VISITORS INFORMATION & FAQ's
Here are some common dos and Don'ts for Indian travel.

Keep in mind that India's culture is vastly different from most - and it would do you well to follow some of the general conventions as listed below.

Getting some background information on India and the particular place that you are planning to visit is quite a good idea. India has many enchanting sites to visit - try to concentrate on a few rather than try and see it all in one go...

Lodging and Hotels
Hotels in India are available to suit varying budgets - There are a number of 4-star and 5-star hotels in India, measuring up to the international standards. However keep in mind that 3 star hotels and lower are more comparable to 2 star hotels on an international standard. Foreigners are required to pay all their dues regarding the hotel bills in foreign currency only, in the form of cash, traveller's checks or credit cards. However the equivalent amount can be paid in Indian Rupees using the rate of exchange of the day. Be careful of what you eat - foods in most hotels are perfectly safe - but avoid anything that's prepared at roadside stalls or cafes unless you have a sturdy stomach. We can provide a list of good restaurants in major cities/

Local travel
Never ever purchase air/ rail/ bus tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents/ tour operators, also known as touts. They are not at all reliable. Buy tickets from the authorized centres only. It is advisable not to hire any type of transportation from unlicensed operators. In case of taxis and auto-rickshaws, try to hire them from the pre-paid booths, if possible. Otherwise, insist on going by the meter and check the readings regularly to ensure that the fare is correct. In case there are no meters or the meters are dysfunctional, set a fare in advance to avoid being fleeced later on.

Booking suggestions
Make travel arrangements well in advance, especially if you are travelling in the high season (between Octobers to March). Keep in mind there is usually a hotel surcharge for travelling between the peak dates of December 24 to the 3rd of January.

Language
English is spoken at almost all tourist destinations in India these days. However, it is possible to hire Government-trained and approved guides (via your tour operator )who also speak German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian or Russian. Indian people are quite hospitable and friendly. Do not feel offended if they stare at you. It is just curiosity on their part. Most of the people will also go out of the way to help tourists and properly guide them.

Medical concerns
No specific vaccinations are required to enter India unless you are entering within six days of having visited a yellow fever infected area. Most doctors recommend the following vaccinations:

Tetanus
Polio
Hepatitis
Meningitis
Malaria

The majority of visitors to India return home with perfect health having had no problems at all. The most common complaint is a stomach upset for a day or two-usually the result of a change of diet, different Beer, or simply the change of lifestyle, most case are rarely serious and recovery is swift.
Dust can be a problem to travellers who wear contact lenses. If you are taking prescribed medicines, split your supplies between your hand baggage and your main baggage. Make a list of the generic properties of the drug and keep with you.

If you are prone to coughs, colds and sore throats, we advice you to take preventive medicines with you as larger cities suffer from smog pollution. This is particularly important if you suffer from bronchial complaints.
If you are over 60 or you think you have any physical disabilities, then you should talk to your doctor about the trip to ensure it is suitable for you. Once on the trip please tell us any concerns you may have regarding health concerns, we can then ensure your specific needs are met.

If you are undergoing specific medical treatment please inform us. It is your responsibility to ensure you have an adequate supply of any medication they may be taking.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is available everywhere and is cheap. However always check the seal. For more detailed information ask your local travellers health clinic or your doctor.
It is advisable for you to carry your own medicines. Almost all medicines in India are locally manufactured and you may not find the same brand names. However, you may easily set substitute products here - but take the advice of reputed druggists or doctors for the purpose.

Shopping
India can be described as a shopper's paradise with products such as hand-woven rugs, inlaid marble, semi-precious stone jewellery, silk fabrics, brassware, etc. India's diversity is expressed though the creation of master craftspeople. Each state has a unique handicraft to proudly reflect the inherited and improved skills to near perfection. Souvenir shops and art & craft emporiums are to be found everywhere.
Consult us, your guidebook or the local guides and people.

Usually the "pavement markets" do not guarantee the products and they do not accept credit / debit cards. Genuine products can only be guaranteed at a government showroom or branded showroom, i.e. Cottage Industries, etc. Shopping can be one of the ways to interact with a local. For people who like to bargain, shopping is a true pleasure. For others, fixed priced stores are a relief.
Contact us for lists of authorized shops.

Electricity
The electric current in India is 220/ 250 volts and 50 cycles. It is AC practically everywhere. CULTURAL INFORMATION & GUIDELINES (CAN BE A SEP. LINK) India has a very traditional and religious society. Its cultures and customs are very different to western cultural ideas.. Don't feel offended if Indians ask you some personal questions like how much do you earn, are you married, do you have kids, etc. They are just a little curious and mean no offence. It is just their way of getting friendly. We ask you as guests in this amazing country to respond to these sometimes-bizarre differences with sensitivity and respect We do request you to dress conservatively - both men and women should wear clothing that covers knees and shoulders (when visiting mosques and temples). Nudity is totally taboo, when swimming please do wear a swimsuit. Try to avoid any public display of affection especially in non metro cities. When entering mosques, temples and places of religious worship or private homes - please remove your shoes. Many Hindu temples are not open to non-Hindus. Always ask permission before entering. Mosques may have limited visiting times for non-Muslims.

Climate
In the north and central parts of India (during winter months), cooling winds from the Himalayas generate mild and dry conditions.

In the far south and along the Arabian Sea coastline, conditions remain hot, humid and sunny for most of the year. The spring months are very hot as winds from the Indian Ocean blast the country. Summer (is generally) the monsoon season, with most of the country receiving much-needed heavy rain.
Due to the massive size of India it is difficult to generalise weather, but approximate weather conditions are listed as below.

Winter Months - Late October / November to Late January / February

Summer Months - March to June

Monsoon Season - July to September