India Campervan Hire

Since the first civilisations rose on the banks of the Indus River almost 5,000 years ago, India has given birth to Buddhism and Hinduism, been touched by the Empire of Alexander the Great, seen the ancient empires of the Mauryas and Guptas rise and fall, and has traded with Pharaohs and Caesars.

An invasion by the white Huns scattered its people until the sweeping hand of Islam saw new kingdoms rise, heralding the era of the Sultans. Defeat came again as the Mogul Emperors marched over the mountains and into the Punjab. The decline of the Mogul Empire gave way to the Marathas, who consolidated control of India just in time for the arrival of the British. The sun finally set on the British Empire as India reclaimed independence in 1947, heralding a new age of democracy.

India is a feast for the senses; where the air is heavy with the scent of jasmine and dancers trail frenetic melodies in colourful silk saris. Its cooks compose dishes from a palette of exotic spices that may leave a lingering taste of saffron or aniseed. In India's cities, the stench of slum living competes with the cacophony of seemingly endless traffic and a myriad of other textures, colours and movements all jostling for your attention.

Time: GMT +5.5.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two or three round pins.

Language: Although English is generally used for official and business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by about 30 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim population. There are 16 other languages also spoken.

Health: There are a number of health risks associated with travel to India, including malaria and dengue fever, and travellers should take medical advice on vaccinations at least three weeks before departure. Outbreaks of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus occur, both transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria outbreaks are especially common in Assam state in north east India, which are responsible for hundreds of deaths. Those travelling from an infected area should hold a yellow fever certificate. Food poisoning is a major risk in India; all water and ice should be regarded as contaminated and visitors should drink only bottled water and ensure that the seal on the bottle is intact. Meat and fish should be regarded as suspect in all but the best restaurants and should always be well cooked and served hot. Salads and unpeeled fruit should be avoided. Health facilities are adequate in the larger cities but limited in rural areas. Travellers are advised to take out medical insurance. Bird flu was first discovered in domestic poultry in February 2006, but no human infections have been reported. The risk for travellers is low, but as a precaution close contact with wild, domestic and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked.

Customs: India is generally a fairly tolerant society however visitors should be aware of religious and social customs. When visiting temples visitors will be required to remove their footwear and cover their heads. In general women should dress conservatively both to respect local sensibilities and to avoid unwanted attention. Topless bathing is illegal. Indians do not like to disappoint and instead of saying 'no' will come up with something positive, even if incorrect. Social order and status are very important in Indian culture. Avoid using the left hand, particularly when eating.

Communications: The international access code for India is +91. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Delhi. International calls can be quite expensive and there are often high surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is cheaper to use a calling card. Alternatively, there are telephone agencies in most towns which are identifiable by the letters STD for long distance internal calls and ISD for the international service. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main cities and resorts.

Climate:
It is hard to generalise in a country that runs from the Himalayas to the beaches of the Indian Ocean but broadly speaking October to March tend to be the most pleasant months in India, when it relatively dry and cool. In the far south the best months to visit are between January and September, while north-eastern areas of India tend to be more comfortable between March and August. The deserts of Rajasthan (west of Jodhpur) and the north-western Indian Himalayan region are at their best during the monsoon (July to September). The mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir should be visited over the summer months (May to September).

DELHI

Through a sweltering bazaar with each vendor crying out louder than the next, clamouring through a sweaty crowd, a beggar tugs at your shirt as the sticky stench of the city pierces your nostrils. Navigate your way across the road through a perennial traffic jam of blasting horns and angry shouts, and suddenly you'll find yourself stepping through the trees into a deserted courtyard, flanked by gurgling ponds below the huge glittering dome of an ornately patterned mosque.

This is Delhi, city of contrasts, where an elephant can overtake an overheated Italian sports car on the streets, where colonial mansion stands next to squatter slum, and where cows are revered, but musicians are labelled 'untouchable'. The city's pace is chaotic, yet fairly relaxed, and makes it ideal for exploring. You're certain to be confronted with some strange and exotic sights.

With a long and troubled history, Delhi is full of fascinating temples, museums, mosques and forts, each with a distinct architectural style. In Old Delhi, visitors will find a charming selection of colourful bazaars and narrow winding alleys. In comparison, New Delhi - the city created to reflect the might of the British Empire - consists of tree-lined avenues, spacious parks and sombre-looking government buildings.

