General Introduction

CLIMATE IN INDIA
India has  generally hot tropical  climate although with  considerable variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from November to mid-March, with cool, fresh mornings and evenings and dry, sunny days. Really hot weather, when it is dry and dusty, is between April and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions between June and September. Geographically, India can be divided into following parts:

Himalayan and Trans Himalayan Regions
Indian states of Jammu & Kashmir,  Himachal Pradesh and hills of Uttarachal, Bengal and Sikkim fall in the Himalayan and  Trans-Himalayan regions. In this region, March to mid-July is pleasant; end July to  end September  is  pouring rains  (except for in  Trans Himalayan  regions of Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti  and Kinnaur which are  beyond the reach of the monsoon clouds) and  hence is rather uncomfortable to travel. October  to February is rather too cold as it snows time and again; in the higher reaches of the Himalayas and Trans  Himalayan regions  temperature  falls way below freezing points.

Required clothing: Lightweights to medium-weights from March to  October. Warmer wears for  the winter. Weather can change rapidly in mountains and it is therefore important to be suitably equipped.

Northern Plains
The  states of Rajasthan,  Gujarat , Uttar Pradesh,  the Punjab , Haryana and  Bihar can broadly be categorised as falling in Northern Plains region. These plains have rather extreme climatic conditions  throughout the year. During summer months, from end-April to mid-July, it is time for  proverbial heat and dust. From mid-July to end September it is rainy reason and the climate is humid and  hence a little uncomfortable for traveling. From October it starts to get  pleasant in North India ; by the end of November the climate is a little cold but very much bearable. Only during December and January that cold is rather too much in the mornings and evenings; however, even during this time of the year days are sunny and pleasant.

Required Clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens in summer and warmer clothes in winter.

Central India
The states of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh form what is Central India . This region, more or less, escapes  very worst of summer season. However,  monsoons are very heavy here and cover the entire period of  July to September. In winter,  temperature falls during nights but days are  sunny and pleasant.

Required Clothing: Lightweights most of the year with warmer clothes during evenings of winter.

Western India
Maharashtra and Goa may be seen as forming Western India . The period from November to February is most comfortable, although evenings can be a little cold. Here summers can be hot and extremely humid and monsoon months from June to September rather too wet.

Required Clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens most of the year with warmer clothes for winters.

South-West India
The states of Kerala and Karnataka are more or less what is South-West India . The most pleasant weather here is from November to March. Monsoon rains from between late June to end September. Summer temperatures are not as high as in Northern India although humidity is extreme.

Required Clothing: Lightweights all year with a little warmer clothes for cooler evenings particularly in winter.

South-East India
South East India broadly includes the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. This region experiences north-east monsoon between October and December and temperatures and humidity are high all year. Hills of Tamil Nadu can be cold in winter.

Required Clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens. Warmer clothes in winter particularly in hills.
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DOMESTIC TRAVEL WITHIN INDIA
Journeying in India is an adventure in its own right. If you are not culture-shocked seeing its people, you will definitely be shocked while journeying within the country. But there is nothing to worry about as long as you do not expect efficiency of a  western country and take all of this as an integral part of Indian experience — have patience and faith in the system. You are safe in this country.

On Arrival and Getting Around
Once through customs,  the visitor is often besieged by taxi drivers and porters. If a travel agent or a friend is meeting you, he or she may be waiting for your outside the arrival building. And, if you are on your own, enquire at the 'Information Desk' for prepaid taxi system operated by the police.

You will find several agencies offering rent-a-car services. You may find their counters at the airports as well. Your hotel will also very likely house a travel counter from where you could hire a car. A variety of cars are available - Mercedes, Cielo, Ford, Opel, the sturdy Indian Ambassador car, a range of Maruti cars, 4-wheel drives by Tata and so on.

Taxi and auto-rikshaw can de identified by their distinct black and yellow colour. Both are metered. While hiring a taxi, ensure that the driver flags down the meter before he starts. The meter reading fare charts are available with all the drivers and pay as per the chart. The night charge (2300 hrs – 0500 hrs) is an additional 20 percent for the auto and 25 percent for the taxi. Extra charges are payable for heavy baggage and halting. Tipping is not customary. To complaint about overcharging or misbehaviour, call 3319334  during office hours (0900 - 1700 hrs) and after office hours 3014896. Remember, complaints of foreigners are given more serious attention in India .

You can also try a cycle-rikshaw or even a ' tonga ' (a horse driven carriage) for a unique Indian way of travelling though they ply in select pockets in metro cities and abundantly in small towns and cities. Motorcycles can also he hired in some tourist cities like Goa .     

