INDIA TRAVEL INFORMATION

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Susan Shumsky of Divine Travels is a member of Travel Service Network, Inc. (TSN).

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Visas

You will need a valid passport and visa to enter India, Nepal or Sri Lanka. Please contact the necessary Consulate or Embassy closest to you to apply for a visa. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. Foreign nationals arriving in India on long term multiple visas are required to register with the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Officer within 14 days of arrival. Over-stayers will be fined and may be prosecuted.

Passport and visa must be obtained in advance. Each participant is responsible for determining specific passport and visa requirements in the participant's country of origin and for obtaining the necessary documents prior to departure.

https://www.insuremytrip.com/researach/us-travel-visa-information

Medical Information

If you have diabetes, allergies, asthma or any condition that may require emergency care, always carry some identification (tag, bracelet or card) indicating so and prescriptions of the medicines. Preferably also carry a letter from your physician.

Bring personal medicines, especially if you have diabetes, asthma, allergies, or other disorders that require a regular intake of medicines.

Insect repellent: If you will be traveling during the summer in a tropical climate, such as South India, take something DEET (dimethylphtalaat or n,n-diethylmetatoluamide) based, like the Swedish "Jungle Olja." Other preparations will just disappoint you. The World Health Organization recommends wearing anklets dipped in DEET insect repellent. Should be applied from dusk to dawn, when malaria mosquitoes bite the most. Reapply repellent when the weather is hot and you perspire more.

Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in travelers. Travelers' diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout the region and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis). Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.

Inoculations For Travelers To India, Nepal Or Sri Lanka

No compulsory Inoculations are required if you are arriving from the United States, Canada or Europe. If you entering from Africa or parts of Latin America, certification of Yellow Fever Inoculation is required.

Although no vaccinations are required to go to India, Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. Also Anti Malarial Medication,Tetanus Gamma ­ Globulin Viral Meningitis For further information contact your local physician or travel clinic or the travel service of the Center for Disease Control at 404 -332-4559.

Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated. Prevent infection by taking prescription antimalarial drugs and protecting yourself against mosquito bites. Malaria risk in this region exists in some urban and many rural areas, depending on elevation. Most travelers to the Indian Subcontinent at risk for malaria should take mefloquine to prevent malaria.

There is no risk for yellow fever in the Indian Subcontinent.

Dengue, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, leishmaniasis, and plague are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Protecting yourself against insect bites will help to prevent these diseases.

Vaccinations recommended by the Center for Disease Control:

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
Japanese encephalitis, only if you plan to visit rural areas for 4 weeks or more, except under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
Typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. Typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
Booster Shots. As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles, and a one-time dose of polio for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11­12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
Anti-malarial drugs.
Precautions against insect bites
Some kind of antibiotic from your medical doctor
Dysentery Tablets

Baggage Allowance and Handling

Please contact your travel agent or airline for international baggage restrictions and allowance. Most international airlines allow 2 pieces of baggage. Neither bag should exceed 62 inches or 70 lb. A carry on bag may also be allowed provided that it fits underneath the seat on the aircraft. On domestic flights within India and Nepal, 20 kilos or 44 pounds are allowed. For checked luggage and one carry on bag is allowed, weighing 3 kilos or 6.6 pounds. This bag should be tagged with a hand baggage tag provided by the airlines and checked by security.

Domestic Indian airlines require all check-in baggage to be locked, as airlines will not be responsible for loss of any item in unlocked bags. Please note that in remote areas of the Himalayas luggage may be carried on tarpaulin-covered roof racks or packed on donkeys. Weather and loading and unloading can cause more than usual wear and tear to luggage in India. The Tour Organizers are not responsible or liable for any lost or damaged baggage or personal effects.

Divine Travels and its local representatives will not be held responsible for any extra baggage penalties or irregularities.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance in the event that you have to cancel your trip. Also, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. It is advisable to have cover for unexpected losses such as canceled flights etc. Participants are advised to consult the following non-profit informational web site:
https://www.insuremytrip.com/researach/us-travel-visa-information

Divine Travels and its local representatives provide no insurance whatsoever.

