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India, birthplace of civilizations, cradle of religions, is home to almost a quarter of the world's people. India has always intrigued and fascinated the rest of the world, with her rich culture, architecture and human diversity, deep with history and totally addictive with a unique magic, energy, humor, glamour and charm. India is many things to many people, and no one can claim to define her whole essence. Diverse, colorful, inspirational, as well as confusing and frustrating, India is a culture shock. The poverty is as appalling as the wealth is ostentatious; the way of life a confusing mixture of religious tradition and encroaching western consumerism. India has a mystical quality, which is what fascinates non-Indians. For the smooth ride in India we have made this guide which will help you like a navigator.

Please print and carry with you.

TRAVELING  TIPS

TRAVELING BY ROAD

If you are new to India, it is important to familiarise yourselves with rules and regulations of the roads if you wish to drive. We drive on the left-hand side of the road, and the cars, including the rental cars are right-hand drive vehicles. All distances, speed limits are in kilometers. While driving on the road, wearing of seat belts is compulsory and usage of hand-held phones is banned.

The driver is normally on disposal throughout the day and he is a Good Friend & Your Guide when traveling through road as he is familier with the roads and all important places you must see. You should always keep his cell phone number and vehicle number to track him in farflung zones.
Always discuss your next day schdule with the drive to keep a tab on your departure or city tour. Keep him not just in service, but also alert, and in good spirits. Give him time off to eat his meals and break for rest during long journeys.  
Average speed on Indian roads is 40-50 km/hour for coaches and 50-60 km/hour for cars.

TRAVELING BY RAIL

With 63,000 km of rail routes and 6,800 stations, the railway network in India is the third biggest in the world after Russia and China, and the second biggest in the world in terms of passenger kilometres. While traveling through rail you won’t be able to find your name on the ticket as it will be depicted outside the rail compartment. Complimentary meals are served when traveling on Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains, but for other trains the appetite will cost you money.

Always remember to keep your photo identification handy at all time. Keep mineral water and juices with you to keep the hunger at bay and always remember to carry loads of change with you as it might get difficult for you to find some at smaller stations. The porters will be available at all the stations rendering there service for small charge.

TRAVELING BY AIR

If traveling by air one should keep in mind the Reporting Time.

International flights     :  03 hours prior to departure time

Domestic flight           :   02 hours prior to departure time

Always confirm flight timings before leaving to the airport as flight timings are subject to change without prior notice. Don’t forget to carry a printout of your ticket along with other important documents like passport etc. It is not necessary that you will be served food on board as some airlines does not provide complimentary meal on the plane and they charge you for it.
Baggage allowance varies from airlines to airlines but the permissible allowance is 15 Kgs in most domestic airlines and 20 kgs for Air India Checkin baggage and 7 kgs for cabin bag (check baggage allowance with airline before departure)
In case of delayed baggage traveler should always file a delayed baggage report at the airport.

SIGHTSEEING

The act of visiting sights of interest on the pre agreed program where in local or accompanying guides are part of the package if included in it.
They will take you to the monuments and elaborate the ancient history behind it. All the monuments entrances are included in the program along with local guide services. Always follow the sightseeing schedule as per the program to avoid any unforeseen inconvenience to you.

GUIDES

Accompanying guide  : This person will always be with you as per your schedule program and also helps you at the time of check-in & check-out at the hotel. If  he is not staying in the same hotel as you are then allow him adequate time for his personal lodging arrangements. While traveling from one city to the other he will educate you with culture, living standards and some great facts about India.

Local guide : They generally differs from city to city and report either at the hotel or monument entrance. He will breathe life into your city tour with his vast knowledge about the city and its history.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is prohibited at few monuments in India and if required you might need to get a permit wherever required. There will be places where in the government will charge you anything between Rs 20-50 for still camera and it may go upto Rs 500 for video camera.

At airports, military bases, bridges and sensitive area photography is totally banned. Always consult the local guide or driver before taking pictures in public.