Gotravelindia|India Travel

Relatively a lesser-known beach, Puri is one of the most beautiful beaches of India. Besides being a refreshing beach, Puri is also a very important pilgrim center of the Hindus. Abode of Lord Jagannath, it attracts thousands of pilgrims as well as tourists every year.

Location

Puri is situated 60 km from Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Orissa. It is on the coast of Bay of Bengal. The white sand and the blue water can just take your breath away.

Places to visit

Beaches: The beaches of Puri are full of surprises. You just can’t resist taking a dip in the Bay of Bengal. The view of the sunrise and sunset are simply indescribable. It holds religious significance too. Many pilgrims take a dip to cleanse themselves off their sins.

Jagannath temple: This 12th century temple is visited by millions of people. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Krishna) The most splendid festival of Puri is the colourful Rath Yatra. The chariot of the diety is pulled by thousands of devotees and the procession is simply spectacular.

Gundicha temple: This temple is said have been built in the 16th century. It stands tall on the north eastern side of the Jagannath temple. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra are kept in Gundicha temple for a week during the chariot festival.

Chilka Lake: Asia’s biggest salt water lagoon finds its home in Puri. It is a haven for various migratory birds. If you arelucky enough, you might just spot wild dolphins at the lake.

Sudarshan Craft Museum: The museaum which was started in 1977 caters to the inquisitive needs of the tourist. Many famous works of art decorate this museum. The campus is surrounded by a Buddhist temple, a workshop and a library.

Sun temple: Just 35km from Puri lies the famous Sun temple of Konark. Built in the 13th century,Sun temple is adedicated to the Sun God. This World Heritage site is an artistic splendour. Beautiful sculptures adorn the walls of this magnificient chariot shaped temple.

Puri not just takes you way back into the ancient era it also mesmerises you with her several options of recreation. Shopping and dining can really be great fun in Puri. To cool yourself from the heated summer, you can always take a dip in the clean sea water.

When to visit

The best time to visit Puri is between November and April. Festival time is also ideal season to pay a visit to this splendid land.

Travel Information

By Air: Nearest airport is Bubhaneshwar (60 km)

By Rail: It is well-connected by railways to all the major cities.

By Road: It is well-connected by roads to all the major cities.

Discover a whole new era in Puri

Popularly known as the “Queen of hills”, Mussoorie is at an altitude of 2003 mts in the Garhwal hills. Situated in Uttaranchal, this scenic hillstation is an ideal getaway from the scorching summer heat. Since its discovery, Mussoorie has become a hub of education, business and tourism.

History

Just like the place, its history is equally romantic. Captain Young of Britain visited Mussoorie in 1820. He came, he saw and he fell in love with the place. He chose to make this ethreal place his residence. Since then, it has enamoured many with its charm.

Places to visit

Gun Hill: At Gun Hill you can catch a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges. It offers a rope way ride on the second highest peak of Mussoorie. Long ago a gun used to be mounted on the hill for the people to know the time and adjust watches.

Municipal Garden: A lavish garden and an artificial lake is what makes this garden an ideal picnic spot.

Falls: Mussoorie is surrounded by lavish falls cascading down the hillocks. Falls like Jharipani falls, Kempty falls, Bhatta falls etc are not to be missed on your trip to Mussoorie.

Clous end: This bunglow was built by a British Mayor in 1838. This breathtaking resort is amidst woods overlooking the snowcapped Himalayas and the Yamuna.

Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary: A huge area of 339 hectares is a home to the extinct bird species, mountain quail.

Van Chetna Kendra: The park offers a variety of wildlife and is an ideal leisure spot.

Academy: The prestigeous Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administrationis situated in Mussoorie. It is here that the country’s best administrative, foreign and police officers are trained.

Temples: Mussoorie is also abode of many temples like Nag Devta Temple, Jwalaji Temple, Surkhanda Devi etc.

Dhanolti: If you want to relax, head for Dhanolti. This mesmerising retreat offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.

Naga Tibba: This is truly a trekker’s paradise. At 10,000 feet, Naga Tibba is the highest peak near Mussoorie.

Camel’s back road: The place resembles the sitting camel at sunset,hence the name. It provides an awesome chance to hold your beloved’s hand and go for a long, romantic walk.

