In cheap lodging, double-lock the door (with combination padlock) and secure all windows before retiring for the night-thieves are adept at creeping into unsecured hotel rooms.

If leaving your luggage for anywhere, for any reason, padlock it to a pipe, a bedstead, or anything that cannot be moved. Some hotels will remind it for you-but always get a receipt, and always check nothing's missing on your return.

Never get attracted by the brokers who provide you rooms at cheap/ low costs because only problems come at cheap or no cost.

Once you are out of airport into open crowd always keep an eye on your luggage, preferably surround your luggage while discussing where to go or while waiting for somebody.

Always be aware and awake about the snatch and run guys waiting for opportunities.

On the streets, wear shoulder bags across the body (impossible to snatch, and keep all money and valuables out of sight (never in unzipped pockets). Beware of being frisked by beggars pretending a friendly hug. Never give anyone your camera, to 'look at', unless you feel quite sure of getting it back again.

Never drink any water (even in restaurants) that has not been filtered, sterilized. Since you will never be sure of this, always take mineral water to drink. Avoid local companies.

With aerated drinks or fruit juices, never drink from the bottle-always asks for a straw.

Keep a fresh drinking water handy all the times. Tap it up each morning before you leave your hotel. This saves you having to drink local water. Remember most of the diseases out here are water-borne.

If you require purchasing mineral water outside go for the branded water bottles like (Bisleri, Aquafine, etc.). Other wise go for those bottles that have proper seal.

Don't accept any food or drink from total strangers, especially on trains or buses. There are good chances that it might be drugged.

While going out for a long day-out carry few fruits like banana, apple to have them in case of emergency.

Always peel your own fruit and vegetables-steer clear of raw vegetables salads.

Eat three square meals a day. In hot, dry climates (like Rajasthan) it is common for travellers to go right off solid foods, and to live on a watery diet of fruit salads, curds, and loads of bottled drinks. The inevitable result is diarrhea. To soak up all that excess liquid, you will have to get back to solids (bananas, breads, biscuits etc.) immediately.

In very dry climates like in Rajasthan remember the best way to quenching thirst is to drink deeply and seldom, not little and often.

When eating with your fingers (Indian custom), clean them first-most restaurants have a wash-hand basin. You'd be amazed how difficult it is to keep clean in India-though the Indian people themselves are among the cleanest in the world!

Keep your medical kit regularly replenished. Before you head off into remote places visit a local pharmacist and stock up on aspirins, diarrhea tablets, insect cream and other first-aid essentials.

Avoid throat and chest complaints-ration visits to (fiercely air-conditioned) luxury hotels and restaurants, and go easy on sun bathing or bathing in cold swimming pools. When travelling in tour buses, always wear a cap or scarf. Walking along the dusty street, get in to the habit of breathing through nose, not the mouth.

Observing these precautions should see you returning home fitter and healthier than you when you set out. You will almost certainly lose a lot of weight. If illness does strike, remember that Indian Doctors are generally excellent-your hotel should be able to recommend the best local one. Most main cities also have good hospitals and superior nursing facilities. This said, medical treatment abroad is expensive.