Finding Lost or Misplaced Baggage by Airline

If the airline you are traveling with has lost or misplaced your baggage, then this article explains the procedure of getting your luggage back.

If your baggage does not turn up on the luggage carousel then don't panic. It is most probably delayed and can easily be tracked down by the airlines. 98 percent of all misplaced or lost baggage is eventually returned. If your bags are on the next flight, you could have them within a few hours. If they've been sent to the wrong airport, it could take a couple of days. Make sure to file your claim immediately at the airport and provide the attendant with a contact number and address.

If your baggage has been lost or mishandled by the airline you arrived in, there is a simple procedure to follow. This allows for customs clearance of lost baggage and the delivery of the luggage at the doorstep of the passenger by the airline company.

There is no need for the traveller to hand over their passport or the baggage keys. They are merely required to complete the Custom Declaration Form authorizing the airline to complete the formalities when the baggage arrives. The passenger is required to obtain a certificate to that effect from the airlines and get it countersigned by customs indicating specifically the unutilized portion of the free allowance. This allows the passenger to avail the unutilised portion of the duty free allowance when the baggage is later delivered by the airline.

Most airlines deliver the lost baggage to your hotel or home and you will rarely need to return to the airport to pick it up. Additionally, many airlines will reimburse any unexpected expenses caused by the loss or delay. 

Lost Baggage
If the airline truly loses your bags, then you need to get a written claim for damages. This may require you to fill a different form than the original 'missing luggage' form. This can be done at the airport or by mail.

Stolen Baggage
Head directly to the baggage carousel after you get off your flight. There are some unscrupulous passengers who may pick up your bag and just walk away with it. They may be difficult to trace later.

The most common causes of lost, delayed or misplace baggage are late check-ins and tight connections. Avoid doing this when you can.

Complaining Against Auto or Taxi Drivers

If you feel you have been cheated by auto rickshaw or taxi drivers in India and wish to lodge a complaint against them, then here is how to do it.

As far as possible try to hire a prepaid taxi or autorickshaw or ask the driver to charge by the meter. If the driver overcharges you, misbehaves or refuses to take you to your destination, note down the license plate number of the vehicle and complain to the local police by dialling 100.

Here are other means to lodge a complaint against autos and taxis in different cities of India –

New Delhi - The traffic police has an SMS based complaint system. To complain against refusal, write ‘REF’ followed by the registration number of the vehicle, the location and time of the incident and SMS to 6767 from your phone. Similarly, one may use the word ‘OVC’ for over-charging, ‘MIB’ for misbehaviour and ‘HAR’ for harassment. There is also a round the clock helpline at 23378888. One may also complain online by filling in the online complaint card.

Mumbai – Other than the local traffic police, Mumbai also has special Tourism Police to guide, protect and provide safety to tourists. They patrol the streets in yellow jeeps and may be reached by dialling 22621855. Alternatively, you can register your complaint against autorickshaw and taxi drivers by filling the online auto and taxi complaint form. You can also fax your complaint to 02224927237, 24924734 and 24925462. The complaint should clearly mention the taxi number,
the date, time, place and the nature of the offense.

An independent inquiry will be carried out. If they find out that it is a first time offence then the driver is levied a minimum fine of Rs. 100 according to the law and the offender is warned. A repeat offender is made to pay higher fines and his drivers license can be suspended.

Kolkata – One may report a crime online by filling in a form with details of the offence and your contact information.

Chennai – Tourists may send their complaints as a text message (SMS) to 98407 00100. One may also report an incident by filling in the online form.

Rajasthan – Other than the number 100, one may also dial 1090 for the Crime Police Helpline. This facility is available in seven cities – Ajmer, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kota and Udaipur.

Kerala – Here is a list of helpline numbers, police control room numbers and email addresses of police officers that one may contact.

Pune - If you find an autorickshaw driver charging excessively, just take a post card, write a complaint against him with license number of the vehicle and post it to the Regional Transport Office(RTO). Within 30 days, the auto rickshaw driver will be tracked and penalized.He will either have to pay a fine of Rs 300 or face suspension of licence for 10 days. The RTO may also cancel the licenses of auto rickshaw drivers, if deemed necessary”

Other articles that will interest you:

• Travel and Tourism in India
• Medical Tourism in India
• Business Tourism in India
• Bed and Breakfasts in India
• Backpacker Accommodation in India

Report a Lost or Stolen Passport in India

In case your passport is missing, this article explains how to report a lost or stolen passport in India. It also explains the procedure to be followed in getting a new passport made and other formalities.

You must make it a point to report the loss or theft of your passport as soon as possible, even if you do not want to replace it immediately.


Procedure in reporting a lost or stolen passport

In case of a lost or stolen passport, foreign citizens first need to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the local police. This report requires them to provide information about their identity and circumstances through which the passport went missing. If you know where your passport went missing such as a hotel, airport or railway station, you should report it to the concerned authorities present there as well.

Next, you need to visit the foreign mission of your country situated in India to report a lost or stolen passport. You will have to submit a few forms and provide identity proof, a copy of the police report and a replacement fee.

After obtaining a new travel document, you must apply for an exit visa before departing from the country. This visa is available at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). It allows the traveller a specified period of time (usually a few days) in which to leave the country legally. Without an exit stamp in your passport, you will not be permitted to leave India.

The following items are required while applying for the grant of visa and exit permit –

• The replacement passport
• A letter from the embassy giving details of your lost or stolen passport
• Original police report
• Date and type of visa in the lost passport
• Name of Indian Mission from where the visa was granted
• Port of arrival including the flight number/details of vessel.
• Places visited in India

It helps facilitate things, if you possess a photocopy of the missing visa and the lost or stolen passport. The process of confirming these details can take around a week and the Visa/ Exit Permit is usually granted after one week.

India Commonwealth Games – Accommodation and Tickets

The most important multi sport event of this year is the India Commonwealth Games, for which accommodation and tickets are in great demand. The Commonwealth Games is a sports event, in which countries that were once a part of the former British Empire take part.

The first Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada and were known as the British Empire Games. It saw the participation of 11 countries in six sports and 59 sporting events. Since then, the Commonwealth Games have been conducted every four years, except for 1942 and 1946 during the Second World War. During the Commonwealth Games, accommodation and tickets are in great demand. Later, the Games came to be known by various other names, until the 1978 Games in Edmonton, where this international multi-sports event was renamed as the Commonwealth Games.


