So, you’ve decided to visit India. Wonderful choice. Known as a culturally rich and diverse nation, India is a destination that will thrill you in the best possible ways — the colours, the chaos, the kindness of strangers, and the food. Most visitors go back only to return again and explore another corner of this enchanting nation. However, like any destination which has multiple layers, it comes with its own unwritten rulebook.

We’ve been driving travelers across Delhi and beyond for years, and we’ve seen how just a little cultural awareness tends to make your journey an unforgettable one. So here are our India travel tips — the things not to do in India to cultural nuances that’ll make all the difference- we recommend every foreign traveler to note before they arrive in India.

The Biggest Do’s and Don’ts for tourists in India

1. Don’t Assume All of India Is the Same – the most important of the India travel tips for first timers in India

This is perhaps the biggest mistake most first-time foreign travelers in India make. India is more like a continent than a country. Visit Goa, and you will love the relaxed vibes. It seems pretty normal to walk around in your beachwear, sleeveless tops, halter necks, etc. However, the same can raise eyebrows in Varanasi or rural Rajasthan.

Customs, food, language, dress codes, and even social norms are quite different across the country. Do your homework on each region you’re visiting, not just India as a whole. You can even chat with us on your journey and we will be happy to regale you with tales that not only bring out the cultural nuances but also give you helpful tips.

2. Never Disrespect Religious Sites

India is home to temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, and shrines that are deeply sacred to millions of people. Treating them like a tourist attraction is one of the most common India travel mistakes tourists – and also one of the most avoidable tourist mistakes in India. They are places of worship, governed by certain norms.

• Always remove your shoes before entering.
• Cover your head where required (you’ll usually find cloth available at the entrance)
• Dress modestly — no shorts, no sleeveless tops.
• Avoid pointing at idols or touching sacred objects. Always ask before you photograph anything inside.

3. Do Not Drink Tap Water

We cannot stress this enough. Tap water in India is not safe for anyone – including us locals. Stick to sealed bottled water, or buy a portable filter that you can use while on the move. Avoid ice in your drinks, too. Most good restaurants and hotels will have filtered water readily available, which you can always request in case you need to refill your bottles.

4. Dress comfortably and keep to the dress code

Dressing appropriately is one of the simplest dos and don’ts for tourists in India to follow. Loose, breathable, full-length cotton clothes will serve you well — especially when you are visiting religious sites or smaller towns. If you are visiting the colder parts like Ladakh or Himachal, you can double these up with layers.

Most of our foreign visitors love the lightweight cotton salwar suits or linen trousers available in India. They love the comfort these offer in the Indian heat, and of course, they are fashionable and stylish. It helps them blend in with the crowd.

5. Never Photograph People Without Asking

We know how tempting it is to capture something candid – especially when there are so many colors and shades around you. However, in India, it might offend someone – especially women, elders, and people in smaller towns- if you are pointing a camera at them without permission.

It would be best to approach them with a smile and ask a person rather than offend them. Most are genuinely happy to be photographed.

Also, prepare yourself to be photographed along with them. Most of them will approach you with a request, which you are free to accept or deny.

6. Bargain but not aggressively.

Whenever you head to a local market, don’t forget to bargain. However, be mindful of your tone. Haggle respectfully, joke around with the vendors – not only will you be rewarded with a better price but a few amazing stories too.

7. Avoid Using Your Left Hand

This is a cultural nuance that most foreign travelers do not know. In Indian culture, the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Always use your right hand when eating, passing money, receiving something, or greeting someone. It’s a small habit to get into, but locals will genuinely appreciate it.

8. Avoid Public Display of Affection

Holding hands is generally fine in most urban areas, but kissing, hugging, or any stronger display of affection in public is frowned upon across much of India.

9. Watch Out for Tourist Scams

Sadly, this is a reality in India – especially in high-traffic tourist places. Some of the common ones include drivers claiming your destination is “closed today” and suggesting an alternative (usually a shop where they earn commission), self-proclaimed guides (without licenses) who charge exorbitant fees, or gem dealers that don’t always offer authentic goods.

To avoid these, your transport and tours through trusted, verified providers. Agree on prices with the cabs before you get in. Verify the tourist licenses of guides before you hire them or better still, book your tours online through trusted websites or travel operators.

10. Leave your footwear outside

It is customary in most homes and places of worship to leave your footwear outside the door. Some traditional shops too, will have signs requiring you to do so. Please heed these notices and remove your footwear before entering the place.

Most temples have a paid shoe-stand – where they even offer your temple socks that you can slip on to your feet. When visiting a local home, always check with the host on whether you can wear your shoes inside or not.

India tends to surprise, challenge, and charm you at the same time. Keep an open mind, prepare a little and enjoy the culture to get the most out of this diverse country.

Whether you’re navigating the lanes of Old Delhi, heading out to Agra for the Taj Mahal, or road-tripping through Rajasthan or Ladakh, we are sure that these India travel tips will help you avoid discomfort.

*Safe travels, and welcome to India.*