Helpfull Travel Information
GEOGRAHPHY:
India is described as a sub-continent which can be broken down into five zones. They are Northern India, Southern India, Eastern India, Western India, and Central India. India is a large, triangular –shaped country in southern Asia. It’s bordered by Pakistan to the northwest, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. India covers a land area of some 1,281,930 square miles and is the seventh largest country in the world. India is bounded to the southwest by the Arabian Sea, to the southeast by the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean to the south. The Ganges is the longest river originating in India and forms the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The Ganges-Brahmaputra system occupies most of northern, central and eastern India, while the Deccan Plateau occupies most of southern India. Along its western frontier is the Thar Desert, which is the seventh-largest desert in the world.
HISTORY:
Historically India is an ancient land with a continuous civilization of 5,000 years. India’s earliest known civilization, The Indus Valley Civilization, is identified by its interesting culture as well as its artifacts. The strength and basis of Hinduism is attributed to the Vedic Culture as well as the origin of the caste system. India has had many different influences throughout its history due to the migration, invasion or expansion of other nations. India was a wealthy country, economically and culturally up until British colonization. Europeans would trade with India for spices or cotton textiles, but when the British colonized the country the economy declined. Present-day India has made significant headway in large-scale industrialization. As a result, India has become one of the top five industrialized nations in the world. It produces every conceivable industrial item and consumer goods and has achieved significant success in frontier scientific research including peaceful application of nuclear energy, space and satellite research, communication technology, and biotechnology. India also has the third largest reservoir of scientific and technological manpower. On August 15, 1947 India attained its independence. It adopted a parliamentary system of government with a union of states proclaiming it to be a Sovereign Democratic Republic.
WHAT TO SEE:
NEW DELHI:
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It is situated within the metropolis of Delhi and is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. New Delhi is one of the nine districts of Delhi. The total area of the city is 42.7 kilometres. New Delhi overlays the site of seven ancient cities and hence includes many historic monuments. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Delhi served as the political and financial centre of several empires of ancient and medieval India, most notably of the Mughal Empire from 1799 to 1849. The foundation stone of New Delhi was laid by King George V and Queen Mary at the site of Delhi Durbar of 1911 at Kingsway Camp on December 15, 1911, during their imperial visit. Large parts of New Delhi were planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, leading 20th century British architects. Lutyens first visited Delhi in 1912, and construction really began after World War I and was completed by 1931. Lutyens laid out the central administrative area of the city as a testament to Britain's imperial aspirations. Inaugurated on February 13, 1931, by Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, the city is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and is home to numerous national institutions and landmarks.
ANADPUR SAHIB:
Anandpur Sahib was founded in the year 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, near the ruins of an ancient place, Makhowal. Anandpur Sahib is a city and a municipal council in Rupnagar District in the state of Punjab, India. It is known as "the Holy City of Bliss," it is a holy city of the Sikhs and is one of their most important sacred places, closely linked with their religious traditions and history. It is located on the lower spurs of the Himalayas surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, with the river Sutlej forming a shimmering and shiny blue border on the south west barely four miles away.
AGRA:
Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located at the banks of river Yamuna, 363 kilometres (226 miles) west of state capital, Lucknow and 200 kilometres (124 miles) south from national capital New Delhi. It achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-Era buildings, most notably the Tāj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpūr Sikrī, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
PLACES TO SEE IN AGRA:
TAJ MAHAL:
The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India is known as the “crown of buildings”. It is a mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his empress, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the most recognizable and beautiful structures in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal Architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands partisans and craftsmen. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once the construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori’s hands cut off and blinded so that he would never be able to duplicate the structure. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures.
AGRA FORT:
Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, India on the banks of the river Yamuna, almost in the center of the town. It is about 2.5 kilometres northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city that represents the architecture in the periods of three great Mughal Empires, Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jehan. It is the most important fort in India. The conspicuous structures within the complex are Jehangiri Mahal, Anguri Mahal, Khas Mahal, and Moti Masjid Fatehpur Sikri. This city was built entirely of sandstone but later abandoned because of water shortage. The great Mugals, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers, and dignitaries. The fort was the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857 that caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India and led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.
