What are these packages ?

Fly & Drive Tours
All these packages are based on hotel rooms with breakfast. The transfers & tours will be done by private chauffeur driven vehicles. The cost of these packages do not include any air fares, entrances, guides and meals, Cost for these services are quoted apart and if you wish, you can avail any of these services. You have a choice of different vehicles to choose from. As these tours are flexible, you can start the tours any day of the year.

Guided Tours
You could add the cost of local guide & entrance fees which are quoted apart for a guided tour. We could provide you English speaking local guides in all the cities and for an extra cost, in some of the cities, we can provide you the services of Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Chinese speaking guides. You also have a choice of vehicles to choose from. As these tours are flexible, you can start the tours any day of the year.

Customized Tours
Add or remove days/ cities to suite you from the tours given on our web-site. Or let us know the cities you wish to visit and we will quote you accordingly. If you wish for any other hotels not given in our web-site, we will be glad to quote you on the same. You also have a choice of vehicles to choose from. As these tours are flexible, you can start the tours any day of the year. Top

Airfares
International or domestic airfares are not included in the cost. The domestic fares are always given apart. Please book your international air tickets directly at your end.

We could purchase the domestic flights for you in India or you could buy the same directly. The prices quoted for the domestic flights are regular fares. Please check with us for better instant purchase fares. These fares are available against full prepayments and are normally much cheaper. On hearing from you, we will quote the exact amount of these airfares. THE AIRFARES ARE NOT GUARANTEED TILL TICKETED. These tickets are non refundable in case of any changes or cancellations.

For reservations we need the names of the travelers, passport number, nationality and gender (Mr or Ms). Top

Hotels
Quotes are based on different categories of hotels. Normally all the hotels have air-conditioning and western styled attached bathrooms. The breakfast is included in the cost and normally consists of Indian as well as Continental dishes. In a few places like houseboats, a few jungle and mountain resorts, all meals are included. At times we have not followed the Government guide lines but have classified them as per their quality .

Check-in and check-out timings at most hotels is 1200 hrs noon. In hotels of Taj group, Oberoi group and a few other hotels and also in some houseboats, check-in is 1400 hrs and check-out is 1000 hrs.

Confirmation of desired hotels is subject to availability. In case rooms are not available, bookings will be made in alternate or similar category hotel. Any supplement/reduction will be payable accordingly. You will of-course be pre-informed.

We have broadly classified the hotels as follows -

 Category H
In some cities - specially Rajasthan, many old palaces/castles/forts and old houses (called havelis) have been converted into hotels. These hotels are quite charming and staying in these heritage hotels gives you a good feeling. Some of these palace are huge and have a large number of rooms and some are quite small with about 10 to 20 rooms. The best known palace hotels are Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Samode Palace in Samode and Gajner Palace in Gajner (Bikaner). The charm of being treated like royalty in these hotels is great. In places where these hotels are not available, we are quoting you on normal modern hotels.

 Category L
In this category L stands for luxury. The best available hotels are being used. Some of these hotels are Udaivilas in Udaipur, Rajvilas in Jaipur and Amarvilas in Agra. We have tried to use Taj and Oberoi hotels in many places as they represent luxury in India. Where luxury hotels are not available, we have quoted you on the next best available hotels.

 Category A
In this category we are quoting you on 5 star or 4 star hotels (First class hotels) or the next best available hotels. Most of these hotels have air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms and serve multiple cuisines. Again, in this category, we are using mostly hotels of Taj and Oberoi group. Where these hotels are not available, we have quoted you on the the next best available hotels.

 Category B
This category has normally good 4 star hotels. Again these hotels offer almost all the facilities of A category hotels. Where ever these hotels are not available, we have quoted you on the next best available hotels.

 Category C *
This category offers good 3 star hotels. The rooms normally have air-conditioning and attached baths. They offer you all the modern facilities. Where these hotels are not available we have quoted you on the next best available hotels.

 Category D *
This category offers a good combination of 3 star, 2 star and tourist hotels. The rooms normally have air-conditioning and attached baths. The rooms are neat and clean and hygienically very particular. They offer you all the modern facilities.

 Category E *
This category offers good tourist class hotels. The rooms normally have air-conditioning and attached baths. The rooms are neat and clean and hygienically very particular. We have very carefully selected the hotels keeping in mind the likes and dislikes of a tourist. They offer you all the modern facilities.

* Do not be surprised if at times we offer you a much better hotel as at times we get special offers from very good category hotels. Top

Transport
All the transport is air-conditioned excepting in a few places like Kashmir, Ladakh, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet, etc. Also in some of these places, there are no coaches available and we may be using smaller vehicles. You will be pre-informed.

The chauffeur driven transport is for your exclusive use only excepting during safaris. In some packages like motor tours & guaranteed departures transport will be shared by others.

