FAQ BLOG
1300 703 345
contact@vibrantindiatours.com.au
River

Frequently Asked Questions

Our guests ask us many questions about travel in India. Here are just a few of the most frequent queries. When planning your itinerary please feel free to ask your travel consultant any other questions you may have.

Do I need Visa to enter India?
It is compulsory to obtain a visa to India prior entering India. E-Visa to India can only be applied 30 days before your arrival date in India. It can be applied on the following government website. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html  It takes 3-4 days for Visa to arrive by email after successful submission. The e-visa is issued online and is valid for a 30-day period from the date you have applied. Once you land in India, you must show the e-visa to the immigration at the airport and then they will stamp the paper Visa (valid from your arrival date) on your passport. E-visa and paper Visa are two different parts of the visa process. 

What is the climate in India?
India has a wide range of climatic conditions from tropical in the South to alpine in the North. Most of the country except Himalaya region is best to travel between October and March. During this time, days are pleasant to cool, and rain is very rare. The summer season begins in April and ends in September. It is interrupted by the south-west monsoon which arrives around the mid of June. In the winter season i.e., from November to March, woollens are needed from early evening to mid-morning. North India
April - June: Hot, dry and dusty with temperature 35–42-degree centigrade. July - August: Hot, Humid and rainy.
Sep - December: Pleasant days and could get cooler in the night. January: Very cold days and nights. Lot of fog as well. South India
April/May & Aug/Sep: Hot and Humid with average temperature 38 degree centigrade.
June/July/Oct/Nov: Hot and Heavy rains.
Dec - Mar: Warm but less humid .

Should I purchase SIM Card in India or activate international roaming?
We highly recommend having international roaming on your phone to avoid communication breakdown when arriving and during sightseeing. All major telcos have good roaming plans. You can also purchase a SIM at the airport (or at kiosks everywhere) for use while travelling in India. Airtel or Vodaphone are a good bet. SIMs are relatively cheap but will require lot of paperwork. You will need to usually provide 2 passport sized photos and a copy of your passport will be made. It’s not really recommended as it can take hours before it gets activated. E-sims are not recommendable as they are not reliable at all in India.

What should I take with me when visiting India?
  • India Power Plug Adapter to charge your phone and devices. More info at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/au/india/
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Face Masks
  • Sanitize Wipes
  • Hand/Face Wipes
  • International Covid Immunisation Certificate (Not Compulsory)
  • Travel documents: travel passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts.
  • Colour photocopy of main passport pages. 
  • Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card, money belt, small padlocks.
  • Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good walking socks.
  • A mixture of lightweight clothing and warm layers.
  • When travelling in cooler climates - Wind and waterproof jacket.
  • Smart clothes for dinner in bigger cities.
  • Clothing that covers arms and pants/skirts that go past the knee for entry into local temples.
  • Head scarf for women (for when entering temples or mosques)
  • Camera/Phone.
  • Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm.
  • Personal medical kit - Such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, Band-Aids, upset stomach tablets, vomiting tablets and insect repellent.
  • Raincoat.
  • Water bottle.
  • Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required) 2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain).

Is tipping compulsory in India?

We get this question asked a lot of tipping and the right amount of tipping. Tipping is very customary part of travel and hospitality industry in India. It’s a sign of you showing gratitude for their outstanding service provided. Tipping is widely expected in India. As desired below we are furnishing you the amount of tipping which you can give to the drivers and Guides.   Tip to Guide: The guide at your service during the sightseeing schedules can be tipped between INR800 ($15) per guide. Tip to driver: As the driver at your service will be taking care of all your needs and will act as a ready assistance at any hour of need and, he will remain with you for a major part of the trip, he definitely expects a little more tip. Depending upon your satisfaction with his service, an amount of INR1000 ($18) per day is considered as a very good tip.      Note: It’s a total amount not per person. In Restaurants: 10% on total bill Porters               : INR 20 to 50 ($1) per baggage Bell Boys           : INR 20 to 50 ($1) per baggage

