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Getting Ready
Once you have made up the mind to visit India,
The customs and local conditions could be very much different from home. Try to learn local customs and rules by contacting Indian Missions in your country, travel agents and visiting libraries. Always remember that you will be subjected to the rules and regulations of the country you are going to visit. Keep track of the current happenings in India to have first-hand information on current affairs. The travel requires a valid passport and a valid visa. Obtain the visa from the Indian Mission in your country. Visas will not be issued at the entry point. For more information see Travel Documents and Visa Rules & Regulations Entries to certain regions are restricted to foreigners. Obtain the special permit well in advance if you are planning to visit those regions. For more information see Restricted Regions Pre-plan your journey and make all advanced reservations. Use a reputed travel agent/tour operator to look after your interests. Foreign tourists should be in possession of their yellow fever vaccination certificate conforming to International Health Regulations if they are originating or transiting through Africa or South America. Get yourself inoculated against Cholera, hepatitis, typhoid and Malaria. If you wear glasses, keep an extra pair. Getting a travel insurance to cover theft, loss and medical problems will be a very positive step. Before you leave, calling india for various reasons is what you would be doing. So keep a list of all your contact as you may it on regular basis. Keeping additional sets of passport size photographs will come handy. If you are planning to drive in India, get an international licence from your national automobile organization. Make photocopies of passport information page, the page on which visa is stamped, credit cards, travel insurance policy, air, bus and train tickets, driving licence etc. Keep one copy at home. Keep another copy with you separate from the original. Equip yourself to travel light and make your journey pleasant. Always pack up only a minimum amount of required valuables to carry with you. Keep photocopies of your passport information page and the page where the visa is stamped. It will help you to replace your passport in the event it is lost or stolen. To avoid problems when passing through the customs, keep your medicines in their original labelled containers. If a medication is unusual, carry a letter from your doctor certifying the need for you to use the medicine. Carry traveller's cheques and credit cards and lesser currency notes.
Currency
India's currency is the Rupee. One Rupee is equal to 100 paise. Notes are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 500 and 1000. Coins are available at 10, 20, 25, 50 paise and 1, 2 and 5 rupees. The exchange rates for 1 US $ is Rs. 46 approx. For the current currency rates try this link Currency Rates. It is advisable to carry a mixture of cash and traveller's checks to guard against any situation. Credit cards are becoming popular and most of the popular brands are readily accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in growing numbers. Indian rupee is fully convertable. You may not be able to get an attractive margin if you try to convet in the black market and it is illeagal. There is a chance that you could get cheated. Hence stick to banks and authorized money exchagers only. All foreign currencies are accepted but establishments prefer US Dollar & British Pounds to other currencies. Thomas Cook and american Express travellers cheques are more popular. Tipping is not very common except in major establishments in cities. But 'Baksheesh' a kind of tipping for favours received is popular. You can get things done by giving baksheesh.
Customs
Tourists of foreign origin can import, duty free, used personal effects and travel souvenirs, if these goods are for personal use of the tourist, and other than those consumed during the stay in India, are re-exported when the tourist leaves India for a foreign destination. Articles upto a value of Rs.4000/- for making gifts. Any person can bring into India from a place outside India foreign exchange without any limit. However, declaration of foreign exchange/currency is required in the prescribed Currency Declaration Form in the following cases.
Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$ 5,000/- or equivalent Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveler cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000/- or its equivalent
Import of gold is regulated Trafficking in Narcotic drugs like Heroin, Charas (Hashish) and Cocaine or in Psychotropic substances is prohibited and is punishable with imprisonment. Import of Firearms as baggage is prohibited. Non-declaration, false declaration and concealment of imported goods is an offence under the Customs Act, which may result in confiscation, fines, penalties and even prosecution. Export of most species of wild life and articles made from flora and fauna such as Ivory, Musk, Reptile skins, Furs, Shahtoosh etc. is prohibited. Export of Antiquities is prohibited. Restrictions exist on art objects more than 100 years old. Any doubts should be got cleared from:
Director Antiquities,
Archaeological survey of India,
Janpath, New Delhi
Tel: +(91) (11) 3017220.
