Facts about India

India is a wonderful country to visit and offers you an experience of a lifetime. The following facts about the country will prove to be a handy and helpful reference kit for travellers visiting India, especially for the first time. They are as follows:

• All foreign nationals have to pay their hotel bills in foreign currency only, in cash or travelers cheques or credit cards. However, Indian rupees are accepted if supported by a proof of encashment in India of foreign currency or traveller’s cheque.
• Insist on seeing the latest fare chart available with taxi or auto rickshaw drivers and pay accordingly.
• Don’t purchase air/rail/bus tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents / tour operators.
• Beware of unscrupulous shopkeepers.
• Don’t point your finger at any person. It is taken as a sign of annoyance.
• One must carry proper maps of the places proposed to visit.
• Women travelling alone should take extra care and don’t go to deserted place or go out in dark without a trustworthy escort.
• Plan a trip. One must plan a trip to India. It is broadly advised to visit India in the month of October to March. One can acquaint with the cultural and historical heritage, multifaceted and multi – coloured religion and of India.
• Once your plan to visit India is fixed then, book your hotels in advance. Hotels and accommodations systems are well defined to suit every pocket. Contact a tour operator or a tour guide, who will make your tour easy and comfortable.
• Be respectful and observant.
• It is advisable to have travel insurance for theft; loss and medical assistance.
• Try to avoid unrelenting touts. Always use tourist assistance desk for proper use.
• It is advisable not to visit places which encourage orthodoxy, social injustice and inhuman practices.
• Maintain silence whilst visiting any religious places. Footwear is not allowed in any religious places/temples.
• Stay away from drug or drug sellers. Possession or consumption of these things is illegal.
• Don’t encourage beggars by giving them money or any kind.
• One must check with the officials before clicking the photographs of the monuments.
• It is very essential to ensure one’s security by virtue of some safety measures.
• Foreign nationals visiting India should get themselves registered at their respective High Commissions.
• Tourists should not carry cash more than their need.
• Visa conditions are subject to change. They can apprise themselves by contacting the nearest branch of the Indian High Commission.
• The government of India highly thinks on the safety and security of the tourists visiting the country. Police patrolling is being extended to almost all tourist destinations. The lifeguard services are available at beaches and backwaters.

Suggestions and complaints are followed up with immediate action. Public Relation Cell is also set up at important tourist destinations.