Mahindra Homestays » Travel Advice

India Winter Sun Destinations

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:00:40 +0000

Being a tropical country spread over a large area, India has the advantage of diverse weather conditions and it is always a good season to travel somewhere in India.

For many European and North American travellers looking to escape the often cold winter back home, the sandy coastal stretches of Southern India beckon. While Northern India shivers through the months of December and January, the southern states offer pleasant weather to bask in; the sun is at its brightest and perfect for those who like a good dose of it.

Here are some great places to head for some guaranteed sunshine this winter:

Goa
The smallest state of India needs little introduction to travellers. More than 80 kms of coast to boast about, this is India’s premier destination to catch some sun. The destination well equipped to warmly receive incoming travellers so there are plenty of places to stay and eat. During the winter months from October to March, the beaches are dotted with sunning travellers under bright umbrellas. Goa destination guide.

Varkala
An unexpected destination amidst the more traditional ones that Kerala has to offer, Varkala lies close to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). The sandy white beach below a large drop from a high cliff, makes for a dramatic setting. Becoming increasingly popular with travellers over the last few years combine your dosage of sun with some fresh juices from the shacks on the cliff. A fantastic beach destination that can easily be combined with a few days in the iconic Keralan backwaters. Kerala destination guide.

Pondicherry
This French colony of Tamil Nadu is a quaint little town with cobble stone streets and convenient proximity to the sea. While you can hop on a bicycle and explore the town on a sunny day, it is also a perfect getaway with quiet isolated sandy stretches of beach for sunbathing. Pondicherry is a much loved destination among the travellers who venture here to discover its idyllic colonial houses and aesthetically beautiful restaurants as well. Tamil Nadu destination guide.

Rajasthan
While the nights might be cold, the warm sun during the day offers perfect temperatures for exploring the many historical sights or glittering palaces of India’s desert state Rajasthan. Old havelis and well manicured gardens are great to sprawl in and catch up on a good book while planning an action packed itinerary with plenty of history and shopping to take in. Don’t miss the awe inspiring sights of Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur and Jodhpur. Rajasthan destination guide.

Most Iconic Indian Experiences

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:00:48 +0000

India offers a plethora of experiences for millions of tourists every year, enthralling visitors with it’s diverse sights, colourful culture and rich heritage. From backpacking thrills to complete indulgence in luxury, India has multiple experiences to offer.

Here are the top 10 most iconic Indian experiences; make sure you include at least a few in your next trip!

1. Camel Safaris of Rajasthan

The vast stretches of sand is intriguing and yet magnificent. A host of camel safaris are organised for visitors. Jaisalmer specifically is great for this royal experience. End it in a camp with some local food and the traditional cultural performances like Kalbeliya dance.

2. Serene Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala is a one of a kind experience with its placid backwaters dotted with neat house boats. Palm lined waters and lush villages on the fringes make an excellent view while you relax and soak in the verdant surroundings on your personal well equipped boat.

3. New experiences in Old Delhi

The old Delhi locality of Chandi Chowk has quite an impression on visitors. Either way, this part of the city leaves an indelible impact on people. Red Fort watches this bustling area with a regal poise from a distance, while establishments like the Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara and the Jain Bird hospital find themselves in the thick of action. Visit here for the street food (paranthas and kachoris), getting lost in narrow old lanes, old architectures and the buzz of wedding trousseau shops.

4. Sunny Beaches of Goa

High on the international travel map, the bohemian sunny destination of Goa is best known for its more than 80 kms stretch of beaches, great sea food, water sports, Portuguese architecture and a lovely slow paced life – perfect for a holiday.

5. Taj by the Full Moon

The Taj Mahal, amongst the Seven Wonders of the World, is one of the most visited sites in India. However, make your visit even more memorable by planning to visit this on a full moon night. The view is enthralling on a full moon night, making the white marble structure truly magnificent.

