What language is spoken in India?
The official language in India is Hindi. English is the second most common language and widely spoken
What is the currency used in India?
The currency used throughout the country is the Indian rupee. Most vendors will also accept Mastercard or Visa. ATMs are very common in India. Please check with your bank if you can use your card to withdraw money from ATM’s overseas.
What advice do you have for first-time visitors to India?
Come with an open minded, accepting attitude, be eager to learn, and don’t be shy! Feel free to interact with the locals, you will be surprised how welcoming they are and most will go out of their way to talk to you about their culture, heritage and way of living.
What are some tips for cultural etiquette?
Though India is a progressive country, parts of India are still conservative, especially in the villages and smaller cities. Some general rules to follow are: Eat with your right hand only; Do not point your finger, it is considered rude;. Never touch anything with your feet as this is very disrespectful; Do not wear shoes inside a temple or home; Do not show affection in public.
Is Wi-Fi readily available?
Internet access is excellent in most major cities of India. Wi-Fi is available at most restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and malls. However, be aware that internet service may be unavailable or unreliable while travelling in remote areas or villages.
Can I use my cellphone in India?
You can purchase a SIM card in India, but you may need some documents. We suggest you check with your cellular provider if there are roaming services available for your travel while in India.
Is it safe to drink the tap water?
It is strongly advised not to drink tap water in India. It is best to stick to filtered water.
Will bottled water be readily available?
It will likely be hot in India, and it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Although bottled water is provided while on the road, we encourage tour participants to carry their own reusable water bottle to cut down on the number of plastic water bottles that get thrown out daily in India. We also recommend bringing a few water purifier tablets to keep handy. Another option is to ask for a top off of reverse osmosis water (RO water) that all our hotels will have available. When ice is offered at restaurants, it has likely been treated but it’s OK to ask before ordering.
What are the public bathroom facilities like?
There are two types of toilets in India: 1) western sit-down toilets and 2) Asian squat toilets. Some public bathrooms will not provide toilet paper or soap, so we recommend you bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer.
When is the best time to travel to India?
The best time to travel to India is between October through March when weather is mainly sunny, dry, and warm.
Is India a family-friendly destination?
India offers many family-oriented activities including visits to forts and palaces, tiger and leopard safaris, beaches, and museums. We can create a custom itinerary based on your family's interests.
Is India safe for LGBTQ travellers?
The majority of the country is safe for LGBTQ travelers and families. The country does hold somewhat conservative values, so public displays of affection between gay or straight couples is not common.
Is tipping customary in India?
Tipping is not mandatory, but if you receive excellent service from your guide, driver, and hotel staff, a gratuity is appreciated.
Is it safe to eat street food?
Street food is generally safe to eat, particularly at popular vendors where there’s a high turnover of food and the food is cooked fresh. When we are enjoying street food, we will ensure that we will only go to places which are hygienic and safe.
Is it safe for me to go to the hotel’s bar at night for a nightcap?
In general, it’s not common for women to go to a bar alone at night, but as a tourist, it will be fine for you to have a drink in the bars of the hotels we will stay in.
What vaccinations do I need while travelling to India?
We can’t provide specifics in terms of vaccines, but we highly recommend that you talk to your GP for advice prior to the trip. Keep in mind that some vaccinations require a series of shots, so you will need to get the process started early in case it takes several months to finish the effective dose.
Do I need any special medications or a first aid kit?
If you need any specific allergy tablets such as (lactose intolerant or hay fever) you may want to bring something for these. Although medications are available throughout India, you may not be able to find the types of over-the-counter medications that you’re used to at home. Therefore it is best you carry some standard medication for pain relief, etc.