Management of India Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games is managed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). Originally having only single competition sports, the Commonwealth Games saw a significant change when team sports such as cricket, hockey, netball and rugby were introduced at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In 2000, the CGF took on the additional responsibility of organizing the Commonwealth Youth Games, for sportspersons hailing from Commonwealth countries who were 18 years and younger. The Third Edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games was held in Pune, India in 2008. It ended with India leading the medals tally with 33 Golds of the total of 76 Medals won. Lots of accommodation and tickets were sold for these Games.

The Commonwealth Games also broke new barriers, when a number of full medal events for elite athletes with a disability (EAD) were introduced at the 2002 Games in Manchester. This was the first time ever that events for people with disabilities were introduced at an international multi-sport event.


Accommodation and Tickets for the Commonwealth Games, India

In 2010, the India Commonwealth Games will be held in Delhi for the first time. India is the third developing country to host the event after Jamaica in 1966 and Malaysia in 1998. Accommodation and tickets for the India Commonwealth Games will soon be made available. The Games are scheduled to be held in New Delhi between the 3rd and 14th of October, 2010 inclusive of opening and closing ceremonies.

The India Commonwealth Games 2010 will include 17 sports - Archery, Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Elite Athletes with Disabilities (EAD) will compete in 15 events across 4 sports, namely, Athletics, Swimming, Powerlifting and Table Tennis.

The government is currently renovating existing facilities and constructing new infrastructure for these sports. New accommodation in the form of hotels and bed and breakfasts for tourists are being constructed and tickets for sports events will be later sold online.

Travel Health Tips for Tourists in India

Visitors to India may be apprehensive about the illnesses prevalent in the country, so here is a useful resource on travel health tips for tourists in India.

India is a tropical country and many tropical diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, amoebic dysentery, hepatitis and malaria are endemic. As these diseases pose a potential health hazard, it is worthwhile to get vaccinations and immunizations prior to traveling to India. Record all vaccinations in the International Health Certificate available with your local physician or health department.

If a tourist originates or is transiting from a country where yellow fever is endemic, they need to carry their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health Regulations. International travelers originating from the USA, UK and Canada do not require any mandatory vaccinations.

Here are some more travel health tips for tourists in India designed to enable you to have a comfortable vacation –

• Your first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, a thermometer, water-purification tablets, antibiotics, antiseptic creams and mosquito repellents.
• To avoid malaria and dengue fever, carrying mosquito repellents, nets, and using sprays against insects is usually sufficient.
• Stick to a vegetarian diet to prevent gastrointestinal diseases. If you eat meat, make sure that it is properly and completely cooked. Avoid eating pork products, fried food and food that is very oily. Food in reputed restaurants is usually safe, as they are required to maintain health standards.
• Drink only mineral / bottled or boiled water.
• Have plenty of liquids to keep dehydration at bay. One may take a salt-sugar solution of 1/2 tsp. salt and 4 tbsp. sugar in one litre of water to rehydrate.
• For the first few days it might be advisable to clean your teeth in bottled water.
• Always wash fruit well before eating or eat fruit you can peel such as bananas and oranges.
• Wash your hands before and after eating.
• If you do catch a stomach bug, do not panic. Try the following steps to keep it down: 

More Travel Health Tips for Tourists in India - Food and Drink

1. Drink lassi - a yoghurt drink. It will help tone down the bacteria.
2. Eat plain rice, or try a simple khichdi - an easily digestible mixture of rice and lentils.
3. Drink plenty of coconut water. It's cooling, and naturally sterilized!
4. Drink plenty of fluids and take some electrolyte salts like Electrol if the bug persists.

I hope you will find this list of travel health tips for tourists in India useful.

Tips on India Arrival and Departure Formalities

Here are some useful tips on India arrival and departure formalities for international tourists visiting India.


Arrival Formalities

If the visa for stay in India, is for more than 180 days, a Registration Certificate and Residential Permit should be obtained from the nearest Foreigners' Registration Office within 15 days of arrival. Four photographs are also required for registration. The foreigners registered at Foreigners' Registration Office are required to report change of their addresses. All persons including Indian nationals are required to fill in a Disembarkation Card, at the time of arrival.

Group Landing Permits (Visa on arrival)

Foreign tourists in groups of four or more arriving by air or sea, sponsored by recognised Indian travel agencies and with a pre-drawn itinerary can be granted collective landing permit. This permit is granted for a specified period of time (maximum for 30 days) on the written request of the travel agencies to the immigration officer.

This request should give full personal and passport details of the group members, itinerary and undertaking to conduct the group as per the itinerary, and an assurance that no individual would be allowed to drop out from the group at any place.

Departure from India

Of the other tips on India arrival and departure formalities, the filling of the Embarkation Card is very important. All persons, except nationals of Bhutan and Nepal, who are leaving India by air, road or rail have to fill in an Embarkation Card at the time of departure.

Exit Formalities

Every foreigner who is about to depart finally from India must surrender his Certificate of Registration either to the registration officer of the place where he is registered or of the place from where he plans to depart from or to the immigration officer at the port or check post of exit from India.

Foreign Travel Tax

Passengers embarking on trips to any place outside India from a customs airport/seaport will have to pay a Foreign Travel Tax (FTT) of Rs. 500 and Rs. 150 for trips to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. No tax is payable on voyages from Rameshwaram to Talaimanar and to transit passengers, provided they do not leave the customs barrier.

Transit passengers travelling by air who have to leave the airport on account of mechanical trouble but continue their journey by the same aircraft and the same flight number by which they arrive are also exempt from FTT. Transit sea passengers leaving the ship for sightseeing, shopping and so on during the ship’s call at any of the Indian ports will not be required to pay FTT.

Customs Formalities

Visitors are generally required to make an oral baggage declaration in respect of baggage and foreign currency in their possession. They are also required to obtain the ‘Currency Declaration Form’ from customs. They should fill in the Disembarkation Card handed over to them by the airline during the course of the flight.

There are two channels for clearance:

• Green Channel: For passengers not in possession of any dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage.
• Red Channel: For passengers with dutiable articles, unaccompanied baggage or high value articles. These items have to be entered on the ‘Tourist ‘Baggage Re-Export Form’ or TBRE.

All articles entered in the TBRE form must be re-exported at the time of departure. A failure to re-export anything listed on the TBRE becomes a payable duty levied for each missing item.

The following duty-free possessions are permissible- clothes and jewellery, cameras and up to five rolls of film; binoculars, a portable musical instrument, a radio or portable tape recorder, a tent and camping equipment, fishing rod, a pair of skis, two tennis rackets, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 95 litres of liquor and gifts not exceeding a value of Rs. 600 (about $20).

