Paan-walla
In India, almost everyone chews paan, as evidenced by red marks on walls and floors. Even in the smallest village, you can see the paan-chat, that is, the seller of paanu, sitting on the ground with his legs crossed, in front of which are piles of leaves and cans of spices. His "shop" is usually just a niche in the wall.
Although a serving of paanu only costs approx. 1 rupees, rumors are circulating, that sellers of this popular stimulant soon make millions. Even though they have lost many customers, when factories took over the production of the mixtures, some of them are very rich indeed. Nothing unusual, since in Prince Pan Center in Darjaganj, the local Croesus for a properly prepared mixture will even pay 100 rupees.
The basic ingredient of paanu is lime powder, areca and catechu seeds, that is acacia extract. However, some paanu sellers prepare it according to their own recipes, adding, among others. snuff, plant extracts, and even gold and silver foil. There are many varieties of this popular stimulant. One of them is palang tor, or "bed breaker."”, served to the groom just before their wedding night. Many people think, that it contains a powdered rhinoceros horn or other aphrodisiacs, but in fact, cocaine or opium is most often added to it. Taking this mixture has the opposite effect, than the groom imagines.
Beer
The hot climate of India makes it, that many tourists tired of the heat feel like having a sip of a cold golden drink at the end of the day. There are over a dozen types of beer on sale, some of which are brewed only in a given region, others can be found all over the country.
The best types of beers, available throughout the country, to: Kingfisher, UB Export Warehouse, Kalyani Black Label, Black Knight i London Pilsner, which contain approx. 5% alcohol. Local beers are just as good, such as: Goa Pilsner Dry, Hamburg Pilsner, Khajuraho and Haywards. Draft beer is gaining more and more popularity in larger cities, usually Kingfisher or London Pilsner. The quality of the other species varies; some are quite good, others simply cannot be drunk.
Beers, which are considered strong or very strong (ok. 8% alcohol content), they have menacing names, type: Bullet (bullet), Hit or Knock Out. By drinking them, always exercise moderation.
Since most of the species are lagers, you should drink them only after adequate cooling. This is not always the case in Indian bars, so before the waiter pours the beer into a pint, it doesn't hurt to check, the bottle is cold. Some species, especially very strong, they taste disgusting when not chilled.
Both beer, as well as alcoholic beverages are considered luxury goods in India. Hindu and Muslim traditionalists are unfavorable to trade in these items, therefore local governments have imposed very high taxes on them. Outside of Pondicherry, In Sikkim and Goa you have to pay three for a bottle of alcohol- or even four times more than for a whole thali meal.
Despite the tax burdens, this industry is developing very dynamically, as evidenced by the constantly emerging bars in India. The exceptions are Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, where prohibition is still in force today. In years 60. the ban on the production and trade of alcohol was also introduced in other states. Separate rooms are the remainder of this (especially in Tamil Nadu) intended for drinking alcohol, so dark, that you can hardly see the glass standing on the table. Tourists get an impression after just a few moments of being in such a place, that while drinking regular beer, are committing a criminal act. Of course, in some bars such divisions have long since been abandoned, making them a popular place for social gatherings. Various bands play there very often. However, alcohol can only be consumed there at certain times, most often in between 11.00 a 15.00 and 17.00 a 23.00, unless it is ordered with a meal.
In larger tourist centers, such as Agra, Jaipur, Benares, Delhi or Kolkata, you have to beware of commercial agents, who, in return for a high commission, supply clients to institutions. Do not believe the "beaters", who talk about their own homes, brother's shop or accommodation with friends, because these stories are rarely true.
Tourists, who will rely on the help of rickshaw drivers when looking for accommodation, can be sure, that they will pay a lot more, than the room is worth, sometimes even Fr. 50%. Therefore, it is best to look for accommodation on your own. The beaters are very insistent. We heard about the tourist, who told the rickshaw driver to take him to the doctor, then he found himself in the studio, where marble was processed. He was assured, that this is where the best doctor accepts! It is difficult to describe the ingenuity and tenacity of these people. If you do not give in to their suggestions and you will not buy anything, they can pretend anger perfectly. If you come voluntarily to the same place the next day, you will meet with kindness, and prices will fall astonishingly.
Another trap is set for tourists, who use credit cards. Sellers convince customers, that if they purchase the goods, credit card receipts will not be processed until shipment has been delivered, even if it were to take several months. Of course, this is just bullshit, because no one will ship the goods, for which he has already received money. After the customer signs the credit voucher, traders immediately contact the bank in Dehli and transfer the money to their account.
You also have to be careful with sellers, who take the customer's credit card with them for a short while and return with the receipt to be signed. It turns out, that during this time they make several copies and forge the client's signature on them. He then receives the invoices for the goods, which he did not buy at all. Therefore, one must always insist, for the seller to fill the receipt in our presence.
Nor should you ever take any assurances, that the purchased goods can be sold elsewhere for a high profit. Most often it concerns gemstones and carpets. Their sellers say, that these goods in Europe or the United States cost several times more, often even giving addresses (most often fictional) potential buyers. To convince the customer, show him various documents or letters from people, who allegedly made a lot of money this way. In fact it turns out, that the purchased gemstones and carpets are worth a lot less, than you paid for them.
Even though only a few traffickers engage in such illegal operations, however, almost all pay their agents a commission. Therefore, you should think carefully before making a purchase, not to be persuaded and always negotiate the price.