PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

2015 India information

Updated 1 September 2014 1

INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing Insider Journeys for your journey. We’re sure you will find Asia as beautiful, captivating and intriguing as we do. To assist with your travel arrangements, we have prepared the following pre-departure information. Please read this carefully before you travel to India and be mindful of some of our suggestions while you are on the road. Whether you are travelling independently with us or joining one of our Small Group Journeys, we want to make sure you have a fantastic experience. Our team in Asia will look after your needs on the ground; until then, we hope this information helps you make the best possible preparations for your Asia experience. On the following pages you will find useful travel facts, background information and our suggestions to make your journey the best it can be. From details on currency and visas to recommended reading and responsible travel tips, we’ve covered it for you in this pre-departure guide. Please note that things change rapidly in our destinations, so you should use this document as a guide containing information which is subject to change. We’re sure you will have an amazing holiday with us. Until then, happy reading! The Insider Journeys team What to expect First time visitors to India are usually struck by the chaotic and fast-paced nature of daily life. Traffic, over-crowding, noise and colour are often a traveller’s first impressions of India as they arrive in the busy hubs of Delhi or Mumbai. With time, each of these fast-developing and modern cities will share their unique culture. Leaving the cities and heading out into rural area is likely to reveal an entirely different side to India, and we suggest you draw on our experience to design your itinerary accordingly. In fact, a deeper exploration of this incredibly diverse country can divulge an array of scenery from stark desert vistas, majestic mountain ranges, verdant jungle backwaters and endless beaches. It is this wild diversity in terms of geography, culture and history which draw visitors back to India again and again. India has now recovered from her turbulent past and whilst rural areas remain much as they have done for centuries, the larger cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Cochin are modernising at an exceptionally rapid rate. Here it is common to find mobile phones, burgeoning technology industries, a nascent cafe culture, creature comforts and large shopping malls – although fascinating elements of tradition are always close at hand. By contrast, rural India is a world away from this – it is a rewarding blend of agricultural village life and traditional mores. Of course, India still offers some confronting and challenging sights for the traveller, but the images of squalor and poverty which have been so associated with the India of last century are these days a small part of a fascinating, complex, welcoming and often stunningly beautiful nation. The travel industry in India has been well established for several decades now and India boasts some of the world’s finest hotels, as well as offering some good value options. Off the beaten track however, tourism is still in its infancy and a degree of patience and flexibility will be required concerning accommodation, service standards etc. Road travel is comfortable in the more developed and popular areas but can be more basic in others. Flight schedules are usually reliable but do encounter the same operational problems that all airlines face and it is a possibility that flights may cancel outside of our control. The same can be said for India’s rail service, although for the most part it is comfortable and reliable. Insider Journeys and your tour leader or local guide will keep you fully informed of any changes and amendments to the order of sight-seeing. Be aware that if you plan to travel around Indian national holidays (listed in this guide), you may experience more disruptions than usual to your normal itinerary.

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Money The currency in India is the rupee (INR). You are advised to carry a mix of cash (major Western currencies including AUD are easily exchanged at many hotels and foreign exchange booths) and credit cards. It is a good idea to keep at least one exchange receipt as you may need these if you want to change the Indian currency back to your local currency at the end of your trip – although this is rarely required now. Credit cards can be used in many of the hotels and in some shops and restaurants in major cities; however they are not widely accepted in rural areas, markets and many more local shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted in cards. Cash advances can be obtained using these cards (or other varieties of cash cards) at many bank branches or cash machines. Please note that cash machines/automatic teller machines are increasingly common and found even in many small towns, but always ensure you have some cash reserves in case of unexpected difficulties. Hotels often change foreign currency cash, and a limited number will also change traveller's cheques, but rates tend to be better at banks or their airport exchange booths. There are Thomas Cook and various Indian bank booths on arrival at all major Indian airports offering generally competitive rates. Please note that it can be more difficult to change foreign exchange outside larger towns and cities. Approximate exchange rates at time of printing are:

