HYGIENE

This is an important subject that is of great concern to everyone who travels to this part of the world. While we ensure that all the hotels you will stay at maintain the strictest standards of hygiene, it pays to be prudent. As a general rule, be mindful of anything you might put in your mouth, including postage stamps! Do not brush your teeth with tap water.

Do not drink water from the tap or carafe, even though you may be told that it has been boiled and filtered. We suggest you stick to bottled drinks or carefully iodized (by you) carafe water. Most of the hotels in India offer a complimentary bottle of mineral water per day. India produces a wide variety of carbonated drinks including international brands such as Coke and Pepsi. Bottled mineral water is also available in most large cities and towns. Check that the seal is intact while buying bottled water, especially at railway stations and in small towns.

Do not eat uncooked vegetables or fruits that cannot be peeled.

BEVERAGES

All beverages will be purchased on your own account. India produces excellent rum, gin and vodka as well as acceptable domestic wines. Most hotels offer imported Scotch, brandy, wines and liqueurs but these are expensive. Both local and imported canned beers are readily available.

MONEY MATTERS

We recommend that you take most of your discretionary funds in the form of travelers’ checks; you may want to carry some US dollars, which is the preferred and most widely accepted foreign currency in India.

You can exchange cash and travelers’ checks at the Delhi airport, hotels and banks. Usually, the most convenient place to change money is your hotel; the desk gets current rates from the banks hourly. Be sure to get some small Rupee notes for tips, items purchased in the bazaars, etc. This is especially important if traveling to outlying areas away from major cities, where change is almost non-existent.

Change money only with authorized moneychangers and insist on a receipt, as this is required in order to reconvert unused Rupees on departure. Avoid people on the street who offer to change your money at a temptingly high rate. Not only is this method of exchange unreliable, it is also illegal. To change money at the hotel, strict foreign exchange rules require that you be registered as a guest of that hotel. If you are transiting Delhi or staying elsewhere than a hotel, change your money at the airport or a bank.

The unit of Indian currency is the Rupee, which is divided into 100 paise. There are coins of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 paise as well as 1, 2 and 5 Rupees; currency notes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Rupees. As of December 2009, the exchange rate is approximately:
INR 46.5 = US $ 1
INR 75.5 = GBP £ 1
INR 70.465 = Euro € 1

If you must pay us for additional services in India, we accept travelers’ checks and foreign currency, as well as American Express, Visa and MasterCard credit cards ONLY at the head office in Delhi. If you wish to pay by credit card, please notify us in advance so that our staff will have the necessary forms available at the time and place of payment.

BEGGING

You may be moved by the signs of poverty in each city you visit. We request, however, that you DO NOT offer alms. The Government of India is conducting an intensive campaign to alleviate this problem and is operating vocational schools, orphanages and workshops. Begging is such an inbred tradition that it is a lengthy, ongoing task to change a way of life that goes back several hundred centuries. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.3

TIPPING

This is always a thorny topic, especially in India where the “guidelines” often vary from locale to locale. Tipping in India is expected, especially in areas of major tourist attractions. The suggestions offered below are only general estimates.

AIRPORT AND RAILWAY STATION TRANSFERS: Rs. 100/- to Rs. 150/- to the driver per transfer to and from the airport or railway station.

SIGHTSEEING: (Drivers and guides should be tipped at the end of their service).
Driver: Rs. 300/- to Rs 500/- per day
Guide: Rs. 500/- to 800/- per day.

LONG DRIVES (e.g. Delhi/Agra or Agra/Jaipur): Rs. 500/- to 800/- per day to the driver and Rs 250/- to Rs 400/- per day to the helper.

HOTELS:
- Porters: Rs. 20/- to Rs. 50/- per bag for bag carriers – depending on the category of hotel
- Room service: 10% of the bill
- Doorman: Rs. 50/- to 100/- to the doorman upon your departure

RESTAURANTS normally do not include a service charge. A 10% tip is appropriate.

TAXIS: You do not need to tip taxi or auto rickshaw drivers - they will probably be overcharging you anyway!

PHOTOGRAPHY

Camera fees ranging from Rs. 10/- to Rs. 500/-, depending on the location and type of camera used, are charged at most monuments. These fees are NOT included in the land cost and are payable at the entrance gate. Ensure you carry enough Rupees to cover this charge.

VOLTAGE

The usual voltage in India is 220 AC, 50 cycles. Wall plugs are round, two- or three-pronged European type. It is important to bring adapter plugs. American appliances need transformers.

TIME

India is 5½ hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 10½ hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time and 13½ hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time (subtract one hour during Summer Daylight Savings Time).