All animal products, souvenirs, and trophies are subject to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The export of skins made from protected wildlife species is not allowed. Avoid purchasing souvenirs that may be made of them, except for crocodile leather goods.

Generally, items more than 100 years old cannot be exported without a permit from the Archaeological Survey of India. Reputable shops will provide you with the required permit or help you procure it. Indian Customs will detain items without permits if they believe them to be over 100 years old.

Tips on Local Customs and Religion in India

India is a culturally diverse country and here are some tips on local customs and religions in India. If you give the impression of being from a different country or a different part of India, chances are that you might be stared at. Don't be offended, people mean no harm. They are just curious.

1. Religious - Dress codes for religious places may include covering your head, removing shoes and so on. Ask, so that you don't unwittingly give offense.

With all sects, removing shoes is a must before entering a shrine, though sometimes cloth overshoes are provided for a small charge. Drinking alcoholic beverages on the premises or speaking in a raised voice is not permissible. Some structures are off-limits to visitors who don't practice the faith. One should not try to force or bribe to enter such places.

In a Sikh gurudwara or mosque, women should be properly dressed and should cover their head before entering. When you enter a mosque, you are supposed to step right foot first into the courtyard. No visitor in a gurudwara should keep his feet pointing towards the Holy Book or step over any one sitting in prayer or meditation. Most people sit on the floor of a Hindu or Sikh temple either with their legs crossed or with feet tucked beneath.

Another of the tips on local customs and religion in India concerns leather, which is deemed to be unpure. In some Hindu and Jain temples all leather products like shoes, belts, handbags, camera cases and so on are prohibited inside the shrine. Many temples also expect visitors to purify themselves by washing their hands and feet under a tap or tank available there before entering.

In a Buddhist monastery always remember to follow a clockwise direction while spinning a prayer wheel and going around the interiors and exteriors of the monastery. Inside the monastery, cushions and chairs are reserved for lamas (monks). You may sit only on the steps outside or on the floor. If one gets the opportunity to meet a rimpoche (head lama) or a respected monk, it is polite not to turn one's back on him while leaving. Also removing the hat and lowering an umbrella within the confines of a monastery is advised. This courtesy is also observed in the presence of a lama.

2. Smoking - Another of the tips on local customs and religion in India concerns tobacco. Smoking is not allowed at public places. All properties of the Indian Railways including trains and railway stations are strictly non-smoking zones with stiff penalties for violations.

3. Time – In some parts of India, things usually take a longer time to get done than in most other places. Always give yourself extra time for doing certain tasks such as visiting the post office or moneychanger.

General Travel Tips for Tourists in India

If you are planning on visiting or travelling to India, here are some general travel tips for tourists in India. 

• Clothing - Travel as light as possible. Try and avoid wearing tank tops, short skirts and shorts. During the hot summers, the best outfit is a cotton T-shirt worn with loose cotton trousers. You may also try out comfortable Indian wear such as kurtas, salwar kameezes and sandals. These are available all over the country at very reasonable rates.

• Toilets - In India, public toilet facilities are few and far between. Take every opportunity you can to use a clean toilet in places such as hotels and restaurants.

•  Beggars - In India, beggary is a profession indulged in by unscrupulous gangs to make a quick buck. Do not encourage them by giving them money.

• Food And Drink - Drink only bottled water. When in a restaurant, insist on the waiter bringing a sealed bottle to your table. Beef and pork are not served in many parts of India. Curd or yoghurt is served with most meals. It is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food.

• Shopping - Try to shop only in government handicraft shops as they offer goods of a certified quality at a fixed price. Bargaining is standard at most private shops. It helps to take a local person with you to get a better bargain.

• Tipping - Tipping is virtually unknown in India, except in swanky establishments in the major cities. In hotels and restaurants, tips are not normally included in the bill. Some hotels include a service charge of 10 per cent with their bills. In such cases tipping is not necessary. In smaller places, where tipping is optional, you need only tip a few rupees, not a percentage of your bill. The standard tip is 10 per cent.
  
  Waiters, room service boys, housekeepers, porters, and doormen all expect to be tipped. Railroad porters should be paid Rs. 5 - Rs. 10 per bag, depending on the weight. Set the rate before you let him take your bags. Taxi drivers don't expect tips unless they go through a great deal of trouble to get you to your destination. However, if you hire a car with a driver, tip him about Rs.50 to Rs. 100 per day, depending on the distance travelled. If you hire a local guide, tip him or her Rs. 40 for four hours or Rs. 80 for a full day.

• Sightseeing – Most tourist attractions and shopping centres are closed on national and religious holidays. Gazetted holidays are all India centric while restricted holidays differ from State to State.Most museums in India are closed on Mondays. Site Museums, which are those museums located near archaeological monuments are closed on Fridays. Certain temples are not open to Non-Hindus. 

• Timings - Most government and private banks are open on weekdays from10:00 am - 2:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. They are closed on Sundays. The business hours of market places, shops, bazaars and malls vary from place to place. 

• Photography - Photography is not permitted at some places. In some places it may be allowed for a small fee. There is usually a higher fee for using a video camera.

• Weather - The dry heat in summer can be very strong. Drink plenty of water and fluids to avoid dehydration. Use sunscreen on exposed areas of your body and wear sunglasses to screen out harmful rays.

• Communication - English is spoken at almost all tourist centres. You may also request for government-trained and approved guides who speak languages like German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian and Russian.

• Local Travel – Try and use prepaid taxis and autorickshaws as much as possible. Insist on the taxi/auto meter being flagged down in your presence. Taxi and auto-rickshaw fares are changed often and may not conform to the reading displayed on the meter. Insist on seeing the latest rate card (available with the driver) and pay accordingly. Keep extra passport size photographs and photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport. This is required for Indian permits to certain tourist areas.

• Money - You can change most major foreign currencies and brands of travellers' cheques in major cities. India has a large network of ATM’s that accept Visa and Mastercard and American Express cards.

• Safety - Never leave suitcases unattended at airports or train stations. Lock your bags when leaving them in hotel rooms. Be alert in crowds for pickpockets. Wear a money belt.

