India is not ‘just another’ holiday destination—its mind-boggling diversity necessitates that the  country is not just traveled through, rather it is experienced and familiarized within its off-stream beliefs and peculiar practices. Writing in the 19th century, one of the eminent administrators—scholar of the Raj asserted that India is not a nation but a “Museum of Anthropology”. Defined by the mighty Himalayas in the north and demarcated by the three seas in the south, India is a home of multitude of people co-existing at different levels of culture at the same time. It is an enigma—a social scientist’s dream-laboratory, an economist’s nightmare and a traveler’s El Dorado.

Documents to Carry
Priority checklist – Before you depart from your country.  (Make sure that you have following critical items):
Passport and Air Tickets
Valid Visa for India (Multiple entry if required)
Photocopy of picture page of passport showing number, etc. Keep this in a separate place in your baggage. If for any reason you loose your passport, this will expedite the process enormously. Also photocopy your visa page
Money (Traveller’s cheque recommended; keep receipts separately)
Extra photos
Tour Clothing
Drugs and the Law
For the traveler coming to India to recreate the freewheeling days of the Sixties, a few words of warning.  Indian drug laws have undergone considerable change. There is now a MANDATORY TEN-YEAR SENTENCE for possession of even small amounts of drugs. More than a few foreigners languish in Indian jails on drug charges.
Vaccinations Required
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over the age of 1 coming from or via infected and endemic areas. There are no other mandatory vaccinations required although following vaccinations are recommended.
Cholera
Gamma Globulin or Havrix (against Hepatitis A)
Typhoid
Meningococcal meningitis
Hepatitis B
Malaria - chloroquine plus proguanil
It is a good idea to check http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm to determine if there are any outbreaks of diseases in the areas to which you plan to travel

Malaria
Some lower lying parts of India are subject to malaria so please be aware that your first line of defence should be to avoid getting bitten. Most malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite from dusk until dawn: wear light coloured long-sleeved clothing and apply repellent liberally. Some anti-malarial medications can involve side effects, so please consult your doctor. 

Medication
Carry a first aid kit with prescribed medicines, adhesive bandages, thermometer, water purification tablets, antibiotics, antiseptic creams and mosquito repellents. Excellent medical facilities are available in almost all the major Cities and towns.

Lost Baggage
International norms apply for the lost baggage in India as well. If your bags are not found on arrival, immediately report the loss to the ground staff of the airline you arrived on. You must fill out a lost baggage form. Ask that computer messages be sent to all airports you have been through since you last saw your bags. Request that the bags be sent to your hotel or the destination you are proceeding to. Record the number of your baggage claim check.
Money Matters
We recommend that you bring the majority of your funds in the form of traveler’s checks. Although you may find that cash is exchanged at a slightly higher rate, the replaceable nature of traveler’s checks makes that form preferable. ATM machines are available at all major cities and towns, which can be used to obtain cash during your time in India.
Indian Rupee
The units of Indian currency are rupees which are divided into 100 paise. There are coins of 50 paise and 1,2,5  rupees and notes of 5,10,20,50,100,500 and 1000. The current rate is approximately 45.00 Indian rupees to 1 US dollar (Use the currency converter to know the exact exchange rate). If you are subsequently flying to Nepal please make sure to not to carry the Indian Currency in denominations of 500 & 1000 as Nepalese do not prefer to use these notes, due to possible fake currency. However, rest of denominations of Indian currency is as acceptable in Nepal as its own Nepalese rupees
How much money should I bring along?
It depends on your budget and on your itinerary, the quality of hotel you are willing to use, the kinds of restaurants you frequent, the modes of transportation, the amount of moving around you do. However, you can use the ATMs in major cities and towns.
When should I exchange my money?
Definitely take the time to exchange some money at the airport when you arrive. It will prepare you for stepping out into the real world of India, cash in hand !!
What is an encashment certificate?
Encashment certificate allows you to exchange local currency back into your own currency. To do so you would need to have the encashment certificate so keep them safe. If you don't have a certificate, you cannot change money back.
Beggars
Beggars are normally found in close vicinity of temples and monuments of tourist importance and near the hotels.  Most of the beggar’s are not genuine and jut try to extract money.  

The Government of India is conducting an intense rehabilitation campaign, running vocational schools orphanages and workshops. But it is a time consuming task, if you do wish to do something to really help poor, there are many charity organizations.
How should I handle child beggars?
Children in cities are often sent out to rake in money for their elders and are part of a larger beggar industry so avoid giving anything to those children.
Children in villages invariably ask for pens (But this should not be taken as act of begging), there's no shortage of paper, but shortages of ink in Indian villages. Buy a package of Bic pen before you set off to India.
Domestic Flights
Unlike a few years ago a lot of flying options are available now in India, from Budget airlines, offering cheap tickets to the airlines offering first class services beside the erstwhile state owned Indian airlines, which used be only airline a few years ago. You can use our online flight booking engine to book the flight of your liking.
Airport Security Checks In India
Due to the growing concern for air safety and aircraft security world over, airport security checks has become lengthy and detailed in India as well. At certain airports you may be asked to identify your checked baggage on the tarmac prior to boarding.
It is wise to keep your baggage claim tickets handy until you are seated on the plane. Your Pocket Knife and batteries and sharp objects should be packed in your check-in baggage, not in your carry-on bags. These security rules are followed strictly within India. Remember that batteries include those in cameras and cassette/CD players. Sharp objects include metal nail files, scissors, and similar items.
Indian AIRPORT security procedures may vary at the airports which are more prone to security threats. 

