India
Proven India Destination Management Company: DMC and Planner for Specialist
Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organiser Worldwide
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COX AND KINGS LTD
(PATA / ICCA / TAAI / ICPB / IATO / IMC / FIEO/ IATA) |
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
| Specialise In |
Incentives, Conference Management Service, Business Travel, Forex, Inbound Travel, Corporate Meetings |
| Government |
Federal Republic |
| Coastline |
7,000 km |
| Capital |
New Delhi |
| GMT |
GMT + 5 hours 30 minutes (Oct. to March), GMT + 4 hours 30 minutes (April to Sept.). |
| Online Weekly Weather |
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day/newdehli |
| Yearly Weather Climate |
www.weather.uk.msn.com/newdehli
India has a hot, tropical climate, but with considerable variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from November to mid-March, with cool, fresh mornings with sunny days. The hot weather (rather dry and dusty) is between April and June. The hill stations in the Himalayas and the Western ghats have excellent weather, even in the hot months of April to early June. Parts of the Western Himalayas can be excellent up to September, though it can be cold along with rains in spring. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer, between June and September. There is pleasant sunshine during the months of October to March in almost all parts of the country. |
| Airport |
Indira Gandhi Int. Airport, 22 km South of Delhi |
| Average Flying Time from London |
9 hours |
| Entry Requirements |
www.worldtravelguide.net/country/120/passport_visa/Indian-Subcontinent/India.html
Passports / Visas: All foreign nationals including those from UK & Ireland require a visa to enter India. British and Irish nationals wishing to visit India must be in possession of a valid passport and the passport should have a validity of six months prior to applying for visa. Details and types of visa and the fee may be obtained from the High Commission of India in the UK. and the Indian Embassy in Ireland and the relevant details are as below:
1. High Commission of India, India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: (0906) 8 444544 (24 hrs recorded visa information) / (0207) 836 8484 (Operator) / Fax: (0207) 240 6312.
Visa Form Fax back no. 0906 8 444543 / Website: www.hcilondon.org /
E- mail: visa@vhcilondon.fsbusiness.co.uk / Timings: 0830 to 1200hrs (Mon to Fri).
2. The Consulate General of India, 20 Augusta St, Jewellery Quarters, Hockley, Birmingham B18 6JL.
Tel: (0121) 212 2782, Fax: (0121) 212 2786 / Email: cgi@congend.fsnet.co.uk / Timings: 0930 to 1230hrs (Mon to Fri).
3. The Consulate General of India, 17 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BB
Tel: 0131 229 2144 / Fax: 0131 229 2155 / Timings: 0930 to 1230hrs (Mon to Fri).
Note: For visa application forms please contact Indian High Commission / Embassy or your local travel agent or download the visa forms from the Indian High Commission Visa Download link
www.hcilondon.net/services/visa-download.html |
| Health and Medical information |
www.worldtravelguide.net/country/120/health/Indian-Subcontinent/India.html/
No vaccination is required for travelling to India from UK and Ireland. Health conscious people may like to consult their GP for inoculation against typhoid, Hepatitis and meningitis. Visitors originating from Africa, South America and Papua New Guinea must possess Yellow Fever Certificate prior to visiting India and failing to do so they can be quarantined on arrival at the airport. Further, use mosquito repellent in mosquito prone areas. However, during the tourist season (Oct. to March), insects are non-existent. |
| Currency |
India's currency is the Rupee, abbreviated as Rs. One Rupee is equal to 100 Paise. Coins are in denominations of 10, 25 & 50 Paise and also 1, 2 & 5 Rupee coin. Notes are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Rupees. Contact the nearest bank for details of current exchange rates. Money can be changed at all international airports round the clock in India. |
| Currency Regulations |
It is advisable to carry out a mix of cash and travellers cheques to guard against any situation. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to change followed by Pounds Sterling. The other hard currencies such as Yen can also be changed in tourist areas and big cities. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travellers' cheques a tourist may import, provided a Declaration Form is completed on arrival by the tourists if they enter the country with US$10,000 or its equivalent in any other currency. This will facilitate the exchange of imported currency as well as the export of unspent currency on departure or for tax clearance certificates. Cash, bank notes and travellers' cheques up to US$2,500 or equivalent need not be declared at the time of entry. Any money in the form of travellers' cheques, drafts, bills, cheques etc, which tourists wish to convert into Indian currency should be exchanged only through authorised money changers. |
| Currency Exchange |