Airport Safety and Security Tips

Here are some helpful airport safety and security that you should keep in mind while traveling in India -

• Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. Read the list of Permitted and Prohibited Items.
• Refrain from carrying unverified gifts or presents as a wrapped package. If the package sends out an alarm, the screener will need to unwrap it to investigate the source of the alarm.
• Shoes, clothing items and other accessories that contain metal will sound an alarm through the metal detector. As a result the screener will require you to undergo further checks. This may include pat down frisking.
• Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases.
• Place identification tags on all your baggage. Don't forget to label your laptop computer. These are one of the most forgotten items at screening checkpoints. 
• Another important tip in our list of airport safety and security tips is to keep your laptop bag safely in your sight as it may get snatched in the airport by thugs. These robbers enter the airport specifically for the purpose of stealing laptops and other carry on baggage.
• Refrain from packing valuable items in your checked baggage. Once you hand your baggage to your air carrier, security staff of the air carrier will handle and process the baggage in the prescribed manner. Please keep in mind that most air carriers have limited liability for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
• Declare firearms and ammunition to your airline and place it in your checked/ registered baggage.
• Carry all metal items in your carry-on bag. This includes jewellery, loose change, keys, mobile phones, pagers and personal data assistants (PDAs).
• Another of the airport safety and security tips is to take your laptop and video camera out of their case and place them in the tray provided at the security checkpoint.
• Place your overcoat or jacket in the tray at the security checkpoint. Suit jackets and blazers need not be removed, unless requested by the screener.
• Do not leave your baggage unattended.
• One more of the airport safety and security tips in India is to not accept baggage from strangers. This baggage may contain prohibited items or dangerous goods for which you may be later caught and prosecuted.

Packing Checklist for Travel in India

Here is a useful packing checklist for travel in India for international tourists. It has a few pointers to help you remember to bring along the essentials for a vacation in India. It is also useful if you have to travel to other tropical countries in the South Asian region like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Remembering to pack these prerequisites can help make your holiday quite comfortable in the hot and sweaty temperatures.

Packing Checklist for Travel

• Plain cottons or cotton/synthetic blends are the most practical and the coolest in summer. It's best to avoid synthetic fabrics that don't 'breathe'.
• Delicate fabrics do not stand up well to laundering facilities except at deluxe hotels, so avoid packing them.
• For protection from the harsh sun a hat with a wide brim is recommended.
• When travelling during monsoons, an umbrella comes handy.
• During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are required.
• For functions carry formal suits for men and long skirts and conservative tops for women.
• Trekkers and travellers going on any outdoor adventure should bring a daypack that will hold a sweater, camera and a water bottle. A pair of binoculars and sunglasses that block out ultraviolet rays are also advised.
• Other important things to bring along are strong sun block, sewing kit, premoistened towelettes, pocket knife with can opener, lock and key for each duffel or bag, high-power impact-resistant flashlight and spare batteries.
• For electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and an adapter. The electrical current in India is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). Wall outlets take plugs with two round prongs.

Packing Checklist for the Airport

Security staff will screen any "Carry-on" baggage that will fit through the x-ray machine. However, it is up to each individual air carrier as to whether the baggage fits the size restrictions for your flight. Please check with the air carrier prior to proceeding through the security checkpoints. Here are some tips and a packing checklist for travel in India, when at the airport –

• Label your laptop computer. Tape a business card or other identifying information beneath your laptop to avoid loss or the accidental ‘exchange’ by fellow travellers.
• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your cabin (carry-on) baggage. The screening equipment for checked-in baggage may damage undeveloped film.
• Pack shoes, boots, sneakers and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.
• Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread your contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations.
• Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
• Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.
• Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a screener will have to handle them.
• Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.

I hope you find this packing checklist for travel in India useful. If you have any other tips or suggestions, please post a comment.

How to get a passport in India

If you are wondering how to get a passport in India, then this article is for you. The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuing passports to the citizens of India. These passports are issued to Indian citizens from more than 30 locations across the country and around 163 Indian missions abroad.

There are three types of passports in India - general passport, diplomatic passport and official passport.

Tips on how to get a passport in India

A person may apply for a fresh passport in India by obtaining the relevant application form from the passport office in their State, a designated Speed Post centre or other selected outlets. After filling in your personal details, you need to collect required documents such as proof of residence, proof of date of birth, photographs, affidavits and other papers. These may be submitted with the prescribed fees to the following locations in the area where you are residing –

• Across the counter of Passport Offices
• At the Speed Post centres
• District Passport Cells
• Other Passport Application Collection Centres

An individual may also apply to get a passport in India through travel agents approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).

When you submit the application form and required documents, you will receive a receipt with a file reference number. This number is important for checking the status of your application at a later date. After a few days, officials will visit the address mentioned in your application form for police verification of details submitted. You will receive your India passport by Speed Post after around five weeks.

If you require to get a passport in India urgently, you can apply for one under the Tatkaal Scheme of the government. Under this scheme, you will have to pay a Tatkaal fee in addition to the applicable passport fee. You will receive your passport within 1- 7 days of submitting the application form.

Many touts that hang around passport offices offer to complete the process of issuing your passport for a large fee. Officials may also ask for bribes to get your India passport quickly. I don't know how far bribes or extra fees help, cause my passport came in quite late, even though I paid both a bribe and tout fees.

Sports Events India

Sports events India tournaments are organized at various levels to support and encourage talented sportspersons from all over the country. Every sporting discipline has tournaments both at the local level and university level as well as the State level and the National Level. Sportspersons who excel at events in the National arena are given a chance by the authorities to participate in International Sporting Events.

Local level sports events India games are held to encourage physical fitness levels and a love for sporting activities in the hearts of Indian citizens. University level tournaments help bring out the competitive spirit of the youth from different colleges while State level championships prepare promising individuals and teams to compete at the National level.

Sports events India tournaments at the National level showcase mature talent available from different States of the country. Players who display exceptional skills at these events are selected to represent the country at International Events.

Here is some more information on various sporting events India organized or followed by the population, at different levels –

• International Level
• National Level
• State and Local Level

Travel by Road in India

A great way to experience the natural beauty of the country is to travel by road in India. The country has an extensive network of highways and local roads. Every day, millions of Indians travel over the country’s roads for official and personal reasons. Here is an India road map of the highways and roads in the country.

Click on the India Road Map to enlarge it.

The country also has a diverse range of local transport right from horse drawn carts to modern buses that is available. What’s more, the transport available in different States or different regions of a State varies according to the intricacies of the area.

1. Buses or Mini Buses – This is the cheapest way to travel by road in India. Buses include inter State buses that provide transport over far off cities as well as local city buses. Every major city of India has a bus system with fixed fares. Buses may run on diesel, petrol or compressed natural gas (CNG). Most tour operators have their own buses to take tourists sightseeing. If you are with a large group of tourists, you may consider hiring the services of a private chartered bus for your stay.

