India is a wonderful place of the most extreme contrasts and a bit of culture shock is inevitable when you first arrive. Your driver can answer any questions you may have along the way, and help to ensure you travel safely and with respect to local customs.
India is a wonderful place of the most extreme contrasts and a bit of culture shock is inevitable when you first arrive. Your driver can answer any questions you may have along the way, and help to ensure you travel safely and with respect to local customs.
Roads are very crowded with cars, trucks, bikes, pedestrians and animals and at first glance there seems to be no road rules at all. This is why we recommend using a local driver to navigate and negotiate the busy roads for you.
Cows are sacred in India, and as a result many Indians do not eat beef – some areas are strictly vegetarian towns. We do not recomend eating lamb as it is not always fresh or refrigerated properly and may cause stomach issues. It is advisable to drink bottled water.
Lunches will be usually on the way in local restaurants. These are the restaurants which function during tourist seasons, they are safe and hygienic. Staff working in these restaurants speak English and are professional. If you are adventurous enough and want to eat in typical local roadside small restaurants, then our driver or guide will take you there.
Always remove your shoes before entering a Temple or place of religious significance.
It is also recommended that ladies cover their head with a scarf and dress modestly as a measure of respect.
Therefore, carrying a scarf in your day bag always comes in handy.
Taking photos at a death ceremony, or a religious ceremony or of people bathing (in baths or rivers) may cause offence.
Some of the poorer people may ask or beg for money, this can be distressing to first time travellers especially because many people really do need money. However, we discourage giving money to them, instead, it is better making a donation to the local school or charity.
Indians are very hospitable people and will usually accept your different ways as a foreigner – if in doubt, simply ask your guide.
The telephone Country Code is 91.
Mobile coverage is extensive and SIM cards are cheaply available at the airport on arrival. Or ask your guide to assist you in buying one.
Internet and E-mail can be accessed from an increasing number of hotels and from Internet cafes across the country, many now with Wi-Fi.
A visa is a must for foreigners to enter India.
An electronic visa is easily obtainable through following the steps laid out on the Government of India e-Visa website.