Travel Tips

A first time visitor to India? Know some facts and conditions about the country before you set in your foot. India is diverse – both culturally as well as geographically. It has a well-established and maintained infrastructure. Make sure that you remain patient throughout your Indian tour to make the most out of it. The travel tips stated below will give you a better insight about India and its diversities and ensure an unforgettable trip.

• Your travel arrangements should be made well in advance, especially if you are traveling between October- March (high tourist season) and May- June, the Indian holiday season. Travel facilities are limited in relation to demand so prior bookings are a must. English is spoken widely, while approved tour guides in several languages such as French and German are available.
• The best time to visit the Indian plains is during cooler months from November to March.
• Do not forget to remove your footwear when visiting a place of worship or mausoleum. Also some temples do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises. Certain temples are not open to non-Hindus.
• Bargaining is the norm in local bazaars.
• A valid passport and visa are the necessary travel documents. Make sure you carry attested photocopies of your travel documents and keep the originals in a safely locked baggage.
• 5-star and 4-star hotels are of international standards and the comforts and cuisine they provide compare with any in the world. The deluxe and palace hotels are a world apart and many have been accorded ‘Leading hotels of the world’ status. The 3-star hotels are there for the medium budget traveller, and 1-star and 2-star hotels, Travelers lodges, Tourist Bungalows, Holiday Homes, Youth hostels are for those with small budgets.
• One is expected to cover the head before entering a religious place such as a temple or mosque.
• Drinking bottled water is a safer option.
• Amateur photography of national monuments, there are no restrictions on taking photographs. Photography is prohibited in places of military importance, such as airports, bridges, and sensitive border regions.
• Insect repellent creams, sunglasses, caps and sunscreen are essentials for the traveller.
• Trading in ivory, fur, animal skins, antiquities and the like is illegal. If you must have it, obtain a certificate of legitimate sale and permission for export before leaving the country.
• Indians are hospitable and friendly people, if they stare at you, do not consider it rude, it is only a matter of curiosity.
• The units of Indian currency are the Rupee and Paisa (100 Paisa equal 1 Rupee).
• Public display of affection is uncommon in India.
• Be wary of roadside peddlers trying to sell you semi-precious and precious gems and jewellery. Visit state emporia and the Central Cottage Industries Emporia for fixed prices and a fair idea of the cost with a regular dealer.
• Avoid eating food and sweets from the local markets and those laid out in the open.