SHOTS

INT'L AIRFARE

Your sojourn to India will include a balance of western-style menus and impeccably-prepared regional fare. Indian food is typically served family style and is intended to be passed and shared. Rice is the basis of Indian meals, with a flavorful array of spices and sauces enhancing every dish. Curd or yogurt is served with most meals; it is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food. Water is included with meals. Most meals will be served in hotel restaurants where cleanliness is good and service is attuned to the international traveler. At all of the hotels on this itinerary, the amount of spice in the Indian food has been adjusted to suit a more western palate, but you may always request more or less spice when you place your order.

Indian cuisine includes many vegetarian dishes. Good quality vegetarian food is easily available. We suggest that you eat non-vegetarian food only in upscale restaurants since meat is cheaper and can be of questionable quality in smaller establishments. India, being a primarily Hindu country, does not offer beef on most menus, but pork, mutton, and chicken are common.

Minor stomach ailments are the most common affliction of visitors to India. Although it is a nuisance and can dampen your enjoyment of the trip for a few days, following the general precautions outlined below will minimize the chances of your getting sick. We strongly recommend that you drink only bottled water during your travels through India. It is also a good idea to always wash your hands before and after eating. We suggest that you eat fruit you can peel and make sure fresh fruit has been washed in bottled water.

Visitors to India who bring foreign currency equivalent to more than $10,000 USD must submit a Currency Declaration Form (CDF) upon entry into the country.

The currency used in India is called the rupee and banks, hotels, and authorized money changers can exchange foreign currency for rupees. Receipts (called Òencashment certificatesÓ) should be retained, as these will enable the traveler to reconvert the balance into dollars, or any other foreign currency, at the time of departure from the country, provided the receipt is no more than 30 days old. Most large cities have ATMs which accept Visa and MasterCard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expanding, and in some states you can find them even in some smaller towns. International airports have currency exchange booths that are always open for arriving or departing overseas flights.

Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM or credit card at locations abroad.

As of July, 2007, the exchange rate for one U.S. dollar was 40.54 Indian Rupees (INR). To obtain the latest currency exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.

Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tour Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tour Director at the start of your tour.