Tourists are advised that changing money through unauthorised persons is not only illegal but also tantamount to an offence under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act. Please note that no Indian currency whatsoever can be imported or exported, except for Rupee travellers' cheques. Banks abroad do keep Rupee travellers' cheques to intending tourists. There are 24-hour exchange facilities available at all big cities and international airports. Banking hours in India are from 10am to 2pm (Mon - Fri) and from 10am to 12 noon (Saturdays). One can also wire money into India. This service is offered by foreign banks with branches in India and also with Indian banks with branches abroad such as the State Bank of India, Bank of India and Bank of Baroda. Well known international banks such as ANZ Grindlays, Citibank, Standard Chartered, BNP, Bank of America and others in major cities. Most of these have 24 hour ATMs. |
| Credit Cards |
A large number of hotels, restaurants, emporiums and shops accept major credit cards; the well known and more accepted ones being American Express, Access or Mastercards, Diners Club and Visa. |
| Currency Converter |
www.oanda.com/convert/classic |
| Language |
English enjoys associate status but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication, Hindi the national language and primary tongue of 30% of the people, Bengali (official), Telugu (official), Marathi (official), Tamil (official), Urdu (official), Gujarati (official), Malayalam (official), Kannada (official), Oriya (official), Punjabi (official), Assamese (official), Kashmiri (official), Sindhi (official), Sanskrit (official), Hindustani (a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India)
note: 24 languages each spoken by a million or more persons; numerous other languages and dialects, for the most part mutually unintelligible |
| Population |
1,147,995,898 (July 2008 est.) |
| Tipping |
In restaurants or hotels a 10% service charge is often added to bills, in which case there is no need to tip. In smaller places, where tipping is optional, you need only tip a few rupees, not a percentage of your bill. It is customary to tip waiters, porters, guides and drivers. |
| Guides |
Trained English-speaking guides are available at fixed charges at all important tourist centres. The India Tourism Offices located at important tourist places can be contacted by tourists for the hiring of approved-cum-language speaking guides of French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian and Japanese including English. Unapproved guides are not permitted to enter protected monuments, and tourists are, therefore, advised to ask the guides for the identity card issued jointly by the Department of Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India. |
| Opening Hours |
These may vary from region to region. Banks: 1000 to 1400 (Monday to Friday), and 1000 to 1200 (Saturdays). All international hotels have a 24 hours money changing facility. Post Offices: 1000 to 1700 (Monday to Friday) and Saturday mornings. In big cities, these hours are often longer. Offices: 0930 to 1700 (Monday to Friday), 0930-1300 (Saturday). Some government offices open on alternate Saturdays. Shops: 0930 to 1800 (Monday to Saturday). |
| Electricity |
Voltage in most places is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles, round pin plugs and sockets. Visitors are advised to check the voltage before using electrical appliances. Socket sizes vary, so it is advisable to take a set of plug adaptors. |
| Total Land Area |
2,973,190 sq km |
| Coastline |
7,000 km |
| Driving |
On the left, international driving permit recommended. |
| Public Holidays |
There are many festivals and special events in India, but only a few of these are full Public Holidays. National Holidays are : 26 Jan (Republic Day);15 Aug (Independence Day); 2 Oct (Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday). For dates of other holidays and festivals please contact Tourist Offices, London (Tel: 020 7437 3677)
Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday of the week, Ajanta Caves on Monday and Ellora Caves on Tuesday. Red fort in Delhi is closed every Monday. |
| Photography |
Visitors to India find ample themes with varied subjects for photography including people, monuments, wildlife, festivities and landscapes. Note, for still photography and video filming, a prescribed fee has to be remitted at the monument and for professional photography cum filming with big sized camera, permission has to be sought from Archaeological Survey of India, Janpath Road, New Delhi-110001., Tel. 00-91-11-23012058/23019487 (2) Photography in wildlife sanctuaries is allowed only on payment of a prescribed fee to the Wildlife Warden of the sanctuary; (3) Photography is prohibited in tribal areas & military areas. |
| Communications: |
Telegram/Fax/E-mail: International 24-hours service from large hotels and telegraphic offices in major cities. Telephone calls to most countries are now direct. There are telephone facilities between the main cities and towns, but some calls will need to be placed through the operator. The international direct dialling code for India is 91. Mobile Phones: Mobile phones in India are in vogue and dual band mobile phones with 900 mhz frequency can be used in the country. |
| Postal |
The postal services and poste restante are excellent. Stamps can often be bought at hotels. Airmail service to the United Kingdom generally takes up to a week. Courier: All major international courier companies have offices throughout India, and deliveries and collections can be made to and from all parts of the country.
