Travel Tips

India is among the most colorful nations of the world and boasts of a rich history, culture and heritage. To get the most of your trip to India, it would be a good idea to equip yourself with useful information before you set out for a journey of a lifetime.

Getting In and Out 

A-To explore India, you need a valid passport and visa to India. Carry them at all times while enjoying a vacation in India. Notify your country’s embassy or consulate in case your passport is stolen or lost. 
B-One needs additional permits to go to certain destinations in India such as Andaman Islands, Gujarat, Ladakh, Kerala, and more. Check with your travel agent or embassy while planning your visit. 
C-15-Day visa extensions are granted under exceptional circumstances. If you intend to stay longer than 3 months on non- tourist visas there is a registration requirement. This registration makes the bearer eligible for domestic ticket prices. 

Getting Around and About 

A-Most cities have means of efficient local transportation such as taxis, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and buses. Private cabs can also be hired. 
B-It is important to carry an International Driving License if you wish to drive on your own. C-For inter-city and inter-state transport you can avail services of Indian Railways and domestic airlines. Buses, taxis and cabs also ferry people across cities and states. 

Climate 

A-It is best to visit Indian plains during cooler months from November to March.

B-For a visit to mountainous regions of India, the months of April to October are better suited.

Food and Health 

A-Indian cuisine is a tad too spicy for European and American taste buds. Indulge in the gastronomical delights only if you have the stomach for it. Also, there are plenty of non-spicy cuisines and delicacies to choose from. 
B-You may occasionally need insect repellent cream. If you are allergic to dust, be sure to carry medication with you. Sunscreen is another must-have. 

Social Decorum 

A-Public display of affection is not appreciated and neither is public nudity unless perhaps one is at a beach. 
B-One is expected to cover the head before entering a religious place such as a temple or mosque. 
C-Ask for permission before clicking pictures of women and religious complexes. Some places charge for taking pictures while it is prohibited at a few places as well.

Do’s and Don’ts 

A-Do carry attested photocopies of your travel documents and keep the originals in a safely locked baggage. 
B-Do fill up a Currency Declaration Form along and a Disembarkation Card besides making an oral declaration of the luggage you are carrying.
C-Do not smoke in public places. D-Do not give money to beggars. 

Tipping in India

Tipping in India is a common practice. Read on to know “how to give tips in India”: There are basically two types of tips. In the first case, the tip is paid after the work is completed. In the second case, tip is given beforehand to ensure a good service. In hotels, porters and room service attendants are generally tipped at the end of the stay. However, the amount of tip varies depending on the type of services rendered and the type of establishment.In restaurants, the tip to waiters is around 10-15 percent of the bill. In cases of restaurants of famous and prestigious hotels, generally a 10 percent service surcharge is added to the bill. Tipping at such a place is discretionary. In smaller places, the tip is not a percentage of the bill. Rather, few rupees are given as a tip, depending on the quality of service Tipping taxi and three-wheeler a driver is not too common. It is up to your discretion. However if you want to give tip, then, 10 percent of the fare or leaving the change is enough. If you are hiring a car throughout your stay, then, tip the driver Rs. 50-100 per day, depending on the distance traveled. At railway stations, pay the porters around Rs. 5-10 per bag. But, make sure to set the rate beforehand. If you stay at somebody’s house, ask your host before giving tips to his/her domestic help. The tour Escort who is with in the entire tour is also liable for the tip. He is only the main key factor in your entire tour. Generally Rs. 1000-1500 per day is the tiping amount for him but it does depend upon the services he provided.