Scams-In-India Archives - India Someday Travels

8 Best Things to do in Delhi

Posted on August 4, 2020May 9, 2025 by Schnel Sequeira

‘Tombs of emperors stand beside traffic Junctions, forgotten fortresses command suburbs, the titles of lost dynasties are woven into vernacular, if only as street names’ – Jan Morris

There are many things to do in Delhi. As soon as you set foot in Delhi, you will feel like you are in for an adventurous roller coaster ride. The bustling city can be quite overwhelming, but the capital city of India has a lot to offer. Once you navigate the initial aggressiveness of the city, you come to appreciate its beauty.

Delhi is much older than Mumbai, it is a great place to start and end your trip, as it has many historical monuments and a number of museums, markets, and great food! Just observing people go on with their daily life, indulging in the mouth-watering food, set in the perfect blend of the modern city and ancient Mughal architecture, makes it the perfect place to experience the best of both worlds.

To help you explore this beautiful city to its fullest we have compiled a list of thing to do in Delhi during your stay! But before we go ahead with the list we have a few things we would like for you to keep in mind while in this city.

Chandi Chowk street in old Delhi

Safety and other precautions in Delhi

Delhi is a safe place to visit, nonetheless, there are a few things you should be aware of when travelling to the city. Avoid dark and narrow streets in the night, especially as a woman. In general, as a woman travelling alone, you should avoid travelling alone at night in the city and using public transport late in the evening.

Unfortunately, there are some scams in Delhi you should be aware of too. The most common one seems to be the ones at railway stations in India where tourists are misguided that their train is cancelled, and they should take a taxi to their destination.

Tourists are often approached by imposters who tend to wear a black jacket to pass off as a railway official. Please note that trains are cancelled only in extremely rare circumstances and we will always directly inform you in those cases, as well as arrange for an alternate means of transport.

In case you take a taxi from the airport, taxi drivers may try to tell you that the hotel/ hostel is closed or the roads to the hotel/ hostel are closed and you cannot even walk up to the property. This is not true. The reason for this scam is to take travellers to expensive hotels from where the taxi drivers can earn extra money on commissions.

Caution sign

Here is a list of top things to do in Delhi

1. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Ji

The Sikh temple is just opposite the Chandi Chowk metro station and was built to commemorate the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru who was beheaded on the orders of the Mughal emperor. Just listening to the prayers, observing the people and immersing in the spiritual atmosphere, amidst the chaos is truly an experience.

While you are here, do visit the community kitchen, the volunteers from the Sikh community serve free meals to everyone regardless of race, caste, and religion. If you get the opportunity to volunteer in the kitchen or see it, don’t hesitate to do so. It’s one of the best things you could have experienced.

As it is a sacred place, please avoid wearing shorts and short dresses. While entering you will be asked to wash your feet and cover your head, so we suggest carrying a scarf.

VISITING HOURS: 00:00 to 23:30 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 20-30 mins

COST: Free

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Ji in Chandni chowk (Photo Credit – Varun Shiv Kapur)

2. Red Fort

This majestic red structure was once the residence of the powerful emperors that ruled India and is popularly known as Lal Kila which means Red Fort. The Fort consists of beautiful pavilions and gardens that were inspirations for many other similar ones across the country.

The Hindu, Islamic and Persian architectural influence and intricate carvings are worth marveling from the minute you set your foot inside the fort. The monument is one of the most popular places and is home to several museums!

After you are done exploring the Red Fort, do go for the famous evening light and sound show.

VISITING HOURS: 09.30 to 16:30 hours (closed on Mondays)

ESTIMATED TIME: 2-3 hours

COST: INR 500 per person for foreign tourists, INR 35 per person for Indian tourists, INR 25.for a video camera.

Red fort, also known as Lal Kila, Delhi

3. Humayun’s Tomb

The tomb of the Mughal emperor is a great prelude to the Taj Mahal, made from red sandstone with intricate work of white marble. Located in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi, it is within close proximity to a few quaint mosques just a little ahead of the car park.