AMRITSAR:
Amritsar, translated as The Pool of Immortality. The Golden City is a city in the northwestern part of India and is the administrative headquarters of the Amritsar district Langar in the state of Punjab, India. Amritsar is situated 217 kilometres (135 miles) northwest of state capital Chandigarh and is 32 kilometres (20 miles) east of Lahore, Pakistan and therefore, very close to India's western border with Pakistan. Amritsar is home to the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. This important Sikh shrine attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal in Agra as it has more than 100,000 visitors on week days alone and is the number one destination for non-resident-Indians througout India. The city is the main centre of Sikhs' cultural, religious, and political history. Amritsar is also known for the incidents of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919 under British Rule and Operation Bluestar Massacre in 1984 under the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. The main commercial activities include tourism, carpets and fabrics, farm produce, handicrafts, service trades ,and light engineering. The city is known for its food and culture.
AURANGABAD:
Aurangabad is a city in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. Aurangabad (meaning "Built by the Throne") is named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The city is a tourist hub, surrounded with many historical monuments, including the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Bibi Ka Maqbara. The administrative headquarters of the Aurangabad Division or Marathwada Region, Aurangabad is said to be a City of Gates and the strong presence of these can be felt as one drives through the city. Recently Aurangabad has been declared as Tourism Capital of Maharashtra. The city is also one of the fastest growing cities in the world.
There is evidence to believe that Aurangabad was developed as a trading hub four centuries ago. It lies on a major trade route that used to connect north-west India's sea and land ports to the Deccan Region. The city was a major silk and cotton textile production centre. A fine blend of silk with locally grown cotton was developed as Himroo Textile. Paithani silk saris are also made in Aurangabad. With the opening of the Hyderabad-Godavari Valley Railways in the year 1900 several ginning factories were started. After 1960, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) began acquiring land and setting up industrial estates. Aurangabad is now classic example of efforts of state government towards balanced industrialisation of state.
AJANTA CAVES:
The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India are 31 rock-cut cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BC. The caves include paintings and sculptures that are considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist Religious Art (which depict the Jataka Tales) as well as frescos which are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka. The caves were built in two phases starting around 200 BC, with the second group of caves built around 600 AD. Since 1983, the Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves are located in the Indian State of Maharashtra just outside the village of Ajintha in the Aurangabad District.
CHANDIGRAH:
Chandigarh is a union territory of India, that serves as the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana. The name Chandigarh translates as "The Fort of Chandi". The name was coined from an ancient temple called Chandi Mandir, devoted to the Hindu Goddess Chandi, present in the city's vicinity. It is occasionally referred to as The City Beautiful. Earlier the Chandigarh Capital Region was also called 'Tricity' because of Panchkula and Mohali as adjacent cities but with the mushrooming of other towns such as Zirakpur, Kharar and its considerable population it is better known as the 'Chandigarh Capital Region'.
As the first planned city of India, Chandigarh is known internationally for its architecture and urban planning. Chandigarh is home to numerous architectural projects of Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Matthew Nowicki, and Albert Mayer. The city tops the list of Indian States and Union Territories with the highest per capita income in the country. As per a study conducted by Ministry of Urban Development, Chandigarh has emerged as the cleanest city in India.
GOA:
Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole. Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. Renowned for its beaches, places of worship, and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.
HARIDWAR:
Haridwar is an important pilgrimage city and municipality in the Haridwar District of Uttarakhand, India. The River Ganges, after flowing for 253 kilometres (157 miles) from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time at Haridwar, which gives the city its ancient name, Gangadwára. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. According to the Samudra manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik, and Allahabad are one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the Kumbha Mela being celebrated every 3 years in one of the 4 places, and thus every 12 years in Haridwar. Amidst the Kumbha Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away their sins to attain Moksha. Brahma Kund, the spot where the Amrit fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. Haridwar is the headquarters and the largest city of the district. Today, the city is developing beyond its religious importance, with the fast developing industrial estate of State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation.
