Country Facts - India
Airport Taxes:
Have been included in the cost of your holiday.
Baggage Allowance:
23 kilos per person for economy class passengers. Any excesses will be charged for by the airlines. At the present time each passenger is permitted to carry ONE small item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point. The dimensions of this item must not exceed, a maximum height of 56cm (22 inches), width 45cm (17.7 inches) and depth 25cm (10 inches), including wheels, handles, side pockets etc and must not exceed 6 kilos. In addition to the above allowance you are also permitted to carry ONE personal item such as a ladies handbag or small briefcase. PLEASE NOTE: At the present time flights returning from India only allow ONE item of cabin baggage therefore any personal items (eg. handbag or briefcase) should be placed inside your cabin baggage. Further information regarding hand luggage and items that can be carried in your hand luggage can be found by accessing www.baa.co.uk which is the website address for BAA which operates London Heathrow Airport . Manchester Airport can be accessed at www.manchesterairport.co.uk
Climate & Weather Watch:
The Indian sub-continent is large and the climate varies from one part to another. India has three main seasons, winter, summer and the monsoon. The best months to visit the North is from November to February, when the temperatures are not too hot or cool. April and May are hot in the plains and this is when the hill country of India is at it's best. Monsoon season is from July to September. Southern India is where you will find the tropical weather, hot, humid and sometimes wet.
Clothing:
Lightweight cottons and linens during the summer months, with warmer clothes for winter and the monsoon months. A waterproof jacket is advisable for all year round travel.
Currency & Money Matters:
India 's currency comprises of 1 Rupee = 100 paise. Please note that the Rupee can only be purchased locally. We recommend that any money taken should be in Sterling travellers cheques for security. Currency can be converted at banks, hotels, and foreign exchanges. Banking hours Mon-Fri 1000-1400, Sat 1000-1200. All major international credit cards are acceptable in hotels.
Customs:
Visitors over 17 are allowed duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. 1 litre bottle of wine or spirits. 60 ml of perfume.
Driving:
This is not recommended due to the sometimes hazardous conditions. Road conditions in India can change throughout the year due to extreme weather condition therefore journey times can occasionally be long and tiring. Unfortunately, roads in India are not like those in the West and are frequently narrow, bumpy and with many pot holes. The manner of driving is very different to that of the Western World and horn blowing is not considered a sign of frustration and is used frequently.
Electricity:
220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Two pin sockets and some three-pin round sockets are in use.
Health:
It is important that all travellers to India be in good health. Drink bottled water only, this is widely available throughout your tour. Do not eat raw vegetables, unpeeled fruit and raw or uncooked seafood. Please avoid food and drink from street vendors and any establishments you may suspect has poor health and safety practices. Please also note that the roads in India can be bumpy, therefore anyone with back problems are advised to consult their GP for further advice. Furthermore, many of the sites in India necessitates a reasonable amount of walking either to the site and/or around it. In some areas there are also a number of steps to climb, therefore you should be reasonably fit and able bodied.
Immunisation:
There are a number of vaccination requirements needed and anti-malaria tablets are also required on this tour. We strongly recommend you seek your doctor's advice no later than two months prior to your departure for further information.
Medical Facilities:
In the major centers medical facilities in international hospitals are excellent and first-class Western medicine is practiced.
Passports & Visas:
Full ten year passports are required for all visitors to India and must be valid for six months after your return to the UK . Visa's are essential for entry into India . Visa application forms and instructions will be forwarded approximately four months prior to departure. Journeys of Distinction do not accept any responsibility for passengers not acquiring the correct visa documentation.
Photography:
It is recommended that all photographic film and single use cameras are carried in your hand luggage. These items should be handed to security for hand checking rather than being scanned.
Special Dietary Requirements:
Although the airlines and hotels will endeavour to accommodate passengers with special dietary requirements this cannot be guaranteed. In particular this applies to meals taken outside the hotels. Therefore we suggest passengers requiring special foodstuffs should pack any essential items in their luggage.
Taxis:
Taxis are freely available in all areas. Please only use metered taxis.
Time Zone:
GMT + 5.5
Tipping:
It is certainly customary and indeed expected throughout India . Generally a 5-10% service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills. Journeys of Distinction are frequently asked for guidelines on gratuities for your Tour Managers, Drivers, Guides. Therefore, as a simple guide, it is normal practice to tip approximately £1.50 per person per day for your Tour Manager, £1.50 per person per touring day for your local Guide; and 70 pence per touring day for your driver providing you have found they have met your expectations. These recommendations are guidelines only. As tips are a personal matter and purely down to your discretion , we suggest they are given on an individual basis rather than as a group collection. All hotel porterage is taken care of by Journeys of Distinction.
Please note that the above information may be subject to change. Current information correct as at 01/05/2008