E-mail: E-mail and internet services are available in most hotels and General Post Offices all over India. E-mail centres are now becoming popular in major cities. While cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai have several cyber cafes, the concept has picked-up adequately in other cities. |
| Customs: Arrival/Departure & Additional Information: |
The Government of India has streamlined customs clearance procedures for a speedy clearance.
The GREEN CHANNEL is for travellers carrying non-dutiable items while the RED CHANNEL is for dutiable items. The Duty Free Allowance (above 12 years of age) is Rs. 12,000 for Indian residents and for foreigners residing in India if the stay abroad is more than 3 days, and Rs. 4,000 for Tourists of Foreign origin. The Allowance is Rs. 6,000 if the stay abroad is up to 3 days. The Duty Free Allowance also includes 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250grams tobacco, and liquor/wines up to 32 oz or one litre. Heavy electronic equipment can be taken to the country and for non levying of the customs duty; an undertaking has to be given that the same shall be carried back at the time of leaving the country. Goods can also be purchased from the Duty Free Shops at the International Airports located both in the Arrival & Departure Lounges.
1. Gifts worth Rs. 5,000 can be sent to India by friends & relatives staying abroad without any customs duty.
2. Separate rules & regulations apply to people returning to the country on completion of assignment in overseas countries.
3. People bringing Gold and Silver have to pay duty subject to their residency-cum-stay at abroad.
4. Prohibited Items: i). Trafficking in narcotic drugs like heroin, charas (hashish), cocaine or in psychotropic substances is prohibited and is punishable with imprisonment. ii).Import of Firearms as baggage is prohibited. iii). Export of most species of wild life and articles made from flora and fauna such as ivory, musk, reptile skins, furs, shahtoosh etc. is prohibited. For any clarifications passenger should approach the Regional Deputy Director (Wildlife Preservation) Govt. of India or the Chief Wildlife Wardens of State Governments posted at Calcutta, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.iv). Non-declaration , mis-declaration and concealment of imported goods is an offence under the Customs Act, which may result in confiscation, fines, penalties and even prosecution .v).Export of Antiquities is prohibited. vi). Incase of any difficulty or complaints, passengers may contact the Deputy or the Assistant Commissioner of Customs in the Baggage reclaim area of International Airport.
5. Triptyque/Carnet : Vehicles imported under the triptyque or carnet, issued by any internationally recognised Automobile Association or club belonging to the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme, Geneva, are allowed duty-free for a period of 6 months only. The same regulation applies to the import of motorcycles, bicycles with motor, and trailers whether imported with the vehicle or separately. A tourist intending to drive himself must have an International Driving Licence. For more details, contact Automobile Association of India, C-8, Institutional Area, New Delhi-110016. Telephone: 0091-11-26965397/ 26864521 / 23312323 / 23312324.
