When to Visit...

The winter months between end September and end March offer the most moderate climate in most parts of India. Expect dry, cool weather in the north and around Rajasthan, and pleasant tropical weather in the South. April, May & June are the Peak summer months and day time temperatures can be extremely high. The monsoons are usually during July and August, leading to wet humid weather in those months.

Getting there...

India is at a crossroad point in the world, there are direct flights to Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Chennai (Madras) and Kolkata (Calcutta), from most major cities in Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. Additionally, there are now a few direct flights to Bangalore, Cochin, Trivandrum and Hyderabad from the Middle East and South East Asia.

Foreign Exchange/ Banking

The local currency is the Indian Rupee, as of October 2002, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = INR 48. There are money changing facilities available at all International Airports as well as in major shopping, hotels and tourist areas. Whilst other currencies are acceptable as well, the most readily accepted currencies here in India are the US Dollar, the British Pound and now the Euro. Traveller's cheques and currency are freely changeable.

Credit Cards

Visa, Master Cards, Diners and American Express credit cards are accepted by most Hotels, Restaurants and Shops. ATM's are now available in most major cities.

Passports & Visas

Your passport will need to be valid for atleast six months from the date of departure. Most Nationalities do require Visas for travel to India.

Tipping

India being a poor country, salaries are low, and there is an expectation of tips. Be prepared to tip INR 10 - INR 20 to a Hotel Porter each time your bags are delivered or room service is requested. Guides and Drivers also expect tips, be prepared to tip the driver and the guide approximately INR 100 - INR 200 at the end of a sight seeing tour.

Electricity

The standard voltage in India is 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs here have two or three round pins.

Internet Connectivity

Whilst connectivity is not upto International Standards, Internet connectivity is now readily available at the Business centres of most major hotels. Internet Cafes are also available at most cities and places frequented by tourists.

Drinking Water

It is safe and advisable to stick with bottled water throughout India. Bottled water is relatively inexpensive if purchased outside the big hotels.

---