Travel Tips

Travel Tips :
When in India for travelling, there is nothing to worry. The infrastructure in India is well established to provide complete comfort to the travellers from all around. What you need is, a little extra patience and consideration to have a wonderful experience. The transportation and accommodation are well placed to cater to all the travel needs of the travellers.

What to Take :
Don't carry too many things, as you can find almost everything here. Probably the only area in which buying in India is neither cheaper nor easily available is technical equipment, which are only found in the camping / trekking shops.

What to Wear (Clothes) :
Light weight cotton are the most comfortable one throughout the year. But in the winter months you might need to wear heavy woollens, while travelling the extreme north and the high altitude zones of India. Avoid revealing clothes and for  foot wear - comfortable sandals are the best for you.

Email/Internet :
This is huge in number. You will find Internet cafes almost at all the big and small market areas. This could be very useful for checking your mails and other travel informations.

Train Journey :
The image of the Indian Railways is rated poor with common complaints being making reservations is difficult or that the signage is only in Hindi. The railway stations are too dirty for comfort. They generally too crowded. Avoid travelling in the Second Class, But if you really prefer travelling by railways, then Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and other luxury train are the most ideal one.

Health Tips :
-  Always drink bottled water.
-  For the first few days it might be advisable to clean your teeth in bottled water.
-  Eat fruits you can peel.
-  Always keep a tube of mosquito repellent with you.
-  Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need for diarrhoea, fever, cold, etc. Also, band aids and an antiseptic ointment.
-  If you do catch a bug, do not panic. It will go away in a few days - but try the following tips to keep it down:
• Drink lassi - a yoghurt drink. It will help tone down the bacteria.
• Eat plain rice, or try a simple khichdi - an easily digestible mixture of rice and lentils.
• Drink plenty of coconut water. It's cooling, and naturally sterilized!
• Drink plenty of fluids and take some electrolyte salts if the bug persists

Toilets:
In India, public toilet facilities are few and far between, and those that are there should not be ventured into. Take every opportunity you can to use a clean a toilet in places such as hotels and restaurants. Make this a habit wherever you go.  Instruct your driver to identify the same.

Respect The Culture :
Always respect the religious shrines and pilgrimage destinations. Some places require visitors to observe a decent dress code. Take care not to violate the rules and regulations in the places of worship - temples,  mosques, gurudwaras, etc.

Currency Change :
Change currency only from official moneychangers. Remember to retain the currency Exchange receipts after each transaction. You will need them for re-exchange on departure.

Tipping :
Tipping is a matter of personal discretion. Although bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants, drivers and other places that cater to tourists.

Photography :
Photography is prohibited in places of military importance, railway stations, bridges, airports and military installations.

General Visitors Tips :

• Besides the originals, a copy of your passport, travel visas, airline tickets and travel documents. A list of any charge or credit cards you are carrying. Remember to keep the copies separate from the originals.

• Keep your travel documents and other precious things like jewellery and money in the safe deposits. When in public places, keep them in your hotel, or with you all the time when moving about.

• Men : Don't carry a traditional wallet with you, the kind you put in your pocket (front or back).

• Women : Avoid keeping valuables in a purse, which can be easily snatched off your shoulder.

• Consider using an "interior wallet", the kind that is either fastened around your neck, draped from a belt loop or worn, with a velcro fastener, around the calf or ankle. All three kinds are concealed underneath clothing.

• Assure that your guide are properly uniformed or identified. Never leave your luggage, briefcase or other items unattended.

Voltage Used :
The voltage used is 220 volts (the U.S. uses 120 volts). You can purchase a converter at most electrical stores for appliances that do not switch to 220V.

In Trouble :
If ever you land in trouble, contact your Embassy and the nearest Police Station. In a Indian Police Station always speak with the Senior Inspector in Charge even if you have to wait couple of hours.

Credit Cards :
American Express, Master Charge, Visa and Diners Club credit cards are generally accepted by large establishments including hotels, shops, and airlines.

Time :
GMT + 5 1/2 hours. The standard time for India is calculated from Allahabad and is common to all cities i.e. only one time zone for India.