How to Reach Kalasa & Get Around

Squat toilets are the norm outside cities - Practice at home if you've never used one; they're actually more hygienic when used correctly.

Know the local emergency number - 112 is the universal emergency number in India, connecting to police, fire, and ambulance.

Backup photos regularly - Internet cafes and shops can transfer photos to hard drives or cloud storage. Don't risk losing everything.

Marriage customs differ wildly - From elaborate multi-day Punjabi weddings to simpler Bengali ceremonies to unique northeastern tribal weddings.

Teaching English opportunities exist - Especially in smaller cities and rural areas, though most positions require commitment of months.

North Indian food is what most foreigners know - Butter chicken, naan, and paneer dishes are Punjabi/North Indian, not representative of the whole country.

Caste dynamics vary by state - More prominent and rigid in some northern states, less defining in urban south and northeast where tribal identities matter more.

Touching feet shows respect in North India - This gesture of reverence to elders is common in northern states but less so in the south or northeast.

Drone regulations are strict - You need permits to fly drones in India. Assume it's prohibited unless you have explicit permission.

Road travel takes longer than expected due to congestion

Americans can get 10-year multi-entry tourist visas

Coffee versus tea preference - South India is coffee country with filter kaapi culture; North prefers masala chai; both available everywhere but quality varies.

Visit Hampi for stunning boulderscape landscapes

Indians generally don't start their days early