Trip Notes
Be curious and open your mind to this great gentle, welcoming sub-continent, so full of marvels and contradictions. Remember that for this country will touch you in real ways if you are ready to trade in the idea of the all-inclusive holiday resort. I have always believed that there is no problem that a little patience and a sense of humor does not solve.
"If you take a long journey, you must carry things lightly, patiently. And to take a long journey, you must begin very near, with you." J. Krishnamurti
Group size
Maximum 12 travelers per group.
Passport, Visas and Travel Documents
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on your country of origin. Please contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence for specific entry requirements. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
Remember to keep your passport and airline tickets with you at all times and to bring them with you on board the aircraft. Do not pack them in your checked luggage. Be sure to photocopy the relevant pages of your passport, as well as any other essential documents, and keep the copies in a safe place separate from the originals.
Please be aware that you may be denied boarding if the names on your passport and airline tickets do not match identically.
If your own health insurance policy that does not cover you outside of your country of origin, you should purchase a supplemental medical coverage in case of an accident or illness during the trip. A copy of this insurance should be e-mailed to us once you purchase it. Without a copy of the insurance you will not be able to join the trip.
A valid copy of your medical insurance is essential to go on this trip.
Airline Itinerary
Please be sure to notify us if you make any changes to your flight information. This will allow us to coordinate your arrival and departure ground transportation.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. This insurance should cover all medical and repatriation costs. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please send a copy of the insurance to Attention: Olga Vieira koko@kokocompany.com
Joining point
The trip starts in Mumbai (Bombay). Once you have your international round trip ticket please e-mail us your itinerary so we may schedule you pick up at the airport.
Ground transportation will be provided to the hotel in Mumbai where all the members of the group will meet. On arrival at the Chhatrapati Shivaji (Sahar) International Airport you will be met by a member of our staff displaying a sign with our tour name KOKO. If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed please call or email the following numbers, If you arrive on your own at a different time we offer a personal pickup for amount of US$50.00
Mumbai Hotel :
Mumbai travel agent:
Our email: koko@kokocompany.com
If for some reason you cannot locate our agent, please go to the counter that offers a private car service (aprox. 800Rs.) and arrange a ride to the hotel. This is more expensive but safer than taking a pre-paid taxi late at night (600Rs.) Travel time approximate 40 minutes.
If you miss your confirmed flights or are delayed, be sure to reconfirm the remaining legs of your itinerary with the airline. Depending on the specific circumstances, penalty fees may result in non-reimbursable, out-of-pocket expenses to the traveler(s). We will appreciate if you inform us immediately since this will affect the group's itinerary and we will have to make the necessary arrangements.
Currency
The official currency of India is the Indian rupee (INR). The most convenient and cheapest way to obtain currency of via Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), which are readily available. Credit Cards are accepted mainly in major hotels and establishments. The acceptance of American Express cards is very limited so we recommended the use of Visa or Master card. If you bring cash, make sure the bills are not old or marked since they will not be accepted.
Time Zone
IST stands for Indian Standard Time and it is approximately 10-13 hours ahead of North America.
Voltage
U.S. voltage is 110v; Indian voltage is 230v. You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.
Luggage
Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. Please check with your airline regarding luggage restrictions. In India domestic flights limit the number of suitcases to one (1). Any additional luggage/weight will be charged and you are responsible for these charges.
Included activities
In the daily itinerary you will find all the included activities listed. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Personal Expenses
You are responsible for any charges of a personal nature that you incur at the hotels, such as room service, mini bar, telephone/fax, laundry, movies, etc. Please be sure to settle your incidental account directly with each hotel upon check out.
Meals
In the daily itinerary you will find information regarding the meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner in smaller cities and lunch boxes for longer journeys) that are included in the tour. Since part of the experience involves trying the local cuisine, we have carefully chosen some restaurants in the large cities. The cost of these meals is not included in the package.
Tipping
Gratuities for airport luggage handler, bell staff and housekeeping are included in the tour. After long trips, it is customary for the group to put together a voluntary tip for the drivers and the guide. However, your a responsible for any other tips, like bus drivers at the end of The average tip for good service in a local restaurant is 10% to 15% usually already added. In case you want to venture out on your own just make sure you contact your tour leader for instructions.