Travel Documents
Travelling to India for tourism, business, studies or other purposes requires a valid passport and an entry visa. Visas are issued in the Indian Embassies or Missions abroad. No entry visas are issued at the entry point. A passenger who is travelling without an entry visa shall be detained and deported.
The Passport of the person who is applying for the visa should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure date from India. Foreigners holding nationalities other than the country from where applying for visa, should submit proof of long-term (at least three years)/ permanent residence in the country from where they are applying.
The following visas are issued from the Indian Missions abroad.
Tourist Visas
Entry visas for tourists are generally issued for six months from the date of issue. Tourist travelling in groups of not less than four members under the auspices of a recognised travel agency may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa. If a traveller plans to visit neighbouring countries and re-enter India, ask for a six months visa with a request for multiple entries.
Business Visas
Business Visas are issued for one or more year with multiple entries. A letter from sponsoring organization indicating nature of business, probable duration of stay, places and organizations to be visited with a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses, etc. should accompany the application.
Student Visas
Student Visas are issued for the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years whichever is less, on the basis of firm letters of admission from Universities/recognised colleges or educational institutions in India. Change of purpose and institutions are not permissible.
Transit Visas
Transit Visas are issued for a maximum period of 15-days with single/double entry facilities to bona fide transit passengers only.
Visas to Missionaries
Visas to Missionaries are valid for single entry and duration as permitted by Government of India. A letter in triplicate from sponsoring organization indicating intended destination in India, probable length of stay, and nature of duties to be discharged should be submitted along with guarantee for applicant’s maintenance while in India.
Journalist Visas
Journalist Visas are issued to professional journalists and photographers for visiting India. The applicants are required to contact on arrival in New Delhi, the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and in other places, the Office of the Government of India's Press Information Bureaus.
Conference Visas
Conference Visas are issued for attending conferences or seminars or meetings in India. A letter of invitation from the organiser of the conference is to be submitted along with the visa application. Delegates coming to attend conferences may combine tourism with attending conferences
Employment Visas
Employment Visas are issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organisations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives etc. Applicants are required to submit proof of contract or employment or engagement of foreign nationals by the company or organisation.
Tourism visas can be extended by three months at the foreigner's registration office in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Madras. It can also be extended with the Superintendent of Police at any District Headquarters. If overstayed, beyond 180 days, the tourist is required to get a tax clearance certificate available at the foreigner's section of the income tax department in every major city. It is recommended to keep records of all money transactions to prove legality.
In addition to entry visas, special permits may be required to visit certain areas of the country. Areas such as North Eastern Frontier States of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu & Kashmir, certain areas of Uttar Predesh and Rajasthan, Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep are out of bound for foreign nationals. If you plan to visit any of these areas, apply for a permit well in advance, at least four weeks in advance at the
Foreigner's Section,
Ministry of Home Affairs,
Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi - 110003
Special permits are available at all Indian Missions abroad including all Foreigners Registration Offices and Immigration Offices at International Airports in India.
People
Indians are generally a polite, gentle and friendly people. In the eyes of most of Indians the westerner represents the affluent society. The fact that many Indians speak English will makes it easy to communicate.
They also communicate by exchanging letters or making international calls, thus maintaining a relation with their friends and relatives living overseas
In the urban area you will be able to manage your requirements with English.
Many Indians, urban and middle class people, are very westernised. However if you spend some time with traditional and rural people, please remember the following:
In the custom of Indians the right hand has significant importance. Use only your right hand to eat, to greet someone, to shake hands, to point someone or something, to gift someone, to receive something etc. Similarly start a journey or enter a house or a shrine with your right leg. Do not touch food or cooking utensil that local people use. If you have to share water from a shared utensil, do not touch it to your lips. Keeping high above , pour it into your mouth. If you are invited to dine with a family, remove your footwear if the host does it and wash your hands before eating. Do not approach hearth or enter kitchen unless invited to. Enter the kitchen and the area where drinking water is stored only with bare foot. Do not serve yourself from terracotta water utensils. Always ask your host to serve. Indians are generally conservative about dresses. Women are expected to dress modestly covering their legs and shoulders. Many people may not approve women wearing shorts and short skirts. Men should wear a shirt in public. Dressing decently and staying well groomed will improve the impression you make on local people. It will help reduce sexual harassment as well. Please avoid kissing and embracing in public. Bathing naked in the beaches should be avoided. If you respect the people, don't do it. Taking photos of people, especially women, could be a sensitive issue. Always ask before you act.
