Travel Tips

Domestic flight Baggage
In India before boarding your domestic flights please make sure that you "identify your checked baggage" as you leave the main terminal. Ask the airline representative where you should actually recognize the baggage for your specific flight. Checked baggage will not be put on the flight in case of failure. Prior to boarding any flight, make it a practice to enquire about identification of your checked baggage.

Currency and Exchange Rate
In India, local currency is abbreviated as INR at global level within currency transactions. The exchange rate is subject to market change and has recently been varying between Rs. 40 and Rs. 50 to a US Dollar.

While on India Holidays you should take care of your dressing code as Indians usually dress conservatively. Cover as much skin as possible while visiting rural areas. Metropolitans are much more liberal and except trendy style of dressing. During your walking tours you have plans to wear full length clothes be aware of the dirty and wet floor. One "Tee" shirt, one "heavy" flannel type shirt and one light jacket are the essentials as it allows you to wear covered clothing for a range of temperatures.

Rules at Religious Places
Lot of tourists come to India to capture the magic of various religions which is purely reflected by the different places of worship. But there are certain norms which one must follow prior to entering these places. The foremost condition is that one must take off his or her shoes outside the respective place. You can wear socks but then the wet floor will not allow you to do so. Before entering a Gurudwara (Sikh place of worship) both men and women require to cover their heads. A large handkerchief for men or a shawl for women can be used for this purpose. Avoid hat or a cap for this purpose as it is not considered as a mark of respect.

Also, some Hindu Temples does not allow any leather goods like (belts, wallets and leather bags) inside the temple. Hence it is habitual to remove ones belt and jackets.

Telephones
Avoid making calls from your hotels as there charges are often quite exorbitant. The best source for making national as well as international calls is the operated public booths. They can be easily recognizable with their bright yellow sign marked as STD/ISTD. They are quite reliable as pulse is calculated with electronic device with the option of paying cash. +91 is the country code for making calls into India.

Frequent Hazards
In India, you will find a great variety of people. Some will try to help you with good intensions while some will try to con you by overcharging you. Isn’t that’s quite similar to your own country. You will not be harmed physically in the country, but the common hazard that you might face in India are the Minor Thefts - You may possibly encounter unavoidable auto rickshaw driver asking for a higher fare, or crimes of sneakiness like a bag disappearing on the train and likes of that. Employ the same kind of awareness you use in your own country. Take necessary precautions in situations where you feel something fishy or do not feel safe. Be alert but avoid being unreasonable. Most of the places in India are crowded which is good and bad in unison. You are likely to face a threat in an isolated area. Deserted tourist spots have recently seen a quite a few theft cases but police has always been prompt in their action. But in any situation do not get involved with physical actions. Take determined actions but do not hit someone as violence in India can create a lot of problems.

Travelling Needs
Avoid loading your bags with too much of stuff as you will get most of the things here in India and that too at a cheaper rate. This would also help you to choose the things depending on the present climatic conditions during your stay. Unless you are planning a vacation in mountainous regions of India leave your sleeping bags back at home as all other places austral states where temperature is fairly humid even during winters. The suggested thing that will suit all your sleeping bag needs is the hand woven coverlet. It is quite versatile in its usefulness - toss it around the shoulders if it’s cold, fold it into a pillow if on an extensive train ride, and utilize it as a beach mat at the seashores.

Swiss Army knife, Small flashlight, Towels, Cotton Socks, reliable set of key and lock, Women’s Swimwear are few things which you might need during your tour to India.

India Train Travel Tip
Best way to explore the Indian vividness is by travelling through trains. Though it runs on quite old engines but all thanks to its vibrant stations, Indian railways network still enjoy great status among the country people. Train journeys are inevitable in India. Your route may include either a day or an overnight train journey. AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper Class cars are the various categories of the train bogies. Your train, coach and berth number will be in print on your ticket. During your train journeys especially night ones you need to take extra care of your luggage. Keep your valuable belongings in largest case and keep it such that it becomes difficult to confiscate it. Do not exhibit your high value possessions to your associate passengers. Under no conditions, accept any eatable or drink from your fellow travelers and likewise do not present your food to them. It’s a normal practice to eat or drink without sharing it with others. Eat and drink only hygienic stuff.

Tipping and Rewards
Tipping and Gratuities are considered to be an imperative part of travel in India. Generally your tour does not include tipping, unless specifically stated. Avoid giving tip to regular taxi drivers. Your waiters in restaurants, your car driver, your guide and the bell-hops at the hotels are the right people who deserve rewards from you. You can tip them anything between Rs 50 to 100 if traveling alone. If you have a bigger group than leave a total amount of Rs 500 or so.

Disabled Travelers
Quite a few special provisions are present at airports, railway stations or hotels for people with disabilities. Nevertheless, people are very generous, and if receiving their help does not bother you, then this will lessen your travel intricacies.

Medical Preparation
Always seek help from your personal care doctor as he is the one who will advise you the appropriate preventative medication in accordance to your medical history. In case of emergencies, India has excellent medical assistance and some of the best hospitals. Always share your medical history with doctors and make them aware of things you are allergic to.