It is said that the best time to visit India is the Winter.  That is true, but only partly.  India has three major seasons: Winter months (November to February) are pleasant throughout India with bright sunny days.  Beach holidays are particularly invigorating and a place like Goa on the western coast is throbbing with tourists.  Up north, in the capital of Delhi, the temperature may range between 4 degree C (min on the coldest days) and 20 degree C.  the desert region on Rajasthan, also extremely popular in the winter months, follows a similar temperature pattern.  This also the time for winter sports and a white Christmas in the hill states of Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir and the hills of Uttar Pradesh.

In Maharashtra, the south and east India, December and January are pleasantly cool, never very cold.  The summer months (April-June) are hot in most parts of India.  During this period, hill resorts such as Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, Kullu and the Kashmir Valley (North), Darjeeling, Shilling (north-east), Ootacamund, Kodaikanal (south), Pachmarhi (central India) and Mount Abu  (Rajasthan) provide cool retreats.  Adventure sports in the hills such as trekking, para-gliding, angling are also best experienced in the summers.  The hills bloom and the meadows are lush. It must, however, be mentioned that should you wish to tour the plains in the summer months, air-conditioned hotels and transport is easily available at most tourist destinations.  You will also be able to avail of services at a considerably lower price at this time of the year.

The monsoon is an amazing phenomenon of nature experienced by India.  Somewhere in June, the clouds break at the coasts of southern India and they are pushed up northwards by July – immersing the entire Indian sub-continent in torrents.  Everything in sight appears to assume a new colour, new life is created after a parched summer and poets go hoarse describing the sensuousness of the Indian rains.  Except for the south-eastern region, India receives its major share of rain between June-September.  The south-eastern areas receive most rain from the north-east monsoon between mid-October and December-end.  However, the only area which remains dry is the highest desert in the world – the fascinating moonscapes of Ladakh.  This is the time to trek up here. 

Passports:  All travellers to India must possess a valid passport.  It is advisable to carry your passport on your person all the time while in India for possible identification requirements.

Visas:  All foreign tourists to India (baring nationals of Nepal and Bangladesh) must possess a valid visa.  Visas are not issued on arrival. The cost of the visa is USD 30 for upto six months, USD 50 for upto one year and 100 USD for more than one year and upto five years.  Contact the Indian embassy or consulate in your country for issuance of visas.  A touri8st visa is valid for three to six months.

Tourist visas allow multiple entry to simplify visits to neighboring countries.  You will be required to fill in a disembarkation card on your way to India which will have to be submitted to the Immigration counters at the entry airport.

Collective Visas: Foreign tourist travelling in groups of not less than four under a recognized travel agent, as can be granted tourist visas without prior reference, or even granted collective visas for tourism in India. In such cases the following procedure may be adopted:

(i)                   the agency sponsoring the group should furnish four copies of a list containing full name, nationality, address, date and place of birth and passport particulars of each member of the group to the Indian Mission in the country from which the tour starts, at least three days in advance of the date of departure; (ii) after necessary checks, the Mission will stamp a collective visa and it will not be necessary to stamp each individual passport. Three copies of the list will be returned to the sponsoring agency; (iii) the person in charge of the tourist group will hand over two copies of the list to the immigration authority at the port of arrival in India; (iv) the agents in India would also furnish to the immigration authority a list of the members of the group at least four hours before the arrival of the flight. This would facilitate an advance check of the additions before arrival of the flight; (v) incases where the tourist group splits into smaller groups for travel to different parts within India, the immigration authority would grant a collective ‘licence to travel’ listing the particulars of the members of the smaller groups. 

Transit Visas: Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days.

Exemption from Registration: Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or a shorter period are not required to register themselves with any authority in India. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places.

Nationals of Bangladesh are exempt from registration upto six months. If their stay exceeds six months, they have to register themselves. Family passports issued by other governments are recognized without discrimination.

Landing Permit Facility: (for group tourists) Foreign tourists in groups of four or more arriving by air or sea, sponsored by recognized Indian travel agencies and with a pre drawn itinerary may be granted collective landing permit for a specified period of time on the written request of the travel agencies, presented to the Immigration Officer giving full personal and passport details of the group members, the itinerary, an undertaking to conduct the group as per the itinerary and an assurance that no individual would be allowed to drop out from the group at any place. However, Israeli group tourists on such landing permits are not entitled to visit the state of J&K unless they are specifically cleared by the MHA.

