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1. What is the coolest time to visit India?
The coolest weather lasts from November to mid-March, with cool, fresh mornings
and evenings and dry, sunny days.
2. I hear Indians are a more conservative lot
especially compared to people in Western countries. What kind of clothes would
be acceptable here?
Shorts, minis and tank tops are unadvisable unless you're on a
beach. In small towns and citiesespecially, people may tend to stare if you
expose too much skin. Safe clothing would be trousers, peddle pushers, capris,
skirts, tops and shirts. India has some good cottons which are trendy and
affordable. Buy yourself some. Women could try wearing a salwar kameez which is
very cool and comfortable and could even improve the attitude of people towards
them.
3. What is the best thing to do if pestered by beggars
and street urchins?
Well, you can start by ignoring them completely and if they get
too persistent give them a stern look. If you must give them something, let it
not be more than 1 to 2 rupees only.
4. What are the important Hindi words I should know when I'm
in India?
Well, there are many phrases and words in Hindi that could
come in use. We would advise you to look at our 'Useful Hindi Phrases' page in
Useful Stuff.
5. Can I hire a mobile phone in India?
You can pick up a mobile phone connection from most
departmental stores and often even at small roadside stores. The service
provided by these private companies is on par with the best in the world.
6. How safe is
drinking water in India?
If you are from a foreign country, you may
not be used to drinking the water here. Hence we advise that you pick up a
bottle of mineral water which is cheap and widely available and usually
provided in flasks in hotel rooms. Order the same when you are at a restaurant.
As far as possible, avoid drinking any kind of water or juices from roadside
carts and vendors.
7. How should I
tip waiters at restaurants / hotels?
In tourist restaurants or hotels a 10%
service charge is often added to bills, in which case there is no need to tip.
In smaller places, where tipping is optional, you need only tip a few rupees,
not a percentage of your bill. It is customary to tip waiters, porters, guides
and drivers.
8. How safe is
it to eat non-vegetarian food in India?
India, being a primarily Hindu country, beef is
rarely served. Pork is also not easily available. Eat non-vegetarian food only
in good restaurants. What you get in smaller places is generally of dubious
quality though tastes quite yummy, thanks to concoctions of Indian spices and
masalas.
9. Are there
pubs and discotheques in India?
Yes, definitely. Though these are
concentrated only in metro cities and big towns. In places like Mumbai and
Bangalore you are likely to find several cocktail lounges and coffee bars as
well. Most pubs and discs have state of the art sound equipment and an
experienced DJ to provide you with good music. Do try the spicy chaats and
snacks with your Pina Colada.
10. How best can I get the flavour of a
particular destination I visit in India?
We would love you to try using the local
transport. But this is not advisable in crowded cities like Mumbai. However, do
take a ride or two in a state transport bus or tram whenever you have the
opportunity. It would be better to take an Indian friend along.
Try and interact more with the locals of the area. There will be a language
problem but many people in small towns are quite fluent in English and a few
other foreign languages.
Buy a handicraft or souvenir which is typical of the place. It would be better
to wear a piece of clothing from the place you are visiting. E.g A sarong in
Goa, a baandhani dupatta in Rajasthan. You would blend in well with the local
people.
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