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India Information Trip
INDIA
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION -
Each traveler must be in possession of a valid, signed passport that will remain
valid for six (6) months beyond the completion of his/her trip to India. All
passport holders are required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into INDIA. (The visa cannot be obtained on arrival in India).
In case, taking best of India & Nepal tour then you would require to get
a multiple entry visa. Nepal visa visa can be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu.
However, Please carry four passport size photographs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
COMMUNICATIONS -
India operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +five (5) hours and thirty (30)
minutes.
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