Q) What I certainly need to know while planning a trip to India?
SAFETY FACTOR:

India is as safe as any other foreign location you visit for the first time. If you adhere to the following suggestions you will have a safer and more enjoyable visit to India :
 -  On your point of entry to the country - have somebody meet you and escort you to your
     hotel/home.
 -  Ensure, at least for the first leg that you have your accommodation booked in advance.
 -  Since Indians have greater immunity than most Westerners - drink only Mineral water, avoid
    raw salads, eat cooked food and avoid road-side exposed food.
 -  Be sensitive to Indian culture and dress appropriately while travelling within the country.
    Avoid taking cabs off the road during late nights.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

North : Delhi, Agra, Khajurao, Varanasi, Lumbini, Rajasthan etc. -- Early October to mid April.
Hilly areas (Kangra, Dharamshala, Kathmandu - Nepal) -- March to mid December
Ladhak, Zanskar, Lahul & Spiti Valley - Mid June to October.

South : Kerala - Mid November to March. Rejunivation Season -- Mid May to August
Karnataka - Early October to mid April

West : Goa / Bombay - November to March
East : Sikkim & Darjeeling -End February to early May; mid September - end November

Q) What is a "a customized itinerary" ?
In very brief, if you opt for a Customised Tour, then we plan effectively every aspect of your tour, including your desire for impromptu exploration, tempered by your need to relax. After all, you would have explained this to us as part of the process of customization. Your specific interest, preferences and needs are weighted with our knowledge of logistics and highlights of the area.
 

Q) What services do we offer on "a customised tour" ?
Once the itinerary is finalized, the mix of services, offered on our customised Tours consists of:

Internal air and rail reservations and connected ticketing to Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Transfers at Airports and Railway Stations, with or without representative assistance.
Arrangements for traveling by road, coaches and chauffeur driven Cars, Jeeps and Mini-Coaches for long drives, local sightseeing excursions or simply at disposal.
Accommodation, as selected per your preference.
English speaking Escorts, Guides, Expedition Leaders, and Facilitators - often essential to the quality of the tour.
Translators for languages such as French, Spanish, Italian and Russian on request.
Meals per consensus - in the larger towns and cities, guests are encouraged to exercise their choice and table d'hote meals, where this is likely to be a special experience, or, where obtaining a meal otherwise is a problem.
Entrance charges to monuments, camera fees, porterage and such, per consensus.
Special programmes for entertainment, research or education. Booking for an Indian classical dance or musical concert or for a Bollywood movie all part of an Indian experience.
Reservations and Confirmation - it is advisable, to obtain reservations and re-confirmations to critical locations for both airlines and hotel space. Local contact point for message, mail and emergencies.

Q) Are we contactable on a 24 hour basis?
Yes, we will be, during your entire trip to India. Upon your arrival you are met by our representative at the airport. A mobile number and name of an executive will be provided for after office hours. Unless otherwise indicated, there is a briefing session on the first day of your stay.

Q) Booking and Cancellations
Hotels: During peak season (refer 'BEST TIME TO VISIT') - most hotels need to be booked at least two months in advance and expect to receive deposits 45 days prior to check-in. Cancellation 30 days out usually allows full refund - though in certain cases 10 - 15% may be charged - less than 07 days notice will often result in a day's retention charge.

Domestic Air Travel: Popular sectors go full during peak season or when limited flights operate between two cities (example: Jaipur- Jodhpur or Jodhpur-Udaipur etc.) If travelling in a group, it is best to book three months in advance, or 45 days in advance if traveling upto 2-3 persons.

Our cancellation charges are based on the actual levied plus our administrative and communication costs incurred in making arrangements. Consequently, in the event of a cancellation, the charge is usually nominal.

Domestic Rail Travel:
- Tickets have to be purchased while making a reservation. Reservations are possible only 30 days prior to the travel date.
- For superior trains such as 'Rajdhani' / 'Shatabdi' (super fast trains) the bookings open 60 days prior to the travel date.
- Three days prior to travel you can cancel and you forgo a small reservation fee. You pay 50% if you cancel 24hrs in advance and the full amount after that.

Read our Travel Terms and Conditions

Email: info@indiatraveltrendz.com