The seventh largest country in the world, India offers a great deal of surprises for the traveler. It’s a good idea to know about it before you arrive.
– Holding hands among people of the same sex is very common in India; it doesn’t mean they are gay. You will come across men holding hands or putting their arms around their friends, this is a fairly common sight you may find at railway stations, on busy roads, at pedestrian junctions, in restaurant or in malls. Women do likewise, though being shy, it is uncommon. While in other parts of the world, holding hands may be ascribed to being gay, this isn’t the case in most instances in India.
– Driving on roads without dividing lines is very common in India, else where it would have been a one way street. Here it’s a multi way street! It’s a common sight which leaves most visitors shell shocked and say `I can’t believe this.’ If coming on a vacation to India, remember roads are the lifeline in more ways than one can imagine. In cities and towns you find anything that moves is probably on the street, ranging from pedestrians, to hand carts, two wheelers (meant for two, may actually carry four), three wheelers (some dating back to the early sixties), BMW’s Mercedes, multi axle coaches, trailers, trucks and in many instances cows, buffaloes, sheep and goat. Be prepared, this is daily life ritual in India – the key word is making use of every inch of available space and managing to squeeze through. Blowing of horns is freely permitted, which is why we mention when you visit India you are exposed to sights and sounds, way above permissible levels, back home.
– You won’t get `no’ for an answer here. Call it Indian human traits; most of us do not like to say `no’ to a visitor. Try asking for directions, the stranger even if he isn’t in the know of things will always provide some answer. In all probability we consider it disrespectful to reply in the negative, a good reason to land up with our `foot in the mouth,’ at times!
– Indian doctors and medical practitioners are quite brilliant. Contrary to belief, should you ‘get the runs’ or any medical ailment, visit local doctors recommended by hotels you stay in. Best equipped to deal with these sicknesses, results will be positive. Indian doctors have a wealth of experience and in fact interns from many countries visit India for temporary internships in major cities of India. Delaying treatment may result in minor ailments turning out to be serious.
