INDIA, NEPAL & BHUTAN

Transcription

1 INDIA, NEPAL & BHUTAN TRIP OVERVIEW Encounter illustrious temple artistry of magnificent Hindu legends, bustling bazaars dressed in colourful textiles and unforgettable scenery of the world s mightiest peaks on our 14-day itinerary through a trio of fascinating regions. Experience India s hill towns surrounded by luscious tea gardens, grand Buddhist architecture overlooking Bhutan s valley dwelling capital and Nepal s unparalleled landscapes that will leave an everlasting impression. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to India, Nepal and Bhutan. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 1: UK to Delhi Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Delhi. DAY 2: Delhi L/D On arrival into Delhi you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the dramatic Red Fort, a Mughal stronghold famed for grand sandstone monuments. Pass vibrant spice bazaars en route to British-built New Delhi, admire the distinct Islamic architecture of Humayun s Tomb amongst landscaped gardens and the domineering pastel shikharas of Birla Mandir. DAY 3: Delhi to Darjeeling B/L/D Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra, from here continue to the town of Darjeeling where you will spend the next three nights. Spaced across a mountainous ridge overlooking emerald tea plantations, this town proudly displays colonial architecture alongside Buddhist monasteries with a dramatic Himalayan backdrop. DAY 4: Darjeeling B/L/D Today enjoy a trip along the UNESCO recognised Himalayan Railway line. This dramatic alpine course boasts unfolding panoramic scenery dominated by the world s third highest mountain Kangchenjunga. En route visit the Tibetan Refugee Centre to observe mesmerising woollen work spun before your eyes, then continue to the Mountaineering Museum for a fascinating insight into the first perilous British expeditions of Everest. Discover Himalayan bears, red pandas, Tibetan wolves and a growing population of endangered snow leopards at the Himalayan Zoological Park considered one of India s best zoos. DAY 5: Darjeeling B/L/D From your vantage point of Tiger Hill, witness the breath-taking spectacle of daybreak illuminating the snow-coated Himalayan horizon. Following this unforgettable scene, enjoy a tour through the aromatic Happy Valley Tea Estate to observe the withering, rolling, fermenting and drying process of tea leaves. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon in Darjeeling relaxing or taking in a unique shopping experience along Mall Road. DAY 6: Darjeeling to Thimphu B/L/D This morning, fly to the charming town of Paro in Bhutan and onto the capital city of Thimphu. Sprawled along Thimphu Valley, the city s recent construction boom has created a juxtaposition of commercial zest alongside Buddhist monuments peppered with crimson-robed monks. Check in to your hotel for the next three nights and enjoy an evening at leisure. DAY 7: Thimphu B/L/D After breakfast, a full day city tour of Thumphu awaits. Witness visitors whirling large prayer wheels at the National Memorial Chorte in memory of Bhutan s third king, proceeded by a stroll through flurrying pilgrims and along changangkha temple s kora to admire views of the surrounding mountainscape. Later today inspect the intricate crafting process of traditional artistic pieces within the painting school, before gazing at one of the largest Buddhist statues in the world, the ginormous 50 metre Buddha Dordenma sat upon a three-story throne. DAY 8: Thimphu B/L/D Today visit the charming town of Paro to experience one of Bhutan s highlights, a horseback ride up to the famed Tiger s Nest Monastery which clings to a granite peak 3,000 metres above sea level. Local lore alleges that it is here that Guru Padmasambaya arrived on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and then proceeded to meditate for three months. Return to Thumphu for your final night in Bhutan. DAY 9: Thimphu to Bandipur B/L/D Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu, from here travel to the hilltop settlement of Bandipur a network of winding lanes, traditional Newari architecture and a welcoming community of farmers and traders. Spend your afternoon on a guided tour exploring the town s charming bazaar flanked by pagoda-style temples. DAY 10: Bandipur B/L/D Enjoy a much needed rest this morning before embarking on a leisurely hike around Bandipur, exploring secret caves along the hill trails and quaint villages untouched by modern civilisation. DAY 11: Bandipur to Bhaktapur B/L/D Depart Bandipur this morning and head to Bhaktapur in Nepal. Having settled in, enjoy an afternoon tour of this UNESCO recognised city to spot Durbar Square s distinct Golden Gate, a portal boasting exquisite gilding of the Garuda fending off mythological serpents. Climb a stairway guarded by legendary stone guardians to peer at Nepal s tallest temple before returning to Bhaktapur for your evening meal. DAY 12: Bhaktapur to Kathmandu B/L/D Following breakfast head to Kathmandu, a metropolis of people-packed alleys, vibrant Newari craft markets and an ancient rhythm of worship enduring within the city s striking medieval temple. DAY 13: Kathmandu B/L/D A full day tour of Kathmandu commences after breakfast where you will visit the iconic Boudhanath to admire Asia s largest stupa beneath a canopy of coloured prayer flags. Continue to the UNESCO recognised Swayambhunath, an ancient complex displaying a fascinating jumble of Hindu and Buddhist iconography amongst an intoxicating aroma of incense. Take some time to explore Pashupatinath, Nepal s most important Hindu temple used to bless pilgrims and kings alike. meal. DAY 14: Kathmandu to UK or extension B After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight back to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. 1