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

October to April is the best time to visit most of India. Summer clothing is sufficient for the daytime. A light jacket or sweater will be required in the early mornings and late evenings if you are traveling in northern India.

During December and January, temperatures in northern India (Delhi, Varanasi and Rajasthan) drop considerably in the late evening and early morning hours – a heavy sweater or jacket is essential. The south of India is warmer, where summer-like temperatures are routine along the southern shores. The mountain regions are extremely cold and adequate winter-wear is necessary.

May to September - India is very hot in the summer months. The monsoon helps to cool the plains when the rains arrive sometime in June. The Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal and Ladakh, however, are sunny, dry and pleasant during the summer months. Light summer clothing is sufficient. An umbrella or raincoat is essential.

Indians are conservative by nature. Many of the places you will be visiting have religious significance and we request you to respect this by being appropriately attired. Ladies are advised not to wear scanty clothes such as halter necks and shorts, especially during sightseeing tours. Trousers are more accepted than skirts. Ladies should carry a headscarf, especially while visiting places of worship.

It is advisable to carry a spare pair of socks with you on the sightseeing trips. You are often required to remove your shoes, while visiting places of worship as well as certain monuments such as the Taj Mahal. Airline socks would be ideal to wear over your regular socks as they are easy to slip on and off and would keep your regular socks protected while you roam around with your shoes off.

You need not dress up formally, unless you are attending a wedding, conference or meeting where a dress code is specified. Carry comfortable casual clothes, with perhaps one smart outfit for a special evening.

SHOPPING

India is a shopper’s delight, offering a wide choice of clothes, fabrics, jewelry, carpets and a stupendous variety of handicrafts.

Bargaining is part of the fun of shopping. If, on the other hand, you do not wish to indulge in this, you can shop at the government run or government approved emporia. Prices here are fixed and are usually slightly higher than in the privately owned shops. You should be aware that it is common practice for owners of private shops to give commissions to guides who bring you to their shops; these payments are included in the price you pay for your purchases and is all part of the Indian system of selling to tourists. But generally speaking, private run shops offer better range than the ones run by the government.

While space constraint does not allow us to list everything, given below is a guideline of what is available at some of the places you will be visiting.

DELHI: Designer clothes, fabrics, soft furnishings, home decor items, shawls, leather goods, handicrafts, and jewelry.
AGRA: Marble inlay work, precious and semi-precious stones.
JAIPUR: Gemstones, precious and semi-precious gold and silver jewelry, pichwais (painting on silk), carpets and durries, blue pottery, tie and dye fabric, and Sanganer prints (block printing).
JODHPUR: Hand-painted furniture, hand-printed and embroidered fabrics.
JAISALMER: Mirror-work fabrics and stone carvings.
UDAIPUR: Pichwais (painting on silk), stonework, and silver jewelry.
HYDERABAD: Pearls, Bidriwork (gunmetal with silver inlay work), ikat fabrics, himru shawls Kalamkari paintings, and Warangal carpets
CHENNAI: Kanchipuram silk saris, excellent quality cotton fabrics, bronze statues, woodcarvings, and traditional South Indian jewelry.
COCHIN: Coir products, rosewood carvings, and antiques.
MYSORE: Sandalwood products (oil, incense, soaps), rosewood carvings, and silks.
BANGALORE: Brass, copper and soapstone statues, sandalwood and rosewood carvings, colored wood inlay work, lacquer work, silk, cotton and georgette fabrics, and silver jewelry.
GOA: Cashew nuts, malachite set in gold filigree jewelry, pottery, copper goods and shell carvings.
MUMBAI: Saris, clothes, jewelry, brassware, and handicrafts from all over India.
If need be, you may always contact the designated guide or the driver to assist you with your specific needs. They are aware of few selected stores that offer best stuff and deals in town.

SHOP TACTICS

The average Indian bazaar is a place that puts your temptation-resistance skills to the test. They are stuffed with bright and beautiful things - handicrafts, silks, ethnic jewelry, curios and what have you. You can shop till you drop. Read more to be a smart shopper in India.

- First, the thumb rule - get the right bargain. This stands for all items that don't come with an MRP (Maximum Retail Price) stamp like clothes, jewelry, leather goods, carpets, paintings etc. Don't grab the first good-looking thing and pay extra bucks for it. And who knows....it might be fake or of poor quality. Always, always look around, compare prices and then buy.

- Exporting items like ivory, fur, animal skins, antiquities etc. is illegal. If you must have it, obtain a certificate of legitimate sale and permission for export before leaving the country.

