It is said that the best time to visit India is the Winter.  That is true, but only partly.  India has three major seasons: Winter months (November to February) are pleasant throughout India with bright sunny days.  Beach holidays are particularly invigorating and a place like Goa on the western coast is throbbing with tourists.  Up north, in the capital of Delhi, the temperature may range between 4 degree C (min on the coldest days) and 20 degree C.  the desert region on Rajasthan, also extremely popular in the winter months, follows a similar temperature pattern.  This also the time for winter sports and a white Christmas in the hill states of Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir and the hills of Uttar Pradesh.

In Maharashtra, the south and east India, December and January are pleasantly cool, never very cold.  The summer months (April-June) are hot in most parts of India.  During this period, hill resorts such as Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, Kullu and the Kashmir Valley (North), Darjeeling, Shilling (north-east), Ootacamund, Kodaikanal (south), Pachmarhi (central India) and Mount Abu  (Rajasthan) provide cool retreats.  Adventure sports in the hills such as trekking, para-gliding, angling are also best experienced in the summers.  The hills bloom and the meadows are lush. It must, however, be mentioned that should you wish to tour the plains in the summer months, air-conditioned hotels and transport is easily available at most tourist destinations.  You will also be able to avail of services at a considerably lower price at this time of the year.

The monsoon is an amazing phenomenon of nature experienced by India.  Somewhere in June, the clouds break at the coasts of southern India and they are pushed up northwards by July immersing the entire Indian sub-continent in torrents.  Everything in sight appears to assume a new colour, new life is created after a parched summer and poets go hoarse describing the sensuousness of the Indian rains.  Except for the south-eastern region, India receives its major share of rain between June-September.  The south-eastern areas receive most rain from the north-east monsoon between mid-October and December-end.  However, the only area which remains dry is the highest desert in the world the fascinating moonscapes of Ladakh.  This is the time to trek up here. 

Passports:  All travellers to India must possess a valid passport.  It is advisable to carry your passport on your person all the time while in India for possible identification requirements.

Visas:  All foreign tourists to India (baring nationals of Nepal and Bangladesh) must possess a valid visa.  Visas are not issued on arrival. The cost of the visa is USD 30 for upto six months, USD 50 for upto one year and 100 USD for more than one year and upto five years.  Contact the Indian embassy or consulate in your country for issuance of visas.  A touri8st visa is valid for three to six months.

Tourist visas allow multiple entry to simplify visits to neighboring countries.  You will be required to fill in a disembarkation card on your way to India which will have to be submitted to the Immigration counters at the entry airport.

Collective Visas: Foreign tourist travelling in groups of not less than four under a recognized travel agent, as can be granted tourist visas without prior reference, or even granted collective visas for tourism in India. In such cases the following procedure may be adopted:

(i)                   the agency sponsoring the group should furnish four copies of a list containing full name, nationality, address, date and place of birth and passport particulars of each member of the group to the Indian Mission in the country from which the tour starts, at least three days in advance of the date of departure; (ii) after necessary checks, the Mission will stamp a collective visa and it will not be necessary to stamp each individual passport. Three copies of the list will be returned to the sponsoring agency; (iii) the person in charge of the tourist group will hand over two copies of the list to the immigration authority at the port of arrival in India; (iv) the agents in India would also furnish to the immigration authority a list of the members of the group at least four hours before the arrival of the flight. This would facilitate an advance check of the additions before arrival of the flight; (v) incases where the tourist group splits into smaller groups for travel to different parts within India, the immigration authority would grant a collective licence to travel listing the particulars of the members of the smaller groups. 

Transit Visas: Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days.

Exemption from Registration: Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or a shorter period are not required to register themselves with any authority in India. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places.

Nationals of Bangladesh are exempt from registration upto six months. If their stay exceeds six months, they have to register themselves. Family passports issued by other governments are recognized without discrimination.

Landing Permit Facility: (for group tourists) Foreign tourists in groups of four or more arriving by air or sea, sponsored by recognized Indian travel agencies and with a pre drawn itinerary may be granted collective landing permit for a specified period of time on the written request of the travel agencies, presented to the Immigration Officer giving full personal and passport details of the group members, the itinerary, an undertaking to conduct the group as per the itinerary and an assurance that no individual would be allowed to drop out from the group at any place. However, Israeli group tourists on such landing permits are not entitled to visit the state of J&K unless they are specifically cleared by the MHA.

Tourist Groups: A tourist group arriving by air, ship or by a chartered or scheduled flight may be granted a collective landing permit for a periods of upto 30 days by the immigration authorities on landing, provided the group is sponsored by a recognized travel agency and a pre-drawn itinerary is presented along with details of passport etc. of the members, and the travel agency gives an undertaking to conduct the group together.

Other Types of Visas: If a foreigner wishes to come for a purposes other than tourism, he should obtain an appropriate visa out of the following:

        Business Visa: A foreigner can obtain one from an Indian embassy abroad. A multiple-entry business visa is valid for 5 years, provided he wants to come for business. Foreigners of Indian origin can obtain a 5 years, provided he wants to come for business. Foreigners of Indian origin can obtain a 5-year multiple entry visa for business, to meet their relatives etc.

        Student Visa: This can be obtained from the Indian Embassy on the production of proof of admission and means of sustenance while in India.  The visa is valied from one year but can be extended in India for the duration of the course.  The visa will be valied for the duration of the course or 5 years, whichever is less.

        Foreigners wanting to study yoga, music, Vedic culture, dance etc. are required to apply well in advance with all necessary particulars.  Indian embassies may grant visa for upto a period of 5 years.

        Conference Visa: Delegates coming to attend international conferences in India can be granted Conference Visas to cover the conference as well as for tourism purposes.  Delegates are advised to apply to the Indian embassies well in advance.

        Foreigners wishing to undertake trekking, botanical expeditions, canoeing, rafting, etc. in a team, may be granted visas for the required duration on presentation of full details.