2 INDIA, NEPAL & BHUTAN TOUR DOSSIER ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Delhi (1 night): 5H The Park Hotel 15 Parliament Street, Connaught Place, New Delhi , India. Contact number: 0091 (0) Darjeeling (3 nights): 3H Little Tibet Hotel The Mall Darjeeling, Darjeeling, West Bengal , India Contact number: Thimphu (3 nights): 3H Gyelsa Boutique Jungchub lam, Thimphu, Bhutan Contact number: Bandipur (2 nights): 3H Gaun Ghar Resort Dumre-Bandipur Rd, Bandipur 56516, Nepal Contact number: Bhaktapur (1 night): 4H Hotel Heritage Bhaktapur Rd, Bhaktapur 21164, Nepal Contact number: Kathmandu (2 nights): 4H Hotel Himalaya Sahid Shukra Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal 44700, Nepal Contact number: Number of nights spent < 1 Delhi Coach Air < Asia Nepal Kathmandu Thimphu Bandipur Paro Bhaktapur Darjeeling Bagdogra India 3 3 Bhutan Accommodation All accommodation is 3H, 4H or 5H and features an en-suite bathroom, heating/air-conditioning and a TV. Mercury Holidays have visited and inspected all of the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. Should any of the hotels listed become unavailable you will be placed in alternative accommodation of the exact same standard. ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival at Delhi Airport, please collect your luggage and proceed to the exit in the Customs Hall. You will be met by a representative of Champawati Tours who will be holding a sign displaying: Mercury Holidays. Your guide will be able to answer any queries you may have, however if you need to contact Champawati Tours during your stay the details are: Champawati Tours & Travels P.Ltd Z Street, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Visas India: A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain an e-tourist Visa (etv) for travel to India. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on and quote Mercury Holidays. The cost of the visa is approximately 72 per person. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 120 days before your proposed travel date and takes around 10 working days to issue. It is only valid for a 60 day single entry stay from the date of arrival. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa. Please inform them if you plan to take one of our India Extensions as you will be required to have a multi entry visa. Alternatively you can visit The Indian Visa Application Centre in London: Goswell Road, London, EC1B 7DU. British passport holders do not need to obtain a visa for Nepal prior to departure. Nepal: A Nepalese visa can be purchased on arrival into Kathmandu; you will need to download a form from the Nepal Embassy website and present this completed form on arrival at immigration together with a passport sized photograph (we recommend taking a couple spare) and payment (currently USD $25). When applying for the visa on arrival you will need to ensure you apply for a multiple entry visa. We recommend you check the following website before travelling for all the most up to date advice, requirements and any changes www. nepembassy.org.uk/visa. Bhutan: British passport holders need to obtain a visa for Bhutan prior to travel. We have included this in the cost of your tour and will apply for this on your behalf but for us to do this it is essential that you supply us with a colour photocopy of the photo page of your passport you will be travelling on at least 60 days before you leave the UK. You can either scan or this to us or put a copy in the post. It is essential that you travel on the passport that you have provided us a copy of and that your passport has at least 6 months validity after your trip ends. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity. Final confirmation of your hotels will be sent in a document approximately 10 days before you travel. Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner will either be always taken at local restaurants or at your hotel. Telephone Number: / Mobile number: / info@champawatitours.com Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for Champawati Tours: Madan Adhikari: Mobile: or Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Tour Guides This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival in each country by your local English speaking guide. Tipping Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. For India should you wish to tip, this will be collected by your guide at the end of this part of the tour for your convenience. It is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange. For Nepal, should you wish to tip, we recommend to tip both your driver and guide approximately 3.00 ($5.00) per person per day in total. Should you wish to tip in Bhutan, we recommend to tip your guide approx. USD $5 per person per day and your driver approx. USD $3 per person per day. 2

