Travel in style and comfort by land and, on your Mekong River cruise when you visit Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China and Burma with Travelmarvel.
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35 Frequently Asked Questions WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO INDIA & SRI LANKA? The best time to travel to India and Sri Lanka is between October to April to avoid the heat and monsoon conditions. DO I REQUIRE A VISA TO TRAVEL TO INDIA & SRI LANKA? At the time of printing, Australian passport holders require a visa for both India and Sri Lanka. Passengers entering India can obtain a visa upon arrival. However, you must apply through the Indian Government on the embassy website before your departure for a visa to be issued. Those travelling to Sri Lanka must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority prior to arrival. This can be accessed online at www.eta.gov.lk. All passengers must have a valid passport with at least six months validity from your return date. People of all nationalities will need to contact the relevant consulates or your travel agent for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements. DO I NEED TO BE VACCINATED BEFORE I TRAVEL? Before making your trip to India and Sri Lanka, make sure you consult your health practitioner/ travel clinic at least eight weeks prior to travel for recommended vaccinations. Antimalarial prevention medication is recommended for certain parts of India and Sri Lanka along with personal precautionary measures. CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS India and Sri Lanka each have their own currencies. Most international airports and hotels have numerous money exchange counters for international visitors. ATMs are available in most large cities and at some airports. Many establishments in the larger cities accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards, but it may be challenging to find venues that accept Diners Club and American Express cards. Outside the larger cities, it is recommended that you carry enough Indian and/or Sri Lankan currency for local purchases. ELECTRICITY Throughout India the voltage is 240V, and in Sri Lanka the voltage is 230V. An appropriate adapter will be required for personal appliances. Please note bathrooms in each hotel and on board your river ship have sockets with two-pin plugs that are suitable for European adaptors. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? The dress code on tour is casual. Light, loose- fitting clothing is recommended for day-wear throughout your holiday. Good quality walking shoes are also beneficial as some excursions involve walking on uneven ground. India and Sri Lanka are conservative countries, so as a general guideline you should keep your shoulders and knees covered at all times. Smart casual clothing is recommended when dining. The nights can get cool on the river so please pack appropriately. WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE? While the climate is classified as hot and tropical, conditions may vary from region to region. In general, the winter months are considered to be between November and March when the mornings and evenings are fresh and cool. The hot temperatures between April and June can be dry and humid along the coast. HEALTH, FITNESS & SAFETY A good level of fitness is required to participate on tours. In many of the cities, you will be walking on uneven footpaths. Good mobility is required for embarking and disembarking the ship and tenders on the cruise, as well as coaches and trains. We strongly recommend a visit to the doctor before travelling overseas. It is your responsibility to advise Travelmarvel of any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect the normal conduct of a trip and enjoyment of others on tour. Wherever you travel in the world, you should always be aware, cautious and use common sense. Regarding the personal security and well-being of your tour group, India and Sri Lanka are generally safe places to visit. Many people speak English, which makes getting around almost never a problem. As you will be accompanied by a Travelmarvel Tour Director, you can relax knowing you will be looked after from arrival to departure and will always be directed towards hygienic eateries. However, you must avoid drinking tap water while in India and Sri Lanka and it is recommended that you purchase only bottled drinking water during your stay. Fast gathering a reputation as an exciting travel destination, amazing sights abound in Sri Lanka A kaleidoscope of colour awaits