Grand Tour of India

Frequently asked questions

• What will the weather be like in India?

  Generally, all our tours operate when it is considered the best time to travel, although it is important to note that climates may vary between different regions and countries, if visiting more than one, so climates may change throughout your tour. As weather patterns around the world become less predictable the information we provide should be used as a guide only and is no guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you depart.

  During the main travel season to India, between October and March, the days tend to be mild and sunny with comfortable cool evenings. We recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.

• How much should I tip in India?

  Tipping in most countries is a way of showing your appreciation for good service, and whilst not compulsory, it is now an accepted practice in many of the countries we visit on our tours and in many, very much a way of life.

  Tipping remains discretionary, although at the end of your tour, if you are happy with the services provided by your Tour Manager, local guides, coach drivers and assistants, we would suggest showing your appreciation for the services offered.

  We have included a number of gratuities into your tour. Tipping for your Tour Manager, local guides and drivers are not included.

  We would suggest the following amounts:

  Escorted Tours

  • Tour Managers: INR 300 – INR 400 per person per day
  • Coach Drivers: INR 150 – INR 200 per person per day
  • Assistant: INR 100 – INR 150 per person per day

  Private Tours

  • Guide: INR 1,500 per day
  • Driver: INR 800 per day

  Holiday Extensions

  • Guide: INR 500 per day
  • Drivers: INR 300 – INR 500 per day
  • Bell Boy: INR 100 per hotel
  • Restaurants: INR 300

  Note: As many our tours visit several areas across India, you may have more than one tour manager, coach driver and coach helper on your tour.

• Do I need to renew my passport for my trip to India?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document.

  A full British passport presently takes approximately up to ten weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least 10 weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service has to confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and may ask them to attend an interview in order to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this.

• Will I need a visa to enter India?

  You are required to obtain an e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) before travelling. You can apply online for your visa within 120 days of travel on the government of India’s e-Tourist Visa website.

  The costs for the e-TV is currently approx. $25 USD (for a 30 day visa). A 1 year visa can also be applied for within 120 days of arrival if required.

  Visitors flying into India will no longer fill out physical disembarkment cards at immigration counters. Instead, all guests must complete a digital e-Arrival card within 72 hours prior to arrival. To obtain your e-Arrival cards please visit: e-Arrival.

  India has introduced health screening measures, including completing a mandatory Self-Declaration Form for all international passengers arriving in India. The Self-Declaration Form should be completed up to 24 hours before arrival through the Air Suvidha Portal.

  Alternatively, if you would prefer to have assistance with your visa and have the application process managed by a visa company, we recommend The Travel Visa Company.

  For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website and the Foreign Office website.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations for my trip to India?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

  In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, we also recommend visiting the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, for more information on any required vaccinations.

• What is the time difference between the UK and India?

  GMT +5½ hours

• What is the currency in India?

  Indian Rupee

• What clothing should I take to India?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm.

  It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – remember it will be cooler at higher altitudes – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun. If travelling on a safari in India, is it recommended to wear natural colours such as khaki, green or beige as bright colours can attract insects and cause diversions for the wildlife.

  Bear in mind in some of the countries you will visit, the local people adopt a more conservative standard of dress than we are used to in the UK and we suggest dressing modestly. When visiting sacred places, or active religious sites, it is recommended that arms and legs are fully covered, so consider wearing long trousers, or skirts. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their head and shoulders. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places.

• What is the best way to pay for things in India?

  Across all major hotels, Visa and Mastercard credit cards will be accepted and we recommend advising your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to use your cards.

  In India, cash withdrawals are limited to R10,000 (approx. £110) per day and you cannot obtain Indian currency before arrival in the country. There are occasional problems withdrawing cash from ATMs, so it is worth taking some sterling or US dollars that can be changed locally at money exchanges. Don’t forget your tour manager will be on hand to help you find the best places to exchange your money. When you change money, ask for some small bills (Rs 10s and Rs 20s) and keep these separate from the larger ones, so that they’re readily accessible.

  Please note the following general advice:

  • ATMs are generally available in major cities, less so in rural areas

  • Credit cards are generally widely accepted in the majority of hotels, cruises, larger international restaurants and shops, although be aware credit card payments may incur an additional fee

  • If buying small items or purchasing from local shops, restaurants and markets, or when outside of major cities, with the exception of hotels, local currency is always recommended

  • If you are planning to use your debit or credit card whilst travelling, advise your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash or make a payment

  • When you change money, ask for some small bills and keep these, along with coins, separate from larger ones - this is also handy for tipping

  • It is always worth carrying a small amount of UK Sterling or US Dollars as these can usually be readily exchanged

  • Keep your exchange receipts as these may be needed if you want to exchange any remaining currency you have at the end of your trip

  • A currency card is a simple way to buy local currency and lock in an exchange rate before you travel. We recommend Revolut, a digital banking app which offers a pre-paid physical or virtual currency card. It is simple to apply for, set up and use. For more information on the Revolut Currency Card, please click here.

• I’ve heard that Gujarat is a dry state. Will I be able to purchase alcohol?

  When travelling on our Indian Wildlife Adventure, you will travel through the Indian state of Gujarat, spending a total of 5-nights in the state. Gujarat, is a dry state however, the government of Gujarat, will issue online liquor permits to foreign tourists during their visit to the state. These permits are valid for 7-days and during this period, customers may purchase up to:

  1) One 750ml bottle of hard liquor – whiskey/gin/rum/vodka etc
  2) Three bottles of wine
  3) Ten 650ml bottles of beer

  For your convenience, Distant Journeys has included the cost of these permits and your local guide will assist you in applying for the permit once in India.