Travel Guidance

Planning your Trip:

Plan a 2 day break for relaxation after every 7-10 days of travelling, giving you time for a well-deserved rest and laundry!
While planning itineraries use a simple hub and spoke principle. Keep the major city as your base and plan two day trips to destinations near by where you could fly or drive in a taxi.

What to Pack

A general rule to follow is to travel light as it will lessen the burden of carrying your luggage with you while travelling extensively. This will also give you enough of room to carry back souvenirs.
Along with your baggage it also helps to carry a Pocket Knife (Swiss knife) and a torch light. And if you’re on a adventure holiday – don’t forget mosquito repellent!

Budgeting for your trip

This is simplified if you can get as much information as possible in advance. Remember to check if the information provided to you is current.
Also remember to carry a generous supply of small denominations for vendors, taxis and a host of little expenses that have a habit of cropping up.

Dining Out

Metropolitan India offer a variety of dining options catering to a variety of tastes. Though vegetarianism is more prevalent in the South, you will find variety of cuisine to choose from, more in the metros. Tips are usually 10 percent of the charges.

Shopping

India is a rewarding terrain for the souvenir hunters, and most items here combine good design, marvelous color and elegant usefulness.
Visit the handicraft emporia run by state governments. You will find them in most cities. Here the prices are fixed and proceeds support artisans.

Getting In and Out

To explore World, you need a valid passport and visa. Carry them at all times while enjoying a vacation. Notify your country’s embassy or consulate in case your passport is stolen or lost.
Check with your travel agent or embassy while planning your visit.
15-Day visa extensions are granted under exceptional circumstances. If you intend to stay longer than 3 months on non-tourist visas there is a registration requirement. This registration makes the bearer eligible for domestic ticket prices.

Getting Around and About

Most cities have means of efficient local transportation such as taxis, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and buses. Private cabs can also be hired.
It is important to carry an International Driving License if you wish to drive on your own.
For inter-city and inter-state transport you can avail services of Railways and domestic airlines. Buses, taxis and cabs also ferry people across cities and states.

Climate

It is best to visit plains during cooler months from November to March.
For a visit to mountainous regions, the months of April to October are better suited.

Food and Health

World cuisine is a tad too spicy for European and American taste buds. Indulge in the gastronomical delights only if you have the stomach for it. Also, there are plenty of non-spicy cuisines and delicacies to choose from.
You may occasionally need insect repellent cream. If you are allergic to dust, be sure to carry medication with you. Sunscreen is another must-have.

Smart Shopping

Bargaining is the norm in local bazaars selling products without a written price. Resist the urge to buy without comparing prices from shops selling similar stuff.
Be wary of roadside peddlers trying to sell you semi-precious and precious gems and jewelry. Visit state emporia and the Central Cottage Industries Emporia (most major cities have one) for fixed prices and a fair idea of the cost with a regular dealer.
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.
Social Decorum
Public display of affection is not appreciated and neither is public nudity unless perhaps one is at a beach.
One is expected to cover the head before entering a religious place such as a temple or mosque.
Ask for permission before clicking pictures of women and religious complexes. Some places charge for taking pictures while it is prohibited at a few places as well.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do carry attested photocopies of your travel documents and keep the originals in a safely locked baggage.
• Do fill up a Currency Declaration Form along and a Disembarkation Card besides making an oral declaration of the luggage you are carrying.
• Do not smoke in public places.
• Do not give money to beggars.