1 USD equals 60 INR

1 GBP equals 100 INR

1 EUR equals 80 INR

1 AUD equals 56 INR

1 CAD equals 55 INR

1 NZD equals 50 INR Current exchange rates can be found online on various websites that have a ‘Universal Currency Converter’ facility such as www.xe.com/ucc/. Food & water Indian food incorporates a number of styles and each region specialises in its own cuisine. Breakfast is included each day on our Small Group Journeys and is usually a mix of buffet and continental style. In the major cities lunch should cost around 350-400 INR and dinner 400-500 INR - depending on the restaurant. Meals can be significantly cheaper than this, for example in more local restaurants or small rural towns, or higher in some of the upmarket and modern city or luxury hotel restaurants. In rural restaurants, food hygiene is not always up to international standards and in smaller towns or remote areas your hotel may be the only recommended option for eating. In some more remote areas, your hotel may be the only option outside of very basic local tea houses or dhabas. This makes the culinary aspect of travel in small town or rural India different to that of some other parts of Asia where there may be more out-of-hotel eating options. Your tour leader and/or local guide will be able to offer the best advice on where to eat local specialities, to ensure you get the most out of India’s delicious cuisine. Drinking local tap water is not recommended. Bottled water is cheap and readily available throughout India, and provided free in some (not all) hotels. As you would expect of a country with of such vast dimensions, geographically and culturally, India has an incredible diversity of cuisines. What most travellers to India experience at Indian restaurants in their home countries is a very limited range of mostly Punjabi and north-western Mughlai cuisine, and does not represent the hundreds of other regions with unique cuisine. Many Indian dishes are not overly spicy-hot, despite popular beliefs, but most use a variety of aromatic spices in their preparation. Western food is widely available in larger cities and in hotels, but relatively rare elsewhere. Some interpretations of standard Western fare can be surprising. The larger cities have increasingly cosmopolitan dining options. Climate India is a country with diverse weather patterns which vary greatly from north to south and of course according to the vast variations in altitude. In general the best time to visit India is during October to early April, when temperatures are less hot. Many National Parks close during the summer and monsoon months from May to September, as do some camps. In Delhi, Rajasthan and across the north, days are mostly warm and free of rain during the October to April period. In the months of December and January nights can be very cold, but days typically reach about 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Temperatures during the day in April can reach the high 30s Celsius (90s Fahrenheit). These temperatures continue to rise to the mid 40s Celsius (100s Fahrenheit) until the monsoon comes in June/July (and lasts until September), reducing temperatures but not humidity. From Mumbai south, the climate is more typically tropical, with daytime temperatures into the mid 30s Celsius (90s Fahrenheit). Hill stations in the south are cooler, especially in December and January and in evenings. The months between

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June and September can be hot, with humid monsoonal conditions in most areas. Parts of Southern India can experience showers in November and December, but the months of October to April are still considered the best time to travel to this region. In the Himalayas, the winter months can be very cold and travel to higher altitudes can be impacted by snow. From April to October the weather is usually pleasantly mild to warm during the day with occasional showers especially in August and September. Nights are cool to cold, especially at high altitudes. Temperature Delhi/northern India Celsius Fahrenheit

Cochin (Kochi)/southern India Celsius Fahrenheit

Rainfall Delhi/northern India Kerala/southern India

BEFORE YOU LEAVE Passport Ensure you have an eligible passport with extra blank pages for visas, valid for at least six-months from the end of your holiday, and several passport photos.

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Visa requirements All foreign tourists to India, except nationals of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, must possess a valid visa. Visas are not issued on arrival for most nationalities at the time of writing. Visa issuing services are now outsourced to a company called VFS Global, with local offices and websites in many countries including Australia, UK and the US. Online application is relatively straightforward and efficient though there is quite a large amount of information required. An itinerary outline is normally requested in the application – a brief outline of the main destinations and dates will usually suffice. Processing times are usually 3-5 working days plus postage time but ensure you allow additional time for any possible delays. Applicants’ passports must have a minimum of 6 months validity and 2 blank pages remaining.

New Zealand passport holders currently enjoy access to a Visa on Arrival facility but please check details well in advance of your travel. India is set to extend this Visa on Arrival scheme to many more nationalities including Australia, the UK, and the USA, but until this is officially announced visas must be applied for as above. This may occur as soon as late 2014.

Visa fees vary from country to country and at time of writing are approximately AUD 96 for Australians, GBP 92 for UK citizens and US 80 plus service fees for US citizens. A tourist visa is typically valid for 6 months from date of issue but some may be 3 months. Tourist visas can allow multiple entry to simplify visits to neighbouring countries, but this must be requested and checked at time of issue. You may be required to fill in a disembarkation card on your way to India – these are issued either by airline staff en route or can be obtained on arrival at Indian airports. Additional permits may be required for travel to some remote and sensitive border regions in India, but these are mostly rarely visited areas in the far northeastern states. Please check with your local consulate or embassy for further information if travelling to the northeast. Please note Indian visa regulations and arrangements are subject to change and it is your responsibility to ensure your visa is in order before you travel. Airline tickets Ensure you keep your tickets in a safe place whilst travelling and carry paper copies of all e-tickets while travelling. Travel insurance It is a condition of travel on our Small Group Journeys that all travellers are adequately covered by travel insurance prior to arrival. Insurance should cover personal accident and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. Insurance details must be supplied to us at the time of booking, and where they are not provided we reserve the right to cancel bookings and apply charges as per our cancellation policy (in the booking conditions section of our brochure and on our website). Travellers will be asked to present their insurance details upon arrival in Asia as part of a registration process, and in the event that possession of insurance is unable to be confirmed, in the interests of the traveller and fellow travellers, Insider Journeys reserves the right to prevent participation in the journey. In such instances, we will assist with onward travel arrangements, however full cancellation penalties will apply. Note that travel insurance ‘attached’ to credit cards is often limited in scope (e.g. not covering serious medical, repatriation or evacuation expenses) and in any case is usually effective only if travel arrangements have been purchased with the card. Please note also that government regulations in Asia do not always require or enforce the possession of liability insurance by hotels, transport and other suppliers. Even when insurance is in place, it can be for very limited coverage only. Insider Journeys does its best to work with suppliers who possess liability insurance, however it is not always possible to find and contract with such suppliers. Travellers who book private touring arrangements with Insider Journeys will also be asked to provide insurance details at the commencement of touring, as part of a tour registration process.