- If you don't see what you're looking for in a store, ask. There's usually more than meets the eye! Most stores have little display space; so much of the stock is above the ceiling or in a separate room.

- Visit the various state emporia and the Central Cottage Industries Emporia (most major cities have one like Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc.) The prices here are fixed and will give you a fair idea of the cost with a regular dealer.

- If you need a delivery, ask if the price includes delivery charges. Be ready to pay additional customs (generally 20% of the cost) and handling charges (normally a 10% of the total value of the good).

- Never, ever believe touts (they hang around the touristy spots and cities) who promise to take you to the best shops around and get you the best bargains. They usually have their handsome commissions built into the cost.

- Those sparkling gems and patterned carpets look very attractive but the market is flooded with imitations. You don't want to pay for a 'real' one and get a fake, do you? Be sure you know the grain from the chaff!

- Just a suggestion. While buying carpets, look for one with a Smiling Carpet label - these come from factories that do not employ child labor.

PACK SMART

The lighter the bag, the less you sag! Nothing new to say here except 'travel light'. Yet, in your enthusiasm to have a weightless bag, do not throw out the essentials:

- Cottons or synthetic blends are most practical for Indian summers. Don't get synthetics that don't ‘breathe’ - they'll probably just make you breathless!

- The sun will usually be glaring at you most of the day. So a wide brimmed hat and sun glasses are a must. Winters can be chilly. Come armed with sweaters and light jackets. A collapsible umbrella will help you stay dry during the sometimes-sudden, sometimes-continuous rain during the monsoons.

- Sun screen lotion (lots of it) should be a permanent part of your bag. Also carry a sewing kit, pre-moistened towels, pocket knife with can opener, lock and key for each duffel or bag, impact-resistant flashlight, spare batteries (unless they're a popular size). Sports enthusiasts should bring their own tennis or golf balls - these are expensive in India. A blow-up neck pillow is excellent for buses and trains. Eye patches add to comfort. If train traveling, a bike chain is a must to lock your packs up on trains. You should also keep a well-stocked first aid kit.

- If you are a mountain goat or a trekker, bring a small day pack that will hold some basic essentials like your sweater, camera, water bottle etc.

- Delicate fabrics will get the care and attention they need only at a 5 stars' laundry room. If you aren't staying at one, think twice before carrying them.

TRAVELING

India is a huge country, and you can travel through it in a million ways.

- Choose what you fancy: cycle rickshaws, tongas or horse driven carriages, hand pulled rickshaws (in Calcutta only), buses, trains and airplanes.

- Never buy railway/air tickets or book hotel rooms through touts. These could be invalid. Save yourself all those logistical hassles. Simply, try us!

- Book your domestic tickets in advance and save some precious energy and time. Also, there are 'peak' seasons when tickets aren't readily available, so it is better not to take chances.

- Come prepared for delays, especially while flying in north India during winters. Smog envelops cities and take-offs are impossible sometimes for hours. Carry a book or a photo album that you love going through again and again and...

- Pickpockets ant around - especially at crowded haunts like airports, railway station or even some popular markets and tourist spots. Wear an inner money belt.

- Fares for taxis and auto-rickshaws change frequently and do not always conform to the meter reading. Ask for the latest official fare-conversion tariff-card. Fleecing is common so just keep your cool and act smart!

- Trains are a cheaper travel option for long distances and save you overnight hotel expenses. Moreover, it is a lot of fun....a great chance to see the countryside and mingle with the locals.

- Ask for an upper berth in the 2nd class, 3-tier sleepers. The lower berths are used as seats during the day and your berth is your reserved sleeping space only after 2100 hours. Comfortable, isn't it?

- Samosas, biscuits, pakoras, tea, ice-cream are easy to come by on most bus/railway stations. Though if your palette or tummy doesn't quite relish all this, carry something along. Some distance trains have a restaurant/pantry car near the upper class bogies that serves meals and tea.

- Self-drive car hires aren’t very common in India. Yet, if you opt for it, take extra precautions! Stray animals like cats, dogs, cattle and pedestrians often just amble along. Night driving is risky - truck drivers can be rash and callous and other vehicles might not use lights, or use high-beam. It is a must to carry a spare can of petrol. Finding diesel at a filling station is easier than getting petrol.

- The yellow & black taxis plying in most towns and cities are metered. Just incase you are told that the meter doesn't work, fix a fare before riding with him. You can ask the hotel desk, your guide or a local for an approximate fare to your destination.