3 INDIA, NEPAL & BHUTAN TOUR DOSSIER Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Physical Accessibility This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. IMPORTANT NOTE: The tour also includes a full day hike to the Tiger s Nest Monastery in Paro, Bhutan. Whilst a horse ride to the top is included, they can only take you so far and towards the end of the trek, to get to the very top of the Monastery, there are around 800 steps that must be walked on foot. You will also need to descend the entire way from the monastery as horses cannot take passengers down as the path is steep and uneven. It is important that you make us aware of any health issues before you travel. Please note that it may not be recommended for you to participate in the Tiger s Nest Monastery excursion if you are not in good physical health. Group Size The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Currency Exchange The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR) and the currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). In India and Nepal US Dollars and UK sterling are both often accepted should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. The Bhutanese Ngultrum is officially pegged to the Indian Rupee and Indian currency is accepted all over Bhutan. You will be able to exchange cash (but not traveller s cheques) at the foreign exchange desk at Paro Airport and Bank of Bhutan branches in major towns such as Paro and Thimphu. Credit cards have limited acceptability in Bhutan, particularly in local shops and for smaller payments. There are ATMs in Thimphu and Paro but they generally only accept local cards, therefore, it is important that you take sufficient cash to exchange with you. Itinerary Changes The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.. Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately 400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. Credit Card Information As normal practice you will be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. Travel Plug Adaptor As three different plug sockets are used it is best to bring a multi adapter/ electric plug converter. The voltage in India, Nepal and Bhutan is 230 Volts. Plugs and sockets have either grounded 3 pin connections or ungrounded 2 pin connections, except for Bhutan which has three different plug sockets. Should you plan to use your own hairdryer, travel iron, video camera, battery charger, electric shaver etc, it is advisable to bring a multi-adaptor. Sale of Tobacco products in Bhutan Selling or buying of tobacco and tobacco products is banned in Bhutan. However, bringing in products for personal consumption is allowed. If bringing in tobacco products to Bhutan you may need to pay a tobacco tax upon arrival. Any tobacco products will be subject to a total of 200% tax on the value of the product. WHAT TO PACK Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat in summer Waterproof lightweight jacket Flip flops or sandals (shoes that are easy to remove when going into religious buildings) Long, lightweight skirts or trousers and long sleeved tops (you will need to have your legs and arms covered when going into religious buildings) Comfortable walking shoes Warm clothing and thermals in winter Camera and charger/spare batteries Binoculars Mosquito/Insect Repellent Personal toiletries and first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc Anti-bacterial hand gel. An electric plug converter - three different plug sockets are used, so it is best to bring a multi adapter Loo paper for public WC s FLIGHT INFORMATION Your initial flight is to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport with Jet Airways, departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras Tel , quoting HX313. Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage, however weight restrictions will be finalised on your e-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. Checked baggage allowance may vary. Please refer to the bottom right of your E-ticket receipt for the correct baggage allowance. For example, if it shows 20k this means your allowance is 20kg; or 1PC means One Piece not exceeding 23Kg. For handling purposes the maximum weight of any single piece of baggage must not exceed 32 Kgs. Hand Luggage: One piece of hand luggage with maximum total dimensions not exceeding a total of 115cm in size and 7kg in weight. Please refer to the Airline s website for further details and the most up-to-date information. 3

