Tourism 
Plan your trip
Plan your trip
Here is a list of paper guides which will help you prepare your trip :
The Rough Guide to South India ed.2005
South India Travel Guide - Lonely Planet ed.2007
The Rough Guide to South India Map [folded map] - 2005
South India, 3rd (Footprint - Travel Guides) – ed2008
India South - Nelles Map [folded map]
Few little things to know :
- Visa : A visa is needed to enter India, see our section on the subject
- Climate : The South Indian climate is hot and humid, cotton clothes are the most pleasant for this. A stole could be useful during the evenings (December – January)
- Clothing : In South India, women wear mostly Sarees, they are thus covered down to thier feet, so be respectful, shorts and tank tops etc, are not recommended for women.
- Shoes : We always remove our shoes when we enter temples and houses, so make sure you have shoes that are easy to put on and to take off.
- Monsoon : During the Monsoon (September- October- November ), waterproof shoes/boots, are essential.
- Begging : begging is common, everywhere. Don't encourage it! Many charity associations exist; (NGOs and other institutions who help people) it is better to go through them- they know what they are doing.
- Water : Tap water is not drinkable, always drink bottled water (or make sure you have water purification tablets). In general,waiters will open the bottles in front of you, make sure that the cap is fixed properly before opening (often unscrupulous vendors take used bottles, fill them with tapwater and resell them). In certain restaurants, people will serve you a glass of water, it is -a priori – filtered but if you are in doubt, better not to take risks, and choose bottled water.
- Habits and customs : In South India, people use the right hand to eat, touch money, etc. The left hand is reserved for impure things, people would find it offensive, if you don’t follow this custom.
- Mosquitos : Mosquitos are ever-present, especially during mornings and evenings, ensure you have sprays and creams. You can easily find what you need here, (probably less expensive than in Europe) creams, sprays, gadgets etc. A particular favourite is the “ electrocution racket “!- a genius invention.
It is interesting to know that mosquitos are attracted by dark colors (to go unnoticed ?), it would thus be better to wear light colours. - Money : the monetary unit of the country is the Indian Rupee- divided in 100 paises. For conversion, you can consult the website “Xe” which gives the conversion rate everyday and calculates the exchange rate between currencies.
- Credit Cards : Almost all credit cards are accepted here, you will easily find ATM machines.
- Tip : In hotels etc, it is common to give tips for services ( service in rooms, luggage carrying etc; normally 10 or 20 rupees. In restaurants, around 5 to 10 % of the bill. It is also common, after a tour, to give a tip to the guide and the car-driver, around 100 rupees for one day.
- Taxes : Some hotels include all taxes in the advertised rates and some don’t! So always check before booking as the taxes are quite high.
- Entry fees : museum access or touristic places will have two prices, one for Indian citizens and another one for foreigners, don't be surprised about the difference ( for example : in Gingee, 5rs for Indian citizens and 100 rs for foreigners.)
- Driving : If it is your first time in India, it is surprising to realise that very few people follow the rules and it is common to drive with one hand on the horn. At first, It is really disturbing, but most people, get used to it- like everything here.
- Phone and internet : In comparison to Western Countries, it is easy to get internet access here, and more and more restaurants offer wifi access ( connection is not as fast). Phoning by internet is thus the best and easy way to call abroad.
- Post : for sending postal cards or parcels, the Post Office is open during the week, note; parcels have to be covered with a piece of sewed tissue.
- Toilets : Generally, Indian people consider the use of toilet paper unhygienic and prefer washing instead. Those who cannot resign themselves to this should keep a paper roll with them (easy to find in shops around tourist areas)