India

The best time to visit India is from October to March. A vast country, the climate encompasses diverse weather patterns.

The Himalayas stop cold winds from reaching most of India so winters remain warm while summers can become very hot.

Tea, spices, textiles, gems and many varieties of handicrafts can be purchased throughout India and the subcontinent. Our itineraries offer visitors plenty of time to go shopping, but your guides and tour staff can accompany you or provide support while bargaining if you wish. These activities are individually coordinated with the tour group. Ask your tour guide for tips on bargaining, and appropriate prices for local products.

An e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) is available for passport holders of the following countries:

Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vanuatu,Vatican City-Holy See, Vietnam.

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you apply for a visa.

At some monuments and tourist sites visitors may have to purchase a permit for still and video cameras. It is prohibited to take photographs of any defence building or army facility. If you take a picture of anyone, especially a woman, please ask their permission first. Indians are generally delighted if you show them their picture once you have taken it.

The national currency is the rupee, which cannot be imported or exported. Visitors wishing to spend more than $5,000 in cash or travellers cheques must indicate this on the currency declaration form that they receive when they arrive.

Tourists should exchange money via an authorised currency changer. Please keep the receipt of exchange, as this will be helpful if you wish to change money back to your home currency before you return. ATMs are also available in most cities and towns.

International credit cards are accepted by most hotels in major cities and tourist centres. International credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, MasterCard and Visa are also accepted. Details of fee and charges can be obtained from the issuer of the respective credit card.

Travellers cheques in euros or American dollars are highly recommended for their security, along with smaller amounts of cash in euros, dollars or sterling.

A very brief history
Around 1500BC the nomadic Aryans invaded the northern Indian plains from Europe, and brought Hinduism with them. Once settled, they started to develop the caste system which began with four castes. In order of importance these were: priests, warriors, farmers and traders, and finally workers or servants.
Alexander the Great led an expedition to northern India in 326BC. In the following years several great empires emerged, including the Maurya dynasty and the Gupta empire. In the middle of the first century Buddha was living in area known today as Bihar. As early as 732AD, India was subjugated by Arab invaders, but it was only around 1200AD that an Islamic empire was formed. Under the Mughal reign of Akbar, almost all of India was united into one kingdom. The Mughal Empire reached its cultural apex with the development of Indian-Saracen architecture, its greatest example being the Taj Mahal.
In the 18th and 19th centuries the balance of power changed with invasion by Afghan conquerors and the arrival of Europeans - the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British. The British East India Company established itself in Kolkata, taking charge from 1757. Eventually India became a British colony – under British Raj or rule - in 1858. In 1857 there was a rebellion against East India Company rule, which lasted until the middle of 1858, and there were sporadic attempts to assert independence. The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 in Pune, near Mumbai.

After the First World War (where Indian units joined forces with Great Britain), Mahatma Gandhi launched a civil disobedience movement and called for a boycott of British goods. In 1947 the dissolution of the British Raj in conjunction with Partition established India and Pakistan as separate states. Disputes between India and Pakistan, often related to control of the province of Kashmir, took place between 1947 and 1949 and again in 1965, and disputes over this issue continue today.
In the 1970s, India supported East Pakistan becoming the independent state of Bangladesh. The ensuing period was characterised by recurring religious conflict, such as uprisings by radical Sikhs in Punjab, which resulted in violence. Ongoing conflict between Hindus and Muslims also erupted in 1992-93, which ended in riots. The relationship with Pakistan is also subject to a number of ongoing disputes.

Please only drink boiled or bottled water. Do not even attempt to drink tap water. Also only use drinking water for brushing your teeth. All food must be cooked or peeled. If in doubt, please do not consume it. Bananas are a safe choice for fruit, and visitors can always drink the water inside a freshly opened young coconut.

Heritage hotels are usually former palaces, castles or fortresses. They usually combine architectural history with unique character and high quality of service. Each one is different, in fact sometimes every room is different. Staying in heritage hotels is a wonderful way to experience a variety of local traditions, and for many visitors these charming hotels are a highlight of their stay.

