Girlosophy’s Responsible Travel Guidelines for India

1. Getting to know India

India is one of the most diverse and interesting countries with many different people, languages, customs, religions, and cultures. There are 1.2 billion people in India, and whilst 70% of the population live in rural areas, rapid urbanisation is also taking place.  Much of the difficulties facing the country in the area of political and socio economic problems are in response to India’s massive population. Moving India towards becoming a first world country, is expected to come about through India’s growing success of the agricultural and industrial sector.

2. Political and Human Rights

India is the largest democracy in the world, and had its constitution ratified in 1950. India’s constitution does protect the rights of its citizens, and has an independent press, and civil liberties. However, there remains discrimination against ethnic and religious minority groups, as well as women and children. In some rural areas also, poverty remains widespread, and religious and caste related violence continues.

3. Cultural Considerations

India is an amazing mix of cultures, and making an effort to understand and be considerate towards these different cultures, and customs gets you a long way.

Bargaining: Indian culture expects bargaining in market environments, or if you are buying handicrafts or tourist souvenirs. As a general rule you should drop to a quarter of the asking price and slowly work upwards. Don’t be too harsh in your negotiations though! Please bargin with a smile and positive energy. In India bargining is a form of communication, and we encourage you to participate in the spirit of the exchange. We also encourage you to support local performers and street musicians, as they form an important part of the culture, and also showcase some dying forms of street performance.

Dress Code: India is a conservative country by and large, and you should dress modestly to reflect the cultural norm. Keep your knees and shoulders covered, and if you visit someone’s house or a temple, you should remove shoes.

Swimming: In public places such as rivers and most beaches, wearing a bikini is not recommended. Our tip is to wear a more modest outfit (boardshorts + rash vest). A conservative one-piece plus full length sarong to the water’s edge is possibly a better plan. These situations are often only assessable at the time. If in doubt wear a burquini!

Etiquette at Temples and Religious sites: You should be very careful of your dress and behaviour when you enter a temple in India. India is a very religious country and you should make every effort to respect this. Make sure your full body is covered, remove your shoes if you enter, and women should not enter the temple whilst menstruating. Other things to be aware of are that it is disrespectful to direct the soles of your feet towards the deity, and do not touch the deity. If they say ‘No Photography’ then please be respectful and do not under any circumstances take pictures.

Social Etiquette:

• Avoid public displays of affection, as they can be considered disrespectful.
• Use your right hand when eating. You should also use your right hand for exchanges or greetings, or when shaking hands (even if you are left handed). 
• In many areas of India, particularly in rural areas, Indians do not encounter many tourists, and may stare unashamedly. The best response is not to take offence, but to smile and greet them saying ‘namaste.’ Further, you may find that many asking personal questions. It is best not to take offence to this either, as people can be curious, take the opportunity to ask them questions about themselves, and India as well.
• When taking photographs, it is a general rule to ask permission or get their understanding that its ok to take the shot. Do not photography people bathing, eating, religious ceremonies, and cremations, and military installations.

Begging: this is definitely a reality in India, with many beggars, particularly around tourist attractions. Generally giving money is discouraged, as sometimes it is a part of organised crime. We would recommend you give to a registered charity. This ensures the people who really need the money receive it.

Tipping: Tipping is a very important part of tourism in India. Tipping not only ensures good service, but it might be critical as an income for those who serve you. Tipping should represent 10 – 15% of your bill in restaurants. Be generous. What comes around goes around.

Environmental Considerations: Indian’s environment is under constant pressure from its increasing population. Protected environment, and wildlife are scarce and you should keep this in mind when you are visiting India and be thoughtful with natural resources. Here are some ideas for how you can help preserve India's environment:

• Discourage the hotel from changing sheets and towels every day.
• Have baths using the bucket, instead of the regular shower.
• Carry things in your backpack when you go shopping and avoid plastic bags.
• When in wildlife parks, stick on the existing paths, to avoid further degradation of soil.
• Do not feed wildlife and refrain from picking flowers in parks to preserve the existing conditions.
• Recycle your plastic drink bottles.
• Choose fuel-efficient vehicles for travelling.
• Be thoughtful when you are buying gifts for those at home. Consider buying things made locally, things using recycled materials, things that will be real keep sakes, not things that will probably be thrown away soon after you get back. 

Conservation and Environmental Organisations we support

Elephant Conservation (Jaipur)
Tiger Conservation (Ranthambore National Park)
Hope House (Kids with Cameras in Calcutta).