        Sports teams or individual sportsmen wishing to participate in international sports events being held in India.

        Foreign journalists, mediamen, documentary and feature film-makers may obtain necessary visas after due formalities from the Indian Embassy.

        Employment visa: Foreigners desirous of coming to India for taking up employment should apply for an Employment Visa, issued by Indian missions.  Initially granted for one year, it can be extended in India upto the period of contract. 

If you face a problem at Immigration, contact the Assistant Commissioners of Police at the Airport immigration Office.  

Some areas in India usually border districts are out of bounds for normal travelers due to political and security reasons.  However, some of these are extremely beautiful and fascinating places, their remoteness lending them a special quality, and special permits may be procured if you wish to visit them.  Remember, the extra efforts may be worth your while.

Permits are usually provided to groups and for a limited number of days.  There is no extra charge for acquiring the permits and they may be obtained from the Indian missions abroad or governmental agencies within India.

There are two customs clearance channel.  The green channel is for travelers carrying non-dutiable items while the red channel is for travelers carrying dutiable items.

Duty-free items: duty-free items which you may bring to India include personal effects like clothing and other articles but not if this commercial merchandise. All expensive electronic equipment must be declared at the Customs Which will be re-checked on departure.  Take care to obtain an Export Certificate for these items if you are travelling to neighboring countries and intend a multiple entry.

You cannot bring in gold coins, gold or silver bullions into the country.  Weapons brought into the country should be licensed and declared.  Any cash or travelers cheque over US$10,000 or equivalent must be declared.  Possession of narcotic drugs is strictly prohibited.

Personal effects which are not used during your stay must be carried back by you.

Gifts worth Rs. 4,000 for tourists of foreign origin and Rs. 12,000 for tourists of Indian origin, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm of tobacco, I litre each of wine and spirits is allowed free of duty. 

If your baggage is mishandled or lost in transit, obtain a certificate to this effects from the airline and have it countersigned by the Customs, indicating specifically how much of your duty-free allowance is unutilized.

Customs Enquiry / Complaints: Assistant Collector of Customs at the international airport OR Commissioner of Customs, New Customs House, Near IGI Airport, New Delhi 110037.

Customs Home Page: http://konark.ncst.ernet.in/customs/  

Prohibited items of export:

• Gold jewellery valued at above Rs. 6,000.

• Animal skins or skin products.

• Antiques (over 100 years old).

For verification, contact Archaeological Survey of India, Janpath, New Delhi.Tel: 3019451 or ASI offices in other states.

• Wild plants, seeds or parts

Visitors leaving India after less than six months are exempt from Income Tax clearance procedures, but it is advisable to keep your encashment certificates handy in case of an enquiry.

A Foreign Travel tax must be paid by all tourists on departure Rs. 150 for departures to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives and Rs. 500 for all other countries. 

The India currency is the Rupee and it is a fully convertible currency.  The Rupee notes are available in denominations of 500, 100, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1.  Coins are available in the denominations of 5, 2, 1 (rupee) and 50 and 25 paise.

Foreign Exchange: Foreign exchange / currency brought into India must be declared at Customs where the value of foreign currency notes exceed US$ 2500 or the aggregate vale of the foreign exchange including currency notes exceeds US$10,000 or equivalent. You can exchange money at international airports where 24-hour exchange facilities are available through banks and approved money changers. You can also change money from nationalized banks and other banks in the country.

Some of the large nationalized banks include the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Punjab & Sindh Bank, Canara Bank, Allahabad Bank, Union Bank of India.

You will find international banks such as ANZ Grindlays, Citibank, Standard Chartered, BNP, Bank of America, Hong Kong Bank and others in the major metros. Most of these have 24 hour ATMs. American Express and Thomas Cook offices may be found in major metros and tourist cities.

Usual banking hours are 10 am to 2 pm on week days and 10 am to 12 noon on Saturdays. Please remember that not all banks will exchange foreign currency or travellers cheques particularly in small towns. Most recognized hotels will exchange foreign currency 24 hours buy a substantial service charge may be levied here.

Well-known credit cards are widely accepted in India. These may include Diners, Masters, Visa and American Express. You will find that your credit card is handy not only in paying your hotel bills and airfares, but also in buying souvenirs in small boutiques in way-off towns. Indian Railways also accepts bookings with credit cards in metros. 

If a foreign tourist originates from or has transited through endemic Yellow Fever countries (Africa, South America, Papua New Guinea), he/she must possess a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate. No other vaccination certificate is mandatory but you may like to consult your doctor for inoculation against typhoid, hepatitis A and meningitis. If you are a health fanatic, you may like to consider inoculation against polio, measles, mumps, cholera etc. However, a few careful precautions will make sure that even if you dont take the inoculations, you are protected.

Always make sure about the water you drink. If it is not boiled or filtered, ask for mineral water which is readily available over the country. Some of the better known brands are Bisleri, Hello, Ganga, Yes. Make sure that the seal of the bottle is not broken. Aerated water or soda is also commonly available and so are carbonated drinks by international brands such as Pepsi, Coke etc. You may like to carry chlorine or iodine tablets with you to purify water when in doubt.

Avoid eating food from roadside stalls even if you see a crowd gorging on them. The Indian stomach is immune to much of the stuff that goes in there. Never over-eat on a cuisine you are not used to even at a good eatery. If you are forced to eat at a doubtful place, make sure the food is served hot. Most tourist places, however, will have approved restaurants.

Always use an insect repellent if you find yourself in a mosquito prone area but remember, not every Indian place is mosquito infested and the winter cold (when most tourists come to India) kills most bugs in the northern plains most bugs in the northern plains most bugs in the northern plains most bugs in the northern plains and hills.

