Travel India Information

PASSPORT AND VISA FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION INDIA - Each traveler must be in possession of a valid, signed passport that will remain valid for nine months beyond the completion of their trip in India. All passport holders are required to obtain a tourist visa for Travel in India. You would require getting a multiple entry visa in India.
 
HEALTH TRAVEL INFORMATION INDIA - We advise that you discuss health precautions & Travel Insurance in India for your exact travel itinerary with a qualified health professional at least six weeks before you leave. No vaccinations are currently required for entry into India when arrival is directly from North America or an Asian or European country. 
 
ARRIVAL AND CUSTOMS TRAVEL INFORMATION INDIA - Please note that regulations at most points of international arrival do not allow passengers to be met inside secured passenger areas (such as the Customs area). In addition, airports in India are occasionally put on short-notice, high-security alerts; and, at these times, passengers can only be met outside the airport building. 

WEATHER - THE CLIMATE FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION INDIA - Weather varies widely due to the great size of the country. It can, however, generally be described as monsoon - tropical with certain regional variations. Temperatures from April through September average in the 80s and 90s (Fahrenheit) and climb to over 100°F in some areas. The hottest, driest period is from Mid May until late Mid June. The monsoon rains from June / July to the end of mid August provide some relief to the scorching heat, but the humidity levels are very high in some of the cities.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION INDIA - Formal wear is not necessary while on a holiday in the country. Casual shirts and slacks for men and blouses and skirts for ladies made of lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton are suggested. Generally, loose-fitting clothing will prove most comfortable for daytime wear. Comfortable, soft, soled walking shoes are essential. When visiting temples, mosques, and other religious places, you will need to dress conservatively. Please keep in mind that shoes must be removed when entering temples, mosques, and other religious places. You may also want to pack a lightweight (no-plastic) raincoat and/or umbrella. Good sunglasses, sun block lotion and sun hats are essential for protection from the strong sun.

ELECTRICITY 
In India,electricity runs 220/240 volts. If you do bring electrical appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.

FOOD AND DRINK FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION INDIA 
Indian food is known the world over for its use of spices, but it does not always have to be spicy-hot. Regardless of regional variations, grains and rice are the staples of cuisine. Sauces (ranging in flavor from sweet to sour to hot) are generally available with every meal, and these are specially created to complement the main dish. A serving of chilled unsweetened yogurt or slice of lemon taken with your meal will help to offset the spiciness of any dish. There are a variety of vegetarian specialties - and some very sweet desserts. Do not drink, or brush your teeth with, the tap water in India. Additionally, do not accept ice in drinks. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables should be avoided.


CURRENCY FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION INDIA 
In India,the unit of currency is the INDIAN RUPEE, which is divided into 100 PAISE. Notes are issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 Rupees. Coins are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 25 and 50 Paise. There are also coins with denominations of 1, 2 and 5 Rupees. On arrival in India, you will be required to complete a Currency Declaration Form, on which you must indicate the amount of money you are bringing into the country. If it is over USD $2,500,it can be in cash and if over USD $10,000, in Travelers checks. You will definitely be asked for your exchange receipts in either country if you want to exchange any leftover Rupees back into foreign currency. You should exchange money only at authorized facilities (such as banks and hotel desks). Be aware that only paper currency will normally be accepted for exchange. In India, do not accept currency that is extremely soiled or mutilated. 
 
PHOTOGRAPHY FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION INDIA 
We recommend that you bring all the photographic equipment you will need from home, including an ample supply of film and additional camera batteries. Film, batteries, and photographic materials are available in India, but then it should be purchased from an authorized shop. It is also suggested that you check the working order of your camera and have your equipment insured before you depart. Under no circumstances is photography permitted inside aircraft or at airports. In addition, do not photograph government buildings (unless permission is granted - check with guide/ tour manager) and installations or military or police personnel. Certain temples also restrict interior photography. You should also be aware that the use of video cameras is restricted in Taj Mahal at Agra . Taking photographs and/or videos when permission is not granted is inconsiderate at best and may result in the confiscation of your film.

VALUABLES, SAFETY, AND TRAVEL INSURANCE IN INDIA  
Exercise the same safety precautions throughout your travels as you would at home. Be especially careful with your passport (the pages containing your photograph and passport details, as well as any amendment pages and visas). Follow the security measures included with your travellers checks, and also leave an additional record of their numbers at your hotel. Do not carry this record with you during sightseeing tours. Please do not pack valuable items (such as your camera and jewellery) in checked baggage. We recommend that all travellers purchase adequate trip cancellation / interruption, medical, and baggage insurance and that they carry the details of their coverage with them on tour.

TIPPING
Many travellers view tipping as a difficult subject, though this need not be the case. The first thing to remember is that tipping is not compulsory. Nor are there any fixed amounts. The bottom line in determining whether and how much to tip is to ask yourself how much the individual did to make your travel more enjoyable.

LANGUAGE
Indias official language is Hindi. However, each state has its own official regional language. As such, there are over fourteen (14) official languages in India. English is widely spoken and understood all over the country.

TIME-ZONE
Indian Standard Time (IST) operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +five (5) hours and thirty (30) minutes. Eg:GMT 06 00 AM = IST 11 30 AM. 

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