Travel & Tourism

Travel Tips

We at HamaraShehar strive to take you to your destination with appropriate hints and guidance. This attempt does not constitute to be a comprehensive guide to tourism in India. We make all attempts to provide you with every relevant detail that could help you in your sojourn. We suggest you to bookmark this site as we are constantly updating the information for you.

• Travel Tips
• General Information
• Gastronomic Tips
• Local Travel
• Accommodation
• Holidays And Festivals
• Fast Facts

When touring India, we suggest you to listen to the local radio and watch local television to keep yourself posted on of the political situation in the region you are in.

Your feedback on this site and the tourist spot you visited using these pages would be greatly appreciated.

What to pack:

• Inflatable travel pillow
• Toiletries kit
• Earplugs
• Water bottle
• Flashlight
• Battery cells, extra
• Small towel
• Sun glasses
• Insect repellent
• Mosquito netting
• Handiwipes
• Alarm clock
• Pocket knife, large
• Cup, glass and a spoons
• Scotch tape
• Cord, strong, a good length of
• Steel cable with locking facility - for baggage
• Laundry and body soap
• Guidebooks
• Lots of smaller currency and loose change

Words Of Advice

Do remember to bring some insect repellent or mosquito coils. Mosquitoes in India can be unexpectedly fierce.

Cows are considered sacred in India, so when you are driving in India be careful not to abuse one.

Do carry sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.

Avoid walking bare-foot.

Even though Indians loved to be photographed, ask for permission before taking any photographs - some women and tribals may object to being photographed.

Always respect religious shrines and places of worship, they require visitors to observe a decent dress code. Take care not to violate any taboos in a mosque or a temple.

Change currency only from recognised money-changers - the Currency Exchange receipts will be useful for re-exchange on departure.

Photography is prohibited in some public places like railway stations, religious places, bridges and dams. Most tourist spots charge fees for photography and/ or videography.

When travelling overnight on a train, you are better off when you have your luggage chained together through the iron rings provided under the berths. Metal chains are available at all railway stations throughout India. However, do not put your cash and passport in your baggage - they are better off on your waist belt tucked under your shirt.

There are additional aspects you need to understand and learn to deal with when you are "on the road" in India. The following topics are a conscious and deliberate attempt in dealing with ground realities that foreign tourists face when in India.

General Information

Travelling in India is an exciting adventure - even for Indians themselves!

India, like its principal religion - Hinduism, defies definition and categorisation. If you come to this nation with an open mind and heart, you are bound to fall in love with it. If you a first time visitor, rest assured the mystic aura of the soil will lure you back again. You wlll love it and hate it at the same time!

The kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions is bound to make you wonder how a nation so diverse can remain united for so long.

It is an entirely different 'country' down south!

Though the Taj Mahal, Delhi, Jaipur and Calcutta are a must for inclusion in a typical tourist's itinerary, there are numerous other spots, known for their appeal, that are skipped for want of time. Most tourists make the first mistake of avoiding the south assuming it to be a 'Dravidian' culture. It is in the south that the so-called 'Aryan' practices of Vedic chanting and rituals are most rigorously practiced than anywhere on earth - not in the 'Aryan' north. Some of the most beautiful classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, etc. originated and still flourish in the south.

A Telugu poet, Shri Gurajada Apparao, once said "deSHamanTe maTTi kaadoy deSHamanTe manuSHuloy" (A nation does not mean dirt, it means people.) Visiting a tourist spot, wining and dining in a five star restaurant, going to a western movie and then retiring in a deluxe air-conditioned hotel room will teach you absolutely nothing about the fabric of this great nation. We strongly advise you to mingle, chat and exchange notes with people wherever you go. Indians are extremely friendly, helpful and hospitable. An exchange with an Indian is bound to bring out the philosopher in you and make you reflect on reality; See how people deal with situations - hypothetical or otherwise, and you will observe an entirely new avenue of hope for yourself!

Being a Good Guest

OK, you have finally decided to mingle with the natives, and got invited for tea, snacks or, if you are lucky, for lunch or dinner. You can rest assured here there is no catch here - there definitely is no Amway pyramid working in India. If you are not queasy and are ready for an adventure, you accept the invitation.

It is traditional - though not obligatory - to take a small offering, usually of fruits, flowers, sweets or a small gift, when visiting your host. The fruits or sweets are often redistributed to all present in the house after the meal.