Tourist Groups: A tourist group arriving by air, ship or by a chartered or scheduled flight may be granted a collective landing permit for a periods of upto 30 days by the immigration authorities on landing, provided the group is sponsored by a recognized travel agency and a pre-drawn itinerary is presented along with details of passport etc. of the members, and the travel agency gives an undertaking to conduct the group together.

Other Types of Visas: If a foreigner wishes to come for a purposes other than tourism, he should obtain an appropriate visa out of the following:

·        Business Visa: A foreigner can obtain one from an Indian embassy abroad. A multiple-entry business visa is valid for 5 years, provided he wants to come for business. Foreigners of Indian origin can obtain a 5 years, provided he wants to come for business. Foreigners of Indian origin can obtain a 5-year multiple entry visa for business, to meet their relatives etc.

·        Student Visa: This can be obtained from the Indian Embassy on the production of proof of admission and means of sustenance while in India.  The visa is valied from one year but can be extended in India for the duration of the course.  The visa will be valied for the duration of the course or 5 years, whichever is less.

·        Foreigners wanting to study yoga, music, Vedic culture, dance etc. are required to apply well in advance with all necessary particulars.  Indian embassies may grant visa for upto a period of 5 years.

·        Conference Visa: Delegates coming to attend international conferences in India can be granted Conference Visas to cover the conference as well as for tourism purposes.  Delegates are advised to apply to the Indian embassies well in advance.

·        Foreigners wishing to undertake trekking, botanical expeditions, canoeing, rafting, etc. in a team, may be granted visas for the required duration on presentation of full details.

·        Sports teams or individual sportsmen wishing to participate in international sports events being held in India.

·        Foreign journalists, mediamen, documentary and feature film-makers may obtain necessary visas after due formalities from the Indian Embassy.

·        Employment visa: Foreigners desirous of coming to India for taking up employment should apply for an Employment Visa, issued by Indian missions.  Initially granted for one year, it can be extended in India upto the period of contract. 

If you face a problem at Immigration, contact the Assistant Commissioners of Police at the Airport immigration Office.  

Some areas in India – usually border districts – are out of bounds for normal travelers due to political and security reasons.  However, some of these are extremely beautiful and fascinating places, their remoteness lending them a special quality, and special permits may be procured if you wish to visit them.  Remember, the extra efforts may be worth your while.

Permits are usually provided to groups and for a limited number of days.  There is no extra charge for acquiring the permits and they may be obtained from the Indian missions abroad or governmental agencies within India.

There are two customs clearance channel.  The green channel is for travelers carrying non-dutiable items while the red channel is for travelers carrying dutiable items.

Duty-free items: duty-free items which you may bring to India include personal effects like clothing and other articles but not if this commercial merchandise. All expensive electronic equipment must be declared at the Customs – Which will be re-checked on departure.  Take care to obtain an Export Certificate for these items if you are travelling to neighboring countries and intend a multiple entry.

You cannot bring in gold coins, gold or silver bullions into the country.  Weapons brought into the country should be licensed and declared.  Any cash or travelers cheque over US$10,000 or equivalent must be declared.  Possession of narcotic drugs is strictly prohibited.

Personal effects which are not used during your stay must be carried back by you.

Gifts worth Rs. 4,000 for tourists of foreign origin and Rs. 12,000 for tourists of Indian origin, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm of tobacco, I litre each of wine and spirits is allowed free of duty. 

If your baggage is mishandled or lost in transit, obtain a certificate to this effects from the airline and have it countersigned by the Customs, indicating specifically how much of your duty-free allowance is unutilized.

Customs Enquiry / Complaints: Assistant Collector of Customs at the international airport OR Commissioner of Customs, New Customs House, Near IGI Airport, New Delhi – 110037.

Customs Home Page: http://konark.ncst.ernet.in/customs/  

Prohibited items of export:

• Gold jewellery valued at above Rs. 6,000.

• Animal skins or skin products.

• Antiques (over 100 years old).

For verification, contact Archaeological Survey of India, Janpath, New Delhi.Tel: 3019451 or ASI offices in other states.

