Cottons or synthetic blends are most practical for Indian summers. Do not  get synthetics that do not breathe they make you what else but breathless.
The sun will usually be glaring at you most of the day. So a wide brimmed hat and sun glasses are a must. Winters can be chilly. Come armed with sweaters and light jackets. A collapsible umbrella will help you stay dry during the sometimes sudden sometimes continuous rain during the monsoons.

India is a huge country. And you can travel through a myriad ways. Choose what you fancy - cycle rickshaws, tongas or horse driven carriages, hand pulled rickshaws (in Calcutta only), buses, trains and airplanes

Never buy railway/air tickets or book hotel rooms through touts. These could be invalid. Save yourself all those logistical hassles. Simply try us .

Some more tips...
Simple rules to be followed by the book
People are generally friendly and willing to help. Guess that is why they will always have an answer to your query even if it is wrong This is mostly true about direction asking. So instead look for milestones and overhead signs. Now do not 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 room or an unattended one on airports/ train stations.

Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims do not  eat pork. Do not  upset them by offering what they cannot eat.

Step no. 1 is to remove your shoes, sandals, sneakers, slippers etc. This is done to keep place of God clean. If you hate walking barefoot and are lucky enough there might be a cloth overshoe provided to you. Also wash your hands and feet  if you please  it is not compulsory but just another sign of reverence to the deity.

Alcohol is a strict no-no inside the premises, though in some tmples dedicated to Lord Shiva, liquor might be the holy offering itself. It is said that Shiva loved his sips and probably needed them to beat the cold in his homelands the snowy Himalayas.

At some holy places you might not be allowed in if you do not practice the faith. Do not mind this. And worst  do not force or bribe to enter.

If you are a woman and in a dress that exposes your legs or hugs your body etc. beware. Though you might not be stopped from entering the sacred place but such dresses are seen indecent. An Indian attire like a Sari salwar-suit is ideal. A loose blouse and a long skirt can do too. Covering your head before entering a Sikh Gurudwara or a mosque will be appreciated. And when you enter a mosque  step your right foot first into the courtyard. It is the right  thing to do

Since most Hindu and Jains are veggiesit is not surprising that leather products like shoes, belts, handbags, camera cases etc. are prohibited.

Now for some body language once you are inside. Do not point your feet and back towards the Holy Book the idol or altar. In a Hindu or Sikh temple sit cross-legged or tuck your feet away

Some temples prohibit photography in the main hall and the inner sanctum. Usually  signboards announce this. Be prudent and ask if there are no such indications. Some temples and other monuments levy a fee for photography.

Travel healthy. Once on the road or in the air take all precautions that will keep you from that running nose or tummy  dizzy body temperatures giddy hangovers etc. Make sure you do not  embark on a trip even if there are some early signs of a sickness.

Cholera, dengue fever, dysentery, hepatitis, malaria, meningitis trekking areas only and typhoid are the risks here.

Travelers from the US Canada or the United Kingdom do not require any vaccination certificate. Though normally an International Health Certificate is not asked for by the immigration officials  its always better to carry one. Remember to play safe ! God forbid but just in case you need medical attention  this will be an invaluable piece of paper. Carry certificates like the one for Yellow Fever Vaccination.

Precautions:If you believe in taking precautions  take all the vaccinations one needs. To avoid malaria and dengue  carry mosquito repellents  nets and sprays. If you can bear the heat  wear clothes that cover most of the body.

The best thumb rule is to be a careful about food and water. Eating raw salads and fried food from a street side vendor is a no. Avoid pork too. If the temptation is soaring, go to a clean restaurant that you can trust. Eat balanced and healthy meals. Keep popping those friendly multi vitamins.

Water has to be from a reliably clean source. If not sure where the water comes from ask for a known brand of mineral water. Always carry a water bottle with you  this will save you from dehydration too. Make yourself a quick salt-sugar solution 1-2 tsp. salt and 4 tbpass.sp. in one liter of water  to rehydrate those parched cells). If you cannot lay hands on branded water use chlorine or iodine tablets in water. These kill germs that can cause water borne diseases. Read the instructions carefully and do not overdo these.

Carry a first aid kit with adhesive bandages, thermometer, water-purification tablets, antibiotics antiseptic creams and mosquito repellents.

If you fall ill see the doc and keep cool. Tell yourself that this too shall

Tipping Tips 
In India  more often than not a tip is money paid to get things done and not for something well done !

Tips are optional in a not so fancy restaurant. Place only a few rupees as a tip and not a percentage of your bill. But outside restaurants and hotels  tipping or  baksheesh  is commonly practiced. 

At most eating joints, you can pocket the tip unless you are in a swanky, upmarket one the kinds that dot the metros and has liveried men serving you. Some tourist restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge to the bills.

In a 5 star  the waiter  room service boy  housekeeper, porter, doormen will all expect tips. For railway porters always fix a price before taking his services. For a not so heavy bag  Rs. 5 to 10 per bag is ok. Yet much depends on the weight.

No tips for taxi drivers unless he miraculously got you to the airport or put you on a train that you never thought you could make it to. Rs. 50 to 100 is a handsome one. Give a local guide Rs. 50 for 4 hours of his service and Rs. 80 for a full day.

Hand out a few rupees to people whom you photograph on the road like the snake charmer  the cart puller or the camel rider...

Carry small change  you will need it often for people who help you with little things like those who keep your shoes outside temples or mosques etc.

Shopping Tips in India

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 do not come with an MRP Maximum Retail Price stamp like clothes, jewelry, leather goods, carpets, paintings etc. Do not  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 do not  see what you are  looking for in a store  ask. There is  more than meets the eye ! Most stores have little display space  so much of the stoSck is above the ceiling or in a separate room.