India travel FAQ

Yes, there are. This is something that concerns the locals too. The most problematic bills are the 500 and 1000 INR notes. Here a couple of guides to differentiate the fake notes from real: 9 ways to identify the fake from real Currency security features It is advisable to check the currency you receive after every transaction. Note: Damaged notes are tougher to use for transactions, do not accept torn/mended notes.

Read this post on dealing with touts in SE Asia.  Applies just as well to touts in India.  

This depends on where you are shopping. In shopping malls, fixed price shops ( these have clearly marked signage either outside or inside the shop) bargaining is a waste of breath, you could try if you want, the worst you will hear is a No or a  gentle nod towards the “Fixed Price” sign.   That said, bargaining is a normal way of conducting business in night markets, souvenir stalls and even when booking local transport. Mastering the skill of…

Begging is illegal in India and yet during your travels to this culturally rich country, scenes of abject poverty and homeless people are inescapable. Watching a person/families and children beg for spare change is a heart-wrenching thing to witness, and it will always be a difficult and a confusing choice on how to deal with this situation. A good way to start, is to follow the lead of the locals – i.e. ignore the beggars completely and if they get…

Most definitely. Flying on Indian domestic airlines, is as safe as flying anywhere else and certainly safer than travel on the Indian highways. That said, while most popular tourist destinations have airports in close proximity and flights between destinations are pretty frequent, it is not guaranteed that all destinations on your travel plan will all have airports. Hence, you may have to plan your transportation to include part air and part road/rail modes of transport. This website gives pretty good…

Asking this question, is like asking for a one fits all global itinerary. Here are 4 key aspects that would help you with planning your itinerary:  1. India is huge Cyclopean huge, Himalayan huge. Everything you plan in this country, should be based around this piece of information. This country is very, very large and hence very, very diverse. 2. Figure out what experiences you are looking forward to most Understanding what you most enjoy doing and what things are…

India in the recent past, has gained a reputation of being an unsafe place to travel, especially if you are a lone female traveler. This reputation is not entirely undeserved. Based on the current events that have gained global exposure, the most heinous crime that you would be worried about is sexual assault. In reality though, the most disturbing thing, that you are likely to encounter is random people staring at you. Let me explain. The general population is not…