While Delhi itself could take a lifetime to explore, it's also ideal as a base for visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, and it provides the best links for travelling to the hill stations of the North.

DELHI ATTRACTIONS

Red Fort
The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Quila, is Delhi's signature attraction, rising high above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the wealth and power of the Mogul empire. The massive sandstone walls were built in the 17th century to keep out marauding invaders and still dominate the skyline today. Inside are an array of exquisite buildings, which once provided the living quarters for Shah Jehan, his courtiers, family and staff of three thousand. Visitors can marvel at the intricate decoration and only imagine the scenes here at the empire's height when the walls were studded with precious stones and a 'stream of paradise' drove an ingenious air conditioning system. The fort was the scene of the Indian uprising of 1857 and the mighty Lahore Gate, on the west side of the fort, remains a potent symbol in the fight for Independence.

Address: Entrance from Lahore Gate or Chatta Chowk; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday, dawn to dusk; Admission: Rs. 100

Jama Masjid
Shah Jehan, the architect of the Red Fort and much of Old Delhi, built Jama Masjid between 1644 and 1656. This grand structure is situated on a hill a few hundred yards west of the Red Fort and towers over the mayhem of Old Delhi's sprawling streets. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque and can hold 25,000 worshipers at one time. Wide red sandstone steps lead to entrances on the North, South and East sides of the mosque. Inside is the massive courtyard dominated by two red and white striped sandstone minarets that cap the main prayer hall on the west side (facing Mecca). There are smaller towers at each corner of the mosque; energetic visitors can climb the 122 narrow steps of the southern one to be rewarded with magnificent views of Old and New Delhi. Those wearing shorts or skirts can hire a lunghi to cover their legs.

Address: Matya Mahal, Bho Jala; Opening time: Daily dawn-dusk; closed during prayer times; Admission: Entry is free but tourists must pay Rs. 100 if carrying a camera. The shoe wallah should be tipped Rs. 10

MUMBAI

Situated on a peninsula halfway up the west coast of India, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India's economic powerhouse and home to more millionaires than any other city on the Indian sub-continent. As well as being the country's financial capital, Mumbai is also an important port, handling a third of all international trade, and a base for many of India's largest companies. However, among all this wealth and the Bollywood lifestyle are cases of extreme poverty with almost half of the population live in slums. At last count the population was 15 million, and growing rapidly.

The Portuguese established this old Hindu city as a colony in 1509. In 1661 it passed to England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II, and became a vital trading base for the East India Company and later the Crown. The centre of Imperial Bombay, an area known as Fort, contains a breathtaking array of High Victorian buildings and is reminiscent of a prosperous 19th century English industrial city. The fascinating range of architectural styles reflects the British passion for the Gothic and demonstrates the wealth, panache and confidence of British Bombay. Prosperity has always been considered more important than religious homogeneity in Mumbai, and this is reflected in the range of places of worship throughout the city - churches and cathedrals sit alongside countless mosques, Hindu and Buddhist temples.

MUMBAI ATTRACTIONS

Colaba
The southernmost peninsula, known as Colaba, is where most travellers gravitate to as it has a good range of hotels and restaurants and two of the city's best landmarks, the Gateway to India and the Taj Mahal Hotel. The Gateway to India was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit to India of King George V and Queen Mary. The archway is built from honey-coloured basalt in a style derived from Gujarati architecture of the sixteenth century. In the days of the steam liner, the Gateway was for many visitors their first and last sight of India but today it acts purely as a colourful tourist stop, and attracts hawkers, snake charmers, and beggars. The neighbouring Taj Mahal Hotel was built in 1902 by JN Tata, after he was allegedly refused entry to one of the city's European hotels on account of being 'a native'. It has since turned into a bit of an institution, and the streets behind it have become a Mecca for travellers, the Colaba Causeway is the main street with a melee of street vendors, shops, stalls and cafes. To the north, set in beautiful lush gardens, is the fascinating Prince of Wales Museum displaying a collection of ancient and medieval sculpture and Indian decorative arts, nearby the new National Gallery of Modern Art showcases Indian modern art. To the south is the Sassoon Dock, which at dawn becomes an area of intense and pungent activity as fishing boats arrive to unload their catch.

