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Travel Tips

Passport & Visas.

  • ◆Visas are required for all nationalities except Indian passport holders, and you must obtain an Indian visa prior to leaving home as it cannot be obtained on arrival.
  • ◆Passport must be valid for at least six months before you commence travel in India.
  • ◆Travelling to Sikkim requires a special permit; the application may be made when applying for a standard Indian visa at the local Indian High Commission.
  • ◆An Indian visa is valid from the day it is issued, not the date of entry. For example, a 6-month visa issued on January 1 will expire on June 30, regardless of your date of entry.
  • ◆There is a minimum two-month gap period between consecutive tourist visas.
  • ◆Tourist visa valid for 6 months can have a maximum duration of 90 days per visit, depending on citizenship.
  • ◆Please check the maximum duration per visit on your local embassy.
  • ◆The e-Visa is now applicable for 163 countries (list given on the website).
  • ◆To apply online and more up-to-date details visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
  • ◆ For any assistance call 24 × 7 e-Visa support center at +91-82 7808 7808 or send email to [email protected]

Try to Cover Less and Enjoy More.

  • ◆Include fewer destinations and stopovers on your itinerary to spend more time exploring and appreciating each place.
  • ◆India is large both geographically and in population, making travel potentially tiring.
  • ◆Budget relaxing time in your itinerary to rest, recover from fatigue, and enjoy each destination to the fullest.
  • ◆Spending more time in fewer destinations allows you to connect with locals and learn about their culture, habits, and practices.

Culture Shock.

  • ◆India's rich history, spiritual practices, colorful festivals, stunning architecture, and landscapes make it an incredible country to experience.
  • ◆Feeling culture shock in India is common, especially for first-time visitors.
  • ◆Surprises may include chaotic roads, crowds, high noise levels, slower travel pace due to traffic, touts and beggars, spiritual practices, and varying weather conditions.
  • ◆Be open-minded to the change and accept that it will be different from home.
  • ◆Once you accept the change and adjust your expectations, you'll gain a deeper appreciation and insight into this incredible country.

Staying at Wildlife Resort.

  • ◆Most eco, wildlife, and jungle resorts are eco-friendly to protect the local environment.
  • ◆All resorts provide hot/cold water; in some, you may need to leave the hot water tap on for some time before getting hot water.
  • ◆Eco-friendly hotels or resorts may not provide a TV in the room, offering daily activities like cooking demonstrations, nature walks, cultural shows, and yoga classes instead.
  • ◆Check with the hotel at check-in for any extra activities they offer.

Understand the Culture.

  • ◆When visiting temples, churches, mosques, or other religious sites, adhere to certain dress codes and behaviors.
  • ◆Most holy places require visitors to take off their shoes before entering.
  • ◆It's inappropriate and disrespectful to visit places of worship wearing tank tops, shorts, or short skirts.
  • ◆Cover your shoulders (easily done with a scarf or shawl) and knees.
  • ◆Avoid anything see-through, too tight, or too short.

Bring Traveler’s Diarrhea Tablets.

  • ◆Many travelers to India encounter the feared 'Delhi Belly.'
  • ◆Be cautious with your food and water, but sometimes your body may not be used to the different food and water.
  • ◆Carry traveler’s diarrhea medication with you as a precaution.

Go Beyond the Cities.

  • ◆India's big cities like Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad have historical and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • ◆Traveling beyond the cities to rural India and visiting smaller villages offers a slower pace of life, cleaner atmosphere, and a different insight into rural Indian culture.
  • ◆Many refer to these experiences as the 'true India.'

Best Time to Benefit from Ayurvedic Treatment.

  • ◆The rainy season, during the monsoon from June to September, is ideal for Ayurvedic treatment.
  • ◆The cool, moist, and dust-free atmosphere helps the body's pores open up, making it more receptive to herbal oils and therapy.
  • ◆At least a couple of weeks are needed to complete a full course of Ayurvedic treatment, though simple treatments can be done in fewer days.

Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh.

  • ◆Summer is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh for adventure sports like trekking, camping, paragliding, kayaking, hot air ballooning, and white-water rafting.
  • ◆Summer lasts from March to June, and the climate is pleasant.
  • ◆Carry lightweight clothes, but remember to bring a light shawl as rains can cool down the temperature significantly.

