The winter months between September and March offer the most moderate climate in all parts with dry, cool weather in the north and around Rajasthan and pleasant beach weather in the south. April, May and June can be terribly hot and unpleasant in the build up to the monsoon, which generally breaks in early July. During the monsoon months of July and August it will be rainy and humid but the hotels offer excellent low season deals and there are fewer tourists.


India is at a crossroad point in the world and as such there are direct flights to Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), Kolkota (Calcutta) and Delhi from most of the major cities in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.


Rajasthan, Delhi - Old & New, Agra for the Taj Mahal, the mountains and hill stations, Varanasi for its beauty and religious significance, wildlife reserves, Goa and Kerala for a few palm fringed days of relaxation …


As per your international air ticketing allowances.


Banks usually open at 10 a.m. and close at 2 p.m.


Credit cards are accepted by major hotels, most airlines and increasingly by smaller shops. You can also use them to obtain money from automated teller machines in most major cities.


The Indian rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paisas, though these are rarely used these days. It is impossible to obtain rupees in the West, but no matter what time you arrive in India there'll be an exchange office open at the airport. The best solution is to take US dollars in cash or traveller's cheques, which are easy to change. The large banks also accept European currency. It's advisable to refuse badly torn notes, as few people will accept them apart from the National Bank.


Salaries in India are low in the expectation that tips will be paid. Be prepared to tip 10 rupees to a hotel porter or for a small service, in the large hotels, it is usual to add 5 or 10 per cent to the bill for the staff. Check the bill as some hotels do automatically include a service charge amongst the taxes. Your driver will expect between 100 and 200 Rs per day.


GMT plus 5 hours 30 minutes


Choose clothing more appropriate to a hot climate. However, don't forget a sweater and a jacket, because the evenings can be cool and the restaurants air-conditioned. Almost all hotels offer a rapid laundry service, efficient and inexpensive, it is also possible to buy good value lightweight clothing of Indian or European style almost everywhere. There are also shops specialising in made-to-measure tailoring. Bear in mind that to visit mosques and other Muslim monuments, you should dress modestly.


The voltage is usually 220 AC. 50 Hz. Plugs have two or three round pins.


If you are coming from a Yellow Fever Infected area such as Africa or South America proof of immunisation will be required. For travel to India there are no compulsory vaccinations though recommended are hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis, and booster shots for tetanus and poliomyelitis. You may also wish to discuss hepatitis B vaccination and malarial prophylactics with your doctor.

Film is readily available in major cities though it can be expensive and perhaps old so we recommend that you bring all your film from home. Photography or filming is not permitted at any airport or military facility around the country. At many monuments you will have to pay an additional entrance fee to take video or photos.


Sensible precautions are recommended though generally India is a safe and easy place to travel.


Bottled water is recommended.


Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure. Most nationalities do require a visa for India so please check with the appropriate authorities.


Being as large as it is, India's weather patterns vary greatly from north to south. The winter months from September to March are mild, though in December and January it can be bitterly cold in the deserts of Rajasthan, rainfall is rare at this time of the year. In spring the heat is stifling and often reaches 45 degrees Celsius and there can be terrible dust storms. The summer is the monsoon season and it is usually hot and very humid.

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