Some useful tips while traveling to India
  •  Begging is prohibited in India do not encourage it.
  •  Don't trust strangers with money. Trust your Agents/Leaders, but not people you may bump into on the streets.
  •  Plan well in advance. Use services of Consultants/ Accredited operators to ensure safe travel.
  •  It's important to have travel insurance. Those visiting Mountains should check if it covers them for a certain Altitude.
  •  Carry proper maps of the places proposed to visit in India as signboards are often absent. If traveling alone avoid night journey.
  •  Try and avoid persistent touts and taxi-drivers at airport/stations/bus standing. Always use tourist assistance desk for proper advice.
  •  Women traveling alone in certain deserted places should avoid walking at odd hours.
  •  While changing money, insist on getting encashment certificate.
  •  Do not leave your cash and valuables in your hotel rooms. Keep your cash divided in different pockets.
  •  Take care of proper disposal of your rubbish always whether you are exploring desert, or Himalayas or beaches or anywhere else.
  •  Don't accept offers of visiting anyone's home unless you are confident of the person.
  •  Use licensed guides for sightseeing.
  •  Tipping is not a custom but a gesture from Tourists to tip. Usually any kind of staff expects a tip, however it's not mandatory.

While Shopping
  •  Don't go for antiques more than 100 years old. A selling and buying "shahtoos" shawl is an offence.
  •  Buy at genuine shops only. Bargaining is a popular practice in India, so try your skills.
  •  Avoid hawkers and Handlers, still if you want go on your own risk.
While visiting Religious establishments
  •  Avoid visiting places which encourage orthodoxy, social injustice and inhuman practices.
  •  Try and avoid discussing religion.
  •  Don't ever enter a temple, mosque, or Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) with shoes on and/or scantily dressed. One should cover his/her head with a cloth while in a Sikh Temple & around the sanctum sanctorum should always be in clockwise direction. Also should use trousers below knee length.
What to Drink and Eat
  •  Indian food invites taste buds, but be careful on Day 1 get used to the conditions and gradually start going for it.
  •  Always drink safe mineral water and take well-cooked food.
  •  Drink bottled water only. If there is no alternative to tap water, ensure it is boiled. Famous brands are Bisleri, Himalya, Kinley, Bon Aqua
  •  Never buy food from roadside stalls or mobile canteens.
  •  We now have various foreign chains of food outlets, but again why eat the same what you get back home as well.
  •  Indian cuisine is vast, food at Hotels is generally is of standard preparation, however consult your Leader for other options of eating.
At Taj Mahal
  •  You are not allowed to take certain items while visiting because of security reasons, like cigarettes, hand bags, any eatable things, matches box, liquor, Mobile phones, torch, knife, gun and many other related small things which can harmful for Taj, people or environment.
  •  If by any chance youhave any of these items then they have the locker facility just out side the gate you have to deposit those things in the locker before to get in but often it is inconvenient for western people so better to leave all the things in the hotel or in the car with our driver.
Just that last bit before you land here
  •  Say "Namastey" to any one you meet here, it's a commonly used word to greet each other
  •  Don't photograph women without permission.
  •  Always take permission before clicking at any religious place.
  •  Avoid self-driving. However Adventure seekers can try their hand at it.
Health Requirements

India has been considered a safe destination to travel. Unless you are visiting any remote area or an area affected by some epidemic, there is no compulsory health requirement before entering India.

Generally most tours enlist the Health- risks if there are any.

For some more details log on to Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

Indian Visa

Tourist visa to India can be obtained from the High Commission of India in respective countries. General requirements for a tourist visa are

  •  Valid 6 months passport is required for India Visa
  •  Correct visa fee
  •  Two passport size photographs
  •  Supporting documents, wherever necessary
  •  Duly completed application form
Tourist Visa on arrival

Visas to the citizens of following countries are now given on arrival in India. These visas are for single entry strictly for the purpose of Tourism and for a short period of up to a maximum of 60 days. This visa is issued at arrival only at the designated international airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The visa can be arranged up-to 72 hours before departure. The fee for the visa on arrival is USD 60 (or equivalent amount in Indian Rupees). For the application of eVisa and eligible countries please click here

Restricted Areas Permit

Visitors to restricted/protected areas need special permits and for this purpose an additional form has to be completed. Please check our "Restricted Area Info" for same

Indian Embassy

To know where the nearest Indian Embassy is Located Please click