2. Taxis – Though rather expensive compared to conventional means of transport, taxis are a useful option to travel by road in India, especially if you are traveling in a small group with lots of luggage. In certain cities such as Mumbai, auto rickshaws are not permitted to ply in some areas; this makes the taxi the only alternative to traveling by bus.

Most airports and railway stations in the country have a prepaid taxi service. This service enables you to book a taxi to a specific destination for a fixed rate. You are saved the hassle of arguing about fares with the cab driver or being taken for a long ride in a strange city. Always remember to take your India road map along to avoid such hassles. However, in case you have a problem, you may immediately lodge a complaint with the traffic police. Recently, the concept of ‘Radio Taxis’ has also been introduced.

3. Autorickshaws – Also known locally as an auto, a tempo or a rickshaw, the autorickshaw is the ideal low cost option to travel by road in India. The look of an auto usually differs from State to State. Generally, it is a vehicle with three wheels that is painted yellow and black. Autorickshaws that run on compressed natural gas are painted yellow and green. The amount of seats in one such vehicle varies from three to eight depending on the type of rickshaw. In some cities, autorickshaws have a fixed route and go about picking up additional passengers for a small fare.

Prepaid autorickshaws are available outside major railway stations and some airports. When you hire an auto, try to go by the meter. If you are in a shared vehicle, fix the fare beforehand with the driver so that you do not have to face any hassle later. Bargaining is allowed.

4. Cycle Rickshaws – Another mode of travel by road in India, the cycle rickshaw is useful for traveling short distances. They are usually available in areas where buses and autorickshaws don’t ply because of traffic congestion or non-profitability of routes. Cycle rickshaws are a tricycle with a high passenger seat for two people. The driver pedals from the front. There is no meter for this vehicle and the fare needs to be fixed by bargaining with the driver in advance.

5. Others – India also has a variety of other unique forms of transport such as horse carriages, tonga, bullock carts, manually pulled rickshaws and motorcycle rickshaws that ply only in fixed areas. If you are looking for more contemporary forms of transport to travel by road in India, then cars and two wheelers are available for hire. However, most car rental agencies provide a driver and don't rent out to individuals even though they may possess a valid international drivers license and other documents.

Other articles that will interest you:

• Travel and Tourism in India
• Medical Tourism in India
• Business Tourism in India
• Bed and Breakfasts in India
• Backpacker Accommodation in India

Sea Travel India

The beautiful coast of the country can best be experienced while on a sea travel India holiday. If you wish to travel by sea in India, you have many options. You can charter a boat, book a seat on a Shipping Corporation of India passenger vessel, hire a catamaran, private boats, sail boats, row boats, ferry boats ...... the options for a sea farer are truly amazing.

Travelling to offshore islands

The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd or SCI manages and operates sea travel India passenger vessels belonging to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the Lakshadweep Administration. The Liner and Passenger Ship Division of SCI also operate two passenger vessels owned by the Shipping Corporation of India in the Andaman and Nicobar Sector.

Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta and Visakhapatnam. There are three to four sea travel India sailings every month from Calcutta and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing a month from Visakhapatnam. The voyage takes around 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days.

Ships to Lakshadweep are available from Kochi. Discounts are available for islanders. Private Cruise Ship companies and travel agencies offer a variety of sea travel India cruises to Lakshadweep and the Andamans. From time to time they have special offers, discounts and tailored packages. Before booking such a trip it is always a good idea to check out the rates and services offered by different tour operators, so that you can get the best bargain.

You can also charter motorboats and ferries from ports of big Indian cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram. These boats come with a captain and are ideal for sea travel India. There is also catamaran services from coastal States like Goa and Andhra Pradesh.

The backwaters of the tropical State of Kerala are best explored through small houseboats. The facility of living in house boats is also available at the lakes of the temperate Himalayan State of Jammu and Kashmir. Other than this, travel by boat is available at all coastal and river side locations in India.

Travel Agents and Tour Operators India

The network of travel agents and tour operators India is well established. A travel agency is a business that sells travel related products and services, such as airline or rail tickets, hotel reservations, package tours and cruise holidays. These services are sold to end-user customers on behalf of third party travel suppliers like airline companies, hotels and tour operators. Some travel agencies provide special services to business travellers or medical tourists.

Tour Operators India, on the other hand, are involved in arranging travel packages, which are later sold by travel agents to customers. These packages include island tours, beach holidays, foreign trips, adventure tours and the like. Tour Operators arrange every detail of the package tour, right from air tickets, hotels, sightseeing, guides and local transport to cultural events and adventure sports. Together travel agents and tour operators India work to give travelers the best holiday in the country.

The Ministry of Tourism aims to promote tourism in India by encouraging the quality and standard of service provided by travel agents and tour operators India as well as adventure tour operators and tourist transport operators. To achieve this, the government has launched a system to ‘approve’ businesses that meet certain criteria. In addition, Indian Railways have appointed ‘Rail Travellers Service Agents’ who have been authorised to purchase tickets and secure reservations on behalf of passengers.


Travel Agents and Tour Operators India Associations

Most travel agents and tour operators India are also members of reputed professional associations. The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is the largest association of travel agents and tour operators in the country. It was established by a group of leading travel agents in 1951 to regulate the travel industry in India. Today, it has a database of more than 1800 members that include travel agencies, tour operators as well as general sale agencies. Here is a list of the members of the Travel Agents Association of India.

In India, travel agencies are usually located in the vicinity of airports, railway stations and bus depots. They can also be found at major business centres and office areas. Every year, the Ministry of Tourism awards the National Tourism Awards to travel agencies and tour operators India that have provided exceptional service in their category. This is done to hike the quality of service provided and boost tourism.

Great India Cuisine

The great India cuisine is known for its variety and range of tastes. Being a geographically diverse country, each State of India is known for a unique style of cuisine. Some popular types of cuisine in India are Punjabi cuisine, south Indian cuisine and mughlai cuisine. There are also other rare types of cuisine like awadhi cuisine, ajanta cuisine, wazwan cuisine and lotus cuisine.

Every recipe of the great India cuisine books has a different taste, flavour and style of preparation. The curries and breads of the north are poles apart from those available in the southern States. Indian restaurants are available on almost every street of India. They usually sell the classic fare of the region they are situated in.


International Cuisine in India

In addition to the great Indian cuisine available in the country, there are also restaurants that provide different types of international cuisine. Some types of international fare available are Chinese, Continental, Japanese, Thai, Italian and Mexican. The cost of food at a restaurant greatly varies. Generally, restaurants located in city centres or near major tourist spots are more expensive. Tipping in India is optional but a common practice. Usually, around 10 per cent of the bill is offered as a tip for the services provided.


