An Indian Manners Guide for Foreign Travelers to India

To make the most of your trip to India, you may want to stay in guest houses, rather than fancy American hotel chains. That's an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience India as it really is because you will rent a room from an Indian family that will likely serve not only as your host, but also as your tour guide. It also means you will be more likely to mix with Indian nationals who may be offended by your American ways. The tips in this article will keep you from inadvertently offending your gracious Indian hosts.

Indian Meal Etiquette 

Meals are a great time to connect with your host family in India. It is also a great time to offend people, if you're not careful. Keep the following in mind during meals in India and you'll be sure to please your hosts:

*Never use your left hand for eating or for passing food to other people.

*Even if silverware is provided for you, eat with your fingers, rather than forks and spoons.

*Clean your plate. Even if you don't like the taste of something, if you put it on your plate, you need to eat it, so start with small portions and then after eating all on your plate, take more of foods you like.

Clothing Standards in India

India defines modesty differently than those in the Western world. Women travelers should not wear the following:

*Shorts, including capris

*Sleeveless tops

*Tight pants

Instead, if possible, wear Indian clothing such as loose fitting and comfortable salwar kameezes that you can pick up anywhere in India, or online on sites such as eBay. If you prefer not to wear Indian clothing, wear long, loose fitting skirts with loose blouses with sleeves.

Clothing standards for men in India are more similar to American clothing norms, but shorts and jeans should be avoided. Business casual is a good bet for men traveling in India.

When No Means Yes in India

Your host may offer you tea. You may decline. A few minutes later they may offer it again, and you decline again. The third time they offer you tea, you may finally give in to the pressure and accept tea, even if you don't want it. That happened to me numerous times when I first lived in India and didn't know the rule that no doesn't mean no until you've said it three times. To avoid doing things or eating and drinking things you don't want, be prepared to say no three times before the matter will be dropped.

Feet Can Be Offensive in India

At the end of a long day of touring you may be tempted to sit down on the floor, with your legs stretched out. If you do so, be sure not to point the bottom of your feet toward another person, particularly an Indian person. Such a posture, that is perfectly acceptable in the U.S., is very offensive in India.

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A Guide to the Forts of Rajasthan, India

When I lived in Rajasthan, India, one of my favorite things was the rich architecture, particularly the forts and palaces. From my rooftop in Jodhpur and from almost anywhere else in the city for that matter, I could look up and see the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. I'll never forget my first trip there, and the way that walking through the halls of a building unlike any we have in the United States ignited my imagination. If you want to take a step back in time and dream about princely battles and opulent lifestyles, be sure to visit the forts of Rajasthan the next time you go to India. Below is a list of some of the forts in Rajasthan that you don't want to miss.

The Fort in Jodhpur, India

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, is truly one of the most majestic forts in all of India. Founded in 1450 by Rao Jodha and added to be later maharajas until its completion in the 19th century, sits atop a 400-foot high hill. The fort houses a museum that displays artifacts of Indian royalty. There is also a nice selection of Indian miniature paintings available for sale.

My Favorite Fort in Jaipur, India

There are actually three forts in Jaipur, but Amber Fort is one of my favorites and the favorite of many tourists as well. The Amber Fort is one of the better places in India to have an opportunity to take a ride on a brightly decorated elephant. In fact, Amber Fort was the first place I ever rode an elephant.

The construction of Amber Fort began in 1592 and took 125 years to complete. The art and architecture of Amber Fort combines both Rajput and Moghul influences.

Amber Fort Location

Amber Fort is actually located 11 kilometers (7 miles) north of Jaipur, but any rickshaw or taxi driver can easily get you there.

Hours of operation: Open daily from 9 .m. - 4:30 p.m.
Telephone: 0141/253/0293

When you visit the forts in Rajasthan, plan to also visit palaces that are typically located very close to the fort. Some of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels, so if your pocketbook permits, you might want spend a day touring a fort and then spend the night in the luxury of an Indian palace right next door.

If you want a taste of royalty but can't quite afford a night in a palace, try making dinner reservations at a palace. My husband and I celebrated an unforgettable wedding anniversary on the terrace of the palace in Jodphur. The food was better than any I've had in India, we were served by waiters wearing Indian formal wear, including formal turbans and we had a beautiful view of the city lights as dusk turned to night.

