USEFUL INFO INDIA
Practical information to organize the trip with details about the best period to go, necessary documents, how to get around and much more.
WHEN TO GO to INDIA
The best time to visit India depends on the region you wish to explore. In general, the ideal season is from November to March, when temperatures are milder and more pleasant. This is especially true for the north, where winter is cool and dry. For the south, the weather is warm year-round, but the best time is between December and February. Avoid monsoons (June to September), especially in coastal areas and plains, where rainfall can be heavy and affect travel.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED for INDIA
To travel to India, a passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months is required when leaving the country. In addition, a tourist visa is required, which can be obtained online through e-Visa or at an Indian consulate. Some travelers may have to provide proof of vaccinations, such as yellow fever, depending on where they are coming from. For more information on this, we recommend you consult the Farnesina website.
WHAT TO BRING TO INDIA
India is a fantastic country with lots of wonders to discover. To better enjoy your adventure to discover India, here is a reminder of what to pack (indeed, we recommend a backpack if you are about to leave for an On The Road. It is more practical, more convenient when you have to reach the dispersed hotels. in the narrow alleys of the medinas and takes up less space in the car, especially if you are traveling in a group). So don't forget the essential:
Comfortable and resistant shoes
Mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer
Sunscreen and after-sun cream (especially in the summer months)
Credit card just in case (remember to notify the bank that you will make withdrawals and payments abroad)
Photocopy of your passport in case of loss
Kit of basic medicines (Paracetamol, Anti-inflammatory, Intestinal antibiotic and broad spectrum antibiotic, Antidiarrheal, Lactic ferments and Patches)
Dress longer to visit religious sites
Warm clothes for cool evenings
Light clothes to withstand the heat
If you travel with a lot of medicines, remember to enclose your medical prescriptions
INDIA'S CULTURE
Indian culture is extremely rich, diverse, and rooted in thousands of years of history. Each region has its own traditions, languages and customs, making India a mosaic of cultures. The country is known for its spirituality, with religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam having a profound influence on daily life. Religious holidays, such as Diwali, Holi and Eid, are lively celebrations with dances, music and prayers.
Indian cuisine, famous for its intense flavors and use of spices, varies greatly by region, from the spicy food of the north to the more delicate and spicy south. Music, dance, and drama are equally central to the culture, with traditional forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak.
Hospitality is a fundamental part of Indian culture, and guests are treated with great respect and warmth, as “devi” (deities).
GAY FRIENDLY INDIA ?
India has a complex history regarding the LGBT+ community. Although traditional Indian culture is often conservative and many social norms are influenced by family and religious values, there has been considerable change in recent decades, especially in urban areas. In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality, declaring unconstitutional Section 377 of the Penal Code that criminalized homosexual acts. This was a significant step toward equality, but full acceptance of the LGBT+ community is still evolving.
Larger cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Pune tend to be more open and welcoming, with increasing visibility of LGBT+ people and an active community. In these cities, events such as pride are held, and there are LGBT+ friendly bars, clubs, and cafes. However, the situation can be very different in rural areas or regions with strong conservative influences, where homosexuality is still often stigmatized.
Although legally India has made progress, social and cultural discrimination persists. LGBT+ people may still face difficulties in employment, families, or society. Initiatives to raise awareness and promote civil rights are growing, but the attitude of the country as a whole is still in transition. The road to full inclusiveness and acceptance of the LGBT+ community in India will take time, but positive changes are taking place.
LOCAL CURRENCY in INDIA
The official currency of India is the Indian rupee (INR), represented by the symbol ₹. The rupee is divided into 100 paise. Coins in circulation are 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupee, while banknotes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2000 rupee. The most common banknotes are the 100 and 500 rupee bills, with images of important historical figures and monuments of India.
Travelers can exchange currency at exchange bureaus, banks or airports, but fees may vary. Credit cards are accepted in major cities, stores, and restaurants, while in more remote places it is better to have cash on hand. In addition, the use of mobile payment applications is widespread in India, with solutions such as Paytm and Google Pay, particularly in urban areas.
