India Travel Resources and Tips

Country Profiles:

The sites listed in our Country Profiles section are excellent resources for all travelers abroad. They give country insights and profiles on most countries including India. Concise and up to date information is provided on issues including culture, economic background, travel warnings, health and safety advice, foreign relations and tourism.

BBC News - Information about history, politics and economic background, as well as recent news on most countries - India Profile

Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade - hosts the website of the Centre for Intercultural Learning. This website features Country Insights which helps travelers understand and learn about cultural differences - India Insight

Consular Information Sheets - compiled by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, part of the U.S. Department of State, provides factual country information including useful information for travelers and expatriates - Information on India

Encyclopaedia of the Nations - This is one of the best free websites for updated country information. Information is not intended for travellers however travellers will find valuable and current information about transportation, economy, politics, history, ethnic groups, social conditions, geography, the natural environment, health, culture, tourism and more. India Overview

U. K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office - Provides short Country Profiles with information on travel advice and health and safety which are very useful. British citizens can use the online Locate Service contained within the site in order for British embassy staff to contact you in case of emergency or risk while abroad. Travel advice for India

Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Offers practical travel advice such as insurance tips and travel health. Australian citizens can register with the department via the web site in order that you may be contacted in case of emergency or risk while abroad. India Advice

Dharamsala Travel Resources:

The sites below are travel and community sites for the Dharamsala region. They give an insight to the local area and an idea of things to do and see in the area.

Dalai Lama Official Site gives the Dalai Lama's international teaching schedule. Check and see if the Dalai Lama is scheduled in Dharamsala during your volunteer trip and have the chance to attend a talk, teaching or prayer session.

Norbulingka located in Dharamsala is dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan art and culture. Visit the website and then visit Norbulingka during iSPiiCE volunteer trip in Dharamsala.

Mcllo.com is an informative travel and community website for Dharamsala, Mcleodganj and Kangra valley. The website gives details on what's on, places to see, and things to do.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Dharamsala - Wikitravel's Dharamsala, India profile.

India Travel Forums and News:

The sites below host popular forums for 'travel to India' from a community of travellers dedicated to helping and educating each other. Also remember to contact us at and we can help to answer any of your questions.

India Mike is a widely used travel site for India. You will find useful information on everything from 'getting there' to 'follow on travel advice' and forums entitled ‘India for Beginners' as well as Health and Well Being in India.' India Forums

The Lonely Planet hosts the Thorn Tree Travel Forum which gives travellers the chance to exchange travel information, advice, hints and tips. Thorn Tree India

World Press - provides links to 5204 newspapers in 192 countries. Search for Indian newspapers

Health Issues:

Many of the sites in the Country Profiles section above touch on health issues however the site below is specifically about health abroad and provides greater detail.

MD Travel Health offers complete travel information regularly updated by health professionals. Information includes vaccination recommendations, and food and water precautions. MD India Health Advice

Packing tips:

What to Wear on Holiday gives good advice on clothing and packing for men and women travelling abroad. They sum up their India advice page with ‘travel light and dress modestly'. What to Wear: India specific advice. Your iSPiiCE pre departure handbook also gives guidance on appropriate clothing for your volunteer trip.

Read advice on suitable clothing at Journey Women, written by female travellers in India and based on their experiences. Journey Women India specific advice

About.com gives tips for your India Packing List and your iSPiiCE pre departure handbook also gives information to help with packing for specific times of the year.