Restaurant Chains in India

The great India cuisine is complemented by restaurant chains that have come up in major cities of the county. The food available in these restaurants depends on the country or State of origin of the restaurant chain. In recent years, many international restaurant chains have set up businesses in India. These eating-places usually sell popular fast food items such as pizzas, burgers, fries and coffee. Most provide home delivery of food within a certain radius. Here is a list of some of the popular restaurant chains in India.

Some of the popular Indian food chains are Nirulas, Bikanerwala Family Restaurants, Marrybrown, Sagar Ratna, Nagarjuna Restaurants, Namma MTR, Kamat Restaurants and Coffee Home.

Some of the popular International food chains are McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dominoes,KFC, Barista, Subway, Yo China, Smoking Joes, Ruby Tuesday and TGI Friday’s.


Street Food

Another aspect of great India cuisine is the lip smacking street food available at street corners. For the budget traveller, Indian street food provides the best value for money. It is available from vendors who set up makeshift or portable stalls at the side of busy streets, train stations and office areas. The country has a staggering array of mouth watering street food that varies from location to location.

For example, north India is known for its ‘chaats’ and ‘tikkis’, western India is known for ‘vada pao’ and ‘pav bhaji’, south India is popular for vadas, idlis and dosas while eastern India is famous for ‘momos’. In addition, popular items of drink such as ‘lassi’, buttermilk, sodas and ‘masala chai’ are also available. The lip smacking taste of this form of popular great India cuisine is sure to give you a good idea of what the region you are travelling to is all about.

Indigenous Games in India - Rural Sports

There are many indigenous games in India that are played in villages across the country. These rural sports have different variations and are known by other names depending on the region they are played in. Popular with schoolchildren, these traditional games help build stamina, sharpen the mind and create a spirit of sportsmanship needed to excel in professional sports and other fields of life.

Here are details about a few well known indigenous games in India-

1. Gilli Danda – Known as Witi Dandu in Marathi, this game is similar to the English ‘Bat Trap and Ball' or 'Tipcat'. It is played with two sticks – one short and one long. First, the small stick is positioned with one end sticking out over a hole in the ground. Next, a chosen player hits it smartly with the longer stick. As the small stick jumps in the air, the other players attempt to catch it. If any of them succeeds, he has the next innings and the former striker takes the field.

2. Lonpat – This indigenous game of India is a kind of ‘Tom Tiddler's Ground’ or ‘Prisoner's Base’, and it is usually played by moonlight. Lonpat is played between two teams – the defending party and the opposing party. First, the ground is marked out in squares. One person from the defending party is posted to each square. Their opponents then try to pass through these squares and back again without being touched. If they succeed, they are declared winners.

3. Ardah Purdah – This rural game may be compared to the English ‘Blind Man's Buff’, or maybe to ‘Forfeits’. The main article used in Ardah Purdah is a purdah or curtain. The players form two teams of equal number of players and the curtain is held up between them. One person then hides close behind the curtain, while the rival team is asked to guess his name. If they are correct, then the person hiding behind the curtain is blindfolded and sent off to do some task. The main enjoyment of the game comes from watching him stumble and overcome the many obstacles placed in his path.

4. Other Sports - Chausar, a kind of draughts, popular in ancient times is still played in villages. Other pastimes of the local people include a range of marbles and card games. Deshi Kasrat, an Indian form of ‘Swedish exercise' has also been initiated in local schools to help students maintain fitness levels. Also, local wrestling or kushti matches are held on certain occasions such as the festival of Nag-Panchami with great fervour.

5. Animal Sports – Of the other indigenous games in India, animal sports are really popular. They are usually held on festival days and other such junctures. Cock fighting and ram fighting are popular among some communities in certain States such as Maharashtra. Among the Gaolis, he-buffalo fighting on Diwali is a common pursuit. Races of trotting bullocks are held on Til-Sankranti. Camel racing is a regular sports event in Rajasthan.

Read about other indigenous sports in India -

• Kabaddi
• Chess
• Kho Kho
• Atya Patya
• Archery
• Snake Boat Racing
• Carrom
• Horse Polo
• Kalari Payattu

Kalari Payattu - Martial Arts of India

Kalari Payattu is the oldest living martial arts form in the world and the most famous martial art of India. This indigenous self defence technique originated around 1,500 years ago in the State of Kerala in India. The Indian Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, was responsible for taking this form of unarmed combat to China, from where martial arts like Karate, Kung Fu and Tae-kwon-do soon developed.

Kalari payattu is derived from the words ‘Kalari’ meaning school or arena and ‘payattu’ meaning skill training and exercise. It literally means, ‘acquired skill of art’. This form of martial arts incorporates 10 stages of comprehensive training. The training consists of special exercises designed to build up sharp reflexes for hand-to-hand combat.

Kalari Payattu training also includes techniques of fighting with the use of weapons such as the mace, spears, daggers, sword and shield. It may take up to 3-5 years to master each stage depending upon the skill and ability of the learner.

Kalari Payattu, the top martial art form of India, is not only a form of martial arts, but also a form of meditation, massage, ayurveda and healing. Over the years, the system of Kalarippayattu has seen many changes that have lead to the development of different styles and schools, such as the Arappa Kai, Vatteen Tiruppu and Pilla Tangi.

The Indian government has taken up initiatives to popularise Kalari Payattu at various levels. New kalaripayattu schools have been started and kalaripayattu videos have been released on CD and can be also downloaded from the internet. Here are some more details about Kalari Payattu, the number one martial art form of India.

• Kalaripayattu Training and Practice
• Kalaripayattu Training Schools

Read about other indigenous sports of India -

• Kabaddi
• Chess
• Kho Kho
• Atya Patya
• Archery
• Snake Boat Racing
• Carrom
• Horse Polo
• Kalari Payattu
• Gilli Danda, Lonpat, Ardah Purdah, Chausar, Desi Kasrat, Kushti and Animal Sports.

Youth Hostels India for Backpackers

Youth Hostels India provides good quality budget accommodation that offers a comfortable night's sleep in friendly surroundings at an affordable price for backpackers. They are a useful way to get to know a country at a low cost and meet others who share a love for traveling.

India Youth Hostels are open to everyone, including backpackers. However age limits may apply for children in some places. Young people are usually given priority, if room vacancies are few. Youth Hostels India may be single sex or co-ed. There are also special Christian youth hostels India like Salvation Army hostels, YMCA hostels and YWCA hostels.