Resources:
http://www.rtdc.in/
http://rajasthantourism.gov.in/
http://www.eternalmewar.in
http://www.rajasthan.gov.in/Pages/Home.aspx

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A Travel Guide to My Favorite International City, Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur was the first Indian city I called home. I suppose the fact that I fell in love with many aspects of India in Jodhpur contributes to my love for the city, even though it isn't the top tourist destination in India. In spite of other Indian cities being more popular, Jodhpur has some magnificent sites to visit, and the fact that it moves at a slower pace than much of India makes it a great place to spend a couple of days. It only takes about five hours to go by train from Jaipur to Jodhpur, so consider adding Jodhpur to your itinerary if you plan to visit Jaipur. Read on for a few of my favorite things to do in Jodhpur, India.

No trip to North India is complete without visiting the forts of Rajasthan. Mehrangarh Fort is one of the best forts in India. Part of the magnificence of Mehrangarh Fort is the fact that it sits atop a 410 foot high sheer rock and can be seen for miles. One of my favorite rooms in the fort is the Phool Mahal, a gilded room with intricate paintings that was built over a 20-year span between 1730 and 1750. This room was used for royal celebrations. The Moti Mahal was built in the 1500s, over a period of 14 years. This is a room that literally shines due to the mirror work on the ceilings as well as crushed shells that were mixed into the plaster on the walls to give the room a luxurious sheen. This room was used by the maharajah as a private audience hall.

Lassi at the Clock Tower

Downtown Jodhpur has a clock tower that can't be missed. Sadar Bazaar, located near the clock tower, is a great place to shop, so be sure to check it out on your trip to Jodhpur.

Even more impressive than the bazaar is an unassuming restaurant, with a spectacular yogurt drink, the lassi. The lassi shop located at the clock tower in Jodhpur serves lassis that are far better than any other I've had anywhere in India. They are so thick, you can stand your spoon up in the middle of the lassi. This lassi shop, unknown to a lot of tourists, is a favorite of locals. Even if you don't think you like lassis, give the ones at the clock tower a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

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How to Enjoy a Visit to Pushkar, India

One of the most fascinating experiences I ever had in India was a visit to Pushkar. At the time I had already been in India for a few months, and I thought I had seen it all, but I saw and experienced things in Pushkar that I have never seen or experienced anywhere else. Pushkar can be either a great or horrible experience, depending on when you go and whether or not you're prepared for what you'll encounter. This article will help you know what to expect and how to make sure that your visit to Pushkar is an enjoyable one.

Understand the Sacred Nature of Pushkar

Pushkar is believed to be one of the holiest cities in India due to the belief that it was formed when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower to earth. Because of this, there are over 500 temples in this small town, and 52 ghats that lead into Pushkar Lake, where Hindu pilgrims go to bathe, since they believe by doing so, their sins will be washed away. Due to the religious nature of the city, many of the attractions focus on the Hindu religion, with a main attraction being the Brahma temple.

Go to Pushkar the Right Time of Year

You can go to Pushkar any time of year and enjoy it, but the time of year you go will greatly impact the ins and outs of your visit. If you prefer a quiet, sleepy town, it's best to go between December and September, though the summer months should be avoided due to heat, if at all possible.

If, however, you like lots of crowds and action, and the opportunity to observe everything from snake charmers, musicians, magicians, and children balancing on high poles, not to mention numerous shows put on by transvestites, you'll want to go during the annual camel festival, which takes place in either October or November of each year. As is true with all Hindu festivals, the dates of the festival are based on the lunar calendar, so they are different each year. If you don't want to miss it, be sure to check the dates of the Pushkar camel fair before you go.

Prepare for Crowds In Pushkar, India

If you decide to go to Pushkar for the camel festival and other religious activities taking place the same week, be prepared for huge crowds. Pushkar generally has a population of around 13,000, but during the camel festival, the number of people in town swells to around 200,000.

The crowds are so bad that no matter how diligent my friend and I were in trying to stick together, we found it impossible to walk side by side and lost each other numerous times. There is absolutely no space between people, so you also cannot easily stop to look at something, as the crowds push you along the road. Due to the large crowds and the intensity of the festival and all of the religious happenings, it is best not to bring children to Pushkar during the camel festival.

Book Your Room in Pushkar Several Weeks in Advance

As you can imagine, when a population of 13,000 swells to 200,000 in a single week, lodging is sparse, and many of the accommodations in the city are subpar. If you want to stay in a decent and safe place, book your lodging as soon as you book your plane tickets, or even before, if you're sure you're going.

