FAQ

  • All travellers need a visa to enter India.

  • The only site you should use for ETA/visa application is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ There are countless third-party sites which will charge a lot more to basically resubmit your application through the official Government of India site.

  • The system for entering India, called ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is similar to the US ESTA programme: you apply in advance of arrival and receive an authorisation to travel.

  • The ETA is not a visa as such, the visa is formally issued by an immigration office at the airport.

  • There are 3 lengths of STA available- 30 days, 1 year or 5 years. The 30-day type is only valid for 30 days from the date of issue so you must enter India within 3o days of it being approved. Approval typically takes less than 36 hours. For example, if your trip starts on February 9th, you can only apply from January 10th onwards. For the 1- and 5-year validity ETAs the validity is 120 days. So for a trip starting February 9th, you can apply anytime from October 12th the previous year onwards.

  • The fee difference is small- US$25/40/80 for 30-day/1 year/5 year respectively.

  • We suggest getting at least a one-year visa which means you have the peace of mind of having this in place well before your trip, or better still 5 years as we know from much experience that one trip to India is never enough! Note also that 30-day ETA/visa is single-entry only so if you’re going to visit a neighbouring country and then re-enter India, you will need a 1 or 5-year visa as these allow multiple entries into the country.

  • Many Indian embassies and high commissions around the world have different information on their websites, some of which are simply out of date. For this reason, the site noted above is the only one you should refer to for up-to-date information. Or ask us and we’ll help

  • The application process takes maybe 20-30 minutes to complete and can be saved while in progress. The photograph you are required to provide has to match strict guidelines, so unless you are confident about being able to get this exactly right, we recommend having a formal passport-type photo taken and sized accordingly by a professional photographer.

  • Almost all countries are included in this scheme. Please check with us if you have any doubts.

  • There is a lot of variation in the rules which apply inside airports- the best guide is to expect the unexpected and be prepared for things not to make obvious sense. We will always allow ample time to ensure you get to the airport early- even if you appear to the leaving your hotel very early for your flight, we need to allow time for traffic and unexpected delays. The check-in time of 3 hours is a minimum at all large/metro airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore etc) and 2 hours is elsewhere. Our Guest Relations Executive will escort you to the terminal entrance, but we are unable to escort you beyond this point as only ticket holders are allowed inside any departure area of any airport in India.

  • Entry to airports is restricted to ticket holders only. To be granted access to the terminal you must have either a printed copy of your ticket or an easily accessible electronic copy of your ticket on your phone (PDF, QR code etc). Carrying printed copies of tickets is not a bad idea as it gives you a backup option in the event of phone connectivity issues.

  • Once you are inside there will probably be luggage screening- this seems not to apply at the very largest airports, Delhi, Mumbai etc. Usually, most airlines will have their own machine and scanning team, but this may not be adjacent to the check-in for that airline. Sometimes the luggage screening people will ask you to remove items from your luggage for inspection- as a rule, if you are taking any electronics, battery-powered items etc. in your checked luggage it pays to have these accessible for easy location if they need to be inspected.

  • On low-cost airlines (all of them except Air India), legroom and general seat space is very limited. If you are more than 170cm (5 feet 8 inches) tall it is worth considering paying a little more for an extra-leg room/exit-row seat. We can book this at the time of making your reservation.

  • Personal security screening varies from airport to airport and can be very quick and efficient or slow and hard to fathom- there is little certainty about how long queues will be etc.

  • Please note there are separate lines for male and female passengers. Also note that security at Indian airports is tight and there are many restrictions on what is permitted in carry-on baggage. It is best to take as little onto the plane as possible in order to speed up the process and minimize the chances of being asked to repack an item into your checked-in luggage.

  • Most internal flights within India now have a 15kg per person checked baggage limit, and the limits are strictly enforced. Excess baggage above the allowed amount is charged at around INR 550 per kg (a little under US$7) with a minimum charge of INR 1650. Charges for excess luggage can be paid in INR cash or by credit card only. Carry-on is also strictly monitored, and the limit here is 7kg plus a small personal item- this is less than in some other countries. Please bear this in mind as you prepare to travel.

