Passport, Visa and Important Documents

To visit and explore India, you need a valid passport and a visa for India. Always carry your passport, visa and other travel documents with you at all times. It is always advisable to keep a photocopy of your passport and other travel documents. Always carry a photocopy of your passport (with personal details and photo), a copy of your Indian visa page, a photocopy of your travel insurance policy and keep a record of the traveler’s checks you have cashed, where they were cashed , quantity and serial number and never keep them together. It’s not a bad idea to leave photocopies of your important travel documents with a friend or family member at home.

To go to certain destinations in India, additional permits are needed, such as Andaman Islands, Gujarat, Ladakh, Kerala and more. Check with your travel agent or embassy as you plan your visit.

Safety

It is very important to keep money and travel documents together. India’s transportation system is also very crowded, but it is also overcrowded. So beware of pickpockets and thieves in buses, trains and crowded places. Be alert in dark and lonely places. Never keep your money in one place. In case of theft or loss of your passport, immediately present the FIR at the local police station and notify the embassy or consulate of your country. While traveling alone, do not get acquainted with unknown people. Do not encourage beggars.

air-conditioned

It is perfectly safe to travel to India at any time of the year. But traveling to India depends on which destinations in India you want to explore. November-March is (by far) the best time to visit most of the country India. To visit the mountainous regions of northern India, the months of April to October are more suitable, as temperatures tend to be cooler in the north. Exploring the southern part of India, the best months are between November and January as the south is cooler in these months.

The best times to explore Ooty, Darjeeling and other mountainous areas are March, April, October and November. If you travel to India during the spring or summer, you’ll want to stick to the hill stations (60-70 F/ 15-21 C). During winter, avoid Kashmir (30-45 F/0-7 C), unless you’re going skiing, and Ladakh, one of the coldest inhabited regions on Earth.

The summer season in India lasts from March to June.

The winter season lasts from October to February.

The monsoon season lasts from July to September.

Clothing

When planning to visit India during the summers in the period from March to June, pack light cotton clothing. Indian summers are too hot. One can wear shorts as well. Women should dress conservatively. Women should avoid shorts and revealing clothing that is too tight. While visiting North India during the summers, kindly bring warm clothes as it gets cold there.

During winters, especially in North India in the period from October to February, pack woolen clothes and warm underwear.

During the rainy season, the humidity level is very high, so do not wear synthetic clothing. It is advisable to wear cotton clothing in this season.

Please do not wear your shoes while visiting places of worship.

health precautions

India is famous for its delicious cuisine. But it is very important to pay attention to how food is cooked, served and stored. Make sure food is cooked in a clean and hygienic place. Always eat freshly cooked food. Strictly avoid street food and cut fruits. Go to a clean restaurant, especially in the summers. Eat balanced and healthy meals. Never eat anything from street vendors. There are high chances that the food is contaminated.

Always carry a bottle of water with you while traveling and, when necessary, only buy well-known brand mineral water. If you want to drink juice, look for brand name ones that are sold in tetra packs.

Take advantage of a first aid kit: adhesive bandages, thermometer, water purification tablets, antibiotics, antiseptic creams and mosquito repellent.

In the summers, as it gets too hot, always carry an umbrella if possible. Keep a good sunscreen and a sunblock cream of SPF 15 or higher.

If you get sick, see a doctor and keep cool. Tell yourself that this too shall pass!

Shopping in India

Shopping tours of India allow tourists to shop for traditional and ethnic handicrafts to more exotic and modern purchases. In India each region has its own specialties, each village its own local craftsmen and their own particular skills. The entire country is a commercial hub, with vendors offering some of the most exotic goods one can find, be it handicrafts or herbs, paintings or antiques, traditional garments or modern fashion, India has it all.

Shopping in India is a wonderful experience, whether it is in the air-conditioned malls or in the high street stores, India is an ideal shopping destination. Almost all items from India are appreciated whether it be for fabrics, silverware, rugs, leather goods and antiques; India is a shopping paradise.

The Indian market offers travelers multiple options to choose the right thing and is the ultimate destination for shoppers from all over the world. A leisurely stroll through the crowded lanes of India’s metropolitan cities is sure to indulge your sense and taste for exquisitely carved jewelry, beautiful handicrafts, semi-precious stone studded garlands, metal crafts, wood crafts, floor coverings , pottery, clothing, musical instruments. , excellent paintings and really good Indian clothes.

