Indians don’t just travel to must-see destinations. They leave their mark there, with plastic bags, initials etched on ancient pillars and other uniquely Indian habits. Meet the Indian tourist:
1. Travels in twos or family packs
You’ll spot a large number of honeymoon couples at all popular destinations, she wearing bangles and mehendi and he unable to put the camera away. Else, it’s the whole family: nana-nani, chacha-chachi and a big brood of kids. Going solo? Forget it.
Never mind all of Aamir Khan’s pleas, Raj wants you to know he loves Sonia. And if it is to be etched in stone, then he’ll do just that. Even better if it’s a 500-year-old stone pillar in Mahabalipuram.
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3. Is a litter bug
There can be no sight-seeing without food, which is just fine. But thinks lugging plastic bottles and disposable plates to a garbage bin is way too much trouble. Ergo, our once-pristine hillsides and river banks always look like a municipal garbage dump.
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4. Will feed the animals
Try telling him not to feed the monkeys/pigeons/fish. You’d be wasting your breath. This feeding frenzy hits new levels in zoos where there are express instructions not to feed or tease animals.
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5. Doesn’t follow the signs
‘Please don’t walk on the grass’; ‘Please don’t pluck the flowers’. Sees these signs and does precisely the opposite.
6. Is a selfie-fanatic
Who cares for the perfect symmetry and grace of the Lotus Mahal in Hampi? Just pout and pose for that selfie and post instantly on instagram.
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7. Can’t stop taking photos
At the more popular tourist destinations, you’ll be stopping every few seconds so as not to interrupt a photo session. It’s never the impressive ramparts of Amber Fort that are being clicked. But some dude sitting atop a stone elephant that’s a few centuries old.
8. Wants a free guide
Thinks paying for a guide is unnecessary. Simply hangs around the edge of a group that has hired a guide. Smart, huh?
