

Health
Care
Foreign tourists should be in possession of their
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health
Regulations if they have ever traveled to, or even been in transit through
Africa, South America or Papua New Guinea in the last six months. No other
vaccination is required. For personal protection, however, inoculation is
recommended for cholera, typhoid, malaria and hepatitis.
India
Travel Guide
A few points to note while you are travelling
in India.
It will be of help if you are sensitive to the
local customs. If you are not sure about how to behave, observe the people
who belong to that place or ask. They will be happy to explain and delighted
that you are taking an interest in their culture.
While entering
a place of worship like a temple, gurudwara or mosque, dress up
appropriately. Both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts or
sleeveless tops, smoking and kidding around. You must open your shoes before
stepping into a holy place. Also, never touch another person with your feet.
While you can take photographs, you must always ask before if your
subject is willing to be photographed. Many people, especially women may
find it offensive. You should always use your right hand for all kinds of
social interactions.Nudity is completely unacceptable and a swimsuit must be
worn even when bathing in a remote location.
In the matter of
clothes, light cool cotton clothes are the best bet for day wear, with a
light sweater or pullover for nights which can get surprisingly chilly,
especially in the winter months. An insect repellant or a box of mosquito
cells or an electric mosquito zapper is sure to come in handy. If you have
to travel in trains and buses, a heavy-duty chain to secure the pack to the
luggage racks is a must.
A valid visa and passport are an
absolute must. Your passport must be with you all the time and you should
also ensure that it is valid for the entire period that you intend to remain
overseas. Six-month, multiple-entry visas are now issued to most nationals
regardless of whether they intend staying that long or entering the country.
Note that the visa is valid from the date of issue.
A travel
insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a good idea.
If you plan to drive in India, you should possess an International Driving
License from your national motoring organization. It is advisable that all
important documents (passport, visa, credit cards, travel insurance policy
etc.) should be photocopied before you leave home.
Most foreign
diplomatic missions are based in the nations capital, Delhi but there
are also quite a few consulates in the other major cities of Mumbai,
Calcutta and Chennai. As a tourist, it will be important to realize what the
embassy of the country of which you are a citizen can and can't do.
It is a good idea to keep small change handy, otherwise you will be
left waiting while a shopkeeper hawks your Rs. 100 note around other shops.
All major brands of travellers cheques are accepted in India, with
American Express and Thomas Cook being the most widely traded.
Credit cards are accepted in most tourist centres across the country. If you
run out of money while in India, you can have some transferred within a
short time via Thomas Cooks Moneygram service.
The safest
place for your money and your passport is next to your skin, wither in a
money belt around your waist or in a pouch under your shirt or T-shirt.
Never carry these things in your luggage.
There are fixed-price
stores in major cities but be prepared to bargain in bazaars and markets.
Temperature
India experiences a tropical climate. Woolens are required in
December-February when the mercury dips down to 5 degree Centigrade. (40
degree Fahrenheit). In the hilly regions of the north it even falls below
zero degree centigrade. The summer temperature varies from 25 degree
centigrade to 44 degrees in May. Cotton-wear is the ideal dress for the
summers. The rainy season is from July to May. (click
here for temperature details)
Visa
All foreign visitors to India, including those of Commonwealth countries
require a valid passport and an appropriate (entry, transit or tourist)
visa, which must have been obtained abroad form an Indian mission. Tourist
visas are generally valid for upto 120 days. For extending the stay, the
visa-holder will have to obtain permission from the Ministry of Home
Affairs, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi.
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