We specialise in luxury India safaris and have the in-depth knowledge required to provide travel advice. Find all the must-know travel requirements and destination information on India before you embark on your adventure.
Please bear in mind that you may have to comply with a dress code if you are visiting temples or other religious places. This may involve covering your head and shoulders, and taking off your shoes, or leaving any leather items outside.
Currency
Banking hours at most commercial banks are Monday to Friday from 10h00 to 14h00 and on Saturday from 10h00 to 12h00.
Most big cities have ATMs and, in some states, you will even find them in some smaller towns. Make sure that you have a four-digit PIN for your card, as the ATM will require it.
The currency is the rupee, which is made up of 100 paise. Please check with your hotel for daily exchange rates.
Outside the main centres it is recommended that you have enough Indian money on you for any purchases and for tipping.
Visa, American Express and MasterCard are honoured by most restaurants, stores, hotels and other points of sale andservice. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances and it is therefore useful to carry a passport or some form ofphoto identification at all times.
US Dollar travellers’ cheques are handy to have. Please note that taxation value is different in the various states of India.
There is a severe problem of counterfeit currency floating in the market and guests have to be very careful about where they source their Indian currency
Safety
Lock your money, travellers cheques, passports and precious jewellery in the hotel safe.
Try not to walk around late at night, particularly in deserted areas or small towns, where everything closes early.
Avoid travelling on the roads after dark.
As anywhere else, never leave your suitcases unattended at an airport or train station.
Photography
Please be sensitive when photographing people. In general, most Indians do not mind, but it is polite to ask for permission. Photography is not allowed at military installations, as well as some railway stations, bridges and airports. If you are using film, bear in mind that this may be difficult to obtain in the national parks and reserves, as well as in the smaller towns and cities.
Passport & Visa Requirements
- Travellers need a valid passport and a visa to travel in India. You cannot apply for your visa on arrival, so please contact your local Indian consulate well ahead of your date of travel. You must arrive in India within six months of the date your visa is issued.
- As for all international travel, visitors are required to be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Travellers from all countries need a visa.
- Visitors who intend to travel to India’s neighbouring countries and back are advised to apply for multiple entry visas through the Indian Embassy or High Commission.
- Visas can still be issued by Indian Embassies and the High Commission, and their representatives (VFS in UK or Cox & Kings in US). This visa is required for stays longer than 1 month (up to 180 days) OR for a double or multiple entry visa allowing side trips to Nepal/Bhutan/Sri Lanka with a return to India.
- Electronic Tourist Visas (eTV) can be purchased up to 90 days prior to travel, and are valid for one month. These are available, and payable on line, and can be used twice in a calendar year: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html
Luggage allowance
Baggage restrictions apply for internal flights in India.
Economy: 15kg (33lbs) per passenger
Business: 25kg (55lbs) per passenger
- A maximum of 2 checked bags per flight.
- Guests may be charged by the airlines per kilogram/lbs for any checked luggage exceeding this allowance.
- Each traveller may also bring one personal item (such as a purse or laptop) and one carry-on bag or backpack.
Airline regulations state that carry-ons must not exceed the following dimensions: 55.88cm x 40.6425cm and 7.7kg (22in x 16in x 8in and 17lbs).
- Should hand luggage be weighed or measured and exceed the listed allowance, guests will be required to check it with their other luggage.
What the Experts Say
- Thrilling wildlife encounters in the dense jungles, including the opportunity to spot the majestic tiger
- The magnificent and often evocative carvings on the 10th century temples in Khajuraho
- Bustling bazaars filled with traditional arts and crafts
- The holy Ganges Rivers and bustling ghats of Varanasi
- 3 World Heritage sites at Sanchi, Bhimbetka and Khajuraho
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