Peacocks roam the tomb garden regularly and if you catch its monsoon dance, it greatly adds to the beauty of the tomb.

VISITING HOURS: 06:00 to 18:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 1-2 hours

COST: INR 500 per person for foreign tourists, INR 30 per person for Indian tourists, INR 25 for video cameras.

Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi

4. Parliament House

Being the centre of Indian politics and the Judicial System, Delhi has the honour of having India’s Parliament and secretary offices. It is home to the President and the Prime Minister of India, housed alongside other offices in the complex called Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Parliament is one of the most majestic architectural structures that stands as a witness to India’s past, present, and future.

If you wish to enter the Parliament house and explore it, you will have to pre-book your ticket online. If the parliament is in session, it is not open for normal visitors but you can marvel at the structure from outside.

VISITING HOURS:10:00 to 22:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME:1-2 hours

COST: INR 250 per person for foreign tourists, INR 50 per person for Indian tourists.

5. Safdarjung Tomb

Delhi has so many sights that it is difficult to accommodate everything. But if you still have a little time left, visit the grave of the Mughal ruler Safdarjung.

It was built in 1754 and reflects the architecture of the Mughal empire. Since this mausoleum is mainly made of marble and sandstone, it has a red shine. Make sure that smart monkeys don’t steal your bags or snacks!

VISITING HOURS: 07:00 to 17:00 hours.

ESTIMATED TIME: 1-2 hours

COST: INR 200 per person for foreign tourists, INR 15 per person for Indian tourists, INR 25 per person for video cameras.

The Stunning Safdarjung Tomb in Delhi (Photo Credit – Dimitry B)

6. Jama Masjid

Constructed in the 16th, Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Built with red sandstone and white marble, Jama Masjid is adorned with majestic minarets, domes, courtyards, and more that are inspired by Mughal architecture.

The architectural beauty and its vibe will captivate you and is truly an experience that you won’t forget. Since this is a sacred place, please remember to dress appropriately for visits (covering head, legs, and shoulders).

VISITING HOURS: 07:00 to 12:00 hours, 13:30 to 18:30 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 1-2 hours

COST: Entry is free, INR 300 for photography.

People praying in Jama Masjid

7. Activities to do in Delhi

A Street Food Tour

Old Delhi is a paradise for foodies, here you get all the culinary highlights of northern India in a very small space. On this tour, you will sample local dishes like chole bhature (chickpeas), Dahi Bhalla, aloo chat, as well as parathas (Stuffed roti), lassi (yoghurt drink) and the very sweet but finger-licking good jalebis (pretzel soaked in sugar syrup), and other Indian desserts.

You’ll also experience the hustle and bustle of the neighbourhood but ride comfortably with a rickshaw from one place to another. You will also visit the Sikh Temple Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and attend the traditional Langar where hundreds of people receive a free hot meal every day. An exciting evening tour that will show you new sides of Delhi!

VISITING HOURS: Afternoon: 13:00 to 17:00 hours, Evening: 17:00 to 21:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 4 hours

COST: INR 2,000 per person.

Bicycle Tour

Experience the mega-metropolis Delhi in the early mornings, when the inhabitants slowly wake up and the colourful hustle and bustle begin. On the four-hour tour, which starts at 6 am, you will visit the most significant sights such as the Jama Masjid, city wall, the Sikh Temple, and many ancient Havelois experiences. In between, you will also visit a bakery and the famous spice market. In the end, a delicious local breakfast is also included.

VISITING HOURS: 06:00 to 10:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 4 hours

COST: INR 1650 per person.

Sit back and relax at Lodhi Garden

This big garden in New Delhi is over 90 acres and is a peaceful location to take a break from the hassle of Delhi. This is a place where the business elite come for their evening walks and runs, where the common man comes to find a shade for an afternoon nap, and a place where the birds of Delhi flock in the evenings and early mornings. The Garden also has a few dilapidated Moghul architecture based structures.