MATHURA:
Mathura is a city in the North Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. It is located approximately 50 kilometers north of Agra, and 145 kilometers south of Delhi. It is the administrative centre of Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh. During the ancient period, Mathura was an economic hub, located at the junction of important caravan routes. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna at the centre of Braj or Brij-bhoomi, called Shri Krishna janma-bhoomi, literary 'Lord Krishna's birth place'. The Keshav Dev Temple was built in ancient times on the site of Krishna's legendary birthplace (an underground prison). As per the epics Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana, Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Kingdom, ruled by Kamsa the maternal uncle of Krishna. Mathura is also famous as one of the first two centres of production for images of the Buddha, the other being Gandhara in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. Human images of the Buddha began to appear at approximately the same time in both centres in the 1st Century AD but can be distinguished from one another as the Gandharan images are very clearly Graeco-Roman in inspiration with the Buddha wearing wavy locks tucked up into a chignon and heavier toga-like robes. The Buddha figurines produced in Mathura more closely resemble some of the older Indian male fertility gods.
MUMBAI:
Mumbai formerly known as Bombay is the capital of the Indian State of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India and the second most populous city in the world, with a population of approximately 14 million. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour. As of 2009, Mumbai was named an Alpha world city. Mumbai is also the richest city in India and has the highest GDP of any city in South, West or Central Asia. The seven islands that came to constitute Mumbai were home to communities of fishing colonies. For centuries, the islands came under the control of successive indigenous empires before being ceded to the Portuguese and subsequently to the British East India Company. During the mid-18th century, Mumbai was reshaped by the British with large-scale civil engineering projects and emerged as a significant trading town. Economic and educational development characterized the city during the 19th century. It became a strong base for the Indian independence movement during the early 20th century. When India became independent in 1947, the city was incorporated into Bombay State. In 1960, following the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, a new state of Maharashtra was created with Bombay as capital. It was renamed Mumbai in 1995. Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India, generating 5% of India's GDP and accounting for 25% of industrial output, 70% of maritime trade in India (Mumbai Port Trust & JNPT), and 70% of capital transactions to India's economy. Mumbai is home to important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India, and the corporate headquarters of numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations. It houses India's premier nuclear institutes like BARC, NPCL, IREL, TIFR, AERB, AECI, and the Department of Atomic Energy. The city also houses India's Hindi & Marathi film and television industry, known as Bollywood. Mumbai's business opportunities, as well as its potential to offer a higher standard of living, attract migrants from all over India and, in turn, make the city a potpourri of many communities and cultures.
RISHIKESH:
Rishikesh spelled Hrishikesh, Rushikesh, or Hrushikesh, is a city and a municipal board in the Dehradun District in the Indian State of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by two other districts namely Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal. It is located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city. Rishikesh is also known as "Teerth Nagri" or "Yog Nagri" or "Yoga City" or the City of Temples, Yoga, and Meditation or “The World Capital of Yoga and it has numerous yoga centers that attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is located around 25 kilometres north of another holy city, Haridwar. Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary 'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal). Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon King of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge. The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The sacred river Ganges flows through Rishikesh. It is here that the river leaves the Shivalik Mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh.
WEATHER:
India basically has a tropical climate with three main seasons: Summer season: April to mid-June, the Monsoon Season: late June to September and the Winter Season: October to March. The most pleasant time to visit most places is during the cooler period between October to around mid-February. Around October the monsoon ends for most of the country as it’s generally not too hot or cold.
Courtesy of Learning Through Travel
Temperature (ºF) - Average lows and highs Temperature (ºF) - Average lows and highs (continued)
PASSPORTS & VISAS:
All foreign visitors must be in possession of a valid national passport, a valid visa, and an onward/return ticket. The passport must be valid for at least six months after your travel ends. Please note that you must have two blank pages for each country in your passport to make sure there is room for the proper visa and immigration stamps upon entry. You are responsible for obtaining your own valid passport and the proper visas prior to your departure. Below you will find listings of companies that can assist you in obtaining a passport and/or visa.
