Frequently Asked Questions about Booking a Tour Package

1. How to book a tour to Karnataka?
Firstly we suggest you to visit Tour Packages Page on the website, which include various tours of Karnataka. Then select one of the Karnataka tour packages. If you intend to make any changes like having a day more or less then in that case you need to inform us so that we make your itinerary accordingly. You can use our online booking form or send us an e mail at: Support@KarnatakaVacations.com


2. If I do not want the tour as mentioned in the website how do I make my own tour?
If you don't want those tours which are mentioned on the website then in such a case you need to fill up the Enquiry Form mentioned on our website. In this form you have to specify the places you want to visit, date of arrival and departure, number of people who are traveling, the hotel category and any other special choice. After having these details from your end we will plan a tour for you and contact you in 24 to 48 hours with all the details.


3. Do I need to make full payment to book a tour?
No. Someone trying to book a tour package does not need to make full payment. Customer has to pay 50% for the booking confirmation. The hotel vouchers will be shared to the guest within 4-5 working days. The remaining 50% amount should be released one day prior to your travel date. Tour confirmation only on receipt of full payment.


4. How do I get Payment Confirmation?
After the payment is successful the customer will receive a confirmation mail to the customer’s mail id from the assigned tour manager.


5. I am booking a tour package. What details are needed while booking?
If a client is booking on behalf of a family member or a friend, then he/she will have to provide basic information like Name, Email address, Contact number, places of interest, Travel Start Date, No of Days, No of Adults, Children age (if any), Hotel Category and Car Type.


6. When will I receive Hotel Vouchers?
The hotel vouchers will be shared to the guest within 4-5 working days.


7. Do I need to call hotel to reconfirm my reservation?
A customer need not to call the hotel regarding any booking confirmation. Hotels will be booked by us and will send you the hotel vouchers. We will take all the responsibilities to make your tour go perfectly.


8. What if the primary hotel listed in the email is not available?
99.99% we will provide the same hotel as listed in the email. If the listed hotel is not available then we will immediately inform you about that and provide you the choices of next available hotels. You can choose the hotel and we will the same hotel.


9. I am visiting Karnataka for the first time how should I prepare myself?
For the general information please visit the page Karnataka Information. You may also put up your questions to us regarding any matter if you do not find the answers on our website. Apart from that we suggest you to do some background reading before visiting Karnataka, so that your visit becomes a great experience.


10. How advance should be my travel booking?
Your travel bookings should be made 8 months well in advance, especially if you are traveling between December to June and October to March (peak tourist season). As Travel infrastructure in Karnataka has its limitation in comparison to the peak season demand therefore we highly recommend booking your tour in advance.


11. How to experience Karnataka at it's best?
While planning your trip we suggest you to consider the festivals which would be taking place in Karnataka during your trip. Upon receiving the information from you we will combine your trip with the Festivals in Karnatka which will make your trip a great experience. For any further information on Festivals please visit our Karnataka Festivals page. On this page you will find the dates of the festivals taking place in Karnataka. Our guides will also tell you about the cultural activities that would be taking place during the festivals.


12. Can I buy an Air Ticket through you?
Yes, you can buy an Air Ticket through us but to be fair, we recommend you to book your air tickets in your country as air tickets are normally expensive if booked in Karnataka in India to be sent to your country. However even if Air tickets are cheaper here and you happen to change you schedule in that case it is better to have to tickets issued at the port of departure. After having booked your Air tickets you can inform us the arrival time and the flight Number to enable us to pick you up from the airport to start with the tour.


13. How will I be picked up from the Airport or Railway Station in Karnataka?
You will be picked up from the airport or railway station in Karnataka by our representative. Our Tour representative will be holding a name board with your name written on it at the arrival hall of the airport or railway station. If you are coming as a group then the name of the group will be mentioned on the name board. On that name board the arrival date, time, place and flight or train number will also be mentioned. You are requested not to leave the airport or railway station until you meet our representative. If by chance you were not able to find our representative then you would also be provided the mobile and telephone number of the representative so that you can find each other at the particular location at the airport.


14. Can I book the hotels only with you and not the complete tour?
Yes, KarnatakaVacations.com is having special rates with many hotels all over the Karnataka. We are sure that we will be able to offer you the hotels for your budget in the destination wanted by you. As far as the hotels are concerned we have hotels of every category in Karnataka. Do inform us what kind of hotels you are looking for. We also make arrangements for big conferences and incentive spa and Ayurveda Packages. For more information on the hotels you can visit our web page Hotels in Karnataka. This web page provides information about various categories of hotels available in Karnataka. All the hotels that we use in the tour itinerary are mentioned there. If you want to book a particular hotel then a booking form is supplied with the hotel details. You can fill up that particular booking form and send to us or email us at Support@KarnatakaVacations.com


15. If I only want to take the vehicle during my tour and not the complete tour, then what do you suggest?
If you want us to make arrangements only for the transport then we provide any type of vehicle you require for your travel. With the vehicle you would be provided one experienced and reliable English speaking driver. The car would be at your disposal throughout the tour. The cost of the vehicle includes all the expenses, fuel, driver's fee, toll fee and parking.