One of the best places to stay in Pushkar during the camel festival is the Royal Safari Camp. Don't let the fact that the rooms are tents fool you. They are by far the nicest place to stay in Pushkar, with 20 of the 60 tents having air conditioning. The tents have private bathrooms with western-style toilets, and the guests are served delicious and safe-to-eat meals. There are even luxuries such as toilet paper that are missing in many of the hotels in Pushkar.

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A Guide to Religious Etiquette in India

India is a land of cultural and religious diversity. Unlike the Western world, religion permeates every facet of life in India. I recall that on my first trip to India, I was surprised to see religious icons everywhere I went, including places of business such as banks and grocery stores. Since religion is such a big part of life in India, it is important for visitors -- including those who are not themselves particularly religious -- to prepare themselves for the proper way to show respect in religious settings in India.

The good news is, although the religions are very diverse in India, many of the same rules of etiquette apply, regardless of the religion.

Here are the two main things to keep in mind, when you visit a church, mosque, or temple in India.

Remove Your Shoes Before Entering Religious Buildings in India

There is some variation from one building to another when it comes to the need to remove shoes before entering a place of worship in India. For instance, every time I visited a Hindu temple, or even stepped into a puja room (shrine) in a private home, I was expected to remove my shoes. In contrast, some, but not all Christian churches required me to take off my shoes. The good news is, it doesn't take long to figure out whether or not to remove your shoes, as you can simply look to see what everyone else around you does.

Some places of worship have a place where you can "check in" your shoes and get a token of some sort that is used to claim the shoes when you come out of the temple. In others, people simple leave their shoes outside the entrance of the place of worship.

Be forewarned that the pavement surrounding the place of worship may be hot. On many occasions I wished I had a pair of socks with me to protect the soles of my feet, so you might want to have a pair along with you, just in case.

Women Should Cover Their Heads in Places of Worship in India

When a woman covers her head in India, it is a sign of respect. Therefore, when entering a place of worship in India, women should make a point of covering their heads. In Christian churches, women may not always cover their heads when entering the church, but will be expected to cover their heads during prayer.

Indian clothing for women, such as saris and the popular salwar kameez are made in such a way that the pallu (fabric that goes over the shoulder of a sari), and the dupatta (scarf worn across the chest when wearing a salwar kameez), are used to cover the head when needed. If wearing western clothing, a woman can carry a scarf with her to use to cover her head when in places of worship in India.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/
http://www.eternalmewar.in
http://goindia.about.com/od/festivalsevents/tp/Indiafestivals.htm

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Tips for Solo Female Travelers to India

India is one of my favorite international destinations. There is nothing like the food, architecture and shopping anywhere else in the world. The thing that can be challenging is that the rules for women in India are different than rules for women in the West, so if not careful, women who travel alone may inadvertently put themselves in danger. Here are some safety tips for women who travel alone to India.

Join a Group 

Just because you travel alone to India, doesn't mean you have to see the sights alone. If possible, join a group tour. This is especially important when going to more remote places, where you might be isolated if alone.

Stay in a Guest House 

Guest houses, similar to American bed and breakfasts, are a great option for solo female travelers to India. The thing that makes guest houses especially good for female travelers is that the hosts of the guest houses take a specific interest in their guests and may escort them various places, or arrange for tours and transportation options with well-respected and reliable companies. Guest houses are also a great way to enjoy meals with others in a safe and comfortable setting. Breakfast is generally included in the price, and sometimes even dinner is a family affair. This is not only safe, but provides a great way to get a glimpse into the life of an Indian family. I personally recommend Hrh hotels. I was well looked after by the hosts, and also saw how they took care of other guests, including females traveling alone.

Dress Modestly 

Modesty is incredibly important for solo female travelers to India. The difficulty is that modesty by Western standards and modesty by Indian standards are two very different things.

Here are a few things to keep in mind, when it comes to modest dress in India:

• Avoid showing your legs and even your ankles. Capris may be seen as very modest in the West, but would be rather scandalous in India. Bare midriffs, on the other hand, are fine! 

• Do not wear sleeveless tops. It may be very hot when you are in India, but avoid the temptation to throw on a tank top, and definitely do not wear something like a halter top. Even cap sleeves are a bit too daring.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. Jeans may seem modest, but since they are often tight-fitting, they are not considered modest there. If you do wear jeans, wear a long, loose-fitting blouse with them. 
• If you have an opportunity to do so, purchase a couple of sets of Indian outfits, known as salwar kameez. These are more comfortable and easier to wear than a sari. You can purchase them inexpensively in India, or if you want to get some before you leave for your trip, check out the selection on eBay. 
• Have a scarf on hand to cover your head when appropriate. This tip may not be as essential as the others, but Indian people really appreciate it when a western woman covers her head in religious buildings such as mosques and temples and when in the presence of elders and dignitaries.

