Travel Tips
For the latest government advice, please visit Smart Traveller.
INDIA TRAVEL TIPS
Visa Regulations
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months following their return home. Tourist visas are required for Australian citizens. If you are not an Australian citizen, please contact the embassy of your country or Indian embassy to be sure you obtain the proper documentation.
Weather
Due to the size of the country, India’s climate varies greatly from North to South. Generally, October to March is the most pleasant time to go, when the weather is dry and not too hot. The monsoon season starts at the beginning of June in the South, reaching the North by about July, however it is usually over by late September.
Suggested travel times for specific activities
• Himalayas: April to September is the optimum time to travel.
• Tiger Spotting: April – June is considered the best time for witnessing tigers in action.
• Visiting Ladakh: June – August is the best time for trips to Ladakh (Little Tibet), famous for its mountain beauty, Buddhist culture and excellent trekking.
• Ayurveda: During the Monsoon season of extreme heat and torrential rain, the body is cool and much more responsive to Ayurvedic treatments.
Special Events
India’s colourful culture is celebrated with many festivals throughout the year. Below is just a selection – please contact us for more details, or to build an itinerary around any of these festivals.
- 08 – 09 Jan 2012: Camel Festival – Bikaner, Rajasthan
- 14 Jan 2012: International Kite Festival – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- 15 Jan 2012: Makar Sankranti – All India
- 18 Jan 2012: Hampi Festival – Karnataka
- 26 Jan 2012: Republic Day Parade – New Delhi
- Celebrated on the full moon between mid Jan – mid Feb 2012: Madurai Float Festival – Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- 30 Jan – 02 Feb 2012: Nagaur Fair (Ramdeoji Cattle Fair), Nagaur – Rajasthan
- 05 – 07 Feb 2012: Desert Festival – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- 18 – 21 Feb 2012: Goa Carnival – Goa
- 18 – 27 Feb 2012: Taj Mahotsav – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- 25 Feb – 02 Mar 2012: Khajuraho Dance Festival – Khajuraho
- 07 March 2012: Elephant Festival, Jaipur
- 08 March 2012: Holi – North India
- March 2012: Elephanta Festival, Elephanta Island – Mumbai
- 01 May 2012: Elephant Festival (Thrissur Pooram) – Trissur, Kerala
- 11 Aug 2012: Nehru Trophy Boat Race – Alappuzha, Kerala
- 15 Aug 2012: Independence Day (All India)
- 29 Aug 2012: Onam – Kerala
- 22 – 24 Oct 2012: Dussehra Festival – Calcutta
- 26 – 28 Oct 2012: Formula 1 (Race 17) New Delhi
- 13 November 2012 (13 – 17 November): Diwali, festival of lights (all India)
- 20 – 28 Nov 2012: Pushkar Fair – Pushkar, Rajasthan
Currency & Exchange
The currency of India is Rupee (Rs). One rupee is equal to 100 paise. Notes come in the denominations of 1,2,5,10,20,50,100,500 and 1000 rupees. Rupees in large numbers may not be brought out of India. Uk Pounds / American dollars are easy to exchange at the cashiers desk in the hotels for which you will require the passport.
Major credit cards are gaining acceptance in India, the most common are American Express, Visa and Master. These cards can be used at most hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. Local markets and roadside vendors generally do not accept the cards. It is recommended not to rely on any one form of exchange when visiting India. You should carry with you a combination of cash, traveller’s cheques and credit card/s.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 volts. To use any electrical appliances, you will need to bring both an electricity converter and a plug adaptor.
Shopping
India is a shopper’s paradise, but there are certain goods that are particular cities’ specialties:
• Delhi: Textiles, paintings, sculptures, carpets
• Agra: Intricately carved marble
• Jaipur: Jewellery, textiles, carpets
• OTHER popular souvenirs include silver, brass and copper for decorative / functional use.
Health
Immunisation for Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria and Hepatitis is recommended for travel to India. However, we strongly check with your personal physician regarding your particular needs.
Additional Tips/Facts
• Spirituality is at the core of life in India, so be respectful of the different customs, especially when visiting religious sites such as mosques, temples and churches. Do not wear shorts / revealing clothes, women may be asked to cover their heads, and leather goods (including camera cases, belts & handbags) may be prohibited.
• Avoid tap water and roadside fruit juice centres. Drink only bottled water, and check the bottle is sealed.
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