Small gifts are acceptable as tokens of gratitude for hospitality.

It is common practice in the West to greet friends with a fond kiss. Indians don't believe in showing their emotions or feeling by kissing openly in public. Public show of affection is generally disapproved.

Except in the big cities, in general, Indian women prefer not to shake hands.

You are safe with a Namaste. The Sanskrit word Namaste means 'I bow to the divine in you.'

Family plays an important role in India. Life of most the people is cantered around family. It is common for several generations to live in the same house as an extended family or joint family. When a woman marries, she leaves her family and become a member of the husbands family. Traditional marriage is still arranged by parents. Dowry is prohibited by law, but it is still a common custom.

Large amounts in India are calculated in Lakhs and crores. A Lakh is hundred thousand and a crore is ten million. The numbers are written as 1,00,000 instead of 100,000 - it is one Lakh and not 100 million. 1,00,00,000 instead of 10,000,000,. This is one crore and not ten million.

English is widely used in commercial circles, so there is little need for interpreter and translation services. Business cards are usually exchanged. 

Every social gathering follows a certain convention. The Indian greeting is to fold the hands and tilt the head forward to Namaste. In the metropolis and bigger towns the people of the business community and professionals shake hands. When introduced to someone wait and see if your host greets you with a namaste or offers the hand.

Don't give or take anything with your left-hand. Don't touch any holy object with feet or with the left hand.

Always follow the rules published in the notice boards of holy places, which may also include “leather objects are not allowed”, or " menstruating women not permitted.

How to conduct yourself inside a Hindu temple