India
Travel Information
Pre-travel: The
Basics
Passports and Visas
Immunizations
Keeping Healthy
Currency Exchange
Responsible
travel
Packing
downloadable
PDF of this information
PRE-TRAVEL: THE BASICS
Traveling to India is an extremely eye opening and individualistic
experience. Just as in daily life back home, what you may love about something,
someone else may dislike. Someone may have life-changing experiences and
insights, while another may simply want to leave and go home. Be prepared
for the unexpected, both in what you may see and the way you may feel
about it.
Do what you need to do to feel confident about your upcoming trip. For
some that might mean lots of research, others reading a few place-based
novels, meditation for others and next to nothing for some!
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PASSPORTS AND VISAS
A valid passport with valid Indian Visa must be held by each passenger.
Make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months from entry into the
country. Visas are required for entry into India.
• If you are a US citizen please apply for your visa through the
following site:
http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/
• For Canadians, see: http://www.india-visa.com/toronto-info.htm
All others, please check with your local Embassy or Consulate to learn
about
Visa requirements for your Nationality. Obtaining Visas is at the passenger’s
own expense. Apply early to ensure that your Visa is validated.
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IMMUNIZATIONS
Contact your doctor or the Disease Control
Center in the local hospital if you would like professional immunization
advice. They will let you know if there are any outbreaks of diseases
in India, for which you should be prepared. The USA CDC provides useful
information that you may choose to discuss with your physician. Immunizing
is a very personal decision, so read the facts, do your homework and make
an informed decision.
At the very least, be sure that your tetanus shot is updated, as you will
be walking barefooted in many places.
You may want take along herbs and anti-diarrhea medicine, like Imodium
AD. But keep in mind, that you can buy almost any medicines you may need
in India and for a lot less money!
If you are not adverse to antibiotics and will not be traveling for too
long, a very helpful medication is a low-grade antibiotic called “Doxycycline”,
which kills bacteria in the Gastro Intestinal tract. It can be taken on
a daily basis to ensure that you don’t have stomach problems during
your stay, it is also taken as an anti-malarial. Ask your doctor for advice
regarding this medication.
Helpful web references:
USA CDC site
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationIndia.aspx
Regularly updated health recommendations from mdtravelhealth.com
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/india.html
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KEEPING
HEALTHY
Food Precautions
This is easy advice, but is probably the most important if you want to
have a good trip. Watch what and where you eat. Eat at reputable restaurants
or at the sattvic ashramas and temples where they are strict about serving
hygenic vegetarian foods. You should eat only hot, cooked food or peeled
fruits and vegetables. Do not eat from street sellers! And at bus or train
stations, only eat fruits that can be peeled by you and certainly no salads.
Strictly following this simple advice will help a lot.
Please drink only bottled water in India, even for brushing your teeth,
which is available most anywhere. Also, watch out for drinks that use
ice, unless you are sure where the water for the ice comes from. You have
to be in India a good while for your body to acclimatize, so to speak,
to be able to drink water from various places, which you may not want
to do anyway.
If something goes wrong with your health during your travels in India,
will probably because you failed to follow these rules. It takes only
one drop of bad water to cause stomach problems.
Exhaustion from “overdoing it!”
This is a silent killer of a great trip. Remember that
you are in an extremely different environment, both physically and psychologically.
It is very easy to get completely over exhausted before you even realize
it. So when in doubt, have a rest!
Heat
Stroke or Heat Exhaustion
This can happen more easily than you think. Make sure when
you visit India that you keep yourself covered while in the sun. Make
sure you wear a hat or a covering. Too much sun or heat in India can kill
you, or put you seriously out of action for days. If you start getting
overly hot, tired or dizzy while in the sun, take a break in the shade,
and don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
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CURRENCY EXCHANGE
When traveling with our group tour, we will make arrangements for currency
exchange.
**When you arrive at the airport in Dehli, Stop at the bank exchange window
that one of the banks will have near to the luggage pick up area and exchange
$100 or $200 of cash or traveler’s checks into rupees. It is better
to do it there than at the hotel, where exchange rates are not as good.
There is a government bank inside the luggage claim area that generally
has good rates. As you face the exit (via customs) it is on the left hand
side.
When carrying cash/cheques, it is a good idea to spread your money in
different places: between wallet, shoulder bag and camera bag, and don’t
carry too much money on you.
If you keep most of your money in a money belt, do not let anyone see
you taking money from it. It is better to show a wallet with a small amount
than to reach in a money belt, because then people will know you have
a bundle. Then someone will know where the majority of your money is.
That’s not good.
RESPONSIBLE
TRAVEL
Responsible travel is
about minimizing your impact and maximizing your connection with people
and the environment. It's about making a positive contribution and having
the most rewarding and inspiring travel experiences of your life.