Clothing

Visitors should respect local codes of dress and behavior.

Dress informally while on tour; carry lightweight clothes that can be laundered easily.

During winter, you will need light woolens, sweaters, a light jacket or wool wrap. Dress in layers, so that you can strip down during the warmer days. In summer, light cotton clothes will do everywhere except in the mountain regions, where it will be cold at night. Bring a warm jacket and be prepared for temperatures in the 30s F.

In South India, It is advisable to wear light cotton clothes throughout the year, as the climate is hot and humid. In North India prepare for hot, sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures in North India range from the 30s to the high 80s Fahrenheit. Be prepared for cooler weather in higher altitude. Temperatures in South India range from the 50s to the 90s Fahrenheit. In winter during the days the temperature is rather warm, however, at night it can get cold. Therefore, both warm and cold weather clothing is required. This is likewise for the Himalayan foothills, even though it is cold there, while hiking you will get hot and sweaty.

Women should wear long pants or skirts to the ankles, Punjabi outfits, or saris. No short skirts, bare-backed dresses, or shorts are allowed. Women have to be fully clothed when they bathe in the Ganges. They will not be allowed to wear swimsuits.

  • Good walking shoes with grip, and preferable ankle support for trekking.
  • Slippers or sandals.
  • Warm jacket or coat, if winter, or if traveling to the Himalayas.
  • Gloves, if winter, or if traveling to the Himalayas.
  • Underwear.
  • Socks, preferably synthetic or wool for trekking.
  • Sweater.
  • Bathing suit for hotels with swimming pools, and for bathing in Ganges (men only).
  • No jewelry that is indispensable.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Large hat (preferably the fold-up kind).
  • Long-sleeved shirts and long pants to wear while outside whenever possible, to prevent illnesses carried by insects.
  • Tee shirts and sweat shirts.



    Useful Items to Bring

  • Personal toiletries.
  • Medications.
  • Flashlight.
  • Camera.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Facial tissues.
  • Extra rolls of toilet paper.
  • Towel for bathing in Ganges.
  • Sleeping bag or blanket of weight appropriate to the season.
  • Swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Alarm clock.
  • Something for Water purification, such as:
    Water purification tablets (from a camping store).
    Portable water purifier.
    220-volt Heating coil for boiling water.
  • 220-volt transformer so you can use your 110-volt electrical appliances, such as razor, hair dryer, travel iron, etc.
  • Money belt: The flat type that you can wear under clothing.
  • Back pack or fanny pack for carrying water, camera, etc.
  • Calculator: If you want to convert rupees to another currency.
  • Compass: Some people like to know the direction in which they sleep.
  • Map of India: If you want to get the lay of the land.
  • Travel diary and pens: For journaling or memory-recording.
  • Any dried food that you like and can't get in India.
  • First aid kit.
  • Moleskin or Bandaids to treat foot blisters.
  • Face Masks if you have asthma or allergies.


Luggage

It is best to keep luggage to a minimum. When traveling, you will regret bringing large unwieldy luggage. A small backpack or a fanny pack will be useful on short walks or shopping. While touring and hiking, you can leave your luggage in the hotel, so you don't have to carry more than necessary.

For the Himalayan Pilgrimages, please bring soft-side luggage or a duffel bag so it can be packed on a pony. For other tours, it's fine to bring any kind of locked luggage.

Luggage is limited to one checked suitcase or duffel bag per person and one carry-on bag per person. Airline requirements limit checked luggage to not more than 70 pounds and not more than 62 inches (combined dimensions of length+breadth+height). Carry-on bags must fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. Please note that luggage may be carried within India on tarpaulin-covered roof racks. Weather and loading and unloading can cause more than usual wear and tear to luggage. Accordingly, all luggage should be capable of withstanding rain and rugged treatment.

Official Papers

Make photocopies of all your travel documents, especially your passport. It saves you lots of trouble in case the originals get stolen. Keep the copies separate from the originals.

