So, you’ve arrived in India. You are wide-eyed, curious and already slightly overwhelmed in the best possible way. India is welcoming, generous and endlessly fascinating, but it also has social rules, cultural boundaries and unspoken expectations that are worth knowing. A little awareness goes a long way here.
To help you travel respectfully and avoid those awkward “I probably should not have done that” moments, here are the top 10 things you should not do as a tourist in India.
1. Do Not Drink Tap Water
🚫 Even if it looks fine.
This cannot be stressed enough. Tap water is not safe for most visitors and your stomach will not thank you for testing your luck.
💡 Do instead: Stick to sealed bottled water and use it for brushing your teeth as well.
2. Do Not Disrespect Religious Sites
🙏 Shoes, clothing and behaviour matter.
Temples, mosques and shrines are deeply sacred spaces. Loud voices, revealing clothing and casual behaviour can be offensive.
💡 Do instead: Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes when required and follow local cues.
3. Do Not Publicly Show Excessive Affection
💋 This includes enthusiastic hugging and kissing.
Public displays of affection are uncommon and can make people uncomfortable, especially outside major cities.
💡 Do instead: Keep affection subtle and save the romance for private spaces.
4. Do Not Assume Everyone Wants a Photo With You
📸 Curiosity goes both ways, but consent still matters.
You may attract attention, especially in rural areas, but that does not mean everyone wants to be photographed or included in your social media feed.
💡 Do instead: Ask before taking photos and respect a no.
5. Do Not Eat With Your Left Hand
🍽️ Yes, this one matters.
Traditionally, the left hand is considered unclean and is not used for eating or handing items.
💡 Do instead: Use your right hand when eating or giving and receiving things.
6. Do Not Get Angry in Public
😤 Losing your temper rarely helps.
Public confrontations are uncomfortable and often counterproductive. Raised voices do not equal faster solutions.
💡 Do instead: Stay calm, be polite and patient. You will get much better results.
7. Do Not Ignore Local Dress Norms
👗 What you wear sends a message.
Short shorts, crop tops and very revealing clothing can attract unwanted attention and cause discomfort.
💡 Do instead: Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious spaces. Lightweight and loose clothing is your friend.
8. Do Not Underestimate Distances and Travel Time
🗺️ India looks smaller on the map than it feels in real life.
Traffic, weather and infrastructure can significantly slow travel.
💡 Do instead: Plan extra time and avoid overpacking your itinerary.
9. Do Not Assume “Yes” Always Means Yes
🤷 Communication can be indirect.
Sometimes people say yes to be polite, even if the answer is uncertain or actually no.
💡 Do instead: Confirm details clearly and ask follow-up questions if something seems vague.
10. Do Not Rush the Experience
🏃 Trying to see everything will exhaust you.
India is intense, layered and emotional. Racing through it means missing what makes it special.
💡 Do instead: Slow down, observe and allow space for spontaneity.
✨ Final Travel Wisdom
India rewards respect, patience and curiosity. When you travel thoughtfully, people respond with warmth, generosity and kindness that stays with you long after you leave.
Follow these simple “do nots”, stay open-minded and remember that mistakes happen. What matters most is how you handle them. Travel gently and India will meet you halfway.
