Passport and Visa
All foreign nationals are required to travel with a valid passport and visa to India except the people of Nepal and Bhutan origin. Visa can be obtained in advance from the office of Indian consulate and or embassy in the country of origin. In the absence of a valid visa, no India bound airliner shall let you on board. An individual foreign national is required to acquire a multiple entry visa for the purpose of upcountry from India to its neighbouring countries viz. Nepal and Bhutan.

For the purpose of acquiring visa; an application form duly filled and complete in all respects must accompany an original passport (valid with minimum six months period remaining prior to the due date for its renewal) along with correct visa fee, passport size photographs and all necessary documents

Medical Advice
It is not mandatory for an individual to inoculate him or herself for a particular disease, however, it is recommended to safeguard yourself against Tetanus, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis and Malaria. It is optional to carry a strong mosquito repellent though the same are being provided by the room providers in the area heavily infested with mosquitoes responsible to spread the malaria. All good hotel accommodations are free of any such nuisance. We strongly advise you to consult your physician for adequate medical guidance prior to initiate your sojourn to India. You may carry your prescribed medicines to India, however, quality medical treatment facilities and medicine required to follow the line of treatment are available in abundance and at a very competitive prices. The services of Medical Practitioner on the panel of the Hotel can always be called to attend any emergency.

Photography
India is a vibrant and a very colourful country and offers you opportunities often to capture the experience in the camera – an essential to carry along the ample quantity of film roll or additional memory cards for your digital camera to preserve the reminiscent of your trip to India.
Photography is prohibited in the sensitive areas of military importance, railways stations, bridges and airports etc. You are requested to seek the permission of locals prior to clicking their pictures and the accompanying guide or the driver of vehicle may help you in procurring their consent.

Weather and Attire
India is atypical tropical country and largely experiences three seasons. The summer begins with the month of April and last till the month of September but the onset of Monsoon in the end of June or early July plummets the temperature and makes weather pleasant but relatively humid. The arrival of winter comes with the beginning of October and lasts till the end of March and this period is considered to be the most appropriate season to visit India. All visitors should be sensitive to the local sensibilities and dress up accordingly to get accepted easily and enjoy in the company of local folklore.

Taxi or Cab Services
The operating cab services are reliable and readily available to commute locally purchase Ultram online in all Metro cities and state capitals but other mode of transports like Cycle Rickshaw and Auto (Three Wheeler) are more suitable to visit the congested walled city areas of historical significance. Always use authorized and identifiable taxis or cabs from the designated authorized stands or operators to ensure a safe and secure journey .Avoid using pool Taxis.

Guides
Qualified and trained registered tourist guides proficient in all important foreign languages viz. English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin and Korean; are available at all important tourist attractions of historical significance and destinations at a pre determined charges approved by the local authorities.

Tipping
The thumb rule to be followed for the purpose of tipping to the various service renderers is as under:

• Service charge included in invoice or bill : Zero Tip
• Reasonably priced establishments : @ 8-10 % is appreciated
• Exorbitantly priced branded establishments : @ 5 % is acceptable norm
• Bell Captain in a Hotel to be paid tip @ Rs50/= only
• Above rates are applicable for 3-5 star hotels and the same can be proportionately get reduced in rupee value
• Guides can be offered tip @ USD 10-15 per day
• Accompanying driver of the vehicle be paid @USD 5-10 per day
• All employees in relatively smaller establishments and cities appreciate and accept the money offered towards the services rendered to the guest gleefully

Currency Exchange
Indian currency is called ‘Rupee’ and comes in denominations of 1,2, 5, 10,50,100,500 and 1000 in paper ‘Notes’. A rupee is comprised of 100 smallest units called ‘Paisa’ and available in coins in denomination of 1,2, 5 and 10. All major credit cards and Traveler’s cheques are accepted in all business establishments. It is advisable to exchange your currency through authorized banks and hotels only and ensure the safety of the receipts as the same may be required to get unutilized Indian currency exchanged for currency of your origin at the time of departure. Avoid rather refrain from getting your currency exchanged through unscrupulous money exchangers to avoid any untoward occurrence and compromise safety of your money. An exhaustive network of 24 hours ATMs is spread across the country to facilitate your need for cash. Check the prevailing exchange rate on internet or any bank on the way.

Food
Indian food specialties have an array of food items and are prepared largely by using a lot of oil and with the help of various kind of spices and herbs to enhance the taste of the dish, however, you may find it little more spicy than the Indian food available in your country of origin as the taste and quantity has been calibrated to suit the palate of your taste buds.
Avoid cut fruit and prefer the fresh fruits in natural condition and ensure that it is washed properly with the mineral water prior to its consumption. All international brands of your choice of alcoholic beverages are now available in India at a reasonable price.