Marine Drive
Built in the 1920s, Marine Drive runs along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. It is Mumbai’s most famous thoroughfare and a favourite spot for watching the sunset. Lined on the landward side by a crescent of crumbling Art Deco buildings, it is lit up at night prompting travel agents to dub it the Queen’s Necklace. At the top end of Marine Drive is Chowpatty Beach, the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. Though not ideal for sunbathing or swimming, it is a popular, though hectic place to spend an afternoon, surrounded by beach traders, entertainers and beggars. It is the best place to watch the annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival (during August/September) when vast models of Lord Ganesha are immersed into the sea.

Crawford Market
The colourful indoor Crawford Market is where locals of central Mumbai go shopping for their fruit, veg and (for the brave) meat. Rudyard Kipling was born just south of the market in 1865 and an ornate fountain designed by his father, Lockwood Kipling, sits between old fruit boxes at the market's centre. He also designed the frieze depicting Indian peasants in wheat fields which hangs above the main entrance. The animal market at the rear sells everything from poodles to parrots in small cages. North of the market are the narrow lanes of Kalbadevi. This predominantly Muslim area is a seething mass of people and traffic and is the location of several markets selling jewellery, textiles and leather goods. The most famous is the Chor Bazaar, Mumbai's 'thieves' market', which sells ‘antiques’ and miscellaneous junk - don't place too much faith in authenticity of anything here. This area is also home to the Jama Masjid and the Mumbadevi Temple which is dedicated to the patron goddess of the island's original Koli inhabitants.

JAIPUR

Situated 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi, Jaipur is an essential stop in any tour of Rajasthan. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City; it was painted red (a lucky colour in Hindu culture) to welcome England’s Prince Alfred in 1853 and the fading old buildings retain their hue. Jaipur is one of India’s newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south.

The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to predict the monsoon and identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 metre high sundial that is accurate to the nearest two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the famous jewellers' market that has the best selection of precious stones in India.

Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city and at the last count it was home to two million people. Although some visitors are put off by the over zealous traders, most are enthralled and enchanted by this still-welcoming city.

JAIPUR ATTRACTIONS

Amber Palace
Situated on the crest of a hill seven miles north of Jaipur is Amber, capital of the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1037 to 1728. The city-palace is protected by towering outer walls, a further wall runs for miles along the hills surrounding the palace. For many, the most memorable part of a trip to Jaipur is the journey up the palace ramparts, through a succession of vast gates, on the back of a painted elephant – Maharaja style. Inside are the ruins of a once great palace, a wonderful example of Rajput architecture, with Mogul influences. Visitors will be able to see the remains of the Maharajas quarters surrounded by the rooms of his many wives and concubines, each linked to his bedroom by secret steps and passageways to avoid jealousy. Although much of the complex is closed to the pubic, there is still a large area to explore. Visitors are advised to spend at least a few hours here and ideally hire a guide who will explain the architecture and history of the palace.

Transport: There are options for climbing the steep hill to the palace: an elephant ride (Rs400), by jeep (Rs120) or on foot; Opening time: Daily 9am to 4.30pm; Admission: Rs. 50 (extra Rs. 100 to take a camera)


City Palace
The magnificent City Palace is in the centre of the Pink City of Jaipur, enclosed by high walls and set amidst fine gardens and courtyards. Since it was built by Jai Singh in 1728 it has been the principal residence for the Maharajas of Jaipur and the successive rulers have each added to it. The Palace was built during the glory days and the exhibits and interior have lost none of their splendour; the doors and gateways preserve their flamboyant decoration and royal retainers, clothed in turbans and full livery, still guard the principal halls and entrances. Chandra Mahal is the private palace of the current ruler and is approached through a number of courtyards. Mubarak Mahal, in the first courtyard, was once a guesthouse and is now a textile museum. There are number of other museums displaying old costumes and uniforms, carpets, mementos, elephant ‘saddles’ and an armoury containing a fascinating array of fearsome and inventive weapons dating back to the Mogul era. A beautifully carved marble gate with brass doors leads to the second courtyard where Diwan-I-Khas, the hall of private audiences, is found. On display here are two gigantic silver urns used by Madho Singh II to carry water from the holy Ganges when he travelled to London in 1902 on board an ocean liner – he was reluctant to trust the water in the west! These are the largest silver vessels in the world - 243 kilograms of silver was required to cast each urn, which can contain 8,182 gallons of water.