If you decide to come to India during the summer, the tropical climate in the pains can take you by surprise. Make sure that you drink lots of liquid and dont venture out in the mid-day sun. Also use sunscreens, hats and dark glasses to avoid sunburns. Wash often and dry yourself thoroughly to avoid any other ski8n ailments in hot and humid conditions.

Pharmacies or chemists are available in every little town and village and you can easily buy over-the counter medicines, condoms or tampons. In case you need to refer to a doctor for a specific condition, ask for help from your hotel (most have doctors on call or tour operator. The cost of visiting a doctor is fairly low compared to western countries. 

There are five designated international airports in India at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and Trivandrum.  Of these, the first two are the most used.  Limited international flights are also operated from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Goa, Calicut, Amritsar, Varanasi, Lucknow, Guwahati, Tiruchirapalli, Agra and Jaipur.  These are designated as customs airports and allows landing of tourist charter flights and international flights by the national carriers of India.

The international airports at the four major metros have a fairly comprehensive range of facilities.  These may include duty-free shops, restaurants, business centres, rest-rooms for the disabled as well, telephone booths, travel assistance counters, hotel booking counters of major hotel chains, baby-care rooms, taxi and rent-a-car counters, airline booking counters, foreign exchange counters, mobile phone rentals and so on.  Check out individual city sections for details of facilities in respective cities. 

BY AIR:

There are three large domestic air-lines which fly across the country.  The state-owned Indian Airlines with the largest network, Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines.  A few other smaller airlines such as Archana Airways, Jagson Airlines, Gujarat Airways etc. also offer limited regional services.

Indian airlines: Commanding a large and modern jet fleet, the Indian Airlines (IC) network spans the countrys 3,000 km, from Leh in the north to Thiruvananthanpuram in the south and about the same from east to west, covers all important places of tourist interest, linking 59 cities in India and 16 in neighboring countries including Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kuwait, UAE, Oman and Malaysia.

Jet Airways: Indias largest private airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737-300/400/500 jets to 25 domestic destinations.  The airline has Interline agreements with over 108 international airlines and facilities include 24-hour flight information and reservation computerized check-in, free coach service at both Mumbai Airports, a choice of meals including veg./non-veg., diabetic, low cholesterol, Jain meals etc.

On the Club Premiere business class facilities include tele-check-in, use of Club Premiere lounges, meal options, priority baggage service and seat preferences at the time of reservations.

As a Jet Privilege member you are entitled to priority waitlisting, tele-check-in, access to Club Premiere lounges, excess baggage allowance priority baggage clearance and exchange of Privilege miles for free flights anywhere on the British Air-ways and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines network.

Sahara Airlines: The airline has a fleet of Boeing 737-400 jets and 4 helicopters (Dauphins and Ecuriels).  With Interline agreements with various national and international airlines, value added services on Sahara include an in-flight. Library, valet service, tele check-in for both Y &J class, personalized reading kit and meal preference (Jain meals and diabetic meals are standard fare and customized meals for Sahara Royale passengers includes Thai, Italian, Continental and Indian as well as health meals.)  The Sahara Club Crown is a two dimensional frequent flier programme offering options for redeeming points against privileges and gifts from well known international brands.  The three-level membership is available as Sahara Silver, Sahara Gold and Sahara Platinum subject to upgradation depending upon accumulation of points.

Archana Airways and Jagson Airlines re tow other smaller private airlines which operate on short feeder routes in northern India.

Archana Airways: 41A, Friends Colony East, Mathura Raod, New Delhi-110065.Ph.: 6821924, 6841985, Fax: 6847762.

Jagson Airlines:  12E, Vandana Building 11, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi-110001.Ph. 3721593/4, Fax: 3355298.

DOMESTIC AIRPORTS

India has a total number of 115 domestic airports.  Many of these have been significantly upgraded of later.  Beginning with Delhi, the capital-the brand new Indian Airlines terminal is comfortable and comprehensive.  Technology-wise also, the airport has been substantially upgraded.

There are new terminal buildings at Agra, Cochin, Rajpur, Bhubneswar, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad featuring contemporary design and facilities.

INLAND AIR TRAVEL TAX

Inland Air travel Tax is leviable at 10 percent of the basic fare, on all passengers embarking on an inland air journey.  Passengers paying their airfare in foreign exchange will be exempt from payment of this tax.  In addition, infants, cancer patients, the blind and invalids (those on stretchers) are exempt after fulfilling certain conditions in the relevant notifications.

Check-in time for all domestic flights is one hour before departure.  

INDIA BY RAIL

The Indian Railways network is incredibly extensive (the second largest in world) and if you want to se the country unfold in front of you, this may be the best mode of travel.  The rail network, of course, is more extensive than the air network and may take you to a greater number of places.  The Railways operate nearly 7,800 passengers services a day over a route length of aprox. 63,000 km.

You could opt for the luxury tourist trains such as Palace-on-Wheels and the Royal Orient, the superfast Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains or the other regular trains which are divided into 15 zones.  Most trains run daily.  However, tourist or other special trains may have a limited schedule. Special holiday trains are also often run during holidays and festivals.  There are also steam-hauled toy-trains in the hills which offer a quaint experience.  Your may wish to acquire a railways time-table book available at railway-station bookshops to know exact train schedules.

The regular trains usually have the following classes of accommodation: a/c 1^st class, a/c 2-tier sleeper, a.c3-tier sleeper, a/executive chair car, a/c chair car, 1^st class, sleeper class and 2^nd class.

Website: www.indiarailway.com

TOURIST TRAINS

Palace on Wheels: This air-conditioned train takes you on a week-long journey through Rajasthan in eight days (Delhi-to-Delhi) covering the historic cities of Jaipur, Chitogrgarh, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalamer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.  Each coach has four coupes with wall-to-wall carpeting, bar and two restaurant cars serving Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine.

