FAQ

FAQ

What’s special about India?
Lot has been spoken as to why India tops the charts in terms of Tourism. We would say India has fantastic buffet to offer, you could choose from beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife, picnic spots, monuments, pilgrim centers; list is endless.

Where all should I visit?
You will be short of time to visit all of India; we have made the programme for you to choose from which can be customized as you like or we can make an exclusive programme for you.

Which is the best time to visit India?
India has become an all season destination today. Ideal period is from September to March. The off season brings good deals to choose from.

Do I need a VISA to come to India?
Yes

What is all this fuss about Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the traditional holistic way of treatment. Ayurveda is popular in Kerala as it provides ideal atmosphere in terms of climate, doctors, masseurs, medicines and the food. You could have a rejuvenation therapy, beauty care therapy, slimming therapy, even case specific treatments for your problems. Today you have Ayurvedic treatments in every corner of the world, however to achieve the best results, we suggest you come to the home of Ayurveda.

How should we plan our tour?
List out the facts first – date of arrival and date of departure, total no.of nights and days that you have, destinations that you would like to cover, activities or experiences that you would like to have, budget for your tour, the kind of accommodation or transportation that you would require etc etc.

What are the average distances that you travel in a day?
Do not calculate your travel time based on the distances, that would be the biggest mistake to do. On an average if you are driving it will take minimum 4 hours to reach the next destination, going upto 7 hrs, anything above that is recommended. You may cover 60 kms or 300 kms in 5 hrs depending on the terrain that you are on and the quality of roads. So kindly check on this and if you are not used to regular long travels do advise your travel agent/ tour operator to make it a leisurely programme

What is the kind of climate in India?
If its warm temperature hovers around 20-35 degrees centigrade in the plains / hills with a humidity factor varying from 60-85 percent. In hilly terrains it goes to as low as -5 to 0 degrees in winter so keep the clothing accordingly.

What is the clothing that I need to carry?
Cottons is fine in the plains. For the hill stations we suggest you carry light woolens as some days it can be very chilly. If you are hitting the beach/resort destination carry sun lotion with you.

What time does the shop open?
Shops open by 10 and close by 8 in the evening, so whatever purchasing that you want do has to be done in this period. In metros it will be open till 10 and eat outs till 11 pm.

What kind of food do you get?
All kinds. If you are a vegetarian please specify so wherever you go. If your stomach is sensitive – tell the stewards to get you no spice or low spice food. Refrain eating from the roadside joints.

What about water?
Consume only mineral water or boiled herbal water.

What about mosquitoes ?
Carry a mosquito lotion with you and carry your medicines with you.

What kind of money is acceptable?
Carry money in the form of cash in local currency/ travelers cheques / credit cards and use them judiciously.

How do pay for services?
Credit cards and debit cards are not accepted at all the places so carry local currency at all times.

How do I tip?
Very simple rule for tipping – You like the service – you pay, else you don’t.

Few indicators are mentioned below to give you an idea but there is not fixed norm; it all depends on your satisfaction levels.

Restaurants = 10% of your bill, Chauffer = Rs.100.00/day, Local guides = Rs.100.00/half day, Porters/Valets etc = Rs.20.00 onwards

If the service is unacceptable, ask for the guest comment book and make sure you write it clearly and intimate your local representative.

How safe are we India?
You are safe than most of the place in the world.However all kinds of precautions are always advisable; refrain from traveling in remote areas after 6 in the evening

How do I buy my travel and medical insurance?
Buy travel and medical insurance before your tour.

How are the people?
People are very friendly here and very service oriented, however speak to your driver/hotel for any information

What is the baggage allowance allowed in flights?
Normal case baggage allowance is 20 kgs for flights. Travel light as much as possible unless you are comfortable paying for the excess luggage.

What are the other precautions that I need to take?

