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Exploring India

Travel Essentials

We have compiled a list of top tips, advice and travel essentials below to help prepare you for your holiday in India!

Currency

  • The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which has an approximate current exchange rate of £1 = 90 rupees.
  • As the rupee is a closed currency, you cannot purchase any before arriving in to India. Credit cards are widely accepted across India – make sure you tell your bank about your trip before travelling. We would also recommend taking some cash to exchange at the airport on arrival, several currency exchange desks can be found in the arrivals hall at most airports. 
  • ATMs are readily available in the towns and cities across India, but please bear in mind that occasionally they can be temperamental. Your guide will always be able to assist you with locating the nearest ATM.
  • As it is a closed currency you will not be able to exchange any rupees once outside of India, therefore we advise trying to take out small amounts to cover immediate needs towards the end of your holiday.
  • Credit cards can be used in most larger shops and hotels.

Expenses

  • We normally recommend allowing yourself around £10-30 a day per person for your food expenses.
  • At a good quality local restaurant a two course lunch is likely to set you back around £4 whilst dinner around £10.
  • If you dine in luxury hotel restaurants these costs will increase. A local beer costs around £0.80. Imported food and drinks cost more and wine is also more expensive with a bottle for around £30.
  • On top of the price for your trip you will still need to sometimes pay a small fee for cameras when visiting monuments, sights and parks.

Tipping

  • Tipping is part of life in India and for good service it is expected. High end restaurants and hotels will include a service charge but for most places it is not included.
  • It is completely up to you what you decide to tip but here is a small guideline we have put together to help. These are based on a trip for 2 people (it is good to have plenty of 100 Rs notes to hand for tipping and small purchases – when exchanging money on arrival in to India, ask for smaller notes):
  • When tipping guides, we recommend for a half-day tour offering Rs 300-500 (approximately £3 – £5). When with a guide for a full day, between Rs 500-700 (approximately £5 – £7).
  • You will have a driver accompanying you on your guided tours and we recommend around Rs 400-600 (approximately £4 – £6).
  • When there is no service charge added to a bill in a hotel or restaurant 10% is the norm to leave.
  • When staying on a houseboat a tip will be expected for each crew member. We recommend around Rs 400 (approximately £4) per crew member for your time on board.
  • For time spent at homestays they often have a tip box to leave some money for their staff. If they don’t please leave it with the host to distribute fairly. We recommend around Rs 500 (approximately £5) a day.

Vaccinations

  • Ensure you visit your GP six weeks before travel for general advice on travel risks, vaccinations and malaria. Make sure you take out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. For more information on which vaccinations you may want to consider having visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk & malariahotspots.co.uk
  • We would also highly recommend taking a very good mosquito spray with you.

Language

  • As India is such a large and diverse country, different regional languages are spoken throughout. The most widely spoken is Hindi. English is widely spoken and used frequently in business and hospitality, so you will often find it easy to communicate with those you come into contact with.
  • When travelling through India, just like with any country, it is always appreciated when visitors make an effort to speak the local language – just a simple ‘hello’ will go a long way. As there are so many languages in the country we can’t offer a definitive set of phrases but we would certainly suggest spending some time when you are there asking local people what language is being spoken and try to pick anything you can up. This will certainly add to your experience of the country!

Time Difference

  • India is four and a half hours ahead of GMT in British Summer Time and five and a half hours ahead of the UK during the winter.

Insurance

  • A policy to cover theft, loss and medical issues is a must. It is a good idea to photocopy all relevant documents – passport, travel insurance policy etc – and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you separate from the originals. Please do visit our page on travel insurance for further information: https://www.fleewinter.com/home/travel-insurance/ 

Telephone, Post and Wi-fi

  • To dial the UK from India you must dial 0044 and then drop the first 0 of the number. The Indian country code is +91. Calling from hotels in India is expensive but you will find internet centres with reasonably priced international calls in larger tourist areas. If you make a lot of calls you may wish to buy a local sim card. If you want to do this please remember to have your phone unblocked before leaving your country.
  • Airmail to Europe will take around a week.
  • Wi-Fi is relatively easy to access in India with most hotels, restaurants and cafes having Wi-Fi. You will also be able to find internet cafes if needed. In more rural and remote areas, Wi-Fi signal can be less reliable. 

Electricity

  • You will need to take adaptors with you for all electrical appliances. These are readily available in electrical shops – be sure to choose one that can be used in India. 
  • If you are planning to use a laptop it is essential to use a universal AC adaptor.
  • The electricity supply is 230-240V.

Laws, Customs and Culture

  • India is a predominantly conservative country and women wearing tight and small items of clothing will draw unwanted attention. Therefore, we recommended dressing modestly.
  • Whilst it is common for men to shake hands, it is seen as rude to touch an Indian woman and it is likely to make them feel very uncomfortable. Do not use your left hand to shake hands as it is seen as unclean.
  • From the 2nd October 2008 the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules came into effect. This bans smoking in all public places such as bars, restaurants and public area of hotels. You are likely to get a monetary fine if you violate these rules.
  • When visiting religious places you should always dress in modest and clean clothes, shorts and vests are inappropriate. You will always need to remove your shoes before entering a mosque or temple and, if visiting a Jain temple, any leather items. When in a Sikh temple your head needs to be covered and tobacco and cigarettes cannot be taken in. When in the religious building walk in a clockwise direction. In Buddhist shrines, turn the prayer wheel in a clockwise direction. When unsure in any of these situations follow the example of others.
  • Indians rarely say ’no’ and will rarely admit if they do not know the direction to somewhere. If you are still unsure when speaking to someone it might be worth getting another opinion.

