How to Avoid Culture Shock in India

India is a land of diversity, a land which makes space for all dreams to be dreamed, a land of philosophers and merchants, of princes and ascetics. Nothing complex and nothing simple, India is a destination that has attracted people from all walks of life. When the famous American author Mark Twain visited India, it is said that the first words he penned were in block letters which read, 'INDIA THE MARVELLOUS'.

However, there is a side to India that tourists don't take to very well. Accept it or not, many of the stories about the beggars and scammers aren't entirely false. Like a wise man once said, if you accept the sunshine and warmth, you must also accept the thunder and lightning. So here's how you face and avoid culture shock in India.

Be one for whom the guest is God [Atithi devo bhava]
In all that rush of treating guests as Gods, the minute you step out of the airport, the taxi drivers and agents will surround you offering the best deals in the town.
Free Advice: Ignore.

The Bumpy Ride

Once you hire the right cab to your hotel, you'll find out the situation of roads in India. Whether you're riding on a camel or a cab, the experience is almost similar. It's humpy and bumpy.

On your trip, you should try getting on a bullock cart or probably a lorry with sand or something similar because it is now or never.

Free Advice: Learn to adapt.

Breathe. Patience.
Patience is the key to survival in India. Waiting for food in a local hotel, breathe and develop patience. Waiting for an entry ticket in a queue that has a board in bold reading 'Q', breathe and develop patience.
Free Advice: Take a deep breath and be patient.

Sound. Horn. Ok.
If you're from a quiet part of the world, it'll be demanding to get adjusted to all the noise here. The honking and shouting can make you sick.
Free Advice: Try and look for the Order in all that Chaos.

Pollution Free Eco-destination
Even if your pamphlet said that you'd be visiting an eco-destination, there's every chance you aren't. Be prepared to face all the people and pollution of their vehicles.
Free Advice: Contact Native Planet to find an actual eco-destination in India.

Elephants. Camels. Cattle.

They are everywhere. Don't be overwhelmed if you are offered a camel ride in a city like Bangalore. People also give bear rides for children in this country. Kindly turn them down. If you're the adventurous kind, you could give it a try.
Free Advice: Try it all.

Action. And more of it.
Keep your cameras out all the time. There's so much action happening all around you which cannot be missed. Talk to the sadhus on the road, a lot of them speak good broken English. Talk to the children, they'll show you what real India is.
Free Advice: Don't go looking for something special in India. The everyday is special enough.