Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund & More: Yamunotri Timings & Fees

Participate in langar at gurdwaras - Free community meals at Sikh temples are open to all. It's a beautiful experience of equality and service.

Metro systems are excellent in major cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata have clean, air-conditioned, affordable metro systems that bypass traffic.

Arm-in-arm is borderline acceptable in cities - Linking arms (especially when one person needs support) is somewhat tolerated in progressive urban areas.

Dress modestly - long, loose, flowing clothes are best

Public restrooms charge small fees - Usually 2-10 rupees for use. The paid ones are generally cleaner than free ones.

Aloo paratha makes a perfect breakfast

Build trust slowly - start with walls up

One day in India can be more profound than years at home

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) dominates - Even small street vendors use UPI payment apps, but as a foreigner, setting this up requires an Indian bank account and phone number.

Hindus don't eat beef; many are vegetarian

Shared auto-rickshaws follow fixed routes - These are incredibly cheap but only go along predetermined paths. Ask locals about the routes.

Vegetarian options are abundant and excellent

This is mainly an Indian/Pakistani phenomenon

Lalbagh in Bangalore offers peaceful respite

Exchange money at authorized dealers only - Avoid black market money changers who often use sleight of hand tricks to shortchange you.