  • Insurance papers
  • Passport
  • Personal medical information
  • Personal medicine prescriptions
  • Vaccination information
  • Travelers checks

WHILE YOU ARE IN INDIA


Arrival in India

On your arrival in India, you will be met by our local representatives. You will be assisted with your check in at the hotel. If you have any special request, please check with the representative.

Luggage arriving in Delhi is often delayed. If your luggage is delayed, go to the airline counter and fill out a lost luggage form. Then you will most likely have to return to the airport to pick up the bags once they arrive, probably the following day. Be sure to get a lost luggage insurance policy before you leave your home country.

Divine Travels and its local representatives provide no insurance whatsoever.

Taxis, buses and auto-rikshaws are available at the airport to take you to town. Bus charges are fixed. A prepaid taxi service facility is available for all passengers. Contact the Pre-Paid Taxi booth at the arrival building.

Customs Clearance

Visitors who do not have any dutiable goods or high "Value articles" or foreign exchange in excess of US $2500 or unaccompanied baggage, all of which need to be declared, can simply walk through the Green Channel. Others must go to the Red Channel for clearance.

Each traveler can bring in, without duty, goods valued up to Rs. 750 (Rs. 6000 for persons of Indian origin) for personal use or giving as gifts; these include 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250 gms tobacco) and liquor and wines up to 32 oz (0.95 litre). You can also being in articles for your personal use including cameras with 5 rolls of film, a reasonable quantity of jewelry , one pair of binoculars, one portable musical instrument, one radio set, one tape recorder, are portable typewriter, one perambulator and professional equipment, on the undertaking that you will take them back with you. Import of other high value articles are permitted duty free on a written undertaking that they will be taken back on departure. Drugs and narcotics and the import of firearms is prohibited. The duty rate beyond the free baggage allowance is 50 percent plus 2 percent special duty.

A TBRE (Tourist Baggage Re-Export Form) is to be completed on arrival and must be produced along with the entered articles before Customs, for verification at the time of departure. Please obtain a Landing Certificate if you are expecting unaccompanied baggage and for mishandled baggage.

Airline Flights

Should any flight delays or changes occur, our local offices / agents will do everything in their power to minimize the inconvenience caused, as we do not have control over airline schedules.

Confirm your return tickets as soon as possible after your arrival.

Tourist Information

Contact the Government of India Tourist Office, 88 Janpath, Delhi (Tel. 332-0005 and 332-0342).

http://tourism.gov.in/

Transportation and Tour Guides

English speaking guides approved by the Govt. of India can be hired at all important places of interest. The Tourist Office (88 Janpath, Tel. 332-0005, 332-0342) assists in hiring guides speaking other languages.

Taxi/Scooter: Both are metered. Ensure that the driver flags down the meter before he starts. Minimum fares are Rs. 8.00 (taxi) and Rs. 5.00 (auto). The old meter readings will be Rs. 5.00 and Rs. 3.00 respectively, to which approximately 70 percent of the reading is added. Revised meter reading fare charts are available with all public transport drivers. Extra charges are payable for halting, baggage and vehicles engaged between 11 am and 5 pm (20 percent extra for autos and 25 percent for taxis). To complain about overcharging or misbehavior call 331-9334 (during office hours) or 301-4896.

Currency Exchange and Regulations

In India, the unit of currency is the Rupee (Re) divided into 100 paise (P). Change money with AUTHORIZED MONEY CHANGERS (at the airport, most banks, hotels and certain large shops) and insist on a receipt as it will help you reconvert unused rupees into the original foreign currency at the time of departure. Avoid any people on the street who offer to change your money at a temptingly high rate of exchange. U.S. dollar = approximately 49 Indian rupees (subject to fluctuation).

You can exchange currency at the most hotels in the major cities and the international airports. Major credit cards are accepted at the city hotels and the wildlife lodges accept cash only. Small denominations should be purchased for tips etc.

You can bring in any amount of foreign currency, travelers checks, etc., and take out as much as you brought in. However, if you are carrying more than US $2500 (or equivalent), you should declare it, on arrival, on the Currency Declaration Form (CDF), to be attested by the Customs Officer. No Indian currency may be brought into or taken out of the country. When remitting money to India, indicate the bank, branch and full address.