No vaccinations are mandatory for visiting India. However, vaccinations to protect against hepatitis A, diphtheria, polio and tetanus are recommended. Your health insurance company may pay for vaccinations for private trips abroad, and in the UK the NHS can assist. Please ask your insurance company or registered doctor for further information.
There is currently no malaria risk in Rajasthan.

Although many roads are well maintained in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, there are still routes which are not served as well. On average, a coach travels 50km per hour (30 miles per hour), so longer travel times and some bumpy roads can be expected. Although the most commonly used Indian vehicles (buses, cars) are not comparable to western vehicles in terms of comfort, it goes without saying that adjustable seats and air conditioning are standard features.

Wear clothing that is comfortable - light, loose cotton clothing or garments made from high-tech synthetic fibres designed for active travel. Bring warmer layers also in case of excessive air-conditioning and reduced temperatures in the cooler months. Casual clothing is generally adequate, unless you plan to visit smart restaurants or clubs in the larger cities.

The highest temperatures are usually experienced between mid-April and mid-June. In northern and central India there is a subtropical continental climate with strong temperature fluctuations.

The rainy season takes place from June to September. The monsoon is followed by a brief hot season, usually in the months of September and October.

Inland (Delhi, Agra, Hyderabad) there is dry heat during the hot season. Southern India has a tropical climate, and in the hot season from April to June there is also dry heat. In Southeast India the rainy season is experienced from mid-October until the end of November. Along the coast, the summer months are associated with hot temperatures and high humidity.

High rainfall, especially along the coast, and frequent flooding, can mean that travel during the monsoon season - early June to September/October - is more difficult. However there are usually no monsoon-related problems in the highlands.

Air pollution in Delhi can be significant. For this reason, a longer stay in Delhi is not recommended for people with respiratory and circulatory problems.

Indians are naturally extremely curious, particularly about foreigners. Answering questions or being stared at is normal in India. For Indians it is not rude to ask questions that in the West we might consider a little intrusive.

Indians are also much more inclined than Europeans to disclose their personal opinions to strangers, as well as to give ideas and advice, even if these are not expressly required. Don't take this attitude personally - maintain a sense of humour and accept these friendly interactions as part of the Indian experience.

If a suggestion or an idea arouses your interest - such as a specific field trip or activity - we recommend that you consult with your travel coordinator. They can estimate whether the proposal can become part of the itinerary. Discuss tips for restaurants or resting places during long trips with your driver.

Opening hours for services may vary from region to region. This is a general guide.

Banks: Monday-Friday 10am – 2pm, Saturday 10am – 12pm
Post offices: Monday-Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm
Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am – 5pm, 9:30am – 1pm

The Indian jungle of stories and literature is only found these days in a few parts of the country. Most the land has is now used for agriculture or part of human settlements.

In the Himalayas, you can find rhododendrons and junipers just below the snow line (5,000m above sea level). Forests are found at lower elevations.

When it comes to crops, corn can be cultivated up to an altitude of 3,000m, other grains can be grown below 2,600m and rice is produced below 2,000m.

In other regions of India, palm trees (coconut, dates, betel nut), tea and coffee, sandalwood, cotton, sugar cane, peanuts, tobacco and many other crops are found, depending on precipitation levels. Bamboo grows just about everywhere.

More than 80 per cent of the Indian population is Hindu, and about 14 per cent are Muslims. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world and is very diverse in its expression. Most important is the concept of birth, death and rebirth as a continuous cycle, in which the soul progresses from one life to the next. In order to obtain the goal of salvation, a Hindu must fulfill the duties expected within their caste. Hindus worship a range of deities, which they worship in their own homes as well as in temples. Pilgrimages to sacred places are an integral part of practicing the Hindu faith.

Other faiths found in India include Jainism, and Jains also believe in the reincarnation of animals and plants. This faith emphasises the importance of meditation and respect for all living things. Buddhism is also important, with belief in rebirth, but there are no gods as in Hinduism. Buddhists escape the cycle of rebirth by following the principles of Buddha and attaining enlightenment. Sikhs follows the teachings of Guru Nanak, and Zoroastrianism is a religion from what was once Persia, in which followers are judged on their actions at the end of their lives.

In addition, just over 3 per cent of Indians are Christian.

