Yes, all non-citizen Indians visiting India needs a valid tourist Visa to enter India.

he visa on arrival facility is available for only the citizens of the following countries:
CAMBODIA, FINLAND, INDONESIA, JAPAN, LAOS, LUXEMBERG, MYANMAR, NEW ZEALAND, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE and VIETNAM. However please note the following points :

• The maximum validity of this tourist visa is only 30 days
• It is a single entry facility
• Can only be availed at ICP's from the Immigration Officer at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai & Kolkata airports only and is not available at other Immigration Check Posts (ICP's).

Getting a temporary prepaid mobile connection is easy and you will find all major global players like Vodafone, Airtel alongside Reliance, Idea and Tata Docomo offering you services. You require:

• Photocopy of your passport (including the visa and ID pages)
• Two color passport size photographs
• Proof of local address - can be your tour company details, or hotel address.

n case you are not able to provide the same, you can still get a connection by giving visa number, finger prints. You can opt for 3G & 4G services while applying for the SIM card.

Locating a public booth can be a daunting task in age of mobile telephony, and it would be best to get a connection as soon as you land in the country. You can also opt for Vodafone World Cards and Airtel Globe cards are also another good option. They are easily available in every nook and corner of the country at affordable prices ranging from fifty American cents to One Dollar per hour. You also have the option of going for Wi-Fi cards that can provide you access in suitable hotspots. Wi-Fi is available free of cost in most of the budget, premium hotels and in restaurants, hotels and cafes. You need to carry a copy of ID proof like Passport, Visa or National ID to access internet services in these cafes.

With its rich cultural and natural diversity of seasons, it can be quiet tricky to decide when to visit. Contrary to popular belief that India is an October to March destination, you will find, India is now an all season spot. With fast pace development and growing infrastructure in place, Tourism Industry is busy round the year.

The months between April to September are apt for Northern region; a visit to Manali, Kullu, and Kailash Mansarovar or to explore the Himalayan belt. You can choose from a wide ranging hill stations spread across the country or relax and enjoy the Yoga and Ayurvedic India in Kerela or Bangalore or go and visit the seven sisters in the east.

October to March is the best period; starting from Autumn- moves to Winter-and ends in Spring. It is infested with minor and major festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, and Holi. The period witnesses a riot of colors, lights as each day is marked with festivities honoring the great pantheon of gods and goddesses and you will encounter celebrations in each and every corner of the Incredible India and get a chance to get up and close with the smells, sounds and sights of this mystery land.

Summer starts and Last from April to June and July to August is Monsoon time, when you can see the rivers are either over flowing or drying depending on the moods of the God and Nature. Weather is unpredictable, even here in this part of the globe too, but only for a short duration, during the monsoons.

Season	Duration	Average Temperature
Winter	December - March	10–15 ℃ (50–59 ℉)
Summer	April - June	32–40 ℃ (90–104 ℉)
Monsoon	July- Sept
Autumn	October- November	Bright Weather

Depending on what part of the globe you are traveling from, the meaning and effect of the season can change for you. It is best to check the temperatures for the season you are coming in and pack accordingly. The above chart is for reference purpose to give you an idea of the average temperatures during the main seasons.

Bring cottons and quick dry clothes that are light in weight and easy to carry on the travel. Sunlight is in abundance here, so prefer keeping full sleeves if your skin is sensitive to same and you are not looking for a permanent tan. A pair of light jackets, inners, caps and gloves would do you well if you traveling up in the north during the winter season.

or ladies, a pair of jeans and long skirts can come in handy in case of travel within the country as the same will save you from the wrath of the uninvited mosquitoes and also come to rescue when visiting a religious shrine or a place of worship that has restrictions on dressing code. Head gear like scarf and hats come in handy too as some places require you to cover your head while entering the shrine.

Ensure to keep a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes or sandals that keep your feet covered as you are bound to encounter dust all along the road and everywhere. A lot of walking is to be done, so make sure you carry a reliable pair that can last you the trip.

ther essentials include: your favorite sunscreen lotion, a pair of sunglasses, sun hat, flash light, tissues, hand sanitizer and binoculars. And in case you forget anything, need not worry, as all major global brands are easily available here in the capital of the country or in the major metropolitan cities of Modern India.

If the luck is not on your side you are as safe and secure as any other citizen in the country and if the luck is on your side you are as safe and secure as any other traveler, anywhere in the globe. The risks are more in terms of cultural sensitivities and sensibilities and not due to lack of law and order.

We are a peace loving, over friendly nation and poking our nose in affairs of those around us, is a customary tradition. In case you do not wish to be subjected to social scrutiny and do not enjoy unsolicited advice, just maintain your distance and keep saying “No, thanks, till the intruders leave you alone. And if you are a carefree sort, a chatter box, who enjoys human touch and contact, you are bound to fall in love with this country; you are than in safe hands.

Ensure safety of your travel documents and personal belongings and do not trust them with strangers. Do not leave your luggage unattended and do not eat anything that is offered to you by strangers you meet during the travel in trains and local buses.

As far as possible try to hire reliable and government approved agents and do all your bookings through them. Ask for receipts wherever possible and keep them safely.

Unescorted night travel, to unknown destinations should be avoided as far as possible. In case of emergency situation you can dial 100 from any phone for police assistance and 102 for medical help.

Officially Hindi is the national language, you will find each region in all four directions has their own regional languages with dialects and English supersedes all of them. In interiors and rural areas, you may face challenges, but will be able to survive with some assistance.

India is land of gastronomical delights, spread across both vegetarian and non vegetarian palate. To savor the same you need to take precautions and stay in good health by following these tips:

• Do not drink tap water, use only bottled or RO treated water available in hotels and restaurants.
• Tea in India is generally served with milk and sugar added in advance. Please mention beforehand if you want black tea and you can ask for milk and sugar separately.
• Cow milk is used most commonly across the country. You can buy and use branded powder milk of Nestle.
• India is a land of fruits and vegetables and they are available in abundance at very economical price. You can enjoy them raw and fresh; just make sure you wash them properly before consuming.
• If this is your first time to India, do not be too adventurous and eat from the kiosk or open food stalls on roadsides. Do the same under supervision.
• If you are not able to desist the temptation or able to control, please check the standards followed by cursory glance and ask any questions that you may have with regards to ingredients and allergies and eat at your own risk.

If you have any specific requirements or allergies to ingredients please ensure that you bring it to the notice of the staff or your tour manager, well in advance.

Laundry services are available in hotels. Some places like Dharamshala and Manali offer Laundromat services also.

Money exchange counters are available at all the airports and in all major cities and metropolitan towns. You will find a large network of ATM machines all across the country, so no need to carry large sums of money with you all the time. Best way to carry your currency is in the form of traveler's check, which can be easily exchanged for a nominal fee. All major international credit, Debit and ATM cards issued by MasterCard, Visa are accepted everywhere.

India is a land of sights and sounds. Each region in every season is a kaleidoscope of images and impressions that can change your view and perspective forever. Ensure to carry your best view finder to capture the colors, depth, as you go about creating your own magical compositions of this Incredible country, that will tomorrow remind you of the wonderful times you would have spend in this land of thousand shades and shapes. Some monuments charge a fee for photography. Rates vary between camera and video camera.

• Mobile Phone usage and Internet services
• Food Related questions; what and what not to eat while in India
• Right clothing for India weather
• Best Season to Travel
• Drinking, driving and drugs in India
• Emergency contact Numbers
• Medical Services