Uncovering North India: Rajasthan 

Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalleled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Your passport must be machine readable, with 2 blank pages for your visa and valid for a minimum of 6 months AFTER the departure date from India.  Foreign nationals who arrive at an Indian port, holding non-machine readable passports will be denied entry.  Tourist visas are usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Visas can take between 1-3 days to come through.

All international travellers will need to get a visa before travelling to India.  If you arrive without a visa, you will be refused entry.  You can find further information about how to apply on the government of India’s e-Tourist Visa website.

Applicants of eligible countries may apply online for an e-Visa, a minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 120 days.  
Please make 2 photocopies of your passport photo page and visa documentation: take 1 copy with you, packed separately, and leave a spare at home with a contact person.  
Note that visa requirements may change at any time and it is your responsibility to check current requirements before travel.  
 

E-ARRIVAL CARD
Foreign nationals arriving in India must complete an e-arrival card online before reaching immigration. This digital disembarkation form replaces the paper-based arrival card, although paper forms will continue to be accepted until March 2026. 

The online e-arrival card can be completed up to 72 hours before you arrive. More details are available on the Indian visa website. The e-arrival card is not a visa, and you will still need a separate valid visa or OCI card to enter India.

If filling out a paper form (for travel before March 2026), please take the contact details of the India supplier that we have emailed you, as well as the address, tel. number and email of your first hotel to keep in your hand luggage. It is useful to have these details to hand anyway.

Currency

Local currency: Indian Rupee
Symbol: ₹
ISO code: INR
Subunit: The Indian Rupee is divided into 100 paise, but since 2011, only the 50-paise coin is still accepted as valid currency.
Banknotes: ₹5, ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, ₹500
Coins: ₹0.50 (50 paise), ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10,₹20
₹500 and ₹1000 banknotes of Mahatma Gandhi series issued up to November 08, 2016, have ceased to be Legal Tender with effect from the midnight of November 8, 2016.

Banking

Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Weekends: Limited hours or closed, check with local banks.
Public Holidays: Yes (Varies, typically reduced hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes

MONEY & COSTS
Different places have different cultures with regards to costs, tipping and service charges, bartering, begging, guides, and tourist services.  Guidebooks normally have sections explaining these things, and they are worth paying attention to, so you do not offend anyone or encourage a practice that authorities are trying to wipe out.  
•    Be aware, in particular, of giving to children begging.  Very often they are not the beneficiaries of your donation, and it also means they are less likely to go to school if they earn more for their family whilst begging (see below).  
•    Try to ensure that as much of your money as possible stays in the local community by buying local produce and souvenirs wherever possible, and not international brands.  Sometimes, as much as 90 pence spent in every pound by tourists can end up outside the host country.  
•    When bargaining, remember that small amounts can mean a lot more to the vendor than to you, so try to keep it light hearted! Remember how wealthy you will often be in comparison with the local people.
•    Poverty is a reality in India and you should be prepared to encounter a large number of beggars and hawkers.  Although it may very be difficult to resist, please don’t hand out money, sweets or other goods to children on the streets.  
•    Should you want to make a contribution, consider donating to a community centre, school or other local programme that is able to make a difference in a sustainable manner.  

MONEY
The Indian currency is the rupee, which is made of 100 paise.  Major currencies such as US dollars, British pounds and Euros are easy to exchange throughout India.  Whenever you change currency you will need to present your passport.  
UK currency (you might want a light cotton money belt), can be exchanged in India, but not before as Indian rupees are a closed currency and may not be taken in or out of the country.  At the time of writing the exchange rate is approximately £1 = INR111 and US$ 1 = INR84.  Please check the exchange rate closer to the time of your travel.  
Consider using a “cash passport” that can be uploaded with any sterling sum.  It’s a plastic card used with a PIN for cash withdrawals or purchase/hotel payments: a good safe way of carrying ready cash.  Purchasable online or from travel agents for a small fee. Monzo, Caxton FX, Revolut and the The Post office are all good examples.  

CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS 
The most commonly used cards are Visa and Mastercard. American Express is accepted throughout many, but not all parts of India. You should find 24hr ATM machines in most major towns and cities, but please notify your bank of your trip to ensure that ATMs work for you.  
Shop purchases or personal hotel extras such as spa treatment/drinks etc can usually be paid with a credit or debit card.  In more rural locations, for small purchases and service tips, it is a good idea to carry some cash as a back-up.
Please remember to carry your bank details and contact telephone number and the lost or stolen telephone numbers for any cards you are carrying.
 

