VISA:
Government of India has withdrawn the temporary landing permit facility till further notice. Hence it is compulsory that all tourists must be in possession of a valid Indian visa.

HEALTH:
Tourists coming to India via Africa or South America or any other yellow fever infected areas must have yellow fever vaccination certificate. Innoculations for Cholera, Hepatitis and Anti - Malaria pills are recommended.

SPECIAL PERMITS:
Tourists visiting restricted areas in India like Sikkim and some parts of North East India, etc. will require permits from the Government of India.

SEASONALITY
India is large as a continent, with a varying climate. You can always find a suitable place with your choice of climate. If you are travelling during the summer months, the top north that borders the world's longest mountain range, the Himalayas is more pleasant than the south though the south has its hill stations and most. certainly the mountains of Kashmir. Himachal Pradesh, North Uttar Pradesh and Darjeeling are recommended in summer. For those who love the rain and are not very keen on a tan, the monsoon can be a pleasant experience. In winter all of India is pleasant. You can even try winter sports in Gulmarg (Kashmir) and Kufri (Himachal Pradesh).

WHAT TO WEAR
In winter, reasonable heavy woollens are necessary, particularly in the north. Acute winter barely lasts the months of December and January. The hottest months are May and June when the mercury can rise to over 45 "C. In this weather, the lightest of cottons are recommended though in villages and small towns bare backs and shoulders raise eyebrows. The monsoon can be pleasant, lasting from June to September. Cottons are preferred even to light synthetics which can be sticky in sultry weather. There are no real autumns and springs. These are times of a fairly quick transition from hot to cold or vice - versa. Weather along the coasts is more constant, usually fluctuating between 20"C to 35 "C.

BEHAVIOUR WITH YOUR HOSTS
Indians are warm and friendly people usually treating foreigners with a mixture of' curiosity and respect. Before photographing women, religious festivals or cremation grounds, it is better to ask for permission. Smiles and gestures work well where language is a barrier. "Namaste" is a good start at any time of the day. This is easily done by pressing together both your hands before your chest and below your chin. "Thank you" is easily understood by the man on the street. If you want to make a special effort "dhanyavad" in Hindi and "sukriya", "meherbani" in Urdu can be quite rewarding in bridging the distance. Men shake hands freely and to make friends you can offer them greetings. With Ladies a "namaste" and a smile are sufficient. Upper class ladies often extend their hands for a handshake and can drink, and eat with men. In orthodox household ladies seldom show their face. Sometimes, out of curiosity, they make a token appearance before returning to the kitchen or their private apartments. The red dot on their forehead once signified that they were married. Now even unmarried women wear the 'tika' as a mark of fashion. Men too can be seen with a mark of ash or paste on their foreheads. Those are simply religious symbols, more prevalent among holymen and the people of south India.

PASSPORT - VISA
A passport is obligatory for every tourist visiting India, and visitors are expected to carry it on person wherever they go. Valid visas are also compulsory. Tourists travelling to neighbouring countries must possess multiple entry visa for India.

TIPPING
In hotels and restaurants where service charges are not included tips are usually expected. 10% of a restaurant bill can be offered. Tipping is recommended on for "extra" service performed for you. Taxis are paid by their meters which are updated by corresponding charts since the petrol prices keep changing. Strangely enough, cabbies do not expect tips but it is not considered rude if you leave them small change.