Visa
You require visa to enter India .Please contact the nearest Indian High Commission/Embassy.

Banks
Banks are open for transaction from 10:00 - 14:00 hrs on week days and from 10:00 - 12:00 hrs on Saturdays.

ATM's
24-hour ATMs are found in most large towns and cities. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Plus. Away from major towns, always carry cash or travellers cheques .

Credit cards
Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres honour major credit cards.

Moneychangers
Private moneychangers are usually open for longer hours than banks, and they are found almost everywhere. Compare rates with those at the bank, and check you are given the correct amount.

Time
(Hours fast (+), slow (-) on IST)
USA: -10.30, Germany: - 4.30, Canada: - 10.30, France: - 4.30, Australia: + 4.30, Spain: -4.30, UAE: - 1.30, UK:-5:30

Best time to visit
High season: December - May
Monsoon Rejuvenation programmes: June – November

Travel Kit
As India can be extremely hot and humid pack light, breathable clothes (preferably cotton), comfortable shoes and plenty of sunscreen. Carry insect repellant as there may be mosquitos in some places in India. Many of them do not carry serious diseases but can be a nuisance.

Camera Restrictions
In India some places(like temples) has restrictions for cameras due to security reasons. Please check with the locals before using the camera.

Drugs
Heavy penalities including imprisonment for possession of narcotic drugs.

Ayurveda
Go only to approved Ayurveda centres that are classified by the Department of Tourism.

Food
All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental,and Chinese. Indian food is typically spicy ..Eat in busy restaurants with a high turnover of customers.

Water
Only drink bottled water. The bottles should have a plastic seal that you have to break when you unscrew the top. Tender coconut water is a good and delightful option while in Kerala .

Emergency numbers
Police control room: 100
Fire station: 101
Ambulance: 101

Temple codes
Most temples in South India do not permit entry to non-Hindus. Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises. Please check with us for entry rules of each temples.

Mosques
In mosques you will need to make sure that your head is covered, a worth while purchase would be a scarf that you can keep in your bag all times.

Nudity
Nudity is not allowed in any Indian beach.

Smoking
Smoking is banned in public places.

Footwear in houses
Visitors to most Indian homes leave their footwear outside before entering the house.

Demonstrativeness in public
Behaviour demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in India.

Wildlife sanctuaries
To visit a wildlife sanctuary, prior permission has to be taken from the concerned authority of the sanctuary.

Communication
Indians are generally very open and friendly and are always willing to help you with directions English is usually understood in most towns and cities .However, in small villages and towns, English is not understood. You can always take the help of local police for directions.