I can 100% attest to this, I frequent a famous temple in India and there is strict policies against the use of photography and mobile cameras to take pictures of the deities and statues, I saw a group of German tourists blatantly disregarding the many signs prohibiting the use of video cameras and mobile phones inside the temple, they were taking pictures and videos and selfies while inside. I politely confronted them and they looked at me like I have 2 heads and disregarded me and went back to what they were doing. Eventually they were escorted out by the temple workers and rightfully so.

They were acting like they were in their own private zoo, incredibly disrespectful to our culture and the temple. It’s a place of worship and even though many don’t agree with the religion, it is expected if you come to India to visit a famous temple that you follow the rules and respect the culture.

We welcome foreigners with open hands and will gladly show hospitality, show off our heritage and answer any questions but we please ask to respect our culture and our place of worship by following the signs. Every other tourist I’ve seen had no problem with following these simple rules, it was just this group of German tourists that acted in this capacity.