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Do's and Don'ts in India for Tourists

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✅
Cultural Do's
❌
Cultural Don'ts
🛡️
Safety Rules
🍽️
Food & Hygiene
📸
Photography
⚖️
Legal Don'ts
🤝
Social Behavior
🌱
Environment

Do's and Don'ts in India for Tourists

India is a diverse country, where the culture, language, food and traditions of every state are different. Traveling to India is exciting for foreign tourists, but not understanding the cultural differences can also lead to uncomfortable situations.

This guide will help you understand the correct behaviour, cultural etiquette, safety rules and legal boundaries during your visit to India, so that your trip is safe, dignified and memorable.

✅ Cultural Do's (Do's)

Respect Religious Sites:

  • Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, gurudwaras and homes
  • Head coverings are required in Sikh gurudwaras and some mosques
  • Cover your shoulders and knees at religious places, take permission before taking photos
  • Walk clockwise around the sacred objects in the temples
  • Maintain peace at the time of worship or prayer

Use Respectful Greetings:

  • The most secure and respectful way is to shake hands by saying 'Namaste'
  • Address the elderly with a 'ji', wait for their consent before shaking hands with women

Be Patient and Flexible:

  • Do not get disturbed by the crowd and noise, adapt yourself to the local lifestyle

Use the right hand:

  • In temples, give and take things with the right hand
  • The left hand is considered to be associated with personal hygiene

Be courteous:

  • Bargaining is common in local markets and rickshaws
  • Offer 50-60% of the price mentioned at the beginning
  • Malls and branded shops have fixed prices

❌ Cultural Don'ts (what not to do)

Don't show love in public:

  • Avoid kissing, hugging, or being too close on the road
  • Be especially careful in conservative areas

Don't insult someone's head or feet:

  • Don't touch anyone's head
  • Don't put your feet towards people or religious objects
  • Apologise immediately if you're wrong

Don't use religious symbols:

  • Do not touch idols or religious objects without permission
  • Avoid religious jokes or comments
  • Don't wear pictures of God on your shoes

Don't wear inappropriate clothing:

  • Don't wear short dresses in religious places
  • Keep the middle clothes limited to the beach only
  • Plain and covered clothes stay better

🛡️ The Do's and Don'ts of Security

What to do:

  • Use Uber / Ola or a registered taxi
  • Keep your valuables in the hotel safe
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport
  • Drink only boiled water
  • Choose a hotel with good reviews
  • Save the emergency number

What not to do:

  • Do not roam alone at night
  • Do not show expensive jewelry or gadgets
  • Do not take food and drinks from strangers
  • Do not sit in a vehicle without a number plate
  • Do not keep much cash
  • Do not offer a taxi, book a taxi online

🍽️ Food and Hygiene Rules

What to do:

  • Drink bottled water
  • Eat fresh and hot food
  • Peel your own fruits
  • Choose a crowded restaurant

What not to do:

  • Don't use ice or water from unknown sources
  • Do not eat raw salad in the beginning
  • Don't buy cut fruits from the street
  • Don't eat a lot of fast food

📸 Photography Rules

What to do:

  • Ask permission before taking photos of people
  • Follow the 'No Photography' sign
  • Be respectful in poverty or sensitive situations

What not to do:

  • Don't take pictures of women without permission
  • Do not take photos of military, airport or government buildings
  • Don't take photos during worship

🤝 Social Behavior

What to do:

  • Accept hospitality
  • Take off your shoes before entering the house
  • Bring a small gift when you're invited
  • Try to speak a little Hindi

What not to do:

  • Don't get angry in public
  • Don't criticize politics or religion
  • Don't refuse food often
  • Don't point your finger

🌱 Environmental Responsibility

What to do:

  • Opt for eco-friendly options

What not to do:

  • Don't throw garbage around
  • Don't waste water
  • Don't disturb the animals

Related Guides

FAQs

Remove shoes before entering temples. Cover your shoulders and knees with modest clothing. Some religious places like Sikh gurudwaras and mosques require head coverings. Plain and covered clothes are always better at religious sites.
No, avoid kissing, hugging, or being too close on the road. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in conservative areas. Keep physical contact minimal in public places.
Always use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving items, and handshakes. The left hand is considered to be associated with personal hygiene and is not used for these purposes in Indian culture.
Yes, bargaining is common in local markets and with rickshaw drivers. You can offer 50-60% of the price mentioned at the beginning. However, malls and branded shops have fixed prices where bargaining is not expected.
Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially women. Follow 'No Photography' signs at religious sites and government buildings. Do not take photos of military, airport or government buildings, or during worship ceremonies without permission.
Taking or possessing drugs, public intoxication, violation of visa rules, photography of restricted areas, insulting the national flag or anthem, carrying antiques without permission, smoking in public places, and purchasing wildlife products are all illegal in India.
Yes, accept hospitality graciously as refusing can be seen as rude. Take off shoes before entering the house, bring a small gift when invited, and if they give you gifts or offer food, accept it with humility. However, don't give overly expensive gifts as it may make them uncomfortable.
Drink only bottled water, eat fresh and hot food, peel your own fruits, and choose crowded restaurants. Avoid ice, raw salad in the beginning, cut fruits from the street, and excessive fast food. These precautions help prevent stomach issues.