Booking Related
How do I book a tour?
Please email <Explore@InfiniteEscapes.com> or call +91 9591 305 601 to reserve your tour.
Soon, you will be able to complete bookings online via the page of your desired tour, by clicking “Book now.”
Once you have submitted your reservation and completed the payment, your space on the tour has been reserved. We will contact you by the following business day to finalize the details of your booking and tour preferences.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. For day tours, bookings must be made at least 24 to 48 hours in advance as we cannot guarantee departures or availability at the last minute, on short notice.
For multi-day tours, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
Is it safe to book on this website with my credit or debit card?
Yes, absolutely. The payment gateway(s) we employ offer bank-level security. These are PCI-DSS compliant online payment gateway environments with 128-bit encryption and are compliant with Reserve Bank of India regulations.
Are your tours guaranteed to run?
Private Tours are guaranteed to run even if there is just one participant.
Most of our tours are priced so that its guaranteed to run even if just two people book.
However, sometimes, we are forced to charge an additional supplement or fee to cover costs, as it may be required to ensure that the Group Tour runs – even if the minimum number of guests is not met.
Do I need to pay the full amount in advance?
Yes, for day tours, we require 100% payment in advance when booking, to confirm your tour.
For multi-day tours, we require either 100% payment in advance or a partial deposit first and the balance 90 days before the start date of the tour.
Is my tour confirmed after I’ve booked online?
When you book online, you will receive a follow-up email confirming your arrangements or a time frame for when they will be confirmed.
Usually, we must confirm arrangements with our partners on the ground, and this process takes at least 24 hours for Day Tours.
We strongly recommend that you do not make any other non-refundable travel arrangements until you receive confirmation from us about your tour.
Can I cancel or change my tour after having booked?
Yes, you may cancel or change your tour booking by providing written notice and it would be subject to the Cancellation and Refund policy outlined on our Terms & Conditions page.
Can you help with travel arrangements?
Yes! We are happy to coordinate your India tours and handle bookings on your behalf to make your visit hassle-free. Please let us know when you plan to visit, group size and interests and we would be happy to send you an obligation-free quote for travel services such as –
- Private airport transfers
- Chauffeured cars for road trips
- Special interest India tour itineraries (Charities, schools, colleges)
- Pre- and post-trip hotels
- Local sightseeing tours and more
Tour Related
How easy or difficult are the tours?
Each tour is different and whether it is easy, moderate, difficult or extreme is indicated on the tour description page under the heading “Basics”.
Details such as how long the drive is, how much walking, cycling, altitude gain is involved is also usually specified. Please just ask, if you are in doubt and need further details.
Can my children come on tour?
To participate in our tours, participants must be 18 years or older. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
If you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, young adults, or multiple generations, our “Family-friendly itineraries” will appeal to everyone’s individual interests and levels of activity.
Please contact us so that we can help you select one of our existing “Family-friendly itineraries” or work with you to create something especially for you and your family.
Do I have to be extremely fit to take part in your tours?
That depends on the tour. Almost everyone can participate in our walking and sightseeing tours.
And, if you are new to outdoor adventure sports, then just let us know and we would be happy to suggest an itinerary that suits you or, alternatively, offer a private tour so that you can go at your own pace.
As for the active adventure tours that we offer, anyone who is reasonably active on a daily basis can participate.
Our motto is “Mind over matter” but don’t fret, its not like its a race or anything. That said, you may not enjoy the tour as much without any training, so it always a good idea to hit the gym.
For trekking and cycling tours, its best to train by hiking with a pack and by cycling regularly. By doing so your feet and joints will become accustomed to it.
For climbing tours, being cool-headed at heights is essential. Such tours are not suited for those with a fear of heights.
For watersports, being able to swim is not usually necessary, as life-jackets will be provided, but it would surely help. Watersport focused tours are not suitable for those with a fear of swimming in deep waters.
What kind of support can I expect while on tour?
Our guides are constantly looking out for your comfort and safety and will be with you during the tour, offering tips and local insight as you travel through these parts.
On walking and sightseeing tours, your guide will ensure your safety and happily tell you all about the history, the culture and the stories that make the place unique.
On cycling tours, our guide will cycle with you and the support van is with you every mile of the way, offering water, snacks, and mechanical support and carrying extra bikes and your extra clothing. You can also hop in the van at any time, especially if you need a lift during tougher sections.
On trekking tours, your guide will take care of entrance fees, permits and liaise with the Forest Department to provide safe access and also, offer snacks, water and guidance as you summit and return to base.
Throughout the tour, our guides also offer a more intangible kind of support. They speak the language of the region, understand the intricacies of local culture, have friends at hotels, restaurants, and bars, and act as your personal paparazzi—so you can leave your trip with ready-made memories.