Your emergency contacts

On the Tour Registration form (provided on arrival and to be completed by day 1 of your tour), you will be asked to provide or confirm the name and contact number (landline and/or mobile) of a next of kin not travelling with you. Health & fitness Travellers to India should take precautions as they would elsewhere in Asia. Western medical facilities are available in the major cities. In remote areas of India, medical facilities are basic. Some of the diseases known to exist in India include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimise your risk of exposure to these health risks. You should also consult your doctor with regard to malaria risk. We are a travel company and we are not qualified to provide detailed medical information appropriate to your individual needs; it is recommended you consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for current health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip at least one month prior to departure.

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We suggest you bring: Aspirin or paracetamol Antihistamine Cold & flu tablets Diarrhea medication Nausea medication Rehydration sachets Insect repellent Antiseptic & bandages Sunscreen & lip balm Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication) Small torch – there are occasional power outages in smaller towns and more remote areas Passport photos – please note if travelling to the state of West Bengal including its capital Kolkata and popular hill station

of Darjeeling hotels may request a passport sized photo on check in; this is a state government regulation. Please carry sufficient for your trip to this area.

As part of our registration process at the start of any trip with Insider Journeys, you will be asked to declare any serious pre-existing medical conditions or allergies. Time to pack Please note: Most domestic Indian flights now have a free baggage allowance of only 15 kilograms (33 pounds), and additional baggage weight is likely to be charged for at check-in. We strongly recommend you pack your luggage in a compact bag/case with wheels and a handle, or in a soft bag. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and kept to a reasonable minimum. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles and trains is limited.. You may be required to carry your own luggage at times where porters are not available – you should be capable of carrying your own bags on and off trains, and up and down stairs. If you are doing lots of shopping during your travels, it may be necessary for you to forward any excess to the city where your tour concludes, or ship purchases directly home. Keeping the amount of luggage you carry in check will ensure your safety and comfort, and the safety and comfort of your fellow travellers. For some of the longer more adventurous journeys passengers may like to bring an overnight bag when staying in towns and villages for only one evening. The bulk of your luggage may be left on your bus or boat. Comfortable casual clothes made of cotton are best in tropical and semi tropical climates – packing one set of smart casual clothes is advisable. Please note that Indian climate conditions vary dramatically from region to region and season to season. The popular winter months of November/December to January/February can be much colder than many travellers expect across the north of the country and warm clothing is required – itineraries may include early morning activities such as a safari in an open topped jeep where even scarf, woollen hat/beanie and gloves can be useful. Laundry services are available throughout the country, although hotel laundry costs can be relatively expensive. We suggest you include: Flat walking shoes & sandals Hat & sunglasses Swimming attire Lightweight travel towel Money belt Lightweight waterproof coat or umbrella Basic first aid kit Alarm clock Small torch (flashlight) Travel plug/international adapter (remember to check the voltage in the ‘Electricity’ section) Women’s sanitary products Camera (plus any necessary camera equipment – memory cards, chargers etc) Ear plugs/eye mask – calls to prayer, stray car horns and even trumpeting peacocks can be a problem in the quietest

locations! Day pack and/or shoulder bag – for carrying items on touring days Clothes for temples - long pants or long skirts, long sleeve tops, shoes which are easy to slip on/off Jumper/coat/thermals/gloves/woollen hat - if visiting in winter or mountainous high altitude areas

Please note that airlines insist all sharp items (knives, scissors, nail clippers etc.) are packed in your ‘check-in’ luggage. Alcohol is no longer permitted on board domestic flights and must also be stored in your check-in luggage.

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Electricity The electric current in India operates on 220 volts. Electric plug types come in at least two sizes and vary throughout the country, the rounded two or three pronged plugs shown below are the most commonly used. You may want to bring a small hair dryer or portable iron. Many but not all of our hotels will have these.

