LOCAL PERSON AS FOREST GUARD AT KABINI

India has a well-established infrastructure for western travellers. You need just a little extra patience and consideration to have a wonderful experience. The transport and the range of hotels in some ways eclipse those you will find at home (except in speed and luxury) and you will comfortably get by with English in any established tourist town or city.

WHAT TO TAKE
As little as possible, you can buy just about everything when you are out there, especially in the metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Calcutta and Chennai. Perhaps the only area in which buying in India is neither cheaper nor easily available is technical equipment (i.e. found in camping/trekking shops, although in Nepal these abound).

CLIMATE / CLOTHING
India has three seasons. November through March is generally pleasant, with bright, sunny days. It is hot in May and June but you will find relief from the heat in the hill resorts. Monsoon season breaks around June on the west coast and a little later elsewhere. Southern India receives rainfall between mid-October and December.

Light clothing is usually appropriate. A warm sweater and all-weather coat are suggested. Attitude about informal western dress is generally tolerant, but religious sensibilities should be kept in mind. Do not wear shoes into temples and shrines and when entering mosques, the head should be covered. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts. Also, it is sometimes frowned upon to bring leather into Hindu shrines. A good pair of sneakers or walking shoes is also necessary.

E-MAIL/ INTERNET
Now huge in India, particularly on all well-trodden travellers paths. Connection can be slow but you will rarely fail to find a selection of Internet cafes. Good tip is to duplicate records of Travellers Cheque numbers, passport and plane details, etc. on your Yahoo/Hotmail accounts.

GENERAL VISITORS TIPS
Besides the originals, a copy of your passport, travel visas, airline tickets and travel documents. A list of any charge or credit cards you are carrying. Remember to keep the copies separate from the originals.

An International Driving License, which can be obtained through the Automobile Association. Even if you are not planning to drive, bring your driver's license with photo for identification.

Consider purchasing special international health insurance and medical evaluation plan programmes.

Avoid drinking water from an unknown source. When in doubt ask for "Bisleri / Kinley/ Aqua Fina/ Himalaya” mineral water (check the seal). As a further precaution bring water-purifying tablets.

Safety. As in any location, there are those who steal from others, so follow the same rules of safety that you follow traveling anywhere else with respect to using hotel lock boxes, and keeping travel documents safe. When in public places, keep them in your hotel, or with you all the time when moving about.

Men: Don't carry a traditional wallet with you, the kind you put in your pocket (front or back).

Women: Avoid keeping valuables in a purse, which can be easily snatched off your shoulder.

Consider using an "interior wallet", the kind that is either fastened around your neck, draped from a belt loop or worn, with a Velcro fastener, around the calf or ankle. All three kinds are concealed underneath clothing.

Taxis (cabs)/ Auto Rickshaw (3 wheeler) are available from all hotels, and you negotiate the rate before commencing your journey. Use only authorized, properly identified taxis and buses. Avoid taxis that pick up additional passengers. Don't accept an offer to share a taxi to your hotel unless you know the individual.

Be wary of imposter porters or guides. Assure they are properly uniformed or identified. Never leave your luggage, briefcase or other items unattended.

Train Journey. The image of the Indian Railways is rated poor with common complaints being making reservations is difficult or that the signage is only in Hindi. But the screaming need is for cleaning up the place or that it is just too dirty for comfort. Avoid traveling in the Second Class.

The voltage used is 220 volts (the U.S. uses 120 volts). You can purchase a converter at most hardware stores for appliances that do not switch to 220V.

Health. There are some areas in India where malaria is still prevalent. Prior to your departure, get a prescription from your doctor for some anti malarial tablets.

Pharmacies or chemists are available in every little town and village and you can buy medication. In case you need to see a doctor for a specific condition, ask for help from your hotel (most have doctors on call) or your tour operator. The cost of visiting a general physician is fairly low (about a dollar or two) compared to western countries.

Do remember to bring some insect repellent, mosquito coils or even an electronic repellent. Mosquitoes in India can be fierce.

Food: Avoid foods that have been laid out in the open, avoid sweets and candies from local markets.

Wash fruits before eating them.

Do carry sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.

Currency Exchange: Change currency only from official moneychangers. Remember to retain the Currency Exchange Receipts after each transaction. You will need them for re-exchange on departure.

Tipping is a matter of personal discretion. Although bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.

Photography is prohibited in places of military importance, railway stations, bridges, airports and military installations.

If ever you land in trouble, contact your Embassy and nearest Police Station. In an Indian Police Station always speak with the Senior Inspector in Charge even if you have to wait couple of hours.

ln case of complaints against taxi or auto rickshaw for overcharging or cheating, note down the number of the vehicle and lodge a report with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). You can get the contact phone numbers in the Telephone Directory.

Credit Cards
American Express, Master Charge, Visa and Diners Club credit cards are generally accepted by large establishments including hotels, shops, and airlines.

Time
GMT + 5 1/2 hours, with no time difference within the country.