Air? We purchased round trip tickets on United Airlines Chicago-Frankfurt and used miles to get two, free First Class Lufthansa tickets from Frankfurt to Kolkata. There are some great fares to India if you surf the Internet. Check out BookingBuddy’s Top Travel Deals newsletter, Kayak. Hot Wire, Orbitz. TIP: Save your hard-earned miles for First or Business Class on long-distance flights (the only way we can afford to fly in those sections) and economy on short-hauls. It may only be 20,000 miles for a short-haul ticket.

Visas? Visas are required for all visitors to India (except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan) and you cannot get a Visa Upon Arrival. We got smart last year and got a 10-year Visa for not much more than a one-year Visa thinking that if it’s only used twice during the next 10 years, we’ll come out ahead. Not to mention eliminating the hassle of getting a new one. Visitors staying in India for less than 72 hours can obtain a Transit Visa. Check your nearest Indian Embassy for up-to-date Visa information.

Travel Insurance? Some don’t buy travel insurance, we always do…just in case. Vacations are too costly to risk losing everything if any problems arise. Contact Travel Guard for insurance needs. I say…TRAVEL INSURANCE.

Health? I always check the Centers for Disease Control updates to see what they suggest. There is a risk of Malaria in India and Lariam is the Malaria prophylaxis we use. A Tetanus booster is the most important innoculation in my estimation (we keep ours up-to-date religiously). It is not commonly known that you can get Lockjaw from contaminated dirt and even surface abrasions. Most people think that only a deep cut puts them at danger…not so. Hepatitis A and B is second on the list. Bring your other personal “drugs of choice.” Bottled water would be available throughout but we also bring iodine tablets for emergency purification situations.

Kolkata/Calcutta main tourist area map, India
Equipment? Cameras! Camcorder. Binoculars as well as a flashlight (torch) and Nalgene water bottles even though this was a cultural trip. If the electricity fails during the night, you’ll have a flashlight/torch handy.

Clothing? It would be hot and humid. Actually, India is hot and humid all year round. The winter dry season runs from December to March, monsoon from April to September. A hat, long shorts/capris, t-shirts and sandals for every day….a very casual trip. A warm fleece or sweater for cool evenings. Lightweight boots for some of the day hikes.

What was included?

- 18 days accommodation in lodges and hotels.

- Tribal Orissa: villages, markets, temples, sightseeing in Kolkata, and cave shrines.

- Sunderbans: game viewing from boats looking for tigers and other wildlife.

- All meals (full board) in Sunderbans, breakfast only in Tribal Orissa.

- All transportation including a private air-conditioned car, trains, guiding, sightseeing entrance and park fees.

What was not included?

- Optional tipping, visa fees, and other personal expenses.

- Alcoholic drinks

Currency? Rupee is the official currency and there is no problem exchanging GBP Sterling, Euros or U.S. Dollars in India. ATM’s are easy to find throughout the country, we needed very little cash since almost everything was included. TIP: Use a money belt, leave good jewelry at home and exercise caution. ‘Nuff said.

Everything planned…it was time to fly…

 
Angkor Wat Cambodia – Tour Cambodia’s ancient temples with your very own tailor-made tour.