Clothing
India is a very modest society and it is appropriate to dress so. It is going to be extremely hot when we arrive in New Delhi but will cool off as we head higher up the mountains. In Delhi it is fine for men to wear tank tops and long shorts but more appropriate for women not to. No tight tee shirts or short skirts. Indian styled clothing or pants with tunics work best for India . Readymade Indian clothing will be available to purchase at reasonable prices. Please note that head coverings are required for entering temples and Gurdwaras.

Shoes are taken off outside of temples or Gurdwaras. Sandals and slip-ons are the most convenient footwear. In sandals your feet will get very dirty. It is not very fashionable but sandals and socks are a good combination. Flip-flops are considered more of a shower shoe, so not so good to wear in public - Tewas, with the straps are a good call. You will need to have a good pair of hiking boots or athletic shoe for the trek. Please make sure that they are well broken in. Bring a bathing suit (one piece with shorts for women) or kutcheras for dipping. Bring at least one outfit for special occasions.

Beggars
There can be many beggars on the streets, some of who may be physically handicapped. This can be very distressing, but remember a coin to one child or a seemingly destitute woman on the street will make you the focus of demanding attention from a vast number before long. It is best to give donations to an organization rather than to individuals.

Gender
India is a very male-based society. Women are only just now starting to take on careers of their own, more so in the big cities than in the villages. Indian men have the impression of Western Women that they are loose and easy. This, they have gotten from American movies, where there are displays of sex and nudity where as there is no such thing in Indian films. If you dress modestly and conduct yourself gracefully there will be no problem. Do not feel like you have to talk to any one who approaches you from the crowd. If someone does grope you, feel free to tell them off. It is expected. If you are uncomfortable with a situation please inform your group leader and we will assist you.

Toilets
Due to the huge population of India and the great diversity of the people / cultures, creating a working infrastructure has been a great jumble. Unless you are in your hotel, the toilet situation is going to be tenuous. Make sure to carry a tissue packet with you where ever you go. Be prepared to use squat style toilets, which are ground level. Please be prepared for unsanitary conditions. While enroute by bus we will have a couple scheduled stops but may need to take advantage of the sugarcane fields.

Taboos
Here are some things considered unacceptable by the Indian Society, for your information:
-Smoking in sacred / religious areas.
-Shoes in a sacred / religious area (even if they are hidden in your backpack)
-Head exposed in a sacred / religious place (covering the head is a sign of respect)
-Public displays of affection
-Nudity
-Love Marriages
-Use of the left hand to eat or serve (it is used in the toilet)
-Touching someone's head
-Rudeness to elders. All elder gentlemen can be referred to as "Babaji" and all older women as "Bibiji"
-Mouth germs - if you are sharing a bottle of water it is polite not to touch it to your lips. Raise the bottle over your mouth and let it pour in.
-Pointing your feet towards someone or towards something sacred or touching your feet to someone.

Recommended books

For a general introduction for a first time traveler The Lonely Planet Guide to India is pretty comprehensive. Check your local bookstore for fiction and non-fiction by contemporary Indian writers to get in the spirit of things. I always buy a ton of books over in India because they are very cheap and writers that you do not see our side. If you would like a scary realistic view of India , try reading "A Fine Balance" or "Arrow of the Blue Skinned God."

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