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FAQs
Travelling to India
We recommend flying into Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi.
The best option is to fly into Chennai International Airport (in Chennai).
The best option is to fly into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. The tour ends in Delhi, so if your return flight is from Mumbai, you will need to arrange a flight back to Mumbai, which we can assist with. Alternatively, you can fly return to/from Delhi and book a separate ticket from Delhi to Mumbai at the start of the tour, which we can also arrange for you.
Always check the airline’s website before departure, as policies can vary. Many smaller airlines used for internal flights in India have reduced the checked baggage allowance to 15kg. Any luggage exceeding this weight will be subject to excess baggage charges.
Each airline has different policies, and some enforce them more strictly than others. Check your airline’s website and hope that if your bag exceeds the limit, they won’t weigh it.
We can arrange for a driver/guide to pick you up if you are staying at a hotel included in our tour. Look for your name and “European in India” on a placard.
If for some reason you cannot find your driver, you can take a taxi, which will accept US dollars, or use an ATM or currency exchange booth at the airport to get rupees. We will also provide you with an emergency number to contact our local representative if you need assistance upon arrival.
Yes, you are responsible for obtaining your visa for India. The visa application process can be complex, so we will provide you with instructions on how to apply. There are also services that can assist with the application process for a small fee.
Yes, of course we can. Once you have booked your flights, let us know which additional nights you need, and we will arrange that for you (subject to availability).
While Visiting India
It will likely be hot in India, and you will want to drink cool water throughout the day. Although we provide bottled water on the bus, we encourage tour participants to bring their own reusable water bottle to reduce the number of plastic bottles disposed of daily. We recommend bringing a water purifier, such as a SteriPen, and asking for a refill of reverse osmosis (RO) water, which is available at many hotels and restaurants.
Do not drink tap water in your hotel room. You can, however, use a water purifier, such as a Steripen, to make it safe. While it “should” be okay to brush your teeth with tap water, if you have a sensitive stomach, it is best to use bottled water.
Street food is generally safe to eat, especially from popular vendors where there is a high turnover of food and it is freshly prepared.
It is not common for women to frequent bars in India, but as a tourist, it will be fine for you to have a drink in the hotel bars.
We do not provide specific vaccination recommendations, but we strongly advise you to consult your doctor regarding any necessary vaccinations before the trip. Some vaccinations may require a series of shots, so it is best to start the process early. You can also check the NHS website for advice.
If you have any health concerns (such as lactose intolerance or a sensitive stomach), you may want to bring the necessary medications with you. While medicines are available in India, they are often natural remedies and may not be the same as what you are used to at home.
You won’t need your driving licence, but if you feel more comfortable carrying it, you can. Your passport is the most important ID you will need.
It’s difficult to say exactly how much walking there will be, but this is not considered a “walking” or “active” tour. However, some sights may require walking on steep inclines or cobblestone streets, but we will do our best to ensure everyone in the group is comfortable.
If you suffer from motion sickness, please inform your tour guide. While we cannot guarantee a front seat every time, we will do our best to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
The toilets in hotels will be Western-style, but there may be occasions when you need to use a squat toilet, such as at certain sites or rest stops. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper, as it’s not always provided.
You will have some interaction with your luggage, but there are usually porters at the hotels and airports to assist. However, the lighter you can pack, the better, as the terrain in India can be challenging, including cobblestone streets, dirt tracks, and stairs.
English is one of the official languages in India, and most people we interact with will speak English. However, you may encounter locals, particularly in rural areas, who only speak their local dialect.
Hotel Information
We work with top in-country operators in India who secure fantastic deals on unique 4- and 5-star hotels. While you may not always experience luxury, you will certainly feel comfortable.
Hotel information is listed in the tour itinerary, but we usually confirm the details just before the tour starts, in case of any last-minute changes.
Most hotels will provide shampoo (and usually conditioner), but the quality may not be up to your standards. You can always purchase shampoo and conditioner locally if you prefer.
There should be, but it’s not guaranteed.
We have never experienced theft from a hotel room on our tours, but we recommend taking precautions wherever you go—whether in India or elsewhere. Do not carry valuables with you, and if you do, leave them in the hotel safe or locked in your luggage.
Packing Information
Expect warm weather, with temperatures potentially reaching 30-40°C, depending on the region. Pack light, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. We will provide a full packing list once you have registered for the tour.
India is a socially conservative country, and despite the heat, it is not recommended for women to expose their shoulders and knees, except in very touristy areas or at tourist beaches. While you may see other tourists dressed less conservatively, it is generally not advisable.
Some of the hotels may have a pool, so you might want to bring a swimsuit. You can check the amenities on the hotel’s website linked from the itinerary page.
Some temples have a dress code, and you will not be allowed entry if you are not properly dressed. This usually means having your legs and shoulders fully covered. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering, so consider bringing a pair of socks to wear inside temples or other public buildings where shoes are not allowed.
You don’t need more than two pairs—one pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals that you can easily slip on and off during temple visits.
Technology, including Mobile Phones, Cameras, and Computers
Most hotels should have Wi-Fi available. Sometimes it’s available in the rooms, and other times only in the lobby or common areas. This information is usually available on the hotel’s website, which is linked from the itinerary pages of each tour.
You can find a power adapter on Amazon or at any travel store. Look for adapters that support voltage in India (220V).
You will need a converter for devices that do not support 220V (e.g., hairdryers, curling irons). Laptops and other electronics usually have internal converters, but check your specific device to be sure.
Yes, it is possible. Contact your mobile service provider first to see if you can purchase a daily or monthly plan for India. Most providers offer a plan where you are only charged when you connect to a local network. Alternatively, you can purchase a SIM card for your phone (if it’s unlocked). You will need to bring a photograph of yourself, such as a passport photo.
Money, Gifts, Tips
The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee. We recommend downloading a currency converter app to use while in the country.
ATMs are widely available, but they do not always work with foreign credit/debit cards. Be prepared and carry cash as a backup.
This is a difficult question, as expenses can vary depending on your spending habits. Most basic expenses are covered in the tour cost, so you will mainly need money for souvenirs, drinks, extra food, and additional activities. For a two-week trip in India, we recommend carrying around $500 in cash and both a credit and debit card.
It’s best to bring newer bills (2006 and later) as older or damaged bills may be refused.
Yes, expect to haggle in shops where prices are not fixed. Start your counter-offer at half the asking price and negotiate from there.
Tour Information
We recommend that all tour participants have travel insurance. We offer the option to purchase insurance through our partners, which includes a “cancel for any reason” option.
If you have already paid a deposit, a cancellation fee may be applied if you cannot join the tour. The amount of the fee depends on how far in advance you cancel.
Yes, you will receive hotel information and emergency contacts one to two weeks before departure (please note: this information is subject to last-minute changes).
Along with the hotel information, we will provide you with a mobile number for your tour escort shortly before departure.
This list of frequently asked questions should provide you with essential information to prepare for your tour with European in India. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.