6. Train Rides of India

Though intimidating for many, travelling the Indian railways is a must have experiences in India. Choose amongst the many routes, of which, the coastal ones are great. They give a snapshot of the countryside along with the vast stretch of water. The toy train experience of the Nilgiris or Darjeeling is also one of its kinds. Travelling tea and snack vendors and the camaraderie between travellers is heart warming.

7. Lower Himalayan Sojourns

India’s pride, the might Himalayas, may be inaccessible, but the lower regions provide magnificent vistas. Oak, fern and Deodar lined mountains are bets experienced on foot. Head to Himachal Pradesh or Uttaranchal for some of the best treks in the world. Plan ahead to choose from a series of easy, medium or advanced trails.

8. Royal Rajasthan

Feel like royalty in the historic state of Rajasthan. With a variety of traditional havelis to stay in, you can also see the glorious forts and palaces of the state. Textiles, silver, leather and architecture are the key highlights of the region.

9. Textiles Trails

Amongst other shopping musts, the textiles of India are in copious amounts. Every region has specialities weaving, structure, colour and treatment. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and even the north eastern states are great choices to pick textiles from. It is better to make an in-depth travel trail into the weaving villages to understand this.

10. Trailing the Elusive Bengal Tiger

India boasts of a rich bio-diversity and a number of national parks. The Bengal tiger is on the list for many wildlife enthusiasts. Choose from a number of National parks for your wildlife fix- Bandipur, Tadoba, Corbett, Pench and Bandhavgarh are few important ones.

Homestays offer a great opportunity for guests to experience true Indian hospitality. Hosts can help you plan your itinerary, arrange local sightseeing trips and will ensure your trip is a comfortable one. Not to mention the fantastic Indian cuisine served!

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.

Goa in the monsoon

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 02:15:54 +0000

Sun, surf, sand, fish, feni, fun; that’s the essence of Goa, India’s beach paradise, in a nutshell. And Goa lives up to the image very well indeed. When we think of Goa, stretches of powdery sands, swishing palms, sunbathing holidaymakers, endless rows of beach shacks, adventurous divers and parasailing enthusiasts are only a few of the ‘typical’ picture that comes to mind.

Not many of us think rainclouds on the horizon at the mention of Goa. Or lush green paddy fields for that matter. Rainwashed cobbled streets, shining church spires, gushing rivers and streams, thundering waterfalls… but that’s what Goa is all about when the sun bows out to the monsoon clouds every year. From late June to early September, Goa transforms into a sensuous seductress as opposed to the cheery, bright, bubbly beach damsel she is.

If you love going off the beaten track, get to Goa while it still rains and come back with an experience that only a few can claim to have had. Here are our favourite ways to experience Goa in the monsoon.

Trek to Dudhsagar Falls
Milky Way on Earth; that’s how most locals like to describe the Dudhsagar, on Goa’s border with Karnataka. And the trek to the Falls, with its thundering cascades, involves climbing boulders, crossing bridges and tunnels, and of course getting soaked to the skin.

Beaches of South Goa
Far from the “hippie haven” image of beaches across North Goa, the South is quieter, peaceful and more scenic. While you should avoid swimming in the sea during monsoon, you can always walk from one beach to the other, making a detour into the villages for a glimpse of the emerald green fields surrounded by rivulets, tiled-roof houses, chapels and crumbling Portuguese mansions. The landscape is truly beautiful and may bring out the artist in you, pack a canvas, easel and colours if you are so inclined or get snapping on your camera.

Explore Museums
This is something you may not even dream of when the sun is up and about. However, going indoors is a good idea when the rain is lashing the beaches. For such a small state, Goa has an impressive collection of museums. Goa Chitra Museum is widely praised for its impressive chronicle of architectural and cultural artefacts. The Pilar Museum has an excellent stamp and coin collection as well as a stunning stained glass window created by Angelo da Fonseca. Don’t miss the ship-shaped Houses of Goa Museum.