4 INDIA, NEPAL & BHUTAN TOUR DOSSIER WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. 5

5 INDIA S GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact TRIP OVERVIEW Travelling from Delhi to Agra then Jaipur, this 6 night extension tour of the Golden Triangle takes you through India s most famous sights. Ride a rickshaw around Old Delhi, marvel at the Taj Mahal and discover the Pink City of Jaipur. ITINERARY & DETAILS Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 14: Kathmandu to Delhi B/D Departing Kathmandu after breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, a short tour of the beautifully planned city of New Delhi will follow. Offering you a taste of its imperial glory, you ll drive past the India Gate, President s House, Parliament Building and visit the Birla Temple, made purely out of 2,000 tons of Rajastani white marble. Day 15: Delhi B/L/D A full day tour of Delhi commences after breakfast, beginning with the historic Old Delhi in the morning. Lying side by side, Old Delhi dates back to the Mughal period, whilst New Delhi was built just over a hundred years ago. Travelling through the arrow and crowded streets on a rickshaw will transport you back in time, whilst a visit to the regal Red Fort gives you a sense of the lavish life once led by the former rulers. After lunch your tour will continue on to New Delhi to see the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and the 12th century Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Day 16: Delhi & Agra B/L/D After breakfast you will be driven to Agra, arriving at your hotel in time for lunch. Despite being a small city, Agra was once the capital of the might Mughal dynasty whose strength manifested itself in the huge forts and buildings built to maintain its power. During the afternoon you will visit the vast red sandstone Agra Fort, which was built in 1565 and boasts grand palaces, gigantic pavilions and spectacular courtyards. Day 17: Agra & Jaipur B/L/D This magical day starts after breakfast with a tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Words do not do this remarkable palace justice; it really must be seen to be appreciate its stupendous beauty. Taking 17 years to build, the heartbroken Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan, dedicated this monument of love to his deceased wife to enshrine her mortal remains. Following a break for lunch, you will then continue on to visit Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified ghost city, en-route to the Pink City of Jaipur where you will arrive in the early evening. Day 18: Jaipur B/L/D Begin your first day in Jaipur with a visit to the spectacular Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the royal family until 1728 located just 11km from Jaipur. Spanning over four huge courtyards, you will travel to the centre of the fort by either elephant or jeep, passing snake charmers, harems of the Maharajah and the Palace of Mirrors along the way which all make for a truly unforgettable morning. An afternoon city tour of Jaipur takes in the major sights including the home of the royal family of Jaipur - The City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory. Lastly, marvel at the hundreds of tiny windows on the facade of the Hawa Mahal, known to many as the Palace of Winds, where it is said that the women of the royal family could once watch the streets below without being seen. Day 19: Jaipur & Delhi B/L/D The morning is left free so that after breakfast you can visit some of the local bazaars and stalls for some last minute shopping. Try the M1 Road and Chameliwala market for jewellery, handicrafts, textiles and more, or wander the streets and sample the delicious and unique Rajasthani street food that Jaipur has to offer. You will then begin your return journey to Delhi, stopping for lunch on the way. A final farewell dinner in Delhi will bring your trip to a close, celebrated by a cultural dance show to round off this unforgettable tour. Day 20: Delhi to the UK B Transfer to the airport for your flight back to London. Hotel Information Your stay in India will take place at the following hotels: 5H The Park Hotel (3 nights): Overlooking the historic 18th century observatory Jantar Mantar, the luxurious 5 star Park Hotel is located in Connaught Place, right at the heart of the city s shopping and entertainment centre. A good selection of facilities including a swimming pool, several restaurants, a pool side lounge bar, spa and health club complement its excellent location and make the hotel the ideal choice for your stay in New Delhi. 15, Parliament Street, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi , India Telephone: H Mansingh Palace (1 night): Located amidst this ancient splendour in Mansingh Palace names after Rajput Emperor Sawai Mansingh, a very close associate of Mughal Emperor Akbar, where the essentially Indian hospitality reaches out to envelope you, come stay at Mansign Palace and experience Agra. Fatehabad Rd, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh , India Telephone: H Lemon Tree (2 nights): Lemon Tree is located in the heart of the city, a short distance away from Collectorate Circle and MI Road. The hotel is easily accessible from the railway station and the Ajmer-Delhi National Highway. It is in close proximity to major tourist attractions like Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the walled city of Jaipur. Behind Inox Cinema, Nirwan Marg, Sindhi Colony, Bani Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan , India. Telephone: Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not included, drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, and any extra snacks. Currency Exchange The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US dollars and GBP are also widely accepted should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Tour Guides: This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

6 INDIA S GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXTENSION WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

7 A TASTE OF INDIA EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact TRIP OVERVIEW Travelling from Delhi to Agra, this 3 night extension takes you on a tour through India s capital as well as the magnificent Taj Mahal. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your Taste of India extension. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 14: Kathmandu to Agra L/D Transfer to Kathmandu airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Agra where a network of rickshaws, jalebis vendors filling the air with sweet aromas and ancient Mandir temples alluding to the Mughal Empire s past grandeur await. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Day 15 : Agra to Delhi B/L/D Begin today at a tour highlight and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Wander along ornamental gardens to witness the breath-taking spectacle of its minarets and iconic bronze dome reflecting the illumination of daybreak. Following breakfast travel back to the Indian capital of Delhi. En route visit the UNESCO recognised Agra Fort an enormous sandstone city of pavilions, palaces and splendid courtyards behind 20 metre-high walls. Day 16 : Delhi L Enjoy a tour of New Delhi s sights including the minimalistic Mahatma Gandhi Memorial adorned in floral tributes and the Qutab Minar complex, a city awash with ancient ruins sculpted by the country s finest craftsmen. Day 17 : Delhi to UK B Following breakfast proceed to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Hotel Information Your stay in India will take place at the following hotels: 4H Mansingh Palace (1 night): Located amidst this ancient splendour in Mansingh Palace names after Rajput Emperor Sawai Mansingh, a very close associate of Mughal Emperor Akbar, where the essentially Indian hospitality reaches out to envelope you, come stay at Mansign Palace and experience Agra. Fatehabad Rd, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh , India Telephone: H The Park Hotel (2 nights): Overlooking the historic 18th century observatory Jantar Mantar, the luxurious 5 star Park Hotel is located in Connaught Place, right at the heart of the city s shopping and entertainment centre. A good selection of facilities including a swimming pool, several restaurants, a pool side lounge bar, spa and health club complement its excellent location and make the hotel the ideal choice for your stay in New Delhi. 15 Parliament Street, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi , India Telephone: Tour Guides: This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. WEATHER AND CLIMATE Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not included, drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, and any extra snacks. Currency Exchange The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US dollars and GBP are also widely accepted should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you.