When you travel in India, a country where culture, religion, and daily life are deeply intertwined. Also known as the Indian subcontinent, it demands more than just a passport—you need to understand the unwritten rules that keep your trip smooth, safe, and respectful. This isn’t about strict laws. It’s about the quiet expectations locals live by every day.
One of the most common missteps? Walking into a temple without knowing the dress code or rituals. Temple entry rules, vary by region but always involve modest clothing, removing shoes, and sometimes avoiding leather or non-vegetarian items. Also known as temple etiquette, these aren’t suggestions—they’re part of the sacred space’s rhythm. Skip this, and you risk offending locals, not just breaking a rule. Then there’s India safety tips, a mix of common sense and local awareness. For example, Mumbai is generally safer for solo travelers than Delhi at night, but both need you to stay alert, avoid flashy jewelry, and use trusted transport like app-based cabs instead of random autos. It’s not fear—it’s awareness.
Food safety matters too. You can eat street food in India without getting sick—if you know how. Look for busy stalls, bottled water, and cooked-to-order items. Vaccinations aren’t always mandatory, but tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A are smart for any traveler. And don’t assume what works in Europe or the U.S. will fly here. Public displays of affection? Avoid them. Haggling in markets? Expected. Taking photos of people without asking? A big no.
These aren’t just tips. They’re the rules that separate a good trip from a great one. The posts below cover everything from what to wear before entering a temple to which cities are safest for foreigners, how to trek without a guide, and even why Nagpur is called the Heart of India—not because of politics, but because of geography. You’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there, made the mistakes, and learned the hard way. No fluff. No theory. Just what works on the ground in India.