Go Birding
An early morning trip to a birding spot will be rewarded with an amazing variety of feathered beauties. Start at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on the island of Chorao. Standing at the watchtower, you can spot Brahminy kites, egrets, kingfishers and several types of waders. The Carambolim Lake is another good birding spot.

Spice It Up
Nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, pepper, cloves, chilli, cinnamon; if you are thinking we are about to tell you a recipe, you’re wrong. This is a sampling of the spices grown in Goa and a plantation tour is what you need to see it for yourself. Most of the plantations are concentrated in Ponda, and if you are staying in a homestay the owner will help you book a tour. The gurgling of rain-fed streams, birdsong, the fragrance of spices wafting in the air and the soothing shades of green make this tour truly worthwhile.

Image credits to Ramesh Lyanswamy who shared them under the Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source.

Why you should visit Kerala in monsoon season

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 23:20:42 +0000

There is never a disappointing season in Kerala. While some months are more popular than others with visitors there is plenty to see and do throughout the year.

While visitors used to avoid the monsoons of the state, more and more people are discovering that it is a viable season to travel in and are rewarded with lush greenery, waterfalls at their best, local events and festivals and reduced prices.

Here are a few great opportunities that Kerala in monsoon season offers to travellers:

Onam
August marks the time of the year when Kerala is in the midst of festival frenzy. Onam, the most important festival of the state is celebrated in the end of the month. The streets are a hive of activity and colour with celebrations. Markets are abuzz with the annual rush of buying new clothes while houses are cleaned out and decorated for the auspicious occasion.

This is a great time to understand the culture and social fabric of the state. The date for Onam celebrations in 2012 is 29th August. Photographers in particular will find plenty to point their lens at during the vibrant and enthusiastic celebrations!

Snake Boat Race
The second most important festival of the season is the Nehru Snake Boat Race. This is held on the second Saturday of every August and is the most eminent battle on the Punnamada Lake in Alleppey.

About 110 oarsmen take to battle it out for the most prestigious sports trophy in the state. Teams for villages vie for the trophy amidst stands of cheering crowds. This is another great photo opportunity for visitors.

Watching the rain
By the time monsoon is midway through its annual tirade, the state transforms into a large lush copse. The greens emerge even more beautiful on the banks of the backwaters and the higher regions of tea and coffee estates. Protected from the elements from your canopy covered boat drift along the backwaters without the high season traffic jams and see the jungle come alive around you.

This is a great time to relax in homestays based in coffee or tea estates. While Wayanad makes for a great monsoon getaway with it’s vibrant greens and thundering waterfalls, tea is abundant in Munnar. Watch the rains descend while you sip a warm beverage from the confines of your balcony.

Ayurvedic Treatments
During the off-peak season elaborate Ayurvedic treatments can be booked with great discounts. If you planning on taking an extensive stay over treatments or courses, this is the best time. The cooler weather aids in the opening of skin pores which will give you further benefits from your treatments.

Many thanks to the photographers who share their images under the Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source.

How to apply for an Indian tourist Visa

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 23:07:35 +0000

While planning the trip to one of the most exotic countries in the world is exciting, the visa application and process can leave some visitors confused. Here is a quick guide for UK travellers to get their visa to India.

1. Time
Allow plenty of time to obtain your visa and don’t pay for any hotel bookings or book flights before getting the visa in hand. While for the majority of travellers there is no problem in obtaining your visa there can be delays which may cause you to alter your dates or complications with your application.

Normal processing times for straightforward applications are a minimum of 2 – 3 working days if you are making your application in person. Postal applications take a minimum of 10 working days, plus transit time so make sure you allow 14 working days. You won’t have your passport during this time.

2. The Application
Indian High Commission uses VF Services to process all Indian visa applications. The offices are located in Edinburgh, Birmingham and London or you can use the online service which is more convenient. You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months left for expiry and at least two pages free.

