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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Goa - Spice Plantation tour £5.
Local Staff: Accordingly you should allow approx. £25 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Indian Rupee.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: GBP/US$ are the best currency to change into local currency.
Where to Exchange: In major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: ATM’s are available in most large cities
Credit Card Acceptance: Very rarely, only in the larger outlets.
Travellers Cheques: Well known traveller Cheques are generally accepted in most banks but the exchange process can be lenghy so it is generally not advised to take them.
Additional Information: Be careful of accepting worn or ripped notes, as they may be difficult to change.
Camera and Video Fees: Bear in mind that at some sites there is an additional camera charge. Video filming fees up to £5 per site may be payable.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | India | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.80 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £8.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Entry visas are required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN citizens – Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Please Note: It is no longer possible to obtain an Indian visa directly from the Indian Embassy. You must either apply for a visa through your travel agent or through the Explore Visa Service. Alternatively, you can go through to VFS global http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk (the company who the Embassy has outsourced its visa service to) online, by post or at the centre after prior appointment. All visa information is subject to change. As of July 2009 all Indian visa applications require an additional health card to be filled in when applying for the visa. Please make sure you obtain one of these cards along with your Indian visa application. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepititis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. You may wish to immunise against meningitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThere is considerable variation between the different regions of India but, in general, the climate is tropical. Summer temperatures on the plains are very hot, but cooled by the South-West Monsoon, which lasts from June- Sept. In the north, temperatures can become quite cool at night and may drop below freezing between December and February so some warm clothing is necessary. Hotel heating arrangements are not on a par with western standards.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topPack mainly for ‘Hot Conditions’. Select your clothing carefully, bearing in mind that temperatures are hot most of the year. You should bring a light jumper/fleece for cooler evenings. You may also consider bringing a small umbrella or waterproof between October and December when the chance of rain is greater. We recommend loose fitting shirts, trousers and underwear (nothing tight or made of nylon). Local people may be offended by revealing western styles of dress. Brief shorts tight fitting clothing etc. should be avoided by both men and women. Laundry facilities are available at most hotels.
Back to topComfortable walking shoes and sandals/trainers.
Back to topTorch, insect repellent, sun hat, sunglasses, sun cream and a water bottle.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topArea: 3,288,000 sq. km.
Population: India 1 billion.
Language: Hindi, English.
Religion: Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist.
Local time: GMT + 5.5.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz. Type C and D plugs.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topRecommended Maps: India 2, South Neller Verlag 1:150,000.
Recommended Books: ‘The God of Small Things’ by Arundhati Roy (Flamingo), ‘South India’, C.Niven (Lonely Planet). ‘On an Indian Pilgrimage’ by Geoffrey Moorhouse, White Mughals (W.Dalrymple)
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