India is generally a safe destination. However, you should - as in other regions of the world - observe the usual rules and apply common sense to avoid any unpleasant experiences during your trip.

Do not tell strangers about your travel plans and never give your baggage to anyone other than hotel staff or the team at Quality India Tours. Avoid traveling alone at night. Your driver will be happy to drive you if you wish to have dinner or a drink outside the hotel.

Always keep valuables such as money, passports and jewellery in your in-room safe, or in a safe deposit box at the front desk. Avoid carrying a lot of cash while traveling.

Always carry valuables close to your body, preferably in a special travel wallet or pouch that can be worn under your clothing. Make copies of important documents such as passports and visas and hand them to your travel coordinator at the beginning of your trip, or scan the documents and save them in an email or another digital storage facility. Digital copies mean that they can be retrieved at any time - no matter where you are on the road.

The main languages of India are English and Hindi. In addition, there are hundreds of regional languages and dialects, all of which differ in vocabulary and how they are written.

The electricity supply is 220 volts AC; DC is also available in some regions. An adapter is usually not necessary, except to fit local plugs. There may be exceptions for American appliances, which may run on voltage of 110 AC.

There may be occasional power outages.

The best way to make phone calls is from the private telephone agencies that exist in cities and larger villages.

The area code for the United Kingdom is +44.

The area code for India is +91.

Mobile phones and smartphones usually work as well. Please be sure to ask your provider about the charges. If you are staying in India for some time, it could be worth getting a local sim card, but be prepared to fill out some forms and provide photo ID to obtain this.

Cows are considered sacred in India. The elevated state of bovines evolved as a reflection of their importance in agriculture, where they were indispensable for tilling the soil and providing milk. With influence from Buddhism, and its reverence for all forms of life, the cow became a creature to be protected and cared for in all circumstances.

The Bengal tiger was nearly wiped out by hunting, which is now forbidden. Only about 6,000 tigers survive today in India. To protect these animals and their habitat, India now has a number of wildlife reserves, where visitors may also find other big cats, including lions, leopards and cheetahs.

With a bit of luck, you may also see sloth bears in the West Indian Gir Reserve or in the Kumbhalgarh Conservation Area. Elephants are still used for forest work, and also live in wildlife reserves. Monkeys can be seen almost everywhere. Some rhesus monkeys enjoy special protection in temples and sometimes even live in the cities.

The peacock is the Indian national bird and is often kept as a pet. They are also well known in Europe for gracing the lawns of country estates. The male peacock is the one with the large train of gorgeous feathers, used to attract a mate. They can also be extremely loud and good mimics.

In the insect world, termites are especially noticeable courtesy of their rust-red hills. Up to three million termites can live in one of these complicated constructions of clay, wood residues and saliva. Indian butterflies are especially beautiful, and the largest specimens can have a wingspan of up to 20cm.

Many people providing services such as bus drivers, tour guides and hotel staff may expect a tip. India is a tourist destination where gratuities are common, although they are voluntary. To avoid misunderstandings or disappointment, many travellers maintain a supply of local currency - rupees - in small denominations that can be given to those who provide good service.

More than two thirds of the Indian population derives their income from agriculture. Where the soil is fertile, up to three crops can be cultivated per year. Most farms are very small. Rice is the most important crop and is the main food staple for most of the nation.

India is also a major global producer of sugar cane, tea, cotton and jute. Other crops include coffee, sorghum, millet, corn, barley, chickpeas and bananas as well as mangoes, linseed, peanuts and various spices.

Livestock, such as buffaloes, horses, donkeys and of course cattle, are of great importance for agriculture. Camels are widely used in the drylands of Punjab and Rajasthan. Sheep and goats are mainly bred for their wool.

After independence, India's diverse mineral resources formed the basis for economic development. The country is one of the world's leading producers of iron ore, coal and bauxite. The oldest - and still most important - industry in India is textiles, mainly cotton. In recent years, the computer industry, especially the software sector, experienced tremendous growth. The South Indian city of Bangalore is considered to be the "Silicon Valley" of India.

The time difference between India and the United Kingdom UTC is +5 ½ hours, while in summer the difference is +4 ½ hours.