Here are the travel tips which tourists should known before embarking on their India Tour.

Visa Information

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.

Arrival and Customs Information

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 Information

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.

Climate

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.

Safety and Security

Keep yourself aware with the local laws and customs of India as it will help you to enjoy a hassle free vacation.

• Prior to India tour try to acquaint yourself with the norms of the India society to avoid outrage Indian sensibilities.
• Abide by your original plans and don’t get carried out by the offers of better hotels and accommodation by strangers.
• Do not discuss travel plans with strangers.
• Avoid discussing about your belongings which  you are carrying to any stranger or in public.
• You are advised not to travel alone at night, especially on roads and dimly lit lanes.
• Try to meet any client or person at a public place.
• Never hand your luggage over to any unknown person.
• Don’t allow suspicious people or strangers to enter your room.
• Never leave your important documents and valuables unattended. Keep them in the hotel locker.
• Carry your necessary medications and it’s better to keep extra stock.
• It is better to have extra copies of the important documents like identity proof, visa and passport as it will be helpful in case any of your documents get lost. 

Health

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.

Travel Conditions

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 / Cash / ATM

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.

Language

The official language of India is Hindi. English is widely spoken as it is one of the official languages used for administrative purposes.

Clothing and Accessories

• Choose your clothes and accessories according to the season on your India Tour. During summers  use light cotton clothes and in winters use good warm clothes.
• Tourists can wear comfortable dresses like jeans, trousers, full-sleeved shirts and tee shirts. But full sleeves are advisable  as it protects from sunburn during the day, and mosquito bites at night.
• Wear good sturdy shoes as it  will protect your feet from dust and dirt and also ease your feet on long walks.
• For women travellers it is advisable not to wear shorts, tank tops and exposing vests as it will hurt the social and cultural sentiments of India.
• Carry sun-block lotion, binoculars, candy, sunglasses, insect repellent, sun hat, flash light, additional camera batteries, tissues and basic medicines in your hand luggage bag.