Travel Essentials

A good plan is very essential before any trip. There are many things or problems you should know or should solve. Maybe, you are worrying for such a complex preparation. Here, our Travel Essential Guide will tell you about what you are eager to know.

• Pain Relief
• Bandage
• Diarrhoea Medicine
• Insect Repellent
• Sunscreen
• Sunburn Relief
• Antibiotic Cream
• Prescribed medicine (i.e.. malaria tablets)
• Water Purification Tablets
• Toothbrush/Paste
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Mini Mirror
• Shampoo
• Toilet roll or packets of tissues (invaluable)
• Shaving Cream / razors

• Contact Govt. approved travel agents/ Tour operators for local sightseeing & excursions. Purchase Air, Rail and Bus tickets from   authorized agents only. List of Approved Travel agents is available at hotel Reception Counters.
• In case you need a guide, hire the services of an approved guide only. For verification you may ask for Identity Card.
• Tourists carrying a camera / video camera, should check whether, Photography/ Video shooting is permitted inside the tourist place.
• Exchange your money only through a Bank, Authorized money changers & Hotels and insist on receipt. Contact nearest Hotel for   assistance/information.
• In case of theft /loss, Immediately contact nearest Police Station.
• While visiting religious places please respect local traditions/ customs.
• Encouragement to Beggars, strangers and touts may create problems in your visit.
• Do not be lured in by strangers who may try to gain your confidence and propose quick money for delivering any packet abroad   containing gems/Jewellery etc.

During traveling, you would encounter various new problems. For instance, an emergency happens to you and you are badly off for help; or you don’t know the area code and zip code of your destination; etc. As a matter of fact, all of these are solvable matters. To make your trip a breeze, here you can get the tips of adoption, airport construction fee, area code & zip code, business hour, complaints, drinking water, electricity, emergencies, media, medical service and so on.

• You have to remove your shoes before entering a shrine/ Temple
• Drinking alcoholic beverages on the premises or speaking in a raised voice is prohibited.
• Women should always be properly dressed and should cover their head before entering a Sikh gurudwara or a mosque.
• When you enter a mosque, you are supposed to step right foot first into the courtyard.
• In some Hindu and Jain temples all leather products like shoes, belts, handbags, camera cases etc. are prohibited.
• Many temples also expect visitors to purify themselves by washing their hands and feet under a tap or tank available there before   entering.
• No visitor in a gurudwara should keep his feet pointing towards the Holy Book or step over any one sitting in prayer or meditation.

All animal products, souvenirs, and trophies are subject to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The export of skins made from protected wildlife species (except crocodile-leather goods) is not allowed. Such items cannot be imported into many countries, including the United States. Items more than 100 years old cannot be exported without a permit from the Archaeological Survey, which has an office in Delhi. Reputable shops will provide you with the required permit or help you procure it. Indian Customs will detain items without permits if they are believed to be over 100 years old.

Kolhapur is situated in the western hilly part of Maharashtra with a bit higher altitude. So, the overall climate of the area is cool. But during summer, it tends to be warm and dry. June to September is the monsoon season in Kolhapur.

In Maharashtra, the official and most common language is Marathi. However, both Hindi and English are widely spoken.

It is probably better to ask before taking pictures of people — while some may be thrilled, others may find it offensive. Some tourist spots such as religious shrines and restricted areas may prohibit photography.