How much money will I need while travelling in India?
Please note foreign travellers are not allowed to bring in Indian Currency. You can bring in foreign currency notes like AUD or USD up to the value of USD$5000 and exchange them at the airport or other exchanges in major cities in India for local Indian currency. Allow $100 per day (2 people) as spending money for food, drinks, and other shopping. Bank Travel Money Cards issued by your bank are highly recommended. As you can transfer money into them from your bank quite easily. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. You can bring in foreign currency notes like AUD or USD up to the value of USD$5000 and exchange them at the airport for local Indian currency. ATMs are readily available in major cities in India (Except little towns or villages). Please ask your driver/guide for assistance if you need to use ATM. Maximum ATM withdrawal limit is 25000 Rupees.

Which vaccines do I need to travel to India?
Currently, most travellers from Australia can enter India without proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. You are not required to get any vaccines before your trip to India. However, if you have travel plans to India and to avoid any risk, it is recommended to consult your doctor or a travel health specialist at least 45 days before your tour start date. The choice of vaccinations can depend on a range of issues including the specific destination, the duration of the trip, your personal health, and of course what vaccines you have had before. We strongly endorse current public health recommendations that all travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles/mumps/rubella, polio and influenza, and paediatric vaccinations for children.

Whom I shall meet when I arrive in India/How I will be assisted upon my India arrival?
Our representative would remain present at the arrival lounge of the airport and would be holding a placard in your name. He will also assist you during your hotel check in. The same procedure will be followed whenever you make an internal connection by air or rail and again on your final departure from India.

What kinds of accommodations will be provided in India?
Magnificent Hotels Vibrant India Tours chooses magnificent hotels to ensure your supreme comfort. Stay at the acclaimed properties that offer outstanding levels of service in fantastic locations where you can truly experience the local colour. With plenty of free time in our itineraries, we give you room to breathe, so you can enjoy the wonderful hotels amenities that many of these hotels have to offer. Handpicked for their elevated comfort and service, these amazing properties are renowned for their excellence and individuality and are often the highest rated hotels in the place they are situated. Luxury Stay like Maharaja in a stately hillside fortress, relax on your own private beach or set out from a luxury treehouse in search of tigers. The luxury hotels handpicked by us for our guests are best of the best on offer in India. Beautifully appointed rooms with everything you might need, luxurious touches to elevate your stay and staff who make hospitality personal, are all elements of each hotel we choose for your journey. Heritage Stays India is a magical destination, known for its grand architecture and rich cultural heritage. And one of the best ways to experience both is with a stay in a magnificent palace hotel. There are many opulent palaces, which have been converted into luxury hotels today. We handpicked some of the most incredible palace hotels in India, which will make make even the humblest traveller feel like a Maharaja. These hotels were actually once home to India’s royalty, and in some cases still are. An increasing number of Rajasthan palaces owned by former maharajas are being converted into hotels. These “Heritage Hotels” (Palaces/Forts/Havelis turned into luxury hotels) provide a unique experience and mostly, although not all, are operated by the larger hotel groups. An accommodation is naturally more limited than in the purpose-built hotels and should be reserved in advance if at all possible. Heritage hotels are a wonderful way to experience Indian hospitality harking back to the days of the Maharajah. The properties we choose have previous incarnations as Palaces, Forts, Government houses and more. Each room is unique, the decor is original, the staff and owners friendly and local. Please be aware that each room is different and bathrooms have often been retrofitted, some rooms will be bigger than others, some have a different view or outlook. These properties are different from a standard hotel and thus may not have some of the mod cons such as televisions. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws. Beach Resorts Beaches, sand, sun, and exotic resorts make for a wonderful way to spend a getaway with your family or friends. India has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world spread across its vast coastlines majorly the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The beach resorts handpicked by our team in India disappoint you on your getaway. Located on the beautiful beaches are some private beach resorts in India. These properties are perfect for a romantic getaway with your partner. It also offers an unwinding experience away from the rush of the city. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. DESERT CAMPING We ride camels into the dunes of the Thar desert and camp under the stars. Bedding, blankets and pillows are provided and we sleep on a camp style cot in the open air. Sleeping bags are recommended as it can get very cold at night. The camp is very simple with a wind break, and set up against a sand dune. It’s a great experience to wake up under the stars in the desert. Simple vegetarian meals will be prepared by our local team for dinner and breakfast (included). Water and soft drinks are available for purchase. Toilets are very basic long drop style. There is no shower and many travellers recommend bringing a small hand towel or some wet wipes (don't forget to carry them and any other rubbish out again). CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. WIFI Generally, wi-fi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it’s free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for Wi-Fi access. Your tour leader can assist locally in accessing the internet. ISSUES If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.