Company 
Address Phone Website
Address Phone WebsiteName
Travisa Passport & See website 800-222-2589 www.travisa.com
See website 800-222-2589 www.travisa.comVisa Service for various refer to website
for various refer to website locations in U.S. for alternate numbersWorldwide Visa & Miami & Houston 305-774-0070 www.passport.com
Miami & Houston 305-774-0070 www.passport.comPassport Services, Inc. locations or 713-961-3131
locations or 713-961-3131Zierer Visa Refer to website 866-788-1100 www.zvs.com
Refer to website 866-788-1100 www.zvs.comService for locations in U.S. refer to website for alternate numbers
for locations in U.S. refer to website for alternate numbersPlease note that if you choose not to use one of the above companies you may also elect to obtain your visa directly through the proper consulate office. Further information may be found at: www. indianembassy.org.
We recommend that you allow sufficient time (a minimum of six weeks) if you need a new passport to be issued. It is also recommended that that you make two copies of your first passport page; keep one copy at home in the unlikely event that your passport is lost and take the other copy along to use as an ID when cashing traveler’s checks should you decide to leave your passport behind in the hotel safety deposit box. You will need two recent photos, plus proof of citizenship or your expired passport in order to apply or renew your passport. You may choose to expedite the processing time with door – to – door delivery of your new or renewed passport in about three weeks. You may call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778 for information and fees, email them at npic@state.gov or visit their website at http://www.travel.state.gov.
SINCE AIRLINE TICKETS MUST BE IN THE SAME NAME THAT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT, PLEASE MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU GIVE LEARNING THROUGH TRAVEL YOUR NAME AS IT APPEARS EXACTLY ON YOUR PASSPORT.
CUSTOMS:
The usual duty-free regulations apply to India. You are permitted free allowance of 1Litre of alcohol and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250grams of tobacco. You are allowed to bring in expensive items such as video cameras, laptop computers but they may be entered on a “Tourist Baggage Re-Export” Form to ensure you take them out with you when you go. A currency declaration form has to be filled out by tourists if they enter the country with cash or travelers checks over $10,000.00US or its equivalent in any other currency upon arrival.
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
The baggage allowance for checked luggage in economy class on most international flights are two pieces, each weighing no more than 50 pounds. The baggage limit on domestic flights is one piece at 50 pounds per person (plus a carry-on bag, weighing no more than 18 pounds, not to exceed 45inches length, width, and height added together).
Carry on Baggage Rules: Passengers may carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortable in a single, quart size, clear plastic, zip-top bag. After clearing security, you may bring beverages and other items purchased on board the aircraft. Larger amounts of prescription liquid medications and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening. We recommend that you only take 1 piece of luggage and a carry-on. You will be doing a fair amount of travel, so it is best to pack as light as possible. Always check with your carrier for updated rules and regulations.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies, and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim. You may obtain travel insurance through Travel Guard Purchase Protection Plan (www.TravelGuard.com). Please complete the applicable form and mail it back to Learning Through Travel and we will apply the insurance for you or you may choose to apply for the insurance online, in which case, you will be asked for your Travel Agents ID # 00552160, as this will identify your booking with Learning Through Travel.
INOCULATIONS:
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas. It is suggested that you have an up-to-date tetanus shot. You may also want to take inoculations against Hepatitis A and/or B, and Typhoid. Please consult your physician, local health authority or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Hotline for international travelers at 1-877-394-8747 or on their website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel for any additional health precautions. Further health information for travelers can be available at http://www.who.int/iht.
MEDICAL FACILTIES:
Adequate to excellent medical care is available in the cities and usually limited or unavailable in rural areas.
FOOD AND WATER:
The finest of India’s Cuisines is as rich and diverse as its civilization. Most Indian Cuisines are related by similar usage of spices, with the blend known as curry. One should avoid all tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Bottled water is recommended, available everywhere, and should be purchased from a reputable source and not from a street vendor. One should use bottled water when brushing their teeth.
Indians generally eat with their hands while very few do so in the five-star westernized restaurants, the majority will in most other places. It is typically Indian to share food or drinks even if you do not really want to. Sharing food at a restaurant is an Indian norm as menus are set up specifically to cater to this style of dining.
LANGUAGE:
Languages spoken in India are different in each state. Many of the states are divided linguistically and there are hundreds of local dialects, however the national language spoken is Hindi. Mostly in larger cities people speak English.