• Wild plants, seeds or parts

Visitors leaving India after less than six months are exempt from Income Tax clearance procedures, but it is advisable to keep your encashment certificates handy in case of an enquiry.

A Foreign Travel tax must be paid by all tourists on departure – Rs. 150 for departures to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives and Rs. 500 for all other countries. 

The India currency is the Rupee and it is a fully convertible currency.  The Rupee notes are available in denominations of 500, 100, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1.  Coins are available in the denominations of 5, 2, 1 (rupee) and 50 and 25 paise.

Foreign Exchange: Foreign exchange / currency brought into India must be declared at Customs where the value of foreign currency notes exceed US$ 2500 or the aggregate vale of the foreign exchange including currency notes exceeds US$10,000 or equivalent. You can exchange money at international airports where 24-hour exchange facilities are available through banks and approved money changers. You can also change money from nationalized banks and other banks in the country.

Some of the large nationalized banks include the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Punjab & Sindh Bank, Canara Bank, Allahabad Bank, Union Bank of India.

You will find international banks such as ANZ Grindlays, Citibank, Standard Chartered, BNP, Bank of America, Hong Kong Bank and others in the major metros. Most of these have 24 hour ATMs. American Express and Thomas Cook offices may be found in major metros and tourist cities.

Usual banking hours are 10 am to 2 pm on week days and 10 am to 12 noon on Saturdays. Please remember that not all banks will exchange foreign currency or travellers cheques particularly in small towns. Most recognized hotels will exchange foreign currency 24 hours buy a substantial service charge may be levied here.

Well-known credit cards are widely accepted in India. These may include Diners, Masters, Visa and American Express. You will find that your credit card is handy not only in paying your hotel bills and airfares, but also in buying souvenirs in small boutiques in way-off towns. Indian Railways also accepts bookings with credit cards in metros. 

If a foreign tourist originates from or has transited through endemic Yellow Fever countries (Africa, South America, Papua New Guinea), he/she must possess a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate. No other vaccination certificate is mandatory but you may like to consult your doctor for inoculation against typhoid, hepatitis A and meningitis. If you are a health fanatic, you may like to consider inoculation against polio, measles, mumps, cholera etc. However, a few careful precautions will make sure that even if you don’t take the inoculations, you are protected.

Always make sure about the water you drink. If it is not boiled or filtered, ask for mineral water which is readily available over the country. Some of the better known brands are Bisleri, Hello, Ganga, Yes. Make sure that the seal of the bottle is not broken. Aerated water or ‘soda’ is also commonly available and so are carbonated drinks by international brands such as Pepsi, Coke etc. You may like to carry chlorine or iodine tablets with you to purify water when in doubt.

Avoid eating food from roadside stalls even if you see a crowd gorging on them. The Indian stomach is immune to much of the stuff that goes in there. Never over-eat on a cuisine you are not used to – even at a good eatery. If you are forced to eat at a doubtful place, make sure the food is served hot. Most tourist places, however, will have approved restaurants.

Always use an insect repellent if you find yourself in a mosquito prone area – but remember, not every Indian place is mosquito infested and the winter cold (when most tourists come to India) kills most bugs in the northern plains most bugs in the northern plains most bugs in the northern plains most bugs in the northern plains and hills.

If you decide to come to India during the summer, the tropical climate in the pains can take you by surprise. Make sure that you drink lots of liquid and don’t venture out in the mid-day sun. Also use sunscreens, hats and dark glasses to avoid sunburns. Wash often and dry yourself thoroughly to avoid any other ski8n ailments in hot and humid conditions.

Pharmacies or chemists are available in every little town and village and you can easily buy over-the counter medicines, condoms or tampons. In case you need to refer to a doctor for a specific condition, ask for help from your hotel (most have doctors on call or tour operator. The cost of visiting a doctor is fairly low compared to western countries. 

There are five designated international airports in India – at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and Trivandrum.  Of these, the first two are the most used.  Limited international flights are also operated from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Goa, Calicut, Amritsar, Varanasi, Lucknow, Guwahati, Tiruchirapalli, Agra and Jaipur.  These are designated as ‘customs airports’ and allows landing of tourist charter flights and international flights by the national carriers of India.

