Climate and
Clothing
India's massive size and varied topography makes it very
difficult to give a general view. So our advice is to check for the specific
sectors before traveling. Except the Himalayan range India has a hot
tropical climate and most of India has three seasons from a Westerner's
point of view- cool from December to February with a cold spell in January.
Hot from March to mid-June with a dry hot spell in March and wet and humid
from July to mid-October with incessant rains in July and August. The wild
habitats however do not have the unpleasant phases that the cities go
through and generally weather is very pleasant and cool in winter and hot by
the time the parks close for the monsoon. Generally speaking rainfall
increases from west to east and temperature falls from north to south.
Maximum temperature is usually registered close to Agra at 50 to 52oC and
the minimum in the folds of the snow-capped Himalayas at - 10 to 30o C.
A varied weather calls for a heavy baggage but sensible people
travel light and you can do that by keeping in mind your destination.
Generally lodges and camps in India have laundry facilities and are
reliable. Also most of them do not call for formal western attire unless
there is a specific occasion, which you have in mind. When traveling in the
jungle dress light and in layers. Avoid bright colours and expensive items.
Rural Indian sentiments would be offended with too much of bare skin. A pair
of trousers and a T-shirt with a jacket to carry your bird-book and
binoculars is fine. In winter some of the national Parks get really cold and
chilly and requires heavy woolens. If you are trekking a pair of walking
boots is a must. For high altitude trek (Himalaya and some places of Sikkim
and Western Ghats) an outer breathable waterproof jacket, an inner fleece or
down jacket, thermal underwear, woolen hat and gloves.
General Tips
What to take
- Besides the originals, a copy of your passport, travel visas, airline
tickets and travel documents. A list of any charge or credit cards you
are carrying. Remember to keep the copies separate from the originals.
- An International Driving Licence, which can be obtained through the
Automobile Association. Even if you are not planning to drive, bring
your driver's licence with photo for identification.
- Consider purchasing international travel insurance and medical
evaluation plan programmes.
- Do carry sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
Beware of
- As in any location, there are those who steal from others, so follow
the same rules of safety that you follow traveling anywhere else with
respect to using hotel lock boxes, and keeping travel documents safe.
When in public places, keep them in your hotel, or with you all the time
when moving about.
Men: Don't carry a traditional wallet with you, the kind you
put in your pocket (front or back).
Women: Avoid keeping
valuables in a purse, which can be easily snatched off your shoulder.
Consider using an "interior wallet", the kind that is fastened
around your neck, draped from a belt loop or worn, with a velcro fastener,
around the calf or ankle. All three kinds are concealed underneath clothing.
- Taxis (cabs)/Auto Rickshaw (3 wheeler) are available from all hotels,
and you negotiate the rate before commencing your journey. Use only
authorised, properly identified taxis and buses. Avoid taxis that pick
up additional passengers. Don't accept an offer to share a taxi to your
hotel unless you know the individual.
- Imposter porters or guides. Assure they are properly uniformed or
identified. Never leave your luggage, briefcase or other items
unattended.
Train Journey
- Avoid traveling in the Second Class. Check for the departure timings
if you are on your own, avoid unsolicited advice and do not buy a ticket
from a tout. While traveling on a rail coach use a chain to lock your
things and sleep light. Do not accept food from others.
Equipments
- The voltage used is 220 volts (the U.S. uses 120 volts). You can
purchase a converter at most hardware stores for appliances that do not
switch to 220V.
- Most of sockets of the plug-points in India are different from the
plug- in pins of western makes. It makes sense to carry an adaptor. Also
some places do not have electricity. So it pays to carry some dry cells.
Wildlifeinindia is a 'Responsible Tourism' promoter. Do not dispose your
cells in jungles please.
Sense and sensibilities
- Always respect religious shrines and places of worship, some places
require visitors to observe a decent dress code. Take care not to
violate any taboos in a mosque or a temple.
- Change currency only from official moneychangers. Remember to retain
the currency Exchange receipts after each transaction. You will need
them for re-exchange on departure.
- Tipping is a matter of personal discretion. Although bills normally
include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and
other places that cater to tourists.
- Photography is prohibited in places of military importance, railway
stations, bridges, airports and military installations.
- Do not expose a lot of skin in rural areas as it may offend their
sensitivities.
- If ever you land in trouble, contact your Embassy and nearest Police
Station.
In an Indian Police Station always speak with the Senior Inspector
in Charge even if you have to wait couple of hours.
Credit Cards
American
Express, Master Charge, Visa and Diners Club credit cards are generally
accepted by large establishments including hotels, shops, and airlines. Note
that the wildlife resorts in most cases will not have a credit card punching
machine and we advise you to change the money in the arrival city to help
you make simple purchases.
TimeGMT + 5 1/2 hours.
Words of WisdomBelow are some simple phrases, which
can be of use if you are traveling through North India.
| English |
Hindi |
| Hi or Hello |
Namaste |
| Please |
Please |
| Thank You |
Shukhriya/ Dhanyavaad |
| Yes |
Haan |
| No |
Nahin |
| Where can I find |
Kahan milenge |
| I want water |
Mujhe paani chahiye |
| I want a ticket |
Mujhe ticket chahiye |
| Where is the toilet |
Bathroom kahan hai |
| I am from Australia |
Main Australia se hoon |
| Are you open tomorrow |
Aap kal khule hain |
| Is this very far |
Kya ye bahut door hai |
| How much is this |
Ye kitne ka hai |
| This is too expensive |
Ye bahut mehenga hai |
| Make this price less |
Bhaav kam karo |
| How are you? |
Aap kaise hain? |
| Sorry |
Maaf kijiye |
| Please |
Kripaya |
| Ok |
Theek hai |
| What? |
Kya? |
| Where? |
Kahan? |
| How? |
Kaise? |
| When? |
Kab? |
| Who? |
Kaun? |
| Why? |
Kyon? |
| What is the price? |
Iska kya daam hai? |
| I don't understand |
Mai samjha nahi |
| Tell me the way please |
Kripya raasta bataiye |
| What is your name? |
Aapka naam kya hai? |
| My name is |
Mera naam…... |
| Right |
Dahine |
| Left |
Bayen |
| One |
Ek |
| Two |
Do |
| Three |
Teen |
| Four |
Chaar |
| Five |
Paanch |
| Six |
Cheh |
| Seven |
Saat |
| Eight |
Aath |
| Nine |
Naun |
| Ten |
Das |
| One hundred |
Ek sau |
| Two hundred |
Do sau |
Wildlife in India
