Planning to go on a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, India? Great! You are bound to transform your life forever.
India is considered one of the most spiritual places in the world and it is quite easy to say why. It is home to several sacred sites, including the Ajanta Caves, Varanasi, Taj Mahal, and Rishikesh; it is the birthplace of various religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism; and of course, India is where the practice of yoga originated.
Have you wondered that if India is so wonderful and spiritual, then why do some people say that they will never visit it again? One reason might be the difference in traditions and culture which could be a bit overwhelming for new visitors, but what else?
If you want to be well-informed before your trip to India, then go through the tips outlined below.
Tips To Know Before Going To India
Dress Well When Visiting Spiritual Sites India is filled with various sacred places, and these sacred places usually have a dress code. You must follow the dress code even if it is against your beliefs. Both men and women are expected to dress modestly when visiting spiritual healing retreat sites. It is recommended to not wear pesky clothes in rural areas where people can be a little more conservative. Yes, you might not agree with their way of thinking, but you are definitely not there to change it. When you visit India, keep in mind one thing; when in Rome, do as the Romans do; when in India, do as the Indians do.
Be Polite When Talking To The Street Vendors Due to the conservative culture in some parts of India, it is better to be assertive. This does not mean that you have to rude, just be as polite as you can if you have any queries or want to make small talk. Avoid talking too much or asking questions that might provoke the other person and result in a conflict. Try to keep your conversation short as well as simple.
Carry Cash With You Credit card terminals are almost everywhere in the world, but there are street markets too, which will completely depend on cash. While on a yoga vacation in India, you need to have enough cash in your pocket. Shopping in India can be a challenge. Do not be shy of bargaining, it is quite a normal thing there. Also, take general precautions – there are pickpockets everywhere in the world, including India.
Drinks Lots And Lots Of Water India can get extremely hot sometimes. So be prepared to get dehydrated and have a thirsty throat. Avoid drinking tap water as it might or might not suit you. You would not want to get sick and spoil your entire trip, right? Try to always carry a water bottle around and drink mineral water. Keep in mind that water can also be beneficial in taking off the heat when you eat spicy Indian food.
Time For An Indian Bonus Enough talk has been done about what not to do in India. Why not talk about a to-do thing now? Do not miss out on watching at least one Bollywood movie. If you have already made so much effort in visiting a meditation retreat in India, then why not make a little more effort and truly immerse in the Indian culture?