The international airports at the four major metros have a fairly comprehensive range of facilities.  These may include duty-free shops, restaurants, business centres, rest-rooms for the disabled as well, telephone booths, travel assistance counters, hotel booking counters of major hotel chains, baby-care rooms, taxi and rent-a-car counters, airline booking counters, foreign exchange counters, mobile phone rentals and so on.  Check out individual city sections for details of facilities in respective cities. 

BY AIR:

There are three large domestic air-lines which fly across the country.  The state-owned Indian Airlines with the largest network, Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines.  A few other smaller airlines such as Archana Airways, Jagson Airlines, Gujarat Airways etc. also offer limited regional services.

Indian airlines: Commanding a large and modern jet fleet, the Indian Airlines (IC) network spans the country’s 3,000 km, from Leh in the north to Thiruvananthanpuram in the south and about the same from east to west, covers all important places of tourist interest, linking 59 cities in India and 16 in neighboring countries including Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kuwait, UAE, Oman and Malaysia.

Jet Airways: India’s largest private airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737-300/400/500 jets to 25 domestic destinations.  The airline has Interline agreements with over 108 international airlines and facilities include 24-hour flight information and reservation computerized check-in, free coach service at both Mumbai Airports, a choice of meals including veg./non-veg., diabetic, low cholesterol, Jain meals etc.

On the Club Premiere business class facilities include tele-check-in, use of Club Premiere lounges, meal options, priority baggage service and seat preferences at the time of reservations.

As a Jet Privilege member you are entitled to priority waitlisting, tele-check-in, access to Club Premiere lounges, excess baggage allowance priority baggage clearance and exchange of Privilege miles for free flights anywhere on the British Air-ways and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines network.

Sahara Airlines: The airline has a fleet of Boeing 737-400 jets and 4 helicopters (Dauphins and Ecuriels).  With Interline agreements with various national and international airlines, value added services on Sahara include an in-flight. Library, valet service, tele check-in for both ‘Y’ &’J’ class, personalized reading kit and meal preference (Jain meals and diabetic meals are standard fare and customized meals for Sahara Royale passengers includes Thai, Italian, Continental and Indian as well as health meals.)  The Sahara Club Crown is a two dimensional frequent flier programme offering options for redeeming points against privileges and gifts from well known international brands.  The three-level membership is available as Sahara Silver, Sahara Gold and Sahara Platinum subject to upgradation depending upon accumulation of points.

Archana Airways and Jagson Airlines re tow other smaller private airlines which operate on short feeder routes in northern India.

Archana Airways: 41A, Friends Colony East, Mathura Raod, New Delhi-110065.Ph.: 6821924, 6841985, Fax: 6847762.

Jagson Airlines:  12E, Vandana Building 11, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi-110001.Ph. 3721593/4, Fax: 3355298.

DOMESTIC AIRPORTS

India has a total number of 115 domestic airports.  Many of these have been significantly upgraded of later.  Beginning with Delhi, the capital-the brand new Indian Airlines terminal is comfortable and comprehensive.  Technology-wise also, the airport has been substantially upgraded.

There are new terminal buildings at Agra, Cochin, Rajpur, Bhubneswar, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad featuring contemporary design and facilities.

INLAND AIR TRAVEL TAX

Inland Air travel Tax is leviable at 10 percent of the basic fare, on all passengers embarking on an inland air journey.  Passengers paying their airfare in foreign exchange will be exempt from payment of this tax.  In addition, infants, cancer patients, the blind and invalids (those on stretchers) are exempt after fulfilling certain conditions in the relevant notifications.

Check-in time for all domestic flights is one hour before departure.  

INDIA BY RAIL

The Indian Railways network is incredibly extensive (the second largest in world) and if you want to se the country unfold in front of you, this may be the best mode of travel.  The rail network, of course, is more extensive than the air network and may take you to a greater number of places.  The Railways operate nearly 7,800 passengers services a day over a route length of aprox. 63,000 km.

You could opt for the luxury tourist trains such as Palace-on-Wheels and the Royal Orient, the superfast Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains or the other regular trains which are divided into 15 zones.  Most trains run daily.  However, tourist or other special trains may have a limited schedule. Special holiday trains are also often run during holidays and festivals.  There are also steam-hauled ‘toy-trains in the hills which offer a quaint experience.  Your may wish to acquire a railways time-table book available at railway-station bookshops to know exact train schedules.