TIPPING
Tipping in India is a common practice and is always appreciated.  You should never feel embarrassed about it.  How much you tip often depends upon where you come from and what your tipping culture is at home.  

As a guideline, we would suggest tipping a guide £7-10 per day, and a driver £5 per day where services are used. 

Most hotels have a tip box at reception  and approx. £5 per night would be a fair amount.

In restaurants and cafes, a tip of around 10% of the bill is fairly standard.

Please remember that these are just guidelines and tipping should always be at your own discretion!
 

Air:
Main airlines: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara
International Airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), and others
Domestic Airports: Numerous, including Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, and Patna.

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Limited
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes

Rail:
Railway system: Extensive
Subway System: Limited (in select cities)

Water:
Ferries: Limited
Water taxis: Limited
Leisure cruises: Limited

India is a tropical country and you must think about any health precautions before you fly.  Please contact your general practitioner in regard to the appropriate vaccinations before your holiday.

Please note that for your own safety you should inform us about any intolerances or allergies against any medications that you may have and also of any medical conditions, for example high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, etc.  Make sure you know your blood group.

For detailed and/or definitive medical advice, please consult your physician.  Your medical requirements are your responsibility. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE
In major cities private medical care is available.  In more remote areas medical facilities are limited.  Medical treatment must be paid for, so make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.  If you have to seek medical treatment advise your insurance company immediately.  Your medical requirements are your responsibility.

INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL
Make sure you stay hydrated during your international flight.  Try to sleep as much as you can – use earplugs, a travel pillow and eye-mask, eat delicately and limit the amount of alcohol consumed on board.  Do try to move around where possible to keep your blood circulating to avoid DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and swollen ankles.
 

IMMUNISATIONS FOR INDIA

This information has been taken from NHS Fit for Travel - https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain
• Courses or boosters usually advised: diphtheria; tetanus; hepatitis A; typhoid
• Vaccines sometimes advised: hepatitis B; rabies; tuberculosis; Japanese B encephalitis; cholera. 
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate – There is no risk of yellow fever but there is a certificate requirement for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission within the previous 6 days.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), from 11 July 2016 (for all countries), the yellow fever certificate will be valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated.  As a consequence, a valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate; and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required.

MALARIA
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.  You cannot be vaccinated against malaria   We are travelling in a ‘low to no risk’ malarial area where antimalarials are not usually advised.  However, you should consult your GP/Travel clinic before travelling for the very latest advice.  You should do this even if you have travelled to India before, as medications can change, and new developments are being made all the time.  

https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-east/india

The most important and effective way of preventing malaria is to prevent mosquito bites by taking care to ‘cover up’ in the evenings (with long shirt, trousers) and to take a good mosquito repellent with you.

It is important to note that no preventative measures are 100% effective.  Should flu-like symptoms and signs such as body pain, headache and fever develop 7 to 20 days after visiting an endemic area, please consult a medical professional.  

DENGUE AND ZIKA VIRUS

There is a risk of dengue in this country.  Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes which causes a flu-like illness and can occasionally develop into more serious symptoms.  Severe dengue is rare in travellers. 

UK health authorities have classified India as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.  Zika is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes; most people infected with Zika have no symptoms.  When symptoms do occur they are usually mild and short-lived.  Serious complications and deaths are not common. 

The most important and effective way of preventing malaria, dengue fever and ZIKA is to avoid mosquito bites particularly between dawn and dusk. 

Mosquito bites can be prevented in the following ways

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers towards evening.  Socks and closed shoes are also recommended.  Mosquitoes tend to be active in the early evening. 
• Apply insect repellents to exposed skin areas every 4-6 hours. 
• Burn insecticide oils or electrically heated insecticide tablets in the bedroom at night. 
• Spray knock-down insecticide for flying insects inside the bedroom in the early evening with windows/doors closed if there are no window screens. 
• Screened mosquito proof windows and doors and mosquito nets guard against mosquito bites.

HIV/AIDS

AIDS is known to exist in almost every country in the world and we suggest that you follow the recommendations made by your local Department of Health.

There is clear evidence that mosquitoes and other insects do not transmit the virus.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

BILHARZIA (SCHISTOSOMIASIS)

Bilharzia occurs in India.  It is caused by an infestation of parasitic worms and contracted by coming into contact with infected water.  A common indication of an initial infection is a localised itchy rash; symptoms of a more advanced infection will probably include passing bloody urine.  Bilharzia is readily treated and is only serious if it remains undetected and untreated.

