Information
Do you search the internet for international flights so that you and your loved ones can spend a wonderful
vacation? Here at Top Tours Travels India, you will find the best getaways in
the stunning country of India for your family and friends. It would be very
helpful if you'd get information about the seasons in this country so as to
make sure that you visit here at the best possible time.
Seasons in India
Winter in India: Winter is the most pleasant of all the seasons. Days are bright & sunny and it is never very cold except in the northern plains. Here the temperature falls sharply and the northern hills experience snowfall.
Coldest Months : Dec - Jan
Summer in India : Summer months are hot in most parts of India. But the hill stations spread out in the country are the most favorite resort for many during this season.
Hottest Months : April - June
Monsoon in India : The western parts of India receive rainfall in June. Rest of India gets the rains later with the exception of south-eastern India, where it rains in mid October to December end.
Rainy Months : June - Sept
Currency Regulations in India
There is absolutely no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you can get into India. It is important that you fill up the "Currency Declaration Form" on arrival if you are carrying more than US $1000, wherein you declare the amount of foreign currency you are bringing in. This will enable you too easily:
1. exchange currency, drafts, bills, cheques, travellers' cheques etc. into Indian currency at the authorized money changers and banks who in turn will issue "encashment certificates".
2. Take the unspent currency out of India at the time of departure. Please note that to change unspent Indian currency to your own currency, the "encashment certificates" will be required.
Always get Indian currency from the Authorized Money Changers or Banks.
Customs Formalities and Regulation in India
On arrival you are required to
1. Orally declare your baggage and foreign currency
2. Fill the "Currency Declaration Form" (available from Customs)
3. Fill the "Disembarkation Card" (available in the flight)
For Customs clearance there are two channels
1. Green Channel for passengers not carrying any dutiable items/ unaccompanied baggage
2. Red Channel for passengers with dutiable items/ unaccompanied baggage/high value articles. You will need to fill the Tourist Baggage Re-Export Form if you are carrying high value articles.
Immigration & Passport
You are required to have a valid national passport/ travel document and a visa granted by the Indian Missions in your country. However, for Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens no passport or visa is required but a document for identification should be carried.
Arrival & Departure Formalities
You are required to fill in a "Disembarkation Card” on your arrival. If your visa is for more than 180 days stay in India, then within 15 days of your arrival, you are required to obtain from the "Foreigners' Registration Office" the following :
1. Registration Certificate
2. Residential Permit
On departure from India, you are required to
1. Fill in a "Embarkation Card ", however for Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens there are no such formalities
2. Return the Registration Certificate at the "Foreigners' Registration Office" or the Immigration Officer at departing port.
Visas
Visas can be obtained by you from the Indian Mission placed in your country.
- Tourist Visas : Multiple-entry visa, valid for 180 days
- Collective Visas : Issued for a group sponsored by a travel agency for not less than 4 people. They may split after getting a "License To Travel" from the immigration authorities in India. However, they will have to reassemble at the time of departure.
- Transit Visas: Short visas issued for a maximum of 15 days.
- Business Visas : Multiple-entry visa, valid for a period up to of five years
- Employment Visas: Granted for a period of one year, but can be extended till the end of the employment contract.
- Student Visas: Valid up to a period of one year but can be extended for the duration of the course. Proof of admission and means of sustenance needs to be produced for obtaining this visa.
- Conference Visas: Delegates attending international conferences are issued conference visas, which also covers tourism in India.
Air: Major cities and tourist locations are connected by air. Government owned Indian Airlines and Private Airlines operate modern air crafts in these routes.
Rail: Almost all of the country is linked by rail. There are also special tourist trains like "Palace On Wheels" and "Royal Orient Express" in addition to the normal ones.
Road: Cars and Taxis are available on rent in India. Taxis normally charge on per kilometer basis. Cars are on hire are usually provided by domestic operators like "Cabsonrentindia" and "Budget Rent Car". Regular bus services also operate in fixed routes between cities.