16. Which Vaccination is required before visiting Karnataka in India?
Before visiting Karnataka in India, the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required if a tourist is coming from the Yellow Fever endemic countries. This certificate conforms to the International Health Regulation. The citizens and travelers coming from the United States, Canada or United Kingdom, do not require any vaccination certificate or inoculations. It is highly recommended to get a precautionary measure vaccination against Hepatitis B, if you plan to stay longer in Karnataka. To avoid Malaria and Dengue, carry mosquito repellents, nets or take a course of anti Malaria medicines.


17. How do I get medication in Karnataka in case of necessity?
It is advised that you bring medicines from your country or city. Most of the medications in Karnataka are available but you may not find it under the same brand name as in your own country or city. If necessarily of consulting a doctor be assured that we will assist you in this matter. Private hospitals with high standard and qualified doctors are available in Karnataka.


18. What is the best time to visit Karnataka?
The best time to visit Karnataka is from November to May. Monsoon season is from June to October and you can enjoy waterfalls during monsoon season.


19. Are the Visa and passports required before visiting Karnataka?
All foreign nationals, including children, require a visa and passport before visiting Karnataka. For visiting Karnataka, please consult the concerned embassies in your area. For clarifications, please contact the Indian High Commission.


20. Which currency is used in Karnataka?
Indian Rupee is used in Karnataka. Paper money is in denominations of Rupees 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of Rupees 1, 2 and 5. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers' checks that can be brought by the tourists in Karnataka. However a Declaration form needs to be filled and signed (only for the amount which is more than USD 10,000) on the arrival at the Indian airport. By filling up this form you can also get your money exchanged back in the original currency without any problem. The Money should be exchanged only through authorized money changers.


21. Is there any thing important while visiting temples in Karnataka?
Temples are very sacred places. Do remember to remove your shoes and sandals while visiting temples. When visiting temples, women should cover their body with short or long sleeves tops and a long skirt or pants. Women should not wear sleeveless dresses or blouses. They need not cover their face or head. Men should wear long pants and a sleeved shirt. Men's should remove shirts and banians before entering the temples located in Dakshina Kannada, udupi and Chikmagalur districts. It is customary to drop a small amount of money in Hundi (offering box) after making prayers. Remember, Hindu custom dictates that women should not enter temples if they are menstruating.

Also be alert for sign boards indicating that non-Hindus may not visit the inner sanctum of the temple (for example Gokarna) and may see only its outer precincts. If there is no sign board, then ask a priest or temple management. If you are visiting a temple and are offered a portion of sweet or fresh coconut or banana, it is prasada or sacred food, offered to the gods. Since it's a great honor to be offered, never refuse it, rather accept it and eat it. If you don't want it, take it and give it to someone else.

Photography or Video is strictly prohibited in most of the temples. Before photographing the inner chamber of sacred temples, be sure to get permission from the temple management. It is not permitted to have the picture of main deity in some temples. Karnataka Tours Guides will assist you more on about the behavior and general customs within the temple premises.


22. What should I wear while on my travel to Karnataka?
As a Westerner, feel free to wear anything, as long it is not very revealing like extremely tight jeans, low-cut blouses. It is extremely important for women to keep their legs covered as much as possible by wearing long skirts or pants. Shorts are never acceptable, except at beach resorts. Be sure to wear a hat. It is essential protection against the sun. Cotton outfits, hats, sun glasses and sun screen lotion should be carried while on your travel to Karnataka.


23. Are there any restrictions for the Photography in Karnataka? Is there anything I need to consider while doing photography in Karnataka?
Karnataka offers you great photographing options and it is a great fun while photographing in Karnataka as you will have enough sunlight most of the time. We suggest you to bring digital cameras and video cameras with you to catch the unlimited beauty of Karnataka. In some of the monuments and wildlife sanctuaries you have to pay the fees for the photography. At some of the locations photography is strictly prohibited. Please do not violate rules. Do not photograph these objects otherwise your cameras will be confiscated. Always take permission before photographing people. Traditional people in Karnataka are sensitive and suspicious as to why they are being photographed. Never photograph airports, railways, railway stations, big bridges, or a military area. It's good not to photograph Muslim women, women taking bath in river, cremations, slums, or beggars.


