What is the best time to visit a hill station in India?

The best time to visit any hill station is from September to November during Winter season, and April to July during Summer season. Monsoon season should be avoided due to frequent landslides.

How is the climate in hill stations in India?

The climate is usually very cold as most of them are located in the lap of the ‘Great Himalayas’. The summers are cold and winters are very cold, and can be harsh. Monsoon period is generally not recommended for possible landslides due to heavy rainfall in the region.

What is the dress culture in India?

India is a culturally sensitive country. Dress standards vary according to the region you visit. Conservative dressing receives the most respect. Anything below knee-length is fine. Although, at hilly regions, warmer and covered clothing are usually required throughout the year.

What kind of cuisine is available in India?

India is a great food-loving country. There is more to eat than just an Indian curry. A wide array of Indian, Tibetan, Italian, Chinese, American, Thai and an assortment of other foods are available throughout tourist destinations in India. When traveling to high altitude regions, it is necessary to have a good & nutritious food. Plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated is also very essential. It is also advisable to carry hot chilies & garlic to keep you warm. Beef is strictly prohibited at all Hindu religious destinations.

What do I not need to carry?

A mosquito net is generally not required while traveling to high-altitude regions in India, although India is a malarial-pandemic country.

What kind of travel options are available at hill stations?

All spots are well-connected by Rail, Road and Air transport system. Many pre-paid taxis & luxury buses are available for travel within and outside the region.

What are the visa requirements for traveling to India?

A valid visa obtained from an Indian embassy or consulate worldwide is required before you enter India. Tourist visas are usually time-bound. Some India states like Goa, Kerala offer visa-on-entry to foreign nationals. All foreign nationals are also required to register at their nearest consulate or Foreigners Regional Registration Office. However, it is mandatory to submit registration certificate back at the time of your departure from India. Yellow fever certificate is mandatory for travellers from South America or Yellow-fever pandemic regions.

What is the currency of India?

The currency of India is Rupee, divided into 100 paisa. It is always advisable to have some currency exchange done at the Airport before moving out to the city especially when visiting hill stations.

Are credit cards acceptable in India?

Most international brands like American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa Cards are well-accepted. But it is always advisable to carry some local currency in hand when traveling to hilly regions.

What is the tipping norm in India?

A tip up to a maximum of 10% is the norm, although nothing is rule.

What is the voltage supply and the kind of sockets used in India?

In India, 220 volt, 50Hz is the normal electric supply. The sockets are round & are 2/3 pin variety.

What are the health risks when travelling to a hill station in India?

It is not advisable to eat from road-side, and/or footpath shops, as the risk for carrying Gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera or jaundice are high due to unhygienic water or food. Quality of drinking water may not be a problem at hilly areas. Although, many international brands are available.

Is alcohol available in India?

Many international brands are easily available in metros. You can always get a brand of your choice in India. Carrying alcohol into India is limited up to 300 ml by law. Mostly hill stations are culturally sensitive spots so, alcohol is strictly prohibited and not available.

Is smoking permitted in India?

Smoking is strictly prohibited at public places all over India, and is now a punishable offence.

How is the night-life in India?

India has an active night-life, but most frequently in larger metros like Delhi, Bangalore, Kerala etc. It is difficult of find an active night-life at hill stations, although they are slowly growing in number.

I do not know Hindi. What should I do when I travel to India?

The official language of India is Hindi. English is widely spoken in India. It is advisable to carry a Hindi-English dictionary, & to learn some of the common words used in daily Indian extravaganzas.

How can I please my shopping senses in India?

India is a perfect shopping destination. India fulfills all your shopping senses, be it Metal Craft, Gold & Silverware, Brass & Copperware, Pottery & Stone Craft, Wood Craft, Precious & Semi Precious Stones, Paintings, Textiles, Hand-made Furniture, Floor Coverings etc.