Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Documents

• Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance (don’t forget your emergency insurance contact details), air tickets.

• Passport & Visa: It is the responsibility of the traveller to be in possession of a valid passport & a valid Indian visa. Please note strict guidelines on the following official online visa website only: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html - There have been reports of other unofficial websites that the travellers should be aware of.

• Travel Insurance: It is mandatory for all the travellers to have a valid travel insurance while taking a trip with Bhavya Holidays Pvt. Ltd.. Your trip price does not include travel insurance. At the group meeting on the very first day of your trip, please provide your Tour Leader with your Travel Insurance details along with emergency contact numbers as well as your Next of Kin details.

• We respect your privacy and your travel insurance details stay with us only to be used in case of an incident that requires travel insurance company to be contacted. In case you do not carry a valid travel insurance, you will not be allowed to travel with Bhavya Holidays Pvt. Ltd..

• Photocopy of above documents.

Electronics

• Mobile phone/Tablet/ipad - There are long journeys usually to be had in India by road or train, so reading material is a great idea to have.

• Spare camera batteries.

• Power bank.

• Plug adapter.

Health & Hygiene

Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent, Health vaccinations/Personal Medication/First Aid kit

Clothing & Footwear (Respectable dress standards)

• Long and loose fitting breathable clothing (cotton & linen) are best in summers. Winters (December - February) could be pretty cold with temperatures at some places going down to 0 degrees. You should consider packing a good quality jacket, thermal inner wears & a beanie. Please check weather of the area you are planning to visit and pack clothes accordingly.

• It is best to wear comfortable walking shoes / sturdy sandals.

• Consider packing a bathing suit if you are travelling in warmer months or if you are going to coastal areas like Goa or Kerala.

• Respectful Dress Standards: India is a conservative country, especially in small towns & rural areas. A modest Dress code is expected as per the details below –

  • Shoulders & knees to be covered at all times while you are in public - minimum of half sleeves & three quarter trousers.

  • Unless, you are at a beach, no spaghetti straps / low necklines, please! If so, carry a stole or scarf around your neck, else, you will attract stares.

  • Best is to observe locals to get an idea of the respectful dress standards.

Money Matters (ATMs/Credit Cards/Money Exchange)

ATM card (widely available and easy to access): Please consider the following -

• Visit a well-lit ATM during day time. Avoid going to ATMs after it is dark.

• Make sure none is peeping into your space while you are using the ATM card. If possible, request your fellow traveller, group leader or your driver to accompany you. In small towns / cities, the concept of personal space / privacy etc. is very differently understood / perceived.

• Credit cards (widely accepted in big cities)

• Cash (for emergencies)

• Money Exchange: We do not recommend you change money at the airport. Past travellers suggest they got much better exchange rates in town. You should ask for some small denominations (10, 20, 50) as small change is always handy in India for tips, making small purchases in local markets, etc.

Miscellaneous

• Day pack to carry (camera & accessories, sun protection, toiletries etc.)

• TSA approved lock for your suitcase or bag.

• Money pouch to store your valueables. Avoid bringing valuable jewellery with you. Some of the hotels do provide the facility of in room electronic lockers.

• Alarm clock and torch / flashlight.

• Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper; at times, you may find yourself walking through a noisy street.

• Binoculars for spotting wildlife

Weather

High Season (November – March)

• Pleasant weather – The days may be warm but evenings & mornings can get nippy & sometimes very cold. The real cold months would be December & January with temperatures sometimes going down till 0 degree Celsius in some parts of Northern India.

• Temperatures climb steadily from February.

Shoulder Season (July - November)

• Passes to Ladakh and the high Himalaya open from July to September.

• Monsoon rain-showers persist through to September.

• The southeast coast and southern Kerala see heavy rain from October to early December.

Low Season (Apr–Jun)

• April, May & June and unbearably hot. From June, the monsoon sweeps from south to north, bringing draining humidity.

Delhi-Belly, Malaria & Precautions

• Delhi-Belly: In case you face initial digestive upsets, please do not panic. This could be simply due to you getting used to the spices / ingredients along with heat & humidity that you are probably not used to back home. This is a minor stomach bug & is popularly called “Delhi-Belly”, which is easily treatable. All the hotels on the trip have a doctor (GP) on their panel. Also, there are plenty of pharmacies around.

