Most foreigners who lands up in this sub-continent makes New Delhi or Mumbai their gateway. More than often this people get a rude shock on their arrival which kinda shapes their rest remaining trip(1st impression is the last impression). If this is your first visit to India then here are some little things you should keep in mind before you step into our soil ensuring to avoid that rude shock
1.Most major airports in our country including Delhi and Bombay has been modernized or newly built confirming to International standards. However make no mistake as soon as you step outside the terminal building you are about to face the real India. So if no one is coming to pick you up on your arrival then it would be wise to book a cab from the recognized cab company like Meeru,Avis,Easy cabs all of whom has booking office inside airport. This will ensure a hassle free travel to your destination since they are professionally managed and nullifies the possibility of getting cheated .
2. As soon as you come out of the terminal you will be bombarded with touts offering sweet deals ranging from "taxi sir/madam to cheap hotels need?".What you have to do is very simple: IGNORE
3. If you are not already aware of this already then let me enlighten you !we are the craziest drivers on the planet. We have minimum regard for traffic rule so do not expect a smooth ride. Prepare yourself as if you are getting into a rollercoaster. Car,bus,autorickshaw(tuktuk),bullock cart,people will come from all sides of the road. People will attempt to overtake your vehicle from every possible angle, and even though roads have lanes earmarked they do not mean anything to us apart from unnecessary paint wasted to decorate streets. Try to divert your attention by plugging your Ipod and reading some magazine or newspaper or taking a nap.This way you won't realize how close your car came to banging on to that bike and you will be at your destination before you know it.
4. Sightseeing: Departing from airport when your vehicle makes a stop at the red light (traffic :) ) you will notice both grown ups and children looking dirty and malnourished banging on your window asking for money or wants to sell something like incense sticks. You might feel pity and part with few Rupees thinking your money will let that poor kid buy some food. WRONG!!! Your money in all probability will be used for drugs or taken away by their gang leader.So you should know by now what you have to do :IGNORE
( if you want to make a donation or volunteer for the economically under privileged contact registered NGOs like CRY,Save the Children,Pratham etc)
5. Now that you have reached your hotel there are certain things you should always keep in mind if its a budget accommodation ,Always have a look at the room before checking in. Pay attention to toilet with focus on the functionality of flush and availability of water 24/7. Also look out for bed bugs and mosquitoes which can be a major nuisance .
6. Now that you have settled in and can't wait to explore the city keep in mind certain things before venturing out :
a. Never carry too much cash and even if situation forces you to do so make sure to divide the money i two - three equal amounts and store it separately.Example : If you are carrying Rs 400 in hundred denomination make sure you have two hundred rupee notes in your wallet and rest somewhere else like backpack or even socks/underwear.
b.Always carry your own bottle of mineral water. Avoid drinking water from roadside eateries to avoid infections.
c. If its summer and day time then do not forget to apply sunscreen lotion and carry shades/ umbrellas. It can be hot and when i say hot i mean scorching hot!!!
This is all i can think of right now if you have any queries regarding anything...write a comment here!
1.Most major airports in our country including Delhi and Bombay has been modernized or newly built confirming to International standards. However make no mistake as soon as you step outside the terminal building you are about to face the real India. So if no one is coming to pick you up on your arrival then it would be wise to book a cab from the recognized cab company like Meeru,Avis,Easy cabs all of whom has booking office inside airport. This will ensure a hassle free travel to your destination since they are professionally managed and nullifies the possibility of getting cheated .
2. As soon as you come out of the terminal you will be bombarded with touts offering sweet deals ranging from "taxi sir/madam to cheap hotels need?".What you have to do is very simple: IGNORE
3. If you are not already aware of this already then let me enlighten you !we are the craziest drivers on the planet. We have minimum regard for traffic rule so do not expect a smooth ride. Prepare yourself as if you are getting into a rollercoaster. Car,bus,autorickshaw(tuktuk),bullock cart,people will come from all sides of the road. People will attempt to overtake your vehicle from every possible angle, and even though roads have lanes earmarked they do not mean anything to us apart from unnecessary paint wasted to decorate streets. Try to divert your attention by plugging your Ipod and reading some magazine or newspaper or taking a nap.This way you won't realize how close your car came to banging on to that bike and you will be at your destination before you know it.
4. Sightseeing: Departing from airport when your vehicle makes a stop at the red light (traffic :) ) you will notice both grown ups and children looking dirty and malnourished banging on your window asking for money or wants to sell something like incense sticks. You might feel pity and part with few Rupees thinking your money will let that poor kid buy some food. WRONG!!! Your money in all probability will be used for drugs or taken away by their gang leader.So you should know by now what you have to do :IGNORE
( if you want to make a donation or volunteer for the economically under privileged contact registered NGOs like CRY,Save the Children,Pratham etc)
5. Now that you have reached your hotel there are certain things you should always keep in mind if its a budget accommodation ,Always have a look at the room before checking in. Pay attention to toilet with focus on the functionality of flush and availability of water 24/7. Also look out for bed bugs and mosquitoes which can be a major nuisance .
6. Now that you have settled in and can't wait to explore the city keep in mind certain things before venturing out :
a. Never carry too much cash and even if situation forces you to do so make sure to divide the money i two - three equal amounts and store it separately.Example : If you are carrying Rs 400 in hundred denomination make sure you have two hundred rupee notes in your wallet and rest somewhere else like backpack or even socks/underwear.
b.Always carry your own bottle of mineral water. Avoid drinking water from roadside eateries to avoid infections.
c. If its summer and day time then do not forget to apply sunscreen lotion and carry shades/ umbrellas. It can be hot and when i say hot i mean scorching hot!!!
This is all i can think of right now if you have any queries regarding anything...write a comment here!
