Travel Tips

General

• The best time to travel anywhere in India is between September to November. In India the sum mers are usually from March to May and the winters from November to February. Between June to August there is heavy monsoon. Please note there are regional variations.

• It is preferable to wear light cottons during summers, also carry your hats, sunscreen lotion, and the comfortable footwear. For the winters heavy woolen is recommended.

• Winters are bad in the North and are leisure travel is best avoided during this time.

• Drinking tap water is not safe. Always carry a bottle of Mineral water.

• Eating out should be done from decent restaurants and avoid roadside vendors serving food as hygiene is an issue there.

• Do not purchase air/rail/bus tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents/tour operators.

• While shopping, sightseeing or going to and from transportation terminals avoid touts and brokers. Be aware of unscrupulous shopkeepers; if you feel that you are being abused do not hesitate to consult the proper authorities.

• Taxi and auto-rickshaws fares keep changing, therefore, they do not always conform to readings on meters. Taxis and auto-rickshaws do not have meters in all cities, but where they do, insist on the meter being flagged in your presence.

• Tipping is a culture followed in India, though the same is not compulsory.

• Give preference to India Tourism approved Guide as they are the best available.

• Shopping from most of the local markets should be with a lot of bargain and please check the stuffs, which are purchased, as there can be duplication.

• Beware of pickpocketers, as there are plenty in the crowded areas.

• Do not get very friendly with strangers during your travel.

Foreign Nationals

• All foreign nationals have to pay their hotel bills in foreign currency only, in cash, travelers' cheques or credit cards.

• There is a likelihood of differential pricing for entry fees to Monuments and Parks.

• 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.

• Lakshadweep Islands. Only Bangaram, Agatti and Subeli Islands are open to foreign tourists. Permits are required, obtainable from the Lakshadweep Administration, Wellington Island, Harbour Road, Kochi -3.

• Carry your travel documents (passport, visa, hotel confirmation voucher and air tickets) and re-confirm the same before departure. Some times there is also vaccination required.

• Always have duplicate copies of all the travel documents you carry.

• Certain parts of the country need special permits before they can be visited emspecially the North - Eastern parts of India and some island like Andaman's or Lakshwadeep.