VISITING HOURS: April to September: 05:00 to 20:00 hours, October to March: 06:00 to 20:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 2-3 hours

COST: No entry fee

Sikandar Lodhis Tomb in Lodhi Gardens

8. shopping in Delhi

Janpath Market

Janpath is one of Delhi’s popular markets that attracts locals and tourists throughout. The market consists of a Tibetian Market, Gujrati Market and a Flea Bazar! From imitation Jewellery to handicraft one will find everything they are looking for. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs.

WHAT TO BUY: Anything

TIMINGS: 11:00 to 20:00 hours (closed on Sunday)

ADDRESS: Janpath Rd, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 11000.

Explore More: Uncover the Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Janpath Street Market in Delhi (Photo Credit – Mike Fleming)

Connaught Place

Connaught is Delhi’s largest commercial market and is home to some of the most popular international brands and showrooms. It’s one of the most famous places in Delhi and is very popular among the people, not just for its shops and eateries but also for the multiple monuments that are around it.

Be it gemstones, Indian books, handcraft things, electronic products, various lodgings, eateries, bistro, and cinema halls, Connaught Place will be your go-to-market to start your shopping spree in India.

WHAT TO BUY: Anything

TIMINGS: 10:00 to 20:30 hours (closed on Sunday)

ADDRESS: Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi, 110001, India

Delhi Haat

Delhi Haat is Delhi’s most famous market, this is the place to see the authentic buzzing Delhi and buying your souvenirs. Here you find various handicrafts and art from across India, such as colourful textiles, charming jewellery, and exquisite woodwork.

Of course, you will also find many food stalls here, where you can sample dishes across Indian Cuisine. A must-eat here are the momos and kebabs. Other than the wares for sale, they also organize musical events and shows in the evenings.

WHAT TO BUY: Anything

TIMINGS: 10:00 to 22:00 hours

ADDRESS: Kidwai Nagar West, Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110023.

Moving Around in Delhi

Being the capital, New Delhi has a fair number of reliable options to get you around the city.

Auto Rickshaw

Auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks) in Delhi in theory work on meters, however, most of them will refuse to go by meter and ask for a fixed, often much higher price.

We recommend always trying to get a ‘fair price estimate’ from your hotel or homestay for different rides before setting out.. Using auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) is an economical and convenient mode to move around in the crazy traffic.

Cycle Rickshaw

Looking for the best efficient and eco-friendly way to experience the city? We recommend the cycle rickshaws, these tuk-tuks are a very unique experience and it’s a great way to explore the small lanes of the Old City.

However, always make sure to haggle for the price and do not settle for the first amount told to you. The satisfaction of a good bargain is priceless!

Delhi Metro

Delhi’s Metro will surprise you, even if you have a great metro service back home. One of the world’s widest and newest metro systems. Most places in New Delhi can be reached by Metro.

It is one of the quickest ways to get around the city and you skip the crazy traffic. The fare typically ranges from INR 20-60, depending on the length of the ride

Read Further: Budgeting for Your Trip to India

Uber & Ola

While Delhi does have the famous Kali Peli (black and yellow) taxis we recommend using Ola and Ubers instead to avoid scams and travel in comfort!

If you planning a trip to India and are overwhelmed with which city to visit next, we suggest you read our blog on two weeks travel routes in North India however if you are overwhelmed and would like assistance in planning a hassle-free memorable trip please do get in touch with us and we would be happy to plan a trip based on your needs.

Explore More: Get to Know India’s Fascinating Activities

Common tourist scams in India

Posted on April 22, 2019May 7, 2025 by Aaliya Shaikh

India is known to be a particularly hospitable country. Visitors are welcomed with open arms, and by and large, the general public will go out of their way to help tourists in all sorts of ways. But like they say, it takes an exception to prove the rule. Especially in the big cities, where tourism is a booming business, there will always be the occasional unscrupulous tout or scammer waiting to take advantage of the unsuspecting traveller. To avoid falling a victim to scams, it is best to be forearmed. Here are some of the more common tourist scams in India.

