Insider’s guide to getting by in India

India is a wonderful assault on the senses that offers fabulous rewards for the curious traveller. Five experts from Hayes and Jarvis offered their insider-knowledge on this incomparable country of diversity

3 mins

Gina, India Destination Specialist:   

Pack a pair of easily removable shoes! Often when visiting India, you will be stepping inside many temples and other religious sites that will require you to remove your footwear as a sign of respect to the religion and culture. This can become tiresome if you are constantly tying and untying shoelaces so pack accordingly. It’s fine to wear a small pair of trainer socks if you don’t want to walk completely barefoot.


Nick, Destination Manager:

Actively barter! You will be expected to barter with vendors and traders in India – it’s a way of life and most locals would consider you strange (or extremely rich) if you do not try to strike a bargain. First general rule – if they say 1000 rupees, start as low as 250 so you can work your way up be and prepared to pay no more than 500 maximum.


Etta, Marketing Specialist:

Embrace eating with your hands. Most Indian people eat all their meals with their hands; they don’t use cutlery as most westerners do. Use bread and rice to create a bite size portion and always remember to use your right hand (your left hand is considered the ‘toilet’ hand).



Vanessa, Destination Specialist:   

Be aware of public affection. In India, it is not uncommon for two men to walk hand in hand down the street – this is considered a show of friendship and family. To walk hand in hand with your opposite sex partner is however frowned upon in India. It is not encouraged in public places so take care that you do not attract unnecessary attention.


Stephanie, Destination Specialist: 

Pack an open mind and an open heart. Most first time visitors to India could be forgiven for letting the culture shock overwhelm them – one sixth of the world’s total population lives in India (1.17 billion) and so it’s understandable that the organised chaos can sometimes be overwhelming and even more understandable that it can take a few days to adjust. 

If you take a step back and watch the hustle and bustle unfold before you and accept India for what it is, then you will actually have learned one of the big insider secrets: this is what makes India tick and therefore so enjoyable. Everyday life is fascinating to watch and most cities are great for people watching. If you don’t embrace it then you may not enjoy India as much as you potentially could.

Discover India for yourself on Hayes and Jarvis’ India’s Golden Triangle tour



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