The first thing one should remember on visiting an Indian's house, (especially a Hindu's) is that footwear is not welcome within the house. You are expected to remove your footwear and leave them before entering the house (make sure that they are not in a very public place and are safe there.) Removing socks too, will definitely help.

Most hosts, especially out of cities, will arrange for you to wash your hands and feet to rid the dust from your travel.

While, it is definitely exciting to share your anecdotes from around the world, the experiences and opinions of the host could be insightful too.

Dealing With Beggars

In almost all metropolitan cities in India, beggars will definitely flock around you for money, putting you in a "'damned if you give, damned if you don't" situation. Your conscience may prod you to dig into your pockets to shell out that change that had been bothering you for a while. But beware: if you give anything to one beggar out of compassion, you will instantly find that there are a lot more beggars than your eye could see. Your stern "no" or "maaf karo" (forgive me) is not accepted at face value - they will persist in the hope that you will ultimately give in. Ignoring them is the best way out. After a while you will notice the beggars would be maintaining their distance from you. This could be a very uncomfortable experience. We don't expect you to get used to this phenomenon. You will need to cope with situations like this.

Queuing Up

Standing in a queue for a service in India could be an experience in itself. You may get to see a lot of power games being played - individuals trying to get ahead somehow or the other. There could be times when you, being a foreigner, are 'allowed' some leeway in a queue - remember that the guest receives utmost respect in India.

One annoying aspect of queues in India is that the person directly behind you invariably stands so close to you that you that a honeymooning couple could put to shame! Our only advice to you is just keep a tag on all your belongings and have them within your sight.

We strongly recommend not to buy services through touts just because queues have started to get on your nerves. You could land up with lemons.

Gastronomic Tips

Visitors to India will be bewildered by the rich variety of Indian cuisine. The cuisine is very much a reflection of the ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the people as well as of geographic nature of the land.

In South India, for example, there is an emphasis on vegetarian cuisine. While in the north, Muslim and Mughal rule has influenced its cuisine to include more meat in the menus.

While in India, make it a point to savour different forms of cereals. Wheat, popular in the north, goes into the making of chapattis, puris, naans, shirmai and bathura. These breads are usually baked or fried and served hot with choice curries.

The geography in the south demands differently from the cuisine in the south, where rice is a staple food. Lentils and vegetables are cooked in a variety of ways with yogurt, pickles and papadams making up the other dishes.

Curries, hot and spicy, are a definite choice with the locals. These curries are either of meat, fish or vegetable cooked in a sauce of spices, onions, tomatoes, yogurt or coconut milk.

Don't worry about the cholesterol in your food; the travel and trekking, and especially the austerity in available facilities, will take care of it.

Health And Safety

Physically, India is a very safe place to travel in, in comparison to most other countries. There is political stability in most parts of the country and the rule of law prevails to a great extent. However, a simple advice to be streetwise will definitely go a long way in any city.

The following anecdote by Bill Aitken in "Turning East: New Lives in India" illustrates a unique philosophy of life:

My breakthrough into Hinduism came when I stayed with a Punjabi printer in Allahabad who took me for the customary morning bath in the Ganga. It was winter, chilly; we stripped off, I could see flotsam and jetsam and cigarette cartons and all sorts of muck bobbing about. He plunged in , calling, "Come! This is Ganga Mai."

"You don't expect me to jump into this." I yelled, "It's filthy!"

He replied, "It's not the water that is filthy; it's the dirt."

Suddenly, like Zen satori, I knew he was right, I jumped in too. And from that moment, I've never had typhoid or those things. I've had immunity - psychic immunity. You can't stay in India on boiled water; you have come round to the Indian way - if you get a bug, it's for a purpose. It's easier to live that way.

Food And Drink

The first and foremost hurdle any foreigner would face in India is dealing with his/ her thirst. The water in India is not treated and 'standardised' in western terms. Religiously avoid untreated drinking water. Insist on drinking bottled water -prefer "Bisleri" over others in the market. Buy your supplies only from established stores. As a further precaution, always keep your water-purifying tablets with you. Make sure you have your anti malarial tablets too.

Drink plenty of water especially in hot weather to avoid dehydration. Buy only bottled water on the trip, make sure the seals are intact (particularly at railway stations); if possible, buy them from retail outlets where you are confident that the bottles have not been tampered with. Crush the plastic bottles well after use and dispose them judiciously.

