The Tropical South

Weather
It is pretty tropical out there, and hot and humid certainly. It can still rain outside the monsoon, and you may just catch a few showers at any point. Saying that, it's usually a big shower in the afternoon that dries up pretty quickly and hopefully won't affect you too much, when it does rain.

Clothing
Light cotton and loose is definitely the way to go, but you can wear slightly thicker clothing in the evenings, when it cools somewhat.
Trainers are fine. The walk on Day 4 isn't particularly challenging. Trainers are probably better than walking boots as you may be asked to put leech socks over them if it's been raining. There are a few pictures of that, along with the rest of the tour here. Some people did find the walk tough, as it's steep with little shade. Although you're only walking for around 4 hours, it could feel longer.

Mosquitos
We had no problems with mosquitoes at all. There's no net on the houseboat to be fair but it's quite easy to close the door to stop them getting in! I don't use Deet, but a natural one made from eucalyptus, which works well.

The houseboat was fantastic, and one of the highlights for me. The food they managed to cook up was incredible, and it's such a nice way to see the area.

No other major tips, I loved it all and it's quite an easy area to travel around.

Kai Aylward - Web sales

There is a real mix available and you won't be disappointed! The local cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, with lots of rice. You can enjoy everything from traditional spicy curries to stalls selling tasty sweets and deserts and even right the way to western style grub, if it all gets a bit too much. Vegetarians and 'non-spicy' food people are easily catered for, and the leader will make sure a wide range of dishes are ordered for each meal.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

The hotels you stay at will all be good quality, with en suite facilities. As such, towels are usually provided but it's always a good idea to pack a small emergency one in the end of your bag as well, just in case. You may have an odd night where the standard is slightly lower but this will usually be due to where you are and, as such, limited by what is available.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

Where do you start?! Half the joy of shopping in India is the sheer scale of what's on offer, from upscale boutiques in New Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta to the crowded and sweaty markets of pretty much any town or village you come to. Handicrafts, art, leather goods, spices, hand carved statues, silk, the list goes on - all the way to cheap knock offs of western brands!

Remember, outside of the proper shops, haggling is the key but don't waste your time trying to split the difference over a few pence - the best result is when everyone comes away happy!

Charlotte Taylor - India Operations

Any time I go out, I normally just take sterling cash which, as long as you excercise the normal degree of common sense you would at home, is safe and easy. The India rupee is a closed currency, meaning you can only get it upon arrival in the country. There are exchange facilities at all arrival airports, and ATMs are available pretty much everywhere as well in case you need to top up along the way.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.

Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.
Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

For additional information please visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Charlotte Taylor - India Operations

It is absolutely brilliant - a once in a life time experience! Cruising along the backwaters watching people along the shores in everyday like is great and you have little stops along the way to visit the market/churches, and also seeing the giant snake boats is fun. The staff were very kind and helpful and the cooks were amazing and came up with some amazing meals - a little canoe pulled up alongside us at 1 point and we bought some seafood for dinner!

Niraj Shrestha - Customer Operations

Fancy a night out in India just like the locals? Head to a Bollywood movie and join the local in an evening packed with entertainment. The Bollywood masala movies are a mixture of dance, drama and musical with a break in between as most of these are lengthy 3 hours movies. This gives you the option to leave the theatre should you want to do that! The songs and dances make it like a 60’s musical where you could have the whole locals singing and dancing to the tune. Some movies become hits only because of these. Movie theatres that you may want to visit are; Raj Mandir in Jaipur, Odeon in  Canaught Place, New Delhi, Filmistan, Karol Bagh in New Delhi - but all cities have theatres. A word of warning- try to avoid the rush when entering and exiting the theatre and the crowded area and keep valuables with close to you zipped at all times and enjoy the show.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to India where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

No. Indian visas must be pre-arranged in advance. Check the Indian embassy website for details.

http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/

Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales

India has delicious food to cater for all preferences but, like anywhere in the world, hygiene is important.  Keeping your hands well washed before eating, staying as hydrated as possible and sticking to bottled water is the best protection against an upset tum. Otherwise, mashed potato is apparently a good cure!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!