Today we spent another day sightseeing around Delhi. Being travellers, we decided to go it alone without any tour guides. Here are some experiences I'd like to share in hope of shedding some light on the tourist scams in India.

The moment we left our hotel in Connaught place we were approached by a young man. Seemingly kind and considerate he provided us with the location of a tourist office that could help us out. We were assisted by the tourist office and needed to leave to get some documents and then return. The second time we left our hotel we were approached by yet another man providing us with the location of a tourist office. At this stage we were starting to smell rats. It seems as though we were on to one of their many tricks. Getting tourists to the tourist offices to spend money. All well and good if you want a guided tour but if you're like us and like the road off the beaten track then I thoroughly suggest you do your research.

As we head to the metro station we were approached yet again. Small talk and short questions are the main conversation. As we say we are heading to the metro we get responses such as "trains don't run on Sundays" and "you have to change 3 trains". It seems that they'll say anything to get a rupee out of you. So I reiterate my previous point about research. Yes trains run on Sundays and as a matter a fact , the metro is the simplest, hassle free way to see Delhi. There is even an all women's carriage if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed with the swarm of locals rushing through the metro stations. Also take note of correct ticket prices. It should cost around 25 rupee for a one way ticket. They may try to charge you more and rip you off.

Hopping on an auto rickshaw is a must in Delhi. These motorized green and yellow carts swerve through the grid lock traffic, tooting horns and dodging bikes and cars. Beware of getting ripped off in tourist areas. We were leaving a popular tourist destination and needed to get the rickshaw 2 km's. The driver tried to charge us 200 rupee for a 30 rupee ride. And almost every time they want to take you via 'a government shop'. If you're not into getting ripped off on some textiles (e.g a shawl for 1500 rupee which is worth as little as 200 rupee in Karol Bagh or perhaps even less in the markets) then I suggest you say no shop stopover. If you're patient and not easily swayed then you can go to the shop to look around so the driver gets his petrol coupon but just know that the prices are considerably marked up.

Tourist areas also hold an abundance of locals trying to sell goods from necklaces to toys to souvenirs. One particular thing to watch out for ate young ladies trying to draw henna tattoos on your hand. They are quite forceful so just walk away as they will try to get money off you once they have succeeded in getting the drawing on your hand.

If you are in need of a taxi I suggest you book from the hotel. Prices vary quite a bit and it's best to set your price before you get to your destination. It also might be helpful to know that judging from our experience most taxi drivers don't know where your hotel is. On most occasions we were dropped walking distances away from our hotel, given rough directions and sent on our way. Good idea to always carry a map around and if you ask a few people then you're bound to get at least one who has a slight clue what direction to send you in. Just be perseverant.

On a whole Delhi is a wonderful and interesting place however as in many other third world countries, when they see a tourist they see dollars so be wary of scams, look out for yourself and experience these magnificent and eye opening cultures and cities for all the good things they have to offer.