Information and Tips on Travel in India

 

a) Travel Visas
Pilgrims who intend visiting the Buddhist circuit by flight in and out of India should ensure that they hold a multiple entry visa for India. An ordinary tourist visa for single entry will not allow the visitor to re-enter India from Nepal after visiting Lumbini. Nowadays one can apply for both Indian and Nepalese visas in Kuala Lumpur.

 

b) Insurance and Expenses
• Pilgrims are advised to insure themselves against loss/sickness/ accident during the journey.
• Pilgrims should exercise care and precaution to safeguard their luggage and belongings. They should not bring jewelry, expen­sive watches and other valuables on the journey.
• They should keep their passports and cash with them at all times, as the loss of a passport will cause a lot of inconvenience to everyone.
• What is the minimum amount of money to bring along?
As all expenses for the trip – such as the tour fare, airport taxes, visa fees, entrance fees and tips – have been paid before depar­ture, one need not bring a lot of money for the journey. Overall, US$100 is sufficient to cover all personal expenses such as purchasing souvenirs and donations to the various temples. Of course, one may bring more money if one wishes.

c) Health Precautions
• To avoid sickness, one should always drink boiled/mineral water and not consume any uncooked food, not even iced drinks, as the ice is made from tap water. Arrangements may be made with the travel agent to provide one bottle of mineral water per day to each pilgrim free of charge.
• Inoculation against Cholera: Those who wish to inoculate against cholera should do it 2-3 weeks before departure to avoid developing a fever while traveling.
• Medicines: A first aid kit containing normal medicines for cuts, sprains, diarrhea, flu, food poisoning, ointment for insect bites, Panadol for fever, etc. should be brought along to cater for emer­gencies. Costs may be shared by members of the group.

 

d) Things to Bring Along
Important: In view of the strict security checks when boarding an airplane, please ensure that no sharp objects are carried in your hand carry luggage. The following are useful on a short tour:
• Torchlight in case of emergency/power failure in the hotel.
• Warm clothes for mild winter, e.g. sweater, jacket, pants for ladies.
• For shoes, wear walking or jogging shoes and socks.
• Umbrella – foldable type for ladies.
• Toilet articles, tissues, shampoo, washing powder.
• Dry foodstuffs, e.g. biscuits, sweets, coffee or tea sachets, fast-cooking noodles, etc.
• It is good to carry multi-vitamins for personal use.