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General Questions

1) What class should I travel on in trains?

The most luxurious class is air conditioned first class and it is expensive, with fares almost equaling to those of flights. You should try first and or second class to really get a good feel of India. For short distances you can opt for seater class.

2) How should I plan my itinerary?
In every city in India there are a plethora of travel agents. Ask around for the best and you land up with a good itinerary for yourself. You can also plan your itinerary right here on Desiya.com, you can be sure of getting a wide choice coupled with the lowest rates.

3) Should I bargain with vendors?
Yes, be firm even if things seem incredibly cheap, you will be surprised at the amount of bargaining that takes place. Paying too much for items simply will make it more difficult for visitors who come after you.

4) How should I travel between cities?
To travel between cities, you can take the train; this will also show you the Indian countryside. Indian Railways has a very good network connecting all major cities. Cities are also linked through National Highways. Trains however are considered to be the cheapest and the best means for long distance travel within India. You can book rail tickets as well as rent cars for traveling between Indian Cities, right here on Desiya.com.

5) Is it safe to travel by plane in India?
Yes, there is generally no more risk flying within India than in any other country. Jet Airways and Air Sahara are privately owned airlines and have relatively new fleet of aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) As I senior citizen can I get discount on fares?
Yes senior citizens get discounts on fares, in case of railways there is a 25% concession and airlines like Sahara & Jet Airways offer a 50% discount. While booking your ticket, you should submit proof of your age.

2) Should I use a guide?
You can use a guide in the first few weeks of your trip, or if you are doing a very special outing. Once you get a feel for getting around, you can be your own guide. A guide will be helpful in getting you to places that don`t know about.

3) What are the working Hours of Banks and post offices?
Generally operating hours for all banks are 10am to 2pm on weekdays. They are open till noon on Saturdays. All banks are closed on Sundays and public Holidays. The Post Offices are open from 9 A.M to 4 P.M.

4) Is it ok to drink water from an unknown source?
Avoid drinking water from an unknown source. When in doubt ask for mineral water and check if it is sealed. A liter of mineral water would normally cost arounf Rs.10 or Rs.12.

5) What type of foods should I avoid eating?
Avoid foods, which have been laid out in the open, avoid sweets and candies from local markets. Wash fruits before eating them.

6) Is it necessary to tip waiters etc?
Tipping is a matter of personal discretion. Although bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and other places, which cater to tourists.

7) Are credit cards widely accepted?
Large establishments including hotels, shops, and airlines accept Master Card & Visa credit cards. Many small establishments have also started accepting credit cards.

8) Should I reconfirm my air ticket booking before the journey?
You must tell your travel agent that the ticket number and arrival details must be written while booking the seat. It is not necessary to reconfirm if you are not breaking journey beyond 72 hrs. at any point.

9) When are the important national holidays?
The important national holidays are Jan. 26 Republic Day, Aug. 15 Independence Day, Oct. 2 Gandhi Jayanti. Most institutions and organizations remain closed on these days.

10) What kind of passenger & luggage check is undertaken at the airport?
Only ticketed passengers are permitted within the terminal. Luggage is scanned prior to check-in and hand luggage is scanned and inspected prior to boarding. Security staff conducts body searches and several items that cannot be stored in your hand luggage, such as batteries, knives etc.

11) What type of tourism infrastructure does India have?
India has an established infrastructure for travelers. The transport system is good and there is a wide range of hotels for you to choose from.

12) Will I be able to communicate with people in English in India?
English is widely used in all major towns and cities. Travel documents such as tickets are printed in English as well as the local language.

13) What clothes are suitable for the Indian weather?
You can carry light clothes. Clothing and laundry are inexpensive. Carry woolens if visiting hill stations or if your visit is scheduled for the winter months.

14) What medicines should I carry with me?
You don't need to carry medicines with you as doctors and medical shops are easy to locare. It is not necessary to show a prescription to obtain commonly used medicines.

15) Will I be able to access Internet during my stay India?
On all important tourist paths cyber-cafes and Internet facilities are available. The connection can be a little slow sometimes. You may keep duplicate records of traveler's cheque numbers, passport, flight details, etc. on your e-mail account, which would be useful, if you accidentally lose any of those documents.