Banks: Open 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to noon on Saturday. Central Bank in Ashok Hotel (Tel. 60-1848) and State Bank of India at the Airport are open round the clock. Banks in residential areas generally observe the weekly holiday of the area.

Credit Cards: American Express, Masters Charge Visa and Diners Club Credit Cards are generally accepted by large establishments, including hotels, shops and airlines.

Food

Every Indian State has its own history, culture and food. Try some of the regional specialties such as Grilled Tinder Food. Keep a diet of fresh cooked vegetables, rice and Indian breads. In coastal areas, try a fresh tender coconut water, it is safe cooling and delicious. India has an amazing variety of non-vegetarian and vegetarian cuisine. Contrary to what you may have heard, all Indian food is not hot and spicy-most dishes are only richly garnished to provide an exciting flavor. You will find excellent restaurants that serve Indian, Chinese, Continental and other cuisine.

Liquor is available freely in wine shops. It is also served in bars and restaurants in all major hotels. The 1st and 7th of each month and specified holidays are dry days when all liquor shops remain closed. CONSUMPTION OF LIQUOR IS PROHIBITED IN PUBLIC PLACES.

In the town of Haridwar, no meat or alcohol is allowed to be served or consumed.

Electricity

Voltage in most places is 220 A/50 cycles. A few areas however have DC current. Please check the voltage before using any electric appliance. Most American Appliances need a step up converter and special rounded plug points.

Health Precautions

Avoid ice and drink only bottled water. Eat cooked meals, avoid green salads. Do not buy food at the street stalls. Eat fruits that you can peel yourself. Avoid seafood except in coastal areas. It is healthier to eat vegetarian food in India and to avoid meat altogether, due to lack of refrigeration in local transportation.

Altitude Concerns

If you visit the Himalayan Mountains, ascend gradually to allow time for your body to adjust to the high altitude, which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness. In addition, use sunblock rated at least 15 SPF, because the risk of sunburn is greater at high altitudes.

Safety Precautions

If you are planning to go somewhere alone or together with someone else, inform authorities or friends or the group you came with of your plans, destination(s) and expected return time/date. In the popular tourist areas, do not walk in isolated spots on your own especially after dark. Women are advised never to walk alone anywhere, due to harassment. Always take a friend with you.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. Walk and drive defensively. Avoid nighttime travel if possible and always use seat belts.

Several recent drownings have highlighted the lack of warning signs/flags and life-saving equipment on most of India's beaches. Strong undercurrents are a particular hazard.

Travelers to areas adjoining Pakistan or those planning to cross the international border should take account of heightened tension between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. We strongly advise against travel to Jammu and Kashmir (see separate travel advice), except for parts of Ladakh. We therefore strongly advise trekkers against traveling alone, or in small groups of 2-3, and recommend that they travel in large groups with local guides. Visitors to India should be aware of travel agents who will try to convince them that it is safe to travel to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite increased official promotion of Kashmir as a tourist center, tensions remain high there. No matter how convincing the agents appear to be, their advice should not be followed.

Crime in Delhi is rife. Avoid individuals at Delhi railway stations offering tickets and tours (mainly to Kashmir and Rajasthan).

There have been bomb explosions in public places in Delhi including at the main railway station and in a hotel in Paharganj, home to most of the budget accommodation.

Theft and Loss Precautions

Carry your valuables in two places. Put the money you expect to use during the day in a visible wallet hanging around your neck or in an obvious money belt around your waist, and keep the rest of your money and your documents hidden in a money belt under your clothes.

Use traveler's checks so that if they are stolen, you can recover them. Keep traveler's checks in the locked safe in the hotel or in a money belt hidden under your clothes. Keep a record of your traveler's check numbers in a separate place from the checks.

Con tricksters (particularly in Agra and Jaipur) promise a substantial cash reward for delivery of jewelry abroad but only in return for an initial financial deposit. The jewelry is invariably worthless and the deposit is lost.

Theft of valuables - especially passports - is a particular risk at major railway stations and on trains.

