Tourist Information
When is it the best time to travel
to India?
The ideal time to visit India is in the autumn
and winter from October to March. Woollens are actually required in the
North and West from December to February though the days are generally
sunny. In Southern India temperate with the coastal regions enjoying balmy
months throughout with plenty of rainfall during the monsoons. The rainy
season in India usually commences in the South from mid May with the monsoons
slowly moving up north by the last week of June. The hot plains are refreshingly
cooler though humid in July and August with very welcome rains after the
soaring temperatures of May. Southern India experiences some rain in November
and December too.
Visas
Citizens of all countries require a valid passport
and visa. The visa must be obtained abroad from an Indian High Commission.
Tourist visas are usually valid for 180 days stay in India.
Visa Extensions
For grant of an extension to tourist visa in Delhi,
Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai , contact The Foreigners Regional Registration
offices. In state capitals and district headquarters, contact the following
departments
- The home department in state capitals
- The Police commissioner's office
- The Superintendent of Police
Immigration assistance
For assistance with any immigration problems you
might encounter contact: The Asst. Commissioner of Police at the Airport
Immigration office.
Health
A valid yellow fever innoculation certificate is
mandatory for all persons including infants who have been, even in transit,
in Africa or South America in the last six days prior to arrival in India.
Foreign Travel Tax
Foreign Travel Tax or International travel from Indian
airports is levied at the rate of:
- Rs.150 for travel to neighboring countries Rs.500
for travel to all other countries.
- The Foreign Travel Tax counters are located within
all international counters.
Currency Regulations
Foreign exchange in excess of USD 10,000/- should
be declared on arrival on the Currency Declaration Form. No Indian currency
may be brought into or taken out of the country without permission.
Export Regulations
Overseas visitors may take back all articles brought
in by them including souvenirs purchased in India such as silk, wool,
handicrafts without any limit ; gold jewellery , silverware , precious
stones if exported in high quantities require an export certificate.
Banks
Are generally open from 1000 hrs to 1400 hrs Monday
to Friday and from 1000 hrs to 1200 hrs on Saturdays. Foreign exchange
should be converted only by Authorised Money changers or Banks.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards are usually accepted
by hotels, airlines, shops restaurants.
Shopping
An amazing variety of beautifully
handcrafted items are available including exquisite carpets, a dazzling
array or jewellery , marble and silver inlay work, carved rosewood from
Southern India, brocades from Varanasi, silks from famed Kanchipuram,
block prints, pichwais and blue pottery from Rajasthan , hand embroidered
stoles and shawls , papier maches, Ready to wear garments, leather items
, reproductions of antiques and miniatures.
Entertainment
Regional folk dance shows,
Sound & Light Shows in Delhi and Agra, Kathakali dance and martial
art forms in Kerala, Indian classical music feast await the traveller.
Tipping
A 10% tip on the basic bill amount
(excluding taxes) is generally expected at hotels and restaurants. For
baggage handling at hotel and airport a tip of INR 10 per piece is adequate.
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