USEFUL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
India, a vast and diverse country located in South Asia, is characterized by its rich geographical features, ranging from towering mountains to fertile plains, expansive deserts, lush forests, and a lengthy coastline. Its geography has played a significant role in shaping its history, culture, and economic development.
SIZE
India’s total land area is approximately 3.287 million square kilometers (1.269 million square miles).
LOCAL TIME
GMT+5:30
CURRENCY
The currency in India is the Indian Rupee or INR. Once you arrive in India, you can get your money exchanged at the airport itself as there are authorized money exchange booths. If not, you can get it exchanged at the hotel, banks, or at any of the authorized currency exchange stores.
If you are bringing foreign currency over USD 10000, it must be declared at the Indian Custom authorities at the airport upon arrival into the country.
Modern 24-hour ATMs are found in most large towns and cities. You can withdraw up to Rs 10,000 per day, subject to cash availability at ATMs. Most retail shops, restaurants and hotels accept major credit and debit cards including Visa, MasterCard, and Amex. Away from major towns, be prepared to pay cash at small shops and local markets.
PHONE AND INTERNET
You can expect sound telephone coverage and internet in the prominent cities and towns. It is a good idea to buy a prepaid SIM card on arrival which will save you the hefty roaming charges during your stay in the country. You can get local sim cards at the airport or we can arrange it for you at a nominal cost. Global roaming is also accessible.
Majority of the hotels offer complimentary WiFi.
Telephone code: +91
ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage is 230-240V, 50 Hz. Plug types with 3 round pins (type D) or 3 rectangular pins (type G), are the most common. It is recommended that you bring appropriate converters for your electronics if necessary.
VACCINATION
India does not typically require specific vaccinations for entry, except for a Yellow Fever vaccination if you were traveling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. It is strongly recommended to check with official sources such as the Indian government’s website, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the embassy or consulate of India in your home country for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.
LANGUAGE
India is a linguistically diverse country, boasting an astonishing variety of languages spoken across its vast landscape. With over 1.3 billion people belonging to different ethnicities, cultures, and regions, India is home to 22 major languages 544 dialects spoken in India in addition to English.
Hindi is considered as the official language of the country, while English is also widely spoken across the country.
FOOD AND WATER
To be safe, we recommend drinking only bottled or mineral water. Bottled water is available even in small roadside shops. Do make sure that the bottles are sealed and not broken. When it comes to beverages, without a doubt in mind you should try tea in North India and coffee in South India.
The Indian cuisine is amazing. The food culture of the country has been influenced by the diversity that varies with every region, state, community, culture and even religion. The staple meal of India for centuries has been roti (whole-wheat flatbread) or rice, and dal, a lentil-based stew. To make a full meal, these basic elements are usually accompanied by any combination of vegetable dishes, sometimes a meat, chicken, fish or seafood-based dish. Majority of the Indian dishes are flavorful as well as spicy.
SHOPPING IN INDIA
India is a haven for shoppers as of the rich culture and colourful markets. Every tourist who visits India wishes to take back a part of this lovely country. There’s a wide range of options, from state emporiums that offer quality ensured goods to privately owned boutiques and stores for unique collection of artifacts. Larger items, such as carpets and furniture, can usually be shipped to your home country, but the items may be subject to any applicable import duties. Bargaining is expected.
SAFETY
India is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes. The government and local authorities often take steps to ensure the safety of tourists, such as increased security presence in tourist areas and providing information about safe travel practices. It is advisable for travelers and locals alike to remain vigilant and take precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, safeguarding belongings, and using reliable transportation.
TIPPING AND GRATUITIES
Tipping is always at your discretion, although it is usual to tip guides, drivers, porters, as well as anyone who provides a direct service. We can give you a guideline to help you determine how much and when to be prepared to tip.
PEOPLE
The people of India represent a diverse and multifaceted tapestry of cultures, languages, traditions, and lifestyles. India’s cultural diversity is perhaps its most striking characteristic. While traditional values and practices continue to play a significant role in Indian society, the country has also rapidly embraced modernization and technological advancements. The people are really hospitable and love interacting with travellers. Several generations often live under one roof, and it is not uncommon to find animals such as cows or dogs freely roaming in public areas.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
India’s local transportation options vary greatly from region to region, offering a mix of traditional and modern modes of travel. You can very easily travel by road, train and air. Public buses are a common mode of transportation in India, connecting cities, towns, and villages. Auto rickshaws, commonly known as “autos,” are three-wheeled vehicles that serve as a popular and affordable means of transport in urban and semi-urban areas. Taxis are available in most cities, and they can be booked through various mobile applications like Ola and Uber. Many major cities in India have introduced metro rail systems as a solution to urban congestion. India has one of the largest railway networks in the world, operated by Indian Railways. In metropolitan areas like Mumbai and Kolkata, local train networks play a vital role in transporting millions of commuters daily.
As of the density of traffic, some journeys can be much longer that you would expect of a similar length journey in your home country. Travelling by train is a quintessential Indian experience as they offer a truly unique look at life in India.
INSURANCE AND MEDICAL
We recommend travellers to obtain international travel health and accidental insurance. Having medical and accidental insurance is highly advisable in order to obtain the best services and healthcare during your trip, should you need any.
There is an extensive network of private as well as public hospitals. Medical facilities in most big Indian cities are of a good standard.