• Malaria: Malaria could be prevalent in some parts of India during summer months & monsoons, which lasts till September. So far in our travel career, we have not seen any traveller falling prey to Malaria, if proper precautions are taken:

  • Please consult your doctor while you are planning your trip to India.

  • When outdoors in the evenings, wear shoes & clothes that cover the arms & legs, & use mosquito repellents (sprays & ointments) which are easily available in India.

  • When sleeping in camps, use a mosquito net over the bed.

  GENERAL NOTE: When visiting India, we also suggest travellers to get vaccinated against Typhoid, Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B.

• Precautions(Health & Hygiene): Although, we exercise caution while selecting hotels or restaurants for our travelers, you as a traveler need to consider a few points so as to remain healthy:

  • Always carry hand sanitizer & wipes and use them adequately, after handling money, going to washroom & every time just before you are going to touch food.

  • Please be mindful of anything that you put in your mouth, for example, camera strap or postage stamps.

  • Drink plenty of water; carry a hat, a pair of sunglasses & sunscreen, especially if the weather is warm.

  • Use Oral Rehydration Salts in your drinking water, at least every other day on the trip.

  • Consume Fresh lime & water with salt & sugar several times during the trip.

Food & Drinks (Safety Guidelines)

We always guide our travellers to restaurants / eating outlets which are safe and carry a decent reputation in the market.

Indian food could be spicy but when ordering in restaurants / hotels, you do have the option of toning down the spices. Regarding street food, we recommend specific places that are clean & safe to eat.

• Please do not eat uncooked vegetables or fruits which can't be peeled.
• Please do not eat from roadside eateries or at railway stations or bus stations

In big cities & large towns, continental, chinese, italian cuisine is easily available. If do have options in case you want a break from Indian cuisine on your trip.

• Veg v/s Non-veg food options: India is a paradise for vegetarians. However, some of the places of our visit are also known for some yummy non-vegetarian specialities. It is important to highlight that if the weather is warm & humid, vegetarian food is more likely to be a safer option, as it is easier to digest. Choice is yours!
• Drinking Water Guidelines: Basically, the safest drinking water is Mineral water which is easily available. Check for the bottle's seal to be intact, especially if you're buying it at a railway station or bus station.
  • Please do not brush your teeth using tap water or accidentally inhale or swallow water in the shower.

Road Transport

• Private Air conditioned Cabs / Mini Coaches: Private air conditioned cabs / mini coaches for our inter city travel that usually lasts for around 5-6 hours. On rare occasions, we might have to drive a little longer, for example, around 7-8 hours but with adequate number of breaks.
• Cycle Rickshaws / E-rickshaws: We also use cycle rickshaws or e-rickshaws (maximum half an hour) to get a feel of a city or town, a truly local & fun-filled experience.
• Open Jeeps / Canters / Shuttle Bus / Golf Carts: Open top jeeps or canters are used for game drives at national parks / tiger reserves. Open jeeps are also used on village excursions / safaris.
• During sightseeing within a city / town, we sometimes use jeeps / shuttle bus / golf carts (on shared basis & for maximum half an hour) to drive from the parking to the monuments. This is due to logistical or practical reasons.

Railways, Flights (luggage limit), Boats

• Flights: We use flights for long distance travel on our trips in India. Most of the domestic flights allow a baggage limit of 15 kgs per person. If you have heavier luggage, you will need to pay the excess at the airport for your internal flights.
• Train Journeys: On some of the sectors, we also travel by air conditioned trains with reserved seats for our day travel. This is a wonderful opportunity for our travelers to get an insight into world's largest rail network.
• Motorized Boats/Sail Boats: Some of the activities which are a part of our sightseeing involve boats as well. For example, boat ride at dawn in Varanasi. Sail boats have always been a highlight on our sailing & camping trips on the Ganges.
• As a responsible travel company, we do not support any of the transport means that involve elephants or donkeys or horses. In most cases, their state of health is a matter of concern.

Single Female Traveller

Unfortunately, the fear factor related to Asian countries & with special reference to India is hyped and hence is very high among the travelers coming to India. By & large, it is safe travelling in India, with a few precautions which are also a part of common sense that one is expected to have while travelling anywhere in the world.

