General Information & Travel Tips

Visa Information

Foreign Nationals wishing to come to India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa. The passport will remain valid for six months from the scheduled arrival date. Foreign passengers must have valid Indian Visa before they start their journey to India, except nationals of Nepal and Bhutan, who do not require a visa to enter India and nationals of Maldives, who do not require a visa for entry in India for a period up to 90 days.

The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is the sole authority for issuance of Indian visas to the foreign nationals for their India visit for various purposes. This facility is granted through various Indian commissions abroad.

The Government of India has announced a scheme of granting Tourist Visa on Arrival for the citizens of Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore. This scheme is for those tourists who are planning to visit India on single entry. This visa is strictly for tourism and for a short period of up to a maximum of 30 days.

Arrival and Customs Information

It is compulsory for tourists who come here from several parts of the globe to fill up the ‘Arrival Card’. This card needs detailed information about your passport for immigration/customs clearance. Before you leave the immigration counter it is advisable to check your passport and make sure that immigration officer has stamped your passport with an arrival stamp.

After you clear all the official formalities you will be received by our representative with your tour plan.

Climate

The Indian climate consists of six seasons namely spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, mild winter and winter. Touring incredible India will be a pleasant and fun-filled experience for you provided you choose the destinations keeping in mind the season of that place. The most favorable time to tour India is from October to March when all the destinations of the country are at their freshest, waiting to offer you a rejuvenating travel experience.

During winter, North India experiences an average temperature ranging from 15°C?? – 20°C?? and it is 20°C?? -25°C in South India.

In summer, May and June are the hottest months and the average temperature ranges from 32°C?? - 42°C.

Clothing and Accessories

• It is advisable to choose your clothes and accessories according to the season on your India Tour.
• If you are traveling across India in summers than light cotton clothes is suitable as it bears the heat and dust of Indian summer. It is better not to wear synthetic clothes in summer as you may develop some skin allergy or heat burns.
• If you are traveling in winters pack good warm clothes. It is suggested to have pure woolen clothes, especially jackets, sweaters, trousers and light sole or scarf. These woolen clothes protect you from the bitter cold of north and central India.
• In general tourists can wear comfortable dresses like jeans, trousers, full-sleeved shirts and tee shirts. Full sleeves shirts and trousers are ideal for India Tour as it protects from sunburn during the day, and mosquito bites at night.?
• Tourists have to walk for long while visiting various Indian attractions so it is advisable to wear good sturdy shoes. It will protect your feet from dust and dirt and also ease your feet on long walks.
• For women foreign travelers, it is advisable not to wear shorts, tank tops and exposing vests as it will hurt the social and cultural sentiments of India. Women can wear jeans, trousers and long skirts. A light stole or scarf must be carried so they can cover their heads while visiting several religious destinations of India. It can also be used to protect oneself from dust and heat.
• We will suggest you to wear Indian ethnic dresses so that you can feel the charm of Indian culture through ethnic wears.
• Carry sun-block lotion, binoculars, candy, sunglasses, insect repellent, sun hat, flashlight, additional camera batteries, tissues and basic medicines in your hand luggage bag.?

Government

India is a democratic country. Officially the Government of India is known as the Union Government and is also called the Central Government. The governing authority, known as the Republic of India consists of 28 states and seven union territories. New Delhi is the capital city of the country.

Safety and Security

India is an admirable country and so are its people. This beautiful country is a safe destination to travel to. Although it is a wonderful country with friendly people but to be on safe side tourists are advised to follow certain safety guidelines to make their tour to India hassle-free.

• Keep yourself aware with the local laws and customs of India as it will help you to enjoy a hassle free trip.
• Before you land in India try to acquaint yourself with the norms of the India society so that you can avoid offending Indian sensibilities.
• Go according to your original plans and don’t get swayed by the offers of better hotels and accommodation by strangers.
• Avoid discussing your travel plans with strangers.
• Avoid discussing about how much money you are carrying to any stranger or in public.
• You are advised not to travel alone at night, especially on roads and dimly lit lanes.
• If you have to meet any client or person, meet at a public place.
• Take care of your luggage and never hand it over to any unknown person.
• Don’t allow suspicious people or strangers to enter your room.
• Never leave your important documents and valuables unattended. Keep them in the hotel locker or in a secure suitcase.
• Don’t carry huge sums of money while touring around.
• Don’t forget to carry your necessary medications and it’s better to keep extra stock.
• Don’t forget to make copies of the important documents like identity proof, visa and passport as it will be helpful in case any of your documents get lost.

Currency / Cash / ATM

Your currency and traveler’s cheques can be converted at all hotel desks, banks and Forex agencies. Foreign credit cards are accepted throughout. ATMs are widely available in all cities and towns of India. It is advisable to change your money from money changers at the airport or authorized places. And preserve all their exchange receipts (encashment certificates) since they would be required for visa extensions and other formalities.

Language

The official language of India is Hindi. English is widely spoken as it is one of the official languages used for administrative purposes.

Travel Conditions

Many reasons such as weather, road conditions, etc. may bring some changes in your itinerary. These changes can either be made before the tour or while on the trail. We will try our best to stick to your itinerary, but if it fails, we request you to have patience and contact our tour managers for a best possible solution. While we contract for best available air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and sightseeing, sometimes inconsistencies may occur.

Gratitude

Tipping is not mandatory in India and in case you want to tip someone for his/her good service you can directly tip that person.

Shopping

India is a shopper's paradise. You will get great shopping opportunities at almost every destination. Each destination of India offers its own unique and wonderful handicrafts.

Handicrafts are the most important shopping items. From regional handicrafts to branded shopping items, all are available here.

Indian Food and drinks

India offers mind-bending diversity in cuisine. Indian food is known the world over for its taste and variety. The traditional food of India can be classified into North Indian Food, South Indian Food, East Indian Food and West Indian Food. From vegetarian to non-vegetarian, all kinds of dishes are served here. Indian sweets have their own unique taste.

You are advised to drink bottled mineral water in India. Avoid food sold by street vendors and also avoid drinking tap water. Avoid eating peeled and unwashed vegetables and fruits.

Laundry

Almost all the hotels offer the service of same- day laundry service.

Health

No vaccinations are currently required for entry into India when you are directly coming from North America or any Asian or European country. In case you are coming from the Yellow Fever endemic countries, you are required to show the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. It conforms to the International Health Regulation. Also you are advised to get vaccinated against diseases like Hepatitis, Typhoid and Meningitis before you travel to India.

Baggage Information

Baggage limits are adhered very strictly on both international and domestic flights. On domestic flights the baggage allowance is 30 kilograms (66 lbs.) per person for those traveling in economy class and 40 kilograms (88 lbs.) per person for those traveling in executive class.

While traveling from India to Europe/Far East/Middle East you are allowed free baggage allowance by airlines based on the class of travel. Normally, for first-class it is 40 Kg, for business class 30 kg and for economy class 20 kg.

Electricity

In India electricity runs 220/240 volts. If you bring appliances also bring an international converter kit with a set of adapter plugs.

Photography

Photography can be fully enjoyed in a beautiful and diverse country like India. So get all your equipments and unleash the photographer in you on your India Tour.

Communication

Communicating while in India is no problem. There are various modes of communication available in India.? Some of the popular and most widely accepted modes of communication in India are Public Phone Booths (PCOs), Mobile (Cell) Phones, Cyber Cafes and Postal Services.

Wireless and Broadband internet facilities are available at all the hotels.

The international direct dialing code for India is +91