On multi-day tours, expect total pampering. You won’t have to worry about a thing. Your luggage will be in your hotel room before or shortly after you arrive. Your guides can recommend places to eat, shop, drink and relax and they will take care of the bill and the tip. Your only job is to enjoy yourself.
Is it possible to skip an activity that is included in the itinerary?
Yes, but only on private tours.
What’s included on tour?
We do our best to offer all-inclusive tours so that you don’t have to reach for your wallet once you meet us. However, inclusions may vary depending on the tour and are always indicated on the tour description page under the heading “Inclusions” and also in your booking confirmation email.
Generally, our tours are guided tours and transportation to and from a central location in the city, bottled water, snacks and/or meals, entrance ticket fees, online booking fees are included.
Alcoholic beverages, photography fees and tips are not included.
All outdoor adventure activity equipment necessary will be provided. If you wish to bring your own anyhow, say your own bike or climbing gear for instance, just let us know when you book so that we can save some space for it.
Is purified drinking water available on tour?
We encourage guests to bring their own water bottles from home to reduce our environmental footprint. Guests are also welcome to bring their personal purifier bottle/Lifestraw devices for added safety. Nonetheless, we do provide safe, bottled drinking water on tours.
What type of food will I get on tour?
Generally, we provide fruits, dry fruits, energy bars, chocolates and/or other snacks so that guests can maintain their energy levels.
During Full-day tours, Indian vegetarian meals are provided, so as to give our guests the opportunity to sample some of the best local cuisine.
If you wish to customize your tour with some delectable western or non-vegetarian cuisine instead, we would be happy to arrange that, so long as you request for it in advance – when you make the booking. Additional charges apply depending on the restaurant you choose.
Please inform us about your dietary restrictions and food allergies while booking and also, on the day of the tour and we will do our best to accommodate the same.
Do I need to tip the guides?
Gratuities for our guides are much appreciated to thank them for exceptional service, support, and expertise. The industry standard is for each guest to tip 10% to 15% of their trip price at the end of the tour. Unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips among themselves. Local currency is preferred.
India Travel Related
When is the best time to visit India?
We recommend that you visit between October and February as the weather is perfect to soak up some sunshine on the beaches and islands of South India. But, please note, the best time to visit really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel.
The rainy monsoon season is from June to September in the South but that’s when the mountains up north shine and beckon. So there’s always is plenty to see.
We also recommend that you avoid traveling in South & Central India during peak summer months of March, April and May as its sweltering hot with no respite from the heat and the sweat even in the shade. You can escape to the mountains in the North-East then instead.
Let us know when you plan to visit and we would be happy to recommend what would be best at that time.
Is a visa required to visit India? How do I get one?
Yes, India offers electronic Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) to international travelers, from 166 countries, who are visiting solely for recreational and sightseeing purposes, or to meet friends or relatives here, or for medical treatments, or for casual business visits.
This visa is ideal for stays that are of 30 days or less and for a single entry/exit only.
You may apply directly for this upto 120 days in advance and we urge and recommend that you do so in advance with plenty of time to spare.
(Why? Well, to be on the safer side and not have to worry about frustrating bureaucratic delays, government holidays and so on just before your departure. Otherwise, it is entirely possible that you may have to reschedule your flights and rearrange your whole itinerary if you push your visa application to the last minute.)
The fee payable depends on which country you are from. This information is accessible via this link https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/eTV_revised_fee_final.pdf as of 30 Aug 2018.
For more information, please visit the official Government of India’s Tourist Visa on Arrival website via https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
If your trip exceeds 30 days in duration, or if you are planning to enter India more than once – after visiting other countries in the region, you will need to apply for a good old-fashioned tourist visa through the Indian embassy in your country. Please contact them directly for more information.
Is English spoken in India?
Yes, English is spoken throughout India, particularly in the cities. Locals may even have near native level fluency as most people learn English in school from when they are three years old. So you don’t have to speak the local language when visiting but learning key phrases, in the local language of the region you plan to visit, will definitely make things easier.
This will be my first time in India, what do you recommend?
This depends on your interests and how much time you have. The city you fly in and out of is also a key factor. Up North, Taj Mahal in Agra, and the Rajasthan’s sandy desert dunes and forts and palaces are a huge draw. Leh, Ladakh is a huge draw too as are the North-eastern states.
Here down South, Kerala tops the charts with Tamil Nadu’s temples and Karnataka’s UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi right on its heels. Pair that with beaches on the western coast and wildlife sanctuaries and what you have is an adventure of a lifetime!
Is it safe to visit India?
Don’t worry, its absolutely safe to visit and travel through India. Foreigners tend to attract attention here but its almost always just friendly curiosity and a smile will break the ice. If approached, you are not obliged to stop, talk, respond, pose for photos or help. Just smile, wave and walk on. If you stop, you will be surrounded in no time.
