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FAQ

How to book a tour to India ?
Firstly we suggest you that you go to "India Tour" Page on the website, which include many tours that are being taken by most of the tourists coming to India. If you intend to make any changes like having a day more or less according to your own flight in that case you need to inform us so that we make your itinerary accordingly. You can use our online query form or send us an e mail at: mailto:info@royalindianvoyages.com
If I do not want the tour as mentioned in the website how do I make my own tour ?
In the case You will to inform us the places you want to visit and some other factors like duration, number of people traveling together and choice of hotels you prefer. After having these details from your end we will plan a tour for you and contact you very next day with all the details.
I am visiting India for the first time how should I prepare myself ?
For the general information please visit our website link about India. You may put up your questions to us regarding any matter if you do not find the answers on our website. Apart from that we suggest you to do some background reading before visiting India, so that your visit becomes a great experience, you may ask us to provide you a tourist Guide in the language of your choice who will accompany you during your tour to India and take care of every thing related to your tour.
How advance should be my travel booking ?
Your travel bookings should be made 8 months well in advance, especially if you are traveling between October- March (high tourist season) and May - June, the Indian holiday season. As Travel infrastructure in India has its limitation in comparison to the high season demand therefore we highly recommend to book your tour in advance.
How to experience India at it's best ?
We suggest you to consider rural India while planning your trip, ask us to combine your trip during an Indian Festival which will make your trip a great experience. On our website you find the dates of the Indian festivals taking place and which journey can be combined to them. For any further query on festivals visit our information on Festivals. At each city you visit our guides will tell you about the cultural activities taking place that might be interesting.
Can I buy an Air Ticket through you also ?
Yes, you can but to be fair we advice you to book your air ticket in your country as air tickets are normally expensive if booked in India to be sent to your country. However even it Air tickets are cheaper here and you happen to change you schedule in that case it is better to have to tickets issued at the port of departure After having booked your Air tickets you can inform us the arrival time and the flight Nr. to enable us to pick you up from the airport to start with the tour.
How will I be picked up from the Airport ?
You will be picked up by our representative at the arrival hall of the particular International Airport of India. You should not leave Air Port without our representative if you are to be picked up. Royal Indian Voyage representative would be holding a welcome board with your name on it. If you are part of a group, the name of he group will be mentioned on the welcome board. You will also be provided the mobile Tel. N0. of the representative to you who will be there to pick you up well in advance so that in case if missing you find each other at the particular location at the airport itself.
Can I book the hotels only with you and not the complete tour ?
Yes, Royal Indian Voyage is having special rates with many hotels all over the Indian Subcontinent. We are sure that we will be able to offer you the hotels for your budget in the destination wanted by you. As for as hotels are concerned we have hotels of every standard in India. You will find some of the world class hotels in India. Do inform us what kind of hotels you are looking for. We also make arrangements for big conferences and incentive spa and Ayurveda Packages.
Which Vaccination is compulsory to visit India ?
Yes, Royal Indian Voyage is having special rates with many hotels all over the Indian Subcontinent. We are sure that we will be able to offer you the hotels for your budget in the destination wanted by you. As for as hotels are concerned we have hotels of every standard in India. You will find some of the world class hotels in India. Do inform us what kind of hotels you are looking for. We also make arrangements for big conferences and incentive spa and Ayurveda Packages.
Which Vaccination is compulsory to visit India ?
The Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required to be brought into India, if a tourist originates from or transiting through Yellow Fever endemic countries. This is conforming to the International Health Regulation. Yet, Citizens and travelers coming from the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, do not require any vaccination certificate or inoculations. It is highly recommended to get a precautionary measure vaccination against Hepatitis B, should you plan to stay longer in India. To avoid Malaria, Dengue, carry mosquito repellents, nets or take a course of anti Malaria tablets.
How do I get medication in India in case of necessity ?
It is advised that you bring your own medicines. Most of the medications in India are available but you may not find it under the same brand name as in your own country. If necessarily of consulting a doctor be assure that we will assist you in this matter. Private hospitals with high standard and qualified doctors are available in India.
Do people understand English and other foreign languages ?
English is widely spoken and understood at almost all tourist centers. But we highly recommend you to take qualified and government recognized guides during your sightseeing in India. We are associated with Guides in India who also speak German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian or Russian. Tour guides will help you not only in your sightseeing, but also help you understand India better and give you useful tips for your Journey to India !
How can I come in contact with local people during our travel in India ?
Indians are hospitable and friendly people, Do not consider starring at you as unfriendly. Most of the Indian have not been abroad and therefore foreigners are for them a subject of curiosity. Most of the people you talk to you will find friendly. Follow the golden rule in India (especially for Women, when traveling in India): Always speak to the people you feel like taking too. Avid people who are too eager to help you or want you to buy something from them. If you want to enrich your visit to India by visiting an Indian Family or want to stay in an Indian Family, ask us. We will be happy to make these arrangements for you.
What is advisable to eat and drink in India ?
We advice our guest to drink bottled water, bottled drinks. Coffee Tea should be taken hot. As hotels have their own water filter functions the water in the hotels can be used for cleaning the tooth and body but avoid drinking this water. Avoid eating spicy at least at the start of your journey to India. If you are traveling without a guide in India you may ask the waiter not to put any chilies to the ordered dish. It is suggested to stick to only cooked foods and to eat fresh fruits after removing their skin. After taking the above precautions you will realize that India has a wonderful cuisine and rarely any other place meet the verities of the vegetable as in India.
