I leave you with a new entry, “Practical Information for Traveling to India” a small summary of the essentials that we are going to find in our PhotoTravel Photography Trip to India.
We are going to complete it with new articles about luggage, health or photographic equipment, at PhotoTravel we want to make your experience in the most impressive country in the world easy.
CAPITAL
New Delhi. That chaotic city that will soon captivate you.
POPULATION
India is the second most populous country in the world after China, but for a short time, there are no less than 1,210,194,522 inhabitants. That’s nothing!
GOVERNMENT
Federal Republic
RELIGION
Its main religion is Hinduism, but Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism also stand out. It is the third country in the world with the largest number of Muslims.
VISA
For Spanish citizens a visa is required to enter India.
The best and cheapest thing to do is to do it online through its official website, although it is a bit cumbersome to fill out, and be careful! that there are many fake websites.
From PhotoTravel we can manage it for you. This way you won’t have to worry about bureaucratic aspects.
EMBASSIES
Embassy of India in Spain Avda. Pío XII, 30 y 32 – 28016 Madrid.
Tel.: 91 309 88 70. www.embassyindia.es
Embassy of Spain in India 12, Prithviraj Road – New Delhi 110011.
Telephone/s: (+91) 11 41 29 30 00. (+91) 98 10 17 41 60.
E-mail: emb.nuevadelhi@maec.es
TIME ZONE
In winter the time difference is 4:30 hours more than in Spain and in summer 3:30 hours more.
LANGUAGE
Hindi and English, though! with a lot of accent.
CURRENCY/ EXCHANGE RATES
Indian Rupee – INR
1 Euro is equivalent to approximately 75 INR.
MONEY
Euros can be easily exchanged anywhere, there are many “exchange offices” (you can exchange any banknote, but they prefer the big ones, from 50€, the most valued are the famous Bin Laden, 500€!). Also the hotels where we stay can exchange money, in some of them, because they are regular customers, they make a good change for us. At the airport you can also exchange currency, but with too high a commission. Remember that with PhotoTravel Photo Trips you have included the transfer service from the airport to the hotel, and that you will not need money until then.
MOBILE PHONES AND INTERNET
In all the hotels where we stay we have wifi, but keep in mind that it is too basic and slow a service, in India it is like that. In many restaurants where we eat there is also internet.
If you need to be connected, a recommended option is to buy a SIM card with internet from a local operator. They are not very expensive, and in addition to having a constant connection, you will be able to call Spain. If you want to purchase one of these cards, you must provide your passport and a passport-type photo.
HOW TO GET AROUND
AIRCRAFT
It is a good alternative for long distances. Its price is not very high, and in any case, taking into account the density and speed of traffic it is, without a doubt, the best option.
It is recommended to always carry the ticket printed on paper and have it at hand. To access the airports there is a control device made up of military personnel who will ask you if you want to access the terminal.
Once you purchase the ticket, it is not uncommon for you to receive communication informing you of any change in your flight schedule. Pay attention especially to travel in the months of December/January, due to the fog (especially in Varanasi) there are usually many delays and cancellations. It is important that you check your flight at the hotel before going to the airport.
We give you the option of buying the plane tickets yourself, or if you prefer, and that is what we recommend, we will manage it for you.
TRAIN
India is a country closely linked to the Train. If you want to know its true essence, it is undoubtedly the best means of transport.
In our Photographic Trips we occupy the 2nd Class Sleeper carriages, without AC, where the popular classes of the country travel. This way we can experience the real India, and take better photos.
But if you prefer more comfort, we give you the option of traveling in first class, with AC.
Don’t worry about the process to get train tickets, we will take care of it.
MINIBUS
Some routes, for speed, comfort or accessibility, are carried out on the mythical Tempo Traveller Minibuses.
TAXI
They are a good option to transfer to the hotel when you are carrying luggage.
When leaving the train stations or airports there is usually an Indian Government booth where we can hire official taxis to take us to the hotel. It is the best option, you avoid haggling and dealing.
In any case, when we are in a group your PhotoTravel guide will be in charge of making these arrangements. You take care of enjoying and photographing!.
RICKSHAW (TUK TUK)
One of my favorite means of transportation. The first time you ride will not leave you indifferent.
It is the best means of transport to move around the city, fast, fun and economical.
It’s a good idea to agree on the price with your driver before you leave, and don’t forget to bring a hotel address card to show the driver when you return.
When we move in a group the “negotiator” will be your PhotoTravel guide. You know, while taking photos, that’s why you came.
RICKSHAW CYCLE
It is a bicycle with a wheeled cart attached, with capacity for up to three people. A very good option to move around the old areas of the cities, where motor vehicles are prohibited.
It is a very cheap means of transport. Better not to haggle and accept the price they tell you.
WEATHER IN INDIA
The climate in India can be divided into three major seasons:
Cold Station
It begins in September and ends in March. November, December and January are the best times to visit India. You avoid the heat, and the fog and fires lit on all sides give it a magical air.
The problem is that its intense fog causes many trains and planes to be canceled or delayed.
Warm Season
April to June are the worst months to visit India because of its extreme heat, with hardly any rain. A good option for these months is to go to the Himalayan Mountains.
Wet Season
It is the time from June to September, the time of the monsoons.
July and August are the months when the monsoon rains are most intense. Don’t worry, the places we visit are safe. They are very intense rains that last a short time, an hour or so. You’re going to love watching it (I personally like it). These rains cleanse and refresh the atmosphere, intensify the colors and give a special touch to the cities. Many of Steve McCurry’s photos in India are taken around this time.
PLUGS
They are 220V and Spanish plugs are valid… So there’s no need to worry.
LAUNDRY
The best way to travel in India is to go light. We move through many cities and we have to carry our suitcase.
The best option is not to take too many clothes and wash them from time to time in hotel laundries. Washing clothes in India is very simple and cheap. In the hotels or near them there is always a laundry. You’ll be surprised how quickly your clothes are returned to you clean and ironed.
Also, keep in mind that clothes in India are cheap. You’ll want to buy some rags, you’ll see.
TOILET PAPER
Toilet paper is not used in India. In all bathrooms you will find a kind of small shower next to the toilet. It is used to clean with the force of the water jet. I assure you that it is the best option, when you return you will miss it…
In any case, don’t worry, in the hotels where we stay there are always a few small rolls of toilet paper.
Soon new posts about the preparations for the Photographic Trips India, undoubtedly the most impressive country in the world.
PhotoTravel, Agency number ☝️in Photographic Travel
Leaders in the Sector
? ☎️ www.phototravel.es Reservations +34 616 22 42 82 ? info@phototravel.es
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