Keep Your Footwear Outside Temple or Mosque.

  • ◆Most religious places like temples or mosques require you to take off your footwear before entering.
  • ◆Wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off, like sandals.
  • ◆Most religious places have shoe and sandal racks with caretakers responsible for managing them.
  • ◆You can keep your footwear by paying a nominal amount for their monitoring service.

Get a SIM Card for Your Phone.

  • ◆Using a phone while traveling around India makes things easier and keeps you connected.
  • ◆You can use data to call home via Skype or WhatsApp.
  • ◆Data is handy when traveling and needing to use Google Maps or stay connected.
  • ◆Getting a SIM card with data should be a top priority upon landing in India.
  • ◆You can buy one at the airport; TOTAL INDIA DMC Executive will help you purchase one.
  • ◆Wi-Fi is available at many hotels, hostels, restaurants, and cafes across the country, though it's not always reliable and fast.

Visit Local Pharmacy if You Fall ill.

  • ◆If you feel ill, don't ignore the problem due to nervousness about visiting a local pharmacy.
  • ◆Talk to our Guide or Executive regarding your illness; they will take you to the pharmacy.
  • ◆Pharmacies are cheap and friendly, and you'll be able to get antibiotics or other necessary pills.
  • ◆Visiting a doctor is often affordable and of good quality, so don't hesitate to seek help rather than risk your health.

Learn How to Bargain.

  • ◆Bargaining is a normal part of shopping in India, except in branded shops and showrooms.
  • ◆It may feel strange if you're from a culture where bargaining isn't common.
  • ◆Remember, it's not a fight but a friendly negotiation.
  • ◆Vendors may quote a higher price expecting you to counteroffer.
  • ◆Go back and forth to reach a mutually agreeable price.
  • ◆If it doesn't work, thank them and start walking away; many sellers may offer a lower price to avoid losing the sale.

Carry Essential Items in Your Daily Travel Kit.

  • ◆While sightseeing, carry essential items like sunscreen lotion, goggles, hat, hand sanitizer, and regular medicines.
  • ◆These items will make your travel safe and comfortable as you'll need to use them frequently during the day.

Train & Flight May Get Delayed Due to Weather Conditions.

  • ◆Travel by trains, flights, and even road travel may get delayed due to reasons like dense fog, snowfall during winter, and unexpected weather conditions.
  • ◆Keep this in mind and allow extra time for delays to avoid stress.
  • ◆Take a good book to read while you wait and stay patient; your journey will continue eventually.

Don’t Travel Without Travel Insurance.

  • ◆Travel insurance is essential when traveling anywhere, including India.
  • ◆If you get ill or injured, medical treatment costs will be covered by your insurance and reimbursed.
  • ◆Some insurance policies also cover theft, lost luggage, cancellations, and other potential issues.
  • ◆Having travel insurance provides peace of mind, knowing you'll be taken care of no matter what happens.

Shopping.

  • ◆We do not patronize any shopping malls or emporiums.
  • ◆However, if the tour guide takes you shopping upon request, we strongly suggest you bargain and use your discretion while purchasing.
  • ◆We will not be held responsible for any grievances regarding shopping experiences.

Currency Exchange, Credit Card, and ATM.

  • ◆India's currency is the Rupee (INR), with notes in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, and 20.
  • ◆Keep small denomination notes for small payments like tips, meals, and travel.
  • ◆Hotels and tourist establishments may quote prices in US dollars or Euros and collect the equivalent in Indian rupees at the prevailing exchange rate.
  • ◆Exchange money at hotels, banks, or authorized money changers; it's illegal to exchange money with unauthorized money changers.
  • ◆Major credit cards are accepted at ATMs in most places, which are easily accessible.

Responsible Tourism is About Making Travel Better.

  • ◆Promoting responsible tourism has always been a priority for TOTAL INDIA DMC.
  • ◆We believe that involving locals and respecting their culture and customs is essential for a memorable holiday.
  • ◆Travel is all about experiencing another culture, cuisine, customs and sights.
  • ◆To support the local community some of our initiatives are organising cooking class at home or with farmers, dining with locals, prefer local hotel chains to support employment and encourage various leisure or adventure activities with authentic ground operators.