How to Reach Wellington & Get Around

Festival dates change yearly - Most Indian festivals follow the lunar calendar. Check specific dates for your travel year.

Tipping expectations differ - More expected in metropolitan areas and tourist states like Goa; less customary in smaller towns and conservative states.

Interstate alcohol transport is illegal - Don't carry alcohol across state lines. You can be fined or arrested, especially entering dry states.

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

Rajasthani food is designed for desert climate - Less water content, more ghee, and longer shelf life characterize Rajasthani cuisine due to historical scarcity.

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

Bengali culture emphasizes intellectual discourse - Coffee house debates and literary discussions are cultural institutions in Kolkata unlike elsewhere.

Kissing is absolutely taboo - Even a peck on the cheek in public can cause serious problems, from verbal harassment to police intervention.

Hyderabad blends cultures - Some areas influenced by tech culture are accepting; traditional areas remain conservative.

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

Youth unemployment fuels moral policing - Young men with time and frustration sometimes harass couples as an outlet.

Religious conservatism influences all faiths - Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities in India tend toward conservative views on sexuality and affection.

Don't assume Western acceptance levels - India's legal progress hasn't translated to social acceptance. Exercise extreme caution regardless of laws.

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