The Youth Hostels Association of India is a union of the various India youth hostels. To avail accommodation in any of the member hostels, you have to be a member of a Youth Hostel Association affiliated by the International Youth Hostel Federation, London UK. If you are not a member, you have to become a member of your respective association by visiting the nearest Youth Hostel Association office. This can be done either before you start your journey or on arrival at the respective Youth Hostel.

Foreign citizens are required to purchase a Welcome Stamp (one per night up to a maximum of six nights) upon arrival in the youth hostel in India. To search through a list of youth hostels India, click here.

Backpacker Accommodation India

The travel and tourism sector creates more jobs per million rupees of investment than any other sector of the economy. These jobs span a range of services that are offered by both businesses and individuals. Some of the services that may be classified at ‘tourism services’ are hotels, backpacker accommodation India hostels, ticket reservation, package tours, restaurants and tourist guides. In addition, tourism also leads to a growth in allied services such as transport, banking, communications and medicine.

This section consists of information on backpacker accommodation India businesses that provide tourist services such as hotels, youth hostels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, travel agencies and tour operators. One may visit the relevant section for more details about a particular service.


Backpacker Accommodation India

Accommodation in India is relatively easy to find. Whether you are travelling around India for business or for pleasure, you're sure to find a hotel that suits your needs. Hotels can be classified into budget, starred, heritage and luxury hotels. The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) or State Tourism Development Corporations are involved in operating some hotels. Other than hotels, tourist accommodation is also available in the form of backpacker accommodation India hostels and bed and breakfasts.

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) is the trade association for the Indian hospitality industry and has a large number of hostels, restaurants, backpacker accommodation India hostels, associate and regional associations under its control.

ITDC Hotel and Tour Packages

An ITDC Hotel is an India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) hotel. The Indian Tourism Development Corporation was established in 1966 as an autonomous public sector corporation. It was entrusted with the task of developing tourism infrastructure and promoting India as a tourist destination.

Today, ITDC hotel properties in India provide a complete package of tourism services including accommodation, catering, travel, ITDC tour packages, event management, publicity, hotel consultancy, duty free shops, entertainment, and shopping.

Presently, the ITDC hotel network in India consists of 33 hotels in 26 tourism destinations of India. This includes Ashok Hotels, joint venture hotels, restaurants, transport units, tourist service stations and duty free shops at airports.

The ITDC hotel properties falling under the 'Elite' category are the Hotel Ashok, New Delhi, Kovalam Ashok Beach Resort, Kovalam, Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysore, Samrat Hotel, New Delhi, Airport Ashok, Calcutta and the Ashok Hotel, Bangalore. Most of these hotels have luxurious business facilities, and have had the privilege of playing host to several international and national dignitaries.

A cheaper variant is the 'Classic' category. ITDC hotel packages that fall under this category are the Agra Ashok, Bharatpur Forest Lodge, Kalinga Ashok Bhubaneswar, Jaipur Ashok, Jammu Ashok, Khajuraho Ashok, Madurai Ashok, Temple Bay Ashok Beach Resort Mamallapuram and the Qutab Hotel New Delhi.

If you are looking for comfortable accommodation facilities at a very affordable rate, you can check out ITDC hotel properties in the 'Comfort' category. Some of these are the Aurangabad Ashok in Aurangabad, Lake View Ashok in Bhopal, Brahmaputra Ashok in Guwahati, Hassan Ashok in Hassan and the Hotel Indraprastha in New Delhi.

Most ITDC hotel facilities include an ITDC tour of the tourist spots in the area. ITDC packages also include food, drinks and hotel transfers.

History of Polo in India

Polo is an ancient game which was made popular in Asia by the Chinese and Persians hundreds of years ago. The history of polo in India began centuries ago, when the game was first played in the areas of Gilgit, Chitral and Manipur. The sport was regularly played by Moghul Emperors, and it was Emperor Akbar who brought about the first set of rules for this game. During this era, Polo was known as ‘Chaugan’.

Polo is played on horseback between two teams of four players each. The main aim of this traditional sport is to score goals against the opposing team, while mounted on a pony or horse. Goals are scored by hitting a small white plastic or wooden ball using a long handled hammer or polo mallet. The grass field on which polo is played is usually up to 300 yards in length.

According to the history of polo in India, the modern form of polo was introduced by a British Cavalry Regiment posted in the country during the late 19th century. The Indian Polo Association was formed in 1892, with teams from Alwar, Bhopal, Bikaner, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Patiala joining in as members. The Cavalry regiments of the British and the Indian Army also fielded teams for polo matches.

After the end of the First World War the history of polo in India changed. New international rules were framed for polo. Polo events in India include the Indian Polo Championship, The President’s Cup and various local matches. Today, there are more than 30 polo clubs registered with the Indian Polo Association, which are active on the polo circuit.

Polo ponies have to be specially trained to play polo games and polo players should have exceptionally good riding skills. Today, different types of polo have emerged such as snow polo, desert polo, mountain polo, camel polo and elephant polo.

Bed and Breakfasts in India

Bed and Breakfasts in India refer to a type of boarding house that typically operates out of a large residence owned by a single family. It is also known as a Home Stay facility. Guests are accommodated at night in private bedrooms and breakfast is served in the morning - either in the bedroom or, more commonly, in a dining room or the host's kitchen.

Bathrooms can be private or shared with other guests or with the family in smaller establishments. Bed and Breakfasts India may be operated either as a primary occupation or as a secondary source of income. The staff at such an establishment usually consists of the homeowners and members of their family.

India Bed and Breakfast Tips

• The decor of the home stay may be either traditional Indian or western, depending on the choice of the owner.
• Some home stays are pure vegetarian and offer only vegetarian breakfasts.
• Some offer Indian breakfasts, which may be quite spicy. Confirm your food and drink preferences in advance with your host to avoid inconvenience later.

In India, Bed and Breakfasts are available in most major cities and popular tourist destinations. With the aim of providing comfortable and standardized home stay facilities to tourists; the Ministry of Tourism classifies fully operational home stay facilities as Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishments.

India Home Stays may be categorized into Gold or Silver. Generally, Silver and Gold Bed and Breakfasts are usually larger and have extra facilities such as parking space, internet connection, telephone, laundry facilities and security guards. Other than supplementing the availability of rooms and providing a clean and affordable place to tourists, an India Bed and Breakfast home also gives travelers the opportunity to stay with a local family and relish authentic local cuisine.