Other attractions

Besides the usual sight-seeing, Mussoorie presents a wide variety of options to the tourists. There are many skating rinks for the young ones. Long walks to the Tibetan settlement can refresh you instantly. Trekkers can check out the Black peak, Garhwal Himalayas, Har-ki-Doon to satisfy their trekking bug. The Aglar river and the Yamuna are perfect spots for some trout fishing.

When to visit

Mussoorie remains pleasant throughout the year. However, the best season to visit is September to November and April to June.

Travel Information

By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun (24 km)

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Dehradun.

By Road: Mussoorie is well-connected to Dehradun and other cities in Uttaranchal.

The Queen of hills surely gives a royal treatment to her visitors.

Deep blue water, crystal white sand and lush green trees is what Kovalam is made of. Situated in God’s own country, Kerala, Kovalam is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. Imagine yourself in a hammock, sipping coconut beer , with fresh sea food by your side, looking at the amazing beach. Is there any better way to relax in the scorching summer heat???

History

The Maharaja of Travencore brought Kovalam into limelight. He used it to entertain his European guests back in the 1930s. However, Kovalam became evident in the world map with the arrivals of hippies in the 1970s. Since then, Kovalam has been entertaining many local as well as foreign tourists.

Location

Kovalam is a coastal town in Kerala. It proudly occupies its space on the shores of the Arabian Sea just 16 km from Thiruvananthpuram (Trivandrum)

Places worth visiting

Lighthouse beach: The cool sea breeze and the bright sunshine of the light house beach seems an inviting proposition. You can relax or take a dip in the waters of the Arabian Sea on the beach.  An ideal summer retreat!

Vellayani lake: It is a huge freshwater lake. The clear water of this lake makes it worth watching. The famous boat race takes place here on Onam.

Halcyon castle: Also known as the Kovalam castle was built in 1932. It offers a glimpse into the Kerala architecture and style.

Analothbhava Matha church: Barely 6 km. From Kovalam, this ancient and fascinating church will leave you speechless.

Vizhinjam: This famous sea port is just 3 km from Kovalam. It is known for its Ayurvedic massage centers and renowned beach resorts.

Valliathura Pier: In the monsoons all the fishermen flock to this pier to catch fishes. The sight is quite captivating to say the least.

Other attractions

Ayurvedic massage: You are sure to be rejuvenated after getting the world-famous Ayurvedic massage at the beach. It relaxes your body, mind and soul. Yoga and Ayurveda will deeply impress any traveler.

Water fun: Tourists can enjoy umpteen water-activities in Kovalam like water surfing, kayaking, para-sailing  and canoing. Besides swimming, one can also enjoy angling.

Shopping: The beaches are thronged with shops full of souvenirs to be taken back home for memories.

Kathakali: One can just laze out and watch the mesmerising Kathakali performance by professional dancers at the resort or the beaches.

When to visit

The average temperature shifts between 30-32 degrees Celsius in winters and 30-35 degrees Celsius in the summers. The best time to visit this idyllic beach town is from September to March.

Travel details

By Air- The nearest airport is Trivandrum (16 km)

By Rail- The nearest railway station is Trivandrum (16 km)

By Road- Kovalam is well-connected to most of the cities by road.

Do you want to beat the summer’s heat? Do you want to explore an untouched destination? Are you game for some adventure sports?  Then Auli is what you are looking for. Forming a part of Garhwal mountain range, this scenic locale is relatively a new entrant in the list of hill stations in India. However, its snow-capped mountains and virgin beauty are fast attracting tourists from all over the country.

History

It is said that Guru Adi Shankaracharya treaded the paths of Auli in the 8^th century AD. For centuries it has been home to the colourful tribes of the Bhotiyas. The slopes of Auli have also been a training terrain for the Indo-Tibetan Border Security Force.

Location

Snuggly located in the north of Uttarakhand, Auli is a part of Garhwal mountain range. This beautiful hill station is just 16 km from Joshimath, on the route to Badrinath . It offers a panoramic view of the umpteen Himalayan peaks such as Mana Parvat, Nanda Devi, Kamet etc.

Places worth visiting

Gurso Bugyal: A 3 km trek from Auli will transport you to a whole new world of lofty mountain view. Enveloped with forests of oak and conifer, Gurso Bugyal  is indeed a trekker’s dream come true. One can see lush green meadows here during the spring and sheets of snow during the winter.

