What to Bring

If you're only traveling to a single destination, for example, Goa or Kerala, you can pretty much bring what you like. A suitcase is a good option. It's lockable, keeps your clothes flat and is less likely to get damaged by careless luggage handlers at the airport. Heavy luggage presents few problems if all you've got to do is get into the car and get to a hotel.

Responsible Tourism

Common sense and courtesy go a long way when you are travelling. Think about the impact you may be having on the environment and the people who inhabit it. One very simple way of minimising your impact is to reduce the amount of plastic you use. Buy terracotta cups at train stations rather than the plastic ones; recycle plastic bags; try and recycle plastic drinking bottles, or purify your water.
If you are planning on taking a camel safari in Rajasthan pay particular care to how you dispose of your rubbish; safaris operating out of Jaisalmer have left an alarming trail of trash through the desert. The same applies when trekking and mountaineering.
Finally, as exotic and tempting as they may be, avoid buying products that further endanger threatened species and habitats.

Passport

You must have a passport with you all of the time; it is the most basic travel document. Ensure that it will be valid for the entire period you intend to remain over

Visas for India

Six month multiple-entry visas (valid from the date of issue) are now issued to most nationals regardless of whether you intend staying that long or re-entering the country. Visas cost A$55 for Australians, UK£19 for Britons, and FF200 for French passport holders. US passport holders may also apply for one year and 10 year multiple entry visas, the latter, at the time of writing, only available from Indian embassies in the USA, Japan and Hong Kong. For US citizens, a six month multiple-entry visa costs US$50, a 12 month multiple-entry visa costs US$70, a 10 year multiple-entry visa costs US$120 and a transit visa costs US$25.

Money & Currency

The Rupee (Rs.) comprises of 100 Paise (p). There are coins of25 & 50 paise and Rs. 1, 2, 5 and 10 denominations, The currency notes are in denominations ofRs, 1,2,5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. In 1996, the Reserve Bank of India decided to stop printing Rs 1, 2 and 5 denomination notes. You are not allowed to bring Indian currency into or take out of the country. You
are allowed to bring in unlimited amounts of foreign currency or traveler’s cheques, but you are supposed to declare anything over US$1 000 on arrival.

Health

Travel health depends on your predeparture preparations, your daily health care while traveling and how you handle any medical problem that does develop. While the potential dangers can seem quite frightening, in reality few travelers experience anything more than upset stomachs.

Pregnancy

It is not advisable to travel to some places while pregnant, as some vaccines normally used to prevent serious diseases are not advisable in pregnancy (e,g, Yellow Fever). In addition, some diseases are much serious for the mother (and may increase the risk of a stillborn child) in pregnancy (e.g. Malaria).

Legal Matters

If you find yourself in a sticky legal predicament, contact your embassy. You should carry your passport with you at all time.

Airports & Airlines

Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Calcutta and Chennai are the main gateways for international flights. A new international airport has opened near Cochin in Kerala, which is serving direct flights to/from Europe and Asia. India's national airline is Air India.

Baggage Allowance

The baggage allowance is normally 20 kilograms (44Ibs) per person. Infants under the age of2 on the date of their return flight have no allowance. The baggage allowance may vary depending on the airline or flight. Please check your tickets for correct details. Only one small piece of hand luggage per person weighing less than 5 kilograms (11 lbs) (Max. size: 45cm x 35cm x 20cm) may be taken on board the aircraft. Please tell us when you book if you want to carry other items such as wheel chairs, push cars, windsurfs, bicycles, golf clubs, etc., so that we get the permission of the airlines in advance. Carriage of these items, except wheel chairs and pushchairs, cannot be guaranteed and may be subject to a charge at check in.

Excess Baggage

Airlines are increasingly enforcing stricter controls over excess baggage. You should be aware that if you exceed baggage allowance stated on your ticket, then an excess baggage charge maybe levied on you by the airline at the time of check in.

An Eco Friendly Thought

Travel is one of the natural rights of all people and is a crucial ingredient to world peace and oneness. With that right, come responsibilities, whether on business or leisure travel.

1. Please respect the frailty of earth. One must realize that unless all are willing to help in the planet's preservation, unique and beautiful destinations may not be there for our future generations to enjoy.
2. Please do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals, such as Ivory, Tortoise Shells, Animal Skins, Feathers, etc.
3. Walk wherever possible. Always follow designated trails. Do not disturb animals, plants or their natural habitats. Leave only footprints. Take only photographs. Do not remove 'Souvenirs' from historical sites and natural areas. Do not touch old paintings.
4. Encourage drivers to switch off their engines when a vehicle has to halt at one position for over 60 seconds.

Information Accyracy

The information and facts made available to you in this brochure have been compiled for helping you in deciding your preferences for the various tour itineraries and charting out your tour structure.