Mingling with Indians

India is all about cultures and colors. This is what we all believe and know because this is what it is about. Well, every place has some facts that are a bit negative which might be completely minute but need a lot of attention so that we do not become a victim of it. This might not even be a big issue for us but then it might hurt the emotions of the country where you go traveling. The words penned below are some tips which might help you in changing your body language according to the country you visit so that they embrace you with even more love. I got the chance to travel from JFK to Hyderabad and since that city has got Muslims in major and so a foreigner like me who booked flights from New York to Hyderabad without even knowing their dressing style problem faced criticism immediately. I do not want my friends to book New York to Hyderabad cheap flights without knowing about it all and come here to face the same. So this is for all you guys.

• Clothing: It is considered inappropriate to wear revealing clothing in India except in the major cities. This could mean miniskirts for women and shorts for men. Women especially those with white skin may receive "stares" from men and even more so when skimpily dressed.

• Indians generally do not wear footwear worn outside the house indoors. If you do so, you might make your host uncomfortable.

• Most Indians do not eat beef. In fact, cow slaughter is banned in the country and the only beef you can legally buy is buffalo meat. The cow is a sacred animal so try not to be disrespectful to the animal or you could hurt sentiments. But you get to taste Haleem which is also made with mutton and is a special one.

• Don't forget to carry toilet tissue with you. Indian toilets rarely have paper. Indians use water to clean themselves.

• Don't trust people blindly. Con artists are quick to recognize a foreigner and will do all they can to make a quick buck. However, most Indians are honest people who are eager to go the extra mile to help a newcomer out.

• Do not drink out of the tap. Most Indians do not because the water may be contaminated. Buy and drink bottled water.

• Be aware that Indian food is spicy, so explicitly state your intolerance to spice at restaurants, etc.

• Do not let the cab and auto rickshaw drivers overcharge you. Ask a local for the approximate fares and do not pay a penny more.

Overall, Indians are very hospitable and there are very few things that can get you in serious trouble. Indians may easily be offended but they will rarely ever get violent. So relax and enjoy your visit to the beautiful country. Once I started following the rules or whatever those tips are called, I felt better and got the best treatment. I have been residing here for the past one and a half year and I love it here. You will too!

-Indian Eagle