Travel Information

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION -

Citizens of all countries need to have a valid passport and an entry,transit or tourist visa obtained from the Indian Mission in their country.Tourist visa is normally valid for 120 days.

Visa extensions can be got by applying to:

The Ministry of Home Affairs,
Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market
Ph 24693334

There after, the letter is to be presented to the FRRO(FOREIGNER'S REGIONAL REGISTRATION OFFICE) located at

Level II,
East Block - 8, R K Puram,
Sector - I,
Behind Hyatt Regency Hotel
Ph :26711443.

It is open from 0930 hrs to 1300hrs and 1400 hrs to 1600hrs.
(Closed on weekends and National holidays).

Those wishing to visit a neighboring country like Sri Lanka, Nepal or others and then coming back to India, should obtain a double /multiple entry visa.

HEALTH INFORMATION -

We urge that you discuss health precautions for your exact travel itinerary with a qualified health professional at least six (6) weeks before you depart. No vaccinations are currently required for entry into India when arrival is directly from North America or an Asian or European country.

WEATHER - THE CLIMATE IN INDIA -

Weather, varies widely due to the great size of the country. It can, however, generally be described as monsoon - tropical with certain regional variations. Temperatures from April through September average in the 80's and 90's (Fahrenheit) and climb to over 100°F in some areas. The hottest, driest period is from Mid May until late Mid June. The monsoon rains from June / July to the end of mid August provide some relief the scorching heat, but the humidity levels are very high at some of the cities.

CURRENCY -

In India, the unit of currency is the INDIAN RUPEE, which is divided into 100 PAISE. Notes are issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 Rupees. Coins are issued in denominations of 10,20,25 and 50 Paise. There are also coins with denominations of 1,2 and 5 Rupees. On arrival in India, you will be required to complete a Currency declaration Form, on which you must indicate the amount of money you are bringing into the country (if it is over USD $2,500 in cash and USD $ 10,000 in Travelers checks). You will definitely be asked for your exchange receipts in either country if you want to exchange any leftover Rupees back into foreign currency. You should exchange money only at authorized facilities (such as banks and hotel desks). Be aware that only paper currency will normally be accepted for exchange. In India, do not accept currency that is extremely soiled or mutilated.

ARRIVAL AND CUSTOMS INFORMATION -

Please be advised that regulations at most points of international arrival do not permit passengers to be met inside secured passenger areas (such as the Customs area). In addition, airports in India are occasionally put on short-notice, high-security alerts; and, at these times, passengers can only be met outside the airport building.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES -

Formal wear is not necessary while on a holiday in India. Casual shirts and slacks for men (or blouses and skirts for ladies) made of lightweight, {breathable" fabric (such as cotton) are suggested. Generally, loose-fitting clothing will prove most comfortable for daytime wear. Comfortable, soft, soled walking shoes are essential. When visiting temples, mosques, and other religious places, you will need to dress conservatively. Arms must also be covered when inside religious buildings. Please keep in mind that shoes must be removed when entering temples, mosques, and other religious places. It is, therefore, suggested that you carry a pair of socks to wear inside religious buildings. You may also want to pack a lightweight (no-plastic) raincoat and/or umbrella. Good sunglasses, sun block lotion and sun hats are essential for protection from the strong sun.

FOOD AND DRINK -

Indian food is known the world over for its use of spices, but it does not always have to be spicy-hot. Regardless of regional variations, grains and rice are the staples of India cuisine. Sauces (ranging in flavor from sweet to sour to hot) are generally available at every meal, and these are specially created to complement the main dish. A serving of chilled unsweetened yogurt or slice of lemon taken with your meal will help to offset the spiciness of any dish. There are a variety of vegetarian specialties - and some very sweet desserts. Do not drink (or brush your teeth with) the tap water in India. Additionally, do not accept ice in drinks. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables should be avoided.

NOTE : It is also advisable to carry your own personal supply of bottled water during sight-seeing excursions and during long drives.