24. How safe is traveling in Karnataka?
Karnataka is comparatively a safe state to travel. Crime rate against foreigners remain low. However especially to our female guests we recommend not be alone on the road after late evening just to be on the safer side. In case you need any help you can call the police at 100.


25. How is shopping in Karnataka? Can you provide me some tips for safe and smart shopping in Karnataka?
Karnataka is a shopper's paradise. There are various shopping places in Karnataka. However, we recommend you to shop from the government approved emporiums. You can bargain everywhere except in government craft emporiums, pharmacies, bookstores, or Western-style grocery stores. Even if a price is written on an object, ask the price and bargain from there. Decide what you are willing to spend for an item. Make this your last offer in a bargaining session. If the shop owner is willing to sell at your price, he will sell you the item without much argument. It is better to buy large and expensive items, such as rugs or jewellery, only from reputable dealers recommended by Indian acquaintances, hotels or your guide and driver. Most of the large stores also ship your purchase. Although, for convenience and to avoid postal delays, it is advisable to carry purchased items with you or book it as baggage.


26. How much should I give as tipping while traveling in Karnataka?
Tipping is expected by most of the people involved in the tourism in Karnataka. In big hotels service charges are included in the bills so tipping is not necessary otherwise 10% of the amount of the billing is normally provided as tipping. If you are traveling with a group the tipping can be reduced to 5% of the total bill. For the porters in the hotels Rs.20 for a single baggage and in the case of a group Rs.10 per baggage is customary. For tour guides and escorts we recommend 2 to 3 USD per day per person and same is also for the driver accompanying you during your Karnataka tour. However the mentioned amounts are just to give travelers an idea. There is no "must" or "compulsion" of tipping in Karnataka. We suggest you to grade the quality of services of particular person before tipping.


27. I want to know more about Karnataka Vacations? Why should I book the tour through Karnataka Vacations?
Karnataka Vacations is a recognized tour operator and holiday planner in Karnataka. We not only organize tours in Karnataka, but also in other parts of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. We not only organize the tours as they are printed in the itinerary but also work out any custom made itinerary in any area of the Indian subcontinent. We also organize special Ayurveda rejuvenation packages, Yoga training camps in Karnataka. Karnataka Vacations is associated with a team of Tour Escorts and Guides who are fluent in English having long experience and are highly qualified and have also spent many years abroad. To know more about Karnataka Vacations and its team please refer to About Us or email us at Support@KarnatakaVacations.com


28. What is the guarantee that I would be provided the services which I asked for during my tour? Or how safe is my tour with Karnataka Vacations?
Customer Satisfaction is our motto. Your satisfaction and Safety is 100% guaranteed. Karnataka Vacations provide you a guarantee that it would provide all the services as decided according to the mutual agreement between you and them.


29. Does your company provide any sort of insurance?
No, Karnataka Vacations does not provide any sort of medical insurance. It is advisable that you get the insurance from your country only.


30. How do we settle the payment? Is there an advance deposit required?
We need 50% of the total tour cost as an advance at the time of the confirmation of the travel package. This is to be sure that your booking is genuine and we can go ahead with the reservations of Hotel and other services. The rest of the due amount can be paid 15 days before your arrive to Karnataka. On special request you can also make the payment after your arrival. This can be agreed upon as per the type of tour and the amount we have to pay in advance to the hotels and our other associate offices for making the bookings.


31. How can I make the payment?
There are various payment options by which you can make payment to Karnataka Vacations. You can make payment by cash, bank transfer, Cheque, and Demand Draft. For more information, please visit Mode of Payments page.


32. What type of information is required in order to confirm the booking?
In order to confirm the booking with us we require some of the information like
Passport Number
Date of passport issue
Validity of passport
Passport issued at
Date of Birth
Your complete name as in the passport
Complete address
Your Nationality
Your Visa Number, if you already have the visa
Your telephone Number
Your mobile number if any
Your arrival Date, Airline number and time
Your departure date, Airline number and time

You can fill up all these information and send it to us so that we will confirm your hotel booking. At the time of check in at the hotel, you need to please handover a copy of such details at the hotel reception so that you do not have to fill up the information forms of the hotel and it also saves the time.


33. From where I could get information about the distances between the two cities?
If you want to know about the distances between the two cities, then we suggest you to email us your query to Support@KarnatakaVacations.com. We will reply query in 24 hours.