Eating

  • India is famous for its food and is often said to have some of the best cuisine in the world.
  • There are fantastic restaurants throughout the country and you will find that dishes are specific to the region you are in so make sure you try some of the local specialities wherever you are.
  • ‘Delhi belly’ is often referred to when talking about travelling in India and it is true that their hygiene standards are not well regulated. We recommend not eating salads or fruit that may have been washed in the local water, keeping your hands clean with sanitiser as much as you can, choosing restaurants that are recommended and have caution when eating meat. Stick to bottled water, and check the seal is in tact before drinking. 
  • A large proportion of India’s population are vegetarian which means there are many vegetarian dishes to choose from. When eating in more local places, it may be advisable to stick to these dishes rather than dishes containing meat.
  • Food can be very spicy in India and whilst tourists are rarely served dishes at local spice levels, it may still be worth letting your waiter know if you do not want it to be spicy.
Delhi
The gateway to many north India trips, Old and New Delhi are full of history and charm and it is an exciting place to explore. More
Agra
Agra is home to one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal. Visiting this monument at sunrise is a truly magical once in a lifetime experience, and one that must not be missed. More
Jaipur
The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a riot of colour and rich in fascinating history. Stroll around the magnificent Amber Fort and marvel at the intricate facade of the Palace of the Winds. More
Ranthambore National Park
Search for the majestic Tiger and enjoy the peaceful landscape of rural Rajasthan. Fantastic accommodation options and a high population of Tigers makes Ranthambore a brilliant addition to north India tours for wildlife enthusiasts! More
Jodhpur
The blue hue of the city's old town, imposing Mehrangarh Fort and bustling markets makes Jodhpur one of the most colourful and characterful cities in Rajasthan. A selection of properties ranging from rustic traditional Haveli's to luxurious palaces make for a wonderful stay. The Blue City is the perfect backdrop for atmospheric photographs, so be sure to keep your camera handy! More
Jaisalmer
Known as The Golden City, and for good reason. Jaisalmer city and Fort rises out of the honey hued sands of the Thar Desert, and along with elaborate and intricate architecture it is one of the most atmospheric cities in north India. A camel ride into the surrounding dunes for a night under the stars completes the magical experience. More
Udaipur
The romantic lake-side city of Udaipur has a more relaxed pace than other cities, so is the perfect last stop on any Rajasthan tours. The picturesque Lake Pichola, the iconic Lake Palace, seemingly floating in the water, and the stunning hillside as the backdrop create the perfect setting for a lazy evening, cold beverage in hand, watching the sunset. More
Mumbai
Vibrant and exciting, Mumbai is a city of extremes. The home of Bollywood and the rich and famous, it is also home to one of the largest slums in Asia, Dharavi. A tour around Mumbai highlights the iconic monuments and rich culture, and gives a wonderful opportunity to get under the skin of the city and gain an insight into local life. More
Goa
Beaches lined with colourful shacks, golden sands, tropical Palm Trees and a relaxed, bohemian vibe is what you can expect to find in Goa. Head to north Goa for more of a buzz, central Goa to explore the relaxed capital of Panjim, and the less built-up south for a little more seclusion and peace. More
Fort Cochin
Relaxed and historic Fort Cochin is a wonderful place to explore, enjoying the beautiful sights of the Chinese fishing nets, colourful fishing boats lining the shore, coconut stalls sitting under the dappled sunlight and, if you're lucky, the odd sighting of the river Dolphin. More
Munnar
Travel inland from Kerala's tropical coast and you discover the hill station of Munnar, nestled within lush green tea plantations and breathtaking scenery. Spend your time walking through the country side and enjoying the view, learning how tea is picked and processed and gaining an insight into the local way of life in the hills. More
Thekkady
Thekkady is the location of Periyar National Park, a must for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Kerala. Enjoy Jungle treks into the park and keep your eyes peeled for Sambar Deer, Giant Squirrels, Monkeys and Wild Boar amongst impressive bird life. More
The Backwaters
Experiencing life on the backwaters is often a highlight of trips to Kerala. Drift down the waterways on a traditional Houseboat, or choose from a number of wonderful properties to stay in to enjoy this serene way of life, a total contrast from Indian cities. More
Marari Beach
The beautiful and peaceful Marari Beach is a wonderful way to end a trip in Kerala, relaxing on the vast golden sands and dipping your toes in the warm Arabian ocean. The setting of Kerala's tropical coastline is the perfect relaxing end to a tour of this region where you can just enjoy the surrounding nature. More
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
You can expect to find stunning white sand beaches, azure waters, world class diving and exotic jungle on these remote islands in the Bay of Bengal. It can be a little more of a challenge to reach the islands, but it is more than worth it for the secluded tropical hideaway that awaits. More
Wayanad
The alluring rainforest covered mountains of Wayanad are spectacular and a must for nature lovers. Home to coffee and spice plantations, it makes a wonderful scenic change from the exotic beaches and tranquil waterways found on the coast of northern Kerala. More
Nileshwar
Nileshwar in northern Kerala is home to a beautiful coastline and peaceful waterways. Less touched by tourism than elsewhere in India, visitors to this region benefit from an off the beaten track experience of traditional houseboat cruises and village life on the waters edge. More
Varanasi
Located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is one of Hinduism's seven holy cities. An incredibly spiritual, historic and culturally rich city, a visit to Varanasi never fails to be a memorable one. Witness daily rituals on the water's edge and navigate the tangle of narrow lanes weaving through the city, too narrow for cars to pass through. More
Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and full of magnificent architecture and fascinating history. The city is also very well known for it's delicious cuisine, unique to the region. More

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