Travel Tips for India that you won’t find in Guidebooks

India holds great promise for local as well as foreign backpackers. There’s so much to explore in the sub-continental land, that one trip will lead to the planning of another, and then another and another. However, one bad experience and the dark blotch will end all of that enthusiasm. And going by the recent ill-name that India has gained for itself due to media turning into the rape capital of the world; people have become apprehensive about solo traveling and backpacking to India. But to say the least, facts, when exaggerated (as is the work of the Media), make a mound look like Everest. So Before you pack your bags, get your cheap flight tickets from the USA to India. Like the rest of the world, India has its fair share of black and white, and but mostly the shades of grey.

So be ready to take it all with open arms. Ensure an enriching backpacking trip to India by following these guidelines

1. Bag in a Bag

Let’s start with the good things first. While getting your backpack ready, add another easy folding bag inside.

You are up for a unique shopping experience. The diversity of the sub-continent is well evident in the markets too.

2. Carry your Hygiene with you

India is definitely not the cleanest of places you’ll visit. If you are not used to being in dust and pollution, do carry with yourself sanitizers, tissues, anti-allergics with you all the time.

The fear of getting wet cannot stop you from enjoying the rain. Also, book the cheapest flight ticket to India by start looking well in advance.

3. Don’t Trust the Bottled Water

This fact cannot be denied that in India, even the sealed mineral water bottles may contain contaminated water. SO check carefully if the seal seems to be loose, don’t buy.

4. Rickshaws will Charge you Triple

The dollar is a richer currency than the Indian rupee, and that is all it needs for the rickshawalas and taxi drivers to ask for exorbitant charges.

Another thing, they don’t usually like to go by the meter. But if you have prior information, bargaining or little firmness can put things straight. So, you should start your trip by saving on your airfare. Book cheap airline ticket deals to India, online.

5. Check the bathroom

If you are a regular backpacker, you’ll not have many problems adjusting with changing environments, however for some washrooms still become a major concern.

If you are staying at budget accommodation in India, chances are you find squat toilets, so do make an inquiry before checking in.

6. Handle the Attention You Get

For Indian foreigners hold great charm. People may gaze at you with amazement. This is true primarily if you are traveling to the rural nooks and corners, however, it might happen in cities too at times.

So don’t mind the attention. If there’s no mischief in their eyes you see, just return a smile.

7. Avoid Night Escapades

This goes, especially for women. Barring Mumbai, Goa or Delhi, at most places in India, the lights go dim. It is not safe to venture outside.

If you have to, it is best to go out in groups. Carry with your flashlight, pepper spray as a safety measure.