RaJohnny Tours ~ Guided Adventures in Kerala India

You will need a Tourist Visa granted by the Consulate of India by making application through an agent in your home country. The international agent I have used in the US and in India that I can recommend is Travisa. Visitors from many different countries staying less than 61 days can apply online and get approval before their trip for a Visa On Arrival.

To apply for your Indian visa, you will need a Passport that does not expire until at least 6 months after your date of departure from India. If there is not at least 6 months left, the Indian Consulate will reject your application for visa and you will forfeit the Consulate fee.

For your own health, you will want to have certain immunizations. Southern India is extremely low risk for most diseases, however a minimum level of immunization is recommended. See CDC - For Travelers To India for information about immunizations. You can also search for maps showing levels of risk for different diseases in the areas you will be visiting. There is very low risk for any disease in the places we take you. We ensure your food and drink is sanitary, and you will never need to eat 'street food' (unless you want to- I do).

Check the ‘Baggage Allowance Rules’ beforehand to know what you are permitted by Customs to bring and not permitted to bring into India. I like to book a flight with at least a 2-hour layover in Dubai because of the huge duty-free shopping malls where I can pick up gifts for my Indian friends or to take home. My connection is at least a 20 minute walk with shopping all the way to my next gate. Liquor is very popular- you are allowed to bring 2 liters to India, or just ask the checkout clerk what is allowed at your destination.

Avoid paying high overweight baggage airline fees or having to shift weight from one bag to another at the check-in counter. Before you leave home, check with your carrier and comply with their baggage weight limits. Airports usually have scales at the departure gate to weigh your bags before you check them. I have been able to check two bags up to 50 pounds each, and allowed two carryons.

In the top 5 rated of 100 airlines; Emirates, Singapore Air, and Etihad all fly to India. While all are super good, I prefer Emirates. I was surprised with a free upgrade to business class on Etihad on my first flight with them.

It would be convenient to have shoes that you can take off and put on easily and be able to identify among many others. Entering temples without shoes is required, and Indians remove their shoes before entering homes, and even businesses. Shoes are inexpensive in India with huge selections.

Bring your own toilet and/or tissue paper, if that is important to you. Toilets are generally equipped with a hose with spray head, but usually not toilet paper.

Prices for clothing in India are low and selections and sources are numerous. You may want to pack light and purchase clothing along your trip. There will be many places to shop with many choices in both Western and Eastern wear.

We will make bottled water available to you throughout your tour. While in India, you can safely rinse your mouth with water from the tap, but avoid swallowing tap water anywhere in India. Because of the heat in most places we go, you will find yourself wanting to have water always within reach. If drinking water when dining out, the pitcher should be stainless steel and hot to the touch, i.e., has been boiled. Being cool and medicated (colored) is not good enough.

Traffic in India is frightening and can be considered a unique opportunity to practice trust and surrender. Your drivers are well experienced and do not force their way through traffic and are instructed to not take dangerous risks. We are doing well if we can travel 20 miles (32 km) in an hour. Progress on a road trip in India is slow, but always comfortable and scenic in our air-conditioned and well maintained vehicles.

Many places you shop in India will not take plastic, so you will need some rupees to get the bargains. The current exchange rate is about 70 rupees per US dollar. Exchanging currency at airports is expensive because they take a huge percentage. We may be able to provide you rupees for dollars along the way, but we can't promise. We can always visit a bank along the way if needed. We will offer to take you to a money changer shortly after you arrive and before you leave.

Even in small villages, you can find ATMs. You can use your international ATM or credit card to get cash from ATMs. Be aware that you will probably see foreign transaction charges on your card statement. I am charged 3% for purchases and even bigger fees for withdrawing cash.