The regular trains usually have the following classes of accommodation: a/c 1^st class, a/c 2-tier sleeper, a.c3-tier sleeper, a/executive chair car, a/c chair car, 1^st class, sleeper class and 2^nd class.

Website: www.indiarailway.com

TOURIST TRAINS

Palace on Wheels: This air-conditioned train takes you on a week-long journey through Rajasthan in eight days (Delhi-to-Delhi) covering the historic cities of Jaipur, Chitogrgarh, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalamer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.  Each coach has four coupes with wall-to-wall carpeting, bar and two restaurant cars serving Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine.

Each compartment has an attached bath with running hot/cold water and shores, built-in wardrobes, overhead and night lights, piped music, reading lights etc.  the furniture has been specially created for the Palace on Wheels.  At the end of each coach is separate lounge where passengers can relax when they wish to move out of their bedrooms.  Here they can unwind with a magazine, engage in conversation, or watch as the panorama of the Indian desert unfolds.

The train leaves every Wednesday from Delhi Cantonment Railway station.  Tariff per person per night: Single occupancy US$460, Double $325, triple $260 (October to March) and $370/270/215 respectively (September and April).  For information contact: Tourist Reception Centre, Bikaner House, New Delhi-110011, Ph.: 91-11-3381884, 3386069; Fax: 91-11-3382823. Rajasthan Tourism Develop0ment Corporation Ltd., Hotel Swagatam Campus, Near Railway Station, Jaipur Ph.: 91-141-203531, 202586. Fax: 91-141-201045

Website: http://www.inetindia.com.rajastan; e-mail: jaipur.rtdc@axcess.net.in

Royal Orient Express: A unique experience offered by Indian Railways.  The Royal Orient takes you on a journey through two of India’s most culturally fascinating states, Gujrat and Rajasthan.  Operation between September to April, the train leaves from Delhi Cantonment, halting at some of the ‘royal’ cities, including Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Patiala, Veraval, Ahmedabad and Jaipur.  Tariff is US$ 350 per person per night on single occupancy, $200 per person per night on twin-sharing basis, and $ 175 per person per night on triple-sharing.  April and September tariffs – are $263, $150 and $132 per night respectively.  The itinerary is spread over eight days.  Bookings are confirmed against a 10 percent deposit.  Accommodation is mainly in coupes, each carriage with a lounge, mini-bar, kitchenette and modern toilets with running hot and cold water.  The air-conditioned interior is furnished with a bar, multicuisine restaurants and a library. For details and booking, contact Central Reservation Office: 12/4, First Floor, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008, Telefax: 01-5783960, 3364724, 3734015.

H.K. House, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 380 009; Ph.: 079-6589172, 6587217; Fax: 079-6582183

Dhanraj Mahal, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400 039; Ph.: 079-6589172; Fax: 022-2883541.

E-mail: tcogl@ad1.vsnl.net.in Website: http://www,gujrattourism.com

Rajdhani Express: These superfast, air-conditioned, deluxe trains are some of India’s best in terms of efficiency and service quality.  The Rajdhani trains connect Delhi to Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, Bhubneswar, Guwahati, Jammu Tawi, Secunderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, Abu Raod, Ajmer amongst others and also operate several others city pairs.

Fares on a/c 2-tiersleeper are (from Delhi): Rs. 2,140 to Mumbai, Rs. 2,190 to Calcutta, Rs. 3,015 to Bangalore, Rs. 3,625 to Thiruvananthapuram,  Rs. 2,850 to Chennai, Rs. 2,650 to Bhubaneswar, Rs. 2,760 to Guwahati, Rs. 1,210 to Jammu Tawi.

Shatabdi Express: These are superfast intercity trains which have established a reputation in service and punctuality over the past few years.  Snacks, meals, mineral water and reading material is supplied aboard the train, included in the cost of the ticket. A Shatabdi route connects a metro city with other major and secondary centres.  The two classes on these trains are chair car and executive class.

Some chair care fares are: From New Delhi: Chandigarh Rs. 400, Dehradun Rs. 465, Ludhiana Rs 465, Lucknow Rs 595, Amritsar Rs 560.

From Mumbai: Surat Rs 400, Pune Rs. 330, Vadodra Rs. 505.

From Chennai: Mysore Rs 570, Bangalore Rs. 495, Coimbatore Rs. 525.

