What Not To Do In India

[SirJoe]

So far there haven't been a great deal of restrictions mentioned or rather the ones that have been mentioned aren't that different form the majority of the countries. This is the idea that I had of India, due to it's great mix of people and religions it's understandable that there wouldn't be very strict rules in conduct. If you look at a country like Japan, that has a mono culture you have the exact opposite to India. japan has a huge amount of restrictions in conduct.

 

[Steve Dawson]

A respectful attitude towards those you meet in your travels, particularly those who are employed in your hotel or eating place should always be displayed by the visitor to India. Common sense and courtesy will ensure you have few negative interactions in this wonderful country. A small amount of research into the customs of the area you are visiting should help you out, but India is a massively diverse country, comprising of many different cultures and religions and there is no single point that would apply to the whole country.

 

[knitmehere]

It pays to do your research before you visit a certain area. Talk to the locals to get a feel for what the area is like and what different actions they will find to be disrespectful.

It's always my biggest fear while visiting other countries that I will end up doing something that's normal to me but that will disrespect them without me knowing it.

 

[comlink]

Be mindful of where you are at all times, do not assume that if one area is nice, the other one will follow the same procedures, try to scope out an area beforehand for anything that doesn't seem right, as most times it is. Again shady places that seem to offer cheap services are suspect to scams, try to avoid them if you don't know the area well

 

[djordjem87]

Every country is an entity by itself. For instance in Serbia you can do almost what ever you want. People will judge you all the time, however, and for everything you do. That doesn't mean you will have to be careful about too many things. I understand that in India there are few rules you should respect and some thing you should avoid doing. This is all a part of a culture and it is that specific culture what makes the difference. I know i would like to see some things in India that are forbidden for strangers and i do not feel good about it but still i respect that something is still sacred to someone. It is not for everyone's eyes and the very fact that Indian government did not use those places to attract even more tourists is making me believe in moral and pure goodness in human beings.

 

[oneself]

The beautiful backwater sceneries in Kerala and the story of Taj Mahal- the symbol of love may make you romantic. But think twice before performing any acts of love in public since the people around you in India is very conservative and doesn't want to watch or do public displays of affection.

 

[Ankisha]

It totally depends on the area you are planning to visit. Some areas are very conservative and some are quite modern and westernized. But the 'modern and westernized' in India doesn't mean that you get all the freedoms. You are always expected to follow and respect the local culture and dress up conservatively. You should avoid wearing anything too revealing.

 

[arthnel]

On my visit I dressed like how a tourist would but I was very respectful of culture as many said before. Indians, like many people from different countries are eager to share so I was happy to ask directly on my trip about customs. I found the story a few recent months ago about the boy with the tattoo of the goddess that offended many Indians in a restaurant who demanded an apology. Even the police got involved. I thought that should have been okay as he wasn't wearing the tattoo disrespectfully. But it goes to show you just can't be too comfortable to do anything you want. It's good to ask, and apologize, if the need arises.