Customs Cont: For more details and clarification, please log on to Indian Customs website: www.cbec.gov.in
Additional Information: i) Foreign tourists, non-resident Indians including the Indian nationals have to fill in disembarkation/embarkation card on arrival/departure from India. ii) All visitors who have stayed in the country for 180 days are required to obtain an Income Tax Clearance exemption certificates from the Foreign Section of the Income Tax Department in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. iii) Import/Export of Indian currency is forbidden without the prior permission of Reserve Bank of India. iv) The State of Gujarat is a dry State but a Liquor Permit may be obtained at the time of procuring a visa for the country from the Indian Missions Abroad. v) Cases relating to mishandled and lost baggage should be reported immediately to the concerned Airlines Counter at the International Airport. vi) All passengers departing from International airports have to pay Departure Tax of Rs. 750/- and Rs. 550/- in the case of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. vii) Pre-paid taxis and coaches operate round the clock from the Airport to the downtown area at a fixed tariff and tourists are advised to avail themselves of this facility. |
Company
Cox and Kings Ltd (C&K) is the longest established travel company in the world. Its distinguished history began in 1758 when it was appointed as general agents to the regiment of Foot Guards in India, under the command of Lord Lignier. By 1878 C&K were agents for most British regiments posted overseas, including the Royal Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry, as well as the Royal Wagon Train and the Household Brigade. The Royal Navy was next and in 1912 The Royal Air Force came under its wings.
Between the 1750s and the 1950s, C&K was witness to an exciting era in Indian history, and, in its own way, helped to shape it. In 1947 the British administration departed, but bound by strong ties to India, C&K stayed on and flourished. Today C&K is a premium brand in all travel related services in the Indian subcontinent.
Cox and Kings Ltd is the oldest travel company in the world. founded in 1758 and is a dynamic and enterprising ‘Destination Management Company’ with years of experience behind it. A friendly, professional & global workforce offering a comprehensive range of travel related services in the subcontinent. With 03 of our own tour operating offices located in UK, USA and Japan, Sales & Marketing representations in the UK, Germany, Australia, South Africa, Spain and France, 40 countrywide associates in India, our network and our commitment to a quality service remain our primary strengths. Our in-house knowledge of the destination is unparalleled and we pride ourselves in providing a superb experience with personal attention.
Achievements of C & K
- For the past 7 years, Government of India – Ministry of Tourism has awarded Cox and Kings India with “ The National Tourism Award” in the category of Conferences.
Cox And Kings – The Products
Destination Management (DM)
C&K operates a wide range of group and individual tours throughout the subcontinent for clients from all over the world. Overseas C&K offices are renowned as Indian tour specialists in their respective markets and generate the majority of this business. These tour operating offices sell India (amongst other destinations) in their product portfolio, while the DM division looks after ground arrangements in the capacity of Ground Handling Agent (GHA) in India. In recent years India has been increasing its share of world tourism, although from an extremely low base, at a steady rate of growth.
C&K currently caters to over twenty thousand foreign tourists a year. This includes providing specialist services to foreign participants visiting India for international meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentives. It also includes domestic conferences and corporate incentives. Provision of shore excursions and related ground services to international cruise companies touching Indian shores is also a profitable activity of DM.
C&K is today India’s market leader in destination management, with substantial competitive advantage in this line of business.
- International Conferences and Event Organising — Cox and Kings India is one of the largest conference and event organisers providing management services, covering music concerts, international fashion shows, product launches and international conferences for up to 5000 people in any part of India.
- Foreign Incentive Organiser — We are the leading organiser of foreign incentives and have worked with several of the top ranked multinationals who leave the intricate organising to us.
The destination management department of Cox and Kings India provides the following services as a Ground Handling Agent (GHA):
- Meet and greet service: Escorted transfers from airport to hotel or vice versa by a C&K representative.
- Assistance at hotel registration and detailed client briefing.
- Reconfirmation of bookings if required with airlines and onward reservations.
- Assistance at check-in on departure.
- A range of excursion trips and package tours.
- An in-house quality control cell ensures high quality standards.
- C&K buys several thousand room nights all over India for its leisure and corporate clients, especially in Delhi and Bombay. As a result it has very good purchasing power with most hotels.
Business Travel (BT)
Cox & Kings offers a full range of business travel services to over three hundred corporate clients, including major multinational companies. Its strength in this area was evident when one of the world's largest travel conglomerates - Radius - selected C&K as their Indian partner. Through the Radius Partnership, C&K is part of a network of over six thousand offices in over seventy countries worldwide.