Air Travel
India has a relatively extensive network of domestic airlines. The biggest of domestic carrier is Indian Airlines which has the distinction of being the second largest domestic carrier in the world. It links 59 cities in India and 16 in the neighbouring countries including Bangladesh , Maldives , Nepal , Pakistan , Singapore , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Kuwait , UAE, Oman and Malaysia . A number of private domestic airlines, such as Jet Airways and Sahara India Airlines, serve a variety of regional destinations. A few smaller airlines such as Jagson Airlines, Gujarat Airways, etc. also offer limited regional services. 

For travel during the peak tourist season (October-March), try and make reservations in advance, as flights are usually heavily booked on popular tourist sectors. Due to time-consuming check-in and security procedures, you must be at the airport an hour before the departure time.

On domestic flights no alcohol is served and it is an offence to consume alcohol. The baggage allowance per adult is 20 kg and in business class it is 30 kg. Also, make a note of the fact that there are no Cancellation Charges on air-tickets purchased in foreign currency.

Security is generally very strict at Indian airports. What can be taken on board as hand luggage often varies with international convention. Batteries of any type are not allowed and are often removed from the cameras.

During winters, adverse weather and fog conditions are real problems and hence flight delays and last minute cancellations are very common. In such cases, you are advised to stay in regular touch with your tour operator or with the concerned airline to ensure that this has minimum possible impact on your tour.

Rail Travel
The railway system in India was established  during mid  19th century. It copes with upwards of three billion passengers every year. The network, which covers much of the country is a quintessential part of the fabric of India , and a journey on it should not be missed. However, it is very important for you to remember before undertaking a rail journey that although Indian trains are clean and comfortable, they are not of European standard.

Of the many different categories of accommodation available, those recommended are air-conditioned first class (the most expensive and almost as expensive as flights);  two-tier sleeper (second class) and non air-conditioned  first and second class. However, unless you really want to  experience how common Indians travel, do not travel in non-air-conditioned classes as they can be dusty, crowded  and rather uncomfortable.

Advance reservation is strongly recommended for trains. In the larger cities, the major stations have tourist sections for the  convenience of foreigners. If reservations are not available, talk to the station in-charge about other options, such as the tourist quota etc.

Remember to check which station your train departs from and do allow yourself at least 20 minutes to find your seat/berth. List of passengers with seats/berths allotted to them is displayed on platforms and on each coach, an hour before the departure. The station superintendent and conductor attached to the train are usually available for assistance.

Food can be ordered through the coach attendant, however, it is advisable to carry your packed food if you are on a long journey as the train food may not be good enough. The fare of various Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains are inclusive of food as well.

You could opt for the luxury tourist trains such as Palace on Wheels and the Royal Orient. The Palace on Wheels takes you on a week-long journey through Rajasthan, while the Royal Orient takes you on a journey through Rajasthan and Gujarat . India also offers a journey on many of its toy trains. These trains, operating on narrow-gauge-tracks — hence the name toy trains — were started during the British era to link stations in the plains to hill stations. They offer a laidback experience where passengers can take in the diverse mountain scenery at leisure. Some of these routes are Kalka-Shimla, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (to Ooty), Darjeeling Hill Railway and Matheran Railway.       

Road Travel
Although driving is on the left in India , that is  where the similarity with British roads begins and ends. Traffic is an amazing mix of over-loaded ox-carts, exuberantly painted  lorries, elephants and camels and trailers. Don't panic, your driver knows his job and is very well familiar with these conditions.

The highway travel has become extremely popular even for domestic tourists ever since the small car boom in the country. Some popular tourist highways such as Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Chandigarh have comprehensive facilities such as motels, unleaded petrol stations, public conveniences on route. You will also notice several colourful 'dhabas' on the highways. These are food stalls serving Indian meals and cupfuls of sugary tea or 'chai' — created for the convenience of the truckers. These 'dhabas' are also very popular with the domestic tourists, however, foreigners are advised not to try food here, but they all stock mineral water and cold drinks.

All state transport corporations operate extensive bus services and it is possible to reach even the remotest places by bus. However, please do remember that not all buses are well-cushioned and some of the rides can be bumpy and uncomfortable. Take a bus only when you are sure of what it feels like. Tourist districts, of course, will have a range of buses — offering air-conditioned, well-maintained interiors. Bus travel is the cheapest means of transport in India .         

The most commonly available cars in India are the Ambassador and a variety of Maruti cars. In big cities various other cars are available including the Mercedes. However, the cost of these cars is higher than Ambassador car. All these cars can be hired by the day — for example to see Delhi ’s sights — or for weeks for  extended tours of the country.

Driving in India
You will need your domestic license, liability insurance, an international driver’s permit and vehicle’s registration  papers  (if bringing your vehicle). This is not, however, an easy country in which  to drive and it is definitely not recommended for beginners and those of a nervous disposition.
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HEALTH REGULATIONS IN INDIA
There are few regulations, regarding health in India , applicable to foreign tourists. These regulations are more of the nature of prevention than anything else.