Religion
In India religion is a way of life, an integral part of one's day to day activities, influencing every aspect of life.
Always show due respect to religious structures and people at prayer. Do not enter a temple, a shrine or a mosque unless it is permitted. Always enter them without wearing your footwear and dress conservatively. Ask permission to take photos of deities or other structures of religious importance. Do not take photos of funerals and cremations.
Climate
India and most of South Asia has a warm to very hot weather. Northern India has a pleasant weather from October to March. The winter month will require light woollen. The dry hot weather is from April through mid July before monsoon begins. Light cotton will be ideal during this period. The Central, Eastern and Southern India have a warm and humid climate and are more comfortable during September through February. There are areas in the South closer to the Western Ghats those are cooler and comfortable throughout the year such as Bangalore, Ooty, Kodaikanal etc which requires light woollen. It's difficult to pin down the best time to visit India weather-wise because of the wide range of climatic factors. Broadly speaking September to March is the most pleasant months over much of the country. In the south, October to February is more pleasant, while Sikkim and the areas of northeastern India are comfortable between March and August. Kashmir and the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh are best accessed between May and September. The deserts of Rajasthan and the northwestern Indian Himalayan region are at their best during the monsoon. The trekking season in the Indian Himalayas runs roughly from April to November. The ski season is between January and March.
Health
Travel health depends on your pre-departure preparations, your daily health care and the way you handle any medical problem that does develop. While the potential dangers can seem quite frightening, in reality few travellers experience anything more than an upset stomach. Inoculation is recommended for cholera, typhoid, hepatitis and malaria. Even though potable water is available in plenty, as a traveller it is advisable to stick to brand bottled water or beverages. If bottled water is not available, try to use only boiled water. Modern health facilities are available in most of the areas. But sufficient services are available more in urban areas than the rural areas. Medical facilities are expensive but are much cheaper when compared to that of the developed countries.
Mode of Travel
You can travel to India by air and or by sea. There are four major international airports in the country namely Bombay, Calcutta, Madras and New Delhi to which almost every international air carrier is operating. Carriers operate from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode to and from Ceylon, Maldives, and the Gulf Countries.
Transport of various sorts is available at all International Airports. These include auto-rickshaws, taxis, and even buses. most of which are operated by private operators. There is also a prepaid taxi service and it is advisable that this facility is made use of as it proves to be the most economical and more secure.
Mangalore, Madras, Calcutta and Bombay are the major sea ports of India. Passenger ships are calling in to these ports from nearby countries.
Domestic Travel
Domestic travel in India can be by air, rail and road. The most prominent mean is the rail since it touches every nook and corner of the country and India has the 2nd largest railway system in the world. Perhaps the largest under a single management.
Travel by Train
With the exception of a few hilly areas, train can take you anywhere. There are Mail, Express, Super-Fast and Air-conditioned trains. Reserve your seats/berths in advance as this is the most sought out traveling mean. Trains at a glance by Indian Railways will give you all information required to travel by train. This guide is available at all information centers and newsstands at all main stations. It is also available with the agents of Indian Railways abroad.
There are specially equipped trains such as Palace on Wheels, Oriental Express, Temple on Wheels etc. to provide the traveler with a glimpse of luxury, culture and a taste of the golden days of the past.
Travel by Air
All major cities and almost all other cities are connected by domestic airlines. India has one national carrier Indian Airlines for domestic flights. Air India and Jet Airways, operates internationally. There are other local operators like Jet Lite , AirDeccan, King Fisher Airlines, Modiluft, NEPC etc. All airlines have representative offices in all major cities.
Travel by Road
India's major cities are connected with paved major highways. Regular inter-city and inter-state buses are operating from all states. Air-conditioned video coaches are also available for travel. Travel by tourist taxis is available but comparatively expensive. Do not think of driving yourself. Heavy two-way traffic and narrow roads are not for your taste. If you are hiring a car leave it to your driver, lean back and relax.