Responsible tourism can be more-or-less defined as travel that takes into
consideration the 'triple bottom line' issues of:
Environment: travel that
minimizes negative environmental impacts and, where possible, makes positive
contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, wilderness, natural
and human heritage.
Social/Cultural: travel
that respects culture and traditions and fosters authentic interaction
and greater understanding between travelers and hosts.
Economic: travel that has
financial benefits for the host community and operates on the principles
of fair trade.
Traveling by the responsible travel ethos is one of the most direct and
personal ways you can make a difference to some of the biggest issues
affecting our world: poverty and peace. Be a part of the solution, not
a part of the problem - and have the time of your life doing it.
Before You Leave Home:
* Do as much research as you can - the more you know about a country and
its people before you arrive, the quicker you get under the skin of a
place.
* Learn a few words of the local language and make sure you know what's
considered polite and what's not in terms of eating, greeting and dressing.
* Try to leave as much excess packaging at home (eg film boxes, anything
plastic) - so your hosts don't have to deal with your garbage.
Culture Shock vs Cultural Connection
One of the best things about traveling is making connections with people
from different cultures, in an authentic and mutually enjoyable way.
* 'Cultural sensitivity' is simply a matter of respect: take your behavioral
cues from the locals and, if in doubt, try to see things from the locals'
point of view.
* Go with the flow. Other cultures have very different concepts of time,
personal space and socially acceptable behavior. You'll find it a lot
less stressful - and a lot more enlightening - if you just chill out.
You might even reassess your own ideas.
* Dress appropriately. Looking at the locals is a good way to gauge what
to wear. Particularly in conservative cultures, don't flaunt your flesh
and try to be neat and clean - it's only respectful.
* Try to be conservative with resources such as water, food and energy
- you may be depriving local people or making a negative impact on their
environs.
* Buying locally made crafts and curios means your money goes directly
to the community.
* Enjoy the ancient art of bargaining: part pas-de-deux, part drama, part
chess-game, bargaining is a skill and an art form. It's as much about
the social interaction as the final outcome. Make sure you know when bargaining
is appropriate - and when it's not. Have fun with it and keep things in
perspective - does haggling over that last dollar really make a difference
to you, compared to the vendor?
It's when you make those cross-cultural connections - even though initially
you may have thought you had nothing in common - that it hits you again:
people are the same wherever they're from; we all have the same needs
and desires, aspirations and affections. Reveling in that realization
is the holy grail of traveling.
From:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/responsibletravel/travel_tips.cfm
FINALLY: EXPECT PERSONAL CHANGES IN YOURSELF
There is no way to prepare for what India may do to you!
It can be magic! You just have to be open to whatever may happen and go
with the flow. This will be one of the most memorable and possibly most
profound experiences in your life! Go for it!!!
PACKING
Here is a suggested packing list that will help you make
the trip comfortable and less burdensome.
When traveling with Ilika Journeys please limit yourself to one “checked bag” and one “carry on” sized back pack, trust us, it is sufficient! Simplify, simplify, simplify. Bring as little as possible. This can't be overemphasized
If you want to store an extra duffle in your big bag for the gifts you
will be sure to buy, please do so, but also know that you can buy a suitable
second “checked bag” towards the end of the trip for very
little money ($10 or so).
The list
Clothing- Modesty, comfort, ease of washing and packing are all key issues!
The
list
• 1 Checked bag- It is your preference whether you would like one
with wheels or one that is backpack style. Just make sure that you can
maneuver it on your own without too much effort.
• Day bag – small backpack or shoulder bag big enough to carry
your camera, pack of tissues, notebook, wet wipes, toilet roll or hanky,
purse and general junk! Preferably with at least 1 zip pocket in for keys
etc.
Clothing- Modesty, comfort, ease of washing and packing are all key issues!
• 2-3 pair of cotton or micro-fibre trousers – with pockets
that you can spend the day in and practice yoga in. Don’t bother
with jeans in India, cotton / micro-fibre trousers are easy to pack (light
weight) and easy to get washed and dried, plus more comfortable) and traveling
on trains and buses is comfortable in trousers than a skirt, particularly
for overnight journeys.
• 1 skirt (optional) – long (should be over the knee / mid
calf) it feels nice sometimes to dress up / smarten up a bit (also makes
a change from the trousers!) Can be bought in India!
• 3 T Shirts – (1) long sleeved for chilly days or nights
& short sleeved for warmer days and yoga practice. No tank tops please-
modesty is advisable.
• 2-3 cotton shirts or lose tops (could be salwar kameez style)
(you can buy in Delhi on your first days there!!), really comfortable
to travel in and to cover up from the sun or mosquitos.
• Shawl or scarf – silk / wool – You can treat yourself
to a new one in India. They are useful for keeping warm on chilly days
and nights and on conditioned buses and draughty overnight trains also,
it can be used as a pillow on a train or bus etc.