In a half day tour, the visits are normally for four hours. In a full day tour, the visits are normally for six to eight hours. In case, where long distances are covered by the same vehicle (example in Rajasthan or Kerala), the transport is at your disposal. Please check details with us. The description of transport we will be using is -

 Medium sized cars
These cars are good value for money and can seat 2 or 3 people. We will be using brands like Ambassador, Indigo, etc. These cars can comfortably take two or three pieces of baggage depending on the size.

 Large sized cars
These cars are are quite comfortable and can seat 2 or 3 people. We will be using brands like a Toyota Innova or a GM Chrysler Tavera, etc. These cars can comfortably take three to four pieces of baggage depending on the size.

 Tempo Travelers
These vans or similar vehicles are normally 10 seaters but can comfortably seat 6 or 7 people. There is sufficient space for luggage.

 Small coaches
These coaches normally have 15 to 18 seats and can comfortable seat 13 to 14 people depending on the size. These coaches have sufficient baggage space .

 Large coaches
These coaches normally have 27 to 35 seats and are idle for the groups. These coaches have sufficient baggage space .

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Trains
In Category H, L, A & B, First air-conditioned class or Executive Class is foreseen.

In category C, D & E Second class or Economy air-conditioned class is foreseen.

In trains where the above classes are not be available, we shall book the best available class.

First class & Executive Class seats are available on limited trains. There are no dining facilities on Indian trains.

Meals are included in certain trains. In most of the trains meals are available at a nominal cost.

In the night journeys a sleeping berth with a bed roll and in the day journeys normal seating is foreseen.

In first class, the compartments have two or four berths and have a proper door to close for privacy. There is no guarantee of your getting a two berth or a four berth cabin.

The railways do not allow you to buy all the four berths of a first class cabin if only two of you are traveling. Every empty berth/seat is offered to other wait-listed passengers.

In two tier, the compartments have four berths in the cabin and two berths in the passage. There are no doors but only a curtain is there for privacy.

In three tier, the compartments have six berths in the cabin and two berths in the passage. There are no doors nor curtain.

No refund or compensation can be claimed from Indian Railways in case of any cancellation of a train or delay in their departure/arrival or loss of baggage.

For reservations we need the full name, gender (Mr or Ms), date of birth, passport number, and nationality.

The bookings are non-transferable.

Normally the train reservations open 90 days prior to departure.

MOST OF THE TRAINS ARE QUITE FULL AND WE WILL OFFER ALTERNATES. Top

Bookings and Cancellations
All the bookings have to be passed to our Head Office in New Delhi. Bookings will be done pnly after receipt of a deposit. The amount of deposit will depend on the package, type of hotels and the dates. For example, during Christmas and New Year, the hotels confirm rooms only against full non-refundable deposits. Also the train tickets and flight tickets can be purchased only against full payments.

We will also be needing the following information at the time of bookings.

Hotel bookings : Names, nationality and arrival and departure details with the timings.

Tour bookings : Names, nationality and arrival and departure details with the timings.

Flight bookings : Names, nationality with gender (male or female -Mr or Ms) & passport details.

Train bookings : Names, nationality with gender (male or female -Mr or Ms), birth dates and a photo copy of the passport.

For groups, the policies depend on the hotels being used. The cancellation policies for Individuals is - CANCELLATION POLICY - (for hotel + Transport arrangements)

Cancellation received from booking date to 30 days prior to arrival into India - 10% of total billing

Cancellation received less than 29 days upto 21 days prior to arrival into India - 50% of total billing

Cancellation received less than 20 and upto 15 days prior to arrival into India - 75% of total billing

Cancellation received less than 14 days prior to arrival into India - 100% of total billing

At times, certain services or hotels can ONLY be reserved against deposit or full payment, which of course will be advised to you in advance and accordingly charged also

CANCELLATION POLICY - For Flight & Train reservations:

Once the Flight tickets ISSUED in Normal Economy class, there will be cancellation of US$ 25 per person/ sector. For Flight tickets issued under INSTANT PURCHASE/ CHEAPER/SPECIAL airfares, full cancellation fees will be applicable. No layover or compensation may be available in case of any cancellation of flight or late running of a flight in case of Low Cost Airlines.

For Train ticket, once issued, the cancellation of US$ 5 per person per sector will be applicable if cancelled more than 3 days prior to travel Certain trains like Shatabdi Express, Palace on Wheels, Tatkal (special fare) etc. do not fall in this category of cancellations and cancellation of the reserved space on these trains is subject to cancellation of 20-50% at any time. No layover or compensation is offered by the Railways in case of any cancellation of a train journey or late running of a train. Top

Payments
For making a reservation, we need a deposit and the balance will be collected on your arrival. If you are traveling during peak dates like Christmas, New Year, or any festivals, full payments will be needed in advance, depending on the hotel policy

1. Online Payment (There will be an additional charge of 4 %).

For payment by Visa & Mastercard, click the Link below :

http://www.india-travelinfo.com/hdfcpayment/ (Master & Visa credit card)

