TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS
GeoIndia takes pride in helping our clients with all of their travel booking needs. We understand that traveling to a place for the first time can be a bit unsettling - that’s why we not only provide unrivalled support during your tour, but also resources and tips so you can stay safe and travel smart before your leave. Check out our travel tips below as well as on our blog ..............................
FLIGHTS
Flights take 8 - 9 hours direct.
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You can fly direct from London or Birmingham (there is also a manchester flight which connects from London)
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Air India, Virgin and British Airways all offer direct flights
TIME TO GO
For the most pleasant conditions travel in UK spring / autumn time.
Winter can be difficult for travelling with snow and fog
Summer can be too hot unless you are concentrating more on Shimla / Dharamsala
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Optimum months - February, March, April, May, Early June, Late Sept, Oct, Nov
VISA
All visa applications have to be made online.
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Most UK visitors apply for the E Tourist Visa - which you apply for and pay online, then take the print out with you to India and the visa will be stamped into your passport at immigration. This is the fastest and cheapest route. The online form can be found at the following address:
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If you have to get the visa before you travel you will need to visit the VFS global site for further information.
DRINK
If you follow a few basic rules then you shouldn't have any problems with your health.
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North India food is very rich and quite heavy so:
Do not try to have currys for every meal
Have salad and yoghurt with your meals
Tell chefs if you want your curry mild - they make them to order so its not a problem
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The video below is good on food in Punjab, although he sometimes guesses at ingredients!
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FOOD
If you follow a few basic rules then you shouldn't have any problems with your health.
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Drink bottled water only - even when brushing your teeth
Avoid ice in drinks
Try Lassi - a lot of people swear by it
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VACCINATIONS
Note: whilst we provide some basic advice YOU MUST follow whatever your GP recommends.
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If you are travelling to North India only - make sure you tell your GP you are going to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. These areas are much lower risk than South India which is much more tropical.
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Generally Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are regarded as low to no risk for Malaria.
TRAINS
Trains - we have all seen the picture of people hanging off the Indian trains. These are the commuter trains. Inter city trains are really well regulated. Carriages are air conditioned, and all seats are reserved under a passenger name - so you can never have more passengers than seats. On some trains referred to as Shatabdhi you will also get a complimentary 3 course meal.
And the amazing sleeper trains are a superb way of covering some of the large distances. The train from Chandigarh to Bikaner - start your journey in a modern new town and you wake up entering the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
LANGUAGE
In Punjab (Amrtisar / Chandigarh) the main language is Punjabi
Check out the video below if you want to learn some basic phrases.
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In Himachal Pradesh (Shimla/Dharamsala) the main language is Hindi but all the people will understand Punjabi as well (it used to be part of Punjab state)
10 TIPS TO PACK FOR A TRIP
1. wheeled case or backpack
2. copies of passport & visa
3. torch (outside of towns electricity can be intermittent)
4. continental adaptor
5. mainly light summer clothes
6. sunglasses and hat
7. painkillers
8. camera
9. spare bag for presents
10. medical insurance
MONEY
India uses Rupees - Rs, currently
£1 = Rs 85
Easiest is to take your bill and divide by 100 and you will be pretty close to UK price
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Cash machines are numerous, but remember you put your card in then take out again before you start typing pin etc. (you dont take out card at end of transaction). Seen a lot of people putting card in and then waiting for something to happen!
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Be careful about ripped / torn notes - people will not accept them - but they will pass them onto you.
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