Kwani Bugyal: At 3,380 meters above sea level, Kwani Bugyal is a trekker’s delight. If you are bitten by the trekking bug, then include Kwani Bugyal in your itinerary.

Chittrakund: This picturesque lake in the middle of the forest is a treat to the eye. Just 1 km from Gurso Bugyal, Chittrakund resembles fairyland.

Chenab lake: Still untouched by the common tourist, its virginity is quite enchanting. Situated ahead of Dang village, Chenab lake is waiting to be explored.

Joshimath: It is one of the four “maths” established by Adi Shankaracharya. It serves as a home to Lord Badrinath during winters. One can see the highest cable car of Asia here, connecting Joshimath to Auli.

Other attractions

Skiing: Auli is fast growing into a hot skiing spot of India. It boasts of a clean stretch of 10-20 kms of  snow covered mountain slopes. The forests on the slope reduces the wind velocity, thereby, assisting the skiers. It is considered as the best skiing slope in Asia.

Trekking: Gurso Bugyal and Kwani Bugyal provide ample opportunities for trekking. So don’t forget to take your trekking gear.

Rope-way: You can take a ride in Asia’s longest ropeway. Connecting Joshimath to Auli, this 4 km long rope-way is worth the experience.

When to visit

Auli is breathtaking throughout the year. However, the best time to visit this exotic hill station is the winter (December  to March). Then one can witness the heart melting snow fall.

Travel Details

By Air: The nearest airport is in Dehradoon (298 km)

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (235 km)

By Road: It is well connected to Delhi, Hrishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradoon and Joshimath by convenient roadways.

Ropeway: Another option to reach Auli from Joshimath is through a 4 km long rope-way.

The pristine beauty of Auli is sure to take your breath away!

Welcome to God’s own country. Nestled at an altitude of 6000 ft, Munnar has become one of the sought-after destinations in Kerela. also known as the “Kashmir of the south”, it has a lot to offer to its tourists, namely, virgin valleys, dense forests and lush green plantations. What more can you ask for?

History

The history of Munnar dates back to the 10th century. However, various relics found here can be traced back to the Stone Age. Around the 17th century Muthuvans, Tamil origin people, settled here. The Duke of Wellington visited this place and was captivated by its pristine beauty. It soon developed into a popular summer retreat for the British. In fact, they also cultivated the area for tea plantation.

Place worth visiting

Tata tea museum: Here you can witness the entire process of tea production and processing. You might also do some tea tasting.

High range club: Styled in the colonial way,this club will take you back to the British Era with its gentelman,s bar, billiards table and library.

CSI church: This 19th century church is embellished with artistic stained glass windows and brass plates.

Kuthumkal waterfalls: The waterfalls attracts thousands of tourists to enchanting Munnar. It surely is a feast to the eyes.

Potheamedu: Barely 6kms from Munnar, Potheamedu offers a scenic landscape with its tea, coffee and cardamom plantations.

Mattupetty: This 1,700 mts high locale is an ideal spot for trekking. Besides this, you can also go horse-riding and boating. One can even use this serene place for some bird watching.

Devikulam: Just 7 kms from Munnar, Devikulam is yet another hill station in Kerela. Other than the usual tea plantation, you can also go fishing at the lake.

Nayamakad: This picturesque town (10 kms from Munnar)will surely captivate your heart with its cascading water falls.

National parks: Munnar is surrounded by many national parks like Eravikulam National Park, Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. You can shoot many animals with your camera.

Other attractions

Trekking: If you are the more adventurous one, then Munnar is just the place you were looking for. At Lock Heart Gap, you can catch some breath taking views and refrsh yourself with frsh mountain air. Anamudi is also popular among trekkers.

Camping: Munnar offers you an exotic experience of camping.

Best time to visit

Munnar remains pleasant throught out the year. The temperature remains between −10°C (14°F) and 0°C (32°F) in winter and 8°C (46.4°F) and 16°C (60.8°F) in summer. The tourist season is from August to May. However, it looks the most enchanting when Munnar is drenched in the monsoon rains.

Travel Details

By Air: The nearest airport is Kochi (130 kms)

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kochi (130 kms)

By Road: Munnar is well-connected by roads from Madurai, Coimbatore, Kottayam, Kochi.

Rest assured, you will discover yourself in the scenic landscapes of Munnar.

