Here are the travel tips which tourists should known before embarking on their India Tour.
Foreign tourists who wish to travel India are required to have a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa. The visa will remain valid for six months from the scheduled issuing date. Foreign nationals must have valid Indian Visa before they embark their journey to India except citizen of Nepal and Bhutan. Nationals of Maldives also do not require a visa for entry in India for a period up to 90 days.
The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs issue Indian visa to the foreign nationals. Now the citizens of Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore can avail tourist visa on their India arrival. These tourist visas are valid for a short period of 30 days.
Airport departure taxes are levied at different levels which may or may not be included in the cost of travel ticket. The charges for neighbouring countries are currently Rs. 150 while those for international travel are Rs. 500, which are subject to change any time without notice.
It is necessary for every tourist to fill up the ‘Arrival Card’ on their India arrival. Detailed information of tourist is provided through this card which compulsory for immigration and customs clearance. It is advisable to check passport and make sure that immigration officer has stamped passport with an arrival stamp.
Baggage limits are very strictly followed on both international and domestic flights. During domestic flight tourist can carry baggage up to the weight of 30 kilograms (66 lbs.) per person for those travelling in economy class and 40 kilograms (88 lbs.) per person for those travelling in executive class.
While travelling from India to Europe/Far East/Middle East you are allowed free baggage allowance by airlines based on the class of travel. Normally, for first-class it is 40 Kg, for business class 30 kg and for economy class 20 kg.
India experience six seasons namely spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, mild winter and winter. During winter an average temperature of North India ranges from 15 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius and in South India average temperature is 20 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius.
In summer, May and June are the hottest months and the average temperature ranges from 32 degree Celsius to 42 degree Celsius.
Keep yourself aware with the local laws and customs of India as it will help you to enjoy a hassle free vacation.
Presently no vaccinations are required for entry into India when you are directly coming from North America or any Asian or European country. While coming from Yellow Fever endemic countries you are required to have Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Sometimes inconsistencies may occur because of climatic conditions or some unfavourable circumstances. In that case it is advisable to have patience and contact your tour managers for a best possible solution.
Currency and traveller's cheques can be converted at all hotel desks, banks and Forex agencies. Foreign credit cards are accepted throughout. ATMs are widely available in all cities and towns of India. It is advisable to change your money from money changers at an authorized places and preserve all their exchange receipts.
The official language of India is Hindi. English is widely spoken as it is one of the official languages used for administrative purposes.