We recommend light cotton tops, short and trousers. The best colours to wear are khaki, beige and white. Light cotton, long sleeved clothing is especially recommended for game drives. Please ensure that you pack warm clothing if they are travelling in the winter months, as temperatures can drop dramatically. Here are some of our packing suggestions:
- Light cotton trousers
- Cotton shorts
- Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved)
- Cotton socks
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals
- Any special medicines, especially anti-malaria
- Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker
- Sunhat
- Fleece
- Insect repellent
- Small torch
- Bathing suit
- Suntan lotion
- Sunglasses
- Camera (telephoto lens recommended)
- Binoculars
- For winter, pack extra:
- Heavy woollen clothing
- Woollen hat
- Scarf and gloves
Health – What should I know about India?
Drinking water
Avoid drinking tap water while in India. Consumption of bottled water is always advisable. Please do not forget to check that the bottle is sealed before you purchase it, and please remember to dispose of it properly.
Medical precautions
Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions. Some countries require advance inoculations (and certificates thereof). Contact us if you have any questions about this.
Emergency medical cover and travel insurance
Before you travel to India, you must subscribe to comprehensive travel insurance covering personal effects, personal accident, medical exigencies, emergency travel expenses, cancellation and curtailment.
Money – Foreign Currency
Most International airports in India have money exchange counters where you can easily change money. It is recommended that you do have enough Indian money on you, which you may require for any purchases. Most big cities have ATMs which accept Visa and MasterCard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expanding you may even find them in some smaller towns. Most hotels and resorts should have money exchange facilities, however, this is not always guaranteed. It is advisable to research this before your departure.
Safety – Am I safe in India?
Traveling in India is relatively safe. Simple precautions, however, should always be applied when travelling to any foreign country. Use the hotel safe to keep your documents secure i.e passports and visas. Avoid wearing heavy jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash during sightseeing – tourists are easy targets for pickpockets. Try not to keep your wallet in your back pocket, and do not accept food or drinks from strangers during your travels. You should never walk around in deserted areas, especially at night.
Electricity – What plugs are used in India?
The voltage supply at most of the hotels across India is 230-240 volts. Most of the plug-in pins in India are different from western made plug-in pins. It makes sense to carry an adaptor and dry cells.
Equipment – What else do I need?
We also recommend carrying a torch, padlocks for your bags, sun cream, a small sewing kit, safety pins and spare glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
Photography Tips
If you do not use a digital camera, it may be difficult to get photography film in smaller towns or in national parks / reserves, so please ensure you either bring them along or buy them on arrival at the port of entry. Photography may also not be permissible at some railway stations, bridges, airports and all military installations. If in doubt, please ask.
Indian Sightseeing Tips – What should I know?
Dress codes for religious sights do apply. In other words, you may need to cover your head, shoulders and always wear shoes. Please remember to rather ask, so that you don’t unknowingly offend. Some temples do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises. Certain temples are not open to Non-Hindus. Most museums in India are closed on Mondays, and Site Museums, those near archaeological monuments, on Fridays.
Smoking is not allowed at public places. All properties of Indian Railways, including trains and railway stations, are strictly non smoking zones with stiff penalties for violations.
Tipping guidelines – What is standard in India?
Your lodge manager will provide you with guidelines for tipping, although many of the lodges have a central tip box where you can leave your gratuity at the end of your stay. Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill.
