FAQ’s and Travel Tips

India is a fascinating travel destination, but like any foreign country, one can be sure of facing some uncertainties about traveling to this enchanting land.  Here are some frequently asked questions for travellers to India.  While you are in India, always remember to expect the unexpected!

Q: Where can I stay?

A: A wide choice of accommodation is available for tourists, ranging from modern western style luxury hotels and palaces turned into heritage hotels to budget hotels and government tourist bungalows. Prices vary accordingly, depending on the category, star-rating, quality of services and location. The high prices of the luxury hotels, boutique hotels, health spas and heritage properties are justified by the amenities they offer and their services. The moderately priced budget hotels are less on grandeur but are clean and comfortable. Cheaper accommodation is also available at guest houses and youth hostels.

At wildlife sanctuaries camping is not allowed inside the park. The peripheries of the park house private wildlife lodges where accommodation is either in deluxe tents or rooms, all with attached bath and WC.

Hotel rates fluctuate with the season and are cheaper during the off season especially between April and September.

CLOTHING

Q: What should I wear?

A: We recommend light cotton tops and trousers/shorts. The best colors to have are khaki, beige and white. Light cotton, long sleeved clothing is recommended for game drives. Please ensure that you pack warm clothing if traveling in the winter months as temperatures do drop dramatically at times. Heavy woollens for winter.

Q: What should I pack?

Here are some packing suggestions:

• Light cotton trousers
• Cotton shorts
• Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved)
• Cotton socks
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Any special medicines, especially anti malaria
• Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker
• Sunhat
• Fleece
• Insect repellent
• Small torch
• Bathing suit
• Suntan lotion
• Sunglasses
• Camera (telephoto lens recommended)
• Binoculars

For winter, pack extra:

• Heavy woolen clothing
• Woolen hat or caps
• Scarf and gloves

FAMILY SAFARIS

Q: Is India a good family destination?

A: Between the great Himalayas in the north to the tropical peninsular south, the country offers an insight into an ancient civilization, art & architecture, religion, culture along with a wide range of out door activities like treks and white-water rafting, tiger tracking in the wildlife parks, camel or horse safaris in the deserts of Rajasthan, and the memorable experience of shopping in Indian where markets offer an enormous choice of products ranging from textiles, handicrafts, jewellery to aromatic spices and herbal products.

A destination for rejuvenation, India offers Ayurvedic health spas, centres for yoga and meditation.

India is a destination where every member of the family would find an activity that captures the mind & heart.

FOOD

Q: What style and type of meals are on offer?

A Indian cuisine is rich in variety and unique. Culinary preparations vary from region to region and cater to a variety of tastes. Restaurants in India offer food not only from all parts of the country but also from various parts of the world. Many restaurants and hotels in large cities offer French, English, Italian, Thai, Mexican, Chinese and Japanese food.

Q: Do you cater for specific diets?

A: Yes, all dietary requirements will be catered for in India. When making your reservation, please advise us of any specific dietary requirements and allergies that you may have, and these will be communicated immediately to the lodges or hotels.

GUEST SAFETY

Q: Will I be safe?

A Travelling in India is relatively safe. You should be alert while being outdoors and a few other simple precautions are necessary. Use the hotel safe to keep your documents i.e., passports and visas, avoid wearing heavy jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash during sightseeing and do not keep your wallet in you back pockets. Do not accept food or drink from strangers during your travels.

You should not walk around in deserted areas especially at night. Hitch-hiking is best avoided.

Q: What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?

A: Before you come, have the shots your doctor recommends and start taking anti-malarial tablets. Once in India, eat lightly for the first few days, drink plenty of bottled water and get your sleep.

Q: How is emergency medical cover and travel insurance arranged?

A: Before you travel to India you must subscribe to comprehensive travel insurance covering personal effects, personal accident, medical exigencies, emergency travel expenses, cancellation and curtailment.

MONEY

Q: Where can I change currency?