Our responsible travel policy Insider Journeys practices a thorough, realistic responsible travel policy. We believe that travel should entail an exchange of knowledge and perspectives, a sharing of wealth, and a genuine appreciation of Asia’s beautiful natural environments. This philosophy underpins the heart and soul of our style of travel. It drives all that we strive to deliver to our travellers, and shapes the contact we have with our supplier colleagues in Asia. We recognise that poorly planned itineraries or poorly informed tourists contribute less to cross-cultural understanding and less to the livelihoods of local people. We also recognise that we largely work in a developing part of the world. Political and social factors sometimes impede the short term implementation of our responsible travel initiatives, so we do not make blanket, unrealistic statements about the achievability of our goals – doing so would make us ‘irresponsible’. We aspire to short or medium term implementation of our policies where this is realistic and to incremental change where there are constraints of a governmental or cultural nature. Insider Journeys is committed to measuring and assuming responsibility for our carbon emissions. We have worked with Cleaner Climate to offset emissions from our Australian, United Kingdom and USA offices. The emission reductions are generated from Clean Technology (Kyoto compliant) projects in India (run-of-river hydro) and Thailand (rice husk biomass). These not only reduce emissions, but also contribute to the sustainable development of disadvantaged communities and we hope to support similar projects in China in the future. For more information about Insider Journeys' carbon footprint or to offset your own emissions and help support these projects, visit our website. Before you depart for Asia we encourage you to read our ‘Tread Lightly’ booklet, downloadable from our website and full of useful pointers to make for a more informed and more responsible holiday. Helpful websites Please check the following websites to get the latest news and travel advice from the region: www.smarttraveller.gov.au - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade www.voyage.gc.ca - Canadian Foreign Affairs & International Trade www.mfat.govt.nz/travel - New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.fco.gov.uk - UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office www.travel.state.gov - USA Department of State www.who.int/en - World Health Organisation ON THE GROUND Arrival Arrival (and departure) transfers are included for all Small Group Journeys. For private tours you will need to book an arrival and departure transfer unless taking a tour which includes these. For those travellers with a transfer, on arrival in India, you will find a representative from Insider Journeys waiting to meet you as you exit the customs area after collecting your luggage. Please look for a sign with your name on it (not a hotel sign). Airport arrival areas tend to be crowded with lots of people holding signs, so you may need to look carefully for your transfer. If you cannot find a sign with your name please call the relevant emergency contact numbers which should also be listed on your itinerary - see below. +91 9999 427 200 or +91 9810 002 813 (Small Group Journeys)

+91 9810 002 813 or +91 9811 588 202 (independent and other arrangements) If you have no airport arrival transfer pre-arranged in India, it is possible to take a pre-paid taxi into the city. Most airports have pre-paid taxi counters. Passengers should book by providing the name of the hotel at which you are staying and pay in advance at the counter. Staff at the counter will provide you with a receipt. Average costs should not exceed 500 INR in Delhi and Kolkata, and slightly higher in Bangalore. There are also usually a number of taxi touts outside the customs hall more than willing to take you to your hotel, but be aware that they will usually charge an inflated price and their meter may tick over at a faster rate. Only registered/official taxis

