Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to India

1. Is there a best time to visit India?

Whilst India has a variety of weather patterns and seasonal monsoons that shift throughout the country, the general rule is that the tourist season starts in October and goes through to the end of March.  The monsoon usually starts around June and continues throughout until September.  However, the monsoon patterns of the south are a little different from the north.  The North is generally a lot drier and the south more humid.  The only area that is advisable for travel during the summer months is the northern reaches of Ladakh.

2. Where is the best place to start?

Although a bit of a travel cliché, the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are a popular choice to start.  These historic cities are packed with incredible sights, mosques, temples, forts, Palaces and markets, not to mention beautiful hotels, boutiques and restaurants to enhance any trip.  Jodhpur, Udaipur and the safaris of Ranthambore are often included.  Beyond Rajasthan then the laid back beaches, and back waters of Kerala and Goa are also very popular, for those wanting a slower pace of life.  There are of course the heady heights of the Himalayas with its pretty hill stations, tea plantations and religious cities of Amritsar, Dharamshala and Rishikesh.  Whilst India has a variety of weather patterns and seasonal monsoons that shift throughout the country, the general rule is that the tourist season starts in October and goes through to the end of March.  The monsoon usually starts around June and continues throughout until September.  However, the monsoon patterns of the south are a little different from the north.  The North is generally a lot drier and the south more humid.  The only area that is advisable for travel during the summer months is the northern reaches of Ladakh.

3. Is India a family friendly destination?

India is an extremely family friendly country, and you will find children of all ages are welcome throughout the land.  Most hotels will permit children up to 11 or 12 to share the parents’ room.  In general, we would suggest children start to travel to India from the ages of 7 and upwards, so that they are a little older and able to really appreciate all the sights and sounds.  There is also the issue with children crawling around, which you may wish to avoid.

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4. What currency is used in India? 

The Indian Rupee, referred to as INR is the official currency and is available in denominations of 10,20,50,100,200 and 500 Rupee notes.  ATM’s are generally reliable and most airports, hotels and authorized money exchanges will happily exchange pounds and dollars.

5. Is a Visa Required for Travel to India

Tourist visas are required for travel to India and are available online and in person.  The evisa will be granted prior to arrival, and then placed into your passport, as you arrive into the country providing you are carrying the correct paper work.  Visas are available for 30 days, 1 year and 5 years.  We recommend the 1 year evisas which you can apply for at any time.  The visa requirements do change regularly, and it is always advisable to check https://www.gov.uk to see what is currently required for UK citizens to travel to India.

6. Are there any mandatory immunisations required.

There are no mandatory immunisations required, but it is recommended that you are up to date with Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Typhoid and Tetanus boosters.

7. Any Packing Tips.

In general the temperatures in the north and on safari’s can get quite cool in the mornings and evenings, so light layers are always advised, with shawls and a sweater to hand. Many of the historic cities can get quite noisy, with their narrow lanes and places of worship.  The call to prayer, whilst hugely evocative, can be a little disruptive in the early hours, so earplugs are worth packing.  A pack of antibacterial wipes can also be useful when you spend your days out and about in the markets and temples.

Some like to carry electrolytes for dehydration when travelling in the more humid climate of the south along with a good supply of sunscreen and mosquito repellent.  Don’t forget a little patience, and a good sense of humour will also go a long way!

8. What to wear.

When visiting the cities and especially places of worship the rule of thumb is to have shoulders, midriff and knees covered.  Some places may request a lady to cover her head, so a light shawl is always worth having to hand.  Along with a pair of socks as shoes are often removed for places of worship.

9. How to say hello and thank you in Hindi.

Namaste – Hello and Dhanyavaad – Thank You

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10. What is the official language of India?

India has many many languages, however English and Hindi, are considered to be spoken by at least 40% of the population. However, in the southern states little Hindi is spoken.  In general, you should be fine to get by in English and many of the road signs, airport signs and railway signs are in English as well.

11. Will I get ‘Delhi Belly” when travelling?

 Tummy troubles are less and less likely these days especially if you follow simple rules, and eat mainly in the hotels, and well-respected restaurants, only consume bottled water, or where the upmarket hotels have inhouse filtration plants their filtered water, avoid ice, salad (unless you are staying in a hotel with its own vegetable gardens) and ideally already pre-cut fruit.

Food is often a main highlight of travel to India and varies dramatically throughout the country.  Eating vegetarian is a very easy option especially in the south.