Restricted & Protected Areas
In addition to entry visas, special permits may be required to visit certain areas of the country. Areas such as North Eastern Frontier States of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu & Kashmir, certain areas of Uttar Predesh and Rajastan, Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep are out of bound for foreign nationals. If you plan to visit any of these areas, apply for a permit well in advance, at least four weeks in advance at:
The Under Secretary,
Ministry of Home Affairs,
Foreigners Division,
Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market,
New Delhi 110 003
Nagaland
In order to promote tourism in the North-eastern region, the Government of India has decided to allow foreign tourists to visit Nagaland. Until recently the entire state of Nagaland was a restricted area. However the Government of India has decided to allow foreign tourists to visit the destricts of Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchong and Wokha for a maximum period of 10 days and in a group of 4 or more. this restriction of group is not valid for married couples.
In addition to Ministry of Home Affairs, these permits are issued by :
Directorate of Tourism,
Nagaland, Kohima
Phone- +91 (370) 21607/ 22214/ 21945
and
Secretary,
Tourism, Nagaland, Kohima
Tele-Fax- +91 (370) 33067
Assam
In Assam Kaziranga National Park, Manas Bird Sanctuary, Guwahati City and Kamakhya Temple, Sibsagar, jatinga Bird Sanctuary are restricted areas. 10 days stay is allowed but individual tourist is not permitted. Permits can be obtained from Ministry of Home Affairs, all FRROs and Indian missions.
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram
These States have been designated as protected areas and foreigners can not enter these areas without special permits. These permits are issued by:
the Under Secretary,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division,
Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market,
New Delhi 110 003
at least 4 weeks before the date of the expected visit.
Sikkim
Certain areas of Sikkim like Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang and Zongri in West Sikkim and Pamayangtse have been declared as restricted areas. Individual tourist is permitted to visit Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodang. Tourists are permitted to visit Zongri and Pamayangtse. The duration of stay has been raised from 7 to 15 days.
In addition to Ministry of Home Affairs, permits are issued at all Indian Missions abroad, all FRROs, Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi.
Manipur
Manipur has also been opened to foreign tourists.To visit Loktak Lake, Imphal, Moirang, Keibul Deer Sanctuary and Waithe Lake, permits can be obtained from all Indian Missions abroad, all FRROs and Home Commissioner, Manipur, Imphal. The duration of stay has been raised from 3 to 5 days.
Meghalaya
The government of India has decided to allow foreign tourists to visit Shillong, Barapani, Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, Jakern, Ranikor, Thadlaskein, Nartiang, Tura and Siju. Individual tourist is not permitted and a stay of 10 days is allowed. Permits are issued at all FRROs, Indian Missions abroad, Ministry of Home Affairs and by the Home Commissioner of Meghalaya.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Individual foreign tourists can visit Port Blair Municipal Area, Havelock Island, Long Island, Neil Island, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, where a night halt is allowed and Jolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Mount Harriet, Madhuban where only day visits are allowed. Prior permit is necessary. Permits are issued at all FRROs, Indian Missions abroad and by the Immigration Officer, Port Blair.
Lakshadweep Islands
Only Bangaram and Subeli Islands are open to foreign tourists. Permits are required and obtainable from the
Lakshadweep Administration,
Wellington Island,
Harbour Road, Kochi.
Himachal Pradesh
Poo-Khab-Sumdho-Dhankar-Tabo, Gompa-Kaza and orang-Dabling in Himachal Pradesh are protected areas. Individual tourist is not permitted to visit.
Kashmir
Tourists can visit the following areas provided they obtain special permits. Ministry of Home Affairs and District Magistrates of concerned districts issue the special permits.
Individual tourists are not permitted. Tourist groups are to travel on the identified tour circuits only. Groups should consist of 4 to 20 persons and should be accompanied by a liaison officer. A period of 7 days is permitted. For more information, contact Indian Missions abroad or the Ministry of Tourism, Delhi.
Uttar Pradesh
Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Niti Ghati and Kalindi Khal in Chamoli, Uttar Kashi districts are off bound to tourists. Adjoining areas of Milam Glacier is also addes to the list. Individual tourists are not allowed to visit these areas.
Other areas requiring permits include the Pakistan-India border region west of National Highway No 15 in Rajasthan.