Taxi Hiring
How do I deal with taxi drivers' fees?
Pre negotiate, whatever they quote initially is too high. Most won't use a meter, and in many case the meter is broken. Just walk away if the price is too high -- it'll come down real fast. "friend, I don't want to buy your taxi, I just want to ride in it" is a good line. Maybe Rs 10 per kilometer... 15 in the city? Check Lonely Planet for more info.
Rail
Should I use the train system?
Absolutely, you should take trains between destinations, which are up to 400 Kms in distance, beyond that we would suggest taking the flights. The Indian rail system is an amazing feat of organization, employing something like two million people, the largest single employer in the world.
Taking the train gives you quality time with the locals like no other venue. You can make some wonderful connections with the folks, gain valuable information that you can't get elsewhere, and open the door for some interesting opportunities and adventures
What class should I travel on in trains?
We recommend taking AC Chair Car / AC III Tier or higher class while taking train journey in India.
Is the India Rail pass worth it?
Isn't worth using trains intermittently
Common Hazards
Scams, ……. Theft & safety
The overwhelming majority of people you meet in your travels in India will not want to do you any physical harm.  A few might want to part you from some of your money by overcharging or conning you.  A few might be offensive, overly curious, or insensitive.  Many will be extremely friendly, helpful, and well intentioned.  In short, the people are probably a lot like those in your own country.
Petty theft
In India you do need to be careful of petty theft and minor scams but incidents of violence directed at travelers and snatch-and-grab crimes like purse or camera snatching are rare.  
Most times in India there will be a lot of people around.  This can be sometimes annoying, but it also offers security. 
Scams
That hotel is no good
You catch a taxi or auto to a hotel that's been booked.  On the way, your driver informs you that the hotel is closed, or no good anymore, and suggests a "better" hotel.  Better for him, of course, as they pay a commission.  Stick to your original plan.

Safety
India is perhaps as safe for a visitor as your own country.
Some places in India are safer than others. The safest of cities can be 'unsafe' at a different time of the day or have “seedy” places.
Even if you want to experience local culture etc. but never accept invitations from locals to their homes for a chai or a meal. Not unless you want to invite trouble.
Carry your passport, travelers cheques, money, cards etc. in an inner shirt/jeans pocket. Better still; shove them in a hidden money belt against your skin.

Women Travellers
Don't wear anything that attracts glances or invites cat calls. In metros like Delhi, Mumbai etc., it is ok to dress western but in smaller cities and towns, short skirts, tight pants or blouses can make you stand out in the crowd. Dress sober - loose and long clothes that neither define body shape nor expose it.
Never accept a ride to..…anywhere..…if there's someone accompanying the driver in a taxi or an auto-rickshaw. Be friendly but don't get friendly, especially with those servicing you in hotels, trains or even your cabbie or coolie

Keep your hotel room locked while you are inside. Chain locking your hotel room door is a smart precaution.
He asks questions in India
Indians are very curious by nature and will ask personal questions. So, don't be offended. I had men ask me things like: "Are you married?", "How much money do you make?" and "Do you sleep with your boyfriend?" They meant no harm
Cultural Pointers
The basics of politeness
One's culture impresses from an early age that some actions are polite, others rude.  While there are some universally accepted standards of politeness (like don't spit on people) other standards may vary by culture.  Recognize that some behavior you may consider polite may not have the same emphasis in another culture, and vice versa.
Left hand right hands
Always give and receive anything with your right hand, or at least with both hands together.  If you give change, accept something, or eat something with your left hand, it will be noticed, though politely not commented on. 
Be careful of your shoes
Shoes, and to a lesser degree, feet, also have unclean associations.  Keep you shoes on the floor. 
Staring is okay
Staring at strangers is a Western cultural taboo that does not carry the same weight here.  
Getting personal
People you meet may ask you questions that seem extremely personal from a Western perspective.  How old are you? How much money do you make? How much did that cost? These are questions Westerners are conditioned not to ask directly, though indirect queries often draw out the information. Some of the folks you encounter may ask directly, but they mean no rudeness in doing so. 
When Nature Calls
In India, clean, appropriate facilities are available at good restaurants, motels and public conveniences are available in major cities. We advise you to take every opportunity you can, in hotels and restaurants, to make a pit stop.
Tissue Less Existance
At times most of the Indian toilets do not have tissue papers, so it is advisable to carry your own toilet paper roll.
Electricity
India: The voltage used is 220 volts.
Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances

Emergency Contact No.s
Ambulance/medical: 102
Fire: 101
Police: 100
What time zone is India Time in?
India Time Standard Time is 5.5 hours (5 hours 30 minutes) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5.5).
Does India Time observe Daylight Saving Time?
India Time does not operate Daylight-Saving Time
What is the International Telephone Dialing Code for India?
The International Dialing Code for India is +91.
Language
For most parts of India, you won't really need to mug up any local lingo. You possibly cannot - there are 18 recognized languages and over 1600 minor languages and dialects ! But there is good news. Elementary English is commonly understood in cities and towns as it's taught in most schools and colleges.
Yet, if sometime you get stuck, Hindi should help you get going. It's spoken in fair parts of north India and understood in the west too. Down south is the domain of the Dravidian languages. It's either English or a regional language that will do the trick. So, pick up some words in both Hindi and Tamil and get going.

Some Notes...
Simple rules to be followed by the book
People are generally friendly and willing to help. Guess that's why they will always have an answer to your query - even if it's wrong! This is mostly true about direction asking. So, instead look for milestones and overhead signs. Now, don't get hassled if road milestones and boards have film posters, circus announcements or marriage bureau ads pasted on them. Hey....this is what adventure is all about ! Move on and you shall get there ! 

Never leave an unlocked suitcase in a hotel room or an unattended one on airports/ train stations.

Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims don't eat pork. Don't upset them by offering what they cannot eat.

In conversations with locals, remember that a left-right nod of the head may stand for 'yes' and not 'no'. So when you ask the waiter for your favorite tipple and he wiggles his head left and right, don't feel sad. It's time to enjoy the sip !

Photography could be an issue at some places. For places of military importance like railway stations, bridges, airports, defense installations and sensitive border regions, you would require to seek permission from the authorities concerned. A few wild life sanctuaries levy a much higher fee. The Archaeological Survey of India issues special permits for shooting at monuments with tripods and artificial lights. Yet, Indians love posing for a picture. But, in some traditional societies, take care before focusing your lens on women. NEVER PHOTOGRAPH MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.

Shop tactics

The Indian bazaar - a place that puts your temptation resistance skills at test. They are stuffed with bright and beautiful things - handicrafts, silks, ethnic jewelry, curios and what have you. You can shop till you drop. Read more to be a smart shopper in India.
First, the thumb rule - get the right bargain. This stands for all items that don't come with an MRP (Maximum Retail Price) stamp like clothes, jewelry, leather goods, carpets, paintings etc. Don't grab the first good-looking thing and pay extra bucks for it. And who knows....it might be fake or of poor quality. Always, always look around, compare prices and then buy.

Exporting items like ivory, fur, animal skins, antiquities etc. is illegal. If you must have it, obtain a certificate of legitimate sale and permission for export before leaving the country.

If you don't see what you're looking for in a store, ask. There's more than meets the eye ! Most stores have little display space, so much of the stock is above the ceiling or in a separate room.

Visit the various state emporia and the Central Cottage Industries Emporia (most major cities have one like Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad etc.) The prices here are fixed and will give you a fair idea of the cost with a regular dealer.

If you need a delivery, ask if the price includes delivery charges. Be ready to pay additional customs (generally 20% of the cost) and handling charges (normally a 10% of the total value of the good).

Never, never believe the touts (they hang around the tourist-y spots and cities) who promise to take you to the best shop around and get you the best bargain. They usually have their handsome commissions built into the cost.

Those sparkling gems and patterned carpets look very attractive but the market is flooded with imitations. You don't want to pay for a 'real' one and get a fake, do you? Be sure you know the grain from the chaff

Just a suggestion:  While buying carpets look for one with a Smiling Carpet label - these come from factories that do not employ child labor.


Do's & Don'ts

All foreign nationals are required to pay their hotel bills in foreign currency either in cash, travelers' checks or credit cards. Indian rupees are accepted only if supported by proof of certificate of encashment in India ).

Concessional- Payments for tickets like Indrail Pass , Youth fares, Discover India Fares and Air Fares are also to be made in foreign exchange only.

Purchasing any tickets (air/ rail/ bus) through unauthorized travel agents/ tour operators are also not adviseable. Do not hire any mode of transportation from unlicensed or unapproved operators.

Self- drive cars can be made available for hire from recognized International firms and TCI. Leave this to us to organize.

While shopping, sightseeing or traveling, avoid touts and brokers. Be aware of unscrupulous shopkeepers. If you feel you are being abused, do not hesitate to consult proper authorities.

Fares of Taxi and auto-rickshaws keep changing, and do not always conform to readings on meters. In order to avoid confusion, insist on seeing the latest fare chart with the drivers and pay accordingly. Taxis and auto-rickshaws in every city do not have meters, but where they do, insist on it being flagged in your presence. If driver refuses to cooperate, seek assistance of a policeman. Where there are no meters, ask assistance at your hotel fix the fare in advance.