Yellow Fever
Any person (including infants)  arriving by air or sea  without a certificate  can be detained in isolation for a period  up to 6 days if  arriving within six days of  departing from an infected area or has been in such an area in transit, or has come by aircraft which has been in an infected area and has not been disinfected in accordance with Indian Aircraft (Public Health) Rules, or those recommended by WHO. Various countries in Central and South America and Africa are regarded as being infected; enquire at the concerned Indian Mission for an up-to-date list. When a case of yellow fever is reported from any country, that country is regarded by Government of India as infected with yellow fever and is added to the above list.

Malaraia
Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country excluding parts of the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim . No certificate is required, but a course of anti-malaria pills is recommended for all foreigners.

Cholera
Travelers  proceeding to  countries that impose restrictions  for arrivals from India or from an infected area in India on account of cholera are required to possess a certificate. In any case, an inoculation against cholera is recommended.

General Tips
1. Buy bottled water from respectable outlets to guard against stomach upsets. Some of the better known brands are Bisleri, Kinley, Aqua Fina, Himalaya etc. Make sure that the seal of the bottle is intact. You may like to carry chlorine or iodine tablets with you to purify water when in doubt.

2. Watch out for spicy dishes, especially at the outset of your tour. Avoid eating food from road-side stalls. Eat unpeeled fruits and avoid fresh salads, especially in small hotels. If you are forced to eat food at some place that you have doubts about, make sure the food is served hot. Most tourist places, however, have approved restaurant.

3. Always use an insect repellent if you find yourself in a mosquito-prone area. But remember, not every place is mosquito-infested and low temperatures in winters (when most tourists come to India ) kill most bugs in the northern plains and hills.

4. If traveling in scorching heat, remember to drink enough water and use hats and sunglasses. Do not venture out in the mid-day sun.

5. Pharmacies or chemists are available in every little town and village and you can buy medication. In case you need to see a doctor for a specific condition, ask for help from your hotel (most have doctors-on-call) or your tour operator. The cost of visiting a doctor is fairly low compared to western countries.  

Health Kit
In India , most modern medicines are available over the counters in drugstores, but it is  wise to travel with a reserve stock. If any prescription drugs are required, bring enough for the duration of the trip. It is advisable that you carry a small health kit which should include remedy for upset stomachs, some antiseptic cream, mosquito-repellant cream, suntan lotion, etc.
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HINDI LANGUAGE
In India , there are more  than a dozen  well-developed languages and  hundreds of dialects. In normal circumstances communication could have been a major problem. However, due to India 's connection with  colonial England , there are a large number of people here who  can speak English. If  combined with appropriate local gestures and accent modified to the region, it is most likely that English will be understood by a large number of Indians.

Still, while traveling in a country it always helps if you know few phrases of main local language. It not only goes a long way in striking immediate rapport with people but also helps in your understanding of local etiquette.

Below we are  giving a list of few common phrases together with their Hindi equivalents. Though Hindi is spoken by largest number of Indians, it may not be understood in South India .

English	Hindi
Good Morning	Shubh prabhat
Good night	Shubh ratri
Hello / goodbye	Namaste
Excuse me	Maaf kijiyeh
Please	Meharbani se
Yes / no	Haan / nahin
Big	Bada
Small	Chotta
Today	Aaj
Day	Din
Night	Raat
Week	Haftah
Month	Mahina
Year	Saal
Medicine	Davai
Ice	Baraf
Egg	Anda
Fruit	Phal
Vegetables	Sabzi
Sugar	Chini
Butter	Makkhan
Rice	Chaaval
Water	Paani
Tea	Chai
Milk	Dudh
Do you understand English?	Kya aap angrezi samajhte hain?
I do not understand.	Meri nahi samajhta.
Where is a hotel?	Hotel kahan hain?
How far is (name the place)?	(Name the place) kitni door hain?
How do I get to (name the place) ?	(Name the place) ko jane ke liyeh kaiseh jaana parega?
How much?	Kitne paise?
This is expensive.	Yeh bahut mehanga hai.
Show me the Menu.	Mujheh minu dikhaiyeh.
The bill please.	Bill de dijiyeh.
What is your name?	Appka shubh naam kya hai?
What is the time?	Kitneh bajeh hain?
How are you?	Aap kaiseh hain?
Very well, thank you.	Bahut accha, shukriya.

Hindi Numbers
Whereas Europeans count in tens, hundreds,  thousands, millions and billions, the Indian numbering system  goes tens,  hundreds, thousands, hundred  thousands, million and  ten millions. A  hundred thousand is lakh, and 10 million is a crore. These two words are almost always used in place of their English equivalent. Thus you will see 10 lakh rather than one million, and one crore than 10 million.

Furthermore, the numerals are generally written that way too — thus three hundred thousand appears as 3,00,000 not 300,000 and ten million, five hundred thousand would appear as 1,05,00,000  and not as 10,500,000.
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