• On the whole if you see the law of the land is the same at all places, however we suggest you refrain from smoking and drinking at public places.
• While entering religious places you may be required to remove your footwear as part of the custom. Ideally wear slippers when you are going to these places for ease of removal.
• Also you need to be well-dressed while entering these places i.e neck to shin should ideally be covered. This is more applicable to ladies. Ladies may also be required to cover their head at certain religious places. Your guide will be the best person to assist you on this.
• Women are respected in all society and religion and cow is looked upon as goddess, do give due respect to them.
• If you need to take pictures or people, especially women, take their permission before you do.
• Do not entertain beggars, street children, anyone trying to be too friendly.
• Do not take anyone’s advise on the shopping go by your choice only. While purchasing in tourist locations, bargain well, prices could be inflated by 100%. Use your wisdom or check with the hotel, driver, and guide before you buy.
• Keep the passports with you/ lockers at all times and carry a photocopy.
• While leaving each hotel or coach each time, check your luggage, valuables, passport etc are intact. In case you notice any losses bring it to the notice of the driver/ local representative immediately.
• In case anyone falls sick, please ask for doctor’s attention immediately.
• Indian way of driving is very different – it will be while before you get used to it. You might be in for a surprise but that’s the way of life here. Your chauffers are well versed and trained drivers so you can be at ease.
• Toilet stops may come as a surprise as distances are huge and you may not find the “facility” in many places. So when you start the day ensure all daily chores are taken care of to be on the safer side.
• If there is anything you don’t like please inform the local representative immediately.

Few words in Hindi and their meaning that would be handy.
Namaskar = Greetings
Paani = Water
Khana = Food
Chahiye = Need it
Nahi chahiye= Don’t need it
Nahin = No
Haan = Yes
Phir milenge = See you soon
Tumhara Naam kya hai? = whats your name?
Teekha Kum = Less spicy
Jaldi = Fast
Bas = Enough
Dhanyavad = Thank you
Aaj = Today
Kal = Tomorrow or yesterday
Parson = Day after tomorrow
Main = Me
Tum = You
Hum = Us

You can pick up a small handbook if you need to pick up more on the language, alternatively your guide/representative would be the best person to assist you.

• Buy a local mobile connection on arrival and circulate the numbers with all your near and dear ones. You need to provide your passport copy along with a passport size photograph for getting a new connection.
• If you are carrying a conventional camera buy enough photo rolls and keep it handy. If you are carrying a new generation camera and accessories make sure you carry/buy an adaptor/ plug point for charging them.
• If you are carrying a laptop, please note that wi-fi is chargeable at most places, check with the service provider before you use them.
• The programme is made keeping your requirements in mind and eases of travel please follow timings given by your representative for ease of movement.
• Read and understand the package provided to you very well.
• Ask all the questions before the commencement of the tour- after all you are paying for it.
• If you dont like a service lodge a formal complaint with the vendor in writing and take an aknowldgement as this will speed up the refund process.
• Read and understand all inclusions and exclusions of the package before confirming.
• Always ask for the cancellation policy.
• Read and understand the package provided to you very well.
• Ask all the questions that you want answers for before the commnecement of the tour- after all you are paying for it.
• If you dont like a service lodge a formal complaint with the vendor in writing and take an aknowldgement as this will speed up the refund process.
• Read and understand all inclusions and exclusions of the package before confirming.
• Always ask for the cancellation policy.
• In case you want to start early or delay the same, please co-ordinate the same with your chauffer.
• For any assistance your local representative/ guide/ chauffer is the best person to check with.

VISA DETAILS

How to apply for a visa to India?
Specific Visas are granted for a variety of purposes. The principal types of Visa issued are mentioned below. Please contact the Embassy / High Commission of India for further details if you are visiting India for purposes other than tourism, such as journalism, conferences, yoga, voluntary work, mountaineering or other expeditions. The visa application form is, however, the same. Separate forms are available for Pakistani and Bangladeshi Nationals.

Requirements for Visa
Original passport valid for at least 6 months
Correct visa fee
Two passport size photographs (5 photographs in case of Pakistani Nationals)
Supporting documents, where necessary
Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladeshi Nationals need to apply on special application forms)

Different types of Visa’s
Tourist Visa: Tourists wishing to visit India will normally be granted tourist Visa, effective from the date of issue. Tourist Visa is non-extendible and non-convertible. Travel Agents who have to visit India frequently may be granted tourist Visa for a longer duration.

Business Visa: Business Visa is normally granted for 3 or 6 months. However, multiple-entry Business Visa for up to 2 years validity may be granted to technicians/experts going to India in pursuance of bilateral agreements or joint venture projects having government approval.