The life-cycle of the parasites which cause bilharzia starts when they are urinated into a body of water and infect a particular species of water-snail.  These multiply, become free-swimming, and then leave the snail to look for a second host.  They can infect someone who comes into contact with that water, and they then produce eggs that are passed in the person’s urine, so continuing the cycle.

The only way to be 100% certain of avoiding bilharzia is to stay away from any fresh water bodies in India.  However, generally these snails do not inhabit fast-flowing water, and hence rivers are usually free from infection.  Hence more pragmatic advice when you are traveling is to avoid coming into contact with slow-moving or sluggish water.  Your tour guide will know where you should not swim - please ask before you take a refreshing dip.  Always towel off vigorously if you do go swimming.

If you think you have been infected, don’t worry about it – just get a test done on your return home.  Infections are usually easy to cure with a course of Biltracide tablets – which many local residents take once per year as a precaution.

UPSET STOMACHS

For us tourists, it is common to experience diarrhoea at some stage especially when it’s hot or when you are overtired.  It can be your body reacting to different water or food which carries bacteria that your body has had no previous contact with and to which it has not developed an immune response.  In most cases, it is not severe (but if you are worried, please speak to your guide).  You can help prevent this experience by following these simple guidelines:

• Stay out of the sun or wear a hat
• Do not drink tap water.  We suggest that you drink bottled (or boiled) water at all times, including for cleaning your teeth.  Two bottles of water will be provided per day free of charge throughout the trip - check that the seal of the bottle is intact.
• Do not order ice in drinks
• The safest thing to eat is freshly cooked food.  Do not eat cut fruits sold by roadside vendors, choose unpeeled fruits instead.  Avoid eating salads.  Drink fruit juice that is branded and sold packaged rather than fresh juice. 

MEDICAL EMERGENCY
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, alert your tour leader.  The number to dial for an ambulance in India is 112.  You should check with your insurer before travelling that your cover will be sufficient for this service.  If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment, you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly. 
 

As with travel to anywhere in the world, it’s always sensible to be cautious.  

Be observant and avoid displaying expensive cameras or cash.  

Deposit valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit box.  

Do not leave your baggage or hotel key unattended.

 Check out with local hosts the areas that are best avoided walking in after dark.  When returning to your hotel late in the evening, use the main entrance.  

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Wash thoroughly or peel 
Ice: Use commercially produced ice 
Meat: Ensure it's well-cooked 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Indian cuisine is diverse and varies greatly by region. Highlights include dishes like biryani, curry, dosa, chaat, and tandoori specialties. Vegetarian options are plentiful. 

Drinks: Chai, lassi, sugarcane juice, and various regional beverages like coconut water. Alcoholic beverages are available, with beer and whiskey being popular choices. 

Tipping: Generally 5-10% in restaurants; tipping for other services is discretionary. 

Annual rainfall: Varies greatly by region, 500 mm-4,000 mm
Average temperature: Varies greatly by region, 15°C-30°C 

Summer:
Average highs: 25-45°C
Average lows: 20-30°C

Winter:
Average highs: 10-25°C
Average lows: 5-15°C

Best time to visit: The best time to visit India depends on the region and your preferences. Generally, the winter months from October to March offer milder temperatures and are ideal for exploring most parts of the country.

