Travel advisory

Travel advisory

India is a land of rich cultural heritage and geographic beauty. There are many places of tourist interests in India and every year many foreign tourists from different parts of the world come to explore the eternal beauty of this Nation. Tourists come for different purposes such as tourism, business, education, family reunions, etc. Cited below are certain guidelines that the foreign visitors are advised to follow:

• Foreign tourists are required to obtain a visa from the Indian Mission in the country of their residence or in a nearby country. They need a valid permit to visit certain restricted/protected areas.
• They must fill up their Disembarkation/ Embarkation cards on arrival/departure.
• Foreigners coming from or through Yellow Fever countries must be able to produce a valid vaccination certificate.
• Vaccinations like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Typhoid are recommended. There are some health risks in India like Cholera, Dengue Fever, Dysentery, Malaria and Meningitis. Travellers are advised to take precautionary measures against the same.
• Foreigners visiting India, who hold long-term visas (more than 180 days) are required to obtain a Registration Certificate and Residential Permit from the nearest Foreigners' Registration Office (FRRO) within 15 days of arrival. The foreigners registered at FRRO are required to report change of their addresses.
• Certificates of registration issued by the Registration Officers should be surrendered to the immigration officer at the port/check post of exit from India.
• Passengers embarking on journeys to any place outside India from a Customs airport / seaport are required to pay a Foreign Travel Tax (FTT) of Rs 500 to most countries and Rs 150 on journeys to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
• The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act bans all forms of wildlife trade. Violations of the provisions of the Act are punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment. Foreigners are therefore, advised not to buy any wild animals or their products and derivatives like articles of ivory, fur and skin.
• Climate in India generally is cooler in the north, especially between September and March. The south is coolest between November to January. In June, winds and warm surface currents begin to move northwards and westwards, heading out of the Indian Ocean and into the Arabian Gulf. This creates a phenomenon known as the south-west monsoon, and it brings heavy rains to the west coast. Between October and December, a similar climatic pattern called the north-east monsoon appears in the Bay of Bengal, bringing rains to the east coast.
• Foreign tourists are advised to do a complete research on the travelling and accommodation arrangements on the places they intend to visit.
• Some religious places in India have dress codes, like covering your head, being barefoot, etc. Tourists are advised to comply with them, so as not to seem offensive towards the religious sentiments of the concerned community.

Photography

Tourists should seek permission from the authorities concerned before taking photographs of places of military importance, railway stations, bridges, airports, military installations, metro trains, tribal areas and sensitive border regions. It is prohibited to take photographs in some of the temples, historical monuments, forts, palaces, tombs and monasteries. Visitors are required to take special permits from the Archaeological Survey of India for photographing monuments with tripods and artificial lights. Camera fee is charged extra in some historical monuments.

Protected Areas in India

There are certain places in India where entry is restricted. Tourists are required to take special permits from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi for visiting these places. These places include certain areas of Assam, North Eastern Frontier States (Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh) border areas of Jammu & Kashmir, selected areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, Union Territories of Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands. One can visit in person or inquire on phone the details of getting special permits:

Foreigners' Division
Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block,
Central Secretariat, New Delhi - 110 001
Phone: +911123092011, +911123092161
Fax: +911123093750, +911123092763

Language

There are 22 National Languages recognized by the Constitution of India, of which Hindi is the Official Union Language. Besides these, there are 844 different dialects that are practiced in various parts of the Country.

The official language is Hindi in the Devanagri script. The States are free to decide their own regional languages for internal administration and education. English is widely spoken.

Guides

Trained English speaking guides are available at fixed charges at all important tourist centres. The Govt. of India Tourist Offices can be contacted by tourists for the services of approved guides. French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian and Japanese speaking guides are available at some cities. Please consult the nearest Govt. of India Tourist Office. Unapproved guides are not permitted to enter protected monuments, and tourists are, therefore, advised to ask the guides for the identity card issued by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of India.

Time

GMT + 5 1/2 hours.

Electricity

Voltage in most places is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles, although some areas also have DC supplies.

Communications

The Indian telecommunications Network is the fifth largest in the world and is the second largest among the emerging economies of Asia.
Today it is the fastest growing market in the world. Private operators like vodafone, Reliance, Tataindicom have made mobile telephony the fastest growing industry (over 164% p.a.) in India.

Wireless and Broadband internet is among the fastest growing communication sectors.

The international direct dialing code for India is +91.

Currency

Currency of India is Rupee. 1 Rupee = 100 Paise.The Reserve Bank has the sole authority to issue banknotes in India. The Reserve Bank has introduced banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi Series since 1996 and has so far issued notes in the denominations of Rs.5, Rs.10, Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.500 and Rs.1000 in this series. Coins in India are presently being issued in denominations of 10 paise, 20 paise, 25 paise, 50 paise, one rupee, two rupees and five rupees.Coins upto 50 paise are called 'small coins' and coins of Rupee one and above are called 'Rupee Coins'.