CLOTHING:
Visitors to India should respect local code of dress and behavior. Dress informally while on tour and carry lightweight clothes that can be easily laundered. Laundry facilities may be few and far between therefore you should bring an adequate yet not overabundant supply of clothing. For evening dinners and events, we suggest a blazer for men and appropriate evening wear for the ladies. Light and cool clothes are sensible and advisable. Many sites require long pants, long-sleeved shirts and that visitors dress neatly and conservatively. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compounds of a temple but inside the temple no shoes are allowed. It is recommended that you wear a comfortable, cool and cheap pair of sandals or flip-flops that are easy to remove and unlikely to be stolen in places of worship. In mosques you need to make sure your shoulders are covered and in Sikh gurudwaras you need to keep your head covered. It is worth purchasing a scarf and keeping it handy in your handbag at all times for your visits to the religious sites.
SAFTEY AND SECURITY:
Travelers should be careful when walking in crowded markets, tourist sites, and bus or train stations. Pickpockets can be very adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. Theft of U.S. Passports is quite common, particularly in major tourist areas. Walking alone at night outside the immediate grounds of the city hotels is not recommended. Some hotel accommodations do not have lock boxes so it is recommended that you leave all your valuables at home. If a safety deposit box is not available then you should carry your traveler’s checks along with your other valuables, including your passport and credit cards with you.You may obtain a pamphlet “A Safe Trip Abroad” which provides useful information on personal security while traveling abroad. It is available either by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or via the internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/.
CALLING TO INDIA FROM THE USA/CANADA:
DIAL 011 + 20 COUNTRY CODE + AREA CODE + PHONE NUMBER
TIME:
The standard time for India is calculated from Allahabad and is common to all cities. Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of London, 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Paris, and about 10 hours and 30 minutes behind New York time, and 3 hours and 30 minutes behind Tokyo and 4 hours and 30 minutes behind Sydney. There is no daylight savings time in India.
VOLTAGE:
The electric current is 230 volt AC throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travelers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders, and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
You should make sure to take along your camera, extra batteries, adapters, and memory cards and buy them beforehand as it may be expensive and limited in India. Charging facilities for video cameras should be available in most hotels with your standard charger. Please refrain from taking any photographs at airports, harbors, military installations, harbors, or government buildings as it is considered illegal. If you want to photograph any local people, you must ask their permission and expect to tip them. It is best to check with your guide.You may have to pay a fee, payable upon entrance, for using a still/and or a video camera in most monuments, national parks, attractions, and wildlife sanctuaries. This fee ranges anywhere from approximately Rs 10 to Rs 500 depending upon the place and type of camera being used.
CREDIT CARDS/TRAVELERS CHECKS/ATMS:
American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and Diners Club are generally accepted by most large establishments including hotels, shops, and airlines. It is advisable to carry some cash or travelers checks in U.S. Dollars for purchases outside and for tipping. ATMs are often the best way to obtain money in a foreign land but unfortunately there aren’t many ATM machines in India outside of Calcutta. Check with your bank about bank locations in India and using your ATM card abroad. Make sure that you get information on the charges for these transactions. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. Cash works well in marketplaces and with vendors along side the roads where bargaining is expected.
CURRENCY:
The currency in India is the Rupee which is divided into 100 paise. The Rupee comes in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50,100, and 500. Notes can get disfigured therefore do not accept torn or disfigured notes. In case you do get torn notes you can exchange them at the Reserve Bank of India or large braches of other reputable banks.US dollars are the easiest currency to change with pounds sterling but other hard currencies such as Yen, French Francs, Canadian Dollar, Deutsche Mark can also be changed in tourist areas and big cities.
BANKS:
It is advisable to change ample amounts of money at one time and keep the encashment certificates. Encashment certificates will be needed when changing excess rupees back or for tax clearance certificates. Banking hours in India are from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday and from 10:00am to 12:00pm on Saturdays. Banks are located in Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, and Madras airports. Ashoka Hotel in Delhi and the Air India Building in Mumbai are open 24 hours a day. You can also wire money into India. These services are offered by foreign banks with branches in India and also with Indian Banks that have branches abroad such as the State Bank of India and the Bank of Baroda.