A: Most International airports in India have money exchange counters where you can easily change money. There are money-changing facilities at your hotels. Most of the wildlife resorts across India may not have this facility. It is recommended that you have enough Indian money on you, which you may require for your purchases, tipping, food & tipples and other such expenses.

Most big cities have ATMs which accept Visa and Mastercard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expanding and in some states, you can find them even in some smaller towns.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

You need to have a valid passport and a valid Indian visa to enter this country. There is no provision of ‘Visa on Arrival’ in India and no fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports. It is of utmost importance that you thoroughly check your visa requirements and validity before your intended date of travel.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Q: What wildlife photography advice can you give?

A: It can be difficult to get photography films in the national parks / reserves so please ensure you either bring them along or buy them on arrival at the port of entry. It can be difficult to get the same in smaller towns / cities, too.  Photography may also not be permissible at some railway stations, bridges, airports and all military installations. If in doubt, ask. In general, though most people are happy to be photographed but it is advisable to seek prior permission.

SIGHTSEEING

Dress codes for religious places can include covering your head, being barefoot etc. Ask, so that you don’t unknowingly offend. Some temples do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises. Certain temples are not open to Non-Hindus. Most museums in India are closed on Mondays and Site Museums, those near archaeological monuments, on Fridays.

Smoking is not allowed at public places. All properties of the Indian Railways including trains and railway stations are strictly non smoking zones with stiff penalties for violations.

EQUIPMENT

The voltage supply at most of the hotels across India is usually 220 volts. Most of the plug-in pins in India are different from western made plug-in pins. It makes sense to carry an adaptor and dry cells. Also recommended carrying with you is a torch, padlocks for kitbag, sun cream, small sewing kit & safety pins and spare glasses if you wear them or contact lenses.

SEASONS AND TEMPERATURES

Q: What is the weather like?

A: India, in general, has a hot tropical climate with the Tropic of Cancer passing through her. However the climatic conditions vary from region to region. It is cold from November to mid-March, with the mornings and evenings being cool and fresh, while the days are warm and sunny. From April to June, it becomes really hot with the daytime temperature sometimes touching 45°Celsius but dry and occasional dust storms. June marks the onset of monsoons that lasts in most regions till September. While the rest of the sub continent braves dust storms followed by rains the Himalayas become accessible. You can explore India during all the seasons, throughout the year, but you will have to be selective about the destinations.

Northern Plains

Northern Plains of India experience extreme climates. Summers are hot and harsh with temperatures exceeding 40°C on a few occasions. From July to September, monsoon brings with it most of the rain received in this region. Winters are the most favoured season to visit North India. Bring with heavy woollens, as nights can be freezing cold with temperatures dipping to 5°C (41°F) in some parts.

The Himalayas
Summer is the best time to explore The Himalayas, as the climate remains pleasant with slightly cold evenings and plenty of sunny days. Heavy snowfall and steep fall in temperature can make many areas in the region inaccessible during the winters.

Central India

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the two Central Indian states, also face the extremities of weather with monsoons being heavy between July and September. In the winters (December through February) the temperatures can vary between -2° Celsius in the early mornings to 22°Celsius during the day.

Western India

Favourable months to visit this region are from November to February; although evenings can be cold. Summer can be hot with monsoon rainfall between mid-June and mid-September.

South India

The most pleasant weather is from November to March. Monsoon rains between late April and July. Summer temperatures are high with humidity at its extreme.

SAFARI GUIDES

TIPPING GUIDELINES

Q: What should I tip?

A: Tips are not included in the cost of your tour. Your lodge manager will provide you with guidelines for tipping though many of the lodges have a central tip box where you can leave your gratuity at the end of the stay. Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Q: How do I get to the lodges from the airport?

A: All safari lodges and other destinations are easily accessible by either road or air and we shall assist you every step of the way to ensure seamless and safe travel arrangements.

WATER

Q: Can I drink the water?

A: Avoid drinking tap water while in India. Consumption of only bottled water is advised. While buying water do not forget to check that it is properly sealed. Kindly remember to dispose it properly.