Crowded Market (Photo Credit – Yuan Thirdy)

The fake ‘tourist office’

This is a tricky one to deal with and seems most prevalent in the North of the country. You will be led to an ‘official tourism office’ where they will tell you that the plans and reservations you’ve made are fake, and that they will help you make new bookings. As they pose as government officials, it is easy to fall prey for this common tourist scam.

The best thing to do, of course, is to immediately contact your operator and let them know if you find yourself in this situation, and also contact the hotels you’ve been booked at. We share our contact information with you – use it! Do also be aware of where the actual Tourism Information Offices are; the one in Delhi, for example, is at 88 Janpath Road. If you’re on a trip with India Someday, rest assured, all it takes is a phone call for us to direct you to the established offices.

Always verify the credibility of tourist information centres

The hotel switch

One of the most common tourist scams in India to be aware of is the hotel switch. Again, it is important to remember that if you ask a stranger off the road for assistance, he or she is most likely to help out as much as possible. Most taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers also tend to be the same. But there are those who wouldn’t be as nice. And preying on visitors’ lack of on-ground knowledge is an easy way to fool them.

On the way to a hotel of your choice, you will be gently told that it isn’t such a great place, and that they know of one that is much better and cheaper, too. In some cases, they will tell you that the place you chose has shut down. The best way to get out of this situation without creating a fuss is to tell the driver that you’ve already paid an advance.

They may then even try and take you to a different place with the same name, so it’s best to call the hotel and ask for a nearby landmark. In addition, you can also ask the hotel to arrange a pick up, or hire a private car for the ride, both of which we can help you with. Of the scams in India to avoid, this one’s quite easy to get out of.

Also cross-check your direction (Photo Credit – Mohit Tomar)

Inflated taxi/auto fare

This also makes its way to the list of some of the most common tourist scams in India. Here, the driver will ask where you want to go and then quote an arbitrary number as fare. The reason given for not plying by the meter is that it is difficult for them to get a customer on the way back. This is far more common later at night. Threatening to call a cop can be an effective deterrent, but this could be time-consuming.

A better option would be to simply use an aggregator service, which has become fairly common in all big cities in India. A Government-authorized prepaid counter is another workaround. We can also help you with transport options so you have a car and driver at your disposal! Get in touch and we’ll sort things out for you.

Navigating through local transport can be tricky, but if you know your way through the scams, it can be a very eventful experience (Photo Credit – Dion Hinchcliffe)

An ‘honest’ billing mistake

Sometimes, Hotels and Bars perpetrate sophisticated tourist scams in India. When you find additional items on your bill, the person in question will quickly acknowledge the mistake and take the said items off the bill. But, the service charge and luxury tax (if applicable) which is calculated on the previously inflated amount will remain. Asking for a new bill is the easiest way to avoid prolonged discussion on the matter.

Keep an eye out on those bills and ask for a new one in case you smell something fishy (Photo Credit – Oliver Menyhart from Pixabay)

The old switcheroo

When trying to get change for a larger currency bill, or while paying for something, the perpetrators will either palm a few notes and say you haven’t paid enough, or switch your currency note for a counterfeit one. Counting the notes while paying or declaring that you just withdrew them from an ATM are good ways of avoiding currency scams.

Be careful while you deal with cash and watch your notes

The road fee

Owing to its reputation of being a slightly unfriendly city, tourists often ask ‘is Delhi safe for foreigners?’. For the large part, it is, provided you take adequate precautions. But sometimes, the very people responsible for safeguarding the people’s interests exploit them.

Although this isn’t actually dangerous except for a little monetary loss, it is still one of the scams to be aware of in India. Officials, either designated or pretend, ask for arbitrary fees or taxes from unsuspecting tourists. Although, asking for proper identification and a clear explanation of the said demand is enough of a deterrent.

