| Please read the following information carefully. It is provided to help you prepare for and get the best out of your holiday.
1 Passports and Visa
You will need a full passport, valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. All foreigners require visas for India and Bhutan. Certain restricted areas may require an additional permit. If you leave and re-enter the country – as per your itinerary – you will need a multiple entry visa. We at Chillout365 Ltd will be happy to arrange the visas for you. Please ask for appropriate fee at time of booking.
For a visa required from a country outside the United Kingdom, please consult the Indian Embassy / High Commission in your country of residence.
It is however your responsibility to ensure that you hold the correct travel documents. We at Chillout365 Ltd cannot accept responsibility for travellers with incorrect or insufficient documents.
2. Health and Medical Advice
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to India, but it is strongly recommended that you protect yourself against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A and Malaria. Please contact your doctor , allowing at least three weeks before departure, for all medical advice.
It is strongly advised that you provide yourself with a mosquito repellent.
3. Travelling within India
The roads cannot be compared to the Western roads. Some roads are very good, but some can be bumpy and narrow. Our drivers are trained and experienced and will make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Train travel is basic and comfortable but very interesting. Overnight train journeys are not recommended (unless necessary), except in the luxury trains such as the Palace on Wheels.
Some internal air travel is included in our itineraries. Airlines are subject to delays, but patience will go a long way in making your journey pleasant.
4. Alcoholic Drinks
Beer, wine and other drinks are available at most restaurants and hotels. But certain areas of India are ‘dry’ i.e. no alcoholic beverages are served. These are - the state of Gujarat, all holy cities and all areas around the sacred river Ganges.
5. Trekking and Activity Holiday
You must be medically fit to take part in Trekking and Activity Holidays. You are strongly advised to consult your doctor before taking part in Trekking and Activity Holidays offered by Chillout365 Ltd as part of your itinerary. Our guides are experienced and as per regulations approved by and registered with Government. of India. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit enough to take part in Trekking and Activity Holidays. Chillout365 Ltd will not accept responsibility for any accidents due to undisclosed medical conditions. A written confirmation, signed by the person who signed the original Confirmation Letter , will be required in order to declare that you and your party are fit to take part in Trekking and Activity Holidays.
6. Protection from Sun
You are strongly advised to take adequate protection against sunburn. It would be advisable to use sun protection lotions, wear a wide brimmed hat or scarf, light cotton clothing and open sandals. Chillout365 Ltd accepts no responsibility for any illness caused due to sun burn.
7. Travel Insurance
It is advisable to take out adequate Travel Insurance.
8. Accommodation
This varies considerably from resort to resort, from luxury hotels to the palaces of the Maharajahs, but we at Chillout365 Ltd will always try to provide you with the best that the area has to offer.
9. What to Wear
Cotton clothing is essential together with sun glasses and hat. Sun Protection creams are highly recommended for protection against Sun Burn. We at Chillout365 Ltd cannot accept any responsibility for inadequate protection against sunburn.
10. Temples
It is customary to remove shoes before entering a temple. In South India many temples insist on a ‘no show of legs’ policy (even trousered legs), therefore skirts, shorts and trousers will not be permissible. Temples usually provide adequate clothing to cover the legs if required.
11. Tipping
10% is acceptable. For hotel porters Rs 100 is sufficient. At the end of your trip Rs 500 tip to the guide and driver would be adequate.
12. Money
Unit of Indian Currency is the Rupee and Paisa. There are 100 paisa in one rupee. All major credit cards and traveller cheques are accepted. ATM machines are available in built up areas. However, in some other areas it is ‘cash only’, credit cards are not accepted and ATM machines may not be available.
13. Departure Tax
There is a statutory airport departure tax – which if not included in your ticket - will have to be paid at the airport. You will need to fill in an immigration form before you check in at the airline counter. A supply of forms is readily available at the airline check in desk.
14. Time Difference
India has only one time zone. Indian Standard Time is five and half hours ahead of GMT.
15. Internet and Mobiles
Internet facilities are available at most hotels, though in some areas the service can be intermittent. The mobile network is generally excellent but in some of the more remote areas the mobile network may be inaccessible.
16. National Parks
There is generally an interrupted electricity supply in the National Parks and the food is good but basic. For game viewing an early start is recommended – sometimes as early as 5.00 AM.
17. Public Toilets
These are sparse and sometimes not too clean – especially when travelling long distances. Toilets may be the ‘squatting type’ in some places. It is advisable to have available a supply of toilet paper and soap when travelling long distances.
18. Airports
It is mandatory to X-Ray /security scan the checked in baggage before checking in. Some airports require the checked in baggage to be identified by the passenger before boarding the flight. All hand baggage must have a ‘cabin baggage’ tag before going through security checks. Only one piece of hand baggage is allowed. A woman’s handbag often counts as one item of hand baggage. After arrival – when exiting the airport – you will need to have your boarding card handy to check that the baggage ticket on the back matches the checked in baggage being taken with you.
19. Foreign Office Advice
You are strongly advised to check the Foreign Office Advice with regards to travelling in India before booking your holiday.
20. Data Protection Policy
In order to process your booking we need to use the information you provide such as name, address, disabilities, dietary, religious requirements etc. The information may be provided to credit checking companies, airlines, hotels. We will not pass on your information to anyone not responsible for all or part of your travel arrangements. In making this booking you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.
21.Climate
India is a vast country – climate can vary significantly from one region to another. Below are guidelines for some areas
India has three major seasons - winter - summer and the monsoon. Winter months (November-March) are bright and pleasant, with snowfall in the northern hills. Summer time (April-June) is hot in most parts of India, and it is then that the numerous hill resorts provide cool retreat. During the monsoon, rainfall is heavy along the West Coast between June and September, and along the East Coast between mid-October and December.
Weather Chart For Major Indian Cities
Max = maximum temperature in centigrade
Min = minimum temperature in centigrade
R= Average Rainfall (mm)
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