What Documents Do We Need ?
Your Passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date is required. Visas are required for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar or Sri Lanka. Your International Air Ticket from your country to India & back.
What Shots Do I Take ?
India, Nepal or Sri Lanka Government do not require any inoculations, except proof of a yellow fever shot, if you have traveled in a yellow fever effected area within the past six months. As a minimum, most tourists take precautions against Hepatitis A and get booster shots. Your personal physician may recommend some shots for your special need. Please consult your physician for any special care during travel.
What is the luggage weight allowance ?
Usually one piece of checked luggage on Internal flights in India is allowed, size not to exceed 106 inches per bag and weight not to exceed 35 pounds. In addition you are allowed to carry one piece of carry-on bag besides a purse or camera bag. It is recommended that you bring bags that can be locked.
What Clothes to Take ?
No formal clothes are required on your tour, unless you wish to dress-up a little for evening meals/dinners at Palace restaurants or deluxe hotels. Casual to smart casual is the norm. During visits to Temples & Mosques avoid showing too much skin and you are required to remove shoes. Please carry extra pairs of socks or socks handed by some airline which make great temple sox. It is a good idea to carry hand sanitizer, like Purell. Weather in India is usually warm for most times of the year. However, between mid Nov to mid Feb a sweater or a wind jacket is necessary in North India. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes and a few pair of dark temple socks that can be discarded after the tour.
Electric current in India ?
The voltage in India is 220 volts AC 50 cycles. Wall plugs are round two-pronged European type. It is best to carry a travel adapter to fit your particular appliance. Most hotels provide Hair-Dryers & Iron boards.
Important health precautions to take while on the tour?
Minor stomach ailments are the most common affliction of visitors to India. To minimize the chances of getting sick, we strongly recommend that you drink only bottled water during your travel throughout India, Nepal, Bhutan & Myanmar. Bottled drinking water is available for purchase everywhere. In some local restaurants avoid having ice in drinks. It may be advisable to brush your teeth with bottled water. Try and avoid unpeeled fruits or raw salads or make sure fresh fruit or vegetables have been washed in bottled water. It is recommended to bring insect/mosquito repellents, like Deet (lotion/spray like.
Medical facilities in India ?
Most Hotels have excellent physicians on call. They are inexpensive (relative to what you pay at home), and are competent and familiar with the common ailments that afflict travelers.
What type of currency should we bring ?
Your hotels, sightseeing tours, transport, internal flights are pre-paid. However, customary end-of-the-trip gratuity to your tour escort, local guides, and drivers is not included. You can change any denominations of Cash Dollars/Pounds/Traveler Cheques at your hotel. All major establishments like hotels & shops accept Credit cards or Traveler Cheques for any purchases, etc. Bank ATMs (VISA/Mastercard teller machines) are available almost everywhere now.
When Do I get My Final Tour Documents & Rendezvous Instructions ?
Before you depart from your country we will send to you via e-mail: Tour Itinerary, Hotel list with addresses, telephone/fax numbers, Pre departure Check list to leave behind with your family or friends. Upon arrival in India you will be handed other relevant documents : Itinerary, Hotel Vouchers, Internal Flight/Train Tickets, etc. or the accompanying guide/local agents would take care of these.
Will I have any free time for myself ?
Definitely ! After your featured sightseeing tours, during your leisure or free time you can relax, shop or explore the area on your own either independently or with another group member. To ensure your safety, the location of some of our programs may determine when you can head out. Please ask your Guide for assistance.
What type of transport do we get ?
Deluxe air-conditioned chauffeur driven private motor coaches/Van, Cars are used, depending on the program you have opted. All our vehicles that we use are air-conditioned, with excellent upkeep and have Ice-box on board at all times with mineral water provided complimentary.
Photography in India ?
India is a photographer’s paradise. As a norm most people do not mind their pictures being taken by tourists while visiting homes, villages or exploring the colorful bazaars. Photography is allowed at most Monuments where they now charge a camera fee. However, at Museums and places with paintings photography is restricted. Special permission of the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, is required for use of tripod and artificial light. Carry enough memory cards with you. Most airport security X-rays are film safe.
Videos are not allowed in the Taj Mahal complex past the first viewing area. Guests may store their cameras. Costs incurred for photography are at your expense and your Tour Escort/local guides will assist you for the same.
Circumstances beyond our control ? (Force majeure)
Despite our best efforts and planning, things may go awry due to breakdown, accident, strike, closure of any venue/services, flight/train disruption/delay, weather, natural &/or such other unforeseen reasons beyond our control, which would entail curtailed/readjusted itinerary best possible within the time & constraints. Neither we nor any of our service providers would be held liable for any consequential costs &/or damages on account of such circumstances.
Weekly Holidays/Closures ?
Banks and other offices remain closed on Sunday and other local/national holidays. Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Friday. Similarly some monuments, museums & other special features are closed on weekly basis or on special occasions at different times in different parts of the nation. National wildlife parks are closed during rainy season from July to September every year. There are three national holidays: Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), and Gandhi Jayanti (2 October) which occur on the same day every year. In addition, there are local and nationwide holidays with shifting dates. Please check on these.
Shopping in India ?
India is a great place to shop – Shopping in India immediately brings to mind an array of exotica : silk & sandalwood, hand printed textiles in traditional weaves or embroidered ; rugs & carpets ; antiques & miniature paintings ; fine jewelry, antiques or marble inlay, choices are many. If your shopping plans include any major items such as rugs, jewelry, miniature paintings, antiques, inlaid marble, silk, etc. (all are great bargains in India) please ask for information. Our policy is not to have any contracted shops but to offer general guidelines to avoid any unpleasant experiences.
Overland Transport & Drives:
Travel by road in India is the perfect way to explore this vast sub-continent. Road conditions have improved tremendously over the last decade. A private car at your disposal provides much flexibility, adventure and excitement as you venture deeper into cities, towns and countryside. It is hilarious, most exhilarating and an unforgettable experience. Please be reassured that you are in completely safe hands. All vehicles are chauffeur driven, who are experienced and familiar with traffic and road conditions and guest safety and comfort is their prime concern. All the vehicles that we use are air-conditioned, with excellent upkeep, Wifi equipped, and have Ice-box on board at all times with mineral water provided complimentary.
Following are the vehicles used on our tours:
Toyota Innova Crysta : A large Wagon SUV type, most frequently used vehicle of the day, strong & safe, spacious & comfortable with ample boot space for luggage. Seating capacity 2-4 (Guest) and is excellent for local rides and long distances.
Mercedes Benz/Audi : An ultimate in luxury sedan is available only in bigger cities. Ideal for a couple.
Tempo Traveler: A mini-van suitable for small party, group or family. Seating capacity 4-8 (Guest), comfortable, spacious and excellent for either short or long drives.
Mini-bus/Large-bus or Coach: Seating capacity 15–30 Depending on the size and dynamics of the group. Our policy is to have extra seats, to allow comfort for passengers so that they can move around for window seats for better viewing and photography.