India
Travel GuideWhen 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.
North
India Tourist Places
South
India Tourist Places
West
India Tourist Places
Central
India Tourist Places
East
India Tourist Places
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/ BankingThe
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 CardsVisa, 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
& VisasYour passport will need to be valid for atleast six
months from the date of departure. Most Nationalities do require Visas for
travel to India.
TippingIndia 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.
ElectricityThe
standard voltage in India is 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs here have two or
three round pins.
Internet ConnectivityWhilst
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
WaterIt is safe and advisable to stick with bottled water
throughout India. Bottled water is relatively inexpensive if purchased
outside the big hotels.