It’s always wise to do your homework and brush up on the local laws before travelling to a country with quite different customs and cultures than your own.   Here are a few of the laws it is essential to know before settling down in India:   Interactions between male officials, including police officers, and women, are restricted. Male police cannot escort any women to a police station.   Public displays of affection are frowned on and can be a reportable offence in more rural areas where the customs are very traditional.   It is illegal to go topless on any beach, anywhere in India, and bikinis are not advisable in more religious Southern Indian areas.   There are several zones where taking photos or videos is illegal. That includes airports, railway stations, military and government zones.   Alcohol is legal, but the age limit can range from 18 to 25, depending on which region you are in. There are occasional statewide alcohol bands, such as coming up to an election.   Cows are sacred, and injuring or killing a cow can land you five years in an Indian prison, even in a car accident. You cannot buy, import or export any beef product.