Hello all
As you may remember from my previous postings I am travelling for the first time to India in May with my family. On going through the site I have been able to pick up some really valuable tips and things to remember when visiting India. (number one seems to be don't travel to India in May...Sigh. Newbie mistake number 1.)But other useful things to know (from tipping to toilet paper) might prove to be fun and invaluable for first timers like myself. As a result I am asking all you India savy travellers if you could give us your top 5 (or 3 or 10) hints and tips. We're leaving April 29 and I will write a trip report when I return.
Thanks

Not necessarily my top five, just top of mind:

1. India is a study in extreme contrasts - luxury, wealth and beauty that is unmatched, and at the same time, poverty, filth, and stench. Even if you are well-traveled, the extremes in India will blow you away.
2. Patience. "Oh yes, I know that place" can easily mean the driver has no idea but would be pleased to try and figure it out. "Right away" might mean later today, "tomorrow" probably means next week, and "soon" means never. Most people in India want to help and try, even if they can't, shouldn't, and you would be much better off if they just said they didn't know
3. Wet wipes and Ziploc bags come in very handy.
4. Leave your high heels at home. Clean, even sidewalks are an invitation to set up shop, house, or an outdoor eatery...leaving you with the dusty road to stumble along. A sturdy pair of sandals that you can take off easily is a good choice as many temples will require that you take your shoes off before entering.
5. Two changes of clothes per day. May is hot and humid just about everywhere so you will relish a cool shower in the evening (against most good advice, I traveled around Rajasthan in April with 40 degree heat - and with a bit of planning, had a fabulous time!)

Hope that helps - have a great visit!

1. Do not try to do too much. Focus on one area (I would suggest Rajastan) and see it in depth. Figure this will be the first of many trips to India.

2. Get off the beaten path. The highlights of my trip was NOT the Taj Mahal or any of the other must sees but were the Jain Temples in Ranakpur and Mt. Abu and spending a day at an art gallery and school in Udaipur.

3. Bring lots of handi-wipes -- good for hands, face and as a substitute for toilet paper.

4. Talk to the locals.

5. Be prepared for things to take a lot longer than you expect -- just be patient.

6. Learn a bit about what the locals find offensive and avoid it.

1. Wipes, as everyone already said. A little bottle of anti-bacterial disinfectant in the pocket.
2. Be FIRM with touts, hawkers and beggars. but don't let them ruin your good time. It is a part of life, what can you.
3. Same with seeing extreme poverty. You can spend everyday wring your hands over all the poor people and then ruin the time that you are there. Give $$$ to a local charity, not to people on the street.
4. Off the beaten path as said. WALK.
5. Buy some local clothing. Dress like a native at least one day.
6. Don't just eat at hotels. Go to a local place. Get help from a guide to tell you where the cleaner places are.
7. Photography - virtually everything is photogenic in India. Bring 3 times as much film as you think you will need. Many people will get offended if you take their picture without asking. [but sometimes you gotta do it anyway Just move away quickly after you do!)
8. Talk to a local.

OK that is more than 5

1. Extra Toilet Paper for sure (and wipes)

2. Definately go off the beaten path, Agra was definately not my fav..get to know the locals.

3. Stay at some 2 and 3* hotels, just for the fun of it.

4. Go on a local train

5. Don't spend all of your money cause you will be booking another trip to India as soon as you get home!!

1.Find some people playing carrom - the world's best table game. Join in and learn to play!
2.Enjoy the food!
3.2 weeks before you leave and during the trip take those products which keep the bacterial flora of the stomach going (sorry can't remember what they're called - same principle as yoghourt) they are the best thing to avoid getting sick.
4. Western tourists often end up looking incredibly shabby and inelegant in India - if you go to a nice restaurant dress up - they do!
5. An absolute must - read INDIA A Million Mutinies Now by VS Naipaul before you go. this book will give you a greater understanding of life in India and make the trip even more fascinating.I also suggest reading A Suitable Boy which is great fun.