There are 24 hour exchange facilities available at all big cites and international airports. All Credit cards are accepted in Major cities of India. All major Banks in India have a facility of 24hr Internationl ATMs. http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/ic_banknotes.aspx

Indian Quotation	Amount	International Quotation
1 Lakh	100,000.00	100 Thousands
10 Lakhs	1,000,000.00	1 Million
1 Crore	10,000,000.00	10 Million
10 Crores	100,000,000.00	100 Million
100 Crores	1,000,000,000.00	1 Billion

Customs and Currency Regulations

Al personal objects which are required in India are free from duty. Professional material and articles which have a high value can only be imported duty free if the traveler gives a written undertaking that these articles will be re-exported.

For the purpose of Customs clearance of arriving passengers, a two channel system has been adopted

(i) Green Channel for passengers not having any dutiable goods. 

(ii) Red Channel for passengers having dutiable goods.

However,

(i)	All the passengers shall ensure to file correct declaration of their baggage.
(ii)	Green channel passengers must deposit the customs portion of the disembarkation card to the custom official at the gate before leaving the terminal.
(iii)	Declaration of foreign exchange/currency has be made before the custom officers in the following cases :
	(a)	where the value of foreign currency notes exceed US $ 5000 or equivalent
	(b)	where the aggregate value of foreign exchange including currency exceeds US $ 10,000 or equivalent

Public Holidays

India is a land of festivals.  There are many festivals and special events in India, but only a few of these are celebrated in various parts of India on various days.

The full public holidays are:

26. January Republic Day

15. August Independence Day

02. October Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday

Click here for more information on holidays and festivals in India.

Things To Do

Dare or die! Is what describes the adventure of India in the truest sense. India has been a destination for the all the adventure buffs since ages. The adventure sports here offer a break from the very obvious try out-shopping and sightseeing. Rafting, trekking and Camel safari are some of the adventure activities of India.


Rafting

For all those who are ready to fight the tide can go for Rafting in India. The snow of the Himalayas melts down and flows fiercely in to the rivers, thereby proving to be perfect for the rafting lovers. Being one on one with the gush of the currents and the riotous waters gives the rafters an 'ultimate' experience. The Ganges, the Zanskar and the Teesta are some of the rafting zones in India which the adventure enthusiasts never try to skip. 

Trekking

Himalayan ranges of India is what makes trekking in India so very happening. The activity of trekking brings with it several other delights. While trekking one comes to behold the scenic beauty of the mountain apart from the general ruggedness that one encounters. A trekkers also enjoys the day camping, cooking food by the fire and gazing at the stars from the tent roof at night. Trekking in Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh, Darjeeling and Karnataka is popular is very popular.

Wildlife Safari

Wildlife treasure that India boasts of is of unmatched kind. Watching the booming wildlife in India has always been viewed as an activity of great pleasure. The experience of spotting all your favorite wild creatures in their natural habitat, sitting on the back of a big tusker or on a jeep is what wildlife safaris are there for. Most of the wildlife parks in India avail the facilities of wildlife watching and bird watching on jeeps, elephants and other vehicles as desired by the tourists.

Camel Safari

Coggling on a camel's back is always exciting and a unique thing to try out when in India. The Thar Desert of Rajasthan and other places around like Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner grants the tourists with a great opportunity to enjoy the camel safari. If a tourist is well timed and happens to embark a visit to Rajasthan during the Pushkar or Nagaur fair, he can enjoy special camel safaris that are organized at this time. Apart from Rajasthan, Ladakh camel safari is also quite known. 

Mountaineering

Have you ever thought how it feels to be on the top of a mountain, specially when you are in a place where the mountains are the major guards Not as yet, then what are you waiting for..get a pair of mountaineering boots and get set to say hello to some of the highest peaks on earth. Mountaineering experience is at its best when done in Manali, Ladakh or Sikkim. However April to November and December to March is considered to be the best time for optimizing a mountaineering trip. 

House boat Cruises (Kashmir, Kerala)

Be it a ride on a Shikara or on a large Kettuvalom – the special feeling one feels is of the same degree. The experience of an untold type has made the houseboat cruises in India so very popular. The houseboats are like mini houses equipped with the needed facilities. In Kerala houseboat cruises are an ideal way to explore the Arabian sea and the Vembanad lake. Cruising on a shikara in the Dal Lake of Kashmir gives an individual the opportunity to listen to what the shimmering water has to say. 

Tourist Attractions

Like a diamond in a king's crown, India is studded with many attractions of 'ultimate' delight. The countless draws leaves the lookers flabbergasted. Every single attraction, be it Taj Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Agra Fort or City Palace showcase the mastery of architects of the bygone era.




Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra on the banks of river Yamuna. This sheer poetry in marble and a UNESCO World Heritage Site was made by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved queen Mumtaz. It took around 22 years and workforce of 20,000 craftsmen in the completion of the construction of the Taj. The mausoleum offers spectacular view by the moonlight. 

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

The Palace of Wind alias Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1799. This outstanding monument is a part of the City Palace and boasts of a marvelous Rajput architecture. Designed by Lal Chand Ustad Hawa Mahal is a masterpiece in pink and red sandstone. The Hawa Mahal was built with a purpose to enable the women of the royal household a peek into the everyday life on the streets. 

