The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is a good source of health information for travelers.

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Sightseeing may require, at minimum, the ability to walk at a moderate pace for a mile or two and the balance and agility necessary to climb stairs, enter and exit buses and boats, and navigate uneven or cobble-stoned streets. Some sightseeing stops do not have elevators or wheelchair access. Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your med­ical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. When on vacation, it is always wise to watch what you eat and drink and avoid drinking tap water while traveling. Most hotels will provide complimentary bottled water. You can purchase additional bottled water throughout your trip.

India’s currency unit is the Indian Rupee, divided into 100 paise. It is available in the following denominations: Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 Rupee; Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 75, 100, 150, 1,000 Rupee. Traveler’s checks and foreign currencies can be exchanged in larger cities and only at authorized agencies such as banks, exchange offices, and hotels. Large banks may offer the best exchange rates. Hotels and stores in large cities accept all major credit cards, but small towns may require cash only. ATM access is limited and available only in large cities such as Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay). Cash is the best (generally the only) option in street markets. Save all receipts from any currency exchange transactions. You may be asked to present them when you exit the country, and they are required if you intend to reconvert local currency. The exchange rate constantly fluctuates. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 60 INR. For the most updated exchange rate, please check www.xe.com.

The standard electrical voltage in India is 220 volts, 50 hertz. Bringing an adaptor is a good idea if you plan to use electronics (i.e., cell phones, laptops, cameras, etc.) during your trip.

India’s food is famously spicy, but not always spicy-hot. Due to differences in climate, soil type, occupations, and regions, Indian cuisines vary considerably from one another depending on which area of the country you are in. There are marked regional, religious, and traditional influences in cuisine that also create differences in their foods. Still, most meals are based on rice or another grain, served with meat and vegetables cooked in a spiced sauce: India’s well-developed vegetarian cuisine and many traditional (decadent and sweet) desserts. When dining on your own, reservations for dinner are essential in India, even in hotel restaurants. Regardless of precautions, changes in water and diet can result in mild abdominal upsets and nausea. It is advisable to bring antacids or abdominal pain medicines. Avoid suspect foods such as uncooked vegetables, peeled fruit, unpasteurized milk, and milk products to prevent serious illness. Beware of any food or drink sold by street vendors. Do not use tap water for drinking. Travelers should avoid even “purified” water in open containers. It is always preferable and safer to use only bottled or canned water.

In India, the official language is Hindi and English. Each state has its official regional language: 14 in all. Conflict over making Hindi the sole official language of India has resulted in English being retained in official usage and is now used widely in business and politics.