By and large, India is a very hospitable place to visit. Take care to avoid religious offence, however. In particular, respect all religious faiths: do not touch a holy man, do not pose for photographs on religious statues and remove shoes and socks when entering temples. Try to find out as much as you can before you arrive, read about the religion and culture, learn about local rules and values, and even learn some of the language. Be sensitive to cultural difference. Note that kissing and cuddling is frowned upon in public. On the whole, remember that patience, friendliness and courtesy are highly valued virtues that will win you the respect and confidence of the Indian people. If you give the impression of being from a different country, the chances are that you might be stared at. This may seem over-familiar to some, but it is merely curiosity and you should not take offence. Indians believe in sharing happiness or sorrow and a festival is never far away.
Perhaps India’s most popular state, it’s not hard to see why – long sandy beaches backed by endless coconut groves, the languid tropical waterways of the Backwaters and beautiful jungle-covered hills that are home to tigers and other wildlife.
