Getting to India
India is well connected to the outside world with many international carriers as well as some local operators (such as Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines) offering direct flights.
The main international portals are still Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Kolkata (CCU).
Depending on your fishing holiday, it may also be worth checking options on flights to Amritsar (ATQ) and Bangalore (BLR).
For easy to use websites, check prices with the following at least:
Luggage allowances
Flights from the US often have a luggage allowance of two bags. This is not standard in Europe and Asia so check that your ticket shows this allowance on all sections if you plan to take more than the otherwise standard 20 Kg (though usually you can get away with up to 24 Kg before paying an excess fee).
Domestic Connections to the start of your Fishing Holiday
Domestic Flights in India
There is a large network of domestic flights within India. Although some of the smaller airports are served infrequently with a bit of flexibility and careful planning you should be able to complete your itinerary by air if that is your preferred mode of transport.
Air India is the sole state-owned operator but it now has considerable competition from a whole host of independent airlines. Some operate only certain routes; the bigger ones operate across the sub-continent and even internationally (see above - Jet Airways and Kingfisher).
Most tickets are available as e-tickets. This makes it much easier to arrange flights whilst still at home. Let us know your plans and we'll see if we can beat your own research. Certainly, if you are coming as a group, let us try to get you a special group rate by direct negotiations with the airline.
It is worth noting that some classes of ticket can be discounted by up to 25% for those under 30 years of age. Again - let us know if you want more information or help with this.
Another option to consider is Flight Passes. Several companies offer special rates for a pass that covers either a fixed period or a number of flights. If your plans are to extend the fishing holiday in India with other travel then these could be a good option. They may also be suitable for those who want to combine two or more fishing holidays.
Domestic flights in India generally have a luggage allowance of 20 Kg for economy class.
Going by Rail in India
Many people rave about train travel in India. It is certainly an experience and should be seen as a cultural adventure rather than as a chore.
Since most journeys are long distance it is usually preferable to take one of the sleeper classes. The basic sleeper class is not air-conditioned and can seem quite crowded, especially during the daytime. This cheaper option suits backpackers but we use one of the air-conditioned classes in the fishing holidays that require rail travel. There are 4 classes of A/C cabins and two of A/C seats. Prices depend on the number sharing.
Both western and squat toilets are usually available; the squat style ones are more hygienic. You should bring your own supply of paper and one of the gel products to sanitize your hands.
There are allocations for foreign tourists on trains but if you book through an agent well in advance there is normally no problem getting tickets.
There is an IndRail Pass available, covering one class of travel for a fixed period of up to 90 days. As with the Flight Passes, let us know if you plan to extend your travels and we will advise on suitable options.
Going by Bus in India
The standards of bus travel in India vary widely. For short journeys between big cities you may find modern, comfortable coaches. In the more rural areas you will find tough, old crates bumping their way over pot-holed roads for seemingly endless journeys.
Tickets for buses are usually only purchased in the relevant bus station. If you plan on using this option to extend your travels then you probably don't need more advice; just let us know if you have a specific question.
Your Own Private Car in India
For total flexibility it is not unreasonable to hire a car and driver for a period. We can arrange a car for you, or even a bus for a group. You will then be free to explore as you see fit. The cost is largely based on the duration of the hire with a relatively small adjustment for the mileage.