Each compartment has an attached bath with running hot/cold water and shores, built-in wardrobes, overhead and night lights, piped music, reading lights etc.  the furniture has been specially created for the Palace on Wheels.  At the end of each coach is separate lounge where passengers can relax when they wish to move out of their bedrooms.  Here they can unwind with a magazine, engage in conversation, or watch as the panorama of the Indian desert unfolds.

The train leaves every Wednesday from Delhi Cantonment Railway station.  Tariff per person per night: Single occupancy US$460, Double $325, triple $260 (October to March) and $370/270/215 respectively (September and April).  For information contact: Tourist Reception Centre, Bikaner House, New Delhi-110011, Ph.: 91-11-3381884, 3386069; Fax: 91-11-3382823. Rajasthan Tourism Develop0ment Corporation Ltd., Hotel Swagatam Campus, Near Railway Station, Jaipur Ph.: 91-141-203531, 202586. Fax: 91-141-201045

Website: http://www.inetindia.com.rajastan; e-mail: jaipur.rtdc@axcess.net.in

Royal Orient Express: A unique experience offered by Indian Railways.  The Royal Orient takes you on a journey through two of Indias most culturally fascinating states, Gujrat and Rajasthan.  Operation between September to April, the train leaves from Delhi Cantonment, halting at some of the royal cities, including Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Patiala, Veraval, Ahmedabad and Jaipur.  Tariff is US$ 350 per person per night on single occupancy, $200 per person per night on twin-sharing basis, and $ 175 per person per night on triple-sharing.  April and September tariffs are $263, $150 and $132 per night respectively.  The itinerary is spread over eight days.  Bookings are confirmed against a 10 percent deposit.  Accommodation is mainly in coupes, each carriage with a lounge, mini-bar, kitchenette and modern toilets with running hot and cold water.  The air-conditioned interior is furnished with a bar, multicuisine restaurants and a library. For details and booking, contact Central Reservation Office: 12/4, First Floor, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008, Telefax: 01-5783960, 3364724, 3734015.

H.K. House, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 380 009; Ph.: 079-6589172, 6587217; Fax: 079-6582183

Dhanraj Mahal, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400 039; Ph.: 079-6589172; Fax: 022-2883541.

E-mail: tcogl@ad1.vsnl.net.in Website: http://www,gujrattourism.com

Rajdhani Express: These superfast, air-conditioned, deluxe trains are some of Indias best in terms of efficiency and service quality.  The Rajdhani trains connect Delhi to Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, Bhubneswar, Guwahati, Jammu Tawi, Secunderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, Abu Raod, Ajmer amongst others and also operate several others city pairs.

Fares on a/c 2-tiersleeper are (from Delhi): Rs. 2,140 to Mumbai, Rs. 2,190 to Calcutta, Rs. 3,015 to Bangalore, Rs. 3,625 to Thiruvananthapuram,  Rs. 2,850 to Chennai, Rs. 2,650 to Bhubaneswar, Rs. 2,760 to Guwahati, Rs. 1,210 to Jammu Tawi.

Shatabdi Express: These are superfast intercity trains which have established a reputation in service and punctuality over the past few years.  Snacks, meals, mineral water and reading material is supplied aboard the train, included in the cost of the ticket. A Shatabdi route connects a metro city with other major and secondary centres.  The two classes on these trains are chair car and executive class.

Some chair care fares are: From New Delhi: Chandigarh Rs. 400, Dehradun Rs. 465, Ludhiana Rs 465, Lucknow Rs 595, Amritsar Rs 560.

From Mumbai: Surat Rs 400, Pune Rs. 330, Vadodra Rs. 505.

From Chennai: Mysore Rs 570, Bangalore Rs. 495, Coimbatore Rs. 525.

From Calcutta: Tatanagar Rs. 405, Bokaro Rs. 460, Kharagpur Rs. 285.

Konkan Railway: Commissioned in January 1998, the Konkan Railway connects the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala along the beautiful Arabian Sea coastline of western India.  The track spans a total of 43 kml of bridges laid over 146 minor and major rivers and pierces 72 tunnels amongst which is Indias longest tunnel measuring 6.5 kn.  Often crossing ravings over 50 mt deep, the modern rail track can sustain trains running at 160 kn/hour.

Toy Trains: These trains, operating on narrow gauge tracks-hence the name toy trains-laid during the British days, link stations in the plains to hill stations and offer a laid back experience, where passengers can take in the diverse mountain scenery at leisure.  Some of the routes are:

Kalka-Shimla: 107 tunnels, arched bridges and picturesque stations en route are the features of 96-km journey linking the onetime summer capital of India to the plains of Punjab.

The Shivalik Deluxe Express runs twice every day, stopping only at Barog for providing catering services to passengers.  The train has bay glass windows and wall-to-wall carpeting.  Seating 131 seats.  Fare: Rs. 305 (one-way) & Rs. 540 (round trip).

Deluxe Rail Motor Car, with a transparent roof, TV/VCP, music and an altimeter.  It operates twice a day.  Seating : 14-18.  Fare Rs. 305 (one-way).

Shivalik Palace can be attached to any train for an exclusive experience, with a dining table, folding cushioned beds, refrigerator, modern bathrooms, catering by a special attendant on board, well-equipped kitchen etc.  As part of the package is offered a complement of two luxurious retiring rooms with geyser, TV and telephone at Shimla.  Seating: 6,  Fare: Rs. 4,850 in UP direction and Rs. 3375 in DN direction.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway traverses 46 km of twists and turns from Mettupalayam to the hill resort of Ootacamund at a top speed of 33 km an hour.  Snaking through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges, the climb offers breathtaking vistas of plantation and fir-clad hills.

Darjeeling Hill Railway with a 2-foot gauge, is the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges.  Liking the town of New Jalapaiguri with the eastern Indian hill station of Darjeeling, this famous little train is drawn on its 86 km journey by a 100-year-old engine in 7.5 hours.

