What
to Bring
If you're only traveling to a single destination, for example,
Goa or Kerala, you can pretty much bring what you like. A suitcase
is a good option. It's lockable, keeps your clothes flat and is
less likely to get damaged by careless luggage handlers at the
airport. Heavy luggage presents few problems if all you've got
to do is get into the car and get to a hotel.
Responsible Tourism
Common sense and courtesy go a long way when you are travelling.
Think about the impact you may be having on the environment and
the people who inhabit it. One very simple way of minimising your
impact is to reduce the amount of plastic you use. Buy terracotta
cups at train stations rather than the plastic ones; recycle plastic
bags; try and recycle plastic drinking bottles, or purify your
water.
If you are planning on taking a camel safari in Rajasthan pay
particular care to how you dispose of your rubbish; safaris operating
out of Jaisalmer have left an alarming trail of trash through
the desert. The same applies when trekking and mountaineering.
Finally, as exotic and tempting as they may be, avoid buying products
that further endanger threatened species and habitats.
Passport
You must have a passport with you all of the time; it is the most
basic travel document. Ensure that it will be valid for the entire
period you intend to remain over
Visas for India
Six month multiple-entry visas (valid from the date of issue)
are now issued to most nationals regardless of whether you intend
staying that long or re-entering the country. Visas cost A$55
for Australians, UKŁ19 for Britons, and FF200 for French passport
holders. US passport holders may also apply for one year and 10
year multiple entry visas, the latter, at the time of writing,
only available from Indian embassies in the USA, Japan and Hong
Kong. For US citizens, a six month multiple-entry visa costs US$50,
a 12 month multiple-entry visa costs US$70, a 10 year multiple-entry
visa costs US$120 and a transit visa costs US$25.
Money & Currency
The Rupee (Rs.) comprises of 100 Paise (p). There are coins of25
& 50 paise and Rs. 1, 2, 5 and 10 denominations, The currency
notes are in denominations ofRs, 1,2,5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and
1000. In 1996, the Reserve Bank of India decided to stop printing
Rs 1, 2 and 5 denomination notes. You are not allowed to bring
Indian currency into or take out of the country. You
are allowed to bring in unlimited amounts of foreign currency
or traveler’s cheques, but you are supposed to declare anything
over US$1 000 on arrival.
Health
Travel health depends on your predeparture preparations, your
daily health care while traveling and how you handle any medical
problem that does develop. While the potential dangers can seem
quite frightening, in reality few travelers experience anything
more than upset stomachs.
Pregnancy
It is not advisable to travel to some places while pregnant, as
some vaccines normally used to prevent serious diseases are not
advisable in pregnancy (e,g, Yellow Fever). In addition, some
diseases are much serious for the mother (and may increase the
risk of a stillborn child) in pregnancy (e.g. Malaria).
Legal Matters
If you find yourself in a sticky legal predicament, contact your
embassy. You should carry your passport with you at all time.
Airports & Airlines
Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Calcutta and Chennai are the main gateways
for international flights. A new international airport has opened
near Cochin in Kerala, which is serving direct flights to/from
Europe and Asia. India's national airline is Air India.
Baggage Allowance
The baggage allowance is normally 20 kilograms (44Ibs) per person.
Infants under the age of2 on the date of their return flight have
no allowance. The baggage allowance may vary depending on the
airline or flight. Please check your tickets for correct details.
Only one small piece of hand luggage per person weighing less
than 5 kilograms (11 lbs) (Max. size: 45cm x 35cm x 20cm) may
be taken on board the aircraft. Please tell us when you book if
you want to carry other items such as wheel chairs, push cars,
windsurfs, bicycles, golf clubs, etc., so that we get the permission
of the airlines in advance. Carriage of these items, except wheel
chairs and pushchairs, cannot be guaranteed and may be subject
to a charge at check in.
Excess Baggage
Airlines are increasingly enforcing stricter controls over excess
baggage. You should be aware that if you exceed baggage allowance
stated on your ticket, then an excess baggage charge maybe levied
on you by the airline at the time of check in.
An Eco Friendly Thought
Travel is one of the natural rights of all people and is a crucial
ingredient to world peace and oneness. With that right, come responsibilities,
whether on business or leisure travel.
• Please respect the frailty of earth. One must realize that unless
all are willing to help in the planet's preservation, unique and
beautiful destinations may not be there for our future generations
to enjoy.
• Please do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals,
such as Ivory, Tortoise Shells, Animal Skins, Feathers, etc.
• Walk wherever possible. Always follow designated trails. Do
not disturb animals, plants or their natural habitats. Leave only
footprints. Take only photographs. Do not remove 'Souvenirs' from
historical sites and natural areas. Do not touch old paintings.
• Encourage drivers to switch off their engines when a vehicle
has to halt at one position for over 60 seconds.
Information Accyracy
The information and facts made available to you in this brochure
have been compiled for helping you in deciding your preferences
for the various tour itineraries and charting out your tour structure.
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