Clothing

• Avoid provocative clothing, else you will attract stares / lustful gazes.  It is suggested to wear minimum of half sleeves & three quarter trousers. Necklines should not be visible while you are in public. If you are wearing a top with a low cut, please carry scarf around your neck.
• Best is to observe Indian girls / ladies to get an idea of the respectful dress standards.

Accommodation

• Please lock your hotel room as soon as you enter it. The concept of privacy or personal space is understood differently in different parts of the world.
• In case you need house keeping or maintenance staff to enter your room, please ask the reception to ensure they carry it out while you are out of your room.

Transportation

• Make sure you have a pre-arranged arrival transfer to pick you up from the airport, especially if your flight is landing at odd hours.
• For getting around within a city, try and hire a taxi through your hotel.

Activities & Excursions

• Avoid walking alone through deserted areas, especially after it gets dark. If at all needed, please request your group leader / fellow traveller to accompany you.
• Do not hitch on a motorbike or take a lift from any unknown individual. Definitely NOT RECOMMENDED!

Local Interaction

• Indian girls / ladies do not get into friendly conversations with unknown men walking on street, unless they (females) are with their husband / brother. If you happen to interact with strange men, make sure you are not being over friendly. There is a Bollywood saying – “Hansi to Fansi” which literally means “if she is smiling, she is interested”. Some men tend to bring this reel life element to real life while interacting with western women.
• Indian women never ever drink with unknown men. You MUST NOT accept any of the offers of going for a drink with unknown men, no matter how friendly & respectful they appear. This is certainly not a safe idea.
• Above all, do not worry too much. Be confident, stay alert & enjoy travelling through India!

Some Local Laws

• Smoking: Smoking at public places in India is strictly prohibited. If you want to smoke, please make sure you do so in an open space and that you are isolated from any of the non-smokers.
• Alcohol Consumption: Consumption of alcohol at public places is strictly prohibited, except licensed bars or pubs or restaurants. Legal age to serve alcohol is 25 years. However, each of the states may have their own age restrictions.
• Prostitution is illegal in India.

The following days are celebrated as National Holidays & are declared as "Dry Days". Alcohol is not sold legally on any of these days:

• 26th of January: Republic Day
• 30th of January: Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary.
• 15th of August: Independence Day
• 2nd October: Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary

Expectations From The Traveller

To enjoy India, one has to have loads of patience, good sense of humor, large heart & the willingness to go out of your comfort zone. If you have all this, this could be the most life changing and life enhancing trip you could ever visualize.

If at all you have any concerns which have not been answered above, please send us a query at mail@bhavyaholidays.com

Tipping

Realistically and honestly, though not mandatory, it supports and augments the low pay scales in India and inspires excellent service. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that the basic wage of an individual is a combo of the monthly pay packet, plus a tip. Since tourism industry works only 6-7 months a year, the service providers on the route always look forward to this tip. Moreover, a tip is a way of showing gratitude towards the people who have worked tirelessly to make our trip a memorable one.

We shall provide more specific tipping guidelines (how much and to who) with trip notes once you a book trip with Bhavya Holidays Pvt. Ltd.. Just to reiterate that tipping is solely is at your discretion.

Hotels (Private Toilets, Laundry)

At the time of booking a trip, we provide our travellers with the list of hotels which are a part of their trip. We encourage our travellers to have a look at hotels' website for a clear understanding of the facilities/amenities available at the hotels along with hotels' policy on check in/check out, credit card policy, etc.

Hotels

• Accommodation: We generally use 3-4 star hotels along with comfortable boutique hotels or heritage properties.
• 3 Star Hotels:
  • Rooms have TV, en suite bathrooms, hot & cold running water. Mid range hotel bathrooms usually don't have hair dryers. Basic toiletries are available & you may would like to carry your own.
  • Some of these hotels may have electronic safes. In case an electronic safe doesn't exist, please store your valuables in your luggage properly locked.
  • Hot water supply in mid range hotels could be erratic. It could take several minutes to drain out the cold water which is there in the pipes before you get hot water. Use the bucket in your bathroom to collect this cold water. In some hotels, hot water is available only during the morning & evening - this is to save electricity. Sometimes, it could simply not be available due to electricity issues. Some of the hotel bathrooms have individual geysers which need to be switched on 10-15 minutes before you go for a shower.
  • Bucket shower - Most bathrooms usually have a bucket as this is the traditional way of taking a shower & a lot of Indians still prefer it.
  • Toilet paper rolls are provided in the hotel bathrooms but these are often pretty small. Ask hotel reception or room service for additional toilet paper.
  • Some may offer complimentary packaged drinking water & free wi-fi whereas some may charge for it.
  • Some of these hotels may also have a swimming pool & a spa.
  • Usually, there's a multi-cuisine restaurant.
  • On a 2 nights' stay or longer, some hotels offer to clean your room only if you ask them to do so. Please communicate your choice clearly to the reception.
• 4 Star Hotels
• In addition to the facilities in 3 star hotels, there is a mini bar, tea & coffee maker, electronic safe, hair dryer and a better level of overall comfort & service in the hotel.
• Heritage hotels (erstwhile mansions, forts & palaces converted into hotels) are more popular due to their unique character & history attached to them. These might not be super efficient but still carry the age old charm to attract visitors.

