The lure of grand palaces, forts, exotic food and the ancient temples is too much to resist, so plan your bags for traveling through the heritage cities of India. This subcontinent is comparatively safe place of visit with no attacks on tourists reported. India Profile offers online information on important travel tips in India. Check out the things you should avoid being here.
Foreign nationals should get their Indian visa prior to their arrival. You can apply for the visa at least before 6 months of your travel. Tourist Visa has an extension of minimum 6 months. Domestic tourists need an Inner Line Permit to visit few border cities and towns of northeast India such as Meghalaya and Nagaland.
Keeping in mind the risks involved in traveling, travel insurance has become a necessity.
India is a diverse country with numerous choices of beaches, hill stations, national parks and pilgrimage sites, so you need to plan according to your interest and duration of your stay here. Indianholiday.com offers complete guide to India travel.
Medicine, clothes and toiletries are among your essentials for traveling. Carry spare shoes as well. If you are visiting places of rough terrain and extreme cold conditions, you need to check for the things essential to survive on high altitudes. Carry things to last at least for a week before you are accustomed to the country.
Foreign tourists have their passports as proof of their identity and domestic tourists should carry their voter's identity card, pan card, ration card or passport while traveling anywhere within the country. There are police check posts and heritage buildings where you need to produce your identity proof before entry.
On visiting religious sites, you need to be careful about what you wear. At Golden Temple, you need to cover your head while at Kanyakumari Temple both men and women need to wear traditional Indian clothes. You get them on hire outside the temple as well. Heavy woolen wear is necessary during from November-February in northern India. Places like Chennai, Kerala and Mumbai have temperate climate throughout the year. Also for Kedarnath-Badrinath Yatra and Vaishno Devi tour, you need to carry shoes that are ideal for walking long distances.
ATMs are available in all major towns and cities of the country so it is unnecessary to carry too much cash with you. You can plan your expenses ahead. Also see that the cash is kept in secured places. Thefts are possible if you fail to be careful about your personal belongings. Do not carry jewelry during the trip.
India has developed public transport system with long distance buses plying between the cities as well. Cars are available on hire from major airports. You are advised to hire cars on rent from authorized travel agents or prepaid taxi stands only. Do not pay extra than the meter charges (in case of taxi/cab) after reaching your destination.
Indian Holiday has budget and deluxe hotels in almost all major cities and tourist locations. You can get booking in advance to avoid hassles and rush especially during peak season. Fill up the form on our website indianholiday.com with room reservation details.
India is known for its hospitality, traditional values and amicable nature of people. Though you can explore their culture and traditions, mingling with strangers and bookies can be dangerous. Avoid unnecessary attention or services. It is recommended not to offer any extra money to touts outside the temples and cinema complexes. Do not share food with co-passengers in trains and buses. At night, avoid venturing out alone especially in a city new to you. Call the local police in case of emergency. You can collect police or ambulance numbers from the hotel reception or from your tour agent.