If safe water is not at hand, drink any of the aerated drinks available as a substitute. Fresh coconut water (opened before you) and oranges are great and safe substitutes. Brush your teeth with clean water. Carry water-purification tablets and glucose powder and electrolytic salt tablets for re-hydration.

Avoid sweets and candies from local markets, or foods that have been laid out in the open as is prevalent in most parts of the country.

Make sure the food you eat is served steaming hot.

Fresh fruit or vegetables must be rigorously cleaned (in fresh water) and should ideally be peeled; this is mainly to avoid intake of dust than pesticides, as is the case in western countries. Avoid raw salads in places where you are not confident of hygiene standards.

Dealing With Illnesses

We know this may sound unconventional, but if ever you fall ill while travelling through the countryside, consider using the natural solutions like herbs etc. We know this sounds ridiculous to a westerner, but the herbs, invariably, instantly alleviate conditions without any side effects or any cost to you. Do make it a point to read our health and fitness section in Hamarashehar.com.

Whatever the matter, avoid consuming alcohol - it is not advisable in a tropical country like India.

Local Travel

Air

Even the entry of privately owned domestic carriers has not forced the efficiency of Indian Airlines, the national domestic carrier. The schedules are still prone to unexplained delays; at the most there could be an announcement that the wait is due to the delay in the arrival of a VVIP - usually a politician. Book your tickets with longer free times between flights.

This does not mean the private carriers are doing good either - they are still struggling to survive.

Cost wise, most of the fares are 40 - 50 % higher than the first class fare on Rail travel for the same destinations.

Overbooking is common to popular destinations and, if stranded, you could have no recourse.

All domestic flights are subject to an IATT of 10% of the basic airfare.

Students between the ages of 12 and 26 with valid identification and children below the age of 12 are eligible for discounts on most airlines.

Travellers are advised to buy trip-delay, trip-cancellation and trip-interruption insurance, especially if you are using a non-refundable round-trip deal. It is also advisable to buy supplemental health insurance and travel health insurance directly from the Insurance company, if the existing health and home-owner's policies do not cover the same.

Railroad

Though Indian Railway system is the second largest system in the world, with trains connecting each and every part of India on a daily frequency, you can not assume that berths can be easily available - even if you have a pass.

Accommodation

India offers a wide range of accommodation to suit the budget of any traveller. And even though you may decide to stay put with the top end accommodation while in India, it is advisable to always have the following items in your possession wherever you go:

Palace Hotels & Heritage Hotels

India is also renowned for its Palace Hotels. Some of the former palaces and hunting lodges of the erstwhile princely states have been refurbished with modern facilities to provide an exotic experience with excellent standards of service in royal surroundings. These hotels are a must for those who wish to relive the lifestyle befitting the Maharajahs.

Tourist Bungalows

Provincial Tourism Departments all over the country, provide reasonably priced, neat and clean accommodation called Tourist Bungalows. Tourist Bungalows offer very comfortable stay with dining and other facilities, like either a dormitory or a self-contained room with an attached toilet. These are available at all tourist places throughout the country but tend to be booked because they are good value for money.

Yatri Niwas ("Traveller's abode")

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) runs Yatri Niwases in many tourist centers. These are reasonably priced, centrally located and provide all modern facilities to the tourists.

Railway Yatri Niwases and Retiring Rooms

Tourist travelling on the Indian Railways and those who are in transit can use accommodation facilities in Railway Yatri Niwases and Retiring Rooms at the railway stations. They are very reasonably priced. Accommodation is provided on a "first come first served" basis. This facility is provided by Indian Railways to facilitate tourists travelling by train.

Airport Retiring Rooms

International Airport Authorities (IAAI) maintains and provides a few retiring rooms facilities to those passengers who are in transit and want to stay at the airports. This facility is presently available only at 4 international airports i.e. Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. Reservation is available on a "first come first served" basis from the airport managers.

Paying Guest Accommodation

In India, foreign tourists can also stay in paying guest accommodation. Under this scheme Indians in different professions rent out one or more rooms of their houses to tourists. It is a good way for travellers to gain an insight into the daily life of someone living in India. Prices of rooms rent range from about US$10 - US$25 per night. The Government of India Tourist offices overseas as well as in major cosmopolitan cities in India maintain a list of such accommodation.

