How to travel safely in India? any tips?

I would love to visit Taj Mahal, Mumbai & New Delhi.
Do you have any tips on how to travel safely without being harassed by crook taxi driver, etc.

Is it safer to book a package from the travel agents?

I visited Culcutta last year, i was travelling alone and was cheated by almost everyone, from the taxi driver to the hotel staffs.


Edit:
package tour is my last option.
i was on my own in my 1st trip and get ripped off in every corner.
i can change clothing, pretending to be poor but how can i change the colour of my skin?






Answer :
Sadly as a "non-Indian" person you will stick out like a sore thumb. As with any tourist, you will be taken for a ride (it even happens out here in NYC). I would suggest you purchase Lonely Planet (it has price ranges for almost everything) and make hotel reservations in advance so that your hotel room is not a rip-off. Also try to travel in off-season months and you will get cheaper rates. As for cabs, they will always rip you off no matter what part of the world you travel.

And don't feel bad -- I am Indian and I was still taken for a ride!!






Answer :
take along a trusted person, else make reservations with a well-known travel company, always STAY AWAY from beggars, hawkers, taxi drivers, vendors, etc.
as a foreigner, you cannot really expect that you will get to travel india in (relative) peace, you must use your money and make reservations in the best hotels, and have the best travel services that you can afford, don't go like a cheapskate, i'm sorry but i have to be frank, i've seen many foreigners try to "get a real taste of India" by visiting all the down-and-out places, roaming around on their own, in the process getting ripped off bad,
and please talk to locals to get an idea of the market rates for everything, do NOT talk to vendors, they will misguide you,

good luck, and have a safe and happy experience






Answer :
Yes it is perfectly safe to book your package from travel agents....check their background and ask them about all the hotels and restaurants they will take you to...Make sure to ask them about the details about everyday activvity....Have it in writing....
OFFICIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION TO INDIA IN WESTERN USA : 1.800.422.4634.
www.incredibleindia.org






Answer :
Always remember not to make eye contact with hawker. Make reservation from a registered place. Be careful when you are in city especially near bus terminus, railway station or airport because these are places where you can be cheated. Lastly, never eat or drink anything from unknown person. You can also use the prepaid taxi or auto wherever it's available.






Answer :
Package tour is not interesting.

Change your cloth poor, pretend poor.
Don't wear on 18 carat Rolex.

Most of Indian people are very nice and great.

Have nice trip !!