Private Toilets & Public Facilities

• Private Toilets: All the accommodation provided on a Bhavya Holidays Pvt. Ltd. trip (else mentioned otherwise) comes with an attached western toilet, wherein toilet paper is provided. However, one of the main parameters for selecting accommodation is cleanliness & naturally, the attached toilets are also clean. When out of your hotel, please carry your own toilet paper & hand sanitizer as they may not be always provided. On rare occasions, during rural visits, it may not be possible to get Western toilets. In that case, Indian Squat toilets are available.
• Public Toilets: During sightseeing in a city, you may be required to use washrooms inside a fort or a palace & these might not be as clean as you are used to due to a large number of people using these.
• During our inter city travel, we usually stop at mid way restaurants which have fairly clean washrooms. You are often expected to pay (a 10 rupee note is fine) to use these toilets. Sometimes, it is also easier to find "bush toilets" on long deserted stretches of road. Do carry a sarong which can be held up to ensure privacy.
• Always carry your own toilet paper & hand sanitizer.

Laundry

• Laundry: Yes, laundry is very much possible in the hotels where you are staying for 2 nights or more & this is against a charge.
  • Make sure you check the pockets of your shirts / trousers before you hand them over for laundry.
  • Use laundry bag provided in your hotel room or use an ordinary plastic bag to handover clothes. Don't handover your fancy laundry bag (if you carry one) to the hotel staff.
  • If you prefer to do your own laundry (particularly undergarments), bring some detergent & portable peg-less clotheslines.

Internet / Wi-Fi, Mobile Network / Local Sim

• COMMUNICATION ON ROAD (MOBILE, INTERNET/WI-FI CONNECTIVITY AT HOTELS)
• Mobile networks in most parts of India are really good. Indian prepaid sim cards are easily available. Internet connectivity is generally very good in urban areas and could be a little slow in rural areas. Most of the hotels offer free internet connectivity. Some of them do charge for this service, especially high end hotels.
• If you want your personal internet connection, a prepaid dongle usually costs around 1000 INR & then you have to top it up with prepaid data packs. Alternatively, you can create wi-fi hotspot using your mobile phone (use a local prepaid sim) - there are some fantastic offers available in the market. Vodafone, Airtel & Reliance are popular service providers.
• If you want to buy an Indian prepaid sim, you need to submit photocopy of your passport & Indian visa along with passport size photograph. It takes at least 48 hours for an Indian prepaid SIM card to get activated.
• Important: The above mentioned rules regarding prepaid sim are not under our control and are subject to change, without prior notice.

Scheduled Group Departures

• SAFETY OF BEING IN A GROUP

• With a local tour leader accompanying your group, you are better placed to know the safest way to enjoy your trip. And don’t forget, when you travel solo on a group tour, you’ll have a bunch of new friends to watch your back (and your stuff).

• LOCAL LEADER

• Local tour leader who is full of local knowledge and experience. He/she is responsible for taking the hassles out of your trip so that you could have the best possible experience.

• MAKE SOME FRIENDS

• There may be other travellers from different corners of the world on the same trip with whom you will share your experiences and stories.

• VALUE FOR MONEY

• One of the perks of going on a group tour is sharing expenses and that’s how these are great value for money.

• LOGISTICS AND CONVENIENCE

• You need not worry about any of the tour logistics. Just sit back and relax – we along with our tour leaders will take care of all the operational part for a convenient and experiential trip for you.

