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Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general guidance only and is provided in good faith.  In particular, for health or medical matters you should consult your GP or other qualified health professional.  Any views or opinions given in this page are not necessarily those of the London Satyananda Centre, nor is the Centre responsible for content of links listed here.

Travel Information

Trains

It is advisable to book your tickets and seat reservations before you travel for any major journey in India. Although you can book when you arrive, it can often take several hours and you need to be sure that you are dealing with the official rail authorities, not touts.  Some routes have tourist quotas which can sell out some days in advance. If you want to travel in reasonable comfort, AC2-tier class is recommended.

E-Tickets online You can now book most train journeys online, click here for details India Specialist Travel Agent Official UK India Rail Agent (Dandpani Travel, Wembley)

Health Matters

Inoculations & Malaria Prophylaxis

You should make an informed choice about inoculations and take malaria tablets (depending on the time of year and where you are travelling). The NHS advises that you consult your GP or other qualified medical practitioner at least 6-8 weeks before you travel.

MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) was set up in 1984 at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Their website has definitive information about antimalarials and immunisation.

If you decide to have inoculations and/or antimalarials, your GP or practice nurse can often provide this service, but allow several weeks notice.  If you need to get inoculations at short notice you can go to MASTA Travel Clinic (walk-in), quick but not cheap.

Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies

"The Health Protection Agency Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention does not recommend relying on any herbal or homeopathic remedies for the prevention of malaria. Herbal remedies have not been tested for their ability to prevent or treat malaria and are not licensed for these uses. There is no scientific proof that homeopathic remedies are effective in either preventing or treating malaria. In addition, the Faculty of Homeopathy does not promote the use of homeopathic remedies for disease prevention and note that their use in malaria prevention is unlikely to be acceptable to insurance providers".

Click here to see the full article»

Get a dental checkup

A dental checkup before you travel is advisable, along with any associated treatment.

Taking medication to India

If you are on prescribed drugs, it is advisable to take these in their original packaging, along with a separate note of the prescription.

Other Travel Information

Passports & Visas

You must have a full passport with at least 6 months unexpired as at your date of arrival in India.  All foreign nationals, including children, require a visa to enter India.

You can apply for a visa by post or in person.  A printable application form is available online from the High Commission of India.

FCO Travel Advice

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) offer travel advice for all parts of the world, updated regularly depending on the current political and security situation.

Accommodation in Delhi

There is plenty of cheap accommodation near New Delhi train station on Main Bazaar (Paharganj), no need to book in advance.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a quieter and altogether more restful place to stay, especially after a long flight.  The ashram is on Sri Aurobindo Marg, not far from the international airport. You should book in advance by email at aurobindo@vsnl.com

Other Links

Lonely Planet online :: Delhi Weather Report (BBC)