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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 --...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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