Skill: ivangdavila/india (version 1.0.0)

--- name: India slug: india version: 1.0.0 homepage: https://clawic.com/skills/india changelog: Added country-level routing, city guides, and practical travel advice for first-time and repeat India trips. description: Plan India trips with specific neighborhoods, regional food calls, route choices, and grounded advice that avoids common travel mistakes. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🇮🇳","requires":{"bins":[],"config":["~/india/"]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}} --- ## Setup If `~/india/` does not exist or is empty, read `setup.md` and start naturally. ## When to Use User is planning a trip to India or wants local guidance on cities, routes, food, safety, timing, and how to avoid tourist-default recommendations. ## Architecture Memory lives in `~/india/`. See `memory-template.md` for structure. ``` ~/india/ └── memory.md # Trip context, pacing, preferences, and warnings already given ``` ## Quick Reference Load only the files that fit the current route, city, or friction point. India trips get better when the advice narrows fast. | Topic | File | |-------|------| | **Cities** | | | Delhi complete guide | `delhi.md` | | Mumbai complete guide | `mumbai.md` | | Jaipur complete guide | `jaipur.md` | | Goa complete guide | `goa.md` | | **Planning** | | | Sample itineraries | `itineraries.md` | | Where to stay by trip type | `accommodation.md` | | Useful apps | `apps.md` | | **Food** | | | Regional dishes and what to order where | `food-guide.md` | | **Experiences** | | | Markets, classes, safaris, and high-signal activities | `experiences.md` | | Best beaches by vibe | `beaches.md` | | Best hiking and mountain bases | `hiking.md` | | Nightlife by city and style | `nightlife.md` | | **Reference** | | | Regions, seasons, and what each area is best at | `regions.md` | | Etiquette, bargaining, temple rules, and social context | `culture.md` | | Traveling with children | `with-kids.md` | | **Practical** | | | Flights, trains, cars, and ride apps | `transport.md` | | SIMs, eSIMs, OTPs, and connectivity | `telecoms.md` | | Emergencies, hospitals, and common safety issues | `emergencies.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Match India to the Traveler Do not default every first trip to "do everything". Separate: - First-timer who needs a smooth entry to India - Repeat visitor who wants depth - Family, luxury, backpacker, food-led, or wellness-led traveler ### 2. Specific Over Generic Do not say "visit Old Delhi" or "try local food". Say where to base, what street or market is worth it, what is overrated, and what order makes sense in a real day. ### 3. Regional Differences Matter | Area | What changes | |------|--------------| | Delhi + North plains | Mughlai food, winter fog, intense traffic | | Rajasthan | Heritage hotels, dry heat, best done by car + train | | Mumbai + West coast | Fast pace, sea humidity, strong nightlife | | Goa | Beach split matters more than town names | | Himalayas | Weather and road conditions decide the plan | | Kerala + South India | Slower pace, backwaters, spice and coconut-heavy food | ### 4. Timing is Infrastructure - April-June: brutal heat in much of North India - July-September: monsoon changes Goa, Kerala, and mountain roads - October-March: easiest first-trip window for most routes - Festival periods are amazing, but they change pricing, crowds, and transport availability ### 5. Reduce Friction Early Call out the things that derail trips: - Overpacked itineraries with too many one-night stops - Long road transfers treated like short hops - Blind trust in "top rated" tourist restaurants - Assuming cards, UPI, and foreign numbers will work everywhere ### 6. Match Trip Style | Traveler | Start with | |----------|------------| | First trip | `itineraries.md`, `delhi.md`, `jaipur.md` | | Food-led | `food-guide.md`, `delhi.md`, `mumbai.md` | | Beach + nightlife | `goa.md`, `beaches.md`, `nightlife.md` | | Family | `with-kids.md`, `accommodation.md` | | Nature | `hiking.md`, `regions.md`, `experiences.md` | | Practical/logistics | `transport.md`, `telecoms.md`, `emergencies.md` | ## Common Traps - Trying Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Mumbai, and Goa in one week - Treating a "5 hour drive" as predictable in India - Landing in peak heat or monsoon without adapting the route - Booking the cheapest hotel instead of the best-located one - Eating at empty tourist-facing restaurants instead of busy local spots - Assuming every foreign card, eSIM flow, or payment app will work on day one - Forgetting temple and mosque dress rules, shoe rules, and photo etiquette ## Security & Privacy **Data that stays local:** Trip preferences in `~/india/` **This skill does NOT:** - Access files outside `~/india/` - Make network requests - Store payment or passport details unless the user explicitly asks to track them in `~/india/` ## Related Skills Install with `clawhub install <slug>` if user confirms: - `travel` — General travel planning - `food` — Food recommendations and dining guidance - `hindi` — Hindi language help for signs, menus, and quick phrases ## Feedback - If useful: `clawhub star india` - Stay updated: `clawhub sync`

