Continued from previous post:
India Travel Tips (4 of 5):
SECTION 13
Advice specifically for women traveling in India:
These tips were provided by my friend, Rohini Grace.
122) Speak up and just say, “no!” Usually, it’s not in our female nature to be aggressive or assertive, but when you show strength and confidence this tends to show people that you know what you are doing and you have less chance of being taken advantage of.
123) Dress appropriately and cover up. India is still a very conservative country. Despite the heat and perpetual sweating, make sure to always carry a shawl to cover your shoulders, wear knee length or longer pants along with tops long enough to cover your bottom. Tight fitting clothing will solicit unwanted attention and is considered disrespectful at sacred sites and temples.
124) Plan ahead, and know exactly where you’re going. I cannot emphasize this enough. Talk to your friends who have been there, consult tour guides or groups, read Lonely Planet and research your destinations on the Internet beforehand.
125) Avoid going out after dark. I don’t recommend heading out on your own after dark unless you have a buddy or group to explore with. You will notice there are not many local women out after the early evening.
126) Travel with a group. If it’s your first trip then definitely consider traveling to India with a group. My India tour company, Goddess Travels, specializes in tours designed for women and couples. Get a “$100 OFF” coupon to be used with any of my tours HERE.
128) Seriously, put a ring on it. When locals find out you aren’t married, be prepared for a lot of (usually disapproving) feedback. I often wear a simple band around my finger just to keep unwanted questions and interest at bay. If you are already married then you’ve got it made. 
129) “India will cut to the core of your soul and overwhelm your senses in a way like no other place on earth. It may not be the easiest country to navigate alone, but it will certainly be one of the most life transforming experiences you ever have. If you can keep your heart and mind open and have a good sense of humor, then this is a destination you won’t want to miss.”
– Rohini Grace, owner of a boutique India tour company, Goddess Travels.
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SECTION 14
Understanding the cultural differences between India & the Western world:
Interesting facts about India
130) India has the second largest population in the world. According to the 2011 census it is now over 1.2 billion and growing incredibly fast. It is the 31st most densely populated nation with 991 people per square mile. Some sources say it’s the oldest and continuous civilization on the planet.
131) India is the world’s largest democracy.It became independant of the British occupation in 1947 and is considered a “Federal parliamentary constitutional republic”.
132) There are over 17 languages. Sanskrit is the most ancient known language and is the mother of all the European languages. Luckily for us, English is spoken almost everywhere (making it the largest English speaking country in the world). The number of distinctly different languages highlights the fact that India is extremely culturally diverse and in many ways like a collection of countries rather than one country. Where ever you visit, it’s helpful to learn a few phrases of the local language.
133) The predominant religion is Hinduism at over 78%. Below is pie chart based off the2011 census showing the spread of popular religions in India. Even though Christianity is only 2.5% there are over 30 million Christians in India!
134) India is home to the world’s largest religious pilgrimage site. Approximately 30,000 people visit Venkateshwar (The Vishnu Temple) in Tirupati everyday and there are 12,000 temple staff. What’s more is that annual donations exceed $100 million dollars!
135) The railway system is vast. One of the best ways to get around India (apart from flying) is on their trains. They were setup originally by the British in 1853. The Indian Railways employs about 1.5 million people making it one of the largest employers in the world. And, 18 million people per day travel on these trains.
136) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income. According to the International Money Fund the Indian GDP is $2.3 trillion which is the 7th largest worldwide, whereas per capita income is $1,800 annually which is the 141st in the world.
137) 100’s of millions of Indians live on less than $2/ day. 27% of the Indian population live below the poverty line while at the same time India also has the 4th highest number of billionaires at 90.
138) Cricket is by far the most popular sport.For those who don’t know, it’s similar to baseball and in almost every field you pass in India you’ll see kids (and adults) playing the sport.
Good cultural differences
139) Guest is God. In India it is an honor to have a guest, doubly so if it’s a foreigner. This is because they have a beautiful proverb that says “Atithidevo Bhava (अतिथिदेवो भव)” which means “the guest is equivalent to God”. For this reason there’s a good chance you’ll be invited to someone’s home.
140) The people are so genuine & friendly. I have met some of the most kind hearted and generous people I’ve ever known during my travels to India. Even though these people didn’t have much money, they welcomed me into their homes and spoiled me with the most delicious food ever.
141) Spirituality and religion thrives. Upon every street corner is some statue or place of worship. The history and power of the land is so strong and sometimes over powering and it is the mecca for mass yoga and meditation.
142) Indian’s try to offer amazing service.India is known for being a “service oriented culture” and everyone works hard to please. India has a lot of people and time on it’s hands making it possible to hire someone to do practically anything. Sometimes the quality of the service may not be ideal but the effort is almost always there.
143) Exquisite color creates eye candy everywhere. Indian’s love color. Whether it’s the clothing, the food or the houses, everywhere you look, you will be overwhelmed by beautiful arrays of color.
144) The resourcefulness and ingenuity is mind blowing. While driving the streets you will find the most eye opening resourcefulness. From people carrying a bed frame or sheet of glass on the bake of a motorcycle to a truck so over laden with goods that the driver can barely see out the front window. This no doubt stems from the poverty and need to survive.