Read on: Immersing in Things to do in India

On the whole, India and her people love tourists, and we love sharing the wonders of our country with you. Don’t let these scams scare or deter you; now that you know about the common tourist scams in India, you’re well prepared to grab it by the horns. Planning your next holiday in India, or dreaming of visiting India someday? Get in touch, and we’ll help you put it together!

How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Delhi

Posted on February 16, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

With only 20 years under her belt, Claire Lovesti has already travelled to 3 continents, 16 countries, and 38 cities! Here’s her insider scoop on grabbing a glimpse of the real Delhi.

Travelling always garners that secret sense of adventure; the rush of wandering down an unknown street, the slight fear in tasting a new dish, the unbelievable excitement at discovering another perch in the world that delivers a perfect sunset (because there’s millions of them, hidden all over the world).

It’s why I travel.

The only thing that ever bars me from visiting a new place is the authenticity I’m likely to encounter – and it’s not all about commercialization, it’s about the heart. While Disney World to some may seem too pristine, it’s the whole Disney experience of walking down Main Street with a recreated vintage theatre on one side and a Starbucks on the other.

Whereas, when I wander into the Great Smoky Mountains and get into a traffic jam because of the busses lined up for Ripley’s in Gatlinburg I have to wonder, is this too much of a tourist trap?

On my trip to New Delhi, I was never at a crossroads on whether to make the trip (India oozes with sincerity, it’s impossible to miss it), but I did know that it has a propensity for luring tourists away from the real gems.

But how can visitors avoid tourist traps in India? Check out my list of do’s, don’ts and everything in between to avoid falling into one of the tourist traps in Delhi.

Travelling in India

Travelling

There are a few common tourist scams in India. While I tend to stay away from organized travelling in general (no travel agencies, no group tours), it does seem to make it easier in the long run, which is the main draw. When you’re touching down in a foreign place, the temptation to grab anything that seems even the least bit coordinated has multiplied.

But, the key to Delhi is either to strike out on your own with the aid of apps (I like free tour apps that give me a walking guide of the city, like Historypin) or pre-book in advance. Everything from trains to hotels to excursions are going to be more expensive online, but it’s also easier to get a feel for whether you’re getting the best deal or just the walk around.

If you co-ordinate with an agency like India Someday, you have the hassles of travel and accommodation sorted out giving your explorations even more independence.

Scams in India to Avoid: For trains, be careful that you aren’t buying a ticket for the waitlist. For taxis, go with flat fare rides (not private cars) that make a record of your name for the police. When in doubt, book online with a trusted site. Do I sound paranoid? Don’t take it personally, I’ve just been on one too many “great deals” that ended with me seeing nothing but the alleyway of some famous museum and the back of a crowded bus.

Avoid train scams (Photo Credit – Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter)

Popular sightseeing spots

Like any tourist city, there’s going to be people hanging around the hot spots hoping to make a buck off the travellers. If you’re in Delhi checking out the Red Fort, or wandering into a market that caters to travellers, you might come up against this: beggars.

My first experience with beggars was in Rome with the Roma. While I made classic mistakes there, I keep in mind a couple of things when I travel now that keep me from handing out rupees for every magician in Old Delhi.

If any group surrounds your mode of transportation or group and are performers, it’s better to walk away without watching any of it. While some of the performances are interesting (and certainly new to many travellers), if you watch, you should give them some money. If you don’t want to hand over any change, get out of there as quickly as possible.

Same goes for shoe shiners, kids, or magical acts – don’t let them get more than 10 seconds of their pitch out, it’s better to get the heck out of dodge.

Red Fort (Photo Credit – Prajapati Harsh)

What to bring with you

While travelling, there’s always a couple of things I never leave home without, and with Delhi, it’s not any different.

Don’t worry about clothes; jewellery, clothing, shoes, and other accessories are very inexpensive in Delhi, so if you run out of t-shirts and jeans, it’s not hard to find affordable options to tide you over until washing day. Things you might not consider but are essential: water treatment tablets (or something of that sort), insect repellent, earbuds, sunscreen, and a SIM card.

