India cultural holidays & responsible tourism

2 minute summary Best time to visit Map & highlights The Taj Mahal Cooking & food Palaces in Rajasthan Art & handicrafts Temples & religion in India Advice Responsible tourism All our India guides

India cultural holidays & responsible tourism

There are a lot of new cultural norms to adjust to when you travel to India and just as local people greet their guests with respect, we should return the compliment. Sometimes we aren’t aware that we are transgressing cultural norms, or causing offence, so do please read our tips below.

Our India culture Holidays

Dress codes

Being aware of cultural sensitivity is very important when it comes to dress sense in India. For women, in particular, showing bare legs, shoulders and wearing low cut tops are a faux pas. And, in fact, if you cover yourself with light cotton, it is actually cooler as the sun isn’t hitting your skin. Women should also have a shawl to cover their head in a temple or mosque.

It can be confusing, as many Western women find traditional saris quite revealing. Some cover all the skin, and others let plenty of it hang out, especially above the waist. In the desert heat of Rajasthan, for example, it isn’t unusual to see bellies, backs and a bit of breast hanging out, all to keep cool. And in some of the big cities, you will see most women under a certain age dressing in ways that follow Western fashions, with all the usual high street stores doing their bit. So it does vary. But if in doubt, especially in rural areas and in places of worship, keep it covered.

Sophie Hartman, owner of our supplier Chinkara Journeys, specialising in central India:

“I’ve really struggled with people whom I’ve specially asked to dress modestly (we operate in a very under-visited part of India where people aren’t used to seeing white people, let alone bare white legs and arms) who’ve then emerged in shorts and a strappy top and asked the guesthouse owner if they’re ok as they are. Hotel owners are far too polite to say anything and although everyone is lovely where we work, local people are embarrassed.”

Religion & places of worship

The majority of Indians identify as being Hindu, other religions being Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Bahá'í. In just about all places of worship, temple, mosque or gurdwara, remove your shoes before entering. And don’t presume that you will enter, either. Some temples in Kerala, for example, are closed to non worshippers, and if they do invite you in, men will be asked to remove shirts. Women must be well covered, head to toe.

The same goes for mosques where non practitioners are usually not invited in, certainly not women. Under no circumstances should you take photographs at any place of worship, even at weddings and particularly not funerals.

Religion & places of worship

Language in India

Hindi is the main language in India although, as there are 22 official languages in the country, English is often used as a common denominator. However, it does show a huge amount of respect to learn some Hindi. Here are some common phrases:

Dhanyavad = thank you, although not used willy nilly in India, so don’t think local people rude if they don’t say it.

For a more formal, ‘thank you from the bottom of my heart’ say Shukryia, from Urdu.

Kitna hai = how much?

Aap keise hain? = How are you?

Meal times

For many visitors to India, the hardest thing to get used to is eating with your hands. However, once you get used to it you won’t want to go back to cutlery. Food is about all the senses in India. You touch it, smell it and then taste it. In urban areas, you are more likely to be given cutlery, but try not to feel weird about eating with your hands. The other thing you need to get used to is eating with your right hand only. This is very important as the left hand is considered unclean. Remember this when go to break bread too. Right is right. And wash your hands well before and after meals; this is all part of the ritual.

You can read more here about eating etiquette in India. Or just go on one of our food and cooking holidays. No better way to learn about all the tricks and treats.

Charitable donations

Always seek advice from your holiday company before bringing charitable donations. Giving pens to children in India is always done with good intentions of course. But it has got a little out of hand and kids bunk off school to get pens, stockpile and sell them. If you really want to donate, ask about a good local charity to support. Most responsible holiday companies will have an association with a local charity which is sustainable and transparent.

If you do want to donate items while in India, remember that you can often source products locally and then distribute them accordingly. With pens and school gifts, always give them to a head teacher to distribute, rather than to the children directly. Please note that we do not support trips to orphanages. Read more about our stance on ‘orphanage tourism'.

Photography

India is a photographers’ nirvana with colourful fabrics, fascinating cultural scenes, stunning landscapes, rituals and festivals. However, it is very important to be responsible when it comes to taking photographs. Always ask and resist the temptation to click without conversation, remembering how you would want to be treated back home. Would you want someone taking a picture of your children without asking, or sticking a camera in your face as you went about your daily tasks? You won’t die if you don’t get that shot.

Photography

More about India culture

Best time to visit

The best time to go on an India culture holiday depends on your idea of cultural greatness. It’s a big country with lots of climate variations...

India cultural holidays guide

This India cultural holiday guide is for India newbies who want to know where to start, or India aficionados on where to go next...

India culture map & highlights

Take a look at our map and highlights of cultural holidays in India. From classics like the Golden Triangle to southern belles like Kerala and lesser known Karnataka...

The Taj Majal

The Taj Mahal sets the standard for romance. Learn how to ge there as well as places to see nearby, including the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri...

Cooking & food

India is a veritable feast, and exploring it through food will give you the best insight into its culture, history, geography and stuff your faceology...

Staying in Indian palaces in Rajasthan

Even if for only one night, do stay in one of Rajasthan’s palaces. You’ll be in a state of joy, shock, self indulgence and excitement all rolled into one...

Arts & handicrafts in India

Indian art and handicrafts are simply exquisite and this really is a country packed with master craftspeople. You just need to know where to go. Read on for tips...