How do I book?
The tours can be booked online, by email, or over the phone on: 0091 9880148055
or 0044. To secure a place you will be asked to put down a deposit of £500.00
and payment can be made by card, UK cheque, Paypal or bank transfer.
Where do I get a visa?
To visit India you will, of course, need a passport containing a valid tourist
visa. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining at time
of application. Visas are obtained from the VFS Global (the official agent of
the Indian High Commission) offices in either London, Hayes, Birmingham,
Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow, or Edinburgh. All current information on Indian
visa applications is available on the web at: http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/.
It is possible to apply over-the-counter, or by post. We would recommend the
latter and suggest you apply in plenty of time. A tourist visa is usually valid
for six months from date of issue.
The visa application asks for two Indian addresses, what should I put?
1- Mark Flint, Incredible India Bike Tours, 48 Temple Road, Vijayshreepura,
Mysore 570006 Tel 00919880148055
2. Eric Constantine Sakellaropoulos Swing Gallery 1191 Balakrishna Rao Rd, Mysore
570 005 Tel 0821 425-3219
What other paperwork do I need?
You will need a valid certificate of travel insurance and an International
Driving Licence.
Where do I get an International Driving Licence?
Obtain one at a Post Office all you need is your UK Driving License and six of
Her Majesty's Pounds.
Where should I change money?
We would advise that you have some idea of the Rupee exchange rate before you
leave. In many major towns, there are cash-points that will accept major credit
and debit cards. Arrivals in Bangalore has currency changing facilities, on tour
you will be able to change money in town if the airport rate is not competitive.
Money can easily be changed at banks, agencies and be withdrawn from cash-points
close to your hotel before we set off. Further advice to this will be given in
the tour briefing.
How much spending money will I need?
About £300 should cover food, drink and sundries.
Will I have to share a room?
Yes, unless you pay a supplement. Even then, single rooms may
unavailable as the hotels we use are popular, or in some cases
small, and we have to book our accommodation some time in advance.
What standard is the accommodation?
We provide only the best choice of 5 star Hotels, Luxury Resorts, and Plantation
Retreats.
Will we have electricity?
Yes power is available at all our night stops, bring an adaptor.
How much riding experience do I need?
We would recommend only booking a tour with us if you have a full license
(compulsory) and have recent riding experience. The main criterion, however, is
confidence then you'll be capable of dealing with road life in India.
Is riding in India dangerous?
Riding anywhere carries with it a degree of risk, as does Indian riding.
Awareness is the key, we are not ‘boy racers’ If any rider joining us rides in a
manner we suspect will endanger themselves, or others, or indeed displays
antisocial behavior, they will receive one warning. If they continue to display
a threat to the safety or enjoyment of others on the tour, they will be excluded
from the remainder (with no refund given, see terms and conditions).
How fast will we be riding?
Due to road conditions and other traffic, vehicles tend to move a lot slower in
India than they do in the West. We will do likewise. There are also constraints
on speed enforced by the bikes. These are not high-revving sports bikes and so
we will lead the tour at a maximum speed of around 80kph.
Do I have to book my own flights?
Yes. Suitable carriers are-
British Airways fly Heathrow into Bangalore Daily
Lufthansa fly Frankfurt into Bangalore.
Air France fly Charles De Gaulle into Bangalore
Can I use the bike in the evenings?
This is down to the discretion of the team leader.
How fit do I need to be?
Reasonably so,. What's 'reasonably fit'
1-Can you carry 4 beers through a crowded bar.
2- You can manage to walk round a super market without support.
3- “seriously” you know your own limitations.
Can I take a pillion?
Yes (full price, less £300), but please be sure they know what they're letting
themselves in for: some long days in the saddle. We have space in our support
vehicles, so pillions maybe able to hop on and off within reason.
Can non riders join us?
It is possible to book a place in the support vehicle (full price, less £300)
for those who want to join the tour, but not to ride or travel as a pillion
passenger, this is also a very nice way to see South India.
How much luggage can I bring?
You are limited to 20kg by most airlines. However, we suggest you pack as
lightly and in as compact a form as possible, preferably a soft bag.
How much luggage should I bring?
Keep it minimal. One set of riding kit for the tour and a couple of sets of
clothes for the evening. You can always pick up cheap clothing locally.
Do I need a towel?
Maybe one small towel but the south Indian Lunghi is light weight and multi
purpose. All of our hotels provide towels, but there may be the occasional time
you need your own.
Is food included in the price?
Breakfast and Dinner is included in the price, also we provide the odd ‘picnic’
along the tour.
Are laundry facilities available on-tour?
They are, but not every night. Check the itineraries of Tours you will be able
to get clothes cleaned at two-night stops, so consider this when packing.
Do I require a pollution mask?
Not specifically. Pollution is not a problem except in the major cities, but
some roads are dusty so a facemask, snood, or scarf can be useful.
Do I need waterproofs?
Yes. If your riding kit isn't waterproof, then bring some light waterproofs.
What medication should I bring & what inoculations are required?
Consult your GP/travel clinic for immunization and malaria advice. Bring enough
of any prescribed medication you take regularly. A basic first aid kit is useful
(plasters, antiseptic cream, bite/sting relief, plus insect repellent). Any
serious medical problems will be dealt with by the tour Doctor.
Should I bring a seat pad?
Gel or air pads add comfort on long days in the saddle, but are not necessary.
Should I bring a water carrier?
Yes it is a good idea, though you can easily get by with packaged drinking
water, which is readily available.
Do I need gloves?
Proper bike gloves are essential. Check the information on Clothing Advice for a
comprehensive guide to what you'll need.
Should I bring anything else out from England?
Yes Please… we have been here without adequate stocks of good liqueur, whisky,
Vodka and Fine Wines and maybe to accompany the above we require fine French
cheeses, cured meats and salamis. Pick your liqueur and cigarettes up at
Bangalore Duty free at low rate. Sweets are always good to give out to some of
the local children who have and never will taste anything as simple and exotic
again, their smiles will enchant you.
