Frequently Asked Questions

In India, the official language is Hindi. Each state, however, has its own official regional language as well. English is widely spoken all over the country.

Participants must be prepared to traverse a variety of surfaces, which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. You will also need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. If you have any concerns about that amount of physical activity, please contact our travel specialist to help you find the right tour for you.

North India

• The climate is best from October to November and February to March, when the nights are cool and the days filled with mellow sunshine.
• Delhi is hottest May to July (up to 42°C), however prices are lower and sights can be quieter.
• Most of the rain falls between July and September.

South and Central India

• Peak season is during the winter months from November to February, when temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C.
• Monsoon season is between May and October in Goa and from June to August in Kerala.
• Summer temperatures aren’t as high as in northern India, although humidity is extreme.
• The coast benefits from some cooling breezes.

What to Pack

Daytime attire: Conservative clothing such as lightweight pants, loose shorts, trousers and short sleeved shirts are recommended. Bring fabrics that breathe and that you can wear in layers to take off during the heat of the day and put back on for cool evenings. Women should pack a scarf large enough to cover bare neck and shoulders. Evening attire: Somewhat smarter, but still casual; formal clothing is not necessary.

• Comfortable, walking shoes with low or no heels
• Sweater or lightweight jacket
• Lightweight raincoat or poncho
• Swimming suit
• Sunglasses, sun block and a sunhat
• Mosquito repellent
• Lightweight binoculars (optional)
• Small flashlight (optional)
• Simple first-aid kit
• Prescriptions and medications (We recommend you carry these in their original bottles and/or packaging.)
• Charging cables for electronics. Voltage converter and adapter plugs
  Collapsible walking stick (optional)

Note: Laundry service is readily available at your hotels and is generally inexpensive.

During the winter months (November to March) temperatures in Northern India can get cold, particularly in the evenings. This includes travel to Agra, Amritsar, New Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Pushkar. Pack a few warmer clothing items including a fleece jacket, a few thin sweaters, long pants etc.

Visitors to national parks and wildlife reserves should wear browns or olive greens as they are best for blending into the environment; binoculars are also highly recommended.