Located in the lap of Satpura ranges in Madhya Pradesh, Panchmarhi is truly a walker’s paradise. Surrounded by lush green meadows and breathtaking water falls, Panchmarhi offers a refreshing change from the other commercialized hill stations.

History of Pachmarhi
Panchmarhi narrates a rich history of her existence. This serene hill station was discovered by the Captain of Bengal Lancers, James Forsyth in 1857. When the Maratha soldiers declared a Mutiny, the captain was sent to pacify the rebel. After walking for about 17miles, he finally reached Panchmarhi. Upon returning to plains, he suggested that Panchmarhi should become a sanatorium. Therefore, one can see the remains of the English churches and monuments even today.

Places worth visiting in Pachmarhi
Priydarshini (Forsyth Point): This is the point from where Captain Forsyth discovered this captivating hill station. Needless to say, the view from this point will leave you spell-bound.

Jamuna Prapat: This water fall is quite popular among the tourists and is sure a place worth visiting.

Apsara Vihar (Fairy Pool): This shallow pool makes a perfect dip for the kids as well as the adults.

Handi Khoh: Handi Khoh with its 300 ft high precipice surely makes it one of the most sought-after sights of Panchmarhi. An interesting story surrounds this spot. It is said that an Englishman discovered this ravine and in the inebriated state fell off the valley.

Jatashankar(Shiva’s Locks): The formation of rocks in this cave bears resemblence to Lord Shiva’s tresses. Hence, the name.

Mahadeo Hills: The exquisite rock paintings of the Mahadeo hills, which dates back to 500-800 AD, are magnificent to say the least. The oldest paintings are supposed to be 10,000 years old.

Pandava caves: These ancient caves are said to have provided shelter to the Pandava brothers from the Hindu mythology. Their history and mythical story is hard to resist.

Rajat Prapat: Imagine water cascading down a hundred and ten meters! It looks like a silver stream. Standing under the fall will relax not only your body but also the soul.

Dhoopgarh: This is the highest point of the Satpura ranges. Standing at this point, one literally feels like the King of the world. Or maybe the Queen!

Catholic church: The church, built in 1892, has artistic stained glass windows and a cemetry.The graves here date back to World War I and II. Morbidly fascinating, I would say!

Christ church: This church bears testimony to the Anglican connections. Built in 1875, its stained glass panes were specially imported from Europe. This is the oldest church in Madhya Pradesh.

Satpura National Park: Spread across an area of 524 sqkm, the National Park provides habitat to umpteen species like four-horned deer, leopard, bison, blue bull, tiger and a variety of birds.

Other Attractions in Pachmarhi
Camping: Panchmarhi provides ample opportunities for camping. It is a popular spot for winter training camps, scouts training camps and mountaineering camps. One can easily get transported to another world. The burbling of water, chirping of the birds, rustling of leaves, beautifully sculpted ant-hills give a whole new meaning to the camping experience. It is a welcoming change from the hustle-bustle of the contemporary life.

Trekking: It is an ideal location to put on your trekking gear. The woods provide a suitable track to go for a leisurely stroll. For the adventure lovers, there are caves and valleys to satisfy your adventure bug.

When to visit Pachmarhi?
Although, the hill station is open throughout the year, the best time to visit is the rainy season (June- August).However, the pleasant weather will make your stay comfortable round the year.

Travel information for Pachmarhi
By Air: The nearest airport to Panchmarhi is Bhopal (195 kms).

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Pipariya (47 kms)

By Road: The hill station is well connected to Bhopal, Pipariya, Hoshangabad, Chindwara and Nagpur by roadways.

With such splendid locales and virgin forests, you will definitely come back totally rejuvenated.

Along with the waves of globalization India still remains very much rooted to its values, traditions and cultures. Practices that are common in the Western world can not be related to that of India. For that raison d’être and for socio-cultural and personal wellbeing, it is advised, that tourists follow certain ‘things to remember’ while touring this beautiful land.