There are numerous guides on their website to help you select the most appropriate visa and to guide you through the application process.

3. Visa Period
Tourist visas may be valid for 6 months to 1 year with single or multiple entries. Irrespective of the duration of the visa, on each visit the maximum duration of stay in India is limited to 6 months.

It is important to note that the visa is effectively valid from the date of issue, so don’t apply too early and risk the visa running out during your stay.

4. Visa Cost
The cost of the Indian visa is £30 for 6 months and £50 for 12 months. However these rates may vary and additional Consular charges may apply. Please check the latest rates before applying.

5. Receiving the Visa
The visa can be received by post if you send the filled application form, to the supplied address along with fees, supporting documents, photos and your passport. Your visa will be laminated into your passport.

6. Common issues
It is very important that your photos meet with the specified guidelines. In particular, photos must be 50mm x 50mm. This is not the normal size you get from passport photo booths (which is 45mm x 35mm) and is one of the most common reasons for delays. Read the full guidelines. There are vending machines available at the visa application centres (£4 for two photos) or you can get the photos taken at home, cropped and printed to size as along as they follow the guidelines.

7. One your have your visa
Once you have received the visa you are ready to get onto the next steps of booking your stay and flights, getting immunization shots and travel insurance. Once the entire checklist is complete, you are ready to take your trip!

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Volunteering in India

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 01:35:18 +0000

A great way to know a destination and to give something back to the local community is to contribute a bit of your time. Volunteering tourism becoming increasingly popular in India. While this is a satisfying opportunity, it also gives you access to the real problems or needs of a place. By the end of it, volunteers have developed some resilient relationships and a genuine love for the place.

Here are some volunteering opportunities to consider:

Farms
This is the most popular travel specific volunteering programme in India. Many organic farms do not mind the extra hands to take on daily activities while the guests understand how an Indian farm runs. Sustainable agriculture is high on the list to explore in the country. It provides a vast opportunity to dive into field work to learn or contribute to the programme. Join in to learn about pulses, cereals, vegetables and bio-dynamic practices like working with compost.

WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) has been steadily gaining popularity in India and offers opportunities on tea plantations, coffee estates, and within other agricultural communities.

If you are after something short term many plantation homestays can arrange for you to spend a day on the plantation assisting the workers and learning about the crops and processes undertaken.

Village Schools
Small village schools are scattered all over the Indian countryside but often suffer from lack of resources – teachers and books. This is the easiest way to contribute your time by spending a few weeks creating a study model for the children and helping locals in relating it to the kids.

Eco Habitat (Coorg) can facilitate a programme with a local tribal school near the Dubare elephant camp. You can get in touch with Som, the owner, who is a passionate Coorgi and often takes guests for a quick trip. You can also donate books and stationary for these children.

Kolkata Sanved
This Calcutta based organisation works with dance to rehabilitate victims of violence and trafficking. They also work with mental health patients, people suffering from AIDS and children on the railway platform. If you have interest in the arts, you can get in touch with the organisation. They have also expanded this intervention work in other parts of the country. Kolkata Sanved uses dance movement as an alternate mode of therapy and rehabilitation and have a number of ways volunteers can help, from donating to to much needed items from educational material to instrumental CDs.

Animal Volunteering
There are a few opportunities in this sector. Short term volunteering can be taken up in Jaipur. A village near the capital, Amber, allows you to tend to the animals before they start their arduous work of climbing the Fort multiple times, plying people in a grand manner. You can understand more about the animals and their working life after spending some time volunteering here.

Volunteering With India (India) and i to i Volunteering (UK) both have details on this programme with a minimum time of two weeks.

Health
This is another popular sector to consider for your volunteering break. Many organisations do not insist on medical background, just passion to help out. These can be planned around village hospitals or community health centres. The work can involve you in anything from documentation to counselling.