Private Departures

• CUSTOM ITINERARIES

• You could either choose any of our pre-existing itineraries and we can operate it with minor tweaks (if you wish) or we could offer you a customized itinerary from scratch.

• PICK YOUR STYLE

• Within your budget, we will choose the best possible hotels for your comfort and convenience.

• PERSONALIZATION

• We will pick and choose activities/sightseeing that suit you so that you could have the best possible experience.

• PRIVATE DEPARTURES

• With private groups, you have the flexibility to choose your own departure date. We just need to cross-check if the departure date is feasible considering operational practicalities.

• LOCAL LEADER

• You could also choose to hire services of an accompanying Tour Leader from the beginning till the end of the tour.

Tour Leader

A tour leader accompanies the travelers from the beginning till the end of the trip. He is a trained professional with local knowledge and experience. His job is to facilitate your travel and help you enjoy your trip to the fullest. He is one point of contact for any of your concerns, requirements, requests related to the trip on ground.

At a Glance

• Population: Approx. 1.2 billion | National Capital: Delhi (Population, around 18 million)
• Languages: English is widely spoken, more prominently in urban areas. Hindi is spoken mainly across north Indian states. Additionally, there are around 1600 languages & dialects which are officially recognized.
• Currency: Rupee () (INR) | Dialing Code: +91
• Time Zone: (GMT+05:30) Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi
• Electricity: Type C (European 2-pin) Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type M (see D)

Geography & Environment

India is the seventh largest country in the world and shares land borders with Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Bhutan & Myanmar as well as enjoys a wide stretch of coastlines along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal & the Indian Ocean. India is known for its diversity & it is no different in terms of its terrains & landscapes - the Himalayas of the north, the deserts and plains of the west, the fertile waterways of the south and the hills and forests of the east. Modernization across urban areas is spreading fast. The vast sprawling cities of India are known for a range of lifestyle - from 5 star hotels to shanty towns, from shopping malls to traditional Indian bazaars dotted with street vendors. Get exposed to a diverse range of landscapes, villages, cities and environments.

Best Time to visit India

Due to its huge geographical area, India experiences a vast variation in its climate. During September to March, temperatures are at their coolest with December & January being the coldest months, especially across north India. April on wards, temperatures start rising with May & June being the hottest (it can go up to 48 degrees) months. Monsoon starts around May end and lasts up to September end and this period offers hot & extremely humid conditions.

Shopping in India

India is a shopper's paradise. Every region, almost every city or town has its own speciality. Textiles, fabrics, jewellery, precious & semi precious gemstones, persian carpets, rugs, quilts, blue pottery, marble inlay work, incense, perfumes, sandalwood, handicrafts and what not. Usually high end showrooms are known for their fixed price policy with quality assurance. More traditional & local bazaars (marketplaces) offer a variety of products in a good price range but you need to have an eye for the quality you are looking for. Bargaining in a traditional Indian bazaar is fun. Try it!

Fairs & Festivals

• Diwali: Festival of Lights
• Holi: Festival of Colors
• Christmas: Birth of Jesus Christ
• Dussehra: Vijayadasami
• Durga Puja: Durgotsava or Navaratri
• Janmashtmi: Birth of Lord Krishna
• Ganesh Chaturthi: Vinayaka Chathurti
• Onam: Harvest Festival of Kerala
• Pongal: Tamil Harvest Festival
• Gurupurab: Anniversary of A Guru’s Birth or Death
• Maha Shivratri: The Great Night of Shiva
• Lodhi: Punjabi Folk Festival
• Gurupurab: Anniversary of A Guru’s Birth or Death
• Gurupurab: Anniversary of A Guru’s Birth or Death

Bollywood & Cricket

Indian Cinema produces as many as 1600 films in various Indian languages every year. The industry is segmented by language. Bollywood is the Hindi film industry, the largest sector, representing 43% of the box office revenue. The South Indian film industry encompasses 5 film cultures: Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malyalam and Tulu. Combined Tamil & Telugu film industries revenues represent 36%.

Culture & Culture Shock , local customs

Yes, for the first 2-3 days, there is definitely a Culture Shock as please understand, Western & Eastern cultures are very different to each other. But, this should not discourage you to visit India as consistent passenger feedback tells us that most travellers want to return to India as soon as possible. People have often commented – one can never have enough of this country – the magic is Incredible!!!

