Before You Depart

Heart of India

FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your departure flights from the U.S. and back are on the below airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend you arrive no later than three-and-a-half hours before your scheduled departure time.

Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting domestic flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change.

Departure Date Airline Airport Depart Return
2024: Jan. 10, Feb. 21, Mar. 6, Nov. 6 Air India New York (JFK) 12:30 PM 6:55 AM
2024: Oct. 2 Air India New York (JFK) 12:30 PM 7:35 AM
2024: Oct. 16 Air India New York (JFK) 12:30 PM 7:55 AM


ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

The above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in. If you have a preferred seating choice, please make sure you check in for your flight as early as possible. Airlines typically do not offer any frequent flyer miles for passengers traveling on a group fare.

LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.

Land Services end upon arrival at the Delhi airport at approximately 5 PM on the last day of the tour. Please note if scheduling an onward international flight that it will take approximately one hour to collect checked baggage for an onward international flight.

Generally, check-in at hotels is not before 4:00 PM and check-out is prior to 12:00 PM. If arriving early or departing late, hotels usually allow travelers to store their luggage in the luggage room.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. A visa is required for U.S. passport holders and must be obtained prior to arrival. You may apply for an e-visa online with the Indian government directly. You may also consider a visa processing service like sherpaº to facilitate the process. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip. 

 

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE
In April and October India’s daytime temperatures average in the 80’s and 90’s; from November through March in the upper 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Overnight temperatures are cooler. Nepal temperatures are normally about 10-20° less than what you will experience in India. The rainy season is normally during the summer months (Jun-Aug). We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS
The average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) at a local restaurant is about $18 – $25 per meal per person depending on the city and restaurant. At hotels, buffet lunches are approximately $22 USD per person and buffet dinners are approximately $28 USD per person including the 18% tax. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals. A tip of 10%-15% is usual in restaurants that do not impose a service fee and is optional at restaurants that do impose a service fee.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa), though as of 2011 only 50-paise coins are legal tender. Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of ₹5, ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹500 and ₹2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older ₹500 note is no longer valid legal tender, and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted. Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards.  However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars.  Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Your hotel will also be able to exchange cash to local currency for you. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (maximum 44 pounds) and one carry-on piece (maximum 15 pounds) not to exceed 18”x10”x8”.