Ananya Tours Pvt. Ltd.

• All foreign nationals must pay hotel bills in foreign currency (cash or travellers cheques). This can be paid in rupees if the visitor has a bank receipt as proof of currency exchange.



• Exchange money only through authorised banks or moneychangers.



• Insist on a receipt when exchanging money.



• Retain all receipts to facilitate re-conversion of unspent money on departure from India.



• Shopping is recommended from Government Emporia and suggested shops on the list of the Department of Tourism. Information on these can be obtained from tourist offices in India.



• Export of most wildlife and their products is either banned or strictly regulated. Export of the few permissible items - even as passengers' personal luggage - is allowed only under an appropriate export permit.



• Insist on getting a certificate for the legitimate sale of a particular animal product and permission for its export to avoid inconvenience on departure.



• Taxis and auto-rickshaws in cities do not all have meters, but where they do, insist on the meter being flagged in your presence. If the driver refuses to cooperate, seek the assistance of a policeman.



• In addition, the above fares change from time to time and so will not always conform to readings on the meter. To avoid confusion, insist on seeing the latest fare chart and pay accordingly.



• If you wish to visit any prohibited or restricted areas, check with the nearest Government of India Tourist Office to ascertain details of the formalities required.



• Check with the nearest Government of India Tourist Office the rules regarding photography at archaeological monuments.



• Try to avoid the touts and brokers of shopkeepers.



• It is obligatory to cover your head before entering Sikh shrines.



• In case of any difficulty contact the nearest tourist office or police station.



• Concessionary tickets such as Indrail Pass on Railways, Youth Fare, Discover India Fare and Air Fare (Indian Airlines) are to be purchased in foreign exchange only.

ARE YOU COMMITTING A CRIME ?

Think before you BUY !!

Can't resist that Shahtoosh Shawl or those Ivory bangles? Think Twice before buying that exquisite coral showpiece! Illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of many species. You might be violating the law and also endangering wildlife.

Most of the trade in wild animals, plants and their derivatives is illegal in India under the wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which covers over 1800 species. Under the convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora (CITES), trade in over 830 Species of wildlife is banned internationally while trade in over 33,000 species is strictly regulated.

DON'T BUY TROUBLE!

When you buy or acquire an illegal wildlife product or souvenir, you may actually be buying trouble for yourselves.

Hunting of protected species of wildlife or possession of and trade in them or their derivatives is illegal and severely punishable under law. Wildlife products made from endangered species bought outside India would require permits for their import to India. Your souvenirs could be confiscated on your return and you could face strict legal action.

BUYERS BEWARE!

WHEN IN DOUBT - DON'T BUY. Ignorance of law is not an excuse. Given below are some of the most widely traded illegal wildlife products.

Marine Products: Reef building Corals, Organ-pipe Corals, Black Corals, Fire Corals ans Sea Fans are some of the highly endangered marine species offered on sale in our coastal regions and islands. Many endangered species of Molluscs such as Nautilus, Horse’s Hoof and Horned Helmet may also be offered.

Ivory Items: Ivory figurines, carvings and jewellery may be offered for sale at the tourist spots.

Live Birds: All trade in wild Indian bird species is prohibited. Species on offer may include parakeets, falcons, Hill Myna, Great horned Owl, and munias. For every bird that reaches its final destination, several die en route.

Reptile Skin: trade in skins and other products of protected species of reptiles such as Marsh and Salt Water Crocodiles, Yellow Monitor Lizard, Cobra and Rock Pythons is banned. Handbags, belts, wallets and other products made of these reptile skins mat cost you much more that you bargained for.

Shahtoosh Shawls: These shawls are tainted with the blood of Chiru, a highly endangered antelope. Three to Five Chirus are slaughtered to obtain the wool for one shawl.

Skins, bones, derivatives and products fashioned from them: All trade in skins, bones, claws etc. of leopard Tiger and other endangered species, and derivatives such as bear bile and musk pods is banned.

Medicinal Plants and Orchids: International trade in 29 species of orchids, timber species and medicinal plants in the raw form such as logs, whole plant, crude drugs, oil extract and resinoid is prohibited under the EXIM policy. One value - added products such as medic9ines derived from a cultivated variety of specified species may be allowed for export.

Collection or sale of plants or derivatives of Scheduled Species such as Kunth (Saussurea costus), Red Vanda, Blue Vanda, Ladies Slipper Orchid, Pitcher Plant and Beddomes Cycad is prohibited under the wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

ALSO


• Don't get lured by shopping bargains on the street.



• Don't exchange money except with an authorised moneychanger.



• Don't purchase travel tickets through strangers or unauthorised travel agents or tour operators.



• Don't encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.



• Don't buy silver/ivory articles or peacock feathers in bulk.



• Don't wear any footwear inside Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Jain places of worship. Some temples do not permit leather articles to be taken in.