Frequently Ask Questions about India
1. What is the best time to travel to India?
2. What care must I take while traveling to India?
3. What are the Visa requirements for India?
4. Where can I find India’s tourist offices?
5. How do I pick my tour?
6. Why should I come to India for a conference/seminar?
7. How can I find about the flights to India?
8. How can I travel within India?
9. What services do you provide?
10. Can I book my air tickets online?
11. Do you make hotel reservations?
12. How good or bad is the weather in India?

1. What is the best time to travel to India?
The best times to travel to India is usually from October till March, when the weather is pleasant in most parts of the country. Now, travel during monsoon months (July – September) is also possible, as appropriate facilities are being provided at places that present a good tourism opportunity during this time (such as Goa, the Western Ghats, Kerala, etc.).

2. What care must I take while traveling to India?
Since India has a tropical climate, it is essential to carry mosquito repellents (creams, lotions), medicines for fever and diarrhea, cold and allergy. It is also advisable to carry mineral water, as at places the quality of water offered for drinking might be doubtful. Also, carry sun screen if possible, especially during the summer months. Foreign tourists must carry their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health Regulations if they have traveled to, or even been in transit through Africa, South America or Papua New Guinea in the last six months. No other vaccination is required. For personal protection, however, inoculation is recommended for cholera, typhoid, malaria and hepatitis. Detailed information on medical care and first aid tips while traveling to India.

3. What are the Visa requirements for India?
Any foreigner who wants to enter India must have a valid visa affixed on his or her passport. This can be obtained from the Indian Consulate in various countries. Foreign nationals of Indian origin, their spouses and children also need visas. They can however obtain Entry Visas valid upto 10 years. Tourist Visas can be obtained for 6 months, 1 year or even 10 years. Visas of the appropriate type should be obtained by students, businessmen, journalists and others who want to visit India for professional purposes.

Validity of Visa
All types of visas are valid for the indicated period from the date of issue (and not from the date of first entry into India). Post-dated visas are not issued.
Application form and picture requirements
All applicants for Entry and Tourist Visas are required to fill out an application form and provide one recent passport size photograph. Applicants for Business, Research, Journalist and some other types of visas are required to submit two forms duly filled in and two pictures.

Visa to Non Residents
Visas can also be issued to persons who normally do not live in the jurisdiction of this Consulate (this also includes people holding Tourist / Business visas) after obtaining clearance from the Indian Mission under whose jurisdiction the applicant normally resides. This however takes a few weeks. The applicant may, however, pay an additional charge for clearance by fax or telex.

Restricted Area Permits
Persons desiring to go to a restricted area should fill in special forms and apply well in advance as clearances are required before a permit can be issued to travel to these places. It takes at least 6 to 8 weeks to receive the Government of India’s clearances in such cases.

Requirements for Student Visas
Firm letters of admission from Universities, recognized Colleges or Educational Institutions in India are required for issuance of Regular Student Visas. Applicants are also required to produce satisfactory evidence of financial support. In case of admission in a medical or a para-medical course, the applicants also need to produce a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Ministry of Health, Government of India, to obtain a Student Visa. Applicants for Student Visas who want to pursue graduate or post-graduate studies in Engineering / Technology are required to produce a similar ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Education).

Provisional Student Visas for a period of 6 months can however be issued on production of a Provisional Admission Certificate issued by a University / recognized Educational Institution in India. It can be changed to a regular student visa in India on completion of the formalities listed above. However, no change of institute / purpose is allowed.

Extending your Visa
Tourist visas are valid for a maximum period of 180 days. There is no charge for visa extension within the maximum period of 180 days. However, in case of an extension after 180 days (permissible only in exceptional cases), an extension fee is charged. You must ensure that you submit identical passport photographs.It is advisable for tourists from other countries to check current visa fee/visa extension fees applicable with the Government of India Tourist Offices or respective Indian Consular Offices located in their countries.

4. Where can I find India’s tourist offices?
Indian Government’s tourist offices are present all over the world. Click here for a list of these offices to locate one in your area…
Govt. of India Tourist offices- Overseas.
Govt. of India Tourist offices – India.

5. How do I pick my tour?
It’s simple. Get all the information you need on destinations, the ways to reach them, the things you can do there, and tour operators. Let us know your requirements, and we will help you design your own trip keeping your specifications and budget in mind. Alternatively, you may send us your requirement by clicking here….

6. Why should I come to India for a conference/seminar?
India is on the fast track of economic development. Even in the wake of modernization, the country has not lost its connection with its age old tradition and heritage. It offers you state-of-the-art facilities, and the conference venues are equipped with latest technological gadgetry. Moreover, a large part of the population understands and speaks English. So when you hold a conference/seminar in India, you have the twin advantage of modern amenities and the promise of an exotic experience.

7. How can I find about the flights to India?
Various international carriers have direct or indirect flights to India. You can browse through the schedules and fares on the site here. You can also send us request for flight details.

8. How can I travel within India?
India offers various modes of transport within India, railways being the chief form. India also has good domestic airway connectivity. Click here for railway schedule.

For airlines within India, click here. You can also book your flights within India through this site.

9. What services do you provide?
We provide various services to help you customize your visit to India – your purpose might be anything – business or pleasure or both – we have something special for everyone. We help you organize and manage conferences, seminars, exhibitions, trade fairs and events, incentive tours, weddings and honeymoons, health tourism, spiritual sojourns, adventure tours, culinary cruise through India, cultural visits, special tours for senior citizens, leisure travel, special tours to neighboring countries or just about any trip you can think of, we will arrange it for you completely. Our services include assistance in organizing your trips, arrangements, reservations, event management, and marketing of events among others. You can read in detail about our services by clicking on respective tabs in the site menu.

10. Can I book my air tickets online?
Yes, you can make online reservations for flights.

11. Do you make hotel reservations?
You can look for your choice of accommodation required on the site by writing to us, or let us know your requirements, and we will get back to you to discuss appropriate arrangements.

12. How good or bad is the weather in India?
India, due to its large size, has a variety of climatic conditions, ranging from hot, dry summers, to extremely cold winters in the north and a more tropical weather in the south. Summer usually sets in by middle April, and temperatures in May and June may reach above 45 Degrees Celsius in some parts of the western and northern India. Summers last till about July, when monsoon sets in all over the country, with the rains bringing respite from the scorching heat. Monsoons last till end of September. With October, autumn sets in. The temperature is moderate during this season in India. By December, winters take over. North India may get extremely chilly during winters. Southern parts of India experience a moderate winter. Spring time is usually February to March. Coastal parts of India are humid and experience heavy showers during monsoons.