Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures, Elephant Falls & More: Shillong Timings & Fees

Fabindia offers quality Indian clothing - This chain store has fixed prices and sells well-made traditional clothing suitable for foreigners.

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

State tourism websites offer deals - Each state's tourism portal has packages locals don't advertise. Check before booking accommodations.

Dress conservatively in conservative areas - Research your destination. What's acceptable in Goa isn't in rural Rajasthan or small temple towns.

Northeastern cuisine resembles Southeast Asian food - Fermented foods, bamboo shoots, pork, and lighter spices dominate Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.

Street photography is generally accepted - India's chaotic streets are photographic gold, but be respectful and unobtrusive.

Inter-state tensions exist in some regions - Be aware of sensitive border issues, particularly in northeastern states, Kashmir, and between some neighboring states.

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

Avoid all public displays if LGBTQ+ - Even in liberal cities, same-sex couples should avoid any physical affection in public spaces.

Connect cities by airline hubs - Flying Delhi-Mumbai-Goa is often cheaper than Delhi-Goa direct. Use hubs strategically for multi-state trips.

Coastal states excel at seafood - Kerala, Goa, Odisha, and West Bengal have incredible fish and seafood preparations impossible to find inland.

Private operators fill interstate gaps - Companies like VRL, SRS, and Orange Travels run long-distance buses between states where government services don't.

Altitude sickness preparations needed - Moving to Ladakh, Sikkim, or Himachal hills requires Diamox and acclimatization time that beach states don't need.