AGS Travel & Service

Travel Needs

Health Care
Foreign tourists should be in possession of their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health Regulations if they have ever traveled to, or even been in transit through Africa, South America or Papua New Guinea in the last six months. No other vaccination is required. For personal protection, however, inoculation is recommended for cholera, typhoid, malaria and hepatitis.

India Travel Guide
A few points to note while you are travelling in India.

It will be of help if you are sensitive to the local customs. If you are not sure about how to behave, observe the people who belong to that place or ask. They will be happy to explain and delighted that you are taking an interest in their culture.

While entering a place of worship like a temple, gurudwara or mosque, dress up appropriately. Both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts or sleeveless tops, smoking and kidding around. You must open your shoes before stepping into a holy place. Also, never touch another person with your feet.

While you can take photographs, you must always ask before if your subject is willing to be photographed. Many people, especially women may find it offensive. You should always use your right hand for all kinds of social interactions.Nudity is completely unacceptable and a swimsuit must be worn even when bathing in a remote location.

In the matter of clothes, light cool cotton clothes are the best bet for day wear, with a light sweater or pullover for nights which can get surprisingly chilly, especially in the winter months. An insect repellant or a box of mosquito cells or an electric mosquito zapper is sure to come in handy. If you have to travel in trains and buses, a heavy-duty chain to secure the pack to the luggage racks is a must.

A valid visa and passport are an absolute must. Your passport must be with you all the time and you should also ensure that it is valid for the entire period that you intend to remain overseas. Six-month, multiple-entry visas are now issued to most nationals regardless of whether they intend staying that long or entering the country. Note that the visa is valid from the date of issue.

A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a good idea. If you plan to drive in India, you should possess an International Driving License from your national motoring organization. It is advisable that all important documents (passport, visa, credit cards, travel insurance policy etc.) should be photocopied before you leave home.

Most foreign diplomatic missions are based in the nation’s capital, Delhi but there are also quite a few consulates in the other major cities of Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai. As a tourist, it will be important to realize what the embassy of the country of which you are a citizen can and can't do.

It is a good idea to keep small change handy, otherwise you will be left waiting while a shopkeeper hawks your Rs. 100 note around other shops. All major brands of traveller’s cheques are accepted in India, with American Express and Thomas Cook being the most widely traded.

Credit cards are accepted in most tourist centres across the country. If you run out of money while in India, you can have some transferred within a short time via Thomas Cook’s Moneygram service.
The safest place for your money and your passport is next to your skin, wither in a money belt around your waist or in a pouch under your shirt or T-shirt. Never carry these things in your luggage.

There are fixed-price stores in major cities but be prepared to bargain in bazaars and markets.

Temperature
India experiences a tropical climate. Woolens are required in December-February when the mercury dips down to 5 degree Centigrade. (40 degree Fahrenheit). In the hilly regions of the north it even falls below zero degree centigrade. The summer temperature varies from 25 degree centigrade to 44 degrees in May. Cotton-wear is the ideal dress for the summers. The rainy season is from July to May.

Visa
All foreign visitors to India, including those of Commonwealth countries require a valid passport and an appropriate (entry, transit or tourist) visa, which must have been obtained abroad form an Indian mission. Tourist visas are generally valid for upto 120 days. For extending the stay, the visa-holder will have to obtain permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi.