There are certain areas in India which have been classified as "protected areas" by the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958. Foreign nationals wanting to visit these areas are required to submit an application for the grant of "Protected Areas Permit" to the Indian Mission in their country before arriving in India. The Indian Mission, after due scrutiny, may grant the permit keeping in the view the instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in this regard. However, the Mission shall refer cases which are not covered by the powers delegated to them, for grant of "Protected Areas Permit", to the Ministry of Home Affairs for prior clearance.
The Protected Areas are as follows:
| Season | Months | Temperature |
| Summers | (April to June) | 24°c - 45°c |
| Monsoons | (July to September) | 21°c - 35°c |
| Winters | (October to March) | 10°c - 27°c |
The best time to visit India is during the winter season. Most of the states in North India experience a cool and pleasant weather during this time, while South India too, remains moderately warm. The heat during summers can be excruciating, monsoons bring torrential downpours while winters can be bone-chilling. Plan your trip accordingly.
Any foreigner (excluding infants below 6 months), arriving by air or by sea, from countries identified as yellow fever infected, should carry with them a yellow fever vaccination certificate, failing which, they will be kept in quarantine isolation for a period of 6 days if:
Most of the offices, banks and markets are closed on Sunday. Sometimes, within a city, different markets remain close on some weekdays too. Thus, you must make an enquiry from your hotel before you leave for shopping. Many offices are closed on Saturdays too. The calendar of India is filled with festivals and various kinds of holidays. If you are in India during such a time, you will have a great time in the celebrations.
Shopping and haggling go hand in hand in India. Discover the regional specialties as you travel from state to state. Local shops and shopping malls are well-equipped with items ranging from consumer durables, clothes, food products and others. For purchasing textiles and Indian handicrafts, one should visit the state emporium, where these items are available at a reasonable rate. Most of the shopping malls accept credit cards. However, one should acquire sufficient foreign exchange for dealing in cash transactions either from banks or authorized dealers such as American Express or Thomas Cook outlets.
