India – Planning a Trip or Backpacking? Advice & Info

The Foreign Office (FCO) has advisories in effect against travel to certain areas of India, including rural Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh). India is a popular destination for backpackers and students taking a gap year, but trekkers should be aware that there are no mountain rescue services in remote mountain areas. 

National elections are taking place in India during April and May 2009, with polling scheduled for April 16, 23, 30 and May 7 and 13.  For security reasons the border crossings with Nepal – and possibly Bangladesh – will be closed leading up to the polling.  Some public services and transportation may be disrupted. 

From April 1, 2009 passengers are required to pay an airport tax at Mumbai airport terminals.  Domestic flight tax is RS 100 and international RS 600.  The tax should be included in tickets issued after March 9, 2009 – but if unsure check with the airline or your travel agent. (If the tax was not included it must be paid at airport check-in, so be sure to have enough Indian rupees).
 
Sexual offences against women have become prevalent in places like Goa, Rajasthan and Delhi.  Female travellers should be especially vigilant as the spiking of drinks is a problem and also alcohol tends to be stronger in India. Spiked drinks often result in victims being robbed, sexually assaulted – or both, and there have been fatalities.  Visitors should avoid staying on beaches after dark due to risk of attack by humans – or packs of stray dogs!

The Times Online recently published an article regarding the ‘Hindu Taliban’ threatening bars in Goa – and especially targeting women drinking in the beach bars.  Backpackers and young travellers should avoid purchasing or wearing tee-shirts featuring the image of the Hindu deity Shiva. 

For updated travel advice and information visit our Travel Guide for India and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. 

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