1. When you get to India, buy a product called Odemase (sp??). It's a cream that can be used as mosquito repellant and it works very well. It doesn't have an odor which is the best part about it.

2. Bring anti-diarreahal medication or antibiotics (if that's your thing). I made the mistake of leaving the antibiotics at home my first trip and suffered for WAY longer than I could have.

3. Take a ride on a rickshaw.

4. Bring along instant powder drinks to mix with bottled water to help the transition to the new food and drink.

5. Have an open mind and prepare to be UTTERLY AMAZED!!!

Oh..definately take a ride on a rickshaw and tuk tuk!!

Here's my best shot:

1) Don't believe anyone that tells you the Cottage Industries Emporium (or any other place) is closed.

2) If you have a driver, make sure that you have a cell phone so you can contact him when you need him (provided by your travel agency) and that he does too.

3) Be prepared to negotiate should things go wrong (reservation screw-ups, etc.) - you could get a free meal at a nice restaurant as we did on two occasions or something else as compensation.

4) Be aware that porters at the airport and at the train station are AGGRESSIVE - that is, they will grab your bags before you give them permission and in spite of the fact that you shout NO NO NO. If you have a good tour company they will handle your bags. If you choose to use the porters, be prepared to tip them and do not worry, even though they grab them aggressively, they will not steal your bags.

5) If you chose not to give to beggars, just ignore them and/or let your driver/guide deal with them. We had one guide that would give to anyone that approached us.

1. DO NOT leave home without Immodium.
2. DO NOT go to India in May, one of the HOTTEST months.
3. Try to keep yourself as cool as possible. Carry an umbrella to keep the sun off of you. Use air conditioned vehicles, stay in air conditioned hotels, eat in air conditioned restaurants.
4. Anti-malarial medication can make you very sick.
5. Don't buy anything from street vendors. That $3 t-shirt may seem like a good deal, but after one washing it will be a rag. Better to buy something more expensive that will last.

Dior Devotee

Polly Magoo...I have been to India 3 times and never had to use immodium once!! lol..And just curious..which malaria pills did you take that made you so sick??

I love " Don't believe anyone that tells you the Cottage Industries Emporium is closed." It's absolutely true! We used to tell the taxi/rickshaw driver that we had to go to a nearby travel agent and then walk, otherwise it was impossible to get them to take you to there!

Hi there - hope you have a great time! Not sure I have anything new to offer, unless you're looking for hints on public transport in all its glory. But another voice for the following:

1) Accept India for what it is - an incredible mixture of rich, poor, sublime, tacky, rough and smooth.

2) Make one journey by train if you can - preferably overnight.

3) Second that suggestion to read "A Million Mutinies Now". Also "May you be the Mother of a Hundred Sons". Both readily available in Delhi often at the second hand pavement bookstalls around Connaught Place (if they are no longer there someone will correct me!!).

4) Local eateries - yes, for sure!

5) You may never need it - but a torch (flashlight) is always a good thing to travel with. And don't forget the alarm clock! And toilet roll (can be bought there, just carry your own supply). And I would take Imodium. I don't want to give the wrong impression. I too have made 3 trips to India. The only time I needed it was due to my own carelessness after several months in the country. But it doesn't weigh much, so you might as well!

These are terrific tips! I am going to print out this thread before I go so that I can catch as many of them as possible.
We went shopping today and bought the malarone (we got something different for my husband as Malarone makes him sick), the Immodium, extra batteries for the flashlights, wipes, tissues, hand disinfectant and bandages. We should be prepared for everything including minor surgery! LOL! Hopefully we wion't be arrested for looking like walking Pharmacies!
I think this trip is going to be tremendous thanks to you all. Keep on adding tips if you can. All us newbies are loving it!

i think allic93674is referring to odomos, which is commonly available at chemists in india, dead cheap and very effective. BTW, immodium's also easily available there though i can understand you'd feel better prepared carrying it with you.

a sense of humour and generosity of spirit and-as mentioned on this forum before- patience in dealing with IST (indian standard time) are sure to help you during your travels!