path: accommodation.md
content: # Accommodation — India

Where you stay matters more in India than shaving a little off the nightly rate.

## Best Stay Styles

| Style | Best For | Watch For |
|-------|----------|-----------|
| International business hotel | First night, late arrivals, families | Less local character |
| Boutique city hotel | Food-led city breaks | Room sizes and noise vary a lot |
| Heritage haveli / palace stay | Rajasthan | Charm can hide maintenance issues |
| Beach resort | Goa, Kerala | Location can be isolated |
| Homestay | Repeat visitors, slower trips | Needs stronger vetting on comfort |

## City Base Rules

| City | Best Base |
|------|-----------|
| Delhi | Aerocity, Connaught Place, or South Delhi |
| Mumbai | Colaba/Fort or Bandra West |
| Jaipur | C-Scheme, MI Road, or a carefully chosen heritage stay |
| Goa | Assagao/Anjuna for energy, South Goa for calm |

## What to Prioritize

- Location before room size
- Reliable AC in hot months
- Good reviews that mention cleanliness and water pressure, not just decor
- Airport or station logistics on arrival and departure days

## Accommodation Traps

- Booking deep inside chaotic market areas for a first trip
- Choosing a heritage property because it looks beautiful, not because it runs well
- Staying too far from restaurants to save a little money
- Assuming "sea view" or "fort view" means walkable to what matters


path: apps.md
content: # Apps — India

Keep the toolkit small and reliable. Most users need navigation, rides, tickets, food delivery, and one backup for payments.

## Core Apps

| Need | Best Option | Backup |
|------|-------------|--------|
| Navigation | Google Maps | Maps.me offline areas |
| Cabs | Uber | Ola |
| Rail info / booking | IRCTC | A reputable OTA with clear seat display |
| Flights / hotels | Major OTA or direct booking | Booking directly with hotel for premium stays |
| Food delivery | Zomato | Swiggy |
| Messaging | WhatsApp | Normal SMS may fail on roaming |

## High-Value Setup

- Download offline maps for the arrival city
- Save hotel names in English exactly as the property lists them
- Screenshot train, flight, and driver details in case connectivity drops
- Keep one payment backup beyond the primary card

## App Traps

- Relying on live data with no offline backup
- Assuming every app supports foreign cards equally well
- Booking trains through a random reseller without checking class and boarding point
- Using delivery apps as restaurant quality filters instead of local knowledge


path: beaches.md
content: # Beaches — India

India has good beach time, but not every coastal stop is for the same traveler.

## Best Beach Areas by Goal

| Goal | Best Area | Notes |
|------|-----------|-------|
| Nightlife + restaurants | North Goa | Assagao, Vagator, Anjuna orbit |
| Quiet resort time | South Goa | Best for families and recovery |
| Laid-back alternative | Gokarna | Better for slower, simpler beach trips |
| Palm-lined coast + backwaters | Kerala coast | Better for softness than partying |
| Clearer water, island feel | Andamans | Great if the traveler can commit time |

## Reality Check

- Goa is the easiest beach add-on for most itineraries
- Monsoon changes beach quality, sea conditions, and mood dramatically
- "Beachfront" does not always mean swimmable or peaceful

## Beach Traps

- Adding a beach just because the trip feels intense
- Choosing party North Goa for a family-rest trip
- Underestimating transfer time to quieter beach properties
- Expecting Mediterranean-style beach clubs everywhere


path: culture.md
content: # Culture — India

India is usually forgiving if the traveler is respectful, patient, and observant.

