India, New Delhi

Taj Palace, New Delhi 5^*

In northern India, Delhi thrives on the banks of the Yamuna River. The city is steeped in history and is home to New Delhi, the country's capital. Its rich heritage is to be discovered with admiration. From the Lotus Temple to the Red Fort, the Taj Mahal or the Akshardham Temple, this Indian city reveals its buildings with monumental and sublime architecture. Enjoy an enchanting stay in Delhi, where Indian culture and traditions will take you away from it all.

Customs and traditions

The main religions in India are Hinduism and Buddhism, but a variety of religions and beliefs coexist harmoniously, bringing spiritual and cultural richness to the country.

In contrast, classical Indian society observes a natural hierarchical approach to its community through a caste system, but this has no influence on holidaymakers.

In India, it's best to avoid any physical contact when exchanging greetings. Instead, smile and greet with your hands clasped under your chin and bow your head with a "Namaste".

When asked a question, Indians often respond with a bobbing of the head to avoid saying no, as direct refusal is not considered polite in India. The same head movement can mean both 'yes' and 'no', but the difference can be seen in the expression on your interlocutor's face.

When visiting sacred or religious sites (Hindu temples, mosques), it is essential to take off your shoes and sometimes even your socks. It is also advisable not to wear shoes inside houses and shops. Both men and women should avoid wearing light clothing or clothing that exposes certain parts of the body.

It goes without saying that you should behave appropriately in and around such places. Discretion is advised when taking photographs, especially of religious icons.

Modesty is very strong among Indians, so avoid showing affection in public.

Visitors, especially tourists, are often asked to make a donation to the temple. However, this is not a compulsory gesture, and the amount of the donation is at the discretion of each individual.

In hotels and restaurants, service is usually included in the bill. Tipping is therefore optional. Elsewhere, such as with taxi or rickshaw drivers, it is appreciated when the quality of the service justifies it.

In India, patience is essential due to the heavy traffic in the big cities. It's common to hear horns blaring constantly as drivers use them to signal their presence on the road.

The use of traditional tobacco is permitted and very common in India. Electronic cigarettes, on the other hand, have been banned from production and consumption in India since September 2019. The use of an electronic vaping device is punishable by a heavy fine or even imprisonment.

Time difference

London, United Kingdom time is 4:30 hours behind Delhi, India. However, the country has no summer or winter time.

Electricity and internet access

In India, access to electricity is generally widespread in urban areas, but challenges persist in rural areas due to lack of infrastructure.

The voltage is 230 V. Type C, D and M sockets.

With respect to the Internet, India has experienced significant growth in Internet connectivity, especially in urban areas. Internet services are widely available in cities and urban centres, although disparities remain in rural areas.

Safety

It's worth noting that pickpockets are common in India, so it's a good idea to carry your money and passport with you at all times (avoid back pockets, shoulder bags or rucksack pockets), and ideally keep copies of your ID and visa documents in your mobile phone.

We remind you to wear long clothing and avoid venturing alone into particularly isolated areas.

Currency

The official Indian currency is the Rupee (Rp). Although the value of the Rupee fluctuates, it can be considered that 1 Rp = 0.011 EUR, while 1 EUR = 89.5 Rp.

When travelling in India, it's best to carry cash at all times, although there are plenty of cash dispensers. Bank cards are not widely used in villages, but payment terminals are available in major tourist towns.

We recommend that you check with your bank before your stay to find out which exchange office is best for you, if there are any in the country.

Weather

Due to its vast size, India has a wide variety of climates. However, most of the country has four distinct seasons:

Winter lasts more or less from January to February, but with the Himalayas forming a kind of barrier to the north of the country, the country is protected from the icy winds of Central Asia, and the days tend to be mild and sunny (except at high altitudes).

Spring, from March to May, is a rather warm period.

Summer lasts from June to September and can be very hot. It is marked by the monsoon season, which begins in the south of the country and moves north in early autumn. This season is characterised by rain, which can be intense but does not last all day.

Finally, in autumn, from October to December, the rains stop and temperatures are milder. This is the ideal season to visit the country.

Of course, reverse seasons must be taken into account.

Languages

India has a variety of official languages at national and regional levels, with Hindi and British English being the official languages. English is commonly used in professional and government contexts to standardise communication. In hotels and restaurants, it's easy and common to communicate with basic English.

Accommodation quality

The accommodation we offer on our itineraries is selected according to a range of quality standards. However, please note that the hotels are rated 3-, 4-, and 5-star according to local standards. The services provided may not meet European 3-, 4- or 5-star standards.

Please note: some hotels close at night. Staff sometimes sleep in the lobby, but it's best to let reception know in advance if you're arriving or leaving late.

Please note that triple rooms generally consist of a double room with an extra bed. This type of bed may be less comfortable than a standard bed and reduces the space available in the room.

Food quality

Indian specialities are famously spicy, but the variety of Indian cuisine makes it easy to find milder options. What's more, tourist restaurants often serve Western dishes.

It is not advisable to drink tap water because of the risk of contamination. Sealed bottled water is recommended to avoid any health concerns.

We recommend that you consume drinks from distilleries under public control and avoid buying alcohol outside authorised pubs and shops. You should also be discreet when consuming alcohol. Alcohol is prohibited in certain states such as Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram and Nagaland.