So you’re packed and off to see the magnificent sights of India; Palaces, forts, temples and more. Only when you arrive, the scenery isn’t quite what the brochure depicted. Culture shock sets in immediately. And that’s when visitors either love India, or they choose to dislike it.

Pollution: Not nearly as bad as it was just a few years ago, you will notice a difference in the air quality. A brief common cold is normal thanks to the exhaust and dust mixing up in the air. In the larger cities, buses and taxis have converted to CNG, compressed Natural Gas. CNG is a clean burning fuel attributing to a large decrease in emissions. However, the growth in motorcycles and scooters, which still run simple technology combustion engines, clog the roads and the air. Travelers with asthma should be especially prepared during the drier seasons.

Motorcyclists commonly wear a rag tied around their face so as not to breath in all the fumes while driving. It’s not uncommon to see tourists wearing face masks for protection against the air quality but more so for health precautions.

Crowds: Streets, markets, shops, heck…everywhere in India it seems is brimming with people, vehicles, animals, vending carts and more. Mass transit does exist and has taken a dent out of the traffic issues. Cows have been banned from Delhi as well as large trucks from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. Rickshaws are also being phased out in the cities. Stray dogs are a nuisance in all cities and villages, be wary of them as they can be rather aggressive at times.

Narrow streets can pose a problem when you’re faced down by a speeding scooter or lazy cow. Give way to traffic while minding the ground…animal feces and open sewer drains can prove to be a nasty clean-up job with just one wrong step. Do not touch animals as this is a fast and easy way to spread germs.

Attention: Try as you might, you won’t blend in with the crowds in India. You will find yourself being stared at throughout the day. Most times this is innocent interest and simple observation of a foreign tourist. Indians are curious what we are looking at, shopping for, what we give our approval or disapproval to. At the same time, some  of these gawkers may be beggars or touts looking to sell you product, lead you out of public areas to carry out scams or pickpockets.

Keep about your business, pay no attention to the beggars. Open up a conversation with the those that appear genuinely interested. Kids will come up to shake your hand and practice their English without second thought.

Filth: Don’t expect this emerging Superpower nation to be lush green lawns with garbage cans at the end of perfectly manicured lawns. Do expect to see open sewers, trash, dirt, and more wherever you find yourself. Traveling by car or rail you’ll see roadsides used as urinals. Bring travel size packages of wet ones or hand sanitizer to counter your exposure.

Noise: Rarely do you find a peaceful moment from a car horn in India. Drivers live by blaring their horn at every chance. Combine this with loud radios playing in cars and shops, plus TV’s showing constant video channels. Temples and Mosques pump their prayers and songs through simple, ear screeching PA systems throughout the day, including early morning hours. And the inevitable politician who has paid a local to convert their truck into a mobile audio advertisement. Political messages are repeated endlessly though a simple speaker on full volume as the truck drives through a local town.

Within a few short days you’ll find yourself looking past many of these issues. India has far too many positive attributes to let the above issues bring your trip to a dead end.

Traffic

Toots and honks from the harried frenzy of vehicles rushing past one another dictates the daily flow of life. Hand and facial gestures say far more than words ever could between drivers and their passengers. Tourists must surrender to the drivers of whatever car, bus or taxi they’ve climbed into. The organized chaos of traffic slogs forth slowly at times leaving passengers exhausted from watching in silent horror.

Yet, that is the fun of India. To see the local markets from the inside of a tuk tuk, winding through narrow alleys a car could never fit, is to see an entirely different landscape of people and their natural surroundings. A bicycle rickshaw allows travelers to reach out and touch the flowers or vegetables from the roadside cart as you slowly move around. Buses provide an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life who are as interested in getting to know you as you are them. Do as the cliche phrase says, “Get in, sit down, and shut up”. And remember to wear a seat-belt.

Stray Animals

Cute and adorable but full of bugs, diseases and the natural instinct to attack if provoked. Avoid stray dogs with a relaxed demeanor bearing in mind they’re not interested in a confrontation. In very random instances dogs who may be cornered due to large crowds or startled from behind will growl and attempt to bite. Walk away calmly.

It is normal to have a feeling of sadness overcome your thoughts when initially presented with the struggles of living as a street dog. Deformed joints, open sores, missing body parts and emaciated bodies are repetitive sights. This is an issue of personal interest, which allows me to give this advice: Do not think of the hardship of their short lives now, but rather, focus on the time when they no longer feel pain.

Wandering cows, buffalo, boars, and chicken are common sights in India. As with stray dogs, these animals are best left untouched nor bothered. Cows are notorious snoops so keep food or bags with snacks out of reach from hungry bovines. And be patient when little Betsy holds up traffic as she is known to do.