A different ghar wapsi: 8 things that NRIs do when they come to India

OK folks, we bring you the original ‘ghar wapsi’. The NRI on a sojourn to the motherland and the plans he plans. Apart from visiting family and friends, here are the top eight things that many NRIs do, or plan to do, as soon as they touch the Indian soil. Read on.

 

1. Binge on delectable street food

Nothing like driving down to the nearest dhaba and enjoying a few plates of hot butter-laden parathas and thick yummy lassis in the traditional kulhad. Many firmly believe that not even the best restaurants can guarantee such amazing taste or even comes close to it. Saurabh Chawla, a Finance Manager based in Dubai says, “For me, it’s tandoori chicken at a dabha near New Delhi. Without it, my trip to India is incomplete.”

 

 

2. Go straight to the wedding hall

Most the time the biggest reason why many NRIs come to India is because someone in the family or friends circle is getting married. No qualms about that, because they say that they get to meet people with whom they have not been in touch for a long time. Also the great food, dance and fun is unparalleled.

3. Head to Chennai or Delhi

Many NRIs schedule a visit to the consulates in Chennai or Delhi. Rashmi Saraj, who has been staying in US for more than four years now, says, “The H1 / L1 visa holders and their spouses are compelled to visit Chennai to get the visas stamped, but there’s always a certain unpredictability associated about its renewal. So spending a day or two in Chennai is a must on our itinerary”

4. Shop, shop and shop

The boom in the Indian retail market has resulted in a plethora of big brands offering some great prices and discounts throughout the year. Sunita and her husband, a resident of San Jose, California, say, “We do loads of shopping in India – especially Indian and western wear. You get much more for the same price in India. Sometimes we shop for jewellery too, because the kind of designs that you get here is something that cater to the Indian palate.”

5. Drive: The Indian way

Well, for many it’s liberating to drive on the Indian roads, where you don’t have to adhere strictly to the rules while changing lanes. Also, you get cheap thrills when you cross the speed limit or break minor traffic rules and don’t get caught by the cops. It reminds many people of their bachelor days!

6. Complement government efforts

Many NRIs are increasingly becoming socially conscious and want to do their bit to serve their motherland. It’s well known that many NRIs actively participated in an awareness campaign during India’s election in 2014, encouraging their friends and families to vote. But that’s not all. Ritesh Hedge, a techie working a big multinational, who recently returned from Japan, says, “I want to contribute and actively participate in the Swachh Bharat Campaign. I have been inspired by Japan and want my country to reach the same standards of cleanliness.”

7. Enjoy local experiences

The joy of hopping on to auto rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw brings back memories galore. Like for, Vivek Upadhyay, a Senior Quantitative Trader from London always ensures that he hitches ride in an auto and the metro when he visits his childhood home in Kolkata.

8. Be a tourist in India

There are some tourist experiences which is only exclusive to India, inviting foreign tourists and NRIs alike. Reema Ann Roy, and her family, who have been in New Zealand for the last couple of years, are planning a house boat trip in Kerala. She says, “I have never been on a houseboat and I am excited about the plan.”