India has been one of the most sort after tourist destinations but however there are certain points, that the tourists travelling to India must keep in mind.

Safety And Security
Terrorism is a threat to the whole world and there has been an ongoing risk of terrorist activity by militant groups in India. Occasionally there has been many incidents of terrorist bombings in various parts of the country. Blasts have occurred in public places as well as in public transportation such as trains and buses. A series of explosion on the rail network in Mumbai on 11th July 2006 is the recent incident of the gruesome terrorism.

On 25 August 2007, over 40 people were killed and at least 56 injured when bombs exploded in the area of Lumbini Park and in the Koti area in Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh. As a result of this incident, security has been heightened in Hyderabad and other major cities in India.

Therefore it is advised to the foreign tourists to consider the kind of places known to be the wannabe targets of the tourists before planning their course of trip.

Political Tension
Try to avoid visiting those places in India , where some kind of poliical tension is on the full swing because these often lead to some violent outbreaks. Therefore try to update yourself with the local information sources for knowing about the possible new safety or security risks.

Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks

On 29 August 2007, violent protests occurred in the city of Agra in the state of Utter Pradesh following the deaths of four people in a traffic accident. Curfews were imposed in several areas of Agra. The Taj Mahal was closed and foreigners were advised by police to remain in their hotels until the situation returned to normal.

Areas of instability

Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir has been the major cause of dispute between India and the neighbouring country Pakistan since a long time. Severe security problems exists in Srinagar, Kashmir Valley and other parts of the state. Large number of civilians have been killed and injured in armed clashes and terrorist attacks. The terrorist organisation Harakat- ul Mujahideen is fully active here. Recently a series of explosions occurred on 11th July, 2006 in which many people got killed. In the past some foreigners have also been kidnapped.

North Eastern States of Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and Tripura
It is advised to travel with extreme caution in the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Tripura. Armed robbery, extortion, kidnapping and terrorism related incidents are very common in these regions. Special permits are required from the Indian Authorities to travel to these places. A minimum of four weeks' notice is required for processing applications for permits. Recently there have been serious bomb explosions in Guwahati and Western Assam by the ULFA rebels. Alarm bells or travel alerts have been issued for the visitors coming from US and UK to North east, especially to Assam.

East Central and Southern India
The Left-Wing Maoists called the " Naxalites"are very active in the regions of East Central and Southern India and poses a great threat on the security of the people.

Natural Catastrophe
Certain parts of India falls in active seismic zones and are subject to earthquakes. It is also necessary to acquire information about the volcanic activities, floods and landslides from the Humanitarian Early Warning Services. Some coastal and inland areas of India are vulnerable to cyclones.

Local customs and laws
India follows a strong dress code and behaviour particularly in northern India and religious sites. Homosexual acts are illegal in India and include severe penalties.

Health Factor
The mosquito and water- borne diseases such as Malaria, Cholera, Gastroenteritis and Dengu are very common in India and so are the outbreaks of Typhoid and Hepatitis. So, the foreigners visiting India must take certain precautions.

Local Travel
Some areas around the India-Pakistan border are heavily mined. Due to the ill maintained roads, driving is a difficult and risky in India. Often the driving practises are undisciplined. You need permission from the Indian authorities to visit certain parts of the country, particularly in the northeast. Permits are required for Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu District and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, some areas of Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal), parts of Rajasthan adjacent to the international border, the Tibetan settlements between Hunsar and Madikeri in Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Penalties are incurred for entering the restricted areas without permits.