Shopping
India is a shopper’s paradise to purchase a variety of gift and other items and the Government Emporiums are recommended to avoid the otherwise prevailing trend of bargaining at the time of purchase of desired item.

Accommodations
All four and five star hotels in India are of international standard and the comfort and the services rendered can be compared with best in the industry abroad. The luxurious heritage and palace hotels are class apart and many have been accorded “Leading hotels of the world’ status. The criterion of selecting a hotel comprises the constituent such as easily accessible location, good ambience and excellent hospitality. We have listed most of the hotels and lodges of all types and ranges available in India on our website. Check information about these hotels, view their photos>>

Travel Arrangements
Your travel arrangements should be made well in advance to avoid inconvenience, especially if you are traveling during the period of October and March (high tourist season) and May- June, the Indian holiday season. All major airlines of Europe, US and Asia operate flights to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Cochin & Chennai.

Baggage
There are different sets of baggage allowance regulations in effect for international and regional flights. Baggage allowances can vary depending on which airline(s), class of service, and routing is used. Despite the information given here, you are urged to check with your booking agent or airline for the exact baggage regulations pertaining to your specific itinerary. Please be advised that baggage limits are adhered to very strictly on both international and domestic flights. Most domestic carriers have more restrictive baggage limitations than international carriers. On domestic flights, the baggage allowance is 30 kilograms per person for those traveling in economy class and 40 kilograms per person for those traveling in business class. In case of a small plane being used for travel within India or Nepal, the maximum baggage allowance varies between 15 to 20 kilograms per person. Any baggage in excess of airline limitations may be subject to substantial freight charges by the airline. These charges are the entire responsibility of the traveler. (Please be advised that some domestic airlines categorically refuse excess baggage. Also, payment of excess baggage charges on domestic flights within India and Nepal may not guarantee that the baggage is transported.) Every piece of registered baggage should be locked and contain identification inside (as well as outside) stating your home address and phone number. In addition, do not pack valuable items (such as your camera and jewelry) in registered baggage. We strongly recommend the purchase of adequate baggage insurance by each traveler. Liquids, Canned foods, knives, scissors, or other sharp objects that may be considered potentially dangerous should not be part of your hand luggage.

Indian Railways
It is the largest employer in the country and millions of masses are commuting by using it to reach their desired destination every day and travel by train in India ;is an experience by itself; witnessing the huge crowd, colour and gaiety. We recommend traveling a portion of your journey between two destinations by train to experience the real magic of India. Click here to check the India t rain schedules and routes online.

Language and Dialects
In terms of numbers of English speakers, the Indian subcontinent ranks third in the world, after the USA and UK. An estimated 4% of the Indian population use English; although the number might seem small, the number of speakers of English in India is somewhat limited (as compared to the total population), that small segment of the population controls domains that have professional prestige.

English is virtually the first language for many educated Indians, and for many, who speak more than one language, English is the second one. Indian speakers of English are primarily bi- or multilingual Indians who use English as a second language in contexts in which English is used among Indians as a “link” or an “official” language. Only a minimal fraction of the English-using Indian population has any interaction with native speakers of English.

English serves two purposes. First, it provides a linguistic tool for the administrative cohesiveness of a country, and, secondly, it serves as a language of wider communication. English functions in the Indian socio-cultural context to perform roles relevant and appropriate to the social, educational and administrative network of India . English is not classified as one of the 15 national languages of India. Although Hindi is the Official Language of the Union; provision was made in the Constitution that English would be used in official work until 1965, after which Hindi would replace it. Because of the opposition of the Dravidian south against Hindi, the Indians decided to further extend the role of English as an additional language with Hindi to be used for purposes of the Union and in Parliament. English is now recognized as an associate official language, with Hindi the official language. It is recognized as the official language in four states (Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura) and in eight Union territories.

Internet
Internet can be accessed by using your laptop with the help of Wi-Fi i.e. seamless connection in the Hotel room itself or by visiting Internet cafes in the vicinity of the Hotel. Charges for using internet in cafes are based on hourly basis and quite reasonable.

Water
Tourists are expected to drink branded bottled mineral water of a reputed company of international repute to ensure the quality of potable water. Most premier hotels have their own water filtration system. Always carry your branded mineral water bottle with you.

Beggar
Most cities have Beggar Homes to look after indigent persons and to teach them a trade, but professional beggars find begging more lucrative. If you wish to help them, do so through a recognized charitable organization, not by giving them alms.

Historical Sites & Monuments
Most of the museums in India are closed on Mondays and archaeological surveys of India’s monuments are closed for public viewing on Fridays. Most of the tourist attractions sights and historical monuments charge admission fee to let tourist enter inside. At some places, you may be asked to pay a stipulated fee to carry your digital or video camera inside the monument to take photos or videos. We have listed current entrance fees of most of the monuments is an entrance fees list>>