For those with some medical experience or hoping to study in a medical profession GAP Medics (UK and USA) can help place you with a hospital work experience place in India.

Whatever volunteer opportunity you opt for, the experience is sure to be a rewarding one and much appreciated by the local communities who benefit from your time.

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Travel in India during monsoon season: tips and advice

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:00:12 +0000

Tropical countries often have very mixed seasonal weather conditions and there could be no better example of this than India. Although you can find destinations to travel through the year, the generalisation of weather for the entire country sees most visitors planning trips from October to March. The summers are too hot and the winters too cold in the plains! The same goes for the monsoons of the country. The heavens come pouring down between the months of June to September in most parts of the country, with a greater intensity in the western coastal regions. Even though this puts off a lot of travellers, there are many destinations which are still worth travelling to off season.

Here are some great monsoon spots, tips on travelling and what you should expect.

Some great Monsoon Destinations of India
Ironically the west coast of the country is most dreaded and admired at this time of the year. Our two picks are favourite amongst those who love to watch the lush green surroundings wash into an even brighter green – namely, Goa and Wayanad.

Goa, the a popular choice for winter sunbathers or party goers takes on a whole new personality in the months of June through August. Goa metamorphoses into a verdant destination. Explore the wildlife, local treks and the waterfalls during this season. It won’t rain constantly and a stroll along a solitary wild beach with crashing waves is a totally different Goa experience to the sun and sand of the high season.

Wayanad is situated on the Northern tip of Kerala and transforms into an even greener and flourishing destination. The forest cover looks richer and thriving and waterfalls are at their thundering best. A great destination to get back to nature and catch up on many good books with a locally brewed coffee.

What to Pack
Travelling during the rains can be tricky and add to your weight. Here are some musts for your packing list:

A wind block jacket which also keeps water away. Saving yourself waist upwards is extremely important.
A heavy duty big black umbrella commonly used and available is a good addition.
Light weight pants which dry fast.
For your feet, try flip flops or crocs which will dry your feet easily.
There is little chance of remaining dry. This also means that you need to keep clean. Carry enough supply of disinfectant scrubs and adhesive bandages.
If it’s not too much, a hair dryer will be apt. It will help you dry up soon and also help you to dry clothes in case of emergency.
An Aqua Pack for cameras will help you shoot sufficiently in the showers as well.

Don’t be Alarmed, Be Prepared
Very often, travellers feel overwhelmed with the predicament of heavy rains and travel. Rains can be unpredictable in most places. A smattering of light rain might see you venture out unprepared but may not last long, so always carry your monsoon gear.

In bigger cities, drainage has been a problem, so you may find a lot of flooding in the streets, Mumbai is especially infamous for this. This also means that traffic comes to a standstill. If you need to catch a plane, bus or a plane, leave much ahead of time than planned.

However, the monsoon season can be a fantastic time to travel and enjoy the colours of India with off-season discounts and fewer tourists at popular attractions.

Travel tips: Hiring a car with driver in India

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:00:04 +0000

Exploring a 3 million km network of roads might sound quite inviting, but in India it comes with a caution. Being able to absorb a destination in your own time and space, rather than being reliant on a waiting cab or public transportation schedules is definitely appealing and in many countries, it is easy to get off the plane and hire a self driven car almost immediately. However the roads and driving practices in India are not for the faint hearted and coping with the traffic and being able to proficiently veer away from stray cows, dogs and manoeuvre past pot-holes might be quite challenging for many. This is why for most visitors the option of hiring a car complete with a driver is the most appealing and convenient option for your travel plans.