From Calcutta: Tatanagar Rs. 405, Bokaro Rs. 460, Kharagpur Rs. 285.

Konkan Railway: Commissioned in January 1998, the Konkan Railway connects the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala along the beautiful Arabian Sea coastline of western India.  The track spans a total of 43 kml of bridges laid over 146 minor and major rivers and pierces 72 tunnels amongst which is India’s longest tunnel measuring 6.5 kn.  Often crossing ravings over 50 mt deep, the modern rail track can sustain trains running at 160 kn/hour.

Toy Trains: These trains, operating on narrow gauge tracks-hence the name toy trains-laid during the British days, link stations in the plains to hill stations and offer a laid back experience, where passengers can take in the diverse mountain scenery at leisure.  Some of the routes are:

Kalka-Shimla: 107 tunnels, arched bridges and picturesque stations en route are the features of 96-km journey linking the onetime summer capital of India to the plains of Punjab.

The Shivalik Deluxe Express runs twice every day, stopping only at Barog for providing catering services to passengers.  The train has bay glass windows and wall-to-wall carpeting.  Seating 131 seats.  Fare: Rs. 305 (one-way) & Rs. 540 (round trip).

Deluxe Rail Motor Car, with a transparent roof, TV/VCP, music and an altimeter.  It operates twice a day.  Seating : 14-18.  Fare Rs. 305 (one-way).

Shivalik Palace can be attached to any train for an exclusive experience, with a dining table, folding cushioned beds, refrigerator, modern bathrooms, catering by a special attendant on board, well-equipped kitchen etc.  As part of the package is offered a complement of two luxurious retiring rooms with geyser, TV and telephone at Shimla.  Seating: 6,  Fare: Rs. 4,850 in UP direction and Rs. 3375 in DN direction.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway traverses 46 km of twists and turns from Mettupalayam to the hill resort of Ootacamund at a top speed of 33 km an hour.  Snaking through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges, the climb offers breathtaking vistas of plantation and fir-clad hills.

Darjeeling Hill Railway with a 2-foot gauge, is the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges.  Liking the town of New Jalapaiguri with the eastern Indian hill station of Darjeeling, this famous little train is drawn on its 86 km journey by a 100-year-old engine in 7.5 hours.

With no tunnels on the route, passengers get an uninterrupted view of the Himalayas.

Matheran Railway is a 77-year-old line connecting Neral (on the Mumbai-Pune line) to the hill resort of Matheran close to Mumbai.

The panorama of hills and plains unfolds as the sturdy little train chu8gs up to the peaceful retreat.  The train runs between sunrise and sunset, covering the distance in 1.5 hours.

Fairy Queen: This is the oldest running locomotive in the world holding a Guiness Book of Records.  With a seating capacity of 50, the train do3es weekend trips from Delhi to Alwar5-allowing the tourists to experience the heritage hotel and tiger sanctuary at Sariska.  The tariff is Rs. 8000/-inclusive of meals, transport (Alwar-Sariska-Alwar), visit to tiger sanctuary and stay at Sariska Palace on twin-sharing basis.  The trains does limited runs from October-February.

For booking, contact: Director, National Rail Museum, Chanakyapur, New Delhi-110021. Ph.: 011-6881816, 6880939, Fax: 011-6880804

E-mail   : nrm@nrm.nrm.cmc.net.in Website: http://www.icindia.com/fairy

Buddha Parikrama: This train was introduced during the Buddha Mahotsav festival celebrated in November 1998 and follows the Buddhist pilgrimage trail the Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang walked in 4^th century A.D. Departing from Howrah station (Calcutta), it covers Kushinagar, Varanasi, Rajgir, Nalanda and Gaya.  The train is at present available for charter bookings.  Regular runs may follow son.  For information, contact: Ashok Travel & Tours, ITDC, 3^rd Floor, New Delhi House, 27 Barakhamba Raod, New Delhi-110001. Ph.: 011-3313233/3715917; Fax: 011-3324905

Website:  http://www.indiatourism.com; E-mail    : reservation@indiatourism.com.

The Taj Express provides a fast link to Agra, and the pink City Express to Jaipur.  Comfortable, A/c travel is available on a number of other trains.