Illegal Drugs

Penalties for possession of even small amounts of narcotic substances are severe (a minimum of 10 years imprisonment). The slow judicial process means that lengthy pre-trial detention is the norm.

Shopping

Shops and offices are generally open from 1000 hrs to 1800 hrs with a lunch break Monday to Saturday.

India is a shopper's paradise. Of particular interest are carpets, handicrafts, jewelry, ready-made garments and leather goods. It's best to buy goods only from the more established shops and official Indian government outlets. Refer to the Shopping and Services section for select establishments. Do visit the local bazaars, however, for interesting bargains.

Export Regulations

The visitor can take back all articles brought in by him. In addition, he can take out the following purchased in India; (a) Souvenirs (including Indian silk, wool, handicrafts, etc.) without any limit; (b) gold jewelry and silverware up to Rs. 100,000 in value (and in excess of Rs. 100,000 after obtaining an RBI permit) Other jewelry and precious stones of large value should be appraised by Customs Appraiser at the airport. For these items an RBI permit should be obtained in advance and thereafter declared to Customs.

There are restrictions on the export of antiquities and art objects more than 100 years old. In case of doubt, consult the Director, Antiquities, Archaeological Survey of India, Janpath (Tel. 301-7220). It is advisable to obtain a certificate of proof.

Export of most wildlife products is prohibited or strictly regulated; therefore generally avoid buying anything made of ivory, reptile skin, tortoise shells and any part of wild animals.

There are DUTY-FREE shops at the airport both in the Arrival and Departure lounges.

Income-Tax Clearance Certificate:
You will need this at the time of departure if your stay in India exceeds 120 days. The certificate is issued by the Foreign Section of the Income-Tax Office (ITO), Indraprastha Estate, Tel. 331-7826. Observe the instructions under Currency Regulations and Changing Money (above) to facilitate its issue.

Foreign Travel Tax:
Rs. 300 (Rs. 150 in the case of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan) is payable separately at the of departure.

Postage

Foreign air mail rates: Letter Rs. 11, Aerogramme Rs. 6.50, Card Rs. 7, Post Card Rs. 6. Inland postal rates: Letter Rs. 2, Aerogramme Rs. 1, Post Card containing printed communication Rs. 1.50; Letter Postcards Rs. 0.75, Standard Yellow Postcard Rs. 0.25.

Telephone, Telegraph, and Internet

You can direct dial to most cities in India, and to many other countries abroad, for elsewhere book a call through the operator. On the direct dial facility within the country, note that while during the day, 6 am to 7 pm, the full rate is charged Monday to Saturday, on Sundays and National Holidays there is a concessional charge of 50%. Half rate is also applicable daily 7 am to 8 am and 7 pm to 8.3 pm daily. The tariff from 6 am to 7 am and from 8.30 pm to 11 pm is 1/3 the rate, and from 11 pm to 6 am it is 1/4 the rate. Contact the International Telegraph Office (Tel. 336-2881 or 336-2754) to send a telegram, telex or fax. The Telecom, Arunachal Bldg, Barakhamba Road, offers all telecommunications facilities including Fax, 10 am to 7 pm all days except Sundays & public holidays. Bureaufax facilities are available at the main telegraph offices. The Eastern Court PO. Janpath, has a multi-media telecom center that offers desktop video conferencing, high-speed transfer and other facilities.

Your cell phone can be configured to work in India. Check with your cell phone service.

Internet access is readily available in "Internet cafes" throughout India, even in small towns. The price is about 30 rupees per hour. Also you can usually log onto the Internet from your hotel.

Time Difference

Indian Standard Time (IST) is the same throughout the country and is 10 1/2 hours ahead of New York, 5 1/2 hours ahead of London, 4 1/2 hours ahead of Paris, 3 1/2 hours behind Tokyo and 4 1/2 hours behind Sydney.

Tips / Gratuities

Tipping is generally expected at hotels and restaurants. Ten percent of the bill or around Rs. 5 for other services is in order. With regards to gratuities we have outlined a suggested guideline. For exemplary service please tip at your discretion. The amounts listed are minimums.

