To ensure that you have the best possible holiday experience, we ask you to read the following information carefully. If you have any questions, please discuss them with us before you depart.
Hand Luggage – pack essential items for a day or two in your hand luggage, in case your bags go astray and take a few days to catch up with you, especially if you have any tight connecting flights.
Baggage – if your itinerary includes a domestic flight, your luggage is often restricted to 15 kg after which excess baggage charges apply.
Documents – take a copy of your travel insurance policy with you, and leave a copy of your passport with a reliable contact at home, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Electronic Devices – ensure these are all fully charge before travel, as you may be required to switch them on at airport security.
Mobile Phones – make sure they are set up for international calls and if you plan to use travel apps such as Google Translate or Google Maps, ensure you check your data package with your provider in advance. Alternatively turn off date roaming to avoid large phone bills. Be aware that some rural areas may not have mobile or WiFi coverage.
Drones - please note that all foreign drones are banned in India.
Clothing – pack in layers according to the season, with light clothing being essential in summer. Take a day pack, good walking shoes, T-shirts, shorts, jeans, sunhat, swimming costume, sunglasses & biodegradable sunscreen. For temple visits, both women & men should pack long sleeved tops (or a pashmina) to cover shoulders; wear long skirts or trousers to cover knees & easily removed flip flops. Leather items (eg belts & handbags) are not permitted in Jain temples. Sanitising hand cleaner and eye drops can be handy, especially if you wear contact lenses and a 'shewee' is useful for ladies. Warm clothing is essential in winter and rain gear is needed during the monsoon season. On tiger safaris wear lightweight but long sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against mosquitos (safari clothing is ideal for this). Neutral colours are best – khaki, green & brown. Avoid white & bright colours, as these increase your visibility to the animals, and black which can get very hot. Take a generous supply of insect repellent to spray on your neck, wrists and ankles and avoid using perfume, as this attracts insects. Also pack a light fleece for evening game drives. For snow leopard excursions in the high Himalayas, dress in layers in full winter gear suitable for temperatures between -10 and -25 degrees, including thermals, fleece, inner jacket, outer padded jacket, gloves & balaclava.
Medicines - if you travel with prescription drugs, carry an adequate supply in their original bottles/packaging & keep them in your hand luggage, as if lost they may be difficult to replace.
Accessories – pack your phone (with charger and a spare battery pack), camera (with spare memory cards and batteries – a 200 mm zoom lens is good for wildlife photography), torch and binoculars (large 8x40 is best). We suggest one pair per person, as it can be frustrating to share.
Plugs – type D (small round 3-pin). Pack an Indian adapter as well as a hand basin plug/stopper, as these are not always provided.
Books – pack a good travel guide, with information on the wildlife and birds of the region. Also a good supply of reading material for quiet evenings and when waiting for flights.
Water – be fastidious and only drink bottled water. Avoid washed salads, local yoghurt, ice cream and ice cubes outside your hotel, as tap water is not safe to drink. Peel all fruit before eating it and remember to brush your teeth with bottled water. Pack diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachets for emergencies.
Food – India is world renowned for its delicious curries. The cow is sacred so beef is not found on any menu, but chicken, lamb and fish are widely available, with menus being divided into Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian. Food allergies are well catered for.
Alcohol (Kerala, Gujarat, Varanasi & Tadoba) - these are 'dry' regions, with varying restrictions.
In Kerala, 5-star hotels have alcohol licences and restricted items (eg wine & beer) are served in some mid-range properties, but this does vary by hotel & you will not find any beach bars serving alcohol. You therefore need to ask your driver to stop at a liquor store before arriving at your hotel, so you can purchase your preferred drink, to enjoy in the privacy of your room before dinner.
In Gujarat ask your driver to take you to a government liquor store within 4 days of your arrival, where you can obtain a 7-day online permit (which can be extended 3 times = max 4 weeks). For this you need to retain your boarding pass or train ticket; have 2 forms of identification (eg passport & driving licence) & a passport photo in up-loadable form. You will also be finger printed. Each weekly permit allows you to buy 1 bottle of spirits/whiskey, 3 bottles of wine or 10 beers. Do NOT carry alcohol in your luggage, as there are severe fines for this. In Varanasi alcohol can be served in hotels, as long as they are not on the Ganges River or next to a temple. These same hotels often only serve vegetarian food. Tadoba tiger reserve has a complete ban on alcohol.
Taxis – in cities only use regulated taxis, best arranged by your hotel.
Driving – be aware that driving conditions in India will be more chaotic that you will used to, due to traffic, road conditions, cattle on the road etc. Driving is on the left, but we do not recommend self-driving in India.
Shopping – it is customary to negotiate prices aggressively. Be aware that your guide will earn a commission on any purchases you make. You need to tell him very firmly if you don’t want to be taken to any more shops, as he will continue to do this until you make it very clear this is not what you want.
Safety – take all sensible precautions. On arrival at Delhi airport, keep an eye on your luggage at all times and avoid touts who can be very insistent. Leave valuable jewellery/watches at home, wear a money belt and be alert when outside your hotel. In particular avoid taking out large wads of cash in public view and keep your spare cash, passport and a spare credit card in your hotel safe.
Respect Local Customs – this is a Hindu, Jain and Buddhist country, so respect religious images and dress modestly away from your hotel. Always cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
Photographs - be aware that local people may ask to take your photograph, especilly if you have blonde hair or light skin which is unusual in India. It happens regularly, but feel free to say no if this makes you feel uncomfotable.
Wild Animals – attacks by wild animals are rare, but we cannot guarantee that attacks will not occur so observe all sensible precautions. We cannot be held responsible for injuries caused during an incident with a wild animal.
Indemnities - please be aware it is likely you will be required to sign indemnities for safaris and any other potentially hazardous activities.
Pack for a Purpose - if you have a little space in your suitcase, local schools & communities always appreciate gifts of English reading books, pens & pencils, stationery, deflated footballs etc. Specific requests from communities can be seen on the 'Pack for a Purpose' website.
Tipping – this is expected for good service in India, with "small but often” being a useful guide. We suggest the following per adult:
- main driver: Rs 500 per day (can be reduced for longer stays).
- city guides: Rs 500 per day.
- jeep safari: naturalist Rs 300 + driver Rs 200 = Rs 500 per game drive.
- houseboat staff: Rs 500 for overnight stay.
- mahouts: Rs 50.
- temple shoe minders: Rs 50.
- luxury trains: Rs 500 per day.
- waiters: 10% of base cost excluding vat/taxes, but check the bill first as a service charge (not to be confused with service tax) is often already included
- porters: Rs 50 per bag.
- housekeeping: often a discretionary tipping box.
It is not necessary to tip drivers doing short transfers (eg to the airport)
Displays of Affection - please be aware that same sex relationships are illegal and public displays of affection should be avoided at all times, including in your hotel. We advise all our clients, gay and heterosexual, to be sensitive to cultural differences.
FCO Travel Advice - consult the UK Foreign Office website for the latest travel advice www.fco.gov.uk.