Travel Tips

Here we’ve compiled a selection of information you may find useful in preparing for your journey to India. Please click a topic below to expand the answer. If there’s anything you’d like to know that we haven’t covered here, please do not hesitate to ask.

Weather

India’s seasons are Winter (December to March), Summer (April to early July), Monsoon (late July to early September), and Post-Monsoon (late September to November).

In the colder months of December, January and early February, we recommend a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings. Layered clothing is ideal, as temperatures can fluctuate considerably between day and night.

For March, October and November, casual summer clothing such as lightweight trousers, skirts, shorts and t-shirts are generally suitable, perhaps with a light jacket for the evenings.

April, May and June are considerably hotter, so we recommend loose-fitting clothing in breathable natural fabrics such as linen or cotton. During the monsoon months, a lightweight waterproof jacket may also come in useful.

Whilst tourists are not expected to follow India’s conservative standards of dress strictly, we recommend avoiding anything especially tight or revealing while sightseeing in busy public areas.

Dresses, skirts and shorts are absolutely fine provided they fall around knee-length or below. For your upper half, it is best to avoid exposed shoulders or low-cut tops when visiting markets, rural areas or places of worship.

A lightweight shawl or scarf can be extremely useful for entering temples, protecting yourself from the sun, or keeping warm in the evenings.

There are fewer cultural norms to note for men. However, if a Jain temple is included on your itinerary, such as Ranakpur or the temples in Jaisalmer, long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are recommended.

Please note that leather items including belts, wallets and shoes are not permitted inside Jain temples.

  • Passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages
  • Tourist visa documentation
  • Printed or digital flight tickets
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Bathing suit
  • Plug adapter for India
  • Prescription medication
  • Basic painkillers and anti-diarrhoea medication
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Hand sanitiser and tissues

India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with hundreds of languages and dialects spoken across the country.

Hindi is the official language of the central government, though English is also widely spoken throughout the tourism industry and in most hotels, airports and restaurants.

In Rajasthan, you may also hear regional languages such as Marwari or Mewari spoken locally.

A few useful Hindi phrases:

Hello — Namaste
Thank you — Danyavad / Shukriya
How are you? — Aap kaisey hai?
I’m good — Main theek hun
How much is this? — Ye kitna hai?
Do you speak English? — Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?

India’s currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). As it is a protected currency, rupees are generally not available outside India.

ATMs are widely available throughout cities and towns, and most hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept international debit and credit cards.

We recommend carrying some cash for gratuities, refreshments and smaller purchases in markets or rural areas.

India uses Type C, D and M plugs.

The voltage is 220v alternating at 50hz. Guests travelling from the UK, Europe and Australia generally only require a plug adapter. Guests travelling from the United States may also require a voltage converter depending on the devices being used.

Many hotels provide adapters in-room, though this cannot always be guaranteed.

Lunch reservations are rarely necessary, though we recommend reserving dinner restaurants in advance, particularly in larger cities such as Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai.

Some popular restaurants, including Indian Accent in Delhi, may book out several weeks ahead.

Please note that taxes are generally added separately to menu prices in India. Some restaurants may also include a service charge.

Should you wish, we would be delighted to assist with restaurant recommendations and reservations throughout your journey.

We recommend drinking bottled or filtered water only while travelling in India.

Food is often the cause of travellers’ stomach upsets, particularly during the first few days of arrival. We suggest exercising caution with salads, ice and fresh fruit juice from smaller establishments.

If you feel unwell at any point during your journey, please contact us immediately. We can arrange medical assistance or a doctor visit if required.

Many guests travel throughout India entirely trouble-free, though mild stomach upsets or fatigue are not uncommon when adjusting to the climate and cuisine.

Indians are generally extremely warm and forgiving toward visitors unfamiliar with local customs.

A few things worth keeping in mind:

  • Dress modestly when visiting places of worship
  • Remove shoes before entering temples or private homes
  • Avoid pointing your feet toward people or religious objects
  • Try to use your right hand when giving or receiving items
  • Don’t be surprised by personal questions; Indian culture is often naturally inquisitive and curious

You will usually have the same driver throughout your journey unless flights or train journeys make this impractical.

Your driver’s role is to transport you safely and comfortably, maintain the vehicle and assist with logistics. While most drivers speak conversational English, they are not licensed guides.

You will instead have separate local guides in each destination, all of whom are experienced, fluent in English and deeply knowledgeable about their respective cities.

We also work with local representatives who assist with hotel check-ins, airport transfers and behind-the-scenes coordination to ensure your journey runs smoothly.

Driving in India can initially appear chaotic, though there is far more order to it than first meets the eye.

All our drivers are highly experienced professionals accustomed to local road conditions and long-distance driving.

You may notice frequent horn use while travelling. In India, this is generally not considered aggressive, but rather a way for drivers to make other road users aware of their presence.

One of the pleasures of travelling by road in Rajasthan is observing daily life unfold along the way. At any point, you are welcome to ask your driver to stop for photographs, refreshments or a short break.

India offers exceptional shopping opportunities, particularly for textiles, jewellery, antiques and handicrafts.

Your guide or driver may occasionally recommend certain shops with whom they have long-standing relationships. While commissions do exist within the tourism industry, reputable stores generally honour the same pricing regardless.

If you prefer not to shop, please feel entirely comfortable saying so.

Should you purchase high-value items independently, we recommend requesting written guarantees and receipts.

Tipping in India is customary within the tourism industry, though entirely at your discretion.

As a broad guideline:

  • Guides: approximately ₹1500–2500 per day
  • Drivers: approximately ₹500–1500 per day
  • Safari naturalists: approximately ₹500 per safari
  • Restaurant staff: around 10% if service charge has not already been added

Tips are generally given at the conclusion of a guide or driver’s service rather than daily.

If you are ever unsure, we will be very happy to advise during your trip.