Destination
India - From Dreams to Reality
A land of colour, fantasy & dreams, which brings to mind vibrant festivals, golden beaches, snow-capped peaks, sacred rivers and a warm, tropical climate. In the midst of this, lies India's legendary cultural diversity, with a population of over one billion.
Indian cuisine is popular all over the world. Ancient ayurvedic treatments are steadily gaining international recognition. Indian fashion has been spotted on international catwalks & Bollywood movies receive international acclaim. World-class hotels and resorts and as well as affordable & easy access forms of travel make India an enticing destination.
India beckons the travellers to experience the sunny beaches of Goa, the serene backwaters of Kerala, the misty mountains of Himachal Pradesh, the vast deserts of Rajasthan and more. Welcome to the flavour of the world! Welcome to India!
Example Programmes
We have two different itineraries for India please click on the links below and this will show programmes Cox & Kings have to offer:-
GOLDEN TRIANGLE - Delhi - Agra - Jaipur
MUMBAI & GOA
Suggested Sightseeing
DELHI
- Half-day city tour of Old Delhi: Drive past Red Fort and visit Jama Masjid (largest mosque in Asia) and Raj Ghat.
- Half-day city tour of New Delhi: Visit the Qutab Minar (72 metre high Minaret), tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun and a drive past the imposing India Gate.
JAIPUR
- Half-day city tour of Jaipur: Drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Visit the City Palace Musuem and Jantar Mantar Observatory.
- Half-day tour to ancient city of Amer to view Amber Fort.: View the chambers and hallways of the palace.
AGRA
- Half-day vist to Taj Mahal & Redfort & Half day excursion to Fatehpur Sikri.
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
Maharaja Welcome
A welcome of beautifully decorated elephants or camels and horses, re-created in medieval times.
Champagne Breakfast at Taj Khema
Enjoy a champagne breakfast with the magnificent Taj Mahal in the background.
Exhibition Elephant Polo Match
Opportunity to watch or participate in an exhibition game of Polo.
Royal Dinner at the City Palace
A Royal meal at the magnificent venue of ‘Shobha Niwas’ provides a splendid, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bollywood Extravaganza
Enjoy the experience of an electrifying Bollywood Extravaganza theme dinner. ‘Bollywood’, as it is famously known, is Mumbai’s answer to Hollywood.
Mock Indian Wedding with Dinner
Traditional Indian wedding ceremony where guests participant as the ‘baraat’ bridegroom’s party and the bride’s party.
Village Theme Dinner
A mini village is re-created with colourful bamboo huts and rustic environs. Guests will have an opportunity to see puppet making, pottery, henna, local magician and astrologer.
Fashion Show event with dinner
Guests will witness an event where models will showcase a blend of Indian & Western dresses.
A Few Extra Touches
- Traditional welcome upon arrival with an ‘aarti’ ceremony.
- Enjoy a Treasure Hunt, navigating the narrow streets of Old Delhi on various ancient modes of transportation.
- Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Convention Centres
India Expo Centre Expo XX1 - Greater Noida (Near Delhi approx 30 kms)
Venue can accommodate all types of events up to 5,000 people.
Welcome Gifts
- Silk / handmade paper menu scroll of a gala dinner
- Silk scrolls with a map of India and the itinerary route and company logo
- Traditional decorative pens with client name
- Miniature Ganesh statuette / stained glass portrait
- A box of Darjeeling tea / Indian spices- 50gms
- Miniature paintings mounted on raw silk
- Silver Coin
- Papier Machie jewellery box / letter holder
- White cotton "kurta +/ pajama" sets for men
- Cotton printed kurta + pajama and scarf set for ladies
- Table linen set with a typical Indian print on cotton
- Coffee Table bookazine on India
- Bottle of Indian champagne
- Ceramic mugs with the company logo
- Sun hats, with company logo
- Sun umbrella with logo
NORTH INDIA
- Blue pottery items - vases, bowls, ashtrays, coasters, napkin rings
- Rajasthani turbans for the men or Odhinis (long scarves) for the ladies
- Ladies wallet / spectacle case in leather and silk
- Silk cushion covers - a set of two
Specialist Groups
- Tailor made trips for Special Interest Groups