When to come

India is a vast country, stretching across varied climatic zones. The plains of north and central India, for instance, experience extremes of climate, and the south is more equatorial.The country’s northernmost state of Jammu & Kashmir is divided into three distinct regions: Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The weather pattern in the three regions is vastly different and should be kept in mind while planning a trip. While higher altitude destinations like, for example, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Patnitop, have the same climate as the mountainous regions of Jammu, the plains of Jammu resemble the north Indian plains. The summers here are extremely hot with the temperature rising up to 45 Degree Celsius, and the best season to visit is in winters, from November to February. Kashmir valley is extremely pleasant between April and October with maximum temperatures never exceeding 27° C and minimum keeping to around 14° C. Winters are harsh, with the minimum temperature frequently dipping to 0° C and below! There is heavy snowfall in winter, but rainfall is scant. The other-worldly landscape of Ladakh remains chilly through the year. Since the high-altitude desert of Ladakh lies in the rain-shadow area of the Great Himalayas, there is no rainfall here. The roads to Ladakh, both from Srinagar and Manali, are open from June to October. However, the closing of roads is subject to weather and timings can vary.

What to wear

India does not have a fixed dress code. The sari and salwar kameez are most commonly worn by women in India. The kurta and pyjama or dhoti, with sandals or leather chappals, is the preferred attire of Indian men, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. In cities most men wear trousers and shirts, and younger women have taken to wearing western attire. For the foreign traveller, the thumb rule would be to wear sensible, comfortable clothes that do not attract unnecessary attention. In case you are travelling to India during the hot Indian summer, loose cotton clothes that will protect you from the heat are ideal. Winters in the state of Jammu & Kashmir are very cold, so be prepared. Moreover, both Kashmir and Ladakh experience chilly nights even in summer, so do carry warm clothing.

Before coming to India

There are a few things you need to take care of before travelling to India.

Passport

Foreign travellers to India must always carry their valid passport with them. If your passport is lost or stolen, you should immediately contact the embassy or consulate of your country.

Visa

A tourist visa is normally given for six months. The 15-day single/ double entry visa is issued only to bonafide transit passengers. Tourist groups of not less than four people travelling under the auspices of a recognised travel agency may be considered for a collective tourist visa. The tourist visa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue and not from the date of entry into India, unless specified otherwise.

Travel Insurance

It is advisable to purchase a travel insurance policy, covering theft and loss, before coming to India. Also buy medical insurance. There are several kinds of insurance policies and a suitable choice can be made after consulting a reliable travel agent in your country.

Visa Extension

The 180-day tourist visa is technically non extendable but can be extended for a maximum of 15 days in case of emergencies. A valid departure ticket must, however, be produced as proof of the intention to depart India. The 15-day extension on the 6-month stay is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, the local State Government and the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The FRRO is open on weekdays, 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm. Registration for foreigners in towns and cities where there are no FRRO offices can be done in the local police commissioners’ offices.

To travel to the ‘inner line’ areas surrounding Leh, including the tourist destinations of Nubra valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, both Indian and foreign travellers need permits issued by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council to travel. 

The permits are issued at:    
Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Polo Ground, Leh.

Ph: (01982) 252010, 252027, 252106