10 Tips while travelling in Rural India
This
information is not meant to act as a deterrent to travel,
but to ensure that you have a pleasant experience. The
people are generally very warm and will welcome you with
open arms. The material comforts maybe missing, but then
that is more than compensated with the experience of a
gentler lifestyle – an easy pace – and interactions
which have a human touch.
1.
Wash your hands and Drink Bottled water.
One
of the most common causes for indigestion / diarrhea
is infection from water. It is always safe to wash your
hands before eating. The hot and humid climate makes
it imperative to drink a lot of water. Bottled water
from International brands of Pepsi or Coke or large
Indian brands e.g. Bisleri, Kingfisher, Himalaya, Oxyrich
etc. are preferable. If you will be located at a single
place for a longer period of time, larger pack sizes
of 25 Lts work out much more economical.
2. Eating
Preferably
eat food that is cooked. It is better to be more discriminating
when eating meats or sea Food. Packaged food / Snacks
are safe and freely available throughout the country.
Familiarize yourself with the more common local vegetarian
cuisines available – it is always easier when
placing an order.
3. Weather
Most
of the country is scalding hot in the summer months
of March to May. Venture out in the mid day sun only
if you have the appetite for it.
The
monsoons could also play spoil sport during July-August
2010. When it rains – it pours – most umbrellas
will fail to protect you during those downpours. The
flip side is that during monsoons, most of the rural
countryside becomes extremely beautiful, and the fields/terrain
becomes lush green with thick vegetation.
However,
geographically India is a vast country and the climate
variations are extremely different in different locales.
E.g. Locales in the Hills / mountains are pleasant and
cool even in a harsh summer. Please read up on the climate
for the place in question before you venture.
4. Mosquito Nets and Coils
Always
carry some kind of mosquito repellent handy. Mosquito
Coils and Mats are generally available even in the most
humble places in Rural India. A Net could prove handy
if you are planning to stay in a Tent or some make shift
accommodation. It will prevent insects of all sizes
and dimensions.
5. Peoples Houses & Places of worship
Please
dress sensibly so as not to offend local customs or
sensibilities. In most Indian households, it is a common
practice to remove your shoes before you enter the house.
Similar is the case with Temples. Avoid wearing an expensive
pair of shoes. These are prone to theft at Temples,
when left unattended. A pair of simple Indian made Hawaiian
slippers available for less than $ 2 will do the job.
6. Electricity
Always
carry a couple of spare sets of Batteries for all your
equipment. Power can be a problem and power outages
are not uncommon. A voltage stabilizer will be handy
if you are planning to extensively use some electronic
equipment.
7. Shopping
Most
packaged and manufactured products will always have
the price quoted on it with the Acronym – MRP
– Maximum Retail Price. Insist on paying only
so much and no more. In case of non packaged products
e.g. Fruits, loose garments, etc. you may wish to take
a quote from a couple of places before you plunge to
make the purchase.
8. Other Useful Items
Although
most items of basic consumption e.g. soaps, toothpastes,
bottled water etc will be readily available in most
Indian villages, a few extras such as Toilet Paper,
a Torch, Candle should also be kept handy. Some Chocolates/Energy
Bars, and packaged snacks will also be prove useful,
incase regular cuisine is not available. Keep standard
medicines with you in case of indigestion or flu etc.
9. Travelling Around
Travelling
about can be a challenge if you are used to the comforts
of an Air conditioned vehicles on smooth wide Avenues.
The most common modes of transport are the 3 wheeled
rickshaws which can be used to ferry a large number
of passengers at a time. If you hire a small independent
3 wheeled Rickshaw, you will have to negotiate the price
upfront.
Bus
Journeys are safer and better for longer journeys.
10.
Beggars
Please
exercise caution when giving alms. If you give one,
it will only encourage a few more and it may get a little
tiresome to shake them off.
If you still have further doubts, please feel free to
contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you.
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