• Firstly all foreigners are required to get themselves registered with the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO)
• The classic Indian namastey is the local form of greeting and welcoming guests. It’s an elegant and polite way to greet an Indian woman than a handshake .It’s popular with men too, elderly men specially would prefer a respecttful namastey. Follow it up with a kaise hai (how are you?) and you have broken the first chunk of ice.
• Carrying a pack of sweets and savories is common etiquette in India.
• Prepaid taxi service at airports can be availed as it is most economical.
• In temples mosques and it is mandatory to take off your footwear as a mark of respect. It may also be an obligation to remove your footwear while visiting people’s homes.
• Give or taking something important like a gift or money should be done only with the right hand .Using the left hand is considered impolite and lack of respect.
• Bargaining is a must if you are buying from roadside stall.
• Drink only bottled water. Stomach upsets might result on drinking local tap water; at least ensure that it is boiled if there is no other alternative.
• It is advised not to go for ready-to-eat food from wayside stalls or mobile canteens. Your system may not be used to such kind of food. Try to avoid spicy foods too.
• Beware of strangers offering bargains; pickpockets and petty thieves.
• Do not accept drinks and food from strangers and say no to picking up hitchhikers while traveling.
• Try not to stay in very inexpensive hotels, keep the hotel room locked and meet guests rather in the lobby.
• The voltage used in India is 220v (the U.S uses 120v). You could get a converter at most hardware stores for electrical devices that do not work on 220v.
• Use only authorized tourist guides and authorized taxis.
• Avoid driving in India unless you are trained.
• Intermittently India and Pakistan engage in clashes across the disputed Kashmiri border. Indian armed forces are at odds with Kashmiri separatists in the state. These separatist groups have targeted foreign travelers who were either kidnapped or killed. Therefore it is advisable to avoid the western part of Jammu & Kashmir.
• Communal turbulence in the Northeastern states resulted in terrorist attacks on trains, buses, bridges, and political killings. bureaucrat sources push for caution in visiting the states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
• Good care should also be taken while traveling to parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar given the frequency of local attacks.
• Avoid communal demonstrations and other civil conflicts.
• Avoid offers of spiritual healing and recuperation from fake saints and god men. There are few genuinely spiritual people in India, take help from known sources to visit them.

India is a country where one can live like a pauper or a Maharaja. Travel expenses largely vary depending on your needs, wants and luxuries. However a little planning could save you some extra bucks.

Airfare

• Airfares on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are much lower than the rest of the days. Consider traveling on these days if your travel plans are flexible.
• Buying your Indian air tickets much in advance could be economical as fares are often lesser when purchased 7, 14 and 21 days in advance.
• Avoid flying on a weekend, as the fares could be expensive comparatively.

Accommodation

• If you plan to stay in inexpensive hotels, travel II class all the way and live on rice and dal (staple food of India), you will be able to see India on a daily spending of 15-20 US $.
• If you are looking for a slightly better stay (with attached bath), eat a varied diet and prepared to spend occasionally on I class or AC long distance train journey, it could cost you 30-40$ a day.
• Staying in midrange hotels, food in reasonably decent restaurants, travel first class and having your own occasional car with driver, the expenses will be somewhere around $ 45-55/day.
• Five star facilities and a stay in heritage Maharaja’s Palaces will be as expensive as it is at home.
• The top end of Indian luxury hotels are with the Taj group, Oberoi and the Welcome Group Hotel Chains who run hotels in almost all the major cities .Numerous international chains including the Marriott and the Hyatt also run major five star hotels in most major cities.
• Dak Bunglows are present in most places. These were built by the British to put up traveling officials and are now being used by both the Central and State Governments for the same reason. Tourists are usually taken in for a reasonable fare if there is room. They have the basic amenities like ceiling fans and showers with no air-conditioning and bath tubs, ideal for tourists who do not want to shell out too much. There is usually a cook ,a gardener and a night watchman.
• Many long distance public phones called STD/ISD(State Trunk Dial /International Subscriber Dialing) booths usually found with an attender are found in ever nook and corner of the country .Metering is done as per pulse and a charge of Rs.2 per minute is billed for a local call.
• Calling the U.S /Canada/U.K over an ISD will cost you around Rs 7.20/minute.
• You can get your morning cup of tea (chai) for as low as Rs.2/- which is quite refreshing once you develop a taste for it.
• Tender coconut water and sugar cane juice,ideal summer drinks are as less as Rs.10 and below.

India has always been an ideal holiday destination for senior travelers mainly because of its spiritual and cultural identity and has always attracted good number of them across the globe. India offers its visitors reliable infrastructure & facilities for a pleasurable touring experience mainly for senior travelers as they require to be treated with more caution and care because of their health conditions than the younger lot.