The Indrail Pass:  Indian Railways have this value-for-money facility which enables foreign budget visitors to travel as they like over the entire Indian railway system without any route restriction within the period of validity of the ticket.  Indrail passes are sold only to foreign nationals and Non Resident Indians.  They must hold valid passports.  Payment is accepted only in US dollars, pounds sterling and other convertible foreign currencies.  A tourist travelling on the pass to exempt from paying reservation fee, surcharges and supplementary charges for travelling by superfast trains which are levied in the case of ordinary tickets.

Indrail Passes on half-day, two-day and four-day basis are also available and are economical for tourists intending to visit places, the journey time of which fits in these durations.  These can also be used as convenient supplements to extend the journey time which otherwise is not covered by the Indrail Passes, for 1,7,15,21,30,60 and 90 days.  Inrail Passes for half-day, one-day, two-day and four-day duration are sold by GSAs abroad.

The passes must be validated before commencing the first rail journey.  Outside India, Indrail passes are sold through GSA’s in London, New York, Paris, Sydney, Frankfurt, Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat, Dhaka and Durban.

In India, Indrail passes are sold in railway offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Agra Cantt., Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore city, Chandigarh, Gorakhpur, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijaywada, Jaipur, Rameswaram, Trivandrum Cehtral, Vadodara, Varanasi, Puttaparthi Town Booking Agency, vasca-da-gama and Amritsar.  Certain recognized agents are also authorised to sell them in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.

Note: It may help you to remember that foreign tourists have special quotas on many trains.  If your are travelling on your own and find that rail tickets are not available on the general counter, enquire for the tourist quota – you will have to pay in foreign exchange unless you show your encashment certificates. 

INDIA BY ROAD

Highway Travel: India has a road network of over 2.9 million kilometers.  National highways comprise 34,608 km and state highways 128,622 km.  Several highways such as Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Jaipur (partially) have been upgraded and widened of late.  In all, national highways have been widened to four-lane highways in the sates of Rajasthan, Haryana, West Bengal, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

In fact, the Indian government is privatizing the highway infrastructure development and the country is likely to possess extremely motorable roads in the near future.

It is worth mentioning that highway travel has become extremely popular even for domestic tourists ever since the small car boom in the country and most important tourist highways, such as Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra have comprehensive facilities such as motels, unleaded petrol stations, public conveniences etc.  you will also notice several ‘dhabas’ on the highways.  These are food stalls serving hardcore Indian meals and cupfuls of sugary tea or ‘chai’ – created for the convenience of truckers.  It wouldn’t be advisable to try the food here, but they will al have mineral water and cold drinks.

It is also worth mentioning that the tourism departments of Haryana and Rajasthan, states adjoining Delhi have in particular focussed on highway tourism, you will notice several attractive resorts, even a Jack Nicklaus golf resort, on your way to Jaipur from Delhi.

In India, vast as the country is roads may be your only means to reach several places, especially way off towns and the hills.  The roads are not always smooth off the main highways and it may be advisable to check on the vehicle that is going to carry you.

Bus Services: all state transport corporations operate extensive bus services and it is possible to reach even the remotest of places by bus. (Check respective cities for details.)  However, do remember that no all buses are well cushioned and some of the rides can be bumpy and uncomfortable.  Take a bus only when your are sure of what is feels like.  Tourist districts, of course, will have a range of buses-offering air-conditioned, well-maintained interiors.  Jaipur’s Pink Line and Silver Line Buses are a good example.  Road travel, of course, is the cheapest means of transport.  One-way journey to Jaipur on a Pink Line costs as little as USD 7.25  However, if your are travelling on your own, do remember to book well in advance in the tourist season.

Self-drive: If you are planing a self-drive, India can be an extremely adventurous and interesting destination.  Rules for importing a vehicle are as follows: Tourist can import their own vehicles into India with a Carnet de Passage (Triptyques) issued by recognized automobile associations or clubs affiliated to the Alliance International de Tourism in Geneva.  Cars can be imported free of duty up 6 months and must then be re-exported. An International Certificate for Motor Vehicles (ICMW) and an International Driving Permit are also required.  Drivers must posses a third party insurance.

Once in India with your vehicle, it is good to remember a few things:

·        Vehicles drive on the left in India.  Traffic discipline is not what you rind in the west.  Give yourself time to get acclimitised to the conditions and unspoken rules.  Traffic speed is also comparatively low.

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