All major cities have numerous Internet cafes for email and general surfing. For security purposes, you will have to produce an I.D. to surf.
Please take particular care when attending a religious place (such as a temple). Dress and behave appropriately – don’t wear shorts and sleeveless tops (this applies to men, too), and do not smoke or hold hands. Shoes and western head ware must also be removed. No carvings or statues of deities must be touched within the temple or religious place. Photography is prohibited in certain sections of sacred sites. Please ask your local guide or tour leader for further information if you are in doubt. Please also be aware that some temples may have off-limit sections that prevent tourist entry.
All major international airports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc., have exchange counters at their terminals.
The best time to explore India is between October and March.
India is not known for its nightlife, but there are plenty of discos, nightclubs and bars, and shopping areas open till late, mostly in bigger cities and starred hotels. Laws regarding bars and clubs vary greatly from state to state.
It is quite an issue for women. The best option is to stay fairly covered. Baring a lot of skin is unwelcome in smaller towns, and men would ogle at you, whereas, in bigger towns like Delhi and Mumbai and beach areas like Goa, people are comfortable. Especially when going to religious or historical sites, be mindful of what you wear to avoid offending anyone.
You should arrive two hours before departure for check-in and security screening for domestic flights. Please arrive three hours before check-in and security screening for international flights. Check-in for domestic departures closes 45 minutes before take-off.
Theft is not a huge problem in India, but playing it safe is always the best idea. Keep valuables in a money belt or a passport pouch carried around the neck. This way, it is always in front of you, in your sight.
Please contact your airline to make arrangements to escort your child to board their flight.
Yes, it is a must. Recently, the government changed the policy on tourist visas. Citizens from a large number of countries can obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. You can also apply for e-visas through the online portal.
No! For general prevention, you should stick to drinking mineral water only. To avoid drinking water from tampered bottles, we suggest you take the water bottles from the bus/car itself.
Absolutely. You should take trains between cities at least a couple of times during your time in India. The Indian rail system is an amazing feat of organisation, employing something like two million people, the largest single employer in the world. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and should not be missed. It is a fascinating experience that will give you better insight into Indian culture. Taking the train gives you quality time with the locals like no other venue. You can make some wonderful connections with the folks, gain valuable information you can’t get elsewhere, and open the door to interesting opportunities and adventures.
In general, the people of India like to be photographed with foreign tourists. Generally, you can take photos of the public, market, streets, buildings, etc., without hesitation. However, it is advised to seek permission first while shooting ladies or close-ups of people. Many monuments and wildlife preserves require a small “camera fee” to shoot photos once inside. If you intend to make a documentary or movie, special permission is required, which must be obtained from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in advance. Usually, photography is not permitted at airports or railway stations.
India is so vast a country that the climatic conditions in the far north bear little relation to those in the extreme south. Indeed, the country is divided into no less than seven climatic regions. However, in simple terms, India has a three-season year known as the hot, the wet and the cool. The coolest time to visit is late September through April. Temperatures during this time are ideal for sightseeing.
Following this period is the hot season, which runs from around April through July. Conditions are perfect for sightseeing and photography, though Rajasthan can become hot and dry. July signals the start of the monsoon or wet season until around the end of September. Although the weather is humid, the days are punctuated by intermittent rainfall.
The official language of the Republic of India is Hindi, with English as a secondary official language. India is a linguistically diverse nation with hundreds of widely spoken languages, including Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu.
When checking bags in at the airport, be sure the airline agent tags them with the correct city code for your destination. And keep the receipts from those tags in a safe place. You will need them to identify your luggage in baggage claim, especially if your baggage is delayed or lost. Mark all your luggage with your name and address (use your business address if possible). Put personal I.D. inside your bags, too – sometimes baggage tags get torn off during handling.
Hotels have doctors on call. Healthcare quality is at par with western care in larger cities. Several hospital chains are reputable in Delhi and other large cities.
It’s a certificate that allows you to exchange your rupees back into local currency. You can change your money back at the airport when you leave India. They may ask to see your encashment certificates, so save them. Alternatively, producing your passport also helps to change your money easily in most cases.
India is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT. India does not observe daylight saving.
You should consult your physician before taking any prescription or non-prescription drug. Almost all the drugs are available in India and are affordable. Ask your physician for alternatives to your regular medicines if you need them in India. Before leaving, ensure you are up to date with all of your general health vaccinations, including a covid-19 vaccine.
Use common sense. India is a relatively safe country. You will never feel in danger, but avoid showcasing your wealth. Just be mindful of what you eat and be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Here we have 220 – 250 V electricity supply. There are different plug-in pins in India than in Europe or other countries. Hence it would be a good idea to bring in the multi-plug and dry cells from the home country though most larger hotels do provide them now.