Some of the worst bugs you can pick up abroad are found in the water, so if bottled isn’t an option (or you just refuse to pay the big prices) take a SteriPEN with you. It uses ultraviolet light to kill the pathogens, viruses, and all manner of bacteria that can contaminate your water and it’s small and travel-friendly. Sunscreen and bug spray are self-explanatory, as are the earplugs (Delhi is a beautiful, cultural mecca, but quiet it is not!).

As for the SIM card, this is a personal travel hack of mine to keep my data working wherever I am without sending my cell bill through the roof (don’t tell Verizon). This “hack” doesn’t require anything other than picking up a card on the way out of the airport and installing it in my phone. Most work automatically, and if not you just need to unlock your phone. It’s easy, the service is cheaper, and you get better bars for making sure Dark Sky tracks the rainstorm heading your way.

You may shake your head at why this is a tourist trap to avoid, but trust me, being a sunburnt, itching, directionless tourist in the streets of Delhi will certainly make an example out of you for the next passersby – it’s easier to just avoid with some clever packing!

Clients outside Lotus Temple in Delhi (Photo Credit – Jay Galvin)

Shopping

If you see a lot of fanny packs, run.

All jokes aside, when it comes to picking up authentic knick-knacks in Old (or New) Delhi, the key is to look for places offering locally handmade items. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the market is, the better. I suggest hitting up places like Dilli Haat (traditional weekly market, go for the artefacts, stay for the performances and food) or Chandi Chowk (great for fabrics and spices), rather than the Central Cottage Industries Emporium.

I also have a personal preference for not buying any electronics or hardware, but rather traditional handmade items like painted dolls, lanterns, or beautiful sari scarves. For things from Tibet as well as Indian, hit up Janpath and Tibetan Market in Old Delhi for paintings, brassware, and cool jewellery. For a suit, head to Khan Market, and for upscale art and interiors, go for the smaller Sunder Nagar. These markets will be potentially crowded, but it’s where all the hidden gems are.

Shopping in India

Cash handling

Don’t make a beginner mistake with the money; when it comes to bringing out the cash just remember, less is more.

When wandering markets or looking for streetfood (chaat, phirni, jalebi, and chai are on my list of must-try’s), keep a couple of things in mind: haggling here is alive and well, and keeping your bills close to your chest is just a good rule of thumb. Otherwise, you’ll be the target for the pocket snatchers in the market (every city has them, I’m not picking on Delhi!).

Whether it’s your first time travelling in Delhi or your millionth, there are more charms than dangers in the streets of this old (and new!) city. With careful planning, it’s easy to avoid them with ease and get back to what’s really important: enjoying the experience.

Have any tips or tricks for making a trip to Delhi better? Leave your suggestions in the comments, I’d love to hear them! Click on Plan Your Trip for your ideal itinerary.

Dealing With Touts in India

Posted on June 17, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Wondering how problematic it is to deal with touts in India? Picture this: you’re off on a trip to Delhi. The capital of India, a land of historic value and great energy, the kind of city that gets your heart pumping. Weeks, maybe even months of planning have finally reached their fruition. You have arrived. You can’t wait to explore Delhi and make this another memorable trip. But, the minute you step off the train, someone runs up to you, clings to your sleeve and smooth talks you out of your hard earned money. What a way to start the trip!

Sadly, this is an unfortunate aspect of travelling to India, the touts. They are people who will do anything to make a quick buck out of vulnerable first-time travellers. Those experienced can easily deal with it, usually learning from their mistakes or by reading up enough. The problem is, sometimes, no matter how much knowledge you may have, you can never be too prepared for these fraudsters. They’ll come at you from all sides, offering everything from hotels and taxis at ‘Cheap’ ‘Special’ or ‘Discount’ rates to hats, sweaters and keychains. Our guide on dealing with touts in India has come to the rescue; read up and laugh your anxieties away.