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should be used. Many taxis with outdated meters have a conversion card converting meter-displayed fare to actual fare, which is many times the displayed amount. This is particularly common in old Mumbai taxis. These are often regarded with suspicion by tourists but this system is official in some cities. Missed/delayed arrival flight If your arriving flight is delayed or if you have missed your flight, please advise us by calling the relevant number above. If you are travelling on one of our Small Group Journeys and are arriving after the tour welcome briefing, your local guide/tour leader will leave a message at the hotel to advise you of tour start details and make alternate arrangements to meet with you. If you miss the start of your tour, please contact our office (see the last page of this document) for instructions on how to catch up with the group. Any associated costs will be at your own expense (although, depending on the reason, you may be able to claim these from your travel insurance company, so ensure you keep all receipts). Safety & security India is generally a safe country; however petty street crime does occur especially in some cities. In larger cities we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and make sure your spending money is kept in a secure place close to your body. We also recommend you take official taxis rather than walk at night in poorly lit or quieter areas of towns and cities. Taxis are mostly metered and inexpensive, but make sure the driver activates the meter and is clear on your destination - carry a hotel card so your taxi driver knows where to take you. Only take essentials out with you on the streets. Leave valuables (passport, credit cards, excess cash and jewellery) in hotel safety deposit boxes where available. It would also be advisable to make photocopies of your passport, credit card numbers and airline tickets and keep a record of your traveller’s cheques. These documents should be kept in a safe place separate from the originals. When travelling on trains, clients may wish to take extra precautions with their finances by using money belts. Dressing modestly is recommended, as you will usually note the locals doing. Post, internet & communication International post generally takes ten to fourteen days to reach its destination and prices are less than Western postal prices. Reverse charge (collect) calls are not usually available from hotels and IDD telephone calls can be very expensive. Wifi is available in most hotels but there is an unfortunate tendency for hotels in India to overcharge for this service and it can be expensive – the trend towards free wifi in some other Asian destinations is still lagging behind in India. Don’t hesitate to mention this to hotels but do not expect charges to be waived or reduced as a result. You may find free wifi in some more modern cafes and airports. SIM cards can be purchased at airports and in some shopping centres, but requirements for foreign passport holders may vary and this can be time-consuming and bureaucratic. Although you may choose to unlock your mobile phone for global roaming, you should check charges for this service carefully before leaving home or online, as charges are often exorbitant. Your accommodation Our hotels offer the facilities you need to feel at home, even when you’re away from it. In some provincial areas, facilities may be more limited. Our hotels often have great extras like a swimming pool, however these are not always fenced, even in Pool Villas. Where possible, our hotels are chosen for local history, style and charm, and always for location. Each hotel is listed by name on your itinerary at each stop, so you’ll have total peace of mind knowing exactly where you’ll be sleeping every step of the way. By upgrading to Gold Accommodation, you’ll experience the same great journey, but each night you’ll have the luxury of staying in some of Asia’s finest hotels. These are internationally recognised as four or five star hotels. Where there are no four or five star hotels, you will stay in the best hotel available in your destination. Check-in and check-out times vary but most hotels require guests to check-out by 12 noon and do not allow check-in until 2pm. Many hotels may allow an earlier check-in or later check-out, subject to availability on the day, but may charge extra for this service. Where possible we endeavour at traveller request to accommodate couples in double rooms, however there may be occasions when this is not possible and a twin room or a room with an added roll-out bed is provided. Hotel renovations can occur at the last minute in Asia, and we will do our best to inform you prior to departure. Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided in many hotels, however in some these may need to be requested or may only be available via room service – this is a strong tradition in India. Some standard Indian hotels are not licensed to carry alcohol in rooms and so may not carry a mini bar service; in other cases this may be limited to soft drinks. There are a few ‘dry’ areas of India (eg Pushkar, Gujarat, hotels adjoining religious sites) where all alcohol is officially banned. The popular state of Kerala may soon implement stronger alcohol licensing restrictions for hotels.

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Respecting local customs India is predominantly Hindu, with large Muslim and in parts Christian minorities, and many other religious groups. Indians tend to dress conservatively. Please respect local dress standards, particularly at temples, mosques and other religious sites (avoid wearing shorts that do not come down to your knees and exposing your shoulders). In some sites such as Sikh temples a head covering must be worn – a light shawl or scarf is convenient for women. Some religious sites such as mosques and temples may provide suitable head coverings but please check with your guide or tour leader. Please also respect people’s privacy, particularly when it comes to photography. Any close up photography should be requested beforehand and not carried out if the subject is unwilling. Some women will be reluctant to be photographed by men, but more agreeable to a female photographer. Please also extend respect when visiting religious and holy sites – do not interfere or disrupt peoples’ activities or photograph where inappropriate. If unsure ask your guide or tour leader. Service levels in India are in some places very formal, and in others more relaxed than those in more established travel destinations; it is best to treat this as a cultural nuance and to enjoy the experience. People are generally honest and eager to please; however, miscommunication can often occur due to language and cultural barriers. Exercising patience, tolerance and good humour is helpful. Remember, you are the visitor – respecting local customs is not only polite, but will also lead to a more rewarding travel experience for you. Tipping policy If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides, drivers and your tour leader, a tip is appropriate and appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, tipping inspires great service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across Asia. India has a strong tipping culture amongst the local people and small amounts of around 50 Rupees per person is generally appropriate for one-off assistance with luggage, or other forms of ad hoc service. You are free to tip as much or as little as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. For those who require a general guideline (which we are often asked for) we suggest a sliding scale based on the number of people in your overall group. If you are travelling alone we would recommend that you tip your guide up to 7 USD per day, if travelling in a couple or group then allow up to 5 USD per person per day. When travelling in groups of five or more or on a Western tour leader-led Small Group Journey allow 4 USD per person per day for each of your local guide, driver and tour leader. These amounts are given as guidelines only based on frequent requests for guidance on this matter from our travellers – as already noted, tipping is absolutely at your discretion. Please note that all of our Small Group Journey prices now include tipping of porters, boat operators, safari guides and any other local service providers used throughout your trip. Should you be dissatisfied with the services provided by your local guide, driver or tour leader, please let us know. Transport Vehicles Our standard vehicles for private touring are late model sedans, often Ford or Suzuki. For larger groups including our Small Group Journeys vehicle size and type will depend on group size but are generally in 15 to 30 seater mini buses or small coaches. Deluxe bookings use the spacious Toyota Innova in most cases. All of our vehicles are air-conditioned (except in some parts of the Himalayas where as a rule air-conditioned vehicles are not used). Please note that there may be some short duration excursions where other vehicle types are used. The most common of these is on national park visits, where park vehicles better suited to wildlife viewing are used. These are typically open-topped jeeps or canters. Some short excursions from regional hotels are also in jeep-type vehicles. Flights There is an extensive domestic flight network in India today and a wide choice of carriers using generally modern fleets. Generally Jet/Jetkonnect, Air India and Spicejet provide the best standard of service and on-time departures, however it may be necessary to use other carriers if you are travelling on more remote routes. Air India have improved their services and fleet considerably in recent years. Please note changes to schedule do occur and these may force changes to your travel arrangements. Insider Journeys can advise on specific routes. Trains India has a famous and extensive rail network reaching into many of the most remote parts of the subcontinent. However conditions on board vary significantly depending on the line and the train itself. In the past two decades some of the express services have become very efficient and popular means of travelling between cities, especially the Shatabdi Express services which are usually the fastest and most modern rail service where they exist and have comfortable chair classes – with reclining aircraft style seats and meal service. Overnight train travel even in the higher class cabins does involve a degree of adventure

