India Holidays

This would depend on the length of the journey and whether your car and driver are following the train or not. For many shorter journeys, the car would follow with luggage and you would be met on the other side.

As a general rule of thumb, if you are travelling overnight by train or for more than around six hours, then you will have your luggage with you.

There is poverty in India but the curve has flattened a lot in the last few decades because of successful government schemes covering health, education, monitory support, food and shelter for the poor. You may still see people, the majority of which are women and children, begging for money in the cities. However, begging has become a job for this sector and it is highly organised. Hence we recommend you not to encourage them by giving any money and simply ignore them. The best way to help is to donate directly to an NGO or buy food stamps that the homeless can exchange for a plate of food. This way you know your money is going to be used in a positive way

UK passport holders require a visa for India and you must obtain this visa before you travel to India. The easiest way to do this is to apply online for the E visa – there is no need to involve a visa company or to go to the Indian Embassy in person. You can apply online a maximum of 21 days in advance of the date of arrival when applying for a 30-day visa. You can also apply for one year and five-year visas, 120 days in advance. The fee has been noticeably reduced since 2020, and the cost is now $25 USD for 30 days, $40 or $80 USD for a one year or five-year visa. This fee is non-refundable and payable online. A passport photo must be uploaded online. Processing time is up to four days. On receipt of the e-visa by email, print and carry this with the relevant passport when travelling to India.

One of the great fears about travelling to India is the quality of the food. Let’s put your mind to rest straight away and say the opposite: the food in India is delicious and indeed one of the highlights of a visit to India. Indian cuisine is heavily influenced by religion, cultural and ethnic groups – one of the joys of travel to India is the diversity of the cuisine. Also, it is important to note that not all the food is spicy. Many of the diseases are waterborne, so do not drink the tap water.

Drink filtered water as opposed to water out of plastic bottles – we do not condone the use of single-use plastic. In terms of alcohol, beer, wines and spirits are all available although the quality is sometimes not what you might be used to.

It is largely safe for women to travel in India alone. There are measures we can put in place to ensure you are well looked after. Some city hotels offer women butlers, and women’s rooms on a dedicated floor. Private same-sex drivers and guides can be requested for your peace of mind. Train journeys can be organised with an accompanying escort.

When photographing people in India, we always advise asking the person you would like to photograph beforehand out of politeness. In most cases, people are happy to have the picture taken, especially children who will readily pose for several. If photography is prohibited, this is usually clearly marked.

When visiting any country, it is important to respect the dress code. Women should avert from wearing sleeveless and tight-fitting clothing and dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious monuments.

Short dresses and skirts should also be avoided, loose trousers and long skirts being more favourable and cooler in the heat. If travelling during the winter months or in the north of the country, we advise a jumper, hat, scarf and gloves for the evenings and early mornings when it can be quite chilly, and of course comfortable footwear for days out and about.

India is a huge country and often travel distances are large. The best way to get around when you are combining different regions is taking a few internal flights. There is an extensive network of flights which are both frequent and inexpensive. Moreover, they are reliable and good. To experience the real India, take a train journey- no visit to India is complete without experiencing the bustle of an Indian railway station. We recommend express trains, which normally offer air-conditioned seats or first or second class sleeper cabins. All seats and berths are reserved for the ticket holder.

If travelling extensively through one region, such as Rajasthan for example, a car and driver will accompany you throughout. This is a great opportunity to get to know a local, and often become great friends.

To experience the real India is to stay at ground level and take a train journey. No visit to India is complete without experiencing the bustle of an Indian railway station. We recommend express trains, which normally offer air-conditioned chair seats or first or second class sleeper cabins. All seats and berths are reserved for the ticket holder. Tickets go on sale 60 days in advance.

The reservation list is displayed on the train itself, your name and reserved berth clearly shown. Berths are numbered in classes, so AC1 AC2 AC3 and sleeper class cars. There are toilets on the trains. Don’t expect pristine western standards but if travelling on an air-conditioned express train then the service is reasonable. High-speed express trains link cities efficiently, such as Delhi to Agra, Jaipur to Jodhpur.

We recommend that you speak to your GP and visit the excellent travel-medicine website http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

It strongly recommends you get vaccinations for typhoid, tetanus, poliomyelitis and hepatitis before travelling to and around India. The key for travel vaccinations is to start planning well in advance. Both diphtheria and tuberculosis require a three-month incubation period before the start of the trip. Start by consulting your GP (who will be able to advise if you are up-to-date with your polio and tetanus jabs); he or she may be able to provide the jabs or direct you to a travel medicine specialist.