GRATUITIES:
Tipping to the hotel employees and restaurants are included in your tour cost. Customary tipping is not included in your tour.
The following is a suggested guidelines but as always tipping is at your own discretion:
Local Guide- $5.00 per day
Airport Transfer personnel - $2.00 per person (per transfer)
Local Driver - $2.00 - $3.00 per person per day
Hotel Workers $1.00 per day
Porterage (although already included) $1.00 per bag
It is recommended that you bring a sufficient amount of $1.00 and $5.00 bills for daily tipping.
INDIA FACTS:
The official Sanskrit name for India is Bharat.
India has been called Bharat even in Satya yuga (Golden Age).
The name India is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu.
The Persian invaders coverted it into Hindu. The name “Hindustan” combines Sindhu and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.
The number system was invented by India. Aryabhatta was the scientist who invented the digit zero.
Sanskrit is considered as the mother of all higher languages. This is because it is the most precise and therefore suitable language for computer software.
Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus are the studies which originated in India.
The “place value system” and the “decimal system” were developed in 100BC in India.
The first six Mogul Emperor’s of India ruled in an unbroken succession from father to son for two hundred years, from 1526 to 1707.
The World’s First Granite Temple is the Brihadeswara Temple at Tanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The shikhara is made from a single 80-tonne piece of granite and built in five years between 1004 AD and 1009AD during the reign of Rajaraja Chola.
India is the largest democracy in the world, the 6th largest country in the world and one of the most ancient and living civilizations (at least 10,000 years old).
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:
Small backpack to take while exploring
A small flashlight
Adapter plugs and converters
Packaged wet tissues (“Wash & Dry”, “Wet Ones”)
A small calculator for estimating cost while shopping
Plenty of memory cards for your camera, extra batteries or rechargeable ones
Good quality sunglasses-preferably polarized and a sun hat with a brim
Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes or broken-in hiking shoes are fine)
Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside (depending on the season)
Jacket or sweater for cooler mornings or evenings
If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses
Personal toiletries, moisturizing cream & suntan lotion, insect repellent
Tickets, Passports, Cash, Traveler Checks, ATM/Credit Card
Waterproof bags/cover for your cameras
Medical Insurance Card
Travel Insurance Certificate
RECOMMENDED READING LIST:
Essential India by Stanley Wolpert, 2005.
A wonderfully literate introduction of India by the acknowledged master.
Author of 14 books and a professor of history since 1958, Wolpert distills a tremendous amount of information in this detailed overview, tackling the environment, religion and philosophy, the arts and sciences, domestic and foreign policy, and culture.
World Food India by Martin Hughes, 2001
A compact guide to the history, culture, and traditions of food and drink in India, including an excellent survey of common ingredients, a culinary dictionary, and guide to etiquette.
India: Land of Dreams and Fantasy by Doranne Jacobson
This large-format hardbound volume features 300 color photographs and informative essays on India’s history, religions, architecture, rural wonders, urban glories, handicrafts, rituals, festivals, and daily life.
Indian Interiors by Deidi Von Schaewen
Divided geographically, this handsome book presents color photographs of interiors throughout India, grand and everyday, including not only homes and palaces but also forts, castles, shacks, huts, and riverboats. It’s a wonderful glimpse into the diversity of Indian society, culture, and history.
Mangoes & Curry Leaves, Culinary Travels Through the Great Subcontinent by Jeffrey Alford & Naomi Duguid
In this latest book the roving, food-loving authors (Hot Sour Salty Sweet) travel the seven countries of the Indian Subcontinent: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, collecting not only 200 recipes but also engaging tales of the people, history, and adventures. With color photographs of food and places throughout India.
Insight Guide India by Insight Guides, 2004
A volume in the award-winning Insight series, this guide is noted for its wonderful photography, full-color maps, superb production and informative short essays on contemporary topics such as India’s movie industry, language, and cuisine. It includes introductions to the major temples, forts, and wildlife sites, as well as background on each region, and plenty of photos and maps. A well illustrated overview of the culture, history, and attractions of the subcontinent for travelers.
