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The best time to come to India is between October and March. During the winter months of December and January, the day temperatures anywhere in the plains of North India are around 18degreesC (64degreesF) and could go down to 4degreesC (39degreesF) at night. The summer months of May and June are hot, and the temperature can rise as high as 46degreesC (115degreesF). After the scorching heat, monsoons arrive towards the end of June and the rainy season stretches till late August.

What to wear

India does not have a fixed dress code. Local dresses such as salwar kameez with dupatta is a wonderfully relaxed and easy-to-wear dress for women. It would be sensible to wear comfortable clothes that do not attract unnecessary attention. A windcheater or a light jacket over a cardigan or a sweater should suffice in winter. Loose cotton clothes that are cool and protect the hands and legs from the heat and the dust are the best summer wear. It is advisable to wear a scarf or a hat to protect one's head from the blazing heat of an Indian summer.

Before coming to India

There are a few things you need to take care of, before travelling to India:

Visa

There are three kinds of visas for tourists.

1. The 15-day single/double-entry transit visa. This visa is valid for 30 days from the date of its issue.
2. The 3-month multiple-entry visa. This visa is valid for 90 days from the date of first entry into India, which must be within 30 days from the date of its issue.
3. The 6-month multiple-entry visa. This visa is valid for 180 days from the date of its issue, not from the date of entry into India.

Visa Extension

It is virtually impossible to get the 15-day or 3-month visa extended. Only the 6-month tourist visa can be extended. It can be quite a bother to extend it beyond a 15-day period. Avoid it unless there is an emergency.

A 15-day extension on the 6-month visa is issued by the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office (FRRO) at any of the four metros: Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai and Chennai. The FRRO office is open on weekdays, 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm. A 15-day extension is given only if confirmed air tickets are not available. No fee is charged.

• New Delhi: FRRO,
Hans Bhawan, I Floor, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Ph: 3319781.
• Calcutta: FRRO,
237, AJC Bose Road, Ph: 2473300
• Chennai: FRRO,
Shastri Bhawan, Haddows Road, Nungambakkam, Ph: 8275424.
• Mumbai: FRRO,
Dr D.N.Road (near Police Commissioner's office), Ph: 2620446.

Travel Insurance

Take a travel insurance policy, covering theft and loss, before coming to India. Also buy a medical insurance. There are several kinds of insurance policies. Make the right choice after consulting a reliable travel agent in your country.

Driving Licence

A valid International Driving Licence (IDL) is necessary if you wish to drive a car or a motorcycle in India and it is advisable to get one before coming. If you do not have an IDL and still wish to drive in India, you can get a Temporary Driving Licence, provided you are carrying a valid driving licence of your country. You may still be required to take a test to check your knowledge of road signs.

Tax Clearance Certificate

If you stay in India for more than 120 days (4 months) from the date of issue of visa, regardless of your date of entry into India, you would be required to furnish a tax clearance certificate to leave the country. This is to prove that you did not earn money while in India and that your trip was financed with the money brought in. If you are planning to stay in India for more than four months, be careful with your documents relating to travel.

If you are not an Indian passport holder and you are planning to stay in India for more than four months, apply for the certificate at the Income Tax Department, Central Revenue Building (ITO), Vikas Marg, New Delhi (Ph: 3316161, 3317828).

Foreign Travel Tax

A person will have to pay Rs 500 at the airport as Foreign Travel Tax when leaving the country. For travel to Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, the Maldives and Afghanistan, the tax is Rs 150.

Customs

There are two channels for customs clearance at International terminals in Indian airports: Green channel and Red channel.

Green Channel: This is for unhindered exit from the airport. You can walk through the Green Channel if you are not carrying goods which attract customs duty.

Red Channel: For those who have anything to declare, including money worth more than US$2,500.

International Travel Bureau

It is on the first floor of New Delhi railway station, and is open from Monday through Saturday, 7.30 a.m to 5 pm. Tickets here are issued only to foreign nationals and non-resident Indians against payment in US dollars.

Such tickets get a priority on reservation under the Foreign Tourist Quota and are exempted from reservation fees.

Indrail Passes for travel in India by train can be booked in India or abroad. The fare has to be paid in foreign currency. The passes are valid for 7 to 90 days.

If you are looking for a telephone number in any city, there is a directory listing on the web that will be of great help.