Companies for Hiring Self Driven or Chauffeur Driven Vehicles:
Hiring a cab can be quite budget dependant on your travel plans. The difference between public transportation and hired cars is considerable; hence people prefer to use the former. If you still want to explore the roads by driving yourself, here is a list of companies that maybe useful:

1. Auto Riders – This Company gives you the option of self driven or hire cars, for long durations. The services are present in top cities of India. The choice of cars is also wide, so you can opt for something appropriate for the group size.
2. Eco Rent A Car – Another company which has a wider base of cities, offers self driven and hired cars across Tier 1 and 2 cities. The company has a fleet of over 550 cars and is accredited by the ministry of tourism. Long duration hiring options are also present.
3. Avis – Avis is one of the most popular choices of car hiring in India. A professional set up with a wide variety of cars, the company caters to pan Asia region and not only India. You can also book ahead with them before arrival in India.

Most often it is just as economical to hire cars with a driver than drive yourself as the rates are not too different. You also have the advantage that a local may know the ways and can take directions in the local language. Usual rates for AC and Non AC cars differ only by Rs 2 per km. Standard day cabs charge on basis of 8 hrs/ 80 kms or 4 hrs/ 40 kms. Small hatch backs are around Rs 7 – 9/- per km while sedans can be anywhere from Rs 9- 20/- per km. Make sure you fix a price before hand. For overnight stay in a place, the driver is given a fixed sum for stay and food.

Ask at your accommodation for a recommendation of a local driver. Homestay hosts will be happy to arrange a driver for the day for you, and will help you plan your excursion.

Tips on Driving in India:
While it is not recommended, here are some tips if you do decide to drive yourself.

1. Roads – Even there is a colossal road network in India only 60% of it is said to be paved. That too, most often, is not in the best of conditions. While highway roads are well paved, the local roads in town are dotted with pot-holes. Poor infrastructure and negligence is often the cause of accidents in India.
2. Multiple Drivers – It’s almost imperative to have multiple drivers on the Indian roads, so that you can share the wheel. Driving in new cities or countries can be unnerving and overwhelming and thus more exhausting.
3. License & Other Documents – Check if your license is valid internationally before arriving in India. India needs an IDL or an international driving license for you to be on the roads. You also may have to show the car registration papers if asked.
4. Local Rules & Regulations – There are number of one ways and city specific rules other than the right hand drive in India. Get a bearing of the place with a friend or a hired car before venturing to drive on your own. People often jump red lights so be on your guard. Hazards are caused by slower vehicles and cyclists, so cautious and aware of what is around you.
5. Maps – While GPS and Google Maps are reliable, smaller ways and the narrow networks of roads may not be identified quite easily. This is where a friendly chat for directions from locals might be of great use.
6. Road Sense – You will need to get used to the lack of traffic control in some cities. Unpredictability of drivers in India is an infamous yet real hazard that to face.
7. Directions by Public Services – Even though the highways are well signposted with boards and directions, but smaller routes may be difficult to explore.

Planning a trip to India? Check out our selection of homestays for an authentic, great value Indian experience. Our reservations team can assist with arranging car hire with a driver between homestays. Get in touch or leave a comment for help planning your trip.

India Travel Tips: Managing your money in India

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:21:39 +0000

Many visitors to India have questions about how to best manage their money. Our India money guide for travellers looks at the best ways to access your funds, and rough price guides to help you budget.

Foreign visitors on arrival
When visiting India from overseas it is not possible to pre-order Rupees, the Indian currency as they are not available outside the country. You will find ATMs at all international airports as well as exchange and bank counters. You will normally get the best rates by using your bank card at ATMs, but be wary of withdrawal fees charged by the card provider.

ATM availability
ATMs are available in most large towns and cities. Commonly accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Plus. Several banks in India reliably accept foreign cards at their ATMs including Citibank, HSBC and the State Bank of India. Make sure you take your money quickly, some machines will take it back if it is not removed promptly.

If you will be going to a remote area it is wise to draw out enough cash to cover the period you are staying in case there is no ATM available nearby.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted at an increasing number of upmarket shops and restaurants and they can also be used for purchasing rail tickets. Foreign visitors should let their card provider know before travelling that you will potentially be using the card in India to avoid any security issues.

