Banks: 10:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 13:00 on Saturday
Government offices: 09:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Department stores and shops: 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday
Business offices: 09:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:30 to 14:00, Saturday

Sawai Madhopur is a safe place during daylight hours, but caution should be exercised when walking around the city after dark. It is not a good idea, for example, to walk alone in any poorly lit or deserted places after the sun goes down. As in other parts of India, increasing wealth for some segments of society has created an even greater disparity in incomes and seems to have brought about an increase in crime – particularly petty theft and other personal crimes.

Pick-pocketing is prevalent, and personal belongings should be kept out of sight, especially in crowded areas that are popular with tourists, and also around public transportation centres. Anything of significant value is best kept in your hotel safe, along with your important travel documents and credit cards.

Driving can be dangerous for first-time drivers in India and it is strongly recommended that if you hire a car you that you also hire an experienced local driver. If you are determined to drive in Sawai Madhopur, it is important to learn about local driving habits before getting behind the wheel. Drivers honk their horns continually and often can be reckless.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. Most plugs are of the two or three round-pin variety.

Food poisoning is always a concern in India – particularly due to contamination of the water. Any water that you drink should come from a sealed bottle; and it is recommended that you carefully check the seal to make sure it has not been tampered with. Ice should also be avoided, as you really cannot be sure if it was made from purified water. All fish and meat dishes can present potential health problems, and should be fully cooked and still hot when eaten. Fruits and vegetables should be peeled before eating and salads should generally be avoided. Top range hotels and their restaurants can typically be depended on to practice higher levels of hygiene.

Health facilities are adequate in Sawai Madhopur, but are not equipped to handle more serious medical situations. Medical services available outside the urban area are even more limited. It is wise to take up sufficient medical coverage in advance of your visit to cover any medical emergencies that may occur – including medical evacuation to your home country. It is also a good idea to make sure that all vaccinations are up-to-date before embarking on your trip.

Dehydration can be a health concern in Sawai Madhopur, as it is in arid Rajasthan. It is important to drink plenty of purified water regularly. If you begin to feel symptoms of breathlessness, dizziness and intense thirst, seek medical assistance as quickly as possible.

Sawai Madhopur Hospital and Research Centre: +91 291 277 1566 

Emergency services: 103

The majority of the local urban population speaks Hindi, although a mix of languages and dialects will be heard. Many people in Sawai Madhopur will understand English – particularly if they’re involved in the tourist industry.

India’s currency unit is the rupee (INR), normally abbreviated in-country as Rs. One rupee comprises one hundred paise. You’ll find banknotes available in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20; and also occasionally, of 10, 5, 2 and 1 Rs. Coins are found in circulation in 5, 2 and 1 rupee denominations; and in 50 and 25 paise denominations. Older 20 and 10 paise coins are still seen but less frequently so these days.

Major world currencies can be changed into rupees at banks and authorised currency exchange offices. You should note that black market exchanges are illegal. Rupees cannot be purchased or exchanged outside of the country. Torn or otherwise damaged banknotes will normally not be accepted when purchasing goods or making payments. It is best to not accept them in change; and if you do find that you have such notes, you need to change them for undamaged notes at the main office of the National Bank in Sawai Madhopur.

It is a good idea to carry notes in small denominations as many small merchants will not be able to make change for larger ones. In the city and at most hotels and resorts, both major credit cards and travellers cheques will be accepted. ATMs are available, but not plentiful, and are found mostly in the centre.

Tobacco, in the form of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of loose tobacco, may be brought into India duty-free. One bottle of alcohol is also permitted, as is perfume in a volume not exceeding 59ml and eau de toilette in a maximum volume of 250ml. Medicines and other personal items are permitted as well. Importing livestock, birds and meat products from pigs are all prohibited.

In general, visitors will find that Indians are quite tolerant of foreigners not understanding local customs; however it is appreciated if religious and social customs are understood and observed. For example, when visiting temples, footwear should be removed and women should keep themselves well covered. If you are planning to visit beach areas, it is also important to know that topless sunbathing is against the law.

Tipping is expected, although in small amounts, for all services provided in tourist areas – including services by porters, hotel staff, waiters and guides. Taxi drivers, however, are not normally tipped. Many tourist hotels and restaurants now add a 10 per cent service charge to bills.

Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to a meal at a host’s home, or at a restaurant, it is advised that you do not ask for beef or pork: many Indians are Hindu or Muslim, and beef or pork are not permitted in their diets. If you are in a restaurant and these meats are found on the menu, it is certainly acceptable to order them. However neither is a specialty in India, so you might be better off ordering chicken or lamb. Other restaurants – and other Indians – are vegetarian, and so no meat will be served at all.

Eating with your hand is perfectly acceptable in India, and is common practice – as long as only the right hand is used; the left hand is typically used for personal hygiene purposes. For example, the flat bread known as naan is typically broken into smaller pieces and used as an implement to pick up pieces of food or to dip into condiments or curries. A basic rule of thumb is that if the food is not particularly wet or messy, it’s fine to use your hand. In fact, the Indian philosophy regarding food and eating is that the activity should be enjoyed with all the senses – including touch.

To enter India, all visitors must be in possession of a valid passport and a visa suitable to the purpose of their visit. The only exception is for Persons of Indian Origin (or PIO), who are only required to carry a card identifying themselves as such. There are parts of the country that require visitors to secure an additional permit before entering. This requirement applies mostly to sensitive border areas, along the border with China and Pakistan, and does not apply to visiting Rajasthan.

Basic tourist information for Sawai Madhopur will be available at the Jaipur Airport. For more detail and additional assistance, it’s best to contact the Sawai Madhopur Tourist Reception Centre at the RTDC Hotel Vinayak on Ranthambhore road. There’s also a tourist information counter at the main rail station.