The accommodation facilities in India provide luxuries and services that are of an international standard. Check into an India Bed and Breakfast to discover the unmatched experience of traditional Indian hospitality. It is sure to make your trip truly unforgettable.

Carrom India

The history of carrom India is long and vivid. The game of Carrom is said to have originated in the country. Ever since the 18th century, it was known to be played by the Maharajas and other royalty in their palaces. The existence of a Carrom Board with a glass surface in one of the palaces of Patiala, established the privileged nature the sport was accorded in that era. Later on, Carrom games became a popular indoor sport played by families in their homes, all over India.

Carrom is a table top game that is played on a wooden board with wooden carrom disks of black and white colour. A finger is used to strike or flick a comparatively heavier disk called the Carrom ‘Striker’, so that it pushes lighter disks called ‘carrom-men’ into one of four corner pockets. The winner is the player who manages to put in all the ‘carrom-men’ of the colour assigned to him, first.

Carrom players need to have a thorough understanding of angles, deftness of touch, keen sight and superlative control of nerves to excel in this game. Besides this, they also require skill, deep concentration, mental strength and physical fitness. As carrom board games do not require much space to play, carrom india is popularly played in most small houses or offices in the country.

Today, Carrom is played competitively in an organized style. State level carrom India competitions were held as early as the 1930s. A well developed body of Carrom Rules India have been formed. The game of Carrom is managed by the All India Carrom Federation, with closely connected State level associations looking after the control, management and organization of the game at the local level. Carrom is also played in around 50 countries globally and controlled by the International Carrom Federation and respective continental Federations.

Carrom Indian players have won major International Carrom Competitions including the World Cup with unbeatable performances. Anthony Maria Irudayam and Nagsen Etambe are the best known players of this indoor game.

Other articles that will interest you:

• Youth Affairs and Sports
• Traditional Sports in India
• Indigenous Games in India
• Chess Was Invented in India
• Kalari Payattu - Indian Martial Art

Medical Tourism - Operations and Surgeons India

Medical tourism is a new concept in India with operations India and surgeons India being in very high demand. It is also known as health tourism. Today, many people from abroad visit India for medical treatments such as heart surgery, knee transplant, cosmetic surgery and dental care. With modern diagnostic and treatment facilities, experienced surgeons, one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the world, and a tradition of caring, India is able to provide word-class healthcare facilities at a fraction of the cost.

This cost of operations India and surgeons India can be as low as 10 per cent of world prices, with comparable success rates and service levels. Here is a list of indicative costs of some of the medical procedures available.

Procedure US / UK India Bone Marrow Transplant USD 2,50,000 USD 69,200 Liver Transplant USD 3,00,000 USD 69,350 Heart Surgery USD 30,000 USD 8,700 Orthopedic Surgery USD 20,000 USD 6,300 Cataract Surgery USD 2,000 USD 1,350 Smile Designing USD 8,000 USD 1,100 Metal Free Bridge USD 5,500 USD 600 Dental Implants USD 3,500 USD 900 Porcelain Metal Bridge USD 3,000 USD 600 Porcelain Metal Crown USD 1,000 USD 100 Tooth Impactions USD 2,000 USD 125 Root Canal Treatment USD 1,000 USD 110 Tooth Whitening USD 800 USD 125 Tooth Colored Composite USD 500 USD 30 Fillings / Tooth Cleaning USD 300 USD 90 Breast Mastopexy USD 7,500 USD 2,800 Reduction Mammoplasty USD 8,000 USD 3,300 Mammoplasty Augmentation USD 8,000 USD 2,750 Replacement Of Implants  USD 6,500 USD 3,000 Blepheroplasty (Upper & Lower USD 6,000 USD 2,000 Facelift USD 6,500 USD 2,800 Dermabrasion (Total face) USD 5,500 USD 2,150 Canthopexy w/Orbicularis suspension USD 6,000 USD 2,200 Endoscopic Brow lift USD 5,800 USD 2,300 Hair Transplant USD 50/ graft USD 3/ graft Neck lift USD 6,100 USD 2,400 Otoplasty (for prominent ears) USD 4,700 USD 1,500 Primary Rhinoplasty USD 7,300 USD 2,900 Tip Rhinoplasty USD 6,300 USD 1,300 Abdominoplasty USD 7,700 USD 3,200 Thigh Lift (Bilateral) USD 7,200 USD 3,150 Total Lower Body Lift (belt Lipectomy) USD 9,500 USD 6,000 Liposuction (One Region) USD 6,100 USD 1,750 Laser Hair Removal USD 550 USD 225 Laser Resurfacing/ Wrinkle Reduction USD 550 USD 225 Laser Acne Treatment USD 575 USD 230 Laser Scar Treatment USD 500 USD 210 Botox USD 70/ unit USD 8/ unit Open Heart Surgery   USD 18,000   USD 4,800   Cranio-Facial surgery and skull base   USD 13,000   USD 4,500   Neuro- surgery with Hypothermia   USD 21,000   USD 6,800   Complex spine surgery with implants USD 13,000 USD 4,600 Simple Spine Surgery USD 6,500 USD 2,300 Simple Brain Tumor Biopsy USD 4,300 USD1,200 Simple Brain Tumor Surgery USD 10,000 USD 4,600 Parkinsons Lesion USD 6,500 USD 2,300 Parkinsons DBS USD 26,000 USD 17,800 Hip Replacement USD 13,000 USD 4,500

A National Accreditation Board for Hospitals has been established to monitor safety and hygiene norms. Surgeons India and physicians with decades of experience in the USA, the UK and Europe have set up several modern hospitals to provide medical tourism services.

The Indian Government issues an “M” visa for patients and “MX” visa for those accompanying them for operations India. In 2005, around 200,000 foreigners chose India as their centre for undergoing medical and dental treatment. Most medical tourism packages combine a health procedure with a visit to an exotic Indian destination and alternative healing therapies.

Alternative Therapies

For those patients who would like to try out alternative systems of healing rather than operations India,  there are many places that practice traditional methods of medicine. Some systems available are Reiki, Pranic Healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Unani and Magneto therapy.

Ayurvedic massages and Yoga are extremely popular when it comes to relaxation and maintaining a healthy life. The State of Kerala on the southern coast of the country is world renowned for its ‘Ayurvedic Shalas’ and Ayurvedic spas.

These alternative therapies are usually recommended by surgeons India after the operations they perform are successful. Alternative therapies are usually included with medical tourism packages as they boost relaxation and can help patients recover quickly.