Travel Stories, Tips and Deals.

We all know India as an exotic country that offers to tourists colorful and joyful memories. This is not just another place to lazily hang around; India is definitely worth somewhat more attention. Don’t stay in hotel - ancient temples, amazing culture and other places of interest are waiting for you!

Before going to India it’d be a great idea to get some useful information concerning this country as it will help you to spend your vacation better.

First, do not forget your passport and visa. If you wish to visit some particular regions of India like Andaman Islands, Gujarat, Ladakh, Kerala, you may need an additional permission, so discuss this issue with your travel agent before you fly to the country. Usually tourists make just one visa to India and stay there with its help. In case you plan to stay longer than 3 months in this country, you will need to pass through registration. The same applies to all visitors that arrive to this country by non-tourist visa. By the way, people will get this registration are eligible to buy tickets by domestic prices.

Always keep your passport with you while you stay in India. In case your passport has been stolen or you’ve lost it, contact the embassy of your country right away.

Also think of proper time to visit India. This country is very hot and humid in summer, so you won’t be able to enjoy your vacation at full if you visit India plains in that season. November to March is the best time for that. However, if you want to visit mountain regions of this country, then choose sunny and warm April to October period.

Do not forget about your health. Get insect repellent cream with you. Sun protection is also a must. People who are allergic to dust should carry anti-allergy medications with them.

After you arrive to India, you certainly will need to move from one place to another and you can do it with number of ways as India transport system is rather diversified.

If you just hang around the city, you can always take a taxi or bus to reach the desired place. Also you are allowed to hire a car in case you have International Driving License with you. If the weather is nice, forget about the abovementioned means and take a rickshaw! It’s a real entertainment! You can hire either cycle rickshaw or an auto one and enjoy your ride. For long distant rides, for example from city to city, use Indian Railways, ferry boats, cabs or local airlines.

Food is definitely an important factor. We all need to eat, but do it carefully in India. If you visit a small local café to taste national cuisine, most probably you will be served with food that is just too spicy for American or European visitor. It’s normal for Indians, but tourists usually stomach problems after eating it, so try national cuisine only in case your stomach is absolutely healthy. However, Indians know their food is too spicy for visitors, so they often offer non-spicy food.

Shopping is also something everyone likes. Shopping in India can be exciting in case you’re not shy to bargain. Just go to local market and find a product without fixed price. You can get a really nice discount. Note, selling animal skins, fur or antiquities is illegal and you will have problems at customs if they notice these things in your luggage. Also stay away from street vendors who try to sell you precious jewelry and gems – this can be a fake. Visiting Central Cottage Industries Emporia where gems are traded by state at fixed price is a good idea.

While visiting places outside city center, do not wear expensive clothes and accessories. Do not kiss and hug each other on the streets. Before entering religious places like temples, covering your head is needed.

You can usually take photos everywhere, but make sure you have a permission to do that. This especially concerns photos of religious buildings and women. There are few places in India where taking photos is prohibited and some charge small free for permission.

Finally, several advices for travelers who plan to visit India. Make an attested photocopy of your documents and keep them in a safe place during your trip. In case of documents loss it will be much easier to identify your personality. Note smoking in public places is prohibited, so you need to find an area for smokers for that purpose.
You can see many beggars in the streets. Giving money to them is not the best idea as this can cost you a lot.