Travel Tips to India - part 2
By Dr. Gour Kanjilal
( Author Tourism Representative Govt Of India. )
Religion is a very sensitive for most Indians..so before entering religious place you should never forget to remove shoes. Specially in gurdwaras sikh temples you are required to cover your head, wash your hands and feet. It is a tradion to pay respect to the Holi book they worship. They even offer Prasad to all devotees. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. They even have some dress restrictions specially indecent dresses since hindus and Jain's are veggies hence leather products, shoes, are restricted. Do not point your feet back towards the Holy book, idol and Altar, Try to be seated cross legged. Some places photography restrictions are there. Ask if there are no information about photography or even fees.
Buddhist monastries try to follow a clockwise direction for spinning. Spinning prayer wheels or walking around the Stupas, as monks are in meditation a silence to be maintained, It is courtesy to remove the hat or lower your
umbrella with in the monastery. Simple purpose is to be respectful and be with local traditions.
Visit to indian bazzars, it is a real experience. Place is full of bright and beautiful things. handicrafts, silks, ethnic jewellery curios, you can shop till you drop thumb rule to get to bargain, don't go by rates they quote, be very selective.
Some of the goods could be fake or poor quality. Allways look around ,compare prices and then you like buy. But my advice will be to visit the State Emporia and the Central Cottage Industry. Often they have sales promotions specially at Khadi granm udyog shops and get Jawahar , Modi kurtas on real bargain. Please note Exporting items like Ivory Fur, Animal skins etc is illegal.If you must have it, obtain a certificate of legitimate sale and permission for export before leaving the country. Buying carpets , gems, jewellery is very attractive but markets are flooded with immitations.
Have an impact printed discussions . Empori prices are fixed , Never believe the Tours .They hang around the tourist spots who will take you with a promise to get you best discounts ,bargains but smart enough to put own commissions
By Dr. Gour Kanjilal
( Author Tourism Representative Govt Of India. )