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and flexibility as stations can be chaotic and delays do occur – especially in the north during the fog-affected months of December and January. Boats Use of boats is limited on our India itineraries. One exception is on the Kerala backwaters where a backwaters cruise is a popular day or overnight option. Backwaters houseboats (kettuvalams) are comfortable medium sized boats usually with two cabins and a large ‘living’ section at the front of the boat with dining table, comfortable seating and often a day bed, open at the sides and front. Cabins are mostly air-conditioned. In some national parks short boat safaris are taken in covered open-sided boats designed for wildlife viewing. For short dawn boat rides at Varanasi, only basic local boats are provided. Rickshaws & auto-rickshaws An Indian favourite, the rickshaw is a common means of transport in many Indian towns and cities. The basic cycle rickshaw is the common option in smaller towns, while in the cities and increasingly many country areas the auto-rickshaw is the covered motorised version – similar to the Thai tuk-tuk. You must bargain and agree on a fare prior to your journey, although some auto rickshaws do have meters these are often antiquated and the driver may have a conversion sheet which converts the displayed fare to a much higher amount on completion of the trip. Taxis Taxis are found in most towns and all cities, and many are classics of Indian design, both externally and internally. As with rickshaws, you must bargain and agree on a fare prior to your journey and meters are often antiquated and the driver may have a conversion sheet which converts the displayed fare to a much higher amount on completion of the trip. Late night surcharges may also apply. Ask your guide or hotel/restaurant doorman for assistance and always carry a hotel card as communication problems can occur. Maps & guides Insider Journeys has put together destination-specific city maps & guides for many of our favourite destinations in Asia. These guides provide up-to-date information on local sights, an excellent range of quality restaurants and shops, and contact information for our offices, airlines and emergency information. You will receive these on arrival, where available. Swimming Most four and five star hotels have swimming pools, and many of our Small Group Journey hotels feature these, especially outside of the major cities. Please note that modesty even around swimming pools is much appreciated in India. Topless bathing or sunning and/or very revealing swimwear may cause offence and should be strictly avoided. Please note that due to the cool night time temperatures from November to February most hotel swimming pools in the north will usually not be comfortable for swimming at these times. For those visiting south India and especially the coastal states of Goa and Kerala, many beach areas do offer swimming opportunities. However please be very careful about local swimming conditions as most beaches are not properly patrolled and undertows, rips or other dangerous currents may exist. Shopping Clothing, paintings, leather shoes, carpets, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, marble, antiques and a huge selection of souvenirs are favourite buys for visitors. While most opportunities are in markets and small local shops, there are increasing numbers of large shopping malls in the major cities. Also emerging is an increasing number of boutique-style shops selling unique designs and stylish handicrafts. A few guidelines to follow when shopping: Except in department stores, or more expensive boutique style shops, bargaining is the norm. To get the best price you

will have to haggle hard – but with good humour! Export of certain antiques is not permitted. Make sure you are aware of relevant regulations before purchasing Please beware of buying souvenirs or other goods containing animal products and support efforts to stamp out trade in

wildlife. These may be regarded as illegal products in your country, and if found to contain fur, feathers or other parts from endangered species heavy penalties apply both in country of origin and import

Fake reproductions are common. Make sure you know what you are buying - especially in the case of antiques, jade and gems. Any recourse after buying is very unlikely, no matter what receipts etc may state

Changes Insider Journeys will do everything possible to operate your holiday arrangements in accordance with your itinerary. Inevitably situations arise from time to time that make changes necessary. Sometimes these will be small (flight delays, etc.), however sometimes more significant alterations are required and we will need to reorganise elements of your journey. We will make every effort to ensure changes do not result in omissions from your tour. On rare occasions, omissions may be necessary. Insider Journeys will advise of any possible changes as soon as we become aware of them. Please note that we reserve the right to levy extra charges over and beyond the trip price, when, due to exceptional circumstances we are forced to pay for additional, unforeseen tour arrangements.