Youth Hostels

Youth hostels in India provide a convenient and cheap base for organised tours, treks, hikes or mountaineering expeditions and other budget conscious activities. The Department of Tourism has set up sixteen hostels spread out throughout every region, ideally placed for exploring both the plains and the hill stations. Each has a capacity of about forty beds or more, segregated roughly evenly between male and female dormitories. Beds with mattresses, bedsheets, blankets, wardrobe with locks, electric light points, member's kitchen with pots and pans and a general kitchen are available at reasonable fixed rates. Contact the Youth Hostel Association in your country for details and booking.

Campsites

These are found throughout the country, and are ideal for those seeking an adventurous, outdoor holiday. Standards of facilities vary.

YMCA/ YWCA

These are also ideal budget category hotels. Contact the Y.M.C.A. in your country for details and booking.

Houseboats

Houseboats are peculiar to Srinagar (Kashmir). Moored on the banks of the river Jhelum, and the Dal and Nagin Lakes, they range from 24 to 38 meters in length and 3 to 6 meters in width. There are two living rooms, two or three bedrooms, bathrooms and hot and cold running water. The boats are comfortable and are sumptuously furnished with all modern amenities: electricity, crockery, cutlery, radios and decks for bathing. Smaller boats can be punted about and moored at different places. Each houseboat has a paddle boat for crossings and an attached kitchen-boat which also serves as quarters for the staff. Reductions are available for children. In some cases they are available for lodging only.

Holidays And Festivals

Festivals are an intrinsic part of Indian culture. Given the rich cultural, religious, ethnic diversity in India, one can plan almost the entire year canvassing the procession of colourful festivities.

One should however note that the dates of festivals are synchronised with the lunar calendar and as such keep shifting on the Gregorian calendar.

Some Muslim celebrations/ festivals involve animal sacrifice - in full public view at certain places. Even if you eat non-vegetarian food, such ritual displays could turn your stomach inside out. (Look at the positive side - you could turn to vegetarianism!)

Fast Facts

Know before you land in India.

Electricity

Voltage 220, Frequency 50 Hz. (46 Hz. at the low end.) The power supply in India is considered pretty stable when the supply is continuous - meaning there are no 'brow-outs' as one would experience in some parts of Europe. However, this is 100% true for Mumbai, where the power supply is generated and distributed by a the a private entity. Elsewhere there are bouts of cyclic 'load-shedding' to cope with lower power generation due to seasonal crunch on resources.

Climate

India experiences three major seasons: summer, winter and the monsoon. During the summer months (April-June), expect the weather to be hot. In some areas temperatures can shoot up to 43 °C.

Winter months (November - March) are pleasant in India. You can expect snowfall in the northern areas and the foothills of the Himalayas. Other parts of India are cool during this season.

Expect the monsoons to hit India beginning June, particularly along the south-west coast. Rainfall is heaviest between October and December.

Language

India has two lingua francas: Hindi and English. English is spoken in almost all major cities, and is more prevalent in south India, while Hindi is more popular and predominant in north India. When you venture into the country side, however, you could come across lots of 'pockets' that would speak an entirely local language or a dialect and communication could be both fun and a challenge. It would be wise to have some trusted guide along when you venture to experience the countryside alone!

Currency

The unit of currency in India is the rupee. Visitors are not allowed to take out or bring into the country any Indian currency. Foreign currency in excess of US$10,000 has to be declared upon arrival for which a certificate will be issued.

Visas

A valid international passport is required for all visitors and unless you are from Bhutan or Nepal, all visitors have to obtain a visa from the nearest Indian Embassy prior to their arrival in India.

The multi entry tourist visa is valid for 180 days. Visas may be renewed at all state capitals where there is an Indian Consular office.

Customs

All personal effects, travel souvenirs, gifts (amounting to less than Rs 600 or S$25) are tax exempt.

Visitors are allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco and one litre of an alcoholic drink.

There are strict regulations concerning the export of antiquities, art objects and articles made from animals out of India. Please acquaint yourselves with the provisions of Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species and the Antiquities/Art Treasures Act, 1972.

For further information and clarification on the antiquity of an artifact, contact the Archeological Survey Office and The Ministry of The Environment and Forests Office in the state capitals.

Foreign Travel Tax

A FTT is applicable for international travel from Indian airports to neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Health Regulations

Unless you arrive from an infected area, no vaccination certificates are required for visitors. However it is advisable to get a cholera and typhoid vaccination.