India Etiquette for Tourists
Temples, dress, photos and everyday customs, explained simply.
By Dhruv Poonia, Digital & Marketing Manager, Colourful Indian Holidays · Published 25 October 2026
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Dress modestly, remove your shoes at temples and homes, use your right hand to eat and give, and ask before photographing people. India is welcoming to visitors, and a few habits go a long way. This guide covers the customs that matter most for tourists, from temples to meals.
The Essentials at a Glance
- Greeting: Say namaste with palms together and a slight bow. Handshakes are common in cities; follow the lead of the person you are meeting.
- Right hand: Eat, give and receive with your right hand.
- Shoes: Remove them before entering temples, mosques, gurdwaras and most homes.
- Dress: Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites. Clean Western clothes are fine elsewhere.
- Photos: Ask before photographing people.
Temples, Mosques and Gurdwaras
Dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes. Cover your head at gurdwaras, and carry a scarf for mosques. Walk clockwise around a shrine, do not touch idols or sacred objects unless invited, and leave leather items such as belts and bags outside some Hindu and Jain temples. Respect photography bans.
Feet, Hands and Gestures
Avoid pointing your feet at people or shrines, and do not step over someone sitting or lying down. Use your right hand to eat and to pass things. The famous head wobble usually means yes or 'I understand', but people may avoid a direct 'no', so confirm important details.
Photography
Always ask before photographing people, especially women, elders and worshippers. Some temples and monuments ban photography or charge extra for cameras, and your guide will tell you the rules at each site.
Food and Hospitality
Accepting food or chai graciously is the polite default, and refusing outright can disappoint a host. You will often eat with your right hand, and sharing is common. If you have dietary restrictions, say so politely when ordering or at a home. For what to expect on a plate, see our first-trip guide.
Everyday Behaviour
Keep public displays of affection low-key, stay calm in crowds and haggling, and dress modestly in everyday settings, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. A smile and patience go a long way in a country where schedules are flexible.
Sources summarised from Travel India Smart. Related reading: tipping in India, what to pack and whether India is safe for tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to temples in India?
Cover your shoulders and knees, wear shoes that slip off easily, and carry a scarf, since you may need to cover your head at gurdwaras and mosques. Some temples also ban leather items such as belts and bags.
Do I have to take my shoes off in India?
Yes, at temples, mosques, gurdwaras and in most homes. Look for racks near the entrance, and wear socks if the ground is hot or you prefer.
Can I take photos in temples and of people?
Ask before photographing people, especially women and the elderly, and respect photography bans inside temples and some monuments. Your guide will tell you where cameras are not allowed.
Why should I use my right hand?
The left hand is traditionally considered unclean, so eat, hand over money and receive things with your right hand, or both hands for a gift.
Are public displays of affection acceptable in India?
Keep them low-key. Holding hands is usually fine in cities, but kissing and close embraces can draw attention, especially in smaller towns and at religious sites.
Is it rude to refuse food or chai?
Accepting is the polite default, since refusing outright can disappoint a host. A small taste is enough, and you can decline politely if you have dietary restrictions.
Does a head wobble mean yes or no?
Usually yes or 'I understand', but people may avoid a direct 'no', so confirm important details such as pickup times and prices.
Dhruv Poonia is the Digital & Marketing Manager for Colourful Indian Holidays, working alongside a family travel business that has arranged tours across India, Nepal and Bhutan since 2007. He also oversees the company's sister sites, Rajasthan Travel Agency and Palace on Wheels Tour.
He writes and maintains the destination guides, route information and travel advice published on this site, drawing on his day-to-day work planning itineraries for international travellers to keep every page accurate and current.
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