Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GET TO KNOW YOUR BATHROOM
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Most South Indian midrange hotels and all top-end ones have sit-down toilets with toilet paper and soap sup-
plied. In ultracheap hotels, and in places off the tourist trail, squat toilets (described as 'Indian style', as opposed
to 'Western style') are the norm and toilet paper is rarely provided.
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Terminology for hotel bathrooms varies across India. 'Attached bath' or 'private bath' means the room has its
own en suite bathroom. 'Common bath' or 'shared bath' means communal bathroom facilities.
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Not all rooms have hot water. 'Running', '24-hour' or 'constant' water means hot water is available round-the-
clock (not always the case in reality). 'Bucket' hot water is only available in buckets (sometimes for a small
charge).
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Many places use wall-mounted electric geysers (water heaters) that need to be switched on up to an hour before
use. The geyser's switch can sometimes be located outside the bathroom.
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The hotel rooms we have listed have their own private bathroom unless otherwise indicated.
Tourist Information
In addition to Government of India tourist offices (also known as 'India Tourism'), each state maintains its own network
of tourist offices. These vary in their efficiency and usefulness - some are run by enthusiastic souls who go out of their
way to help, others are little more than a means of drumming up business for State Tourism Development Corporation
tours.
The first stop for information should be the tourism website of the Government of India,
Incredible India
(
www.incredibleindia.org
)
; for details of its regional offices around India, click on the 'Help Desk' tab at the top of the
homepage.
Travellers with Disabilities
India's crowded public transport, crush of humanity and variable infrastructure can test even the hardiest able-bodied
traveller. If you have a physical disability or are vision impaired, these can pose even more of a challenge. If your mo-
bility is considerably restricted, you may like to ease the stress by travelling with an able-bodied companion.
Accommodation
Hotels that are wheelchair-friendly are almost exclusively top end. Make pre-trip enquiries and book
ground-floor rooms at hotels that lack adequate facilities.
Accessibility
Some restaurants and offices have ramps but most tend to have at least one step. Staircases are often steep;
lifts frequently stop at mezzanines between floors.
Footpaths
Where pavements exist, they can be riddled with holes, littered with debris and packed with pedestrians. If
using crutches, bring along spare rubber caps.
Transport
Hiring a car with a driver will make moving around a lot easier; if you use a wheelchair, make sure the car-
hire company can provide an appropriate vehicle to carry it.
For further advice pertaining to your specific requirements, consult your doctor before heading to India.
The following organisations may be able to proffer further information or at least point you in the right direction.
