Practical information : Take a break Rajasthan
Timetable
With the exception of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, nightlife is limited to a minimum. In these cities, you will find trendy bars, where the music is often pushed to the limit. They open around 4pm and close around midnight or later. In Delhi, there is a 24/7 bar called Kitty Su.
In medium-sized cities, you can find places to have a beer, often small restaurants for western tourists.
In the villages, nightlife is non-existent and people go to bed early.
Budget & Tips
Alcohol is expensive in India and of poor quality. All strong alcohols are distilled in the country: vodka, whisky, gin, rum. You can also find wine produced in the region of Nashik in Maharashtra or in the surroundings of Bangalore. It is very expensive (1,500 Rs for a bottle in the store) and of poor quality. The beer is also brewed in India.
Imported alcohol is only available in palaces
Age restrictions
The age of majority is required to drink alcohol in India, which is 18 years. Women drinking alcohol is very badly perceived, especially in the countryside.
What's very local
If Indians don't drink much alcohol (in public), there is one tradition you can't miss: chai. This very sweet milk tea with spices accompanies Indians at any time of the day. There is even a quasi official break at 10 am in the administrations. The best chai is drunk in disposable clay cups and boiled in copper pots.
Kids
Children are not welcome in places where alcohol is consumed. However, you can take them anywhere else, including small cafes.
Smokers
It is officially forbidden to smoke in public areas. Some bars or discotheques that do not have a terrace have a room reserved for smokers equipped with powerful smoke extractors, as in airports.
Tourist traps
There are no notorious tourist traps regarding the use of cafes or bars. However, never accept illegally made alcohol. Some adulterated alcohol will make you go blind (literally).