Cash
Try to maintain a stock of smaller currency such as Rs 10, 20 and 50 notes as for small purchases people may not have change for the larger notes, or you may need small bills for things such as road tolls.

India Price Guide

As is the case with most countries of India’s size, prices for food, accommodation and transport varies significantly. However, generally India is a very affordable country to travel around with good value transport and food.

FOOD: All major fast food chains are represented in India. From McDonald’s to Domino’s there are many inexpensive options for getting a quick bite to eat. Dhabas are the shacks found lining highways, which sell very cheap food but the standards of hygiene can be poor.

Homestays can provide meals for guests, the price will vary depending on whether you want vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes but prices start from Rs 150 per person (pictured above, dinner at Eden Garden in Cochin, Rs 200 per person including bottled water and dishes not pictured).

A rough guide for prices you might expect to pay follows:

At a reasonable upmarket restaurant expect the bill to be at least INR 600 per person.
Coffee at a chain like Cafe Coffee Day or Barista is priced around INR 55, while a cup from Nescafe machine can be as little as INR 12.
A take away bottle of a soft drink like Coke, Pepsi, Mirinda, Sprite etc costs INR 25.
Packaged juices (1 ltr) start at INR 70.
Chips like a regular bag of Lay’s, Hippo, Bingo costs Rs 10 and large bag costs up to Rs 25.
Street food rarely costs beyond INR 30, unless you go to a famous chain but even there a plate of chaat, momos etc won’t exceed INR 100.
Beer prices start range from Tuborg – INR 40, King Fisher – INR 42, Carlsberg – INR 45 and so on. The same bottles in a nightclub may cost well over INR 400.
A bottle of vodka (Smirnoff 750ml) costs roughly INR 500.

Please note that this is a rough guide only and prices vary regionally, increasing in tourist centres.

TRANSPORT: There are many modes of travelling within India. Auto-rickshaws are the most common across India, and often the cheapest but have a reputation for dubious pricing. Fix prices before you get in and get an idea from a local as to what your journey should cost. Radio Cabs are the best way of travelling in many big cities. They are safe, clean and have standard prices of INR 15 per km. The metro in Delhi is a cost effective and great way to travel if you avoid the rush hours.

STAY: Expect to spend anything from INR 1500 for a luxury hostel room to anything imaginable on a resort. On an average for INR 3,000 – 3,500 you can get a really good room in India. In smaller cities they’re much cheaper and in metros or popular tourist areas expect to pay a little more.

Planning a trip to India? Check out our selection of homestays for an authentic, great value Indian experience.

India Travel Tips: India Railways Guide

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:23:16 +0000

The Indian Rail Network is one of the most complex, yet successful transport systems in the world which caters to a huge population of over a billion residents, as well as the countries many visitors.

Indian Railways has certainly proved its mettle, having successfully stretched across the nation and provided access to some of the most remote places in India. Apart from the connectivity, Indian Railways embodies the diversity, which India so vividly stands for. For anyone travelling to India, a train ride is a must! Sharing food & gossip with co-travellers, tasting the local gastronomic delights on passing stations and being rocked to sleep by the constant rhythmic motion of the train are all Indian experiences you won’t forget!

Our guide to India railways will help you plan your journey and understand what to expect.

Booking
The Indian railways online booking portal www.irctc.co.in is open from 8.00 a.m to 11.00 p.m through the week. Another useful site for international visitors is www.cleartrip.com which allows bookings with an international credit card. Tickets booked online must supported with a physical print out to be presented at the time of journey. You can book on stations as well as use agents across the cities. Booking opens only 2 months prior to date of travel and it is advisable to make a booking as soon as you know your planned dates of travel as trains get very busy.