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A Smart Shopper's Guide to Shopping in India

I've spent a total of around a year in India. I love some things about India, and am less than thrilled with some other aspects of India. One of the things I love is shopping, though I've had some maddening Indian shopping experiences as well. This article contains some tips for making your shopping experience in India one that you'll remember with fondness rather than regret.

Don't Be Afraid to Bargain When Shopping in India

Most westerners are unaccustomed to bargaining. We simply pay the listed price without much thought. But in India, especially as a foreigner, expect the initial asking price to be much higher than the true value of the item.

As a general rule of thumb, I often give a counter offer of about half of what the shop owner initially quoted as the price. For instance, if the shop owner says, "500 Rupees," I'll counter with, "250 Rupees." They may act shocked, but don't let that get to you! Just go on with the game, knowing that is how business is conducted there.

To test out whether or not the price you are offering is reasonable, if the shop owner rejects your offer, try walking away and see how the seller responds. They'll likely come after you and agree to the price you offered, or something close to it. If they don't come after you, that means you offered a truly ridiculous price, and if you really want the item, you need to go back and offer more.

Look to See Who Else is Shopping

A sure way to know that you're shopping in a place that is overpriced is to look around at the other shoppers in the store. Are a lot of other foreigners shopping there? If everyone in the store is from the West, you're most likely in a place that has "special prices" for foreigners. Those prices are only special in the eyes of the merchants, but are a rip off for the shoppers. This is especially true if a rickshaw driver brought you to the store without you asking to go there; they are paid a commission to everyone they bring to those shops. Instead, make your purchases in stores where Indians themselves shop.

Check the Quality of the Items in Shops in India

Although India has some amazing handicrafts and other items worth buying, the workmanship can sometimes be of a lower quality than what you're accustomed to. In order to avoid disappointment, be sure to check to see that everything is working properly. For instance, before buying a purse, make sure that the zippers work properly.

Shopping in India can be an amazing experience, and the items you'll bring home can bring you a great deal of pleasure in the years to come if you remember these few simple tips.

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India Camel Safari Tips

One of the best things about international travel is that it provides the opportunity to do things you would never do at home. One of my fondest India travel memories is of a camel safari in Rajasthan. Riding a camel was far different than I imagined it would be, and in fact, I came very close to falling face forward into the sand the first time I tried it. Here are a few tips for how to make the most out of your India camel safari.

Choose a Reputable Camel Safari Guide

Think about it: on a camel safari, you're going to be far away from populated areas, out in the middle of the desert. You want to be sure that the camel safari guide you choose is reputable and dependable.

Lonely Planet recommends Camel Man in Bikaner and Trotters in Jaisalmer. Assuming you are staying in a reputable hotel or guest house, you can also depend on the owners to make arrangements with a good safari guide.

Hold on Tight

On my first camel ride, I felt relaxed and confident. When my camel guide said, "Hold on," I lightly put my hands on a metal ring on the saddle. He then, very emphatically said, "No, hold on tight." I'm glad I listened. As the camel began to stand, I was immediately thrust forward, and almost fell face first into the sand, in spite of the fact that I was holding on tight.

Since then, I've learned that in addition to holding on tight, it is a good idea to do the opposite of what the camel does. For instance, when the camel begins to stand up and move face down, lean back, as far as you can. By leaning back, you balance out the forward motion of the camel, and don't have the problem of almost falling off. As the camel moves into a more upright position, you can sit straight up. Once the camel is standing all the way up, you can relax, and even have your hands free to do things such as photography.

Wear Proper Clothing

Long pants are ideal for a camel ride, since they help protect your legs from the rough fur of the camel. Flip flops or sandals are fine to wear, as long as there are stirrups. To be on the safe side, either wear sandals with heel straps, or wear shoes that are enclosed. Since you will be out in the hot desert sun, it is also advisable to wear a hat, and a lightweight, loose fitting, long-sleeved shirt or blouse to protect yourself from the sun.

Resources:

http://www.hrhhotels.com/Royal_Retreats/Gorbandh_Palace/Explore-Jaisalmer.aspx
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=camel+safari

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