SRIKAKULAM DISTRICT TOURISM

TRAVEL TIPS

Tourism is what brings People together , Across Geographies... Demographies... Cultures... Religions... Genders... Hearts... And Souls. Oceans of  Differences in Attitudes and Mindsets melt away when Tourism Develops. In short, when Tourism is on an upward Journey in any Location, "CHAOS - CRISIS - CRIMES" are forced to beat a downward Journey. In a way, it is a WIN - WIN necessity for all Stake holders of the Society to improve Tourism. More so, when Cost Of Living is comparatively Low like in India., and attracting Tourists is that much more easier.

However, for Tourism to thrive and make a positive impact on the vicinity, it is important that Tourists, whether Domestic or Foreign, understand the Etiquettes of local Societies. Basic knowledge of critical Nuances is extremely essential while travelling & Mingling with the People. Emphasis is on Not causing Physical or Emotional damages to Human Sentiments due to Ignorance or Innocence.

India has a Time Tested and Sustainable Culture and is one of the Three Surviving Ancient Civilisations of Human History. Indian Scriptures place Guests at a very high Status  - "ATIDHI DEVO BHAVA"...Meaning A Guest is a God. Indians are extremely Polite and the country is known for Family System, Variety of Food , Yoga, Ayurveda ,  Software Skills , Managerial expertise etc etc. Cultural Maturity over Thousands of Years, has taught Indians to give more importance to Social and Family System of Living Together , as opposed to Nuclear/ Self Centred/ Individualistic Living. Indian Culture advocates compromise on Individual Comforts, if necessary, for the sake of  Long Term Familial Relations and Social Harmony.

The Indian Sub Continental Cultures are generally Conservative in nature and have semblance to the Far East Orthodox Systems. Self esteem, Social Status, Consciousness of Character are important ingredients of Indian Living. Celibacy is a virtue. Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Prostitution, Living together without Marriage etc are seen as Vices and are a Social taboo. Flirting, Romance, Intimate/ Compromising Public Postures are better to be avoided. Public speaking of Love etc is advisable to be avoided. Wearing Indian Attire will bring pleasant Appreciation and enable Local people to come forward without inhibitions.

India is well developed in the area of Communications & Banking. Even Vegetable Vendors are seen carrying Mobile Phones and Bank ATMs are a plenty. All Banks accept International Debit/ Credit cards like Visa/ Mastercard/ AMEX etc etc.

General :

v Always Carry a Photo Copy set of all your Travel Documents like Passport/ Visa/ Identity Card / Emergency Contact Numbers etc

v Water Contamination is an usual Risk in India. Carry Pure Water wherever/ whenever you go out

v Keep Drinking  Sufficient Water since India is a Tropical Country and Dehydration is a Risk

v Carry Sufficient Indian Currency while going interior. Things to Carry - Sun Hats, Binoculars, Umbrellas, Camera, Extra Memory Cards for Phones, Power Bank etc

v The Best Time to Travel In Srikakulam District is October to February

Spiritual Places:

A Temple is the pivot of all Religious activities and is also usually a seat of Social Congregation / Education / Arts etc. As such Indians treat Temples as Sacred and observe strict Discipline when visiting Temples. Temples in Srikakulam District are open to people of all Faiths/ Castes/ Creed/ Religion/ Gender. Foreigners are not required to Sign any papers for entry. Photography is not allowed inside the Temples.

v The best time to visit Temples is Early in the Morning after Due Bathing and wearing Clean Clothes  etc

v Carry a few Flowers/ Coconut / Fruits etc as offering to the Lord/ Priests

v Do not Wear Chappals / Shoes when entering Temples

v Do Not Carry any Drugs/ Weapons/ Cameras/ Bags etc

v Do not Spit or litter the surroundings, Use Dust Bins

v Wear Traditional / Full Clothing when entering Temples, particularly Women

v Before entering Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Gudi), Do Pradakshina in the Circum Ambulatory Passage (Beda Mandapam) by keeping the Lord/ Sanctum Sanctorum to your Right

v Observe strict Silence while Awaiting your Turn for Darshan. It is advisable to recite the Mantra silently and internally (Panchaakshari – Om Nama Shivaaya.., Ashtaakshari – Om Namo Naaraayanaaya.., Mahaa Mantra - Hare Krishna etc etc)

v Pay Obeisances/ Respects to the Lord/ Idol by Folding both Hands in a Posture of “Namaskaaram”

v Do not drop even a drop of Sacred Water / Tirtham offered by Priests. Swallow Entirely.

v Do not Tip anybody for Faster Services

v Make all your Payments/ Donations in the Temple Office Only

v Demand Receipts for all Payments

v Do not Encourage Beggars/ Touts

Archaeological Places / Heritage Sites : No Photography Allowed. Guides are available with prior intimation.

Shopping Areas : Petty Thefts are reported occasionally. Price Bargaining can be useful. 

Communities Or Dwelling Places : It is a local Tradition to carry Sweets/ Dry Fruits etc when visiting Guests. Presenting Gadgets/ Clothes may add a Personal Touch. Keep a watch on Hygiene and Contagious Diseases.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS : 

POLICE 100...FIRE 101...AMBULANCE 108/104...CRIME STOPPER 1098...District Police Control Room 08942 226633...Superintendent Of Police (SP) 094407 95800...Deputy Superintendent Of Police (DSP) 094407 95803