With no tunnels on the route, passengers get an uninterrupted view of the Himalayas.

Matheran Railway is a 77-year-old line connecting Neral (on the Mumbai-Pune line) to the hill resort of Matheran close to Mumbai.

The panorama of hills and plains unfolds as the sturdy little train chu8gs up to the peaceful retreat.  The train runs between sunrise and sunset, covering the distance in 1.5 hours.

Fairy Queen: This is the oldest running locomotive in the world holding a Guiness Book of Records.  With a seating capacity of 50, the train do3es weekend trips from Delhi to Alwar5-allowing the tourists to experience the heritage hotel and tiger sanctuary at Sariska.  The tariff is Rs. 8000/-inclusive of meals, transport (Alwar-Sariska-Alwar), visit to tiger sanctuary and stay at Sariska Palace on twin-sharing basis.  The trains does limited runs from October-February.

For booking, contact: Director, National Rail Museum, Chanakyapur, New Delhi-110021. Ph.: 011-6881816, 6880939, Fax: 011-6880804

E-mail   : nrm@nrm.nrm.cmc.net.in Website: http://www.icindia.com/fairy

Buddha Parikrama: This train was introduced during the Buddha Mahotsav festival celebrated in November 1998 and follows the Buddhist pilgrimage trail the Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang walked in 4^th century A.D. Departing from Howrah station (Calcutta), it covers Kushinagar, Varanasi, Rajgir, Nalanda and Gaya.  The train is at present available for charter bookings.  Regular runs may follow son.  For information, contact: Ashok Travel & Tours, ITDC, 3^rd Floor, New Delhi House, 27 Barakhamba Raod, New Delhi-110001. Ph.: 011-3313233/3715917; Fax: 011-3324905

Website:  http://www.indiatourism.com; E-mail    : reservation@indiatourism.com.

The Taj Express provides a fast link to Agra, and the pink City Express to Jaipur.  Comfortable, A/c travel is available on a number of other trains.

The Indrail Pass:  Indian Railways have this value-for-money facility which enables foreign budget visitors to travel as they like over the entire Indian railway system without any route restriction within the period of validity of the ticket.  Indrail passes are sold only to foreign nationals and Non Resident Indians.  They must hold valid passports.  Payment is accepted only in US dollars, pounds sterling and other convertible foreign currencies.  A tourist travelling on the pass to exempt from paying reservation fee, surcharges and supplementary charges for travelling by superfast trains which are levied in the case of ordinary tickets.

Indrail Passes on half-day, two-day and four-day basis are also available and are economical for tourists intending to visit places, the journey time of which fits in these durations.  These can also be used as convenient supplements to extend the journey time which otherwise is not covered by the Indrail Passes, for 1,7,15,21,30,60 and 90 days.  Inrail Passes for half-day, one-day, two-day and four-day duration are sold by GSAs abroad.

The passes must be validated before commencing the first rail journey.  Outside India, Indrail passes are sold through GSAs in London, New York, Paris, Sydney, Frankfurt, Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat, Dhaka and Durban.

In India, Indrail passes are sold in railway offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Agra Cantt., Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore city, Chandigarh, Gorakhpur, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijaywada, Jaipur, Rameswaram, Trivandrum Cehtral, Vadodara, Varanasi, Puttaparthi Town Booking Agency, vasca-da-gama and Amritsar.  Certain recognized agents are also authorised to sell them in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.

Note: It may help you to remember that foreign tourists have special quotas on many trains.  If your are travelling on your own and find that rail tickets are not available on the general counter, enquire for the tourist quota you will have to pay in foreign exchange unless you show your encashment certificates. 

INDIA BY ROAD

Highway Travel: India has a road network of over 2.9 million kilometers.  National highways comprise 34,608 km and state highways 128,622 km.  Several highways such as Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Jaipur (partially) have been upgraded and widened of late.  In all, national highways have been widened to four-lane highways in the sates of Rajasthan, Haryana, West Bengal, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

In fact, the Indian government is privatizing the highway infrastructure development and the country is likely to possess extremely motorable roads in the near future.

It is worth mentioning that highway travel has become extremely popular even for domestic tourists ever since the small car boom in the country and most important tourist highways, such as Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra have comprehensive facilities such as motels, unleaded petrol stations, public conveniences etc.  you will also notice several dhabas on the highways.  These are food stalls serving hardcore Indian meals and cupfuls of sugary tea or chai created for the convenience of truckers.  It wouldnt be advisable to try the food here, but they will al have mineral water and cold drinks.

It is also worth mentioning that the tourism departments of Haryana and Rajasthan, states adjoining Delhi have in particular focussed on highway tourism, you will notice several attractive resorts, even a Jack Nicklaus golf resort, on your way to Jaipur from Delhi.

In India, vast as the country is roads may be your only means to reach several places, especially way off towns and the hills.  The roads are not always smooth off the main highways and it may be advisable to check on the vehicle that is going to carry you.

Bus Services: all state transport corporations operate extensive bus services and it is possible to reach even the remotest of places by bus. (Check respective cities for details.)  However, do remember that no all buses are well cushioned and some of the rides can be bumpy and uncomfortable.  Take a bus only when your are sure of what is feels like.  Tourist districts, of course, will have a range of buses-offering air-conditioned, well-maintained interiors.  Jaipurs Pink Line and Silver Line Buses are a good example.  Road travel, of course, is the cheapest means of transport.  One-way journey to Jaipur on a Pink Line costs as little as USD 7.25  However, if your are travelling on your own, do remember to book well in advance in the tourist season.

Self-drive: If you are planing a self-drive, India can be an extremely adventurous and interesting destination.  Rules for importing a vehicle are as follows: Tourist can import their own vehicles into India with a Carnet de Passage (Triptyques) issued by recognized automobile associations or clubs affiliated to the Alliance International de Tourism in Geneva.  Cars can be imported free of duty up 6 months and must then be re-exported. An International Certificate for Motor Vehicles (ICMW) and an International Driving Permit are also required.  Drivers must posses a third party insurance.

