Rohit Agarwal is an architect and a travel blogger based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. His blog offers insights on how best to experience the country.
India is a marvelous blend of various cultures and races, perfect for those who love variety in their life. It offers ancient temples that reflect India’s architectural splendor and magnificent palaces that represent the grandeur of the bygone era. It has majestic mountains, breathtaking valleys, spectacular waterfalls and rivers and is covered in thick, rich greenery. But if you are planning on traveling to or living in India, there are a few things you should know before you go.
Staying Healthy
This should be a basic lesson for anyone who visits India for the first time. The three most important factors you need to consider are water, food and toilets.
First, never use water from taps except in your hotel, if your hotel has an excellent reputation. If not, don’t. Use branded water bottles, only. If you are setting out for the day, make sure you carry a few water bottles with you.
Second, when ordering food, order cooked food. Avoid buying food from vendors in the streets. Most Indian cities, like New Delhi and Mumbai, have street-side shops that can be enticing, but it’s best not to take chances. Also, some Indian foods are very spicy. Ask your waiter about a particular food item before you order.
Third, you should know that the toilet facilities in better hotels are usually very good, but in most other places you may find no toilet paper in the bathrooms. Toilet paper is available in leading supermarket stores, so make sure to carry your own.
Take Your Medicines
Even if you are in great health, you should bring along a few medicines in case you have stomach problems caused by food, water or whatever. It’s a problem most everyone has.
Where Dress Distracts
Short trousers and sleeveless tops are popular in India, but you’ll find that many Indian women wear dresses that cover their knees. It’s true that the scorching sun may make you want to go for shorts, but in some places, it’s best to wear something that does not attract much attention.
No Night Travel
Avoid traveling at night at all costs. Even if you are with company, it is always best to travel during daylight hours. If necessity demands that you travel at night, make sure that you have locals with you whom you can trust.
Learn The Art Of Bargaining
Like merchants everywhere in the world, shopkeepers in India also hike their prices when they see a foreigner coming. Don’t purchase anything from the first shop you visit. Go to a number of shops to get an idea of how much things cost. Once you have an understanding of the quality of what you want to buy and a fair price for it, start your bargaining. Show that you are knowledgeable. Most of the merchants love to bargain. You may end up buying something for half the price of what you were first quoted.
You’ll be seeing more articles and blogs on India as we prepare to introduce India to our Countries section this coming June.
