Generally the period between October and March is the best season to visit. In April and May temperatures and humidity can be uncomfortable in the pre-monsoon period. The monsoon itself starts in June. Bear in mind that the north can get very cold at night from December to February and flights to Delhi can be affected by fog.

Yes, a tourist visa or an e-visa is required for India. We recommend that you apply well in advance. A visa is also required for Nepal. This can either be applied for on arrival or in advance.

Yes, this is vital. Ensure that you have adequate cover for medical emergencies, cancellation and loss of money and personal possessions. Also make sure you are covered for any adventure activities you intend to participate in. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of all important travel documents, such as passports and insurance policies.

No vaccinations are mandatory but it is wise to make sure you are up-to-date with protection against tetanus, polio, typhoid, TB and hepatitis A. Discuss your needs with your doctor or at your pharmacy to be certain about current recommendations. Mosquitoes can be a problem so, dependent on the region you are visiting and the time of year, you may be advised to take anti-malarial tablets.

The water is not safe to drink. We advise you to use bottled water at all times, even for cleaning your teeth. Check that the seal on the bottles is intact. Make sure you drink plenty, especially in hot weather. Tea, coffee and bottled soft drinks are generally safe to drink.

It is important to treat your stomach gently for the first few days. Avoid the more spicy dishes and ask for chillies to be omitted if possible. Avoid salads, peel all fruit and make sure other food is piping hot. Wash your hand thoroughly before eating. Bananas are a good stand-by for delicate digestions. A basic first-aid kit is a sensible precaution. Pack anti-diarrhoea products such as Imodium and rehydration salts like Dioralyte. Wet wipes or hand –sanitizer gel are a good investment, as are insect repellents. Citronella is a lemon scented oil that is useful against mosquitoes if you prefer using a more natural product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you go and make sure you have adequate supplies of any prescription medicines.

There is an element of risk in all travel so it is wise to take the sort of sensible precautions you would take anywhere in the world. This is especially true for lone women travellers. Driving in India can be rather intimidating so we recommend that you hire a car with a driver rather than a self-drive vehicle. You may feel that you are the subject of unwanted attention but by and large people are simply curious and keen to try out their English.

It is best to deal with beggars the way the Indians do. Ignore them, avoid eye contact and do not engage. If you wish to make charitable donations it is best to give your money to reputable local charities.

Indian Rupees can’t be purchased outside of India. Bring your money either as cash, dollar or sterling traveller’s cheques or prepaid money cards. It should be possible to change money at the airport on arrival. Alternatively most major hotels operate an exchange service and there are plenty of ATMs. YourStep to Asias executive will assist you to change your money.

Many major hotels, shops and restaurants will accept Visa and Master cards. However it is advisable to carry some cash as well as your cards.

Tipping is a fact of life in India but can be difficult for foreign visitors. The following are suggested rates: Hotel/railway porters: 30/50/100 INR per bag (depending on the city and the standard of hotel). Room service: 50 INR per stay. Some hotels have a tipping box in reception so you can make a single donation to all staff. Drivers and guides: 100 INR per person per day, more if the service is good. A good idea when travelling in a group is a tipping kitty. Your group leader will collect money from everyone for the kitty and will then look after the majority of tips for the rest of your visit.

Yes, according to your needs we can arrange a private air-conditioned car and driver along with a qualified English-speaking guide for all or part of your tour.

India is a conservative country and so you should avoid physical contact, including public displays of affection with your partner. Indian women can be very shy so it is advisable for men to avoid shaking hands with them, unless they are the instigators. The left hand is considered unclean, so only use your right hand for eating. Pointing is considered disrespectful, as is showing the soles of the feet. The usual greeting and farewell is “Namaste”. This is said with the hands held together in front of your chest and with a slight bow of the head. Ask permission before photographing people, especially women.

In warm weather it is best to stick to light-coloured clothing in cotton or linen. Protect your head by wearing a hat and wear sunglasses. Winter months (December to February) can be unexpectedly cold so it is important to pack a range of clothing, including some warm garments. For safaris neutral coloured clothing is the norm. Make sure you take a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for the heat of the day and take warmer clothing for early morning/evening game drives. Women in particular should remember that India is a conservative country and dress modestly, avoiding revealing or tight garments. It is important to be sensitive about clothing when visiting religious sites. Shoes need to be removed before entering temples, mosques and homes. Arms and head need to be covered when visiting mosques and long skirts and trousers should be worn.

The voltage is 220V, 50HZ. Plugs are normally 2 or 3 round pin. You should be able to use all your electrical equipment if you bring a suitable multi-country travel adaptor.