Once in India with your vehicle, it is good to remember a few things:

        Vehicles drive on the left in India.  Traffic discipline is not what you rind in the west.  Give yourself time to get acclimitised to the conditions and unspoken rules.  Traffic speed is also comparatively low.

        Have a map of the journey your wish to chart but dont expect people on the way to be able to read the map always.  It may be better to just ask directions for the next place you need to reach as per your map.

        Fuel: Not every highway or gas stations offers unleaded petrol.  Either take-up sufficiently before starting or enquire about unleaded petrol stations prior to embarking on the journey.

        Safety.  The regular precautions apply.  Avoid driving in the night.  Do not offer lift to strangers

You can also hire self-drives while in India.  For this, the minimum age of the customer must be 25 years, he must posses a valid driving licence for at least two years with no major conviction.  Foreign nationals must hold a valid international driving licence/licence of the country of origin.  An insurance deposit of Rs. 10,000 (refundable) is required.

Rent-a-Car

You fill find several agencies offering rent-a-car services.  international agencies such as Hertz, EuropCar, Budget, Apace may be found in all metros.  You may find their counters at the airports as well.  Your hotel will also very likely house a travel counter and your may hire a car from here.  Or else ask for the contact of reputed travel agencies who will also hire out a variety of cars-Mercedes, Cielo, Ford, Opel, the sturdy Indian Ambassador or the range of Maruti cars, 4-wheel drives by Tata and so on.  See respective sections for details of care hire agencies.  You may also like to contact the Government of India Tourist Offices for car hire who offer reliable and value-for-money services.

Taxis: Yellow-to metered taxis operate in cities and large towns.  The fare on metered taxis is charged on a kilometer basis and a certain percentage is added to the meter reading.  A meter reading chart carried by all drivers will indicate the amount you need to pay.  Please note that an extra night charge is levied.  Luggage is also charged extra.  In cities where taxis dont operate on meters, negotiate the rate before getting in. 

It will also help you to remember that in Delhi, taxis normally operate from stands which are conveniently located almost all over the city and you can call your nearest stand on the telephone.  You may not find too many empty taxis on the road.  In Calcutta, Mumbai and other cities, taxis can be conformably hauled from the roads.  Try and take a taxi from a pre-paid taxi stand, particularly at airports and railway stations.

Other Local Transport: Bus services abound in every city.  But remember that they can be crowded and bumpy and unless you are looking for a close mingling with the people.  They can be avoided as other means of transport is easily available.

Auto-rickshaws:  These are hooded three wheelers, a convenient and cheap mode of transport in most cities.  Where auto-rickshaws are metered, the meter-reading system is the same as for taxis except that they are far cheaper. 

You can also try a cycle-rickshaw or even a tonga (a horse-chawan carriage)for a uniquely Indian way of travelling.  Motorcycles may also be hired in some tourist cities like Goa. 

With liberalisation of the economy, business travel has increased manifold in India.  Most hotels and tour operators offer special facilities for corporate travellers and some even specialize in this form of travel.

Beginning with the airports which have facilities like shower rooms, lousiness lounges with all attendant international facilities, car rentals, mobile phone rentals, there is a whole line-up of services.

You may find that booking in the corporate sector in your hotel (there are special packages as well) gets you various advantages.  A limousine pick-up at the airport, corporate floor where the rooms are designed around a business traveller with facilities such as writing desks, two-line phones, fax machines, computer ports, direct dial facilities to over a hundred countries, subscription to international financial newspapers and journals may be some of the services.

In deluxe hotels, additional services may include personal valet, overnight stationery printing, power meals, cellphone rentals, travel assistance, confirming appointments, delivering flowers, special business lounge etc.; Business Centres offer office rooms, secretarial service translation and interpretation, fax, e-mail, internet, PCs, board rooms etc.

All metros offer elaborate conferencing facilities in hotels and in specialized convention centres.  Hotels will be adept a organizing thematic banquets for a product launch or smaller cocktails.  Important conference Centres in the country are New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Kovalam, Chennai, Bangalore, Goa and Bhubaneswar.  Some other cities like Agra are in the process of building international convention centres.  Convening in India is also exciting because of the incredible possibilities in post-convention tours.

Car hire companies and hotel travel desks will provide chauffeur-driver limousine service.

E-mail and internet  service are available in most hotels, but e-mail centres are not as popular in all cities.  While cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai have several cyber cafes, the concept hasnt picked-up adequately in other cities as yet.  Fax and STD/ISD booths, of course, abound all over the country.

Telecommunications within the country has significantly improved in the last few years and even remote villages are new connected.  AT&T call collect services are available at some places, but not every-where.  Look out for bright yellow boards displaying STD/ISD/Fax if you wish to avail of any of these services while on the move.  Calling cards are not used India and you pay cash by the meter.

Trained English-speaking guides are available at fixed charges at all important tourist centres.  The Government of India Tourist Offices can be contracted by tourists for these.  French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian and Japanese-speaking guides are available in some cities.

Deluxe Hotels: India has its own list of deluxe hotel chains where standards compare with the best in the world.  The Oberoi, Taj, Welcome-group are the best known in the private sector.  State-run Ashok hotels also provide deluxe accommodation in a large number of destinations.  you will find that these hotels have luxurious amenities and world class dcor.  Tariff is generally charged on the European systems of room rent only in any 3 to 5-star hotel, expect to find any or all of the following facilities: choice of restaurants, round-the-clock coffee shop, conference services, business centre, health club, swimming pool, beauty salon, shopping complex, travel country, baby-sitter, safe deposit, currency exchange, rooms with attached baths, channel music, cable TV, telephones with direct dial facilities etc.  Centralized reservations may be obtained through travel agents.

