TIME
GMT plus 5hrs 30min’ in winter, GMT plus 4hrs 30min’ in summer
BANKS
From 1000 to 1400 hrs Monday through Friday, 1000 to 1230 hrs Saturdays.
All international airports have 24 hour exchange facility.
POST- OFFICE
From 1000 to 1630hrs Monday through Friday,0930 to 1230hrs on Saturdays
CLIMATE
Being a vast country, India has varied climatic conditions. October to March is a pleasant time throughout most of the country. Winter conditions set in from November till February particularly in North India. April to September is the Summer and Monsoon season
CLOTHING
Light Summer clothing required - mostly Cottons. Keep Arms and Feet covered to avoid mosquito bites.
During November to February light woolens are recommended especially while visiting the Northern part
GENERAL TIPS

• As with any foreign destination, the tourist is advised to drink bottled water, bottled drinks, coffee or tea. Most premier hotels have their own filtration system.
• Avoid eating spicy food all at one time soon after you arrive in India. Take one Indian dish only with each meal and ask the waiter to cut down on the chilies. Within a few days your system will get used to Indian food, one of the most delicious of world cuisine. It is advisable to stick to only cooked foods and to eat fresh fruits whose skin you can peel off or remove.
• Bring your own medicines, since all medications in India are locally manufactured and you may not find the same brand names. There are very good druggists and doctors everywhere, and they can advise on substitutes. If the necessity arises, ask your hotel to recommend a doctor.
• Do not forget to remove your footwear when visiting a place of worship or mausoleum. Also some temples do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises. Certain areas of temples are not open to Non-Hindus.
• Travel with a camera and a color film. India is a land of sunshine and color, begging to be photographed. Most type of films are available in India.
• Most cities have Beggar Homes to look after indigent persons and to teach them a trade, but professional beggars find begging more lucrative. If you wish to help them, do so through a recognized charitable organization, not by giving them alms.
• It is safe to travel in India, as you will find out for yourself. Even if you read of some trouble in any town or region, do not be discouraged, since most of India is safe at all times.
• Most museums in India are closed on Mondays and Site Museums, those near archaeological monuments, on Fridays. However, please check with us for timings.
• The electric current in India is 220/ 250 volts and 50 cycles. It is AC practically everywhere.
• India is a shoppers dream. Shopping is recommended from Government Emporia and suggested shops by us. Most of the large stores will ship your purchases for you, though, for convenience and to avoid postal delays, it is advisable to carry your shopping with you or to book it as baggage.
• Do not crowd too many places into your itinerary. Make sure that you get an occasional free half-day for rest, shopping or exploring on your own.
• If you wish to visit any restricted areas, as in the north- eastern region, check with the nearest India Tourist Office as to the permits needed.

PHOTOGRAPHY
For amateur photography of national monuments, there are no restrictions on taking photographs with a still camera (with flash inside the camera synchronized with exposure) or an 8mm.movie camera. It is prohibited to photograph places of military importance, i.e. airports, bridges, sensitive border regions. Certain temples may prohibit interior or exterior photography. Charges may be levied to photograph some monuments, forts or temples. Inside museums, or when photographing art works, flash cameras are prohibited.
CURRENCY
The units of Indian currency are the Rupee and Paisa (100 Paisa equal 1 Rupee). Paper money is in denominations of Rupees 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of Rupees 1, 2, 5 and 10
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers’ checks a tourist may import, provided a Declaration form is completed on arrival. This will facilitate the exchange of imported currency as well as the export of unspent currency on departure. Cash, banknotes and traveler’s checks up to US $ 10,000 or equivalent need not be declared at the time of entry. Any money in the form of traveler’s checks, drafts, bills, checks, etc., which tourists wish to convert into Indian currency should be exchanged only through authorized money- changers.
Tourists are warned that changing money through unauthorized persons is not only illegal but also involves the risk of receiving counterfeit currency. To exchange foreign money other than through banks or authorized money- changers is an offence. Please note that no Indian currency whatsoever can be imported or exported, except for Rupee travelers’ checks. Banks abroad to keep Rupee balances with their agents in India and are able to draw upon these balances to issue Rupee travelers’ checks to intending tourists.
VISA
All non-residents require visas for India, which must be obtained prior to departure. Visa can be obtained through the E-Visa facility available through https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html or the nearest Embassy/High Commission.
In case you are travelling to neighbouring countries and are coming back to India after that visit again, ensure you have double/multiple entry visas.
HEALTH AND VACCINATION
India has been certified as Malaria free. Although there is no need for any Anti-Malaria medication, it is up to the individual to decide. No other Vaccinations or Medicines are required before coming to India.
For advice on vaccination and immunizations you may please visit http://www.masta-travel-health.com/.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Adequate travel insurance is important for your personal safety. Mountain and other adventure sports enthusiasts should have insurance that covers trekking, climbing and mountain biking.
COMMUNICATION
Mobile phone coverage is extensive all over India, with the exception of some remote areas in National Parks, where it may not work. Please check with your mobile provider for network tie-ups.
MEDIA
Most national papers are published in Hindi, English and all regional languages.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tourists should seek permission from the concerned authorities before taking photographs of places of military importance, railway stations, bridges, airports, military installations, metro trains, tribal areas and sensitive border regions. It is prohibited to take photographs in some of the temples, historical monuments, forts, palaces, tombs and monasteries. Visitors are required to take special permits from the Archaeological Survey of India for photographing monuments with tripods and artificial lights. Camera fee is charged extra in some historical monuments.
SHOPPING AND SOUVENIRS
Most shopping areas have an opening times from 1000 – 2000 and most will have one closing day per week though this day will vary from place to place. Central Cottage Industries, State Emporiums and Delhi Haat are some of the prominent places that can we be visited for shopping.
SIGHTSEEING Most museums in India are closed on Mondays and site museums especially those near archaeological monuments, on Fridays. Photography is not always permissible, and at many places it is permitted only at a fee. There is usually a higher fee for using a video camera.
When you are visiting religious sites, it is advisable to wear trousers, full-length skirts. Try and wear shoes that can be slipped on and off easily, as in some religious site you may need to enter the sanctorum bare foot.
English is spoken at almost all tourist centres; you can also book the services of trained and approved guides who also speak German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian or Russian through the GTO in advance.
TIPPING
Some hotels include service charges on their bills; in such cases tipping is not necessary. Where this is not done, a tip of 5 to 10% is considered customary.
The porter who takes your baggage to your room can be tipped Rs.20 per bag or Rs.50 per trolley. (These estimates are for 5 and 4-star hotels and would be proportionately less in 1, 2 or 3 star hotels).
Tipping to taxi drivers for airport/railway station transfers is not customary. However, Tour guides and drivers do expect tips depending on the assignments and number of days spent on the tour.