India's cultural richness is inseparable from its complexity. Arriving with some knowledge of customs and expectations makes you a more welcome guest, opens more doors, and — honestly — makes for a far better trip. Indians are extraordinarily hospitable, but a little awareness goes a long way.
Temples, Mosques, and Sacred Spaces
Remove your shoes before entering any Hindu temple, mosque, gurudwara (Sikh temple), or Jain temple — always. You will see a shoe rack or a shoe-minder outside. Cover your head in gurudwaras (a cloth is usually provided at the entrance). Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees are the minimum. Many temples in South India require men to remove their shirts entirely before entering the inner sanctum — this is ritual purity, not an unusual request.
Photography inside the sanctum of temples is often prohibited. Look for signs, or simply ask. Taking photographs of people at prayer without permission is disrespectful everywhere.
Greetings
Namaste — hands pressed together at chest height with a slight bow — is the universal respectful greeting and is always appropriate. A handshake is fine in business contexts or between men who initiate it. Physical contact between unrelated men and women in public (including handshakes) is less common in traditional and rural areas. Let the local person set the tone.
Do not be offended by the question "What is your good name? Where are you from? Are you married?" These are standard, friendly conversation openers across India, not intrusive probing.
Eating Customs
In traditional homes and many restaurants, the right hand is used for eating (the left is considered unclean). Accept food and drink with the right hand or both hands. If you are eating at a home or a traditional thali restaurant, it is polite to eat enthusiastically — finishing your plate or accepting a second serving is taken as a compliment. Refusing food repeatedly can seem rude.
Many Indians are vegetarian, and beef is deeply offensive to Hindus while pork is avoided by Muslims. In mixed company, be thoughtful about discussing meat-eating, and never assume a vegetarian meal is lesser — India's vegetarian cuisine is among the world's finest.
Chai culture is central to hospitality. When offered chai in someone's home, shop, or office, accept it. Refusing chai, especially in a business or social context, can come across as stand-offish. The cup of tea is an offer of welcome — receive it as such.
Photography
Ask before photographing individuals, particularly women, the elderly, or people performing religious acts. A smile and a gesture toward your camera usually communicates the question. Many people are happy to be photographed — and some will actively want a selfie with you. At major tourist sites, be aware that some people offering to be photographed with you may afterwards ask for money.
Bargaining
Bargaining is expected and enjoys in markets, with auto-rickshaws without meters, and at tourist sites with unlicensed guides. The first price quoted at a tourist market is rarely the real price. A polite, good-humoured negotiation is part of the process — do not get angry or aggressive. Starting at roughly half the asking price and meeting somewhere in the middle is a reasonable guide. Fixed-price shops (government emporiums, chain stores) do not bargain.
Religious Sensitivities
India is home to every major world religion and dozens of smaller traditions. Religious festivals can change the atmosphere of an entire city overnight. Be aware of your surroundings during prayer times at mosques, Sikh prayers at gurudwaras, and evening aarti ceremonies at Hindu temples. The appropriate response is always quiet, respectful observation.