Women Travellers
India is generally perfectly safe for women travellers, even for those who are travelling alone. But in heavily toured areas like Goa, Rajasthan and Hampi you are advised not to walk alone in isolated spots, especially after dark. Young travellers should be cautious about lingering in isolated and lonely places at night. Cities are generally safe. It is a matter of common sense that one should take reasonable care if one is out after dark. While travelling in some parts of India, although you are unlikely to be at physical risk, you could be exposed to 'Eve-teasing' by young local men. If you want to avoid it then pay attention to the local norms of dress and behaviour. Women are expected to dress modestly covering their legs and shoulders. Many people may not approve women wearing shorts and short skirts. Dressing decently and staying well groomed will improve the impression you make on local people. It will help reduce sexual harassment as well. In general you will find that there is respect and great concern for your safety and welfare. People even go out of their way to assist you.
Senior Travellers
Travel with children
The number of tourists travelling with one or two children is on the increase. Travelling with children, indeed, is hard work and two adult persons should be there to look after them. As children possess little self-consciousness or sense of cultural differences, they often enhance interaction with the local people.
Food
Indian food is world renowned for being aromatic and delicious. All Indian dishes are not hot as speculated. But being introduced to it for the first time, exert a little caution to what you eat until you develop a level of tolerance.
Delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are available almost every walk of life. As the Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims shun pork, you may not find both as a common dish. Buffalo meat is available and mutton mentioned in the menus is referring to lamb.
The basic Indian food will have dishes of vegetable, fish, chicken or mutton served with rice. In the north you will have a range of Indian breads to choose from. The food will be served with a number of vegetable side dishes and curd/yoghurt. There are regional specialities those will replace some of the dishes as thousands of variations are available across the country.
Broadly speaking there are three types of eating-establishments. The low-priced diner, where food is basic but often good, serves rice or Indian bread with dhal (lentil soup), vegetable side dishes and yoghurt. Sometimes meat or fish are also served as main dish.
The restaurants offer a wide choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The quality and prices vary. Deluxe restaurants like those in star hotels can be very expensive to Indian standards. But they offer you genuine classic Indian dishes at a fraction of a price you pay at home.
The third type caters specially for foreign tourists. They are found in beach resorts, hill stations and tourist centres across India. They are expensive and serve pancakes and fritters, omelettes and toasts, fried prawns, chips and cereal.
Travel Expenses
India is a country where you can live like a fakir or a Maharaja. Travelling expenses could be varying depending on your needs and desires.
If you are planning to stay in cheap hotels, travel II class all the way and live on rice and dhal, you will be able to see India on a daily expenditure of US dollar 30-40. If you are looking for a better accommodation (a room with attached bath), eat a varied diet and willing to spend occationally on I class or AC long distance train journey, it will cost you US dollar 70-90 a day. If you want to stay in mid range hotels, eat in decent restaurants, always travel first class and engage occasional car with driver, the expenses will be about US dollar 100-150/day. If you are looking for the best five star facilities and plan to stay in converted Maharaja's Palaces and live five star, then you can budget the travel as if you are travelling in the west.
Things to Remember
Remember that you will be subjected to the rules and regulations of the country you are visiting. All foreigners are required to get themselves registered with the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office (FRRO) There is a prepaid taxi service at the airports and it is advisable that this facility is made use of as it proves to be the most economical. Large establishments including hotels, shops, and airlines generally accept American Express, Master Card, Visa and Diners Club credit cards. Occasionally India and Pakistan engage in skirmishes across the disputed Kashmiri border. Indian armed forces also clash with Kashmiri separatists in the state. It is advisable that travellers avoid the western part of Jammu & Kashmir. Kashmiri separatist groups have targeted foreign travellers in this area and some have been kidnapped or killed. Civil unrest in the Northeastern states resulted in terrorist attacks on trains, buses and bridges, and political killings. Official sources encourage exercising caution in visiting the states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Particular care should also be taken when travelling to parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar given the prevalence of local banditry. On arrival, registering with your country's mission will be a good idea. Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. Beware of strangers who offer you bargain. Beware of pickpockets and petty thieves. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers. While you are travelling by car try not to pick up hitchhikers. Try not to stay in very cheap hotels Lock up your valuables in the hotel safe. Keep the hotel room locked and meet your visitors preferably in the lobby. Use only authorized guides. Try to use official taxis.
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