INDIA

India today in an enigma with the discerning traveler, who has always been ambiguous whether it is a viable destination for a relaxed & luxurious holiday

This was done primarily to clear certain valid doubts that arise in the traveler's mind when he looks upon an Indian brochure. Let us also assure you that the doubts are not without reason, as India today has become a very complex destination due to the diversity it has, in its people, their lifestyles, its religion & languages - but that is exactly what makes India an enigma.

This informative manual - we hope will clear all doubts that would come to your mind when you are planning a holiday into this part of the world.

We look forward to welcoming you as our guest in India & to share with you our intriguing country, which you will come to know & love.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Hotels, Lodges & Camps used in our tours are the best available in every center. In some of the more remote areas, accommodation is not of the same high standards as in the main centers. We do consider, however, that the minor inconvenience of such standards of accommodation is worthwhile in order to experience the more remote regions of India.

The majority of the hotels used in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Southern India were built as palaces or Noble house & have been skillfully converted into luxury hotels. The rooms do vary therefore, and the Palace hotels may not have the same amenities of the new purpose-built hotels. Invariably these palace hotels are set in superb grounds & inevitably offer you an atmosphere of a bygone era. While on Safari in one of the many game parks, accommodation is provided in tents. Washing facilities are provided, although hot & cold running showers are not always available. This also applies to white water rafting & trekking in the Indian Himalayas.

ANTIQUES

The purchasing & exporting of antiques, more than hundred years old, within the subcontinent is strictly forbidden. Failure to comply will result in confiscation.

In India, most city offices & shops open from 09.00 hours to 1800 hours, Monday to Friday. Banks normally open for business at 1000 hours to 1400 hours, Monday to Friday and 1000 Hr's to 12 Noon on Saturdays. Sunday is the usual closing day.

When on trek, white water rafting or at one of the many game parks, accommodation is in tents. Plumbing is not usually available, however gas lighting & washing facilities are included. Please make sure you bring your own sleeping bag. More details will be given to you when you book such a holiday.

Being near the size of Europe, India offers a choice of holidays all year round. In the plains the best time to visit is between November & March, the summer months (April to August) are the right time to visit the hill stations. The hills in India stay pleasantly cool all through summer. The monsoon breaks in Bombay, Calcutta & Goa in June, moves northwards & reaches Delhi around the middle of July.

Winter (September - March)

Lightweight woolen clothes, but it is advisable to carry some cotton for those warm winter days.

Summer (April - August)

Tropical clothes; Lightweight cotton dresses, skirts, blouses, & trousers for ladies. Lightweight suits & cotton shorts, shirts & trousers for men. Don't forget your swimwear.

If you are undertaking a rafting trip, please ensure you take with you a waterproof anorak. We strongly recommend a change of clothes & a tight fitting waterproof hat. Waterproof duffel bags for you cameras & belongings are necessary.

If visiting a game park you should take beige, brown, khaki or green clothing as this will allow you to blend with the background & increase your chances of spotting game. The last 100 yards walk to a tiger blind is done on bare foot, so take a thick pair of socks with you. Shoes should be comfortable - a pair of track or training shoes is ideal.

Communication systems to and from India are very time consuming. We therefore recommend that, all communications be directed via our office or our representatives in the various cities. You will find this system much quicker & more time efficient than using the national dialing system.

A list of hotel addresses & telephone numbers will accompany your itinerary.

Most of the larger hotels, restaurants & shops in India accept American Express, Barclays card (Visa), Master charge (Access) & Diners club.

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency or traveler’s cheques, which may be brought in India. The import & export of local currency is prohibited, because of the stringent exchange control regulations & their currencies are not interchangeable. We request you to carry as little local cash as possible, and instead carry Travelers cheques.

Visitors must declare all their currency on arrival & complete an exchange control form, which is handed to you at the airport. Currency should be exchanged only through banks & authorized dealers, which include the hotels, at which time an exchange certificate will be issued.

These certificates must be retained to permit currency to be re-exchanged when leaving the country and as evidence that exchange of currency has been transacted through legal & official channels.

You are not allowed to leave India with any local currency. Banks at international departure points are open 24 hours a day & if you have any excess local currency, this can be converted.

The Currency In India Is Indian Rupees. Rs.1 = 100 Paise. DRINKS AND DRINKING WATER

In most of the major hotels in India, you have the provision of Aerated Water, which is kept in carafe in the hotel rooms. This can be used for cleaning your teeth etc. As about drinking water, it is strongly recommended to use only Bottled Bisleri water - and not tap water. These Bisleri bottles are available almost everywhere.

The most refreshing drinks in India are Nimbu pani (fresh lime) or the fresh fruit juices, especially the Kashmiri apple. Indian beers are acceptable, white wines are drinkable & whisky tolerable. Coffee is quite strong & of course there are many types of teas to be tasted, especially in Darjeeling & the South of India.

You can bring into India

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

0.95 liters of alcoholic beverages

Narcotics, plants, gold & silver bullion & coins not in current use are prohibited.

The electricity voltage in most places in India is 220 AC 50 cycles, although some areas have DC current.

If you are taking personal electrical appliances, you will require a multi-facet adapter. Some parts of India especially are subject to occasional power cuts. Many of the hotels provide candles but not matches! It is advisable to carry a small hand torch with you.