind. This is a place that travelers either love or loathe depending on their frame of reference. As a huge and very old country, India is a study in contradiction, with extreme poverty mixed with extreme wealth, extreme ignorance mixed with great spirituality. Its really important to overlook some of the filth and dirt to see the really neat cultural artifacts and fascinating history that it has to offer.
2. dont get freaked out by the mass hordes of ppl everywhere, most of whom arent raised on manners that we understand in the west. Although things are rapidly changing now (esp in cities like Mumbai), if u clearly look like a foreigner, ur bound to get a lot of curious stares. Its a little weird, but nobody means anything by it.
3. dress conservatively. this is a conservative country. Men and women are expected to cover their legs and midriffs. travelers can get a pass on that, but it still can be awkward (see point 2 above).
4. dont eat from stalls- sure they may look good but hygiene QA doesnt really exist, and many use unfiltered water- its a sure bet toward a nice case of diarrhea. The best places for new tourists to dine until they've acclimated is at better restaurants (FYI- restaurants are called "hotels" out there. dont know why) that cater to tourists. You can find some good maps from the Maharashtra state ministry of tourism office.
5. car travel (with a driver) is pretty cheap. U can get a car + driver for a week for like $100. Although there is a large public transportation system, its far too chaotic for the casual traveler to understand or even want to attempt. For short distances, take an auto-rikshaw (3 wheel motorbike carts painted yellow and black- u cant miss em. theyre everywhere)
6. dont indulge panhandlers. trust me, its a sore mistake. Yes, they look wretched, mostly children, but they looooove tourists, and once they're on to u, they'll never let u go.
U shudnt have too much of a problem in Mumbai or Pune- theyre both pretty westernized cities with fairly educated people, English language skills, a developed nightlife and shopping. Thats about it. Enjoy ur trip. |
ganuanand
 |
are you travelling without any home work? It is a big country and it has good and bad people. Do not stray in unknown areas and largely you can trust men in Uniform like police , staff of airlines, staff of railway etc but always use your common sense. It is great land and if you have 10 years to spare still you will not finish visiting all important places |
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