Is there any thing important while visiting temples and mosques in India ?
Do remember to remove your shoes and sandals while visiting a place of worship or mausoleum. Also some temples do not allow leather articles in their premises.
Are there any restrictions for the Photography in India ?
Photography is a great fun in India as you will have enough sunlight most of the time. We suggest you to bring enough films with you though most of the films of international brands are also available in India. In some of the monuments one has to pay fee for the photography. Our guide will suggest you where it is worth to photograph and where not. At some of the locations photography is not allowed. Do not photograph these objects otherwise your film can be confiscated.
Should I give some money to the beggars who are sometimes on the streets of India ?
At most of the places organizations and homes are run for poor people to protect them. Yet, it is lucrative for some of the beggars family to earn handsome amount through begging the foreigners. Unfortunately Indian government has not been successful to stop begging on the street from organized and professional beggars. If you want to do something good there are many serious institutes in every city where you can help the people who need them actually. Do not forget, by having given money to small children with your good intention to help, you have made them beggars of future as they get something without doing anything !
How safe is India ?
India is comparatively a safe country to travel. Crime rate against foreigners remain low. However specially to our female guests we recommend not be alone on the road after late evening just to be on the safer side. In case help needed you can call the police at 100 and Ambulance at 102.
Shopping in India ?
India is a shoppers paradise. Shopping is recommended from Government Emporiums. We can forward you the details for that. Most of the large stores will ship your purchases for you, though, for convenience and to avoid postal delays, it is advisable to carry your shopping with you or to book it as baggage. If you have any specific items you want you many contact us we will provide you the needed information.
How much should I give as tipping while traveling in India ?
Tipping is expected by most of the people involved in the tourism in India. In big hotels services charges are included in the bills so tipping is not necessary otherwise 10% of the amount of the billing is normal as tipping. If traveling with a group the tipping can be reduced to 5% of the total bill. For the porters in the hotels Rs.20 for a single baggage and in the case of a group Rs.10 per baggage is customary. For tour guides and escorts we recommend 1 to 2 USD per day per person and same is also for the driver accompanying you during your India tour. However the mentioned amounts are just to give travelers an idea. There is no must or compulsion of tipping in India. We advice you to measure the quality of services of particular person or establishment before thinking of tipping !
Which currency is used in India ?
The units of Indian currency are the Rupee and Paisa (100 Paisa equal 1 Rupee). Paper money is in denominations of Rupees 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of Rupees 1, 2 and 5. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers checks that can be brought by a tourist to India. However a Declaration form is filled (only for the amount which is more than USD 10,000) on the arrival at the Indian airport. By filling up this form you can also get your money exchanged back in the original currency without any problem. Any kind of money exchange should be done only through authorized money- changers. You may ask our guides and they will tell you the right center or place to get the money exchanged. Please note that no Indian currency can be imported or exported, except for Rupee travelers checks. There are 24- hour exchange facilities available at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai international airports.
Can I pay in Euro , US $ or through credit cards in India ?
All the major currencies including Euro and US $ are accepted in India. Also all the major credit cares (Visa, Masters and American Express) are accepted in the Indian subcontinent.
What are the timings of the post office and other administrative offices in India ?
Post Office From 1000 to 1630hrs Monday through Friday, 0930 to 1230hrs on Saturdays Administrative Services 0930 to 1700hrs Monday through Friday, 0930 to 1230 hrs on Saturdays
Are there any restrictions on the export from India ?
The Government has put restrictions on the export of all wild animals indigenous to the country and articles made from such listed animals like skins, pelts, furs, ivory, rhino horns, trophies, etc. have been totally banned. These include all forms of wild animals including their parts and products, except peacock feathers and handicrafts made from them and those made from articles and shavings of Antler, Cheetals and Sambars which are subject to conditions specified. Export of exotic birds is also not allowed. This ban also includes wood sand wood products including logs, timber, stumps, roots bark, chip, powder, flakes dust, pulp and charcoal. However, sawn timber made exclusively out of imported logs teak/ timber are exempted subject to conditions. Also, export of sandalwood in any form, excluding finished handicrafts and machine-finished products is prohibited. Export of furs of domestic animals, excluding lamb fur, hides and skins is prohibited.
Is there any restrictions on the export of the Antiques from India ?
Antiquities which include sculpture, painting or other works of arts or crafts, illustrative of science, art, craft, religion of bygone ages and of historical interest which are older than hundred years may not be exported from India. Manuscripts or other documents of scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic older than seventy five years also can not be exported out of India. Airport Tax Foreign Travel Tax Recently Airport taxes are being collected at the time of issuing the tickets to India. Please always confirm with your Airline if the taxes are to paid at the Airport at the time of departure from India.
How do we settle the payment? Is there an advance deposit required ?
We need 10% of the total tour cost at the time of the confirmation of the tour. This is to be sure that your booking a genuine one and we can go ahead with the reservations. The rest of the due amount should be before your arrival in India. On special request you can also make the payment also after your arrival. This can be agreed upon as per the type of tour and the amount we have to pay in advance to the hotels and our other associate office for making the reservations.