2. Bank Cheque
The cheque in favour of Services International Ltd should reach us at least three months in advance.

3. Bank Transfer
The payment mode is-
1. Beneficiary : SERVICES INTERNATIONAL

Bank Name : Standard Chartered Private Bank

Address : Hamilton House A Block Connaught Place New Delhi 110001

US$ Account no. 52005008650

EURO Account no. 52005009975

Swift Code- SCBLINBBXXX Top

4. Credit Cards - American Express (There will be an additional charge of 3 %)
MAIL ORDER REQUEST FORM
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Credit cards - Visa or Mastercard (There will be an additional charge of 2 % )
PLEASE FILL THE FOLLOWING FORMAT & FAX/MAIL TO US -
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General Information
Indian Visa
A valid visa can be obtained from the nearest Indian mission in your country. If visiting any other country along with India (example Nepal) , you have to apply for a multi-entry visa for India. Please check with the Indian Embassy as some changes are being made.

Nepal Visa
A visa can be obtained in advance from the Nepalese mission or on ARRIVAL at Kathmandu airport with one photograph.

Documentation
A valid passport for at least 6 months. Vaccinations are not obligatory but anti-malaria medicines are recommended. Consult your doctor for any medicines you may require during your visit. For people coming from African & South American continent consult your travel agents for Yellow Fever Vaccination.

Baggage allowance
The baggage allowance is normally 15 to 30 kilos but varies from airline to airline. Normally 1 handbag is allowed. For safety reasons, your suitcase should be locked. All liquids, more than the specified quantity, should be placed in your checked in baggage..

Tipping
Although not obligatory, guides, drivers, porters etc. expect a tip. Depending on the quality of the service, we suggest you to tip them equivalent to USD$ 5 to 10 for the tour guide, driver/per day and US$ 1 for the porter. Tipping in the restaurants depends on the quality of the food/services. You may tip 10% of the bill amount.

Currency
The currency is INDIAN RUPEE (INR) & comes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Rupees. Coins are in denominations of 50 paise, one rupee, two rupees, five rupees and ten ruppees. We suggest you to carry Travellers cheques. All major credit cards etc. are accepted. You may withdraw cash in local currency from ATMs available in all the major cities. You may exchange money either in the hotels or banks/money changers against an official receipt.

Restroom facilities
Most public washroom facilities in India are of the traditional Western Style toilets. Please carry your own toilet paper and hand wipes. The washroom facilities in most of your hotels are as you are accustomed to.

Meals/drinks
The breakfast at most of the hotels is usually buffet style and has a mix of Indian and Continental dishes. Lunch and Dinners is also normally available in buffet style as well as A la Carte. Most Indian food is cooked, not raw and is safe to eat. If you are sensitive to spicy food, please ask for NO SPICE food. A wide variety of fresh fruits/juices is available round the year. A large variety of vegetarian food is available. Mineral water and other beverages are not included in the meal cost and needs to be paid for if used.

Taxis
Taxis are not very expensive. You also have less expensive mode of travel called Auto Rickshaw which cost you almost half of the taxi fare. Please insist on the meter fare or negotiate before boarding. It is recommended that you carry the name card of the hotel. You may also get private taxis with drivers which are hired on half or full day basis.

Traffic and Safety
Traffic is chaotic and we drive on the left side. The traffic rules are not followed & you need to be careful walking on the roadsides. Self-driving is possible in certain cities with a valid International driving license but we recommend you to take chauffeur driven cars which are not expensive and are available all over India/Nepal.

Do's & Dont's
Removing shoes is a must before entering a shrine. Some Temples are off-limits to visitors. People should be properly dressed and should cover their head before entering a Sikh Temple , cover their legs while entering a mosque etc.. In most of Hindu and Jain temples leather products like shoes, belts, handbags, camera cases etc. are prohibited in the main shrine and should be left outside or in your bus. Smoking is not permitted in public places as well as in the bus.

Shopping
India is a paradise for shopping - you may find souvenirs, handicrafts, antiquities, carpets, precious and semi precious stones, gold and silver jewels, spices, woodcrafts, clothes in cotton and silk. Every nook and corner of India offers a different product and you can hard-bargain for the prices everywhere except at the shops or emporiums which are run by the Govt.

Climate & clothing
Basically a tropical country cotton clothing is recommended. From April to October it is hot and dry barring the two months of July/August of rains when it gets humid. Winter months are November till March. This is the best period to visit India . In December, January and February it may get quite cold in some parts of the country and you will need woolens.

Electricity
India has 220 volts/50 cycles of Alternating Current (AC). 2 or 3 round pin plugs are used.

Time
India lies east of Greenwich and has a time difference of 5.30 hrs in winter and 4.30 in summer.

Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is recommended and should be taken from your home country and should cover medical assistance, repatriation, cancellation or curtailment of your travel, loss of baggage or valuables etc. All our transport as well as that of the suppliers carry a comprehensive insurance for the vehicle, driver and the passengers - as per the prevailing laws of the country. Claims, if any, will be processed as per the Indian Laws in local currency. No claim is possible in case of any damaged/lost or delay of the baggage and is not covered by the insurance either. Top