Whether it’s air-conditioned malls or a high street store, shopping is sheer fun here. The bustling markets of India can turn even the most unwilling person into a potential customer and are filled with people from all walks of life.

The only problem is how to get all your purchases home! Before buying anything, it is better to compare prices with the neighboring store. With tourists, haggling is almost a practice. Always beware of street vendors trying to sell you semi-precious and precious gems and jewelry. However, the Emporiums managed by the State Government are a safe place to buy because the quality is standardized, the UPS usually lower the fixed prices. Make sure you are completely satisfied with your purchases and that you obtain a proper receipt. The return of merchandise is not contemplated, even less, once you have returned to your country because the Indian customs have strict regulations in this regard.

Tips for women traveling to India

India, a nation of unity in diversity, is a very warm and hospitable country. India has a myriad of rich history, culture, heritage, religions, traditions, cuisines, and people. Event after western and modern influence, India is still a traditional and conservative country. Due to social conservatism, it is important for female travelers to educate themselves about the social customs and culture of India to better prepare for a safe journey. Women traveling to India must be extremely careful about their dress, safety, packing, money matters, language, and purchases. These tips will prove beneficial in making your trip an unforgettable experience.

• Women should dress appropriately when in a public place. Low-cut, tight shirts, tank tops, skirts that fall above the knees, shorts, and bikinis are discouraged. Female Travelers are requested not to wear revealing tight clothing to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
• Aside from big cities, refrain from any physical activity that is intimate. Touching in public between people of the opposite sex is very unusual. Even married couples avoid any display of affection in public. It’s okay to shake hands with most people, but stay away from men. Some people may take it the wrong way and not like it.
• Avoid carrying valuables in a bag, which can easily be snatched from your shoulder.
• On local trains, women should try to ride in cars reserved just for them.
• Women who smoke or drink in public places are not acceptable in India, except in metropolitan cities. If you have or smoke or drink, better to do it in the hotel.
• Don’t venture alone into isolated places. It is also recommended not to go out alone after it is very late and dark.
• While you travel, carry your money safely. Although there are no such risks of people stealing your money, it is always better to be safe than sorry. The bags are recommended to be fastened with a belt attached to the waist and can also be worn under clothing. Always avoid loose change in your pockets. Beware of beggars who might harass you.
• Avoid situations where you might find yourself alone with a man.
• When traveling on public transportation, secure your bags with a cable lock and then to a stationary object such as a bench or immovable seat.

Communications

Communication in India is not at all a problem. He is up there with the best in the world. There are so many faster and modern means of communication in India.

Public Telephone Boxes (PCO)/Telephones/Mobiles

The most common means of communication is public telephone booths, commonly called PCOs. Almost every street in India has a phone booth providing the possibility of local calls (within the city), STD (inter-state) and ISD (international calls). The fax function is also available in most cabins. Another option is to take a mobile phone and buy a local SIM card from any service provider, activate it and stay in touch with all your family and friends. To buy the SIM card, you need to make the payment and provide proof of your identity, such as your passport.

Email/Internet/Cyber ​​cafes

One of the cheapest and fastest modes of communication is the Internet. India is well connected with the world through the Internet. Almost all urban cities have high speed internet facilities and now it reaches villages and rural areas in India as well. The tourist can also use the service of Internet cafes that provide all Internet facilities such as email, chat, voice chat, etc. These internet cafes provide internet service at minimal costs and you can easily locate them which have sprung up in every nook and corner of every city. It is always advisable to duplicate records of traveller’s check numbers, passport and plane details, etc. in your email accounts.

postal services

Last but not least, you can use Indian postal services which are excellent compared to other countries as a means of communication. Tourists can make use of letters, postcards, etc. Post offices also provide telegram services to those places where telephone and internet are not available. For faster communication, telegrams, courier and express mail can be used. The Indian postal service also offers airmail services to Europe, Australia and Africa in almost a week. To United States, it takes a little more than a week, say around 10 days.

Credit cards

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

complaints

In case of complaints against taxis or auto rickshaws for overcharging or cheating, write down the number of the vehicle and report it to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Transit). you can get the contact phone numbers in the phone book.