Flight to India - TRAVEL INFORMATION
Visas
A visa is mandatory for entering India. You should apply for - and obtain a visa well in advance of your intended travel date. Remember that visas are not issued on arrival at the airport.
Port of Entry
International flights to and from India arrive and depart typically between midnight and the early hours.
Delhi and Mumbai are the main ports of entry for foreign travelers. In both Delhi and Mumbai the international and domestic terminals are at different locations.
All airlines other than Air India require a change of terminals for dometic connecting flights which may leave some hours later than the arrival of international flights.
It is advisable to spend at least 24 hours in either city after a long international flight or to choose one of the other international airports if it is nearer to your first destination in India. In such cases it would not only be more convenient but it would also be more economic since add-on sector fares can be expensive.
Other major ports of entry are the international aiports at Banagalore,Chennai, Kolkata, Goa and Kochi.
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws are the ubiquitous black and yellow three wheeled vehicles. They are cheap and something of a novelty.
Good hotels will arrange cabs but these work out to be more expensive than the city cabs.
Currency
The Indian currency is the Rupee (Rs 1 = 100 paise). In January 2008, the approximate exchange rates were: 1 US $ = Rs 40.00 - 1 Euro = Rs 58.00 - 1 British pound = Rs78.00.
Currency conversion is possible at airports, banks, hotels and exchange bureaus. Most deal only with US dollars and British pounds which are the preferred currencies.
All major credit cards are accepted in India at most of the shops and hotels. However, you do require currency for making small payments, for example, cab fares.
Customs
Expensive equipment liable to custom duty (e.g. laptop computers and video cameras) should be declared at the customs. Such items will be entered in your passport, and you will not have to pay any duty provided that you take them back when you leave.
Weather
The weather in Bangalore is pleasant during the month of July, with day temperatures around 25-30 degrees Celsius. Some days may be warm, but they are not humid. During July, monsoon rains cannot be ruled out in any part of India.
Health
No special precautions are needed for healthy travelers staying in leading hotels.
However, if you are very particular, you may want to take prescription anti-malaria drugs. These are taken weekly commencing one week before your travel to India until four weeks after your return. Mosquito repellents are easily available and widely used in India.
Most medicines are easily available in India and are much cheaper than in western countries. Their chemical names, rather than their brand names would be required.
A doctor is available on call at all leading hotels.
Food and Water
Foreigner travelers to India sometimes have trouble with Indian food and water.
It is always advisable to eat cooked food and to avoid salads and uncoocked vegetables. Indian food is very diverse and differs from Indian restaurants abroad. Fulsome use of natural herbs and spices produces unique and rich tastes - although it can be very spicy.
With care India food in good hotels and restaurants can be a wonderful culinary adventure.
Most good hotels offer international cuisine of high standards.
Purified bottled water is widely available and is recommended.
Miscellaneous
Indian Standard Time (IST) is ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) by 5:30 hours.
India uses the metric system of measurements.
The electricity supply in India is 220 Volts at 50 Hz. Appliances requiring 110 Volts would need a voltage adapter. The electrical sockets require three (or two) round pin plugs.
Tipping
Tipping is widespread - and expected. Ten per cent on restaurant or bar bills is considered generous.
A service charge is levied on in-house food and beverages in most good hotels. Some of the very best specifically ask you not to tip staff and do not levy a service charge. So it is always good to inquire.
Many good hotels suggest that you make a general payment at the end of your stay - and this is distributed to all staff - albeit on a mysterious basis.