Important Information

VISAS: Visas are required for most visitors to India, and some nationalities, such as Americans, are eligible for an e-visa. If your country of birth is different from your country of citizenship/passport, you may experience delays of 2-6 weeks or more when applying for an e-visa, and we recommend applying at least three months prior to departure.

Foreigners of Pakistani origin or having Pakistani Passport are not eligible for an e-Visa. Foreigners who are not Pakistani nationals, but whose parents or grandparents (either paternal or maternal) were born in, or were permanently residents in Pakistan, are also not eligible for an e-Visa. They may apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.

There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller. More details will be provided in your official Trip Confirmation email.

CULTURE SHOCK: India is unlike any country we know (and we know many). The poverty and pollution can be overwhelming, but so can the beauty and opulence. You can count on friendly locals, but we ask that you in turn respect local customs when visiting sacred sites (we’ll prime you in advance). Since most meals will be at hotels and tourist-style restaurants, please rest assured proper hygiene will be practiced.

LOCAL SCENE: India generally condemns homosexuality. For this reason, it’s wise to avoid public displays of affection, for the safety of yourself and fellow travellers.

WEATHER: During February/March the days are normally warm to hot and the nights are often mild. Daytime temperatures can be expected to be around 27C/80F, with evening lows around 16C/61F. Humidity is usually low and little or no rain can be expected.

VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements, there are no other immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type D/G sockets. Visit http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/india/for more information.

CONNECTIVITY: All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access, so feel free to tweet, pin, post, and generally be the envy of your friends and family back home.

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, and it is our belief that each traveller has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from illness. Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor to isolate in the event of respiratory illness. Our Hosts and/or Group Leaders may ask those with respiratory or cold symptoms to wear a mask in confined areas. Local laws may be more strict and will always supersede our policies.

Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Like the country itself, Indian hotels and accommodations vary from absolute opulence and lavishness to cozy and historical. This Out Adventure uses a range of hotels that reflect this variance. In Delhi for example, we stay at one of the country’s finest hotels we’re aware of. Meanwhile the bulk of the tour features 4-Star Hotels (which may feel more like an American 3-Star) as well as Local Accommodations (Unique residential buildings that have been converted into hotels and B&Bs). Please Note: Local Accommodations offer an unsterilized, authentic look into the India. Travellers should expect properties that seem stuck in time, but offer plenty of charm and character.

Indian markets and bazaars are a whirlwind adventure in themselves. Please note, shop owners use high-pressure sales tactics and the unprepared traveller can often feel overwhelmed. If you choose to visit a market, it’s best to put your ‘Go with the Flow’ pants on and have fun with it.

For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage. We highly recommend that you insure your full purchase, including trip cancellation and medical.

All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture.

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. While we typically dine together so everybody can taste everything, feel free to explore restaurants on your own…your guide will always have solid recommendations.

The Leela Palace
Africa Ave, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi, Delhi 110023, India
Phone: +91 11 3933 1234

Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

Aurika Hotel
01, Kala Rohi, Rani Rd
Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India

Local currency is the Indian Rupee, with USD widely accepted. While credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants and hotels, we recommend carrying local currency for little purchases. We also recommend carrying about $400 USD, only to be used in an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Details will be provided in your final trip documentation.

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.

The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Our Out Adventure Specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring.

Travel Documents:

• Passport/Visas/Flight Itineraries/Travel Insurance
• Pre-trip packet
• Credit/ATM card

General Personal Items:

• Eye mask/ear plugs
• Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords/International travel plug.
• Daypack
• Luggage lock
• Personal Wipes
• Guidebook/Phrase book/Reading material
• Protection for your devices from water
• Travel-size towel
• Q-tips to help clean colour from your ears after Holi

Shoes:

• Socks
• Walking shoes
• Sandals
• ‘Nice’ shoes for dinners

Bottoms:

• Underwear
• Shorts
• Swimwear
• Lightweight pants for temple visits
• ‘Nice’ pants for dinners

Tops:

• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Sweaters
• ‘Nice’ shirts for dinners

Jackets:

• Waterproof jacket/poncho

Other:

• Sunglasses/Hat
• Small Umbrella
• Refillable water bottle(s)

Health-related Items:

• Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, zinc oxide tape and small scissors, blister pads, diarrhea tablets, dioralyte rehydration packs
• Personal Medication
• High protection sunscreen/lip balm
• Insect repellent/bite cream/antihistamine
• Antibacterial gel/wipes
• Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant

We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

• Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
• Mix up walking partners on excursions
• Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
• Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

• Very little or no hiking
• Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Low altitude
• Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

• Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
• Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

• Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
• Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
• Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

• Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
• Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
• Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

• Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
• Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
• Suitable for above average fitness level