Opening time: 9.30am to 5pm; Admission: Rs. 150


Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal)
The Palace of the Winds is Jaipur’s most acclaimed attraction. Built in 1799, it is situated on the edge of the City Palace complex overlooking one of the city’s main streets and was constructed to offer the women of the court a vantage point, behind stone-carved screens, from which to watch the activity in the bazaars below. The five-storey building is shaped like a crown adorning Lord Krishna’s head and contains over five hundred finely screened windows and balconies. The building, however, is smaller than one might imagine. Although the primary appeal is the finely carved pink façade, visitors can go inside to see where the women once sat and view the intricate honeycombed stonework close-up.

Telephone: (0141) 376 362; Opening time: 9am to 4.30pm

India Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport and a visa.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a valid passport and a visa.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and a visa.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a valid passport and a visa.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport and a visa.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require a valid passport and a visa.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens require a valid passport and a visa.

Passport/Visa Note: A valid passport and visa is required by all for entry to India, unless they hold a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card. Some parts of the country are restricted areas and require a special permit. Travellers planning to go to the far northwest of the country or to the islands should check with India Tourism for the latest information.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

India Contacts
Indian Tourist Office, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 332 0342 or www.incredibleindia.org
Indian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 7000.
Indian High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7836 8484.
Indian High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 744 3751.
Indian High Commission, Canberra, Australia: + 61 (0)2 6273 3999.
Indian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5392.
Indian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 496 6792.
Indian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 6390/1.
United States Embassy, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2419 8000.
British High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2687 2161.
Canadian High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 4178 2000.
Australian High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 4139 9900.
South African High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2614 9411.
Irish Embassy, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2462 6733.
New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2688 3170.
Emergencies: 100 (Police); 102 (Ambulance)

AIRPORTS

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
The airport is located 12 miles (20km) south of Delhi. Time: GMT +5.5. Contacts: Terminal 1 (Domestic): +91 11 2567 5126 or 2569 6351. Terminal 2 (International): +91 11 2565 2021 or 2565 2011. 24-hour operator: +91 11 2569 6107. Transfer between terminals: The International Terminal is three miles (5km) from the Domestic Terminal; a free bus connects the two, leaving every 30 minutes. Transfer to the city: Taxis are the easiest way to get to central Delhi, especially for those not familiar with the city. Metered taxis are available but it's best to use pre-paid taxis (via the taxi counter in Arrivals), to eliminate any uncertainty over fares. Airport buses also leave for central Delhi 24 hours a day. Travel time to the city is around 30 minutes by taxi and 45 minutes by bus. Car rental: Car hire (with driver) can be arranged in Arrivals. Avis and Hertz operate from the airport, however self-drive cars are not advised due to the erratic nature of Indian driving. Facilities: ATMs are available at Terminal 1A (Domestic) and in the Arrival Visitors Area of the International Terminal. Banks and bureaux de change are also available. Passengers should be prepared for a certain amount of chaos at the airport; customs are slow, the queues for the x-ray machines are long and the staff at the endless security checks are rude. There are no shops or restaurants of note. The only modicum of comfort is the Raj Lounge, where friendly staff are on hand to serve welcome drinks. Travellers with special needs should contact their airline in advance. Departure tax: Rs. 300 Website: www.delhiairport.com

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
L The airport is located 18 miles (29km) north of Mumbai. Time: GMT +5.5. Contacts: Tel: + 91 (0)22 836 6700. Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are five miles (3km) apart, and are connected by a free bus service. Transfer to the city: Pre-paid taxis are available outside Arrivals (journey time approx 60 min). Car rental: Car hire, with or without a driver, can be arranged in Arrivals, however due to the erratic nature of Indian driving self-drive cars are not advised. Facilities: ATMs and bureaux de change are available in both terminals along with a number of bars, restaurants and shops. There are limited disabled facilities and travellers with special needs should advise their airline in advance. As with all Indian airports, travellers should be prepared for a certain amount of chaos; queues are long for immigration and the many security checks and endless uniformed staff stand around with no obvious purpose. The restaurants are best avoided and passengers are advised to take their own snacks. Parking: Parking is available at both terminals. Departure tax: Rs. 200 Website: www.mumbaiairport.com

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