• Public Display of Affection between couples is often considered inappropriate whereas you may come across people of same gender holding hands / cuddling, especially in small towns and rural areas.

• At public places, people often have a very different understanding of personal space. It is a country of over a billion people. 
  

• Religion & spirituality hold a strong position in the society you shouldn't be surprised to see a huge number of youngsters also visiting their respective place of worship on a weekend.
  

Beggars & Begging

Unfortunate but true, you are going to face beggars. In fact, it is a full grown organized mafia – people are even maimed to beg. We do not encourage giving as –

• Giving encourages the practice & also works as a negative impact of tourism.

• With special reference to children, it encourages them to stay out of school.

• You could be harassed as giving to one would soon bring many more to you.
  

• Sometimes, you may give a beggar some food but again, to do so rather discreetly.

Above all, simply ignore them and do not react to any of their gestures.

Persistent Vendors / Hawkers

Vendors & Hawkers are usually found around monuments in touristy towns / cities. This is due to a significant percentage of unemployed population.

First, try and be confident as if you are unaffected by their behavior and do not make any eye contact. Never take their products in your hand or even look at what they are selling. Ignore them & if this does not work, stay calm and firmly say NO.

Staring

We understand that staring is considered inappropriate in the western culture. However, it isn't considered rude in India, especially among people from semi-urban or rural background. This is simply due to the fact that these locals aren't used to having westerners around them. These are harmless and innocent people. They're just curious to know more about someone who looks different and comes from a different cultural background. The best way to deal with it is to ignore them.

Customs & Religion

• Shoes to be left outside before entering any of the places of worship or sites of reverence.

• Everyone is expected to cover their head before entering a Gurudwara (sikh temple).

Eating & Drinking

India is a paradise for vegetarians. However, meat lovers could also have their share of yummylicious moments. There is a huge variety of cuisines that varies with region (especially north to south) & it is difficult to point out just one or two that you should try out. We would still list a few below -

Food

• Delhi & Punjab region is well known for Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Rogan Josh (non veg)

• Daal Makhni (black lentils in butter), Chole Bhature (Chic peas in gravy with deep fried breads), myriad varieties of Paneer (cottage cheese) specialities & a great variety of seasonal vegetables. A variety of Naan (garlic naan is very popular) & Paratha (a flat, thick piece of unleavened bread lightly fried on a griddle - these could be stuffed with a variety of fillings such as potatoes, cauliflower, radish, lentils etc.) is a very popular bread form across north India.

• Rajasthan has a predominant vegetarian population and their cuisine consists of a huge variety of lentils and legumes used in different forms along with yoghurt / ghee (clarified butter) based gravies. Due to scarce water conditions, green vegetables have always been difficult to come through. Vegetarians could always look out for Gatte Ki Sabzi (steamed gram flour dumplings), Kair Sangri (spicy desert beans), Kadhi Pakoda (deep friend gram flour dumplings cooked in yoghurt based gravy) & many other on offer. Laal Maas (red meat) is one of the most popular Rajasthani specialities.

• Goa with its tropical climate & coastal location ensures sea food is fresh, tasty & in abundance. Fresh crab, lobster, squid and prawns are all great options bubbling in coconut milk.

• Kerala is a great producer of most of the Indian spices along with rice in abundance. You could expect coconut based gravies punctuated with ginger, cardamom, chillies, pepper and many more. Seafood, too, is available in abundance. DOSA (pancake like crepes) are very popular veg options in south India.

Drinks

• Chai (hindi word for tea) is a very popular drink & can be found cheaply at every nook & corner of a street. This is prepared using tea leaves, milk, sugar and sometimes ginger & cardamom. Coffee isn't very popular but of late urban India have started catering to coffee lovers with some western style coffee outlets. Lassi is another very popular yoghurt based sweet drink which is indeed filling & refreshing. Some variations such as banana lassi or mango lassi are also available, usually in tourist areas.

• Indians do drink but drinking with ladies & kids around is considered a taboo. Thus, more traditional restaurants / eating outlets which are frequented by almost everyone do not serve alcohol, whereas modern restaurants in urban areas are open about it. Alcohol consumption is restricted within the legal premises of licensed bars, pubs, restaurants & hotels. Due to high govt. taxes on alcohol, wine and other alcoholic drinks are usually deemed expensive. Please check the prices before you order one.