145) India is a mostly peaceful nation. In fact, India has never invaded another country in at least 1000 years. Although India itself has been invaded countless times by other countries. Crime rate is lower than in the U.S and if you avoid big cities you will feel very safe.
146) Some of the best food in the world. It of course depends on your taste but the unbelievable diversity of flavors and textures, colors and presentation of the food can be a divine experience. Many dishes take hours upon hours to prepare and if you have a sweet tooth you won’t be disappointed.
Possibly uncomfortable cultural differences
Note: All of these cultural points below are from my experience as a Western observer. None of them are intended to offend anyone in any way. I have written them purely so that Westerners are more prepared and to help reduce the possible culture shock.
147) Chaos is everywhere. Almost all road rules including red lights will be ignored. The streets are bustling with people, livestock and every kind of vehicle you can think of all tooting their horns. This can be quite a contrast from the quiet streets of the West.
148) Personal space is rarely respected.Whether you’re looking at photos on your camera, lining up to catch a bus or just standing on the street there’s a high possibility someone (or group of people) will approach you or come a bit too close for comfort. With over a billion people in a relatively small space this isn’t surprising and it isn’t culturally rude.
149) The caste system still exists. It’s composed of “priests” (Brahmins), “warriors” (Kshatriyas), “merchants” (Vaishyas) & “workers” (Shudras). Unfortunately this division seems to cause discrimination between the castes and can get confusing without knowing the ins and outs.
150) Most animals get abused, except for cows. Be it a dog, cat, chicken (meant for consumption) or an ox (drawing a cart), animal abuse in India can be shocking and seems to be everywhere. It is a conundrum as to why this happens especially since India is the birthplace of the concept of Ahimsa or “non-violence”. The one animal that is largely exempt from this abuse is the cow because it holds particular importance in the Hindu religion.
151) Almost everyone will try to get your money. Since hundreds of millions of Indians are living on less than $2/day the struggle for survival is a real issue. The main thing is to have your wits about yourself and be compassionate.
152) Incessant staring. It doesn’t seem to be rude to stare in India. You will find it can be overwhelming at times but the main thing is to ignore it. Sometimes I pretend I’m a celebrity and then it’s more of a novelty than a problem.
153) Lying or bending the truth. It may be due to communication difficulties, but it seems that often Indians don’t have a problem with lying. Whether it’s a taxi driver or a shop owner – there’s a good chance they will bend the truth or lie if it helps them make a sale.
154) Expect to see spitting. A lot of men use chewing tobacco (known as “paan”) which means there can be a lot of spitting on the street.
155) Littering and trash are ubiquitous across India. It is yet to be understood that littering is a bad thing and so the streets act as open trash cans. The trash then piles up and the solution is normally to set it (mostly plastic) on fire.
Cultural Do’s & Don’ts
156) DO be patient & have a sense of humor.
158) DO have an open heart & mind.
160) DO make friends with the locals.
162) DO wear Indian clothes at special occasions.
164) DO remove your shoes at peoples homes.
166) DO wash your hands & use hand sanitizer.
168) DO only use your right hand while eating.
170) DO learn to understand the “head wobble”.
172) DO try to pay if at restaurants with Indians.
174) DO know that 1 min means 5 to 10 mins.
176) DO be prepared to have your photo taken.
178) DO bring a small gift if you stay at a home.
180) DO touch the feet of someone you respect.
158) DO have an open heart & mind.
160) DO make friends with the locals.
162) DO wear Indian clothes at special occasions.
164) DO remove your shoes at peoples homes.
166) DO wash your hands & use hand sanitizer.
168) DO only use your right hand while eating.
170) DO learn to understand the “head wobble”.
172) DO try to pay if at restaurants with Indians.
174) DO know that 1 min means 5 to 10 mins.
176) DO be prepared to have your photo taken.
178) DO bring a small gift if you stay at a home.
180) DO touch the feet of someone you respect.
157) DON’T wear shorts or skirts.
159) DON’T get angry in public.
161) DON’T give money to beggars or children.
163) DON’T smell flowers in a shop or a temple.
165) DON’T touch the opposite sex.
167) DON’T point your feet at a person.
169) DON’T give someone an expensive gift.
171) DON’T show frustration or anger in public.
173) DON’T be shy when asking a question.
175) DON’T drink alcohol in public.
177) DON’T take pictures in temples.
179) DON’T use your left hand to pass food.
181) DON’T shake hands unless they do first.
159) DON’T get angry in public.
161) DON’T give money to beggars or children.
163) DON’T smell flowers in a shop or a temple.
165) DON’T touch the opposite sex.
167) DON’T point your feet at a person.
169) DON’T give someone an expensive gift.
171) DON’T show frustration or anger in public.
173) DON’T be shy when asking a question.
175) DON’T drink alcohol in public.
177) DON’T take pictures in temples.
179) DON’T use your left hand to pass food.
181) DON’T shake hands unless they do first.
182) “It’s essential to respect the culture wherever you go in India, as a disrespectful attitude will leave the most delightful doors so firmly closed that you probably won’t even know they are there — which means that you will be missing the best that India has to offer. Respecting the culture includes dressing and behaving as much in accord with local standards as possible. It really makes a huge difference in how you are received.”
– J.D Viharini, author of guidebook:Enjoying India.
Contd.
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