• > What does Southern India have to offer?
• > How do we travel through India?
• > Where do we spend the night?
• > Are monuments easy to visit?
• > What is special about the boat trip over the backwaters?
• > What is the best time to travel?
• > Can I arrange my visa upon arrival in Chennai?
• > Can I eat safely in India?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > What is the electric currency in India?
• > Can I phone or e-mail home during the trip?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?

What does Southern India have to offer?

The south is a less-visited but fascinating part of India with a totally different feeling and culture than northern India. We visit important temple cities where the unique temples often set the stage for traditional and religious celebrations. On the backwaters of Kerala we make an unusual boat trip so you can witness how the population lives on the water. The magnificent tropical beaches offer a pleasant stay on the ocean. The hill village Coorg is a pleasant cool change from the lower lying areas. In the national park, Periyar, also known as Thekkady, you find elephants, deer, antelope, boars, tigers and an amazing variety of unusual birds.

How do we travel through India?

We travel with our own air-conditioned bus. The buses are in excellent condition and are well maintained. We can make stops wherever we like, for example, for a splendid view or a fun local market along the way. Use the following link to view some of our forms of transporation: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation

Where do we spend the night?

You spend the night in good, clean tourist-class hotels, mostly air-conditioned. All the rooms have a private bath. In every hotel you can have your laundry done. In each establishment you always find a good restaurant with an extensive menu. In the Indian cities our hotels are often an oasis of quiet. Several hotels have a swimming pool in the garden for a refreshing dip after a busy day.
Use the following link to view some of our accommodations: http://www.djoserusa.com/asia/_acc/

Are monuments easy to visit?

Many monuments are within walking distance from the hotel. You can very often easily visit many monuments on your own by hiring a rickshaw or a taxi, cheaply. Your tour leader can arrange transport for the group to monuments located further away.

What is special about the boat trip over the backwaters?

In the backwaters the waterways form the most important traffic arteries. Here we travel most of the day by “kettuvalem,” a traditional houseboat through lagoons, small lakes, rivers and canals. You witness how the daily life revolves on and around water. We spend the night aboard the ship where you fully experience the tranquility of this area. The ship’s cook prepares the meals. Some of the local specialties are included in the trip price.

What is the best time to travel?

South India is pleasant and warm year round. The region is easily traveled in each season. The rainy season from July until December offers short and refreshing rain showers.

Can I arrange my visa upon arrival in Chennai?

No. You must procure your visa prior to arrival.

On your visa applicatoin you will provide your entry and exit dates from India and a contact in India. We will provide you with an itinerary and the name and contact information for our land agent in India. Contact the nearest India consulate to download the most current forms. You will need a single entry visa.

India Consulates (to download current visa forms for your jurisdiction)

Washington DC
http://www.indianembassy.org/newsite/passport&visa.asp
Phone: (202) 939-9838/9806
Delaware, Washington DC, Kentucky, Maryland, North Caroline, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginai, West Virginia

Chicago
http://chicago.indianconsulate.com/
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Missouri.

New York
http://www.indiacgny.org/
212 774-0600
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Yoork, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands

San Francisco
http://www.cgisf.org/
415-668-0662
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Houston
http://www.cgihouston.org/
713-626-2148
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisana, Mississippi, Oklahoma

Can I eat safely in India?

India demands from some travelers a bit of an adjustment. A large part of daily life takes place on the street, where hygienic conditions leave a bit to be desired. It is therefore very important to watch what and where you eat. It is often not recommendable to eat at a local little street establishment. But for the rest there are plenty of possibilities to eat safe and well. The tour leader can advise you where to eat and of course you can always get a good meal at the hotels we will stay in.

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could be one of only four North American travelers on this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

What is the electric currency in India?

The currency is 220 Volts so it is recommended that you bring a converter.

Can I phone or e-mail home during the trip?

In the larger cities you find call centers where you can make your international calls and almost everywhere you find internet café’s. India has a large network for cell phones. However service very much depends on your local cell phone provider, so check with them before you depart.

Is it possible to extend this tour?

When you book your trip you can request a layover. The layover cost is $150 for the flight deviation. If you would like an extension you can request an extension when you book for $100 per extension (for flight deviation). Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book how many nights and where you wish to extend or layover. Neither hotels nor airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.