International Chains: Liberalization and a spurt in travel has brought a large number international hotel chains to India.  While well-known brands such as Sheraton, Holiday Inn. Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Meridien, Quality Inns, Best Western, Kempinski have been there in the country for a while, recent entrants are country Hospitality with all its brands (Regent, Radisson, Country Inns, TGIF), Mariott, Hilton, Park Plaza, four Seasons, SHPC.  Even the existing brands re expanding in the country.

Heritage & Palace Hotels: Indias chivalrous and romantic history finds records in its ancient palaces where the architecture boggles ones mind, suggestions of an old world luxury makes one fantasise.  One may experience these intimately by booking into a heritage hotel which is a palace turned into a hotel.  Some of these have been given over to hotel chains to run (who have meticulously maintained the original character), while others are run by the present generation of their royal possessors.  The concept has been pioneered in Rajasthan, where a heritage hotel may be found in every little thikana; other states such as Gujarat and Himachal also have a few heritage hotels.

Tourist Bungalows/Travellers Lodges : These offer comfortable lodging and meals.  Tourists may have a choice between a dormitory and a self-sufficient room with attached bath.  A restaurant or a dinning hall with a bar is a possible feature.  Room reservations in advance strongly recommended.

Rest Houses/Dak Bungalows: Introduced during the British days, they are meant for government officials, through tourists may stay in them under certain conditions.  Located near national highways, they are convenient for those travelling by road.  For reservations, contact district/local authorities well in advance.

Railway retiring Rooms:  Due to their locations, these are convenient for tourists planning an early morning train departure.  Possession of rail ticket or Indrail Pass required to avail of this facility.

Unusual Stay Options: would you like a tree-house, a boat, a thatched hut? If you do not wish to opt for Kashmirs shikaras (boat houses), come to Kerala.  Rice-boat houses that luxuriantly float over the backwaters have turned many a tourist poetic.  You may find a tree-house to live in the wildlife state of Madhya Pradesh.  Nature therapy resorts in southern India re also unusual accommodation is very often in indigenous, eco-friendly mud and thatch units, where luxury is redefined as being one with Nature.

Others: For information on staying with an Indian family as a paying guest, contact government of India Tourist Offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.  You will find that Goa has various paying-guest stay options.  Indian Youth Hostels offer accommodation to members and non-members.  For information, contact Youth Hostels association of India, 5, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapur, New Delhi-110021. Ph.: 6116285, 6110250. Salvation Army Hostels, camping sites, Sikh temples and dharamsalas and pilgrim sites also offer variety in accommodation.

Rice and curry is an over-simplification of specialized art that Indian cuisine represents.  For one, cuisine in India differs not only `from region to region but even from one household to another.  What is understood by curry may have over 500 variations across the country the only common element being that is a gravy with various condiments thrown in.  also, it would be misleading to suppose that every Indian dish is hot.  The pungency peculiar to various Indian dishes is lent by chillies and if you ask your host to go slow on them, you are safe.

Some of the great culinary traditions of India originated in the royal courts of the Mughals.  The Mughlai food, whether from Delhi, hyderabad or Lucknow is usually meat based.  The tandoor or a clay oven is used as the stove which has, of course, made its way across several shores.  Braised meats, rich sauces and flavoured rice are the highlights of this form of cooking-served at innumerable specialty restaurants across the country.  Other regions have their own unique style of cooking and favoured bases.  Kashmir, for example, is famous for its 24-course banquet, the wazwan; coastal areas such as Goa, Kerala and Bengal specialize in fish, sea food and coconut based dishes; Gujrat and Tamil Nadu excel in vegetarian specialties.  Sweetmeats of India have their own special place in the culinary traditions Bengal, Bikaner and Delhi are particularly famous in this regard.

However, if you feel homesick about food, there are innumerable restaurants serving Continental, Chinese and western cuisine.  Specialty cuisine such as Thai, Spanish, French, Mexican, Italian, South Asian, Mediterranean etc. has also caught up fairly well, particularly in the metros.  Besides restaurants in exclusive hotels, you will find several free-standing restaurants serving a range of cuisine.

International chains such as McDonalds, TGI Fridays, Blue Elephant, Pizza Hut, KFC, Dominos Pizza, have entered the scenario.  Western-style confectionery is also easily available. 

If you want to have a particularly special visit to India, go for at least6 one of the specific interest tourism options, such as trekking in the Himalayan region, horse safari in Rajasthan, trout fishing in the still lakes of Himalayan region, horse safari in Rajasthan, trout fishing in the still lakes of Himalayan valleys, houseboat holidays and so on.  Here is a brief description of the possibilities.

Trekking/Mountain-biking. Rafting/Angling: the Himalayan region, including the Garhwal Himalays, Kumao Hills, Kullu Valley, Kangra Valley, Lahaul & Spiti, Zanskar and Ladakh, or the Eastern Himalayas are ideal for trekking.  Your could combine trekking with other activities such as mountain-biking, river rafting and angling or just do any of these activities separately.  Treks can be light through alpine meadows, or tough over high passes and difficult conditions.  Various operators have setup permanent camps with Swiss tents in these areas and the itineraries are operated externally professionally.  The best time for such activities May to October.

Skiing & Heli-Skiing: Mid-December to march, Skiing is possible on the snow-slopes of Garhwal, Himachal & Kashmir.  Auli in Garhwal has became an important skiing centre.  Gulmarg in Kashmir has opened up again, Mandi, Solang and Nankana in Himachal offer several natural slopes as well.  Heli-skiing is operational Solang valley and equipment of international standards is available.

Jeep-Safari:  There are various regions in India whose beauty compels one into a jeep-safari when you dont want to get into any other adventurous mould.  Trans-Himalayan jeep safaris, particularly the Manali-Leh stretch (July-mid October) have been particularly popular.  Rajasthan is another favoured destination, with forts and palaces as the theme (October-April).

