Travel Tips
Broached upon our planet pinned tightly to her chest, shining as one of her most prided jewels for all to be captivated from her glimmer, sprawls India.
India is one of the most exquisite, intriguing spellbinding terrains you will ever place your feet. It is quite expected to feel a hint of culture shock on your first introduction, but that passes instantaneously with curiosities and a craving for more.
Your guide will be there beside you to answer any questions and to buff the cultural difference for you to have a remarkable safe journey wringing out every ounce of anxieties.
Travelling
The roads in India can be a congested conglomerate of organised chaos. Cars, bikes, pedestrians and an array of anything on four legs. In a nation that seems like from an outsider a web of no rules and havoc, our highly skilled experienced drivers navigate with ease around the beating veins of the city streets.
Food and Drink
As cows are sacred in India you will not find beef on the menus, some towns are strictly vegetarian. We strongly advise not to consume lamb, as it is not always as fresh due to the improper refrigeration before it gets to the restaurants and may cause stomach discomfort. Bottled water is always the best choice. Along the way to different destinations our guides know the best and cleanest restaurants with western bathroom facilities. These safe and hygienic restaurants function during the tourist seasons. If you desire to be adventurous with your culinary choices your guide and driver will gladly take you to try some local delicacies.
Temples & Holy Places
To avoid scorned looks, always remove your shoes before entering a temple or places of religious significances.
We advise ladies to dress in modest attire and cover their heads with a scarf as a respectful gesture. (always handy to carry a light scarf in your day bag).
Taking photographs of certain religious ceremonies and people bathing may cause offence, your guide will advise you in the right direction to these delicate matters.
Being a tourist
Indians are very friendly and understanding, they will accept your differences and help instead of hinder. Being hospitable is forefronted extensively. The gap between riches and rags is evident here. The low end of that scale brings the poverty ridden occasionally to beg. We understand this can be distressing and our guides are trained to handle such events with decorum. We do advise not to give to beggars as this creates what we call here professional begging. (These begging rings are usually run like a corporation and the money goes to the wrong people. We do advise if you wish to donate, to do so to a local school or charity. We can assist you discreetly on such matters if you wish.
Communication
India's telephone Country Code is +91.
Mobile coverage is quite extensive over India. SIM cards are cheap and readily available. You can purchase on arrival at the airport or just ask your guide to assist you.
Internet and emails are accessible from most hotels across the country. Most have WIFI.
We can arrange a WIFI Device that can be put in our vehicles at a small fee.
VISA
A visa is a must requirement for foreigners to enter India.
E-Visas
An electronic visa is easy to obtain through following the steps laid out on the Government of India website. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Money
There are ample ATM's in all the cities and are easily accessible. Credit cards are widely accepted in most of the hotels, restaurants and shops. You are advised to not change any foreign currency at the airports as they will not offer good exchange rates. By changing money in the city at a local money exchange office you will definitely get a better exchange rate. Our guides can assist with this.
Tipping
Who Gets Baksheesh?
Baksheesh sometimes refers to gratuity. You can think of giving baksheesh in India as a small act of appreciation for good service. While traveling through India you will be asked for baksheesh often but can refuse at any time. Someone asking you on the street for baksheesh without providing a service is simply begging. Child begging gangs and hierarchies are a serious problem in India, so don't perpetuate this industry by making it profitable.
Hotels
If a hotel porter carries your bag to your room, a small tip is usually expected. If you don't want to tip, say no to the baggage service. Tipping housekeeping is optional, but if you'd like you can leave a small tip. Some hotels might have a centralized tipping box, in which you can contribute one large tip for the whole staff. Room service bills might already have service charges added, but you can tip 10 percent if you are not sure.
Restaurants and Bars
Before deciding how much to tip in a restaurant in India, you should check the bill for a service charge. If the restaurant has already added 5-10 percent, you can adjust your gratuity accordingly. Sometimes this charge may simply be used to cover the employee's base salaries, so if service was exemplary, consider leaving a cash tip of 7-10 percent.
Transportation
When at an airport or train station, porters might offer to help you with your bags. Politely refuse if you do not wish to tip them. For single rides, you can tip a taxi driver by rounding up the fare to the nearest multiple of ten.
What to tip your guide and driver
Tipping guides and drivers after tours in India is customary, especially if they do a good job. It is at your discretion and gratitude for the quality of service as to what you deem the fitting amount. If unsure you can discreetly ask Manu or Melinda for advice.
Travel Adapter Plugs
India Type D is the usual adapter you will require and are usually readily available at travel stores and alike. Some hotels have universal power outlets installed.
Soulful South 
Enchantment in the Desert 
Temple Temptations 
Heading South 
The Golden Triangle and Spiritual Varanasi 
Holy Insight 
The Oasis 
Rajasthan and Gujarat Wanderlust & Wildlife 
Heart of the Nation The road less travelled Central India 
Regal Rajasthan 
Untouched North Kerala 
Sri Lanka Classic Tour 
Prince and Palace Tour 
Indian Textiles 
Royal Enfield Rajasthan Tour 
Soul Sisters 
From Bowl to Soul 
Royal Enfield Motorcycle Tour - Ladakh 
Activities and experiences
We have partnered with the remarkable selfless Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil. We endeavour to support his life’s work by aiding the Lakshya Trust. He has poured all his heartfelt efforts into helping the LGBTQ communities across India. With numerous issues addressing and advocating the social, economic, legal, psychological, spiritual and health aspects of sexual minorities (Gay, Bisexual and Transgender population) in India.