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Travel Tips - At a Glance

When to Visit

The trekking season in the Indian Himalaya runs roughly from April to November, though this varies widely depending on the trek, altitude and region. The ski season is between January and March.

India has such a wide range of climatic factors that it's impossible to pin down the best time to visit weather-wise. Broadly speaking October to March tend to be the most pleasant months over much of the country. In the far south, the monsoonal weather pattern tends to make January to September more pleasant, while Sikkim and the areas of northeastern India tend to be more palatable between March and August, and Kashmir and the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh are at their most accessible between May and September. The deserts of Rajasthan and the northwestern Indian Himalayan region are at their best during the monsoon.

Climate
The temperatures in India vary greatly, depending on the time of year and area. During the summer months of May and June the lower plains of the South, and the desert areas of the North are very hot and either dry in the North or humid in the South with temperatures around 100°F (40°C), while the hills and mountain areas provide a cool sanctuary. After the monsoons between June and October, the climate is extremely pleasant right through the autumn, winter and into early spring. North India is extremely cold in winter, but quite lovely in autumn and spring.

The Cities

Beware of government emporiums with fixed rates - these are sadly often outrageously expensive. Any item that is more than 100 years old is banned from export out of the country, as is ivory, crocodile skin and other wildlife products

Indian cities are bustling and exciting, and in most areas, quite safe. There is little danger of being mugged on the streets here, but don't be offended if the locals stare at you - the Indians are friendly and hospitable people and just curious.

Almost all city-dwellers speak and understand English, and you will find all the street and shop signs in English as well.

Should you get lost, the local people are so obliging that often you'll find they will not only give you directions, but walk you all the way to your destination!

Dining
Avoid eating spicy foods when you first arrive in India, however tempting. Allow your system at least a day or two to get used to them, introducing one Indian dish with each meal for the first couple of days. After that it is best to stick with cooked foods, and remember to peel fruit before eating it. The best drinks to enjoy with your meals or to quench  your thirst are the bottled mineral waters, other bottled drinks, coffee and tea. Indian beer is very good, along with Indian gin and vodka. The whiskey needs an acquired taste, and the imported scotch whiskey is very expensive as is the wine.

Shopping
India is a shopper's paradise with the promise of some excellent buys. For general shopping we recommend local markets which are great fun to explore and you can land yourself some really good bargains. You will find a huge choice of goods, from fashion bags and shoes in every colour, to Indian silks and handicrafts. To avoid the hassle of haggling, look for the fixed-rate shops or those that mark their wares with prices.

Transport
Inter-city transport in India may not be the fastest or the most comfortable in the world, but it's cheap, goes more or less everywhere, and generally gives you the option of train or bus, sometimes plane, and occasionally even boat. Transport around town comes in even more permutations, ranging in Kolkata (Calcutta), for example, from rickshaws still pulled by men on foot to a spanking new metro systems.

Whether you're on road or rail, public transport or your own vehicle, India offers the chance to try out some classics: narrow-gauge railways, steam locomotives, the Ambassador car and the Enfield Bullet motorbike. Some people come to India for these alone

Self Driving – Hiring Cars And Two Wheelers: You should consider this option only after seeing the unruly traffic on Indian roads and you feel confident of handling it. Cars are available on hire in most metros and Two Wheelers in some places like Goa and Port Blair. You need to carry an international driving licence in case you intend driving on your own. Riding a motorbike around India has become increasingly popular but is not without its hazards.

Disabled Travellers
No special arrangements exist either at the Airports, Railway Stations or Hotels.

Travelling with Children
Children are an asset while travelling in India. People are fond of them and their pranks are not considered a nuisance. You would be accepted in strange places much quicker if you are with children, than without them.

However, as the Indian weather and the sun could be extremely harsh, extra care should be taken to protect children from the Indian heat by avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day. It would be better if you plan your visit during the winters or go to cool places during the summer.

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