Usually we answer this question in four parts:

• Affordability – India is considered one of the top 15 most affordable destinations in the world.
• People – Indians are very friendly and enjoy engaging with foreigners.
• Ease of Communication – Most Indians can speak at least conversational English and internet/Wi-Fi/cell service is widely available.
• Something for Everyone – India offers history, culture, architecture, adventure, Yoga, Ayurveda, cuisine, beaches, Himalayas, wildlife, backwaters, shopping, festivals, music, dancing, religion and spirituality – just to name a few!

Yes. You must apply for a visa from BLS International. Standard tourist visas for U.S. citizens are valid for 6-months and cost $67.70.

It all depends on your destination and season of travel. Much of India has a patchy climate: warmer in the days and cooler in the evenings. A light jacket or layering is best to accommodate the varying temperatures. Also, we suggest shoes that are comfortable for walking, including sandals and tennis shoes. A head cover may be required for women and men at certain sacred sites and places of worship.

It really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. In much of Northern and Central India, the favored time to visit is from October – March, when the weather is most mild. In Southern and Eastern India, it is contingent on the monsoon season. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences.

Immunizations are not required to visit India. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccine. For detailed information, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/.

Ultimately, what do you hope to see and experience during your trip? Our destination specialists will make recommendations based on your travel preferences. Over 65% of American travelers include a visit to the famed Taj Mahal in Agra, and many incorporate the Golden Triangle in their itinerary – Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

For its size, India has a very low crime rate and is generally a safe country. However, as with any international travel, please be aware of your surroundings. Always make sure your purse is zipped and wallets are in sealed pockets. In the markets, be vigilant of pick-pockets and distraction scams. Additionally, at the train/bus stations and airports, monitor your luggage at all times.

Yes, English is commonly spoken throughout India. In fact, most children, particularly in the cities, learn English first in school. It is the most important language for commercial, national, and political status. Hindi is the national language and primary tongue for 40% of Indians. However, there are 21 other official languages, including Gujarati, Tamil, Punjabi and Sanskrit.

Nepal is an enchanting kingdom, nestled in the Himalayas between China and India. For a small territory, the country boasts an uncommonly diverse terrain, including 8 of the world's top 10 highest mountains. Nepali folklore is often illustrated in dance and music and the people are open to sharing their traditions. Although tourism is steadily increasing, Nepal's remote location has kept the culture widely unaffected from outside influences.

Yes. The Nepal visa is purchased upon arrival in Kathmandu or at the Nepal border. The cost is $25 for a 15-day multiple entry visa and payable in USD.

It all depends on your destination and season of travel. Generally speaking, Nepal is a conservative country. We recommend that travelers not wear clothing that is too short, tight, or revealing. Medium-weight and easy to wash cottons are recommended year-round in the Kathmandu valley. From October to February, we also suggest woolen sweaters, jackets or similar warm outfits. Pack comfortable walking shoes, including sandals and athletic shoes. A head cover may be required for women and men at sacred sites and places of worship. For trekking and adventure itineraries, a list of suggested clothing items and supplies will be provided.

It really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months are usually September – November and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccine. Though still rare, Malaria is increasing in Nepal. The elevation of Kathmandu and places of greater altitude are too high for the species of mosquito that carries malaria. However, when visiting lowland areas, preventive treatment and tropical strength insect repellent is advised. For detailed information, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/

What do you hope to see and experience during your trip? Our destination specialists will make recommendations based on your travel preferences. Most travelers incorporate Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park. However, many also include adventure activities, including trekking and rafting.

Nepal has a low crime rate and is generally a safe country. There are some safety concerns following the 2008 elections, when the country became a secular republic. Avoid demonstrations, rallies, and public gatherings. As with any international travel, please be aware of your surroundings. Check with your guide or representative about the safe/ unsafe areas of town and use caution when traveling alone. Also, always make sure your purse is zipped and wallets are in sealed pockets. In the markets, be vigilant of pick-pockets and distraction scams. Additionally, at the train/bus stations and airports, please monitor your luggage at all times.
There is an armed Maoist presence on many of the major trekking routes who demand a 'tax' before allowing trekkers to pass. Trekkers are advised to stay on established routes and walk in a group or with professional guides.

Nepali is the official language. It has roots in Sanskrit and is written in Devengari script. English is understood by most people in the cities. In the villages, different ethnic groups speak their own languages.