FOR GOD'S SAKE

Mind you, religion is a sensitive topic for most Indians. It is nice to keep your rational/logical self under wraps and follow the harmless norms. Just be sober and friendly in any holy place and remember some must-dos that should keep everyone happy.

- Step no. 1 is to remove your shoes, sandals, sneakers, slippers etc. This is done to keep God's place clean. If you hate walking barefoot and are lucky enough, there might be a cloth overshoe provided to you. Also, wash your hands and feet, if you please - it isn't compulsory but just another sign of reverence to the deity.

- Alcohol is a strict no-no inside the premises, though, in some temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, liquor might be the holy offering itself. It is said that Shiva loved his sips and probably needed them to beat the cold in his homelands, the snowy Himalayas.

- At some holy places, you might not be allowed in if you don't practice the faith. Don't mind this. And, worst, don't ever force or bribe your way in.

- If you are a woman and in a dress that exposes your legs or hugs your body etc., beware. Though you might not be stopped from entering the sacred place, such dresses are seen 'indecent'. Indian attire like a sari or salwar-suit is ideal. A loose blouse and a long skirt can do too. Covering your head before entering a Sikh Gurudwara or a mosque will be appreciated. And when you enter a mosque, step your right foot first into the courtyard. It is the 'right' thing to do.

- Since most Hindu and Jains are vegetarians and against animal slaughter, it isn't surprising that leather products like shoes, belts, handbags, camera cases, etc. are prohibited inside most temples.

- Now for some body language once you are inside. Do not point your feet and back towards the Holy Book / the idol / altar. In a Hindu or Sikh temple, sit cross-legged or tuck your feet away.

- Some temples prohibit photography in the main hall and the inner sanctum. Usually, signboards announce this. Be prudent and ask if there are no such indications. Some temples and other monuments levy a fee for photography.

- In a Buddhist monastery, remember to follow a clockwise direction while performing any sort of movement - from spinning prayer wheels to walking around the stupa or even the exteriors. Inside, do not sit down on the cushions and chairs. These are reserved for the lamas or the monks. Sit on the steps outside or on the floor. If you get to meet a rimpoche (head lama) or any respected monk, remember that it is not polite to turn one’s back to him before leaving. It is decent to remove the hat and lower an umbrella within the monastery. Basically, be your courteous best.

HEALTH

Travel healthy! Once on the road (or in the air), take all precautions that will keep you from that running nose (or tummy!), dizzy body temperatures, giddy hangovers etc. Make sure you don't embark on a trip even if there are some early signs of a sickness.

- Cholera, dengue fever, dysentery, hepatitis, malaria, meningitis (trekking areas only) and typhoid are the risks here.
- Travelers from the US, Canada or the United Kingdom do not require any vaccination certificate. While an International Health Certificate is not asked for by the immigration officials, it is always better to carry one. Just in case you need medical attention, this will be an invaluable piece of paper. Carry certificates like the one for Yellow Fever Vaccination.

Precautions:
- If you believe in taking precautions, take all the vaccinations you require. To avoid malaria and dengue, carry mosquito repellents, nets and sprays. If you can bear the heat, wear clothes that cover most of the body.
- The best thumb rule is to be a careful about food and water. Eating raw salads and fried food from a street-side vendor is a no-no. Avoid pork too. If the temptation is soaring, go to a clean restaurant that you can trust. Eat balanced and healthy meals.
- Water has to be from a reliably clean source. If not sure where the water comes from, ask for a known brand of mineral water. Always carry a water bottle with you - this will save you from dehydration too (make yourself a quick salt-sugar solution - 1/2 tsp. salt and 4 tbsp. in one liter of water - to re-hydrate those parched cells). If you cannot lay hands on branded water, use chlorine/iodine tablets in water. These kill germs that can cause water-borne diseases. Read the instructions carefully and do not overdo these.
- Carry a first aid kit with adhesive bandages, thermometer, water-purification tablets, antibiotics, antiseptic creams and mosquito repellents.
- If you fall ill, see the doc and keep cool. Tell yourself that this too shall pass!

LANGUAGE

For most parts of India, you won't really need to learn much local lingo, and if you are traveling around the country, you would be overcome trying to learn the various regional languages. There are over 18 recognized languages and over 1600 minor languages and dialects! But hold on...there is good news. Elementary English is commonly understood in cities and towns as it's taught in most schools and colleges. English is also what the Government and corporate world writes and talks in. By the way, did you know that the English language has accepted a lot of Hindi words - verandah, chai, pyjamas, jungle, loot....there are lots. Yet, if sometime you get stuck, Hindi should help you get going. It's spoken in fair parts of north India and understood in most major cities of the country. Down south is the domain of the Dravidian languages. So it's either to use English or a regional language that will do the trick. So, pick up some words in both Hindi and Tamil and get going.

