General information for India bound travelers:

1. Passport:

A passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date is required. Visas are required for India, Nepal - destinations promoted by Ports of India. You will require a multiple entry visa for India . You can apply for an Indian Visa through the Indian Consulate / Indian Embassies located in USA .

2. Inoculation:

The Indian government does not require any inoculations, except proof of a yellow fever shot if you have traveled in a yellow fever affected area within the past six months. As a minimum, most tourists must take protection against Hepatitis A and get booster shots. However your personal physician may recommend some shots for your special needs.

3. Documents:

Your tour documents including airline tickets, itinerary, voucher, telephone/fax numbers of the contact persons in India , and any other relevant information about your trip is mailed to you two weeks before departure depending upon date of booking. The flight or train tickets for travel within India along with hotel and Transport shall be handed over to you at your landing port in India .

4. Weather

September to March is the best season to visit India . There is little or no rain in North India and parts of Western India during September. The average maximum temperature in most of North India is around 85 degree Fahrenheit and on in the range 55 to 80 degrees. However from December to February the temperatures drop to 45 to 50 degrees in North India

5. Clothes

No formal clothes are required on your tour, unless you wish to dress up a little for welcome and farewell dinners and/or for dining at the better restaurants of some deluxe hotels. A jacket for men and one evening dress for ladies are about enough. Casual to smart-casual is the norm. During visits to a temple or a mosque, dress modestly and avoid dressing in black or leather. From November to February a sweater and a wind jacket may be necessary in north India . Comfortable walking shoes and a few pairs of socks should be ample.

6. Electricity

The voltage in India is 220 volts AC 50 cycles. Wall plugs are the round, two-pronged European type. It is best to carry a travel adapter to fit your particular appliance.

7. Food

In most of the hotels traditional local fare and continental favorites are available. Full American breakfast is included daily with juice, fruit, breads, eggs and local items. All the cities have upscale restaurants which offer fine dining as well as regular restaurants serving local cuisine. However it is recommended to have dinners at the hotels you stay in.

8. Mineral Water

Minor stomach ailments are the most common affliction of visitors to India . To minimize the chances of your getting sick, we strongly recommend that you drink only bottled water during your travel through India . Bottled drinking water is available for purchase everywhere.

9. Medical Facility

Most hotels have excellent physicians on call. They are inexpensive, competent, and familiar with the common ailments that afflict travelers. Your tour might be traveling through remote areas where medical facilities may not be in easy reach. Our local offices are available to assist you in anyway possible.

10. Money to be carried on tour

Your hotels, sightseeing tours, mentioned meals are covered under the tour price. However, customary gratuities to your local guides, drivers, representatives is not included. It is easy to change money at your hotel cashier's desk. It is better to carry money in traveler's checks. You should try not to change too much money as you may find difficult to reconvert local money back to US dollars. When you change your money you get receipts (called "encashment certificates") which should be retained, as these will enable you to reconvert the balance into USD, at the time of departure from the country, (provided the last receipt is no more than 30 days old). All major establishments, hotels, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards. ATMs are easily available at all cities. International airports have currency exchange booths that are always open for arriving or departing overseas flights.

11. Photography

Special permission of the Archaeological Survey of India/Local Monument Authorities is required for use of tripod and artificial lights. Most of the monuments have a still and moving camera fee. Carry twice as much film or memory cards as you think you will need! Most airport security X-rays are film safe-but if you really want to be sure bring your films in special X-ray safe pouches. Any Restrictions/Costs incurred for photography will be informed by your local guides.

12. Time Zone In India

India has only one time zone; the entire country is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time.

13. First Arrival Meeting

Once you land at the arrival port in India and on clearing Immigration and Customs, kindly proceed to the exit of the Arrival Lounge. Outside the Arrival Lounge you will be greeted by our representative holding a placard with your name on it.

14. Tipping

Generally tipping is as per your satisfaction level of the services. However the general tipping trend is

Local Guide - $ 10 for half day and $ 15 for full day

Driver - $ 10 per day

Restaurants - Generally 10% of the bill amount