What Type of Seats to Choose
Different classes based on the number of tiers and air conditioning, decide the experience of your journey. The most basic class has people clamouring for space in every corner. One can bid adieu to any comfort or social ethics here as these are mostly used by the masses, more for the sake of economy rather than comfort. The 2nd and 3rd Tier AC trains are extremely economical and comfortable with enough space to share a conversation and a joke with a co-traveller rather than mind your toes getting squashed. First class is most comfortable but also isolated from all the fun. Below is a run down of classes courtesy of Wikipedia.

1A / First class AC: This is the most expensive class, where the fares are on par with airlines. Bedding is included with the fare in IR. This air conditioned coach is present only on popular routes between metropolitan cities and can carry 18 passengers. The coaches are carpeted, have sleeping accommodation and have privacy features.
2A /AC-Two tier: Air conditioned coaches with sleeping berths, ample leg room, curtains and individual reading lamps. Berths are usually arranged in two tiers in bays of six, four across the width of the coach then the gangway then two berths longways, with curtains provided to give some privacy from those walking up and down.
FC / First class: Same as 1AC, without the air conditioning. This class is not very common.
3A / AC three tier: Air conditioned coaches with sleeping berths. Berths are usually arranged as in 2AC but with three tiers across the width and two longways as before giving eight bays of eight. They are slightly less well-appointed, usually no reading lights or curtained off gangways.
3E / AC three tier (Economy): Air conditioned coaches with sleeping berths, present in Garib Rath Trains. Berths are usually arranged as in 3AC but with three tiers across the width and three longways. They are slightly less well-appointed, usually no reading lights or curtained off gangways.
CC / AC chair car: An air-conditioned seater coach with a total of five seats in a row used for day travel between cities.
EC /Executive class chair car: An air-conditioned seater coach with a total of four seats in a row used for day travel between cities.
SL / Sleeper class: The sleeper class is the most common coach, and usually ten or more coaches could be attached. These are regular sleeping coaches with three berths vertically stacked. In broad gauge, it carries 72 passengers per coach.
2S / Seater class: same as AC Chair car, but with bench style seats and without the air-conditioning.
UR / Unreserved: The cheapest accommodation, the seats usually made up of pressed wood, but the cushioned seats have been rapidly replaced. Although entry into the compartment is guaranteed, a sitting seat is not guaranteed. These coaches are usually very crowded.

Seat61 has a good illustrated guide of the different train classes.

Finding your seat
Trains in India are very long so make sure you are standing in the right part of the platform for where you expect to find your carriage. Some stations have an electronic board with helpful information so you can find out your car number, platform and engine number (and where to stand on the platform). If in doubt ask somebody and you are sure to be pointed in the right direction.

Toilets
This is one of the most important parts of a train journey. Most trains are not well equipped, so carry your own tissue paper and sanitizer. Prepping up your sensory organs is also a good idea, so you don’t see or smell much! With that word of advice, remember the number of co-passengers is almost 35 for one loo, so don’t complain too much.

Vendors
Food makes an important part of the journey and scepticism kept aside, be ready to share and dig into others’ food if you strike a good rapport. Taste local delights from people’s kitchens and make some friends for life. Be cautious though, as they have been stray incidents of people being poisoned and robbed. Use your instincts as in any other situation.

Vendors make their way up and down the train at all hours and there is always a Chai seller ready to pour you a steaming hot drink.

Useful Terminology
Apart from a speedy lesson in getting acquainted to India, the railway network is a great way to carry a lot of luggage to avoid excess baggage costs on flights. Get familiar with some terminology to book and travel on the Indian railways.

Tatkal – A certain amount of seats open up only 2 days before date of travel if you have missed booking earlier, try this. Though, seats run out really fast at this stage, it’s worth a try.
RAC – Reserved Against Cancellation. This means that one can get on the train without a confirmed seat but will be given a seat only if someone cancels.
WL – Wait Listed – One cannot get on the train as this status amounts to not being booked as compared to RAC

Planning a trip to India? Check out our selection of homestays for an authentic Indian experience.