## Practical Etiquette

- Remove shoes where expected in temples, some homes, and some heritage spaces
- Dress modestly at religious sites and in smaller towns
- Ask before photographing people, rituals, or worship
- Use the right hand when offering or receiving food, money, or prasad when possible

## Social Realities

| Topic | Good Default |
|-------|--------------|
| Bargaining | Expected in markets, not in malls or serious boutiques |
| Tipping | Common in restaurants and for drivers/porters, but keep it proportionate |
| Public affection | Better kept low-key outside nightlife or beach pockets |
| Time | Build extra buffer; urgency rarely speeds systems up |

## Cultural Traps

- Treating religious sites like photo sets
- Dressing beach-casual in conservative city contexts
- Pushing hard in negotiations when a light touch works better
- Reading direct "yes" as operational certainty every time


path: delhi.md
content: # Delhi

Delhi is usually the right landing city for a first India trip, but only if you use the city by zone instead of trying to cross it all day.

## Best Areas to Stay

| Area | Best For | Notes |
|------|----------|-------|
| Aerocity | Short stays, easy airport logistics | Safe, clean, business-hotel heavy |
| Connaught Place | Central sightseeing | Walkable core, older hotels vary a lot |
| South Delhi | Food, cafes, better day-to-day feel | Hauz Khas, Green Park, Defence Colony |
| Old Delhi | Only visit, do not base there | Incredible, intense, and noisy |

## What Is Worth It

- **Old Delhi morning** for Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk lanes, and food
- **Humayun's Tomb + Lodhi Garden** for a calmer Mughal day
- **Qutub complex + Mehrauli** if you want monuments without Old Delhi intensity
- **Khan Market / Lodhi area** for a softer first-night introduction

## Food Moves

| Craving | Go To | Note |
|---------|-------|------|
| Mughlai classics | Karim's or Al Jawahar area | Go for the food, not the mood |
| Chaat | UPSC Lane or Bengali Market | Better than random tourist picks |
| Modern Indian splurge | Indian Accent | Book ahead |
| South Indian comfort food | Saravana Bhavan Janpath | Reliable vegetarian fallback |

## Good Delhi Logic

- Pair **Old Delhi + Red Fort side** on one early start
- Pair **Humayun's Tomb + Nizamuddin/Lodhi** on another
- Keep **New Delhi shopping and restaurants** for evenings

## Delhi Traps

- Spending hours in traffic to "see everything"
- Treating Old Delhi as a casual midday stroll in peak heat
- Staying in Paharganj unless the traveler explicitly wants backpacker chaos
- Booking monuments without checking closed days or light-and-heat timing


path: emergencies.md
content: # Emergencies — India

Most India emergencies are solved with preparation: good hotel locations, transport buffers, hydration, and knowing where serious hospitals are.

## Important Basics

| Need | Best Move |
|------|-----------|
| Immediate emergency | Call `112` |
| Medical issue in major city | Use a reputable private hospital |
| Lost card / payment problem | Contact bank first, hotel second |
| Heat or food issue | Hydrate, rest, and escalate early if symptoms build |

## Strong Hospital Logic

- In major cities, serious travelers usually do better with established private hospitals
- Ask the hotel concierge or insurer for the nearest reputable option
- Keep travel insurance details accessible offline

## Common Risk Areas

- Heat exhaustion and dehydration
- Upset stomach from over-ambitious first-day eating
- Long-transfer fatigue
- Traffic-related delays that become missed connections

## Emergency Traps

- Waiting too long on heat or stomach symptoms
- Assuming every clinic is equal
- Carrying no cash backup during a payment outage
- Leaving passport and critical documents without a hotel-safe plan


path: experiences.md
content: # Experiences — India

The best India experiences are usually about context, craft, food, and pace, not only headline monuments.

## High-Signal Additions

| Experience | Best Place | Why it works |
|------------|------------|--------------|
| Old-city food walk | Delhi | Strong first-day orientation |
| Textile / block-print workshop | Jaipur | Great souvenir logic and craft depth |
| Market + home meal or cooking class | Delhi, Jaipur, Goa | Better than generic "cultural show" |
| Sunset boat or sea-facing evening | Mumbai or Goa | Gives the trip breathing room |
| Wildlife safari | Ranthambore, Pench, Bandhavgarh | Worth it only with enough nights |
| Backwaters stay | Kerala | Best for slower routes |

## What to Skip Unless It Fits the Traveler

- Generic sound-and-light shows
- Elephant experiences that feel built for photos, not animal welfare
- Forced cultural village packages attached to big hotels
- Day trips added only because "everyone does it"

## Good Experience Logic

- Put immersive activities between heavy sightseeing days
- Choose one craft or food experience per region instead of five weak ones
- Use markets with a purpose: food, textiles, antiques, or architecture


path: food-guide.md
content: # Food Guide — India

India is not one cuisine. Route design should follow food just as much as monuments.

