India Tours

• Nearly 80% of India’s population are Hindu
• The Indian sari dates back to at least 3000B.C. and the colour chosen by the wearer often holds significance. For example, red is often worn by brides to symbolise prosperity and fertility
• Bollywood is the world’s largest producer of films, releasing 1,500-2,000 feature films per year
• India is home to the wettest inhabited place on Earth — Meghalaya, in the country’s northeast, receives 12,000mm of rain per year, on average. That’s approximately 33mm of rain per day!
• India is the only country to have an ocean named after it
• India became an independent nation in 1947 after ending British rule that began in 1858
• The national symbol of India is the endangered Bengal Tiger
• India is the world's biggest producer and consumer of mangoes, which are officially India's national fruit

Australian passport holders travelling to India need a visa at this time. A visa must be applied for prior to travel. Please visit the Passports and Visas page for more information.

We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you.

Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries, and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent, but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.

Australian High Commission:

No. 1/50 G Shantipath (Gate 1)
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021
Ph. +91 11 4139 9900
Fax. +91 11 2687 2228

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Notes come in denominations of 5INR, 10INR, 20INR, 50INR, 100INR, 200INR and 500INR.

The recommended currency to take to India is AUD or USD, as their local currencies are not available outside of the region. Ensure you request smaller clean notes as many places will not exchange large denominations or notes that are torn and dirty. Once there, you can exchange your AUD or USD for the INR. Ensure you change a small amount into small denominations.

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it, otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.

If you don’t have AUD with you on arrival, we advise you to exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to exchange money.

Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia.

The price of a cappuccino in India is approximately 2–4 USD.
The price of an inexpensive lunch is approximately 3–6 USD.
The price of dinner in a moderately priced restaurant is approximately 10–20 USD.
The price of a beer in a local pub is approximately 3–6 USD.

Indian cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world, with every region offering its own distinctive flavours and specialties. From rich butter chicken and fragrant biryanis in the north to spicy curries, dosas and coconut-infused dishes in the south, there is something to suit every palate. Vegetarian cuisine is widely available, and fresh breads such as naan, roti and paratha are staples throughout the country. Popular street foods include samosas, pani puri, chaat, kathi rolls and vada pav, while sweet treats like gulab jamun and jalebi are favourites across India.

Tea (chai) is enjoyed throughout the country, while India also produces excellent coffee, particularly in the southern states. Local and imported beers, wines and spirits are readily available in most cities, although alcohol laws and availability vary between states.

Street food is an essential part of the Indian experience, but it should be enjoyed with care. Choose busy vendors where food is cooked fresh to order and turnover is high. If you would prefer a safer alternative, many restaurants specialise in serving popular street food dishes in a clean, controlled environment, allowing you to enjoy local favourites with greater peace of mind. Avoid undercooked meat and seafood, only eat fruit you have peeled yourself, and avoid salads that may have been washed in tap water. Drink only bottled or filtered water and ensure bottle seals are intact. Soft drinks and hot beverages are generally safe, but it is best to avoid ice unless you are confident it has been made with purified water.

Important: When dining at buffets (e.g. breakfast), please refrain from taking food away to save for later. If you think you'll need snacks between meals, consider bringing dried fruit, nuts or muesli bars.

If you have specific food allergies or dietary requirements, we strongly recommend carrying a card that clearly explains your allergy or dietary preference in the local language to show restaurant staff when ordering. While every effort is made to accommodate dietary needs, it is your responsibility to be as prepared as possible.

India’s climate can be classified as hot and tropical, except the northern regions which have a cooler, more continental influenced climate. Summer in India can get very hot. . Summer in India begins in April and builds through to a peak in May and June, when temperatures in many parts of the country reach 45°C. The monsoon season follows, with rains typically arriving in June and continuing through to September, gradually retreating by early October. The plains in the north and even the barren countryside of Rajasthan have a cold wave every year in December-January. Minimum temperatures can drop below 5°C and maximum temperatures reach around 12°C.

Want to get out and explore on your own?

Travelling by train is one of India’s classic experiences. India’s rail network covers almost all of the country, so you can rely on the transport to get you anywhere you need. Overnight trains are a popular way to travel across the country as you can save you a day of travelling and a night’s hotel bill, assuming you sleep well on trains. Another way to get around would be by bus. Buses go almost everywhere, usually more frequently than trains (though mostly in daylight hours), and are also sometimes faster. Travelling by bus also saves you the hassle of needing to reserve a ticket in advance. For short distance s you could give Tuk-Tuks a go. The Motor rickshaws work a lot like taxis. You still have to bargain for them and you can flag them down from the side of the road.

So, you’d love to bring home a special souvenir from India…

India has a rich and diverse set of  textiles, jewellery  and  handicrafts inspired by the counties history & culture. Therefore, it is not surprising that tourists in India are always on the lookout for interesting souvenirs. Popular and traditional souvenirs to purchase on your visit include, Kashmiri carpets, pashmina shawls, bronze statues, Ayurvedic products and silk fabrics. 

• Men will often also shake hands when meeting or leaving
• Indian culture is based on a hierarchical system so elders and superiors are greeted first
• In India it’s traditional to greet people using ‘Namaste’ – place both hands together and bow slightly. In urban areas this is often overlooked
• Communication may not be straightforward – you may have to read between the lines and interpret gestures/signs
• Some gestures can be easily misinterpreted – a western hand wave from side to side can mean ‘no’ or ‘go-away’ in India
• Pointing, with either one or two fingers, is considered rude and used for inferiors only
• Refrain from standing within an arm’s length of others
• A host will always serve their guests. Accept whatever you are offered but don’t feel obliged to finish everything on your plate

Diwali – festival of lights

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights is India’s most anticipated festival of the year. The 5 day Hindu holiday celebrates Rama's eventual defeat of the evil spirit Ravana, and his triumphant return to his home. During this festival of lights, homes are decorated with clay lamps, candles, and Ashok leaves. People wear new clothes, participate in family rituals, and share food with friends, families, and neighbours. 

Holi: The Vibrant Festival of Colours 

The celebration of Holi is a Hindu festival observed across India every year. It celebrates the arrival of spring, and it signifies the triumph of good over evil. On the eve of the festival, large pyres are lit in many parts of India to signify the burning of evil spirits. People often throw wood, dried leaves and twigs into bonfires. Participants in a Holi festival often throw brightly coloured powder and scented water at each other.

Other national public holidays to be aware of include:

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 26 Jan Republic Day
• 4 Mar Holi
• 21 Mar Idul Fitr
• 26 Mar Ram Navami
• 3 Apr Good Friday
• 14 Apr Dr Ambedkar Jayanti
• 1 May Buddha Purnima
• 27 May Bakrid / Eid al Adha
• 26 Jun Muharram
• 15 Aug Independence Day
• 4 Sept Janmashtami
• 2 Oct Gandhi Jayanti
• 20 Oct Vijaya Dashami
• 8 Nov Diwali
• 24 Nov Guru Nanak Jayanti
• 25 Dec Christmas Day