Travellinginindia.com present majestic India in a capsule for itchy travellers to plan their trip.
Nothing quite prepares you for India – but perhaps the one thing that best encapsulate this extraordinary country is the long tradition of hospitality. Shut from the outside world, India has its own rules, its own timings and its own magnificence. Namaste (Greeting with hands folded in prayer position) is the first word with which you will greeted as soon as you set foot on the Indian soil.
When to Go
Climate in India is extremely varied, so it is very essential to take that into account while planning out the tour to India. The subcontinent has eight climatic zones, but the wet or the monsoons are the most influential seasons. There are some places such as Rajasthan, covered by Thar desert, that are best seen during the winters. But the places like Kashmir, cradled by mountains, are at its beautiful during the summers. The best time to visit India lies between the month of November to mid February. Apart from climatic conditions, the timing of certain fair and festivals may also influence tourists to visit India.
Entering India
Foreign National coming to India are required to carry valid national passport and identity proof along with themselves. Please keep in mind that there is no provision of 'Visa on arrival' in India. Tourists are advised to ensure genuine India visa before they start they tart their journey to India. But a separate Visa regime exists for diplomatic/official passport officials. Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require visa to enter India. Even the Maldives do not require visa for tourism purpose and stay upto 90 days. Register the amount of money you are bringing in so you can take it out again. India currency equivalent to US $40 is charged for TLP/TLF.
Clothing
Pack your bags according to the season of your visit. For winters, two woolen sweaters, and a light jacket is necessary, especially in north India where temperature vary widely between day and night. I south, light cotton clothes with a pair of good slippers are adequate.
People in India are still conservative and orthodox. Men can wear anything but women should avoid short skirts, that are regarded as immodest , specially in the small towns and village areas.
Religion
People in India are extremely religious and emotionally sensitive. If it is your first visit to the country, please strict the travel packages and follow the prescribed rules and regulation. It is advisable to respect their religion and deal with them politely. Women are requested to avoid reveling dress. They should cover themselves properly while visiting the religious places, or even the remote areas. While visiting the Sikh shrines, it is obligatory to cover your head with a cloth or handkerchief. Remember you remove your shoes before entering the temples.
Hotels
There are plenty of accommodation facilities all around the country, offering lackluster backpacker lodgings to sumptuous top end hotels. But we advise you to do your bookings all in advance, at least two months ahead, as during the peak season (October to March), most hotels get full very quickly, especially in the metropolitan cities. The accommodation prises are generally high, but there are abundant of cheap hotels, catering for back packing tourists and less well off Indians. Tariffs can shoot during the festivals or during the special event in the country. Most hotels around the country falls between the following ranges : in the budget category, single room range from Rs 200 to Rs 400, and doubles from Rs 300 to 600. For the top notch hotels you will have to pay some where between Rs 300 to 1300 and between 450 to Rs 1800 for doubles.
Tipping
Taxi and auto rickshaw driver do not ask for tip, but the waiters in the restaurants and hotels do. 10% of your total bill is sufficient. There is no need for tipping in the top class restaurants.
Beggars
The government of India, is making every possible effort to curb begging in the country. So you are requested to simply avoid beggars. Learn to roll up the windows with agility and gaze with passionate intensity from the distance. When provoke, scream. If you will pay to one, others will irritate you unnecessarily.
Food and Health Precautions
Please be careful about eating and drinking in India. Avoid open and cut food and unclean eating corners, specially that are exposed to files. We advise you to get an anti cholera and typhoid shot before leaving the country. You should carry an anti malaria tablets, analgesics, anti emetic and anti diarrheal tablets. Antihistamines if you suffer from allergies as well as broad spectrum antibiotic, band aids, antiseptic creams etc.
Don't eat roadside, chose a clean looking restaurant. Check that the food isn't too spicy, as the Indian use lots of chillies power in their food. Always carry a bottle of mineral water along with yourself.
Don't leave Home Without ..... - Getting a visa (p1154) and a travel insurance (p1139)
- Personal First aid and medical kit
- Cotton clothes for summers and light woolen for winters.
- A well concealed money belt Sunscreen lotion, sun hats, and sun glasses
- Small flashlight, a stock of batteries, a combination padlock, a small penknife (for peeling fruit), a cheap tough alarm clock and earplugs
- Tampons - sanitary pads re also the essential ones.
- Mosquito repellent (a mosquito net can also come in handy)
