If you are a first time visitor to India, you would like to
know what precautions/preparations should you know of. The most popular holiday
themes for India are beaches, wildlife,
culture, pilgrimages and luxury trains.
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| Palace on Wheels'started it first commercial journey |
There are several destinations in India
that cater to the above themes and are quite popular with local and
international tourists alike.
Of the above themes, luxury train travel has
really caught the fancy of international visitors. But there is a certain
etiquette of train travel in India one must know about.
To make things easier,
enlisted here are a few Do’s and Don’ts that you should keep in mind taking
train tours in India.
Respect All Places of
Worship
Most luxury train itineraries feature trips to places of
worship, each having its own set of beliefs and code of conduct. Respect them
and follow them. For instance, when visiting a Gurudwara, it is mandatory for
both men and women to cover their head. Shoes
and other footwear should be taken off before entering a
temple/mosque/Gurudwara. Also, most of these places forbid photography. So you might want to check with the
authorities before flipping your camera out.
Dress Up Right
People living in India wear a combination of traditional and
western clothes. The dress code is chosen on the basis of occasion. If you are
attending an Indian marriage or festival, you will find men’s and women’s
wearing Sherwanis and Saris. Western outfits are good if you are visiting bars
and pubs. If you are heading to Goa, swim suits and trunks are preferable for
women and men respectively. For women, it is very important to cover their legs
and shoulders when visiting temples.
Do Not Encourage
Beggary
In India, you will see a lot of beggars. Although you might want
to sympathize and give them money, you should avoid doing the same at all
costs. It is advisable to avoid people who are trying to provide unwanted help
as these are mostly touts looking to make an easy buck from you.
Whatever you do, do not stay aloof and snobbish as it will
only lessen the fun quotient. Have a great time on Indian trains!
