India Travel Guide
When to Visit...
The winter months between end
September and end March offer the most moderate climate in most parts of
India. Expect dry, cool weather in the north and around Rajasthan, and
pleasant tropical weather in the South. April, May & June are the Peak
summer months and day time temperatures can be extremely high. The monsoons
are usually during July and August, leading to wet humid weather in those
months.
Getting there...
India is at a crossroad
point in the world, there are direct flights to Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi,
Chennai (Madras) and Kolkata (Calcutta), from most major cities in Europe,
Asia, Middle East and Africa. Additionally, there are now a few direct
flights to Bangalore, Cochin, Trivandrum and Hyderabad from the Middle East
and South East Asia.
Foreign Exchange/ Banking
The
local currency is the Indian Rupee, as of October 2002, the exchange rate is
approximately 1 USD = INR 48. There are money changing facilities available
at all International Airports as well as in major shopping, hotels and
tourist areas. Whilst other currencies are acceptable as well, the most
readily accepted currencies here in India are the US Dollar, the British
Pound and now the Euro. Traveller's cheques and currency are freely
changeable.
Credit Cards
Visa, Master Cards,
Diners and American Express credit cards are accepted by most Hotels,
Restaurants and Shops. ATM's are now available in most major cities.
Passports
& Visas
Your passport will need to be valid for atleast six
months from the date of departure. Most Nationalities do require Visas for
travel to India.
Tipping
India being a poor
country, salaries are low, and there is an expectation of tips. Be prepared
to tip INR 10 - INR 20 to a Hotel Porter each time your bags are delivered
or room service is requested. Guides and Drivers also expect tips, be
prepared to tip the driver and the guide approximately INR 100 - INR 200 at
the end of a sight seeing tour.
Electricity
The
standard voltage in India is 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs here have two or
three round pins.
Internet Connectivity
Whilst
connectivity is not upto International Standards, Internet connectivity is
now readily available at the Business centres of most major hotels. Internet
Cafes are also available at most cities and places frequented by tourists.
Drinking
Water
It is safe and advisable to stick with bottled water
throughout India. Bottled water is relatively inexpensive if purchased
outside the big hotels.
