Travel Info

With an estimated population of 1.2 billion, India is the second most populous country in the world and the largest democracy. Lifestyle of the people in urban and rural areas differs greatly. The country has a rich cultural heritage and the architecture is influenced by a lot of cultures. Each state is different in terms of its architecture, culture, art, tradition and cuisine.

From years of experience in operating adventure trips, we have learnt that the most important ‘item’ to bring along is your spirit of adventure. The quality and fun you derive out of your experience depends  upon your level of preparation, both mental and physical, to face the nuances of travel in a foreign  country. You will be exposed to an alien environment, away from the standard of you daily routine, flexibility and a sense of curiosity will prove invaluable for proper appreciation of the experience.

We are also great believers in preparation. Read as much as you can about India, and in particular about the area we are about to visit. It is very important to  get yourself in good physical condition before the trip, and generally mild exercises and some jogging should suffice.

Master Checklist: For your trip you must have

• Valid passport
• Indian visa
• Photocopy of the passport to carry in wallet
• Air tickets and expense money
• Recommended inoculations

Travel Documents

A valid passport and visa is required for all foreign visitors.

An Indian Visa can be obtained from the Indian Embassy in your city and usually has a validity of 6 months. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan nationals require special clearance.  Pakistan nationals are requested to obtain a Non Reporting Visa. Indian visas cannot be obtained at the airport on arrival. Allow some time for the Indian consulate to process your visa application. Please note that the passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months prior to the date of travel.

Health Information

Consult your embassy before the trip. Recommended vaccinations (INDIA)

• Malaria tablets
• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Cholera
• Hepatitis A&B

If you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, you are required to have a yellow fever vaccination.

If you are arriving from a Cholera infected area, the officials may ask for evidence of Cholera vaccination.

Anti –malarial medication is recommended for all travellers to India who are visiting rural areas in the districts that border India.

If you have diabetes, allergies, asthma or any condition that may require emergency care, always carry some identification (tag, bracelet or card) indicating the prescriptions required in case of an emergency. You are also advised to carry a letter from your physician.

Bring personal medicines, especially if you have diabetes, asthma, allergies, or other disorders that  require a regular intake of prescribed medicines.

Food and waterborne diseases are the most common instances of fever observed in travellers. Travellers' diarrhoea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout the region and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhoea and vomiting (E-coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis). Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.

Inoculation for Japanese encephalitis is recommended if you plan to visit rural areas for 4 weeks or more. If the duration is less than 4 weeks, the inoculation would be required if there is a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.

Customs & Immigration

Visitors are required to fill up the Customs Form and hand over to concerned authorities upon arrival.  Following articles are exempted from duty:

a). Personal affects and articles for day to day use by the visitor.
b. Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use.
c). Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.

The articles mentioned under b). & c). must be declared in Customs Form. If such items are disposed of in India by sale or gift, they are liable for custom duty.

Import and Export of following items is strictly prohibited: -

a). Arms, ammunitions, explosives and military stores.
b). All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs.
c). Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species.
d). Antiques.

Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Customs authorities will not allow any old / used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antiques. Import of plants, soil etc. is subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.

Money

The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR).  Exchange rates vary depending on the strength of the US dollar.  Keep all currency exchange receipts.  You will need them to change rupees back into your  native currency (at a slight loss) at the airport before departure.

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travellers' cheques you may bring into  India provided you make a declaration in the Currency Declaration Form required to be filled upon arrival. This will enable you not only to exchange the currency brought in, but also be able to take the unspent currency out of India on departure. Cash, bank notes and travellers' cheques up to US$ 1,000 or equivalent need not be declared at the time of entry. Any money in the form of travellers' cheques, drafts, bills, cheques, etc. in convertible currencies, which tourists wish to convert into Indian currency, should be exchanged only through authorised money changers and banks who will issue an encashment certificate that is required at the time of reconversion into foreign currency. Exchange of foreign currency through any agency other than the banks or authorised money changers is an offence under Foreign Exchange Regulations Act 1973.

You will need to budget spending money for:

• Personal items such as laundry, phone calls, drinks, snacks.
• Souvenirs and other shopping.
• Emergency.

Security

In places frequented by tourists, especially public market places, airports and downtown streets you must be aware of pick­pockets and bag snatchers.  However, be assured that the chances of physical injury is practically nil.

We will take the return international ticket on your arrival in Delhi so that we may get the flights     reconfirmed.  We will keep these in the Delhi office in case of any last minute changes.  Always carry a photocopy of your passport in your main baggage.

Language

Each state in India has a different language and there are innumerable dialects. However, the national  language is Hindi and a majority of the population is well-versed in it. Most people in bigger cities are comfortable with English as well. Our staff speaks both English and Hindi.

Time & Communication

Indian Standard Time (IST) is the same throughout the country and is 10 ½ hours ahead of New York, 5 ½ hours ahead of London, 4 ½ hours ahead of Paris, 3 ½ hours behind Tokyo and 4 ½ hours behind Sydney.

ISD facilities are available all around the country, from where international calls can be directly made. However, all these calls have to be paid for on the spot as there is no collect calls facility.

However, only Government based BSNL Networks work at our campsite. For any emergency calls, the guest can walk/drive down to nearest village and use the local STD/ ISD facilities available there.

Personal First Aid Supplies List & Medical Information

Your own experiences and preferences should determine what you bring.  While we have a first aid kit with the SLA escort(s) and have access to hospitals, trip leaders/chaperones must bring a small first aid kit with medical history/requirements for students and teachers. If you take your own prescription medicines, bring supply for your entire trip, as certain prescription medicines might not be available here in India.

The common ailments include:

Colds, Allergies: Colds and coughs are actually more common than stomach problems on a trek. Everyone should bring a sufficient supply of cough drops and cold remedies. We encourage you to bring both an expectorant and a suppressant. In case of cough suppressants, avoid codeine. 

Mild pain: Aspirin, Motrin, or Tylenol.

G.I. Tract:Pepto-Bismol tablets; Donnatal for stomach cramps, a mild sedative; Gelusil M or other antacid tablets; Lactobacillus capsules taken daily help keep your gastroin­testinal system working smoothly. You may bring Imodium or Lomotil, which are good for ailments like diarrhoea.
 
Skin ointments:1 small tube for cuts, bites, irritations, or sores. Mosquito repellent cream/spray. 

Sun Protection: Sunscreen or block.  The sun can be very strong at high altitudes and a total sun block is recommended.  A #15 screen will be needed for the first few days if you are pale; #10 or 12 may be adequate thereafter. Chapstick or A-Fil Sun Sticks for lips, nostrils, etc. are also advised.

Miscellaneous:

• Moleskin or second skin pads
• Insect repellent
• Tampons or Sanitary napkins.
• Skin/hand moisturizer
• Band-Aids, assorted
• Small roll of adhesive tape

Please click here to download the entire information dossier