  • Porters: Rs. 50.00 per bag (Railway Stations/Airports)
  • Local Representative: Rs. 400.00 to 500.00 at the end of your stay.
  • Drivers: Rs. 200.00 per day.
  • Bell Boys: Rs. 49.00 per bag.
  • Guides: Rs. 125.00 to 200.00 per day.
  • Restaurants: 10% - 15% depending on service.
Begging

If you wish, make a contribution at a temple, mosque or charity. The government asks that you do not give handouts to beggars.

Airport Departure Taxes

The cost of your tour does not include the local airport departure tax. Please check the amount with your representative before departure from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Language

Languages spoken in India are different in each state. The national language is Hindi. Most people in bigger cities speak English. Our guides speak English. We can arrange for foreign language speaking guides in certain cities.

India Dos and Don'ts

DO'S

  • All foreign nationals must pay hotel bills in foreign currency (cash or travelers' checks) This can be paid in Rupees if the visitor has a bank receipt as proof of currency exchange.
  • Exchange money only through authorized banks or money changers.
  • Insist on a receipt when exchanging money.
  • Retain all receipts to facilitate re-conversion of unspent money on departure from India.
  • Shopping is recommended from government emporia and suggested shops on the list of the Department of Tourism. Information on these can be obtained from Tourist Offices in India.
  • Export of most wildlife and their products is either banned or strictly regulated. Export of the few permissible items even as passengers' personal luggage is allowed only under an export permit.
  • Insist on getting a certificate for the legitimate sale of a particular animal product and permission for its export to avoid inconvenience on departure.
  • Taxis and auto-rickshaws in cities do not all have meters, but where they do insist on the meter being flagged in your presence. If the driver refuses to co-operate, seek the assistance of a policeman. Always use a pre-paid taxi while traveling from airport to city.
  • In addition, the above fares change from time to time and so will not always conform to readings on the meters. To avoid confusion, insist on seeing the latest fare chart and pay accordingly.
  • If you wish to visit any prohibited or restricted areas, check with the nearest Government of India Tourist Office to ascertain details of the formalities required.
  • Check with the nearest Government of India Tourist Office the rules regarding photography at archaeological monuments.
  • Avoid the touts and brokers of shopkeepers.
  • It is obligatory to cover your head before entering Sikh shrines.
  • In case of any difficulty contact the nearest tourist office or police station.
  • Concessional tickets such as Indrail Pass on Railway, Youth Fare, Discover India Fare and South India Air Fare (Indian Airlines) are to be purchased in foreign exchange only.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water.
  • Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by BOTH filtering through an "absolute 1-micron or less" filter AND adding iodine tablets to the filtered water. "Absolute 1-micron filters" are found in camping/outdoor supply stores.
  • Bottled water is available and usually provided in flasks in hotel rooms. For people with delicate digestive systems. It is advisable to use bottled mineral water, this is widely available.
  • Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
  • If you are going to visit areas where there is risk for malaria, take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed. (See your doctor for a prescription.)
  • Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using DEET repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
  • To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
  • Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.


    DON'TS

  • Don't injest anything but bottled water, even to brush your teeth.
  • Don't injest any drinks with ice cubes.
  • Don't get lured by shopping bargains on the street.
  • Don't exchange money except with an authorized money changer.
  • Don't purchase travel tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents or tour operators.
  • Don't encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
  • Don't buy silver/ivory articles or peacock feathers in bulk.
  • Don't wear any footwear inside Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Jain places of worship. Some temples do not permit leather articles to be taken in.
  • Don't wear shorts, sleeveless tops or revealing clothes in places of public worship.
  • Don't wear revealing clothing to bathe in the Ganges if you are female. Instead, cover your full body.
  • Don't get involved with drugs of any kind.
  • Eating Meat and Drinking Alcohol is prohibited in Temples and in Kumbh Mela Area.
  • Don't eat food purchased from street vendors.
  • Don't drink beverages with ice.
  • Don't eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.
  • Don't share needles with anyone.
  • Don't handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague).
  • Don't swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer.
  • Don't dunk your head in the water. Ears, eyes and mouths are vulnerable to infection.



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