Extraordinary India is the destination guaranteed to seduce you with its sights and enchant you with its rich history, culture and friendly people. As the world's second most populated country and the most populous liberal democracy, India is not just brimming with people, but also with places to visit. Whether you decide upon luxury train journeys, action-packed adventure tours or sun-kissed relaxation at the coast, the country is sure to satisfy. |
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When To Travel
Climatic conditions vary greatly between north and south. Overall, however, India has a hot tropical climate and roughly experiences three seasons - summer or the hot season, the wet or monsoon season and winter or the cool season. It is best to travel during the cool season, between November to February, bearing in mind that temperatures remain in the mid-twenties (ºC). But some cities in the north, such as Delhi, can become surprisingly chilly, with winter clothing recommended especially for the night time.The mercury starts rising from February onwards, and can reach over 45ºC in central India by June, with Southern India also sweltering at this time. During the wet season, daily rainfall makes for increased humidity. The southwest monsoon affects most of the country, but particularly the west coast from June to September. The northeast monsoon lasts between October to February, sometimes resulting in cyclones. |
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Health and Safety:
No specific vaccinations are required for India, except for people coming from areas with yellow fever. Although not compulsory, some people might prefer to consult with their private GP before entering India regarding typhoid, tetanus or hepatitis shots, especially for trips of longer duration.
Once arriving in India, it is not uncommon to experience some form of gastric discomfort. Pace yourself and allow yor body to get accustomed to the food. Drink only bottled water, tip out ice cubes in your beverages, as these could be made from tap water. Be cautious of raw vegetables and opt for fruit that can be peeled. Always travel with basic medical supplies such as antiseptic and medication for fever or diarrhoea in case you become ill. Futhermore, if you do experience food poisoning or contract a bug, drink plenty of bottled water, and stick to non-spicy foods or plain rice.Follow a vegetarian diet is recommended for the first few days, and make sure that if you eat meat it is well cooked. It is also a good idea to carry mosquito repellant with you.For more serious illnesses, it is advised that you visit private rather than government hospitals, and taking out travel insurance is a good idea, not just for India, but as a sensible precaution for any trip.
The country is quite safe for tourists on a whole, but exercise caution on public transport as pickpockets may be operating, especially on crowded routes and tourist sites. The Indian Ministry of Tourism suggests that you lock your bags even when they are in your hotel room. Women are also advised not to take rickshaws if the driver is accompanied by another man. If your travels take you to the seaside and there is no lifeguard on location, beware of strong currents. Finally, keep photocopies of your passport and other travel documents in case of theft. |
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Costs in India
The official currency of India is the rupee, which comes in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and sometimes 1000 notes, and one rupee is divided into 100 paise. Foreigners are not allowed to bring in or take ruppes out of the country, and some shops amy ask for official receipts if you do attempt to pay in rupees. Your safest bet, however, is to use US dollars, euros or British pounds (or traveller's cheques), and these currencies can be brought into the country without restriction, as long as sums exceeding $1000 are declared at customs.
Major credit cards are now also widely accepted in many parts of India but some smaller stores, even in the big cities, only accept cash and so it is advisable to carry some with you at all times. Once you exit the airport, ATMs can be used to withdraw rupees (keep the receipt) but not all will accept international debit/credit cards. In this case, you might have to hunt around for HSBC, Citibank or ICICI ATMs.
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What to wear:
Besides dressing to suit the climatic conditions, it is also customary to dress in a conservative manner - no tank-tops and mini skirts as a matter of respect. It is recommended that as much skin much skin is covered as possible, as well as leaving behind tight-fitting outfits. It is preferable that your shoulders are covered, and remember to take off your shoes when entering temples, mosques and some people's homes - look around at what others around you are wearing.
Food and drink:
India is not just about discovering new sights, it's also about savouring new tastes. To get the most out of regional cuisine, the thali system is highly recommended - several different servings of meat or poultry, vegetables, rice, breads and other side servings, and of course, dessert to make up a very filling meal in a single-sitting. As many Indians are vegetarian, most menus will contain a sizeable portion of delectable vegetarian dishes. Venture into roadside stands to sample the same food eaten by locals or, for the less adventurous, the main cities also have McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut and other five-star establishments. For those prepared to eat in side streets, do remember to keep an eye on hygiene...there are enough places to skip one or two before finding a clean one. Although alcohol is not officially sanctioned, its availability depends on the region. For instance, coastal Goa is more alcohol-friendly than Chennai.
To get the best out of regional cuisine, try these foods in the following places: Chettinad cuisine great for those who like food that is hot; south Delhi has a number of lip-smacking Chinese food establishments in its markets as well as tandoori chicken and roti sold for next to nothing. Jaipur boasts the local Dal-Bati-Choorma delicacy, made in partof sweetened bread pudding. Seafood comes highly recommended in Mumbai and Goa, where locals much prefer fish to meat. |
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Festivals:
There are many festivals on the Hindu calendar, so check out when these are as they may coincide with your travel dates, and are definitely worth witnessing for their colour, enthusiasm or simply to get a glimpse into the Hindu religion.
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