CREDIT CARDS in INDIA
International credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are generally accepted in major Indian cities, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and shops. However, in rural or more remote areas it is advisable to have cash available as many businesses may not accept cards. It is also useful to inform your bank before you travel in order to avoid card blocks. In India, the use of mobile payment apps such as Paytm and Google Pay is widespread.
In India, a surcharge may be applied when paying by credit card, especially at some facilities or restaurants. Merchants may charge an additional fee, usually between 1% and 3%, to cover the costs of card transactions. In addition, some banks may charge fees for cash withdrawals from ATMs (ATM), which may be higher than those charged in other countries. It is advisable to inquire in advance about any additional charges when using cards in India.
LOCAL TIPS in INDIA
In India, tips are generally appreciated, but not always obligatory. In restaurants and hotels, it is common to leave a tip of 5% to 10% of the total bill. In some places, service may be included in the bill (typically between 10% and 15%), but it is good practice to check if this has already been applied. If service is not included, an additional tip is welcomed.
In high-end restaurants, the tip may be higher, while in more modest establishments or in rural areas, a lower amount is acceptable.
For other services, such as taxis, tour guides, and porters, it is also customary to leave a small tip. For example, taxi drivers may not expect a tip, but if the service was excellent, leaving a little extra is a gesture of appreciation.
Tipping is considered a recognition of good service, especially in the tourism and hospitality industries.
BARGAIN in INDIA
Bargaining is a common practice in India, especially in markets, stalls and with some shopkeepers. It is an integral part of the shopping culture, and is often seen as a game between buyer and seller. In local markets, prices are often inflated initially, and customers are expected to negotiate for a discount. The scope for bargaining can vary depending on the type of product, but it is possible to get a good deal, especially on souvenirs, clothes and handicrafts.
However, in more formal chain stores or malls, prices are fixed and haggling is not accepted. When bargaining, it is important to be respectful and patient, and maintain a friendly demeanor. If you feel uncomfortable or the asking price is too high, do not hesitate to walk away: sellers will often lower the price to get you to come back. Haggling is part of the shopping experience in India and an opportunity to interact with the local culture.
ELECTRICITY AND TIME ZONE in INDIA
India uses an electrical voltage of 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. Electrical sockets are of type C, D and M, so it is important to bring an adapter if you are coming from a country with different sockets. In some more remote areas, the power supply can be unstable or intermittent, so it is advisable to be prepared for outages, especially in rural areas. In general, large cities and tourist areas have a well-developed electricity network.
Regarding the time zone, India adopts India Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30. There are no summer time zones, so the time remains the same all year round. Compared to other countries, India has a single time zone that covers the entire territory, despite its vast geographical extension. For example, in some regions in the east of the country the sun sets much earlier than in the western areas, but everyone follows the same time.
GETTING AROUND in INDIA
Travelling in India is a fascinating experience, but it can also be challenging due to the variety of modes of transport available and the different conditions in which you travel. Each mode of transport has its advantages, and the choice depends on your destination, budget and personal preferences.
Flying is undoubtedly the fastest option for travelling between major cities in India. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet offer frequent flights at competitive prices. Major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai are modern and well-equipped, but it is advisable to book flights in advance, especially during holidays. Trains are another popular way to travel in India. India's railway system is one of the largest in the world, and travelling by train is a unique experience. There are different classes, from the most economical to the most luxurious, and trains allow you to explore the country's landscape. Tickets should be booked in advance, especially during peak periods.
Buses are an economical way to travel in India, both within cities and between destinations. Major cities are well connected by a network of public buses, but intercity travel is common with private companies offering long-distance buses. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Ola are popular in urban areas and offer good convenience. However, heavy traffic in cities can make getting around frustrating at times.
In addition, rickshaws (or tuk-tuks) are common in cities for short trips, but it is important to negotiate the price before setting off. In urban centers, bicycles are an option for getting around, although due to traffic they may not be the safest. In rural areas, motorbikes are a common mode of transportation, and to explore the backwaters of Kerala, river cruises are a relaxing and unique option. However, walking is always a good option to explore the historic neighborhoods and interact with the locals.
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