INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
Essentials for your first trip to India
A first trip to India can feel like a lot to plan for. This page is the calm, practical version — visas, money, general health guidance, weather, everyday etiquette, and how the last leg into Nagpur actually works. Nothing here is trying to sell you anything; it's just what we'd tell a friend.
VISA & ENTRY
Visa & entry
Most nationalities are eligible for India's Tourist e-Visa, applied for online ahead of travel — processing is usually a matter of days, though we'd suggest applying at least two to three weeks before departure to leave room for any delay. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank pages.
There's no separate "wildlife visa" — your standard tourist e-Visa covers safari entry. What's specific to safaris is the forest-department permit, which we apply for on your behalf using your passport details once your booking is confirmed. For the latest official requirements, always check directly with the Government of India's e-Visa service or your nearest Indian consulate — visa rules can change, and we'd rather point you to the source than risk repeating something out of date.
MONEY
Currency, payments & budgeting
Cards are widely accepted at hotels and lodges; smaller vendors, local markets and tips generally expect cash. ATMs are reliable in Nagpur and district towns, less so in rural areas near the reserves — we'd suggest withdrawing what you need on arrival in Nagpur.
| Typical cost | INR | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottled water, small shop | ₹20 | $0.25 | €0.25 | £0.20 |
| Simple restaurant meal | ₹300–500 | $3.5–6 | €3.5–5.5 | £3–5 |
| Daily guide/driver tip (discretionary) | ₹300–500 | $3.5–6 | €3.5–5.5 | £3–5 |
| Domestic Nagpur taxi, short trip | ₹200–400 | $2.5–5 | €2–4.5 | £2–4 |
Package pricing itself is quoted in INR, USD, EUR, JPY and AUD on each package page — these figures above are everyday incidentals, not trip cost.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Health, safety & vaccinations
Not medical advice
The notes below are general orientation only. For guidance specific to you — vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, existing conditions — please consult a registered travel health clinic or your doctor, and check your home country's official travel health advisory (such as the WHO, or your national travel-health authority) well before departure.
Most travelers keep routine vaccinations up to date and discuss trip-specific precautions — sometimes including malaria prophylaxis or Japanese encephalitis, depending on season and itinerary — with a travel clinic four to six weeks before departure. We recommend bottled or filtered water throughout (which we provide on safari), comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, and packing any personal medication in its original packaging with a spare few days' supply.
WEATHER
Weather & packing
| Season | °C | °F | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct–Feb · Cool | 10–25°C | 50–77°F | Pleasant days, cold dawn safaris — pack a warm layer. |
| Mar–Jun · Hot | 25–45°C | 77–113°F | Peak sightings, intense midday heat — light, breathable clothing. |
| Jul–Sep · Monsoon | 24–32°C | 75–90°F | Most core zones closed; humid with heavy rain. |
Full categorised packing checklist — clothing, gear, health, documents — is on the Plan Your Safari reference page.
CULTURE
Culture & etiquette
India rewards a bit of patience with schedules — buffer time is normal, and we build it into our own transfers for exactly that reason. A few everyday courtesies go a long way: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) at rural stops and religious sites, removing shoes before entering some homes and temples, and asking before photographing people you meet along the way, just as you would at home.
On safari specifically, quiet and stillness matter more than anywhere else — our full safari conduct guidance is covered on the Plan Your Safari page. Tipping guides and drivers is customary but not obligatory; ₹300–500 per day is a reasonable guide.
GETTING HERE
Connecting from Delhi, Mumbai & Bengaluru
Nagpur has no scheduled international service, so every international itinerary routes through one of India's major gateways first, then a short domestic hop.
| Gateway | To Nagpur | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | ~1.5 hrs to Nagpur | Most frequent domestic connections |
| Mumbai (BOM) | ~1.3 hrs to Nagpur | Strong frequency, good international onward links |
| Bengaluru (BLR) | ~1.75 hrs to Nagpur | Fewer daily slots — book connections early |
BY REGION
Notes for your region
A few things are genuinely different depending on where you're travelling from — flight routing, what matters culturally, how you'll want to pay. Pick your region.