Suggested Travel Packages for India & Nepal	Golden Triangle	Royal Heritage Tour	North India Nepal
Colorful Rajasthan	Backwaters of Kerala	Yoga Tour	Best of Kerala Trip
Nepal Adventure	Nepal Extension	Fascinating India Nepal	Destination Tibet
Exclusive Nepal

INDIA

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION -

Each traveler must be in possession of a valid, signed passport that will remain valid for six (6) months beyond the completion of his/her trip to India. All passport holders are required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into INDIA. (The visa cannot be obtained on arrival in India). In case, taking best of India & Nepal tour then you would require to get a multiple entry visa. Nepal visa visa can be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu. However, Please carry four passport size photographs.

HEALTH INFORMATION -

We urge that you discuss health precautions for your exact travel itinerary with a qualified health professional at least six (6) weeks before you depart. No vaccinations are currently required for entry into India when arrival is directly from North America or an Asian or European country.

ARRIVAL AND CUSTOMS INFORMATION -

Please be advised that regulations at most points of international arrival do not permit passengers to be met inside secured passenger areas (such as the Customs area). In addition, airports in India are occasionally put on short-notice, high-security alerts; and, at these times, passengers can only be met outside the airport building.


WEATHER - THE CLIMATE IN INDIA -

Weather, varies widely due to the great size of the country. It can, however, generally be described as monsoon - tropical with certain regional variations. Temperatures from April through September average in the 80's and 90's (Fahrenheit) and climb to over 100°F in some areas. The hottest, driest period is from Mid May until late Mid June. The monsoon rains from June / July to the end of mid August provide some relief the scorching heat, but the humidity levels are very high at some of the cities.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES -

Formal wear is not necessary while on a holiday in India. Casual shirts and slacks for men (or blouses and skirts for ladies) made of lightweight, {breathable" fabric (such as cotton) are suggested. Generally, loose-fitting clothing will prove most comfortable for daytime wear. Comfortable, soft, soled walking shoes are essential. When visiting temples, mosques, and other religious places, you will need to dress conservatively. Arms must also be covered when inside religious buildings. Please keep in mind that shoes must be removed when entering temples, mosques, and other religious places. It is, therefore, suggested that you carry a pair of socks to wear inside religious buildings. You may also want to pack a lightweight (no-plastic) raincoat and/or umbrella. Good sunglasses, sun block lotion and sun hats are essential for protection from the strong sun.

ELECTRICITY -

In India, electricity runs 220/240 volts. If you do bring electrical appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.

FOOD AND DRINK -

Indian food is known the world over for its use of spices, but it does not always have to be spicy-hot. Regardless of regional variations, grains and rice are the staples of India cuisine. Sauces (ranging in flavor from sweet to sour to hot) are generally available at every meal, and these are specially created to complement the main dish. A serving of chilled unsweetened yogurt or slice of lemon taken with your meal will help to offset the spiciness of any dish. There are a variety of vegetarian specialties - and some very sweet desserts. Do not drink (or brush your teeth with) the tap water in India. Additionally, do not accept ice in drinks. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables should be avoided.

NOTE : It is also advisable to carry your own personal supply of bottled water during sight-seeing excursions and during long drives.

CURRENCY -

In India, the unit of currency is the INDIAN RUPEE, which is divided into 100 PAISE. Notes are issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 Rupees. Coins are issued in denominations of 10,20,25 and 50 Paise. There are also coins with denominations of 1,2 and 5 Rupees. On arrival in India, you will be required to complete a Currency declaration Form, on which you must indicate the amount of money you are bringing into the country (if it is over USD $2,500 in cash and USD $ 10,000 in Travelers checks). You will definitely be asked for your exchange receipts in either country if you want to exchange any leftover Rupees back into foreign currency. You should exchange money only at authorized facilities (such as banks and hotel desks). Be aware that only paper currency will normally be accepted for exchange. In India, do not accept currency that is extremely soiled or mutilated.

PHOTOGRAPHY -

We recommend that you bring all the photographic equipment you will need from home, including an ample supply of film and additional camera batteries. (Film, batteries, and photographic materials are available in India, but then it should be purchased from an authorised shop. It is also suggested that you check the working order of your camera and have your equipment insured before you depart. Under no circumstances is photography permitted inside aircraft or at airports. In addition, do not photograph government buildings (unless permission granted - check with guide/ tour manager) and installations or military or police personnel. Certain temples also restrict interior photography. You should also be aware that the use of video cameras is restricted in Taj Mahal at Agra. Taking photographs and/or videos when permission is not granted is inconsiderate at best and may result in the confiscation of your film.

VALUABLES, SAFETY, AND TRAVEL INSURANCE -

Exercise the same safety precautions throughout your travels as you would at home. Be especially careful with your passport (the pages containing your photograph and passport details, as well as any amendment pages and visas). Follow the security measures included with your travelers' checks, and also leave an additional record of their numbers at your hotel. Do not carry this record with you during sightseeing tours. Please do not pack valuable items (such as your camera and jewelry) in checked baggage. We recommend that all travelers purchase adequate trip cancellation / interruption, medical, and baggage insurance and that they carry the details of their coverage with them on tour.

GRATUITIES -

Many travelers view tipping as a difficult subject, though this need not be the case. The first thing to remember is that tipping is not compulsory. Nor are there any fixed amounts. The bottom line in determining whether and how much to tip is to ask yourself how much the individual did to make your travel more enjoyable.

LANGUAGE -

India's official language is Hindi. However, each state has its own official regional language. As such, there are over fourteen (14) "official" languages in India. English is widely spoken and understood all over the country.

COMMUNICATIONS -

India operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +five (5) hours and thirty (30) minutes.

NEPAL

The single entry tourist visa can be obtained from the entry points of Nepal or from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad by paying US$ 30 for 60 days. If visitors who wish to obtain the facility of single, double or multiple re-entry, they can get it by paying additional US$ 25, US$ 40 and US$ 60 respectively.
If the visitor, who has already visited Nepal under tourist visa, intends to come again within 150 days of the same visa year he/she can obtain entry visa by paying US$ 50 for 30 days at the entry points or at the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.
The visitors who wish to stay for more than 60 days in Nepal can extend their tourist visa by paying the equivalent of US$ 50 in the Nepalese currency for 30 days from the Department of Immigration.
Trekking permit is not essential for the general trekking areas such as The Everest, The Annapurna and The Langtang.
Business visa with multiple entry facility for the period of one year and five years can be obtained from the Department of Immigration on the recommendation of Ministry of Industry by paying the equivalent of US$ 100 and US$ 250 respectively in the Nepalese currency for the foreign investors.