What are the fees included and not included in the tour cost?
Inclusions   The land price of your tour includes:
  • All arrival and departure transfers.
  • Assistance at Airport on arrival.
  • 01 Mineral water per person per day.
  • All applicable taxes.
  • Entrance and Camera fees to the monuments and palaces.
  • Sightseeing and experiences as per the itinerary.
  • Sightseeing by an exclusive deluxe air-conditioned Vehicle with chauffeur as per the itinerary.
  • Accommodation at the specified hotels.
  • Daily buffet breakfast during your stay at all proposed destinations.
  • Services of English-speaking local tour guides during all sightseeing tours as per the itineraries.
Exclusions   The land price of your trip does not include:
  • Anything not mentioned or “optional” or “own expense” in the itinerary.
  • Porterage at Hotels and Airports.
  • All Items of Personal Nature, Shopping, Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Liquors, Wine, Etc.
  • Meals not specified in Itinerary.
  • Tips for staff, guide & driver.
  • International airfares unless specified.
  • Optional, suggested, or unspecified activities.
  • Insurance of any kind, Insurance and Medi claim.
  • Visa costs.

Is Travel insurance compulsory on Tour?
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and should be taken out at the time of booking.  Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number 15 days before the tour starts. You will not be able to join the trip without these details.  If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Vibrantindiatours highly recommends you investigate and secure travel insurance options that best suit your individual circumstances, including any applicable to pre-existing medical conditions and world events.