Dal Lake, Kashmir

In the tourism industry of Kashmir, Dal Lake has become an icon today. The Dal Lake is one of the most alluring and pristine lakes of India. The lake is also the second largest in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The stretched shikaras (houseboats) carrying an entire floating world – doctors, flower sellers and vegetable sellers. There is also an island inside the lake famously known as “Char Chenars”. The Dal lake is no doubt a memorable snapshot of Kashmir.

Golden Temple, Amritsar

The Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib is an important pilgrimage site of the Sikhs. The temple lies amidst the beauty of a small lake. It is also a place where Buddha spent a great deal of time in meditation. The Golden temple began to be constructed some four centuries ago and the dome of the temple is estimated to be covered with 100 kgs of gold leaf. The temple is fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The foundation of the Golden temple is a great achievement of the Sikh Gurus.

Darjeeling Toy Train, Darjeeling

The Darjeeling Toy Train is officially known as “Darjeeling Himalayan Railway”. The toy train has also been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This engineering marvel was the brain child of the eastern Bengal Railway agent, Franklin Prestage. The toy train made its maiden trip in the year 1881 and is 86 m in length. The 2 ft gauge toy train serpents from Siliguri to Darjeeling, thereby offering spectacular views of manicured tea plantations and floral beds to the beholders. 

Kerala Backwaters

The whole mesmerizing image of Kerala is well defined by the enrapturing Backwaters. The inter connected network of channels, lakes, lagoons and estuaries of about 44 rivers that empty in the Arab sea are technically termed as Backwaters. The Kettuvalloms or the houseboats float along the backwaters offering the tourists a closer view of the enchanting countryside, swaying palm trees, lagoons and other beauties of ultimate delight to our senses. Alleppey, Kumarakom are certain backwater destinations. 

Famous Cities

In India wherever you go the network of amazing destinations follow you -in order to give you the ultimate travel experience. A turn of your eye in India brings you face to face with the diversity of a different kind. Every place here bears no resemblance with the other and is an entity in itself. Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Kerala are certain draws of India.




Agra

What can be said about a city which has been spreading the message of love to millions since ages! Agra, a city situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of river Yamuna. The city has been a witness to India's great history. Agra boasts of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites namely Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Couples and Honeymooners from worldwide register their visit to Agra every year to have a snapshot with the Taj. 

Jaipur

Jaipur, a city dyed in pink is located in the state of Rajasthan. This city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Man Singh II (Sawai Jai Singh). Jaipur is also said to be the first planned city of India and took eight years in its making. The entire city is made of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. Jaipur owns some of the historical forts and palaces that makes it a not to be missed eye candie.

Varanasi

The city of Varanasi is one of the holiest destinations of India and is 'Indian' in every sense. Just a dip in the water of the Varanasi ghats acts as a sin cleanser. The city is also said to be an important link to attain salvation (moksha) and probably a shortcut to reach God. Varanasi is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh and this eternal city has great cultural and historical importance. The ghats, Kashinath Temple and the Ramnagar Fort are the major attractions of Varanasi. 

Ladakh

The Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh lies in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The city is sandwiched between the world's highest mountain ranges - the Karakoram in the north-west, the Himalayas in the south-west and the Trans-Himalayas at its centre. The centuries old monasteries, monuments, fairs and festivals and the Buddhist culture make the place a perfect retreat for the tourists all the year round. And the adventure seekers can take a sneak peek of the majestic Pangong Lake in Ladakh. Ladakh is all what they can think of adventure.

Kerala

The exotic beaches, well defined forests, wildlife, mesmerising backwaters, houseboats, aroma of spices and the Ayurveda is what Kerala is known to the world. This south Indian state is nestled between the Arabian sea and the hill ranges of the Western Ghats. Kerela boasts of the azure blue Arabian sea, the greenish backwaters, palm trees on the coast swaying to the silent breezy winds, enchanting white sandy beaches, dark green foliage. The land is flooded by tourists throughout the year and make them surrender to its beauty. It seems after scouting the whole world God chose Kerala to be the heaven.

Khajuraho

Khajuraho is famous as 'Temple Town' and is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This temple city is popular for the sculptures in erotic poses. This 85 odd temples of Khajuraho are not about any religion or worshipping or deities rather they stir a thought of admiration in our minds for the ancient and skillful sculptors. In Khajuraho the temples belong to 10th and 11th centuries and speak of many legends related to the Chandela dynasty.

INDIA

Golden Temple

Mumbai

Taj Mahal

India is probably the only nation in the world which boasts of age old traditions, vibrant culture and innumerable destinations which showcases her incredibility in the truest sense. The vast diversity of India has always lured travellers towards this land. India has so many facets to be unraveled. It is only by planning a tour to India that one can think of exploring its vast dimensions. A trip to this land is full of surprises. India offers an open invitation to all the travellers to visit this land to relive pure pleasure minus all hassles.