  • It is recommended to buy travel insurance in your home country to cover you for all eventualities of travelling as well as any pre-trip cancellation/last-minute postponement etc. We assist you in getting a comprehensive in-India travel insurance which can help with immediate medical costs, loss of luggage etc. This is not intended to replace your travel insurance from home but will allow you to deal with unexpected costs/eventualities more quickly while you’re in India than having to make a claim via your main provider. All our vehicles are properly licensed tourist vehicles with complete insurance coverage.
  • India is so vast and there are lot of weather patterns that are extremely varied in nature.

  • Generally the best time to visit India is between mid-October and mid-March.

  • Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra and Gujarat can be quite cool in December/January but this is still comfortable for most people.

  • High altitude places-Sikkim, Darjeeling, the foothills north of Delhi- can be seriously cold in December/January and are at their best October/November and again from February to April.

  • South India sees 2 monsoon seasons and is good for travel from August onwards. While it is still hot in August through to October the humidity is lower and there is some rain. The returning monsoon is November-December is usually not that vigorous and this is a great time to be in the south. January and February are the coolest time but by March the heat is definitely a challenge for many people.

  • Generally April through to July are be very hot and humid everywhere, with daytime temperatures soaring into the 40s in many places.

  • The only exception is the higher altitudes of Kashmir and Ladakh which are at their best at this time of year.

  • I. Clothing: The climate in India is generally warm and can be humid, however, there is a vast range of climatic conditions throughout the country and at different times of year. In the north of the country, the winter months from December to February can be decidedly cool and a light woollen jumper and jacket are essential. Most hotels have an efficient in-house laundry service so you don't need to bring many sets of clothing. 3 lightweight shirts, (some people find even T-shirts a bit warm) and the same number of lightweight trousers or skirts should be enough. Some long-sleeved tops to guard against mosquitoes in the evenings are a good idea- preferably in light, natural colours to assist in keeping them away. Western-style clothing is easy to find and should you need more clothes, they are often much cheaper than at home. And the experience of shopping for any item in India is always a lot of fun- both for you and for the locals!

    II. Ladies, please bear in mind when choosing your trip clothing that India is still fairly conservative and women’s clothing, for the most part, is quite modest. Although this is changing, particularly in the main metro cities, it’s best to still avoid low cut or sleeveless tops, shorts and see-through material. It is good to blend in as much as possible with the locals and dressing appropriately helps with that. The same applies to men, more as an issue of respecting local customs. For this reason, shorts should always reach to below the knee and singlets or vests are to be avoided. If you are visiting ashrams or temples you need to cover your arms, at least with short sleeves, and legs. A pair of socks can be useful for walking on hot floors. If your tour includes visiting a wildlife sanctuary then also keep in mind that dark colours such as green, brown and black are the best to wear when out walking looking for animals. Remember too that early mornings in the jungle (you will often be zipping around in an open jeep well before sunrise) can be very cold- a windproof jacket is a good idea, although many hotels will be able to provide blankets should you require them. Your shoes should be comfortable for walking and offer some protection for walking in crowded places. Slip-on sandals are useful for the days when you visit temples where footwear is removed.

    III. Personal items

    • You don't need to bother with too much in the way of a first aid kit. You can buy almost anything over the counter at pharmacies which are everywhere in India. Hydration salts (Gastrolite) are not always available so it is a good idea to bring some of these. And of course any specific medication you have been prescribed by your own doctor. But painkillers, antiseptics and even antibiotics, are very easy to find.

    • A torch (flashlight) and alarm clock.

    • An inflatable pillow can be useful for long train journeys - general bedding, including a small pillow is provided. A sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner is great for these situations if you already own one.

    • Earplugs for light sleepers.

    • A universal sink/wash basin plug- for reasons unknown, many hotel wash basins lack plugs in the hand-basins, so bring your own!

    • Power supply in India is an be variable. If you are bringing sensitive electronic equipment, it is worth considering a simple surge protection device. Universal power adaptors are readily available.

    • You can buy almost anything you need in India. You will almost invariably have your first day in a big city or tourist town where there will be an array of items for sale at prices which are often only a fraction of what they cost at home.

    • Try to keep your luggage to a minimum especially if your tour includes train trips and flights (see above for information on excess luggage charges on internal flights). You will find many wonderful things to buy along the way so leave room for them when you start out!