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

WHAT TO PACK
It is important to be well prepared for your holiday; in order to be so, we have compiled the travel information for you mentioned below.  If you have more specialised questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (01394 382235).  
In India when travelling in certain places, it is better to dress conservatively.  
Daytime temperatures in November will be in the mid -high 20sºC, falling to around 15ºC at night.  We should escape high humidity and we are not anticipating any rain although weather patterns are not as predictable as they were. 
We will be moving from place to place, so please try to travel light.  Throughout your trip there will be plenty of opportunities to wash clothes, and a reasonably priced laundry service is available at an additional cost; it is therefore easy to keep your luggage light.  If you don’t over-pack, you will have space for some souvenirs!
Suggested packing checklist:
Clothing
Lightweight cotton clothing is ideal and modest dress is advised in the traditional rural communities we’ll be visiting.  For women: avoid shorts and short skirts, skimpy, sleeveless or transparent tops.  Rajasthan village women will be in traditional dress (saris or calf- length full pleated skirts worn with a type of long leggings, tops with short sleeves (never sleeveless), no bare legs showing and often veiled.  For us, longer lengths of skirt/dress/trousers/sleeves also help protect from insect bites.  
•    Cotton tops in light colours help to reflect sunlight.  If you like rich, vivid colours, you’ll be in tune with the locals!
•    2-3 pairs of comfortable cotton/linen trousers (three-quarter length OK for hotels, not in villages) or long, loose skirts.  Ankle-length wrap-around silk or cotton skirts also ideal.  Try to avoid denim as it can be very hot and chafe.  
•    A cotton or silk scarf may on occasion be useful to cover your head 
•    Shoes: summer sandals with robust soles to protect from long thorns in the countryside; a second pair of shoes is generally useful to avoid blisters from wearing same pair throughout the trip.  Bear in mind that you will feel the cold on your return and may want to wear socks, tricky with thong-toed sandals.  Waterproof shoes that can be washed easily (dust and dirt in the rural areas) are worth considering, as are types you can slip on and off easily for entering private houses and temples.
•    1 warm lightweight jumper (for UK) 
•    1 pair warm socks for return to UK
•    DVT socks for long-haul flight (knee-length, to protect against deep-vein thrombosis, available from chemists)
•    1 long-sleeved top for mosquito time (dusk) and sun relief 
•    Swimwear 
•    Sunhat with brim (squashable for packing is useful) or a simple visor

Other Items:
•    Wash-bag
•    Sunglasses
•    Small umbrella
•    Adapter plug 
•    Chargers for cameras & phones etc 
•    Small torch
•    If you wear contact lenses, a spare pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
•    Travel pillow & ear plugs
•    Small lightweight lock for suitcase (combination lock useful, as it requires no key)

First Aid Kit:
•    Sun Protection with high sun protection factor (above 25SPF)
•    Insect Repellent (spray more useful than cream, can spray on clothes; choose one containing a minimum of 20% DEET)
•    Spares of any prescription medication you are taking, plus photocopy of prescription itself
•    Paracetamol or similar
•    Packet of 12 Imodium tablets (diarrhoea treatment which we trust you won’t need)    
•    Rehydrating powder sachets (in case of dehydration or diarrhoea)
•    Bite/sting Relief Cream & Anti-histamine 
•    Travel sickness tablets, if required (some people may prefer the alternative of a light acupressure wristband, available from chemists)
•    Small tube of antiseptic cream (e.g.  Savlon, Germolene) and plasters
•    Sanitiser, carry a small dispenser of anti-bacterial gel on you at all times, ensuring you have plenty for the trip.  Gel is more useful than wipes or liquid, as it evaporates and doesn’t leave you with the problem of how to dispose of the wipe.  Keep it in your hand luggage for use on arrival if needed.  
•    Anti-bacterial mouthwash, small container 
•    General-purpose course of antibiotics in case of need; consult your GP

Visiting religious buildings:  If you are unsure about the etiquette for visiting a religious building please seek advice from your guide.  When entering buildings of religious importance such as temples or mosques you will probably be asked to cover your head and take off your shoes.  Remember to keep mobiles in silent mode!

Pack Protection: Take your hat and sunglasses everywhere and liberally apply the sun block and insect repellent every couple of hours, even on a cloudy day.  
 

Internet cafes: Limited, mobile data or Wi-Fi in accommodations and cafes available.
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited

Internet: Wi-Fi will be available at most of the hotels. You can avoid having an Indian sim and make use of this service for making calls and keeping in touch with loved ones back home via messenger services such as WhatsApp/Signal/Telegram/Facebook Messenger on the Wi-Fi.  

Telephone: The international code for India is 91, followed by the two-digit area prefix.  If you wish to make a call overseas, you must first dial 00, you then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call.  So, to ring the UK, you would dial 00 44 then the full number without the initial zero.
When calling India from India, there is no need to include the +91.

Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type M 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

In India the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.  You can use your electric appliances in India, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). 

Plugs and sockets in India have either grounded / earthed 3 Round Pin connections (Type D) or ungrounded 2 Round Pin connections (Type C).

Adaptors can be bought in all good electrical stores and are available at the airport.  They must say “suitable for India” on packet, voltage 220-240 v. 

Time Zone

Southern India is 5.30 hours ahead of the United Kingdom (SLST).

Language
Malayalam is the key language of South India, but English, Tamil and Hindi are also spoken.

Religion

Religion is South India is a mainly Hindu, but sectors of the population are Christians and Muslims.