Passport: If you already have a passport, make sure that it is good for six months AFTER the completion of travel. You passport must  contain at least two blank pages. 

If you don't have a passport you can find information here: Travel U.S.A.

Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to have your passport sent to you in time for travel. Don't cut it close!

Tourist Visa: 

All citizens of the United States, Canada and UK require a valid tourist visa to visit India.  You will need to apply for the visa no more than 30 days in advance of your travel. Book your flights before applying. 

You may wish to use a third part visa processing service, however, you may also  apply for an e-visa at the official Indian Government Travel website. 

You will need your travel itinerary before applying which you will have sent to you 60 days before we travel. 

If you think you need extra help navigating the visa process you will want to reach out to a third  party visa specialist. We are not affiliated but have had success with Sherpa.

Airfare is not included. 

We require your flight information four weeks prior to the tour. We ask that you arrive at the airport during daytime hours (between 5AM and 7PM). This ensures that the currency exchange and SIM card kiosks are open. 

You may also want to think about what travel times work best for your internal clock, you'll have plenty of built in  time to adjust your body to the new time zone.

Luggage

It is your responsiblity to be clear on the requirements of the airline you choose to use for your travel to India. W & E is not responsible for any delays or costs due to luggage restriction changes. 

We will spend five days away from our main city hotels (depending on your itinerary Delhi or Bangalore) For this aspect of transport (whether vehicle or train) you will want to pack light. We suggest bringing a small bag or  duffel for ease of travel and travel storage during this leg of our journey. We'll be reuninted with our luggage when we return to our departure city hotel.

Transport

In country transport and travel (by vehicle, train) is included with the exception of auto rickshaw rides as desired.

Our in town transport will be with a private car. We may also travel via train. 

Safety: The CDC has some wonderful information on keeping healthy and taking precautions in India. CDC India Travel

When reading through the precautions, note  which region your itinerary is in (Northern India or Southern India) as some of the precautions listed are for other locations in India. 

Vaccines: The CDC website also shares information on  vaccines that you may choose to have.

Of Note: For Sourthern India itinerary, we will be traveling post-monsoon so there will be more mosquitoes present, even in the cities. Bring a good mosquito repellent. 

Discuss your travels with your doctor, explain the dates you'll be traveling and they can help you make decisions about your healthcare during your trip.

Bring necessary medications that you take regularly. We'll send a What To Pack PDF that includes some first aid items you may wish to have on hand. 

We highly recommend travel insurance which can be purchased through us or through your preferred travel insurance provider. 

Hospitals and Healthcare If Needed

 Good hospitals are easily found in both Delhi, Jaipur (for Northern itineraries) and Bangalore and Kochi (for the Southern itinerary)  Private hospitals offer excellent care. Appointments are easily made and care is inexpensive by Western standards. 

Terrain

The terrain will generally be flat with very little uphill climbing. That said, the terrain will very often be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes with good treads are highly recommended.

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee. We love the  XE app for quick conversion. 

You'll be able to exchange currency at the airport. We recommend having some cash on hand as there are some places that do not take cards.

It can be beneficial to have a few credit cards available for use. There are times, for one reason or another (and no fault of your own!) that your card will not work at a particular establishment or ATM. Having more than one card on hand assures that your trip will not be delayed or slow you down! 

Be sure to let your bank and card holder know the dates of your trip.  

Our Southern India itineraries will run in the early winter months when it is cooler in the region. This post monsoon time is somewhat like a 'second Spring'. The monsoon makes it's exit  which brings beautifully warm days, but without the oppressive heat and high humidity. Blooms  appearing at their best.  The temperature is generally between 86F (30C) and 68F (20C) in the evenings.

For our Northern itineraries we will be traveling in early Spring months when the winter cold, haze and fog have settled into clear and warmer weather. Generally speaking the temperature is around 65F (19C) during the day and 55F(13C) in the evenings. 

Here is some basic information in terms of what to pack, however, we will send you a more detailed PDF once you've booked your travel.

Skip the delicates and synthetics. Pack sturdy but lightweight, breathable and natural clothing (think cotton and linen).  A packable hat with brim can come in handy when the sun is too oppressive.

While India is very modern and you'll see a variety of clothing, traditionally women dress with their shoulders, chest and legs covered. Out of respect for the traditional culture we recommend following suit. Thus, we discourage shorts and spaghetti straps.  

In places of worship like mosques or temples you will be required to remove your shoes. 

A small flashlight always comes in handy as well as a small  luggage padlock.