FAQ's

Q. Can you explain the Indian money system?
A. Though the rates keep fluctuating, one dollar is roughly equivalent to 45 (check exchange rate) Indian rupees. Indian rupees are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500

Q. What are the working hours of banks and post offices?
A. Opening hours for all banks are 10am to 2pm on weekdays. Till noon on Saturday. All banks are closed on Sunday and Public holidays.

Q. Where can I get Taxi?
A. You will find taxies near railway stations, bus stands and at all good hotels. Scooter rickshaws are also conveniently available.

Q. How much should I tip?
A. It is generally advisable to pay 10% to 15% of the billed amount.

Q. What is the Voltage?       
A. The standard voltage throughout the country is 220 volts.

Q. What are the road regulations?  
A. Unlike other countries, in India we drive on the left of the road and overtake on the right.

Q. Do I need a special driving licence?       
A. A valid International Driving Licence is necessary if you wish to drive a car of motorbike in India.

Q. Where are the National Holidays?         
A.
Jan 26              Republic Day
Aug 15             Independence Day
Oct 2               Gandhi Jayanti

Q. What to wear?                  
A. Light cottons if you’re here for August to November.
Light to heavy woollens in December and January.
For women it is advisable to be a little conservatively dressed. Long shirts and jeans or dresses are practical and comfortable.
Men can wear trousers/jeans and shorts or the Indian Kurta/Payjama.

Nearest Airport
Domestic Airport at Udaipur
International Airport Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Q. When to Go?                    
A. India is at its most pleasant between October and March when much of the country enjoys balmy blue skies and fresh clean air. In the north from December to late February the nights turn chilly and a sweater of jacket is required. By mid-March the days start getting warmer and from late April the temperature in central India becomes too hot for comfortable travel. In May the dust and thunderstorms with occasional showers precede the monsoon.

Food
When it comes to food and drink, each city has a fantastic range of restaurants that offer local Rajasthani cuisine as well as Indian, Mughlai, Chinese and Continental food.

To try some local specialities just visit one of the many restaurants that can be found on almost every important street. People can also be seen in small teashops washing down local delicacies with cups of special tea, lassi and flavoured milk.

Local restaurants known as dhabas and bhojnalayas can provide some basic vegetarian fare that could include daal, one seasonal vegetable, green salad, pickle and the good old tandoori roti. The little shops that dot the highways are a popular stopping off point for truckers and families looking for a cheap fresh and quick meal. You can try the food here but be careful that you have your own drinking water with you.

In bigger cities, there is a greater choice. It is easy to find good restaurants that can serve you delicious local fare – gate ki sabzi, papad ki sabzi, mangori, alu methi and ker sangri. A large variety of daals are also available Rice is not very popular in Rajasthan though most restaurants do serve plain rice as well as pulao. Non-vegetarian delicacies are also available in the bigger hotels. What is interesting here are the various rotis that one can get even in the smallest of eating places. Bajra ki roti,makki ki roti, jau-channa ki roti, besan ki roti, are better tasted than described. Try the bati, the parantha, pur and cheelra. The range is mind boggling.

Each region has its own special food item that is identified with the town or city. While trying the various delicacies don’t miss out the special ghevar of Jaipur, laddos and mirchi badas from Jodhpur, malpuas from Pushkar, rasgullas and namkeen bhujia from Bikaner, sohan halwa from Ajmer, dil jani from Udaipur, mawa from Alwar, til papdi from Beawar. Hot jalebies are available in most towns and cities. Kachories, dahi baras and dal, bati, churma are other delicacies to keep in mind when you’re in Rajasthan.