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Surveys At the end of your travel arrangements, your tour leader or local guide will provide you with a tour survey. We require our guides and leaders to give these to all travellers and to return them to ensure our survey process retains its integrity. We welcome all of your feedback! Please assist us by filling in your survey. Should you have a principled objection to surveys, please simply write your name and leave the survey blank. Local time India is: 5.5 hrs ahead of GMT 4.5 hrs behind Australian Eastern Standard Time 6.5 hrs behind New Zealand 10.5 hrs ahead of Canada Eastern Time 13.5 hrs ahead of Canada Pacific Time 10.5 hrs ahead of US Eastern Time 13.5 hrs ahead of US Pacific Time

Important dates 24 December 2014 to 2 January 2015 - International New Year period Only schools close during this time in India. Over the festive period, there will be compulsory dinners at a number of hotels. The cost of these dinners must normally be settled directly with the hotel. Please contact us for further information. 26 January 2015 – Republic Day Public holiday All government, semi-government and private organisations remain closed. A major military parade in New Delhi causes traffic snarls, diversions and no entry into certain areas during the rehearsals in the days prior as well as on the day of the event. 6-8 March 2015 – Holi Festival This colourful and important Hindu festival is celebrated by throwing coloured water and powder. In crowded venues in cities or large towns, it can become a little too exuberant and tourists should exercise caution. Wear clothes which you don’t mind being stained, and keep cameras etc in watertight covers to avoid any possible damage! Road travel or sightseeing during the day whilst Holi is being celebrated (from around 8am to 3pm) may require changes or cancellations according to local conditions. Some monuments and religious shrines may also remain closed. 15 August 2015 – Independence Day Public holiday All government, semi-government and private organisations remain closed. The Prime Minister delivers a speech at the Red Fort in Delhi every independence day. The Red Fort remains closed to visitors for approximately two weeks prior to this day. 17-20 July 2015 - Id-Ul-Fitr This Muslim festival of sacrifice, Id-ul-Zuha (Arabic) or Bakrid in India is celebrated all over the country at the conclusion of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Special sweets are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion. It’s a public holiday but monuments remain open. Mosques may be closed to non-Muslims at prayer time. 2 October 2015 – Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday Public holiday All government, semi-government and private organisations remain closed. 22 October 2015 – Dussehra An important Hindu festival with fireworks and sometimes the burning of images. A public holiday, but monuments remain open. 11-15 November 2015 – Diwali A five day Hindu festival of lights and sweet-giving, and a time of great joy and celebration in many parts of India. A public holiday but monuments remain open. 24 December 2015 to 2 January 2016 - International New Year period Only schools close during this time in India. Over the festive period, there will be compulsory dinners at a number of hotels. The cost of these dinners must be settled directly with the hotel. At time of writing, compulsory meal rates had not yet been finalised. Please contact us for further information. Please note there are many localised festivals and events all across India that may require some minor changes to itineraries. Strikes called at late notice may on occasion also effect travel plans. We are used to dealing with these and will plan and inform you of any changes accordingly. Many of the above dates, and others such as election and vote-counting days, are also declared ‘dry days’ during which alcohol cannot be sold.

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Language There are 18 officially recognised Indian languages including Urdu, Tamil, Punjabi and Bengali. Hindi is the most widely spoken and is the official language of India. English is also widely spoken however and is often the language of choice for Indian people themselves, if they do not speak each other’s local languages. Hindi does not use the Roman alphabet and thus most Westerners will have great difficulty trying to understand written Hindi. To help you get the most out of your contact with local people in the northern states where Hindi is widely used, try learning how to say these key phrases:

Hindi English Namaste Hello (or hi) Ap kaise hain? How are you? Dhanyavad Thank you Aapka naam kya hai? What is your name? Mera nam …. hai My name is … Kahan se aate hain? Where do you come from? Main … se aa rahaa/rahii hun I come from … (male/female) Iskaa daam kyaa hai? How much is this? Mehngaa! Expensive! Nahin No Haan Yes Mujhe maaf kiijiiye I’m sorry