34. Can I drive in Karnataka?
Though it is permissible to drive in Karnataka but we strongly recommend you not to drive as the condition of roads and traffic rules do not match with Western countries. Driving here is on the left, as in Japan, Hong Kong, and Britain. There are cyclists, buses, trucks, rickshaws, cows, dogs, countless pedestrians on roads. Chances are more to meet with an accident if you drive on your own. It is always suggested to hire a driver as they are trained and familiar with local traffic sense. For more information on hiring a driver contact our team of Karnataka Vacations.


35. What are the different greetings used in Karnataka?
Karnataka is a land of diversity thus you will notice that different people use different greetings. Like, Hindus say "Namaskara or Namasthe", Muslims say, "Salaam al-eikum" (Sah-lahm ah-lay-kuhm) and the Sikhs say "Sat Sri Akal" (Saht shree ah-kahl).


36. What are the general do's and don'ts for greeting in Karnataka?
The general greeting is "Namasthe" (nah-mahs-tay) or "Namaskara". You can do this for "Good morning", "Good afternoon" or "Good evening". While saying Namasthe or Namaskara hold your palms together at chin level and nod (never bow) your head. In major cities, men usually shake hands, while women use the more traditional greeting. In general, you can shake hands with men and can say Namaste to women. Ji is used following a name as a sign of respect, e.g., Gandhi-ji. Note that a Hindu may greet a man by adding "sahib" ("sir" or "master") to the name (Mr. John-sahib) and woman by adding "ji"(Miss John-ji) as a sign of respect. Don't use first names unless you know someone very well. Use "Mr.", "Mrs.," or "Miss". Use titles such as "Professor" and "Doctor," and use "Sir" or "Madam" with superior/elders. Only people of the same sex can hug one another.


37. What about the public facilities in Karnataka?
The public facilities are rarely good, including all the major cities. You will find Western style toilets in all the standard hotels and restaurants. Be prepared to find them not as clean as you are used to in your country. Indian trains usually have both Indian and Western-style toilets. You will find public bathrooms and toilets in hotels, restaurants, railway stations, bus stations and some shops in big cities. There is usually a picture on the door to indicate which bathroom is for which sex. In some places, there may be a row of stalls with Indian-style "squat" toilets and one that is Western - style. But in small cities or towns where the tourist flow is less are rather poor. Keep toilet paper or tissues, paper soaps or liquid soaps with you for convenience.


38. What caution should one tourist take - when it comes to legal matter and safety?
Don't bring weapons or pornography into India. Be prepared to declare radios, cameras, and other electronic equipment on a special form. Customs will check to make sure that you take those items out with you when you leave the country. Be aware that the police can be very arbitrary. In case of a small theft, it's better to forget it than to go to the police. Report any significant theft to the police so that you can have a statement for your insurance company. It's very unlikely that you will recover the stolen goods. To minimize the possible loss of money, never carry a large amount in cash wish you. ATM's are meanwhile available in all big and small cities at the bank premises.


39. What precautions should I take regarding my health while in India?
Wash you hand as often as you can, avoid eating uncooked and cold food, especially from the street vendors, drink only mineral water. One should take care that the bottles are sealed. At the initial start of your tour for first few days avoid spicy food. You can always tell the waiters at the restaurants that you would like to have less spicy food. In case of any emergency ask your guide or driver to take you to a doctor. Indian doctors are well experienced and medicines are easily available.


40. What is the general meal plan in Karnataka? What kind of food is served in the restaurants in Karnataka?
The general meal plan in Karnataka consists of three main meals in a day with one or two added tea-coffee breaks. The main meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner. All standard restaurants and hotels in Karnataka offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Karnataka. Though the meal pattern is same, the food served in the meals varies in different regions of Karnataka. Bisibele Bath, Chow Chow Bath, Idli, Masala Dosas (which took birth in Udupi, Karnataka), Plain Dosa, Rave Idli, Poori are the different dishes in Karnataka.


41. What is advisable to eat and drink in Karnataka?
We advice our guests to drink bottled water, bottled drinks. The water in the hotels can be used for cleaning the tooth and body, but avoid drinking this water. The mineral water is available in sealed a bottle which is purified and quite safe to drink. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Avoid eating spicy food. It is suggested to stick to only cooked foods and to eat fresh fruits after removing their skin. After taking the above precautions you will realize that Karnataka has a wonderful cuisine and rarely any other place meet such varieties.


42. I want to spend my honeymoon in Karnataka? What are the various options?
In Karnataka, you can enjoy your honeymoon amidst the sprawling hill stations, picturesque towns, attracting beaches and cascading waterfalls. The dense tropical jungle in the hill stations houses some of the most exotic bird and wildlife sanctuaries in the state. In Coorg or Chikmagalur, you can enjoy your romantic evening.