The tsunami of 2004 devastated certain coastal regions of the country. Luckily, the coastlines have been restored and this tear-drop shaped paradise off the Southern coast of India is waiting to be rediscovered by travelers worldwide. Sri Lanka offers a diverse landscape and attractions, including some of the oldest Buddhist sites in the world. The nation famously exports tea, coffee, and coconuts and boasts a rich cultural heritage

U.S. citizens visiting Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization or a visa to enter Sri Lanka. U.S. citizens will require an approval notice from Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorization System, passport, onward/ return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. The Electronic Travel Authorization System is for tourists, short term business travelers and transit passengers and is available online. Sri Lankan regulations define transit passengers as foreigners who expect to enter Sri Lanka and remain for a period not exceeding 10 days while waiting for onward travel. U.S. citizens are also eligible to apply for five-year multiple entry tourist or business visas. Please Visit http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

It all depends on your destination and season of travel. In Sri Lanka, we recommend loose fitting cotton clothes (or some form of the breathable modern fabrics). Long sleeves and hats will keep you protected from the sun. Some warm clothes are recommended if you are traveling to the hill regions, where the evenings tend to get chilly. Layering is best to accommodate the varying temperatures. Dress modestly at religious sites and remember to remove your shoes and hat when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple.

It depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months are usually December - March for the west coast and south coast, and from April - September for the ancient cities and the east coast. The northeast monsoon is usually November – March and the southwest monsoon is June – October.

Immunizations are not required to visit Sri Lanka. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccine. Malaria is present in lowland regions of Sri Lanka, and preventative treatment and tropical strength insect repellent is advised. For detailed information, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/

What do you hope to see and experience during your trip? Our destination specialists will make recommendations based on your travel preferences. Most travelers incorporate Colombo, Kandy, Habarana, Dambulla, and/or Polonnaruwa . However, many also include visits to the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and beaches of Hikkaduwa/Galle.

Sri Lanka has a low crime rate and is generally a safe country. There are some safety concerns following the 2008 elections, when the country became a secular republic. Avoid demonstrations, rallies, and public gatherings. As with any international travel, please be aware of your surroundings. Check with your guide or representative about the safe/ unsafe areas of town and use caution when traveling alone. Also, always make sure your purse is zipped and wallets are in sealed pockets. In the markets, be vigilant of pick-pockets and distraction scams. Additionally, at the train/bus stations and airports, please monitor your luggage at all times.

English is fluently spoken by approximately 10% of the population and widely used for official and commercial purposes. Sri Lanka accords official language status to Sinhala and Tamil. The Sinhala language is spoken by the Sinhalese people, who constitute approximately 70% of the national population. The Tamil language is spoken by Sri Lankan Tamils, about 3 million people.

Even the most privileged travelers consider Bhutan a special destination. Its secluded location, limited accessibility, and preservation efforts have shielded many from visiting this jewel in the Himalayas. Bhutan only opened its doors to tourism in 1974, with the number for tourists kept to an environmentally manageable level through government regulated tourist tariff. Bhutanese are renowned for their happiness and are a proud people who wear their national costume with pride.

A visa is required to visit Bhutan. Sodha Travel will arrange for the traveler's entry visa and clearance. No independent travel is allowed in Bhutan and all travel arrangements must be confirmed by an authorized agency.

It depends on the season of travel. Except for summer months, warm clothing, down jackets, and sweaters are recommended. In summer, heavy cottons and lightweight woolens will be acceptable. Layering is best to accommodate the varying temperatures. Also remember to pack comfortable, soft-sole shoes. While visiting temples and other religious places, remember to dress conservatively. Slacks are more appropriate for men and pants/longer skirts appropriate for women. Shoulders must also be covered when inside religious buildings.

Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The Bhutan climate is varied and depends on the elevation. The southern areas are more tropical while the Himalayan regions have continual snow. The southwest monsoon is usually from June – September. Also, many travelers visit Bhutan during a specific festival or holiday, when the towns become vibrant stages for music and dance performances.

Immunizations are not required to visit Bhutan. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccine. Malaria is present in areas on the Bhutan/India border and preventive treatment and tropical strength insect repellent is advised. For detailed information, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/

Yes, altitude sickness is common in Bhutan and can affect any traveler, regardless of age, strength, or fitness level. Symptoms include dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, edema and insomnia. To alleviate the chances of altitude sickness, we recommend limiting alcohol, staying hydrated and planning for rest days in the higher elevations.

What do you hope to see and experience during your trip? Our destination specialists will make recommendations based on your travel preferences. Many travelers incorporate Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang, though some travel solely for trekking in the Himalayas.

Bhutan has a low crime rate and is generally a safe country. However, as with any international travel, please be aware of your surroundings. Check with your guide about the safe/unsafe areas of town and use caution when traveling alone. Also, always make sure your purse is zipped and wallets are in sealed pockets. In the markets, be vigilant of pick-pockets and distraction scams. The best deterrent is caution and awareness.

English is commonly spoken, as it is the medium of instruction in schools. The national and official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, a Tibetan dialect spoken mainly by Ngalop in the northern and western parts of the country. Road signs and government documents are written in English and Dzongkha, and the national newspaper is printed in English, Nepali and Dzongkha. In the villages, different ethnic groups speak their own language.