PHOTOGRAPHY -

We recommend that you bring all the photographic equipment you will need from home, including an ample supply of film and additional camera batteries. (Film, batteries, and photographic materials are available in India, but then it should be purchased from an authorised shop. It is also suggested that you check the working order of your camera and have your equipment insured before you depart. Under no circumstances is photography permitted inside aircraft or at airports. In addition, do not photograph government buildings (unless permission granted - check with guide/ tour manager) and installations or military or police personnel. Certain temples also restrict interior photography. You should also be aware that the use of video cameras is restricted in Taj Mahal at Agra. Taking photographs and/or videos when permission is not granted is inconsiderate at best and may result in the confiscation of your film.

VALUABLES, SAFETY, AND TRAVEL INSURANCE -

Exercise the same safety precautions throughout your travels as you would at home. Be especially careful with your passport (the pages containing your photograph and passport details, as well as any amendment pages and visas). Follow the security measures included with your travelers' checks, and also leave an additional record of their numbers at your hotel. Do not carry this record with you during sightseeing tours. Please do not pack valuable items (such as your camera and jewelry) in checked baggage. We recommend that all travelers purchase adequate trip cancellation / interruption, medical, and baggage insurance and that they carry the details of their coverage with them on tour.

NSURANCE -

While traveling in India it is important that you obtain good personal travel insurance from an insurance agent in your country. A suitable policy will include an unlimited amount for medical, hospital and additional health associated costs.

Most policies cover loss of baggage, personal money (usually limited) delay and curtailment. Do make sure your policy covers you for unexpected cancellation of your trip in this unlikely event you will then be covered for financial cost.

You should carry your insurance policy with you at all time, preferably in your relevant details in a separate place, with your passport photocopy.

TIPPING -

Tipping is an inherent part of life in India. It is one of the most effective ways to communicate how you felt about the service provided. It is common practice to tip porters, drivers, wait staff, toilet attendants and guides. It is not necessary to tip rickshaw drivers. Please note that you are not obliged to tip and it is entirely to your discretion. Please refer to http://www.tipping.org/tips/TipsPageIndia.html for tipping standards. Please let us know if you want some guidelines on the same but usually it is "what you feel is appropriate".

A general idea would be as follows:

Bellboys: Rs. 10 - 20 (1/4th US$) per bag
Drivers: Rs. 200 (5 US$) per day & Rs.100 (2 US$) per half day
Day Guides: Rs. 250 to 400 (6 - 8 US$)
Restaurants: 5% of the bill amount could be left.
Room boys / Maid : It is not recommended

WE CARE -

In India roads could appear to be pot-holed and traffic chaotic and hence our guests very frequently get very worried. We suggest that you catch up on some sleep or read a book or even better put on your in-flight eye shades and doze off. The drivers are well trained and they are used to these roads. Very seldom (I must hasten to add that almost none) are any accidents involving tourist vehicles. The cars that we use are safe, insured for and routinely checked. Trains however are much more comfortable ride-wise but could appear dirty and filthy. Do carry your dry hand wash and tissue always while taking train journeys. The flights are pleasant and service good.

The transport is broadly classified as:

GRATUITIES -

Many travelers view tipping as a difficult subject, though this need not be the case. The first thing to remember is that tipping is not compulsory. Nor are there any fixed amounts. The bottom line in determining whether and how much to tip is to ask yourself how much the individual did to make your travel more enjoyable.

LANGUAGE -

India's official language is Hindi. However, each state has its own official regional language. As such, there are over fourteen (14) "official" languages in India. English is widely spoken and understood all over the country.

TIME -

India is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT, 6.5 hours behind New Zealand Standard Time, 4.5 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time and 11.5 hours ahead of Canadian Eastern Standard Time.

COMMUNICATIONS -

India operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +five (5) hours and thirty (30) minutes.

ELECTRICITY -

In India, electricity runs 220/240 volts. If you do bring electrical appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.