Heed the signs – Beware of touts in India (Photo Credits – sanjayausta.photoshelter.com)

Where do you find Touts in india?

You may think you will find touts only at crowded stations or monuments, but it’s much more widespread than that. A tout could be just about anybody, your taxi/ auto-rickshaw driver or your hotel manager. Anybody who is earning a commission or even a direct profit from getting you to part with your money is a tout.

You will find people trying to charge you extra for entrance at monuments, temples and mosques. The key is to avoid or ignore them, though your patience will be sorely tested. Their initial aim is for you to respond to them. Once done, they’ll dive straight into their sales pitch and bait you into buying something.

They will cling to you doggedly if you try to walk away. If you ignore them long enough, they’ll eventually turn their attention to somebody else. Make sure you buy your tickets at designated counters with prominent signs displaying entrance fees, and whenever possible try to dish out exact change. You would be surprised at how even the employees working for authorities like the railways or the bus services will try to short-change you.

If you take a cab or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station, a good chance is that the driver will tell you that your hotel is already fully booked or in some cases even shut down to try and entice you toward a ‘cheap’ hotel of his choice. Firmly tell them you’ve paid in advance, or call up the hotel and ask for a landmark. This is a common scam in India that you can easily get out of.

Always buy your ticket from the booking office

new Delhi

New Delhi is a city of warm, generous people who are very upset by their city’s reputation as a haven for touts. You will find a lot of people who genuinely want to help you without asking for anything in return. Thus, being too cautious might keep you from connecting with some truly lovely people.

A common scam is the train ticket scam at New Delhi. An official-looking person comes up to you, informing you that your train has been cancelled. Be careful when boarding a train from Delhi, your tickets are NOT cancelled, unless your tour operators tell you so! If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, just laugh them off and carry on with your journey. Always ring your tour operator to clear any doubts before giving in to this trick, as the solution offered by touts is buying a much more expensive train ticket.

New Delhi is full of bustle and charm, don’t let the touts ruin the experience (Photo Credit – Grant Matthews)

Pushkar

Pushkar is a holy city, home to a place of worship of great importance to Hindus. You’ll find the place packed with travellers. Both explorers and pilgrims making their way to ‘Tirth Raj’, the king of pilgrimage sites. The irony is that this land of goodness, godliness and devotion, has become a hotbed for mischief-makers.

The most common scam you will encounter is the form of paid blessings. Touts in India can indeed take on amusing disguises. When you wander across the town or the small lake, you will come across smiling priests (touts, yes that’s what they are, touts). They will ask you if you want to be blessed, after which they will pray for you, make you chant a few words and then demand outrageously large sums of money.

The best way to avoid them is to say upfront exactly how much you’re willing to pay (nothing more than INR 50-100) and then watch how they don’t want to give you ‘special blessings’ anymore.

Pushkar is gorgeous but notorious for ‘Priest’ touts (Photo Credit – Francisco Anzola, Flickr)

Agra

The land of the Taj Mahal draws in tourists from around the world and quick on their heels, the touts.

The touts in Agra have a very mind-blowing capacity for being irritating. Yes, all touts in India and over the world are irritating, but these guys are exceptionally good at pestering people. They will want to sell you little Taj Mahal replicas, ‘authentic’ pashmina shawls, and will tell you that your hotel or the Taj is far away and ask you to take the Tanga rickshaw (carriage) to a place that is quite literally 500 meters away.

The best way to deal with touts in Delhi, Agra or all over in India, in general, is to just ignore them, never run out of patience, and do a little bit of research about the place you are visiting. Just to reiterate, you will find a lot of genuinely helpful people who will help you. Indians are very welcoming people. Some might even help you negotiate with the touts!\

Explore More: Getting Acquainted with Things to do in India

Be firm with the touts around the Taj Mahal so you can truly appreciate its beauty in peace

We understand that no matter how much you read, dealing with touts in India can be intimidating. If you want to avoid a sticky situation, feel free to contact us!