FAQ

INDIA

What is the group size on your tours?
Most groups operate on less (16-18) but the maximum will always be 22 people per group in peak times. On groups to Nepal, West Bengal and Bhutan the maximum group sizes are 15.
What is the best time to travel?
Due to India's size and varied topography, it experiences great extremes of climate. Most of the country experiences three seasons:
Cool – North India's cool season is from October to April and South India's cool season is from November to March, however cool does not necessarily mean cold. Daytime temperatures are still quite high - the sky is clear but it is not blisteringly hot. Evenings are cooler but comfortable. This is the most pleasant time to travel in sub-Himalayan India.
Hot – From April to June the whole country experiences a hot and humid climate by day and night.
Wet– The monsoon falls on North India from July to September and in the South from July to October. During this time the climate is humid and wet by day and night.
The main exception to the above is far North India (Himachal Pradesh and Punjab). From October to April the nights are VERY COLD and from Dec to Feb daytime temperatures can also fall considerably.
What are the inclusions and exclusions of the packages?
Most items have been included in the initial cost of your fully inclusive package; International airfare, all accommodation, 3 meals per day, entrance fees to scenic attractions, all transportation and daily tours, services of your National Escort and local guides, visa fees for South African passport holders, domestic taxes within India and Indian Departure Taxes.
The only items not included in your fully inclusive package are tipping, beverages and personal expenditure. What this means for you is that after paying the initial cost your can sit back, relax and we will take care of the rest!
Will my South African plugs fit into overseas power points?
Voltage - 230-240 Volts. Sockets are of European two pronged round pin variety or the Indian/South African plug (which is larger than the UK plug of the same shape). Some hotels have the US plug or multi combination sockets as well though it is not common. Power cuts are common in more remote regions and occur occasionally in major cities, particularly Agra.
What types of meals are served on tour?
All meals are included in group tours. For independent travellers here are some approximate costs in local restaurants (not hotels): Simple snack US$1-2, Light meal in café/restaurant US$5, Light meal in fancy restaurant US$10-15. One of the great myths about India is that the food is poor. This is definitely not the case! Another myth is that Indian food is always hot. In fact North Indian food, whilst often very rich and indeed spicy, does not contain as much chilli as South Indian food. Both North and South Indian food is predominately vegetarian; however more meat (chicken and lamb) dishes are available in the North. On our group tours we use a variety of local and hotel restaurants which provide variety in both the dishes and methods of cooking. If you like Indian food in Australia you will have no problems with the real Indian food as it is the same, only more flavoursome. You’ll love it though don’t expect to lose weight on your holiday, Indians love to eat and eat big. We also enjoy an occasional western dish to mix it up.
Can I drink the local tap water?
It is recommended that you do not drink the local tap water. Bottled Spring and Mineral water, soft drinks, Kingfisher beer and fruit juices are widely available throughout the country. Bottled Spring water is available for sale on our tour coaches at 15-20 rupees for 1 litre. Some hotels provide free bottled water whilst others only provide boiled local water in plain bottles.
Is it worthwhile to have travel insurance?
As a condition of travel you must have travel insurance for your overseas travels to cover you against any situations that may arise. Please enquire with one of our friendly staff or ask your travel agent for further details.
What immunization do I need, when travelling to India?
A yellow fever certificate is only required if coming from an infected area, please consult your Doctor or Travel Clinic before your departure
How far in advance should I book?
As a general rule, it is best to book as soon as you have made a firm decision on a particular tour in order to avoid disappointment, as our tours fill up rather quickly. To make a booking, contact our office to check for availability, then simply fill out our booking form and send a ZAR2500 deposit.
Do you create tours specifically for my requirements?
We understand that group travel is not always suited for everyone, so we will happily custom make any itinerary to suit your specific needs.
How much money should I allocate for tipping?
Introduced by a large number of tourists, tipping is compulsory in the Indian tourism industry. An amount of approximately 250 INR (Indian Rupees) per person per day is to be allocated for tipping for independent travel and tour extensions. This should be shared in the following manner; 35% to the guide, 25% each to the drivers and assistants. The remaining amount is to be split between waiters, porters and other such incidentals. For Group Tours the nominated tip amount is to be given to your National Escort at the beginning of your group tour and they will do all the necessary tipping on your behalf. Wendy Wu Tours will advise the amount required per person as it is dependant on the length of the Group Tour undertaken.
What are the coaches and train compartments like on the tours?
Getting from A to B in India can involve a taxi, auto rickshaw (Tuk Tuk), tonga or cycle rickshaw. Taxis are the most comfortable method of local transport, and recommended for longer journeys but are more expensive than rickshaws. Auto rickshaws usually take 2-3 people (although the driver will tell you that your party of 6 can all fit in!) and are great for shorter journeys and nipping through the traffic within a city. Cycle rickshaws (a three wheeled cycle with an uncovered seat at the back) usually take 1-2 people (depending on how heavy you are!) and are ideal for shorter journeys and tours as the slower pace allows you to take in everything around you. Both auto and cycle rickshaws are happy to wait for you and cycle rickshaws, in particular, can be hired for a whole or half day for around US$2. In India taxi and auto rickshaw meters are for show only and you will find yourself engaging in a bit of haggling with the driver to agree upon the fare you will pay. This can be fun, but it is a good idea to find out, from your National Escort or the hotel receptionist, approximately how much the fare should be for the journey you propose. You will have to accept that you will pay more than the Indians do. Our Groups use 18-35 seater coaches as well as local transport to reach those small alleyways and little nooks too large for a bus.
How much free time do we get whilst on tour?
As indicated in our itineraries daily activities are planned, however the programs are flexible, as whilst at the attractions a period of time is allocated where you are free to roam as you please. Generally, apart from a few performances, the evenings are your own also.
What type of guides escort the tour?
We have two types of guides that escort the tour, one is the national escort, who meets you upon arrival and travels with you on a day to day basis. The other are the local guides, who specialise is each city you travel through.
How do I get my visa?
Visas are essential when travelling to India. Your visa costs are included in all fully inclusive tour packages for South African passport holders. Additional costs apply for non South African passport holders. All you have to do is fill out the relevant visa application forms, and send them to us along with your passports roughly two months before your departure date.
All nationalities require a visa to enter India. For WendyWu Tours clients Travelling on a South African passport, your visa is included in your group tour cost and will be obtained for you prior to departure. For all other nationalities, regulations and costs change frequently and differ according to nationality. For the latest information on your specific visa requirements you should contact your local Indian Embassy or Consulate. Visas are usually valid for either 3 months or 6 months from the date of issue and are valid for multiple entry regardless of whether you intend staying that long or re-entering the country. Tourist visas cannot be extended.
Note: Be wary of applying for your visa too soon as all visas are valid from the date of issue, not the date of entry to India.
What is the breakaway fee?
All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee.
What is the fuel surcharge?
All packages that are inclusive of flights will be subject to airline fuel surcharges that will be applied from time to time by the airline and will be in addition to the cost of the tour. These fees cannot be waived.
What is a Re-routing Fee?
A re-routing fee will be applied whenever a passenger changes the arrival/ departure city, to that of another where there is a difference in the airfare cost.
Are there any baggage restrictions?
All passengers are limited to two (2) items of luggage each:
> One (1) suitcase or backpack, with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 70 litres.
> One (1) piece of hand luggage, with a maximum weight of 5kg. It is advisable that your hand luggage consist of a day “daypack”- a small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your camera, drinking water, toilet paper, hat etc.

It is essential that you have a lock for each piece of luggage. Without one, railway and airline staff may refuse to handle it.

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