A person’s thoughts and ideas are shaped, to a large extent, by his culture. Cultural influence is so subtle and ingrained that we are usually not aware of it until we are confronted by another culture and another way of thinking. Dealing with a society completely different from ours is not an easy task. It requires a sustained effort to understand, not to mention immense patience. But the understanding is necessary if we are to interact smoothly and positively with people from a different background. It is even more important in the case of a businessman as his financial success depends upon it. The Indian way of life is very different from that of western society. Indian priorities are different. Indian mannerisms are different. Even the Indian perception of time is different. The key to a successful business relationship with Indians is to understand their culture. In the process, we also learn to appreciate all that is positive about it – the importance accorded to the family, the warmth and hospitality apparent in every home, the spiritual under current that pervades the society and its accepting nature. The series of articles are aimed at helping a visitor appreciate the vibrant, diverse country that India is. Foreigners can find numerous cultural tips and information about Indian customs and practices, language and communication, food and eating habits, traditions, landscapes, and even tips for developing a successful business relationship with Indians. Whether you are a business person or a tourist, a first time visitor to India or a veteran traveler, we hope that you find the information presented here interesting and informative. India is a land of contrasting diversity. It encompasses tradition and modernity, the spiritual and the secular, the extremely wealthy and the dismally poor. Indian culture, with its origins in one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, is today a blend of many religions, arts, languages, cuisines, and lifestyles. Even India’s geography reflects variety – from snow-clad mountains and arid deserts to tropical rain forests and sunny beaches. The India a new visitor perceives on arrival is one of complete chaos. Indian cities give the phrase ‘teeming with humanity’ a new meaning. People, animals, and vehicles move around the streets with seemingly no concern for each other. A lot has been written about animals on Indian streets but the actual sight of a cow ambling next to an SUV, a stray dog happily asleep under a parked truck, or a hen pecking around the wheel of a bicycle is truly amazing to one who is not used to such spectacles. Even more astonishing is the dexterity of the drivers who, amid the human and animal pedestrians, deftly maneuver their two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and even six and eight wheelers along the narrow roads, apparently following no rules. However, after the initial jolt, the outsider learns to appreciate the hidden beauty concealed in the diversity of the culture, in the splendor of the landscapes, and the friendliness and hospitality of the people. India, historically famed for its spirituality, is now known more for its software engineers and call centers. The software boom and globalization of the economy has given rise to a great economic divide, as it shored up the bank accounts of its active patrons while the rest of the populace was left behind.