Hindi
Some phrases

My name's John - Mera naam John hai
Please help me - Meri madad karo
Where can I get...? - Kahan milega. ?
Where is the bathroom? -Bathroom kahan hai?
How much shall I pay you? - Kitna paisa hua
Come here - Idhar aao
Please give me change for Rs. 100 -Muhje sau rupai ki change do

And words....

Yes - Hahn
No - Nahin
OK - Achha
Thank you - Dhanyavaad
Water - Paani
Tea - Chai
Day - Din
Night - Raat
Fruit - Phal
Vegetable - Sabzi
Medicine - Dava-ee

Tamil

Some phrases
H+u ? - Ehpaddi Irrukinga?
Where is the bank? - Bank enga irka?
Help me - Help pannunga (Help is a commonly understood word)
Where can I get...? - .....enga kadaikkum?
How much is this for? - Ithu evvallavu?
I don't have change - Sillarai illai
My name is.... - En peyar....

And words...

Hello - Vanakkam
Yes - Aama
No - Illai
Water - Tanni
Milk - Paal
Thank you - Nandre
Please - Dhayavu seitu
Fruit - Pazhlam
Vegetables - Karikai
Medicine - Marundhu

WOMEN TRAVELERS

Once upon a time, women traveling alone used to be frowned upon in India, but times they are a changin'. Ladies travel a lot more now – in fact, there are now ladies' queues for train tickets, ladies' compartments in trains and even ladies' seats in buses. So you see, it is not that bad!

- The 1st commandment - Be friendly but don't get friendly, especially with those servicing you in hotels, trains or even your cabbie or coolie.
- Don't wear anything that attracts glances or invites cat calls. In metros like Delhi, Mumbai etc., it is ok to dress western but in smaller cities and towns, short skirts, tight pants or blouses can make you stand out in the crowd. Dress sober - loose and long clothes that neither define body shape nor expose it.
- Never accept a ride, especially if there's someone accompanying the driver in a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.
- Keep your hotel room locked while you are inside. Chain locking your hotel room door is a smart precaution.
- It's a good idea to avoid eye contact. If your eyes like to look around and you cannot resist glancing, put on sun glasses while out of doors or just carry an interesting book and glue your vision there.

SAFETY

No place is completely safe. Yet, some are safer than others. The safest of cities can be 'unsafe' at a different time of the day or have 'seedy' places. So, why worry? Just pick your bags and trip on!

- Don't be reckless. Rely on your senses and instincts and not so much on the local Tourist office. Remember they will always want to play it down.
- Agreed that you want to experience local culture etc. but never accept invitations from locals to their homes for a cup of chai or a meal. Not unless you want to invite trouble.
- Carry your passport, travelers’ checks, money, cards etc. in an inner shirt/jeans pocket. Better still, shove them in a hidden money belt against your skin. You can then dance around pickpockets and yet be safe. The worst thing to do is to carry them in a zippy bag hung over the shoulders. You will never know when someone just slips it out. The fanny bags or waist packs spell 'money' to pickpockets and make you an easy prey to swoop on. You cannot escape their nimble fingers and sharp razors.
- Turn your alarm sensors on when in crowded places like airports, railways stations etc. Watch for faces that are always lurking within a radius of 10 feet

SOME NOTES

Simple rules to be followed by the book:

- People are generally friendly and willing to help. Guess that's why they will always have an answer to your query - even if it's wrong! This is mostly true about direction asking. Still, if you can't see any milestones and overhead signs, don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Now, don't get hassled if road milestones and boards have film posters, circus announcements or marriage bureau ads pasted on them. Hey....this is what being on an adventure is all about! Move on and you shall get there!!

- Never leave an unlocked suitcase in a hotel room or an unattended one at airports/ train stations.

- Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims don't eat pork. Don't upset them by offering what they are prohibited to eat.

- In conversations with locals, remember that a left-right nod of the head may stand for 'yes' and not 'no'. So when you ask the waiter for your favorite tipple and he wiggles his head left and right, don't feel sad. It's time to enjoy the sip!

- Photography could be an issue at some places. For places of military importance like railway stations, bridges, airports, defense installations and sensitive border regions, you would require to seek permission from the authorities concerned. A few wild life sanctuaries levy a much higher fee. The Archaeological Survey of India issues special permits for shooting at monuments with tripods and artificial lights. Yet, Indians love posing for a picture. But, in some traditional societies, take care before focusing your lens on women.