What is the Cancellation Policy?
Private Tours Cancellation Policy: Cancellation or Rebooking by the traveller Cancellation Policy with Standard - Deluxe - Premium Hotels
  • You can cancel right up to 30 days before the tour starts and we will refund your full land deposit and any progress payments made by you within 14 business days.
    • Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for land part of tour not Safari Tickets, International and domestic airline tickets and train tickets.
    • Note: International and domestic airline tickets and train tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline and train operators policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation.
    • Note: Safari tickets tickets are non-refundable.
From 30 days before tour start date:-
  • If your tour is cancelled due to government travel restrictions, your deposit and any progress payments will be carried forward as full credit towards future travel with us with Zero fees.
  • If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
  • If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
  • If you have to amend or cancel the tour from 30 days before the tour start date to the end date of the tour, any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours of amendment.
  • If the tour needs to be amended or cancelled due to sickness or covid related reason, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use. Any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours.
  • A cancellation or rebooking will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
  • For full cancellation & refund policy, visit https://www.vibrantindiatours.com.au/terms-conditions
Luxury Tours Cancellation Policy: Cancellation or Rebooking by the traveller Cancellation Policy with Luxury Hotels
  • You can cancel right up to 60 days before the tour starts and we will refund your full land deposit and any progress payments made by you within 14 business days.
    • Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for land part of tour not Safari Tickets, International and domestic airline tickets and train tickets.
    • Note: International and domestic airline tickets and train tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline and train operators policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation.
    • Note: Safari tickets tickets are non-refundable.
From 60 days before tour start date:-
  • If your tour is cancelled due to government travel restrictions, your deposit and any progress payments will be carried forward as full credit towards future travel with us with Zero fees.
  • If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
  • If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
  • If you have to amend or cancel the tour from 60 days before the tour start date to the end date of the tour, any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours of amendment.
  • If the tour needs to be amended or cancelled due to sickness or covid related reason, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use. Any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours.
  • A cancellation or rebooking will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
  • For full cancellation & refund policy, visit https://www.vibrantindiatours.com.au/terms-conditions
Cancellation by us Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have been fully paid by traveller.  We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, pandemic, or other external events outside our reasonable control, it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for land part of tour not International and domestic airline tickets. Note: International and domestic airline tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation. A cancellation or rebooking will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, pandemic or other external events outside our reasonable control, your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.  The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third-party tour and transport operator fees.  Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for land part of tour not International and domestic airline tickets. Note: International and domestic airline tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation. Cancellation Due to Government Or Public Health Authority If you are ordered into a period of quarantine by a government or public health authority as a mandatory directive for any reason and this requires you to amend or cancel your travel arrangements with us after your departure date, Vibrantindiatours will not be liable for any third-party costs, cancellation fees or prepaid arrangements such as (but not limited to) airfares and cruise ship bookings. We will not be responsible for any additional cost incurred to you while on tour if you are instructed by a government or public health authority to enter into a period of quarantine or to return home early, this includes any extra accommodation costs or amendments to your onward travel arrangements. Vibrantindiatours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf, or negotiate a credit for future use, should a disruption to your tour arrangements occur due to a government or public health authority directive. Vibrantindiatours highly recommends you investigate and secure travel insurance options that best suit your individual circumstances, including any applicable to pre-existing medical conditions and world events. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third-party tour and transport operator fees.  Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for land part of tour not International and domestic airline tickets. Note: International and domestic airline tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation. Booking amendments  We do not encourage changes in the confirmed arrangements. But if you do need to make amendments in the arrangements already confirmed, we will do all possible to accommodate the changes, depending on the availability of various segments of the tour, for the new requirements. However, the changes will be subject to certain minimum amendment / administration charges. Note: Cancellation, Changes or Refund regarding both international and domestic airline tickets is subject to respective airline policies. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, pandemic or other external events outside our reasonable control, your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.  Illness If due to any illness, suspected illness or failure to satisfy any required tests (such as a temperature test in relation to Covid-19):
  • an airline or other common carrier refuses you carriage;
  • a hotel or vessel refuses to accommodate you; or
  • we or our suppliers (acting reasonably) exclude you from the trip and you are consequently prevented from commencing or continuing your trip, then:
  • if you have already commenced your trip, we will provide you with reasonable assistance to arrange alternative travel arrangements or to continue the trip. This will be at your cost.
  • if you have not commenced your trip then we regret we will not be in a position to provide such assistance.
We will not be liable to refund the cost of your trip (or any part of it) because we would have already paid (or committed to pay) suppliers and we would have already performed significant work preparing for the delivery of your trip and servicing your booking. We will not be responsible to you for any loss or expenses incurred in connection with your booking (for example, airfares and visa expenses) if you are prevented from commencing or continuing your trip in these circumstances.

Are amendments allowed on booked tour?
We do not encourage changes in the confirmed arrangements. But if you do need to make amendments in the arrangements already confirmed, we will do all possible to accommodate the changes, depending on the availability of various segments of the tour, for the new requirements. However, the changes will be subject to certain amendment / administration charges. Note: Cancellation, Changes or Refund regarding both international and domestic airline tickets is subject to respective airline policies. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, pandemic or other external events outside our reasonable control, your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.  See T&C’s for full details.

Is there an advance deposit required? How do we settle the balance payment?
Once you’ve selected your desired tour, all you need to do is forward a deposit of 20% per booking plus air and train tickets costs per person per trip to secure your place. You won’t need to pay your final balance until 60 days prior to your tour start date. If your booking is made within 60 days of the tour start date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking.  

Note: For any other questions, please contact us and we will answer your query.