Travel to India: 10 Things You Must Know

Traveling to India may require a lot of courage for many people. Whether it's hygiene conditions or religious culture, all kinds of unknowns and discomforts become an invisible high wall that deters us from traveling to India. In fact, traveling to any country requires attention to certain points and adherence to local taboos. Learning more about the local customs and culture before departure helps you prepare better and makes your trip smoother.

Yes, cows are everywhere in India. In the eyes of Hindus, cows are the incarnation of Nandi, the sacred mount of Lord Shiva, and are thus considered holy and inviolable. Beyond religion, since agriculture is a traditional industry in India, cows can plow fields and produce dairy products; cow dung can be used as building material, fuel, and fertilizer... All these factors give cows a status akin to that of parents who provide food and clothing in Indian culture. Here, cows are not killed, eaten, harmed, or disrespected.

 

In many countries, there’s a cultural taboo against touching people’s heads, and India is no exception. Although Indian children may look very cute, please avoid touching their heads casually.

India is generally a traditional and conservative country, where the concept of keeping physical contact between men and women to a minimum is strong. Male travelers should especially avoid shaking hands with Indian women and instead use a slight bow with palms pressed together as a greeting. Additionally, it’s common to see men holding hands on the streets in India—it’s a way for Indian men to show friendship. If you see this or suddenly find your hand being held, don’t be too surprised.

● India Has Three Seasons
India’s monsoon season runs from mid-June to mid-August. Due to the country’s road conditions, heavy rains can disrupt travel routes, so it’s best to avoid traveling during the monsoon. The period from November to March of the following year is the cool season, which is the best time to visit India.
※ The three main seasons are: Cool Season (November–March), Hot Season (April–June), and Monsoon Season (June–September)