Student and Employment Visa: Student Visa can be obtained on furnishing proof of admission to recognized Universities/Institutions in India. Employment Visa can also be obtained on furnishing of proof of employment with companies in India.

Transit Visa: Transit Visa are valid for halts of up to 72 hours in India within 15 days from the date of issue of the visa and must be obtained before departure. Transit Visa cannot be obtained from immigration counters at ports of entry in India. Evidence of onward travel to a destination outside India is required.

Entry Visa: Entry Visa is issued to persons of Indian origin for duration of up to 5 years. These can be obtained, depending on the purpose of visit and eligibility, on a case by case basis.
Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice. The Embassy/High Commission reserves the right on granting and deciding type/duration of visa irrespective of the fees tendered at the time of making application. Granting of Visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities. Please note that each application is examined individually and the time taken for issuing Visa will vary from case to case.

Visitors to restricted/protected areas need special permits and for this purpose an additional form has to be completed. Please contact the Indian Embassy/High Commission of India, if you wish to ascertain whether any of the places you intend to visit fall in the category of restricted/protected areas.
Please Note : Persons holding long term Visa (having validity exceeding 6 months) are normally not expected to stay in India more than 6 months during each visit. Please refer to the boxed note further down for requirement to register with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO)/Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

How do I get a Medical Visa to India?
42A Conditions : A medical category visa may be issued with the following conditions:
a. The Indian Missions/Posts abroad may scrutinize the medical documents very carefully and satisfy themselves about the bonafide purpose for which medical treatment visa is being requested.
b. Mission may satisfy that the applicant has sought preliminary medical advice from his country of origin/country of residence and he has been advised to go for specialized medical treatment. In case the foreign national desires to go for treatment under the Indian system of Medicines, his case may also be considered.
c. This type of visa should be granted for seeking medical attendance only in reputed / recognized specialized hospitals/ treatment centers in the country.
Although non exhaustive, following illustrative list of ailments would be of primary consideration; serious ailments like neuro-surgery; ophthalmic disorders; heart related problems; renal disorders; organ transplantations; plastic surgery; joint replacement etc. The basic idea would be that the mission may satisfy about the need of the foreign national to come to India for medical treatment/ health enhancements.

42B Validity of visa and extension of visa
The initial period for such a visa may be up to a period of one year or the period of treatment whichever less, which can be extended for a further period up to one year be the State Government/ FRROs on the production of medical certificate/ advice from the reputed/ recognized/ specialized hospitals in the country. Any further extension will be granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs only on the recommendations of the State Government/ FRROs supported by appropriate Medical documents. Such visa will be valid for maximum three entries during one year. State Government/ FRROs may permit one additional entry in emergent situation if required.

42C Registration
Foreigners coming on ‘M visa’ will be required to get themselves registered mandatorily well within the period of 14 days of arrival with the concerned FRROs/ FROs

42D Visa to attendant/ family members
Attendant/family members of the patient coming to India for medical treatment shall be granted miscellaneous visa co-terminus with the ‘M Visa’ of the patient. Such visa may be granted the spouse/ children or those who have blood relations with the patient. However, not more than two attendants may be allowed at a time for grant of miscellaneous visa. Such visa will be called ‘MX visa’. Such foreigners are also required to get themselves registered with the local FRROs/ FROs well within 14 days from the date of arrival.

42E Registration for Pak and Bangladeshi National
It may be clarified that ‘ Medical Visa’ will be available to all the foreign nationals including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. However Registration formalities for Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals will be as per the provisions contained in para 106 in respect of Bangladeshi national and para 118 of the visa manual in respect of Pakistani nationals. Similarly entry and departure of these foreign nationals will also be governed as per the existing policy in respect o these nationals.

We hope this small list will assist you in making your tour comfortable. There is much more to it which will be supplemented by our tele- executive

A note from Mystikal India
Modernization and development has been the killer of nature, we seek your help keeping further damages to the environment at bay. As a responsible tourist we request you to dispose of the garbage in the facilities kept at various point or in your hotels; if you do not find such places, we request you to carry it with you and dispose it at the closest point available.

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