Sadarbazar Textile Market, Narayanganj Industrial Heritage Museum & More: Narayanganj Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit Timings & Fees

Tax rates change at borders - GST is uniform, but local taxes on hotels, restaurants, and services vary by state government.

Punjabi culture is more effusive and loud - Punjabis tend to be boisterous, warm, and physically expressive compared to more reserved southern cultures.

Interstate passes for monuments - ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) passes work across states at central government monuments. Buy if visiting many sites.

Lying down together in parks is forbidden - Couples lying on grass together, even fully clothed, will face harassment from police or moral vigilantes.

Kerala uses coconut in everything - Coconut oil, coconut milk, and grated coconut appear in nearly every dish, creating distinctive flavors.

Heritage hotels provide discretion - Upscale heritage properties understand international guests and offer privacy and non-judgment.

Standing close while queuing is tolerated - In lines or crowds, standing near each other is acceptable and practical.

Prices vary enormously by state - A meal costing ₹60 in Varanasi might cost ₹250 in Goa or ₹400 in Mumbai for similar quality.

Budget doubles in tourist seasons - Hill stations cost more in summer, beach destinations in winter, and everywhere during Diwali and New Year.

South Indians shake hands more readily - Physical greetings vary; south tends toward handshakes while north prefers namaste from a distance.

Arms around waist or shoulders is provocative - This level of physical intimacy is seen as sexual and inappropriate in public spaces.

Script changes every few states - Devanagari in the north, Bengali/Assamese script in the east, Dravidian scripts in the south. Street signs can be unreadable.

Hotel staff may refuse unmarried couples - Some hotels won't allow unmarried couples to share rooms, especially if you've been seen being affectionate.

Prolonged hugging attracts negative attention - Brief goodbye hugs at airports might be tolerated, but sustained embracing will draw crowds and criticism.

Travel insurance must cover adventure activities - Standard policies often exclude trekking, rafting, or other adventure sports. Get appropriate coverage.