• Small scarf – light and small, great for tying hair back
or covering your head in temples, and for covering / protecting your face
from dust etc. Best bought in India- beautiful ones there!
• Cotton sarong (buy in India) or small, light bath towel from home
– most guest houses and hotels supply you with a towel, so there
really is no need to lug a great big white fluffy towel around with you!
Plus a cotton sarong or towel will wash and dry really quickly, and takes
hardly any room in your bag.
• Shoes- Sandals – The action sandal type light weight trekking
sort, very practical and have lots of support around the ankle and are
totally fine for most locations in India and they are very easy to get
on and off (most temples etc. will require you to take your shoes off
before you go inside). But basically, it can be any sandal that you are
comfortable walking a few miles in. If you feel more comfortable in closed
toe shoes, please also bring a pair. I hardly ever wear them, but if we
get some rainy days or you just can not live without your sneakers- then
pack them. Your choice.
• Flip-flops or thongs – buy them when you need them, or bring
a pair if they fit! Can be useful for showers and bathrooms and inside
rooms.
• Cotton type sun hat / baseball hat – you’ll want protection
from the sun!
• Lightweight fleece or cotton sweater –it can always double
up as a pillow on journeys etc
• Underwear – 3 cotton/sport bras (it depends what you are
comfortable with), and 4-5 pairs of cotton pants (1 to wear, 1 to wash,
1 clean and one extra)
• Socks – Bring at least one pair to keep your feet warm at
night or on trains. If you are bringing sneakers or close toed shoes you
might want 3 pair.
• Toiletries
• Shampoo & Conditioner (small travel size decanted into plastic
bottles) packed into separate plastic bag (Ziploc). The Himalaya Ayurvedic
range is sold all over India and is fabulous! Plus all the big brand names
are sold so you can always get replacement stuff, and treat yourself to
some new….
• Soap (in a plastic bag)
• Nail Brush & / or Pumice stone – the dirt from streets
and traveling should never be underestimated!
• Nail scissors and tweezers (I guess you can use the things on
a Swiss army knife instead)
• Toothbrush & paste
• A razor – I tend to buy 1 when / if I need 1
• Tube of moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• A small packet of Kleenex.
• Wet wipes
• Mosquito repellent available in India, but if you want natural
repellent, bring it.
• Washing powder –you can easily buy more in India and most
of the time, you can send your clothes for washing. Your clothes will
get thoroughly bashed, so I don’t take anything too precious or
flimsy. Also remember that some of the clothes you buy in India the colours
can run like crazy – so separate stuff out before hand, unless of
course you want all your clothes to be pink or blue!!
• Tampons, pads etc – bring what you need, if you will need.
• Medications and tablets – carry some emergency Imodium (for
diharea), buy some Ibroprufen / Aspirin / Paracetamol there (very cheap)
if you need it. Other herbs or vitamins, is up to you!
• Also consider Q-Tips or cotton swabs for cleaning your ears, some
band aid bandages, a role of medical tape, and a tube of anti-septic ointment,
just in case. These can also help if you get blisters on your feet from
walking or any small cuts. Dental floss is not readily available, so bring
it!
Many of the above items are READILY
available in India if you forget or run out. PACK LIGHT :-)
Other stuff
• Yoga Mat
• A good travel alarm clock so you don’t miss early morning
meditations.
• Notebook & pens - for journaling- great idea you will love
it years from now.
• Small Flashlight and spare bulb. Because lights can go out at
any time, and it is better to be equipped. (buy spare batteries when you
are there)
• ONE book/novel- there are lots of books to buy in India.
• Playing cards / travel backgammon set – helps while away
long waits at airports and stations
• USB drive – to download photo’s onto
• Camera, spare battery and camera bag, film, enough memory for
your digital camera.
• Money belt, highly recommended, but not for small daily transactions.
Keep that money in a…..
• Small purse/wallet – for small notes and change. Keep the
large denomination notes in a money belt or tucked away out of sight
• 1 credit card, 1 debit card, some travelers cheques, and some
dollar notes.
• Copies of passport / travel documents / insurance / immunizations.
You can keep scanned copies of these on your webmail account.
• Sunglasses and glasses
• International electrical adapter to change voltage and plug insertion.
India uses 220V and has a different plug, so have a look what you will
need to convert for your cameras, etc… and pick one up at your local
drugstore, Brookstone or online.
• Combination Padlocks (1 large and 1 small)
• Metal chain – to secure your bag for train journeys, can
always be bought in India
• String to tie clothes line in your hotel room.
• Swiss Army style knife thingy (bottle opener, knife etc)
• Snacks from home! Snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, or nuts
if you want, otherwise there are plenty of snacks you can buy in the stores
in India.
• MP3 player (optional). You may or may not want it. Sometimes it
is nice to be able to tune out!