Page 736 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

734  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

India receives over 8 million visitors each not equipped to cater to the international
year. The peak season is in winter (Oct–Mar), tourist, who may seek better banking
and it is wise to book ahead during this services or prefer to pay by credit card.
time. English is widely spoken in most parts The Department of Tourism has offices
of the country, so communication is rarely a across the country, (see p757) as well as
problem. Tourist infrastructure (transportation, overseas, and these provide brochures
accommodation and restaurants) is of and itineraries and organize guided tours.
international stan dard in the larger cities; There are many travel agencies in India,
the remoter areas offer fairly basic but it is wise to approach a reputable one
accommodation, and some areas are still for accommodation, tickets and tours.

When to Go November until February, you Foreigners who arrive in India
India’s weather is, for most, the will need a warm jacket, sweater on this visa do not need to
key factor in deciding when to and socks, especially after sun- register themselves with a local
visit. The best time is between down, whereas in the south, the authority and can travel freely
October and March, when weather is balmy at that time. In in all areas except the so-called
conditions are pleasant across February and March, and again “Protected Areas”, which require
the country. Try to avoid the in October, bring light woollens. special permits.
summer (Apr–Jun), which is During the summer and Visa extensions are only
unbearably hot in the North, monsoon season (Apr–Sep) granted in exceptional
and very sultry in the South. The only loose-fitting cotton clothes cases, for a longer period.
rainy season (Jul–Sep) is also are comfort able. Bring footwear The application process is
best avoided, as frequent heavy that is easy to remove, as you complicated. In Delhi, collect
rainfall can make travel difficult, will have to take off your shoes an extension form from the
especially in the southwestern in places of worship. A first- Ministry of Home Affairs office;
states of Goa, Maharashtra and aid kit is a must (see p742). A then submit it to the Foreigners
Kerala. The Himalayan region raincoat or umbrella, a hat to Regional Registration Office
can be very cold from November protect against the strong sun, (FRRO); it will finally be issued
to January. The foothills, which and a torch are also useful. by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
provide a welcome escape from In Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or
the heat of the plains, are at Advance Booking Kolkata, contact the local FRRO.
their best between March and
June, and again in September It is advisable to have confirmed Travel Safety Advice
(after the rains). Climate and advance bookings for accom-
rainfall charts can be found modation and travel, especially Visitors can get up-to-date travel
on pages 42–3. during the peak season (Oct– safety information from the
Mar). Airline tickets are available Foreign and Commonwealth
at short notice, but as trains are Office in the UK, the State
What to Take
always crowded, bookings Department in the US and the
The clothes you need will should be made ahead – ticket Department of Foreign Affairs
depend on the time of year that reservations can be made four and Trade in Australia.
you visit. In Northern India, from months in advance. Insist on
written confirmations and carry Permits
print outs of the receipts.
In addition to a visa, you may
need special travel permits
Visas and Passport
to visit what are known as
All visitors to India, except “Protected Areas”. Obtaining a
Nepalese and Bhutanese permit can be complicated, so
citizens, need a valid visa and it is best to ask a reliable travel
passport to enter the country. agent, at home or in India, to
Indian consular offices around arrange it for you. This can take
the world issue a standard six- up to four weeks, so plan in
month tourist visa. Tourists can advance. Permits are also issued
enter the country three times by Indian embassies and con-
within the stipulated visa sular offices abroad; from the
period, which is convenient for FRRO in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai
A Goa café doing brisk business in winter, visiting neighbouring countries and Chennai; and from the
when the weather is balmy such as Nepal and Sri Lanka. Resident Commiss ioner’s offices
The popular Darjeeling Toy Train on the Batasia Loop

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