This is a list of what I have found out myself when I went there for the first time in January 2011 and from various guide books (both in Thai and in English).
- From Thailand, it's better to bring US dollars than Indian Rupees. We did pay our packaged tour in US dollars and got better deal. When we needed Rupees, we just exchanged it from hotels or money changers (better rates than at the airports) though they can be hard to find in small towns. I ran into one Western Union outlet in Delhi.
- Nice souvenir to bring: ยาหม่องตราลิงถือลูกท้อ Other brands of balm don't work because Hindus treasure the monkey on the container. Monkeys signify Hanuman, one of their gods.
- Drink bottled water only. Don't even trust water fountains, even in the gleaming Delhi airport. I got diarrhea as a result.
- Thailand is a member of SAARC (South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation), so we get deep discounts on entrance fees to many monuments, e.g., Taj Mahal or various World Heritage Sites. For example, at Gutab Minar in Delhi, other foreign tourists pay 250 rupees for tickets, while we pay 10 rupees, same rate as Indian citizens.
- Vegetarian food is abundant because Hindus are vegetarian. They also eat plenty of dairy products, e.g., milk, yogurt, all sorts of soft cheese. We did have fresh unprocessed milk in Delhi (producers deliver them in the morning to the shop). Basic staples are flat bread like chapatis with dal curry. Basmati rice can also be ordered.
- Most Indians (more than 80%) are Hindus; some are Sikhs (ones with tightly bound white turbans ผ้าโพกหัว, like those we see in Thailand). To me, the main difference between them, besides the turbans, is that Sikhs don't worship Gods (they only pay respect to the teachings of their religious leader) whereas Hindus have countless number of gods. The main shrine of Siks is the Golden Temple in Amaritsa (I haven't been there yet). Buddhists account for less than one percent in India.
- Travel options within India: buses, trains and air (many low-cost airlines, e.g., Kingfisher, Jet,...), or rented cars (with drivers). Sometimes this last option is very convenient and not so expensive if a group consists of 4-6 people (3-rows taxis that can seat 6-8 people are common in India). Metro (subway) in Delhi is excellent, thanks to the Commonwealth Game in 2010.
- Indians generally don't drink coffee but they have Chai (spiced milk tea) all day long.
- Some Thais said that Indians don't nod when they want to say yes. I think they do, but sideways. ผงกหัวไปด้านข้างแทนที่จะพยักหน้า
- Most Thais go to India to visit the four holy places related to Buddha: where he was born (Lumbini), where he became enlightened (Bodh Gaya), where he gave the first sermon (Sarnath), and where he died (Kusinara). These four towns are in the Northern part of India. I later found that other very interesting sites are Achanta, Allora and Elephanta caves which are temples dug out from natural caves. These caves are in the South. Sadly, I haven't gone to any of them yet.
- I brought my Thai cell phone with me (I have "international roaming") and found it very convenient. The signals in India are very good. It costs 12 Baht to send a message but it's free to receive it. To call or to receive a call costs about 100 Baht/min.
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