    Being vaccinated is a very personal decision. Some people prefer to be covered for everything that might happen and others prefer not to have anything more than is necessary. There is a lot of information on the internet about vaccinations but it is always best to combine your own research with the sound advice of your own doctor or a specialist travellers’ medical centre. It is strongly recommended that everyone be covered for Tetanus. One injection should cover you for 10 years.

    Malaria is uncommon in most parts of India commonly visited by tourists so taking anti-malarial drugs is not essential. Advice varies however so this is a personal decision and you should consult your doctor before leaving home. Wearing light coloured clothing, covering ankles and arms and using an insect repellent will certainly help you to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. In most hotel rooms, you will see a small plug in electrical device to vaporize mosquito repellent at night in your hotel room. Switch it on at dusk and leave it going through to the morning. Ceiling fans and air-conditioning will keep the air in your room circulating, making it very difficult for mosquitoes to land and bite. You can also buy Odomos cream locally. Please weigh up all the advice on health issues and make your own informed decision.

    • As with travelling anywhere, it’s best to have 2 or 3 alternative sources of funds- cash, multiple credit cards etc- just in case you encounter a situation where you can’t change money, or the phone network is down and credit card payments can’t be processed. Please note there is a restriction on bringing rupees into the country and although interpretations of the law vary, and enforcement may be non-existent, it is better not to obtain rupees at home before you come to India.

    • When changing money, all exchange rates are set by the central government so there is very little advantage in 'shopping around' to get a better rate. In most cases it is easiest to change money at authorized money exchange centres located in each major city, which your drivers can assist you. The most widely accepted currencies are US Dollars, British Pounds and the Euro with Australian and Canadian Dollars and major Asian currencies not far behind.

    • Credit cards can be used at all major hotels and restaurants but for smaller purchases cash- in rupees- is definitely better and easier.

    • ATMs are very widespread, but not always 100% reliable. You can access these using an account linked to a Visa/MasterCard or Cirrus/Plus networked card, definitely pays to check with your bank at home before you leave to ascertain exactly what charges you will incur by withdrawing money from an ATM in India- these can be very high.

    • American Express is not widely accepted in India.

    • A further option is a Wise Card or similar- a card you can pre-purchase at home and load up with your local currency and convert this into rupees and use the card in India just like a regular debit card.

    • Advising your bank at home that you will be in India is a good idea as this will the likelihood of transactions being declined

    • From the moment you arrive you will see that India runs on tipping, from the person who carries your bag, delivers your food or drives your vehicle.

    • Some hotels now have a 'centralized' tipping system. This is a much more equitable way of sharing out the tips as there are often dozens of staff in a hotel (cooks, gardeners, laundry people etc) who you never see, meaning that the front office and room staff get the vast majority of the tips. Please look out for a box on the reception desk at the time you check in. If you tip a total of 800-1500 rupees per day in such a place this would be fine, although perhaps a little more in 5-star establishments.

    • If this is not the case, then for a porter who carries your bags to the room a 50-100 Rupee tip is fine. A similar amount is OK for the people who come and clean your room. In restaurants work on 10% of the total bill as a reasonable tip- there is no set amount as is the case in other countries.

    • At the end of your trip (or each sector) it is customary to tip your driver. As a suggestion, 700-1200 rupees per day is a reasonable tip for the driver, but the amount is totally up to you. (This is from the whole party, not per person). This is just a general guideline for you as there is no set amount to specify.

    • For one-off vehicle services like airport transfers and the like, Rs500-800 is okay.

    • For guides, a tip of 500-800 rupees at the conclusion of the service is reasonable.

    • If there is anyone else you encounter who does an exceptional job or goes well beyond the call of duty, a tip for their attentiveness never goes amiss.

    • Historically India was regarded as a very inexpensive place to travel but this is no longer the case and many people are surprised at how expensive things are now.

    • Meals- a typical meal at a local restaurant will cost between Rs500-1000 per person. Vegetarian food is typically a little cheaper and meals at hotel and high-end restaurants can be much more expensive.

    • Typically breakfast will be included with your accommodation and you could budget for around Rs1500 per person per day for lunch/dinner, but be prepared to spend more in bigger cities and tourist hubs.

    • Items you might need to buy along the way- snacks for travel etc- will largely have the maximum retail price (MRP) printed on the packaging or label.