Horse Safari: This is the way to experience the battle-fraught history of the Rajasthan region.  If your are a keen rider, youd love the trails where the Rajput armies moved, dotted with cenotaphs, rural villages, lakes, wild-life sanctuaries, impressive castles.  Stay is usually in palaces turned to hotels or pitched tents.  Horse safaris are also operated on certain trails in Himachal. (October-March.)

Camel Safari: These safaris are usually operated in the desert region of Rajasthan around Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner.  You seem to re-live the fantasy of a 16^th century caravan on the move on trading routes.  A lonely desert, colourful people and welcoming villages are the highlights.

Wildlife Safaris: There are 10 wildlife sanctuaries in India spread across the country and each offers its own special kind of flora and fauna.  Corbett in the north was made famous by the British hunter Jim Corbett.  Then, there is Dudhwa National park, bordering Nepal, known for its rhinos and elephants; Sariska National Park and Bharatupur Bird Sanctuary are a bird waters paradise, several migratory birds converge here; Ranthambore in Rajasthan is where you spot a tiger; Kanha & Bandhavgarh in central India are also famous for the tiger; Gir Lion sanctuary in Gujrat is where the Asiatic lion is found; Bandipur, Nagarhole and Mudmalai in the south are known for their elephants; Perioyar is a tiger and bird preserve; Kaziranga in Assam is where you find the one-horned rhino.  Take you pick!

Angling: you can fish the trout and the mahseer in the ice-fed clear mountain streams and high alttitude lakes of the Himalayan regions. You get both brown and rainbow trout.  Mahseer, found only in India, is known as the toughest fresh water fighting fish in the world.  Fly fishing is also possible.  Trout fishing is also possible in the Nilgiri hills in southern India.  Best season is from February to June and September to mid November.  Deep sea fishing is possible off the Malabar coast and in Lakshadweep islands.

Scuba diving & Snorkelling: the Andaman & Lakshadweep islands offer excellent opportunity for snorkelling and scuba diving.  Local reefs and a thousand kind of brilliantly coloured fish can be seen underwater.  Equipment and diving instructors are easily available.

Aero Sports: Ballooning has caught on of late.  Hot-air ballooning is at present offered by Wanderlust Travels over the Tajmahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Delhi, Himachal and the Rajputana desert.  Para jumping and free-fall parachuting is an added attraction.  The lower reaches of Himalayas are also highly rated for hangliding and para-sailing because of the good thermal soaring effect.  Kangra holds an annual hang-gliding championship, inviting the best in the world.  Equipment can be easily hired.

Mountaineering: This is the ultimate in adventure.  The Himalyas offer varying degrees of difficulties with altitudes ranging from 17,000 ft to 25,000 ft.  there are operators who specialise in mountaineering expeditions, as it requires meticulous planing, technical expertise, specialized equipment etc.

India is vast country and different customs are followed in different parts of the country.  You may find the metros more liberal and cosmopolitan-as would be the case anywhere in the world-and you may come across various unusual customs as you move in the hinterland, preserved over thousands of years.  You may also find that in general, the attitude to life is vastly different from that in the western world.

However, Indians are a hospitable people and usually people will accept your different ways as a foreigner.  Nevertheless, there may be certain situations where you not following the accepted customs will be seen as a sigh of disrespect.  These are the situations you need to know about.

        Always remove your shoes before entering a holy place a temple, gurudwara or mosque.  Gurudwaras will also require you to cover your head.  In general, dress conservatively at a place of worship.

        Feet and the left hand (as it is used for cleaning after defecation) are considered impure so do not touch any holy object with these.  Also, do not give, take or point at anything with the left hand.

        If your are required to eat with your fingers at any place, do not use the left hand.

        Public show of affection is generally disapproved, particularly in smaller cities and villages.  Avoid it.

        Avoid wearing clothes that bare you arms and legs-in the small cities and villages in particular.  Metros are fairly permissible in this particular respect.

        Always follow the rules written on notice boards at holy places.  these may includeleather objects not allowed,cameras not allowed,menstruating women not allowed and so on.

        Giving tips is customary but not mandatory.  At restaurants, the usual rule of 10 percent applies.

        Bargaining for a lesser price is a fairly common fact of life, specially at local bazaars, with rickshaw and auto drivers.  However, recognized and larger shops and departmental stores will usually charge fixed prices.

IST stands for Indian Standard Time but people will smile and inform that it may be read as Indian Stretchable Time.  No, things dont always move as per schedule in India!

FEW HELPFUL WORDS OF HIN DI

Hello/Bye	Namaste
Thank you	Shukriya/Dhanyavad
How are you?	Aap Kaise Hain?
Yes/No	Ha/Nahin
Sorry	Maaf Kijiye
Please	Kripaya
Ok	Theek hai
What?	Kya?
Where?	Kahan?
How?	Kaise?
When ?	Kab?
Who?	Kaun?
Why?	Kyon?
What is the price?	Iska kya dam hai?
I dont understand.	Mai samjha nahi
Tell me the way please.	Kripya raasta batiye.
What is your name?	Aapka naam kya hai?
My name is	Mer naamhai.
Right	Dahine
Left	Bayen
One	Ek
Two	Do
Three	Teen
Four	Chaar
Five	Paanch
Six	Cheh
Seven	Saat
Eight	Aath
Nine	Naun
Ten	Das
One hundred	Ek sau
Two hundred	Do sau

 

FULL MOON DATES FOR THE YEAR 2000   (Ending time in I.S.T)

	D	M	H
January	21	10	10
Febrauary	19	21	57
March	20	10	14
April	18	23	11
May	18	13	04
June	17	03	57
July	16	19	25
August	15	10	43
September	14	01	07
October	13	14	23
November	12	02	45
December	11	14	33