How To Travel Responsibly In India

‘I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad’ were words uttered by the great Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw. The concept of traveling was practised not just to click photographs, but to learn what the world consists of outside one’s own community. The difference in culture and traditions across borders is fascinating, but it can become daunting, too. In order to be a good traveler, it is best to learn some of the basic etiquette from your chosen location. Here is Culture Trip’s guide on how to travel responsibly in India.

Buy from local sources

India has local manufacturers in weaving and handicraft all over the country. There are government-run emporiums that curate items from local weavers and artisans but there are also many shops that make duplicates and sell them for five times the price! Ask your tour manager or research beforehand where to buy souvenirs from to get authentic items at a fair price.

Buy souvenirs from local sources instead of large retailers

Don’t encourage ‘voluntourism’

Be mindful of wildlife abuse

The state of wildlife in India is, sadly, grim. Elephants, for example, are bred as entertainment for tourists—shackled and taught unnatural tricks from a very young age. Many places that offer the opportunity to bathe an elephant or to watch it perform tricks will also indulge in animal abuse. So, instead, support the conservation of wildlife by visiting the country’s national parks and forests.

Visit national forests and wildlife reserves

Dress appropriately

In India, more is better. The culture of dressing in religious and conservative countries is quite different from that in European (and other Western) ones. Women, especially, do not wear clothes that show their legs above the knee. Sleeveless tops are fine, but ones with small straps—or skimpy clothing of any kind—may attract unwanted stares.

It’s always best to adhere to the dressing culture in the place you visit

Know when to tip

Tipping in India is very complicated. It’s not custom to tip waiters in restaurants because almost every eating joint levies a ‘service charge’ that goes to the staff. However, more often than not designated drivers and local guides will depend on tips. Ask your tour manager for a better understanding, but if you are unsure—don’t tip! Sometimes offering money can be seen as insulting or inappropriate.

Waiters in restaurants are not supposed to be tipped with the bill

Respect local culture

It’s always best to blend into the place that you’re visiting. Indians are very sentimental about temples and traditions that relate to their religion. For instance, in the Golden Temple in Amritsar it is mandatory for every person to cover their head. Adhering to such rules shows respect for the place you have chosen to visit.

It’s mandatory to cover your head in certain temples

Take time to research

Parts of India may not have the comforts and luxuries that one might be used to back home. It is always advisable to research your chosen location before you visit and read as many details as possible. Your trip will be much better if you go mentally prepared!

It’s always best to research and read as much as you can about the place you will visit

Choose eco-friendly lodgings

Tourism is great for the economy; however, the toll it takes on environment and the ecological system cannot be ignored. It is a good thing, then, that India has so many beautiful eco-friendly accomodations to stay in! The Apani Dhani Eco-lodge in Nawalgarh, Rajasthan is a family-run lodge that uses local produce to make the vegetarian food they serve. This lodge is built in local style and donates a portion of its profits to community development.

Apani Dhani is an eco-friendly lodge in Rajasthan

If you are looking to have a responsible and adventurous time in India, check out Intrepid Travel.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.