Recommended reading India has an incredible wealth of written material and a thriving and unique literature, including many prominent English-language writers. The below are just a few of our favourites and recommended introductions to this complex and remarkable subcontinent. Travellers from many countries especially Australia will find book prices very reasonable in India and there are excellent book stores in all larger cities. Guide books Lonely Planet Guide to India The Rough Guide to India The Rough Guide to South India Lonely Planet Guide to South India Footprint Guide to India South India Handbook: The Travel Guide (Footprint) Rajasthan and Gujurat Handbook: The Travel Guide (Footprint) A Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent by K. Kazmierczak Field Guide to Indian Mammals by V. Menon

General resources for India A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh River of Dreams by Amitav Ghosh Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre Eat Smart in India by Joan Peterson and Indu Menon Hinduism: An Introduction by Dharam Vir Singh Maharanis: The Lives and Times of Three Generations of Indian Princesses by Lucy Moore The Sceptre and the Veil: Autobiographies by Indian Maharanis by Ranjana Harish A Malgudi Omnibus by R K Narayan The Argumentative India: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity by Amartya Sen The Ruling Caste: Imperial Lives in the Victorian Raj by David Gilmour The Age of Kali: Travels and Encounters in India by William Dalrymple The Life of Mahatma Gandhi by Louis Fischer White Mughals: Love and Betrayal in Eighteenth Century India by William Dalrymple The Last Mughal: The Fall Of A Dynasty by William Dalyrymple City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi by William Dalrymple The Honourable Company: The History of the English East India Company by John Keay India: A History by John Keay Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah MacDonald The Jewel in The Crown by Paul Scott

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A Passage to India by E M Forster The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh River of Dreams by Amitav Ghosh

SMALL GROUP JOURNEY TRAVELLERS Small Group Journey specifics If you are joining a Small Group Journey and it reaches a minimum of ten passengers, a Western tour leader will accompany you. All our tour leaders have an in-depth knowledge of India and an enthusiasm for the country which is contagious. Your tour leader is your Western link to India and is there to ensure your trip runs smoothly. Your tour leader will try, wherever possible, to cater to your individual interests. Local English-speaking guides also accompany you. They impart local information about history, customs and culture that can only come from living in the area. Generally we have a different local guide for each city or region we visit, so local guides are usually only with you for a few days. Group dynamics Our Small Group Journeys provide you with a good balance of group activity and personal discovery. Travellers need to be aware of certain personal responsibilities when travelling with a group. Simple things such as: being ready at agreed times keeping to the schedule to ensure the smooth running of the programme respecting the traditions and culture of the country you are visiting wearing the appropriate dress when visiting religious sites refraining from making comments or acting in a manner that would be viewed as unacceptable by your fellow group members or by the local people in the country you are visiting

Please ask your tour leader or local guide for further clarification of the issues mentioned above. CONTACT US If you have any problems with services once you are in Asia (e.g. representative not at airport for arrival transfer or guide doesn’t arrive for touring), please contact the relevant ground operator below. If it is unable to help, please then contact the Insider Journeys office listed on your itinerary, contact details also appearing below. Ground operators Travel Scope (India) Pvt Ltd 215 Qutab Plaza DLF City Phase 1 Gurgaon, NCR of Delhi Tel: +91 124 4999 499 24-hour emergency: +91 9999 427200 and +91 981 000 2813 (Small Group Journeys) or +91 981 158 8202 (other arrangements) Insider Journeys operated by Insider Journeys (Asia representative office) Suite 1308, Me Linh Point Tower 2 Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Tel: +84 8 3822 7390 Fax: +84 8 3822 7395 Email: travelsupport@insider-journeys.com After hours from outside Vietnam: +84 903 7242 06 or +84 903 7436 80 Worldwide offices Insider Journeys Australia (head office) Level 10, 403 George Street Sydney, 2000 Australia Tel: +61 1300 3653 55 Fax: +61 2 9244 2233 Email: info@insiderjourneys.com.au

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Insider Journeys UK (head office) 2nd floor, Chester House 21-27 George Street Oxford, OX1 2AY UK Tel: +44 1865 2689 40 Fax: +44 1865 2689 59 Email: info@insiderjourneys.co.uk Insider Journeys North America (head office) 3051 W 105th Ave, #350051 Westminster, CO 80031 USA Tel: +1 303 568 9765 Toll free USA/Canada: +1 800 342 1957 Email: info@insider-journeys.com Disclaimer Information herein was correct at the time of preparation; however, the rapid development of tourism in Asia has the potential to make some of the information in this guide irrelevant. This information is intended as a guide only and Insider Journeys is not responsible for any inaccuracies. This document does not, in any way, alter our booking conditions. Please contact us with your comments if, during the course of your travels, you find that the information in this guide is incorrect or out of date.