India is still largely a traditional country, and knowing how to dress can mean the difference between a pleasant journey and many wonderful moments of contact with some of the warmest people on earth — or a sea of hassles.
In spite of what you see in Bollywood movies, most Indians still favour modest, traditional clothing – and you may find that you enjoy your time in India more if you do too. This is especially true once you leave inner city Delhi and Mumbai, or if you go to any social occasions (such as weddings), festivals (such as Diwali or Holi) or to religious gatherings, temples, gurdwaras and mosques. And it’s true in places frequented by lots of tourists.
Though Rajasthan is the Indian state most visited by tourists, it is still one of the most traditional and conservative – and this is amply evident by the way people dress, work and live. Personally, I think it is wise when in Rajasthan to do as the Rajasthanis do. Read on for tips on how to dress for social success in India. (more…)
India is a shopper’s paradise. You just can’t beat the combination India offers: an incredible variety of gorgeous items, often hand-made, at temptingly low prices. For higher cost items, such as pashmina shawls, make sure you know what you are buying; and that the dealer is reputable. Here’s a list of the top 10 things to buy in India. (more…)