10 cultural tips you need to know before traveling to India

When traveling to India, the first thing you need to keep in mind is to learn about their culture and traditions. Learning how to greet, behave, and eat properly will help you have a comfortable trip and please the locals.

1. Do not touch books or musical instruments with your feet

From an early age, Indian children are taught that books are knowledge. Their country even worships the Goddess of Learning – Saraswati. Therefore, touching a book with your foot or kicking a school bag (with books inside) is considered disrespectful. In addition, all school supplies (including a pencil) should be treated with the same respect.

2. Don't be afraid to explore Indian street food

Discovering food is the most exciting experience when you travel abroad and India has a very rich culinary scene. Look for stores with fresh foods, avoid dairy products as they can sometimes go bad, and avoid ice, tap or unboiled water. In general, you should visit a restaurant that looks clean and crowded.

3. Don't be too polite

Saying 'please' and 'thank you' is common in Western countries. But if you use it a lot in India, you might be seen as rude or impolite. With friends and family, being polite can sometimes create unnecessary stress.

4. Use your right hand only when giving or taking things

The right hand is believed to be a symbol of purity and good luck in many cultures. In India, the left hand is used to clean shoes, feet, and generally do dirty work. Since the left hand is considered unclean, when giving food, drink or something to others in this country, you need to use your right hand to show respect.

10 cultural tips you need to know before traveling to India.

5. Don't point fingers

Usually, we will use the index finger to point the way. However, in India, pointing at objects or places is considered rude and impolite. If you want to give someone directions or something, you need to use both your palm or your thumb. This is gentler and more polite manners when in India.

6. Use cash

If the place you visit is a small town in India, you should be prepared to pay in cash. In big cities, malls, restaurants and shops, you can use a credit or debit card, but that's pretty rare. But in general, Indians prefer to use cash, so be prepared. 

7. Not everyone can speak English

Of course, you can use English in big cities, restaurants, hotels or shops that specialize in tourists. But when visiting a small village or shop in India, you should use the native language of the natives.

Spending time meeting foreigners and hearing their mother tongue can really benefit you. You can learn a new language, get acquainted with a new culture.

8. Learn the traditional greeting

You can show respect to India (and other countries) by learning about their culture and traditional greetings. One of the commonly used greetings is 'namaste'. When you speak, put your palms together and bow your head. If you want to be more formal, you can use the word 'namaskar'.

9. Don't show affection in public

Showing affection in public is considered a rather private affair. You are not allowed to show affection in public in India, as it may upset the locals. Avoid holding hands or making overly affectionate gestures in public as other people will stare at you and you could even go to jail.

10. Dress modestly and neatly

When visiting India, one of the most important things you need to keep in mind is how to present yourself. This is a rather conservative country, so show respect for their culture and people as much as you can. The first factor that impresses them is the tourist's outfit. Therefore, even if it is hot, you should still dress modestly. Not dressing too revealing or out of the ordinary will help you feel comfortable and look like a local. 

When visiting a sacred tourist site, remember to wrap a scarf around your head to show respect and courtesy.