India has a magical and enigmatic charm that draws people from across the world. It’s a country full of diversity and cultural fervor.  Visiting India can be a bit unnerving for the first-time visitor as the lifestyle and cultural nuances are very different from that of the Western culture. Here is a list of tips to make your trip hassle-free and enjoyable in India.  
1.    Money: Travelers cheques are widely accepted and cashable at banks and hotels and are safer than carrying cash. While exchanging currency, insist on getting an encashment certificate. ATM machines linked to your bank network can be used to withdraw money to avoid the credit card companies’ foreign transaction charge and in-bank commissions.
2.    Document safety: Upload all important information such as passport number to your own email id. If you loose any documentation, you can retrieve the same from your mail.
3.    Insurance: It is advisable to cover yourself with travel insurance for thefts, loss and medi-claim
4.    Guide book: Bring or buy a good guidebook or city street maps. Some recommended ones are the Lonely Planet Guide or the India Handbook (they are known to be pretty accurate) and the Lonely Planet Phrasebook with translations for “Yes”, “no”, “thanks”, “please”, “excuse me” and “how much?”
5.    Clothes: This depends on which part of India you will be visiting. Throughout the year excepting from November to February it is hot in most parts of India. But a safe bet would be light cotton t-shirts and trousers. If you are visiting during the Monsoon season, carry rain gear.
6.    Places of worship: In temples, the Hindu places of worship, footwear is not allowed inside temple premises. So you will need to take off your shoes prior to entry. There are some Hindu temples that do not permit leather items such as belts, wallets and leather bags. Both men and women will need to cover their heads prior to entering a Sikh place of worship. Temples in Kerala do not permit men to wear shirts and women in western clothing. A salwar kameez. sari or long skirts are therefore recommended. Most temples do not permit the use of camera within the premises.
7.    Food and Drink: Avoid eating food from hawkers. Do not eat any cold food which has been prepared previously, such as salads, cut fruit, cut vegetables. Do not drink tap water or water from any source unless it is from a sealed water bottle purchased from a reputable shop (and NOT from a street vendor). Do not consume any ice. In a restaurant don’t drink from the glass if it looks slightly even dirty. Don’t eat in a restaurant where there is no one else as that could be a sign that the food may not be fresh. Eat food only if it is served hot. Don’t eat anything offered by fellow travelers on train or road travels as it might have sleeping pills
8.    Tipping and Gratuities: You do not need to tip regular taxi drivers. For the waiters in restaurants, leave anything from Rs. 20 to Rs. 100.  Do not encourage beggars.
9.   Shopping: Bargaining in flea markets and street shops is acceptable in India and is in fact necessary. Try and aim to get the price down to ½ or 1/3 or the mentioned price. Don’t buy antiques more than 100 years old as it’s illegal and so is the purchase of some items made of ivory and wildlife.
10.    For Women: Women traveling alone in certain places should avoid walking alone at odd hours. In public places, dress as the locals do, in salwar kameez or long skirts and kurtas. It is advisable to keep the legs and arms covered as exposing clothes tend to attract unnecessary staring by the locals.
11.    First aid and Medication: Travelers should get properly inoculated against diseases if coming from infected regions. Carry a first aid kit with pain killers, cotton, band aids, disinfectant, insect repellents, water purification tablets, etc. Basic medicines are also available with every pharmacist without a prescription.
12.    While socializing: Always eat and pick up food items with your right hand. Take only as much as you can eat and do not leave anything uneaten in the dish. Do not photograph ladies without their permission. Pointing a finger at people is considered bad manners in India. Be careful of cultural and social sensitivities of the region and the best way is to observe and follow. Don’t accept offers of visiting anyone’s home unless you know the person well.
13.    Hygiene: Carry a bottle of hand sanitizers. Indians use water for cleaning not toilet rolls. So carry one always wherever you go. These can also be purchased in India at most cities.
14.    Security: Money belts are essential for valuables (money, credit cards, traveler’s cheques, rail passes, air tickets, passports). Be on your guard at all times. Luggage can be chained to the trains for any overnight travel.  Always travel reserved class in trains.

The last but not the least is not to look confused. Keep a posture of a person who knows the place and have a blast.