And, as with any international travel, be alert and aware of your surroundings. Make sure your purse or wallet is closed and in concealed pockets. Always keep copies of your passport on hand and leave the original in your hotel room locker or hidden well in your luggage.
At the train or bus stations and airports, chain or monitor your luggage at all times especially if traveling overnight.
If you are a solo woman traveller, its best to avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone and especially at night.
Its also best to wear loose fitted, short sleeved T-shirts and knee-length shorts. Anything that’s more revealing will attract unwanted attention from lecherous men and their phone cameras and its definitely best to not interact with such types. You can force them to delete pictures of you as well if they do click without your permission.
Just keep walking, be loud and firm and if that doesn’t work, raise an alarm or approach other women for help if you feel unsafe or if someone makes any unwelcome overtures.
And actually, in all likelihood, you will meet some of the warmest, friendliest and most loving, caring people ever when you visit India with an open mind.
Are vaccinations necessary?
Although not required, some vaccinations are recommended as preventative measures. Please consult your government’s travel-health website before departure(a few links are here below) and visit a clinic near you for up-to-date information and specific recommendations for your trip. Most vaccines don’t give immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, so visit a doctor well before departure.
If you are travelling from a country in the yellow-fever zone, in Africa or South America, within the six days prior to entering India, proof of vaccination is required. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination (sometimes known as the ‘yellow booklet’), which will list all the vaccinations you’ve received.
Australia – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada – www.travelhealth.gc.ca
New Zealand – safetravel.govt.nz/health-and-travel
UK – www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas
US – www.cdc.gov/travel
What should I pack?
Pack light– Moving from place to place in India can be a bit tricky. Many forms of transportation have a tight fit and having something you can easily haul around is key. Bringing an extra backpack isn’t a bad idea either as a purse or small bag may not be enough to carry water, an umbrella etc.,
Prepare for weather– Be sure to pack according to what season you’ll be in the country. Where you are headed is also a key factor as the Himalayas are a much cooler region. Generally, T-shirts, knee-length shorts, comfortable pants might suffice in most places around India. Throw is a light jacket, swimwear and flip-flops and you are good to go.
Wear the right footwear– You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking (or even standing) in India. Make sure your shoes are up for the trip, your feet will thank you.
Bring a complete first-aid kit– The CDC has put together this exhaustive list of health items that may be needed during your trip to India. Some notable items include: sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer and diarrhea medicine like DiaResQ or other remedies.
Will I find the medications I need easily in India?
Its best to bring a well-stocked travellers’ medical kit as it can be difficult to find some of the drugs, particularly the latest antidepressant drugs, blood-pressure medications, allergy medications and contraceptive pills. Never hesitate to consult a doctor if you become ill while in India as self-diagnosis, with medications purchased over the counter here without a doctor’s prescription, can be hazardous.
Bring the following:
- medications in their original, labelled containers
- a signed, dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names
- a physician’s letter documenting the medical necessity of any syringes you bring
- if you have a heart condition, a copy of your ECG taken just prior to travelling
- any regular medication (double your ordinary needs).
Please refer to this thorough list of items that ought to be in your medical kit while traveling around India.
What kind of medical care is available in India?
Medical care is hugely variable in India. Cities now tend to have clinics catering specifically to travellers and expatriates; these clinics are usually more expensive than local medical facilities, and offer a higher standard of care. Additionally, they know the local system, including reputable local hospitals and specialists. They may also liaise with insurance companies should you require evacuation. It is usually difficult to find reliable medical care in rural areas.
Self-treatment may be appropriate if your problem is minor (e.g traveller’s diarrhoea), you are carrying the relevant medication, and you cannot attend a recommended clinic. If you suspect a serious disease, especially malaria, travel to the nearest quality facility.
Personal Information Related
What traveller information do you collect?
We collect the information necessary for any services booked on a tour. The information we require includes:
- Emergency contact details
- Relevant medical information
- Disclaimer and waiver
- Passport and visa information
- Arrival and departure details
- Hotel details
- Fitness level
- Ability to swim or exert oneself for long durations
- Dietary restrictions and allergies
- Height, weight, clothing size
Why is personal information necessary?
To guarantee your tour runs like clockwork – Collecting accurate arrival and departure information helps us react to any changes in your itinerary, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Is it mandatory to provide personal information to participate?
Why does each traveller need to complete their own waiver(s)?
We require travellers to complete and agree to one or more waivers depending on the type of trip booked. Since these waivers are legal agreements, they must be completed by the person who is travelling on the trip and cannot be completed by your family member or by a fellow traveller on the same booking. In the case of minors travelling, waivers must be completed by their parent or legal guardian.
Can someone other than me provide the necessary information?
Another person, such as a family member or a fellow traveller can provide some of your information when booking. However, due to legal reasons there are a few sections that must be completed directly by you or, in the case of minors travelling, by their parent or legal guardian. One example is the traveller participation waiver.