Climate and Weather
Due to its size and geographical location India has a wide range of climates but at this time of the year there are generally no extremes
During February, India enjoys an average high temperature of 10 to 20 C. (50 to 68 F.) during the day.
We recommend bringing a sweeter or light jacket for excursions and evening events.
Accommodation
4 to 5 star hotels, heritage properties and deluxe permanent tents.
Prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the single supplement fee. There is no single supplement fee for those willing to share accommodations, and we will assign you a roommate if one is available.
How to dress
Dress is usually conservative. Lightweight fabrics in the summer and woolen in the winter are recommended. When visiting religious sites avoid short pants or short skirts. Bring a sarong along - you can use it in many ways. When visiting the temples you will be required to remove your shoes. It is advisable to bring socks along for these occasions.
It is recommended that you plan your wardrobe with “layering” in mind to anticipate any possible changes in the weather.
Health
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons we are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
If your own health insurance policy does not cover you outside of your country of origin, you should purchase a supplemental medical coverage in case of an accident or illness during the trip. A copy of this insurance should be e-mailed to us once you purchase it. Without a copy of the insurance you will not be able to join the trip.
A copy of this insurance should be e-mailed to us once you purchase it.
Without a copy of the insurance you will not be able to join the trip.
Transport
By air and Private vehicle
Long day travel
Be prepared for some long travel days; we will provide a lunch box and find a nice picnic spot where we can enjoy it together.
Packing Suggestions
For your convenience, the following suggestions are offered for packing:
- Jacket and sweater
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Medication and prescriptions
- Eyeglasses
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats
- Mosquito repellent and antiseptic cream
- Flashlight
- Alarm clock
- Voltage transformer and plug adapter (230v)
- Inflatable neck rest for long journeys
- Extra batteries and memory cards
Helpful hints
- One of our destinations will be Gujarat State, one of the five states where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited. It is also primarily a vegetarian state.
- We usually bring presents for the local children in the rural areas. If you may want to bring more presents for the children we suggest: color pencils, hair pins, coloring books, toothbrushes, combs, sweets, etc.
- Hindi and English are the official languages of the country. However, each state has it's own language.
Think about the others
Remember that you have responsibilities to the group. Since we are traveling on a tight schedule any delay will affect all. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting.
Safety
While traveling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Avoiding Jet Lag
If you are susceptible to jet lag, here are a few tips to help minimize the effects:
Pre-Flight
Three days prior to departure, alternate days of feasting (high protein breakfasts and lunches, with high carbohydrate dinners and limited caffeine intake) with a day of fasting (eat very sparingly and limit caffeine intake). Continue fasting on departure day, avoiding heavy foods that could make you feel uncomfortably full during the flight time. Also, try to gradually adjust your schedule to India by going to bed a bit later each night.
In Flight
Drink plenty of juice or water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which contribute to dehydration. Alternate periods of rest and activity. Move about the cabin and do some isometrics to reduce muscle fatigue. Try to sleep through the night until breakfast is served, then eat heartily
Post-Flight
Upon arrival in Mumbai, adopt the new time schedule immediately. Try to overcome the tendency to take a long nap. Continue the day’s meals at Mumbai’s meal hours and try to stick with familiar foods. Spend time outdoors to let sunlight adjust your internal clock, and try to engage in moderate exercise, such as taking a walk. It really helps!
Emergency contact
Please provide the contact information of the person with should get in touch with in case of an emergency.
Departure tax
Make sure all departure taxes are included in your international flight ticket; otherwise they have to be cancelled on departure.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travelers.
Our favorite Books, Movies & Sites
Books
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Midnight Children by Salman Rushdie
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Movies
Pathen Pancheli by Satyajit Ray
Earth, Water and Fire a trilogy by Deepa Mehta
Slumdog Millionaire by Danny Boyle
Lagaan by Ashutosh Gowariker
Gandhi by Richard Attenborough
Luch Box by Ritesh Batra
Sites
www.incredibleindia.org the official government tourist site.
www.indiamike.com suggested by lonely planet a popular traveler forum.