FACTS FOR THE VISITOR
Visas, Permits and Embassies
Tourist visas are valid for six months, obtained from the Indian Consulate,
or a Visa Agency can arrange this for you.
UK
India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA
Tel: 020 7 836-8484
or
82 New Street, Birmingham B2 4BA
Tel: 0121 212-2782
Money
The rupee (Rs) Rate: Rs.65-70 = £1, Rs.43 = $1
Credit cards are widely accepted in India, ie: Diners Club, MasterCard, American
Express and Visa.
Tipping
Tipping has rather a different role in India than in the West. The term
baksheesh, which encompasses tipping and a lot more besides, aptly describes
the concept in India. You 'tip' not so much for good service, but to get things
done. However, from an Indian perspective, baksheesh is an integral part of
the system - it wasn't invented simply to extract money from tourists. Take
some time to observe how Indians (even those who are obviously not excessively
wealthy) deal with baksheesh situations; they always give something, it's
expected and accepted by both sides.
WHAT TO BRING & WEAR
Remember that clothes are easily and cheaply purchased in India. You
can buy things off the peg or have clothes made to measure in the small tailor
shops found throughout the country. Modesty rules in India, as in most Asian
countries. Although men wearing shorts is accepted as a Western eccentricity,
women should dress more discreetly, ie. no vests or very short shorts. Even
for men, however, wearing shorts or going shirtless in a more formal situation
is definitely impolite.
For Eagles Nest, McLeod Gung - bring warmer clothing, as evenings are cool, and nights can be chill. (There are log fires at the Lodge for evenings)
Time
India is 5 1/2 hours ahead of GMT, 4 1/2 hour behind Australian Eastern
Standard Time and 10 1/2 hours ahead of American Eastern Standard Time.
HEALTH
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Pre-departure Preparations
A travel insurance policy: Do remember that some policies specifically exclude 'dangerous activities' which can include trekking. If such activities are on your agenda check your policy. -
Immunisations
The World Health Organisation recommends the following: chlorella & typhoid. You may also want Hepatitis B (Gamma Globulin), Tetanus and anti-malarial pills.
These can be administered at GP's clinics, or at Vaccination clinics (call a travel agent for information).
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations; ie: at least 2 weeks. Some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together. -
Basic rules for general travelling:
Care in what you eat and drink is the most important health rule; stomach upsets are the most likely health problem. Don't become paranoid - trying the local food is part of the experience of travel after all. Bottled water is widely available, and most travellers drink this rather than risk what comes out of the tap. Take care with fruit juice if water has been added, and avoid drinks which contain ice cubes. -
At Eagles Nest, up the mountain, we have our own source of pure spring water.
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Many health problems can be avoid by taking care of yourself. Wash your hands frequently - it's quite easy to contaminate your own food.
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Clean your teeth with purified water rather than straight from the tap.
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In the desert or at high altitude you can get sunburnt surprisingly quickly, even through cloud, so use a sunscreen. Calamine lotion is good for mild sunburn.
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If you are pregnant, check your doctor or vaccination clinic for further advice