## What to Order Where

| Region | Go-To Dishes | Notes |
|--------|--------------|-------|
| Delhi / North | Butter chicken, kebabs, chaat, paratha | Street food is best when turnover is high |
| Rajasthan | Laal maas, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi | Better at lunch or heritage dinners |
| Mumbai | Vada pav, pav bhaji, seafood, Irani cafe dishes | Great mix of street and classic dining rooms |
| Goa | Fish curry rice, cafreal, xacuti, bebinca | Goan Portuguese layer matters |
| South India | Dosa, idli, appam, Kerala fish, Chettinad dishes | Huge difference between states |
| Gujarat | Thali, farsan, snacks | Very strong vegetarian option |

## Strong First-Trip Food Logic

- Use **Delhi** for Mughlai, chaat, and modern Indian
- Use **Mumbai** for seafood, regional crossover, and cafe culture
- Use **Goa** for coastal lunches, pork dishes, and slower meals

## Street Food Rules

- Busy stalls beat pretty stalls
- Fried-to-order is safer than pre-cut fruit or exposed dairy in heat
- Ease into spice level on day one
- Keep one or two "recovery meal" options in every city

## Dining Traps

- Booking only famous tourist restaurants
- Doing heavy street food right after a long-haul arrival
- Assuming vegetarian means boring in India
- Ignoring regional breakfast, which is often one of the best meals of the day


path: goa.md
content: # Goa

Goa planning is mostly about choosing the right side, not just choosing "Goa".

## North vs South

| Area | Best For | Notes |
|------|----------|-------|
| Assagao / Anjuna | Restaurants, bars, design-heavy stays | Best for stylish short trips |
| Vagator | Nightlife and villa groups | Easy for beach clubs, less for calm |
| Panjim / Fontainhas | Culture, food, old Portuguese layer | Smart non-beach base |
| South Goa | Quiet beach time, families, resort stays | Better sand-and-rest choice |

## What Is Worth It

- **Fontainhas + Panjim** for architecture and a softer day away from beach repetition
- **A strong beach-hopping half day** instead of trying every famous beach
- **A good Goan lunch** with fish curry rice, prawn balchao, or vindaloo done properly
- **One night area only**: choose Vagator/Anjuna OR calmer South Goa, not both every evening

## Food Moves

| Craving | Go To | Note |
|---------|-------|------|
| Classic Goan home-style | Vinayak Family Restaurant | Unflashy and reliable |
| Modern long lunch | Assagao restaurants | Better for scene and cocktails |
| Beachfront splurge | Good resort or serious beach restaurant | Choose quality over DJ volume |
| Bebinca and sweets | Panjim bakeries and old-school cafes | Best after lunch, not beachside |

## Goa Logic

- Monsoon Goa is green and atmospheric, not beach-classic Goa
- North Goa suits short energetic trips
- South Goa suits families, recovery, and slower pacing

## Goa Traps

- Booking a random "beach resort" far from the part of Goa you actually want
- Expecting all beaches to be swimmable or clean in all seasons
- Mixing nightlife-heavy North Goa with family-rest South Goa in one-night hops
- Assuming a scooter is stress-free for every traveler


path: with-kids.md
content: # With Kids — India

India with children works when the route is shorter, hotel quality is higher, and daily plans leave room for rest.

## Best Family Patterns

| Pattern | Why it works |
|---------|--------------|
| Delhi + Jaipur + one resort finish | Variety without too many transfers |
| Mumbai + Goa | Easy urban start plus beach recovery |
| Kerala slow route | Boats, greenery, softer pacing |

## What Helps Most

- Non-stop or short-connection arrival where possible
- Hotels with reliable breakfast, pool, and solid hygiene
- One major sight per half day, not three
- Drivers or transport plans that avoid repeated negotiation

## Family Traps

- Overdoing monuments in heat
- Booking too many one-night stays
- Assuming every child will handle spice, noise, and crowds the same way
- Picking a cheap hotel over a calm, clean, well-located one


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: clean (LOW)