• Senior travelers immensely enjoy the cultural heritage of India. They by and large favor destinations like Rajasthan, Delhi, Mumbai, Hindu Pilgrimage places like Haridwar, Rhishikesh. They also prefer Ayurveda , Yoga & Meditation Tours.
• Make an effort to adapt to the Indian climate and Indian food. Most senior travelers do get slightly ill during their stay. With necessary precautions, possibility and severity of any sickness could be minimized.
• Do not stress yourself too much at the first go, take stock and let your system get accustomed gradually. Like you could take rest for a day upon arrival, don’t get too anxious and do more than your body could take. Most important thing, be extremely careful about spicy Indian food, you could suffer from stomach upsets which could mess up your trip.
• Senior travelers visiting places like Amarnath in the Himalayas and Goddess Vaisnodevi are provided with doli’s (more like a palanquin where 4 persons carry the traveler) ,pony and helicopter rides saving them the trouble of having to climb steep stairs which are sometimes dangerous due to snow and rain.
• Carry less of baggage and be comfortable than burdening yourselves with loads of luggage. Being light and buy and blend in is the key.
• Carrying the required medication and warm clothes while visiting places like Manali, Jammu, Shimla, and other places low in temperatures is essential.
• Cotton clothing is best suited for Indian climate and could be worn at other places with moderate temperatures.
• Rajasthan is an ideal place for excellent forts & monuments, exceptional handicrafts, bright colored ethnic clothes and Heritage & Cultural sites . People of Rajasthan are cooperative and are of great help and extend necessary help & support.
• You can always take help from families & elder people whenever & wherever required. It is advised to take certain precautions like avoid traveling with too much of cash or goods which might land you into trouble. Also avoid wearing expensive jewelry & other expensive ornaments. Take proper care of your travel documents & passport.
• While traveling by auto rickshaw, by no means get into it if the vehicle has another person accompanying the driver. This could spell trouble for senior travelers who are possible soft targets.
• Discourage undue attention or advances by certain anti-social elements. Take help of people or inform the nearest Police Station/ Booth in case of an emergency.

India is a protective and conservative country especially when it comes to its women.Some western habits do not go well with Indian culture when it concerns women.At the same time it is a great place for women travelers with few necessary precautions taken now and then.

• India is by and large perfectly safe for women travelers, even for those women who are travel alone. But in heavily visited places like Goa, Rajasthan and Hampi it is advised not to walk alone in secluded spots, especially after dark.
• Women are expected to dress modestly covering themselves well. Many people may not agree to women wearing shorts and short skirts in India. Dressing graciously and staying well groomed improves the impression that is made on the local people. It helps lessen eve-teasing and sexual harassment.
• People are fully-clothed at beaches too.Be sure to find out the right attire for the beach you are visiting. (In some places like Goa, where visitors to the beach are mostly foreigners, it is alright to wear bikinies on the beach but it is still offensive to be dressed in western swim wear away from the beach).
• There are usually cars reserved only for women in local trains and few seats in the front in some buses,these could be used to avoid unnecessary interactions with impolite men .
• Friendly chats with men that are strangers is considered flirtatious, this could often lead to sexual advances. Its best advised to befriend woman than men in most cases.

* Dressing in traditional Indian clothes like Salwar Kameez or a saree will in general earn Western women more respect .A little interest and liking towards Indian culture and traditions will help break the ice and helps the situation get more friendly.
* Places like discos and night clubs are less conservative and could be visited to let the hair down.
* Outside bigger cities, it is unusual for people of the opposite sex to pat or touch each other in public spaces. Therefore it’s best to say a polite namastey than shake hands unless the other person willingly offers one.
* Young women should be cautious about being at isolated and lonely places at nighttime. Cities are usually safe. It is commonsensical that one should take proper care if one is out after dark.
* Festivals like Holi, New Years and Christmas Eve are heavily crowded and women are soft targets for impolite passes and aggressive sexual advances, it’s advised not to be alone at such times and always be in the company of reliable acquaintances.
* Except in major cities women do not smoke. A woman who smokes/drinks is associated to being too open in much fof the country’s growing middle class.
* In general you will find that there is respect and great concern for your safety and wellbeing. People sometimes go out of their way to help and assist you, just that you need to follow certain precautionary safety measures for a smooth and pleasurable travel.