Travel & FAQ
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Most international visitors will need a visa to enter India. The simplest route for tourism is the e-Visa, applied for entirely online — no need to visit a consulate in person. Processing is officially quoted at a minimum of 3 working days, though in practice it’s best to apply well ahead of travel; delays can happen around document errors or high application volume, especially during peak season. We’d recommend applying at least 3-4 weeks before you travel, even though the e-Visa can be requested up to 120 days in advance.

India’s currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in both cities, but it’s worth carrying some cash for smaller vendors, taxis, and tipping. ATMs are easy to find in both New Delhi and Baroda. If you need to exchange currency, avoid doing so at the airport — rates there are typically very high. You’ll generally get a better rate from a city exchange counter or by withdrawing cash directly from an ATM.

Getting a local SIM card as a first-time visitor can be more difficult than expected, since Indian SIM registration typically requires a local address — something most short-term visitors won’t have. An eSIM purchased before you travel (through providers like Airalo or a similar international eSIM service) is usually the more reliable option, and can be activated as soon as you land. WiFi at hotels and venues should be available, but connectivity can be inconsistent, so we’d suggest not relying on it entirely.

Stick to bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice unless you know it’s been made from filtered water. The same general caution applies to food — freshly cooked, hot food from busy, reputable places is generally the safest bet, especially in your first few days. If you have any concerns about vaccinations or health precautions for travel to India, we’d recommend checking with your doctor or a travel health clinic ahead of your trip, as recommendations can vary depending on where you’re travelling from and your own health history.

Late January into early February sits at the tail end of North India’s winter, so conditions differ noticeably between Baroda and New Delhi.

In New Delhi, expect cool, foggy/ smoggy mornings and pleasant afternoons — daytime highs typically in the high teens to low 20s°C (roughly 65–75°F), with nights considerably colder, sometimes dropping to around 6–10°C (43–50°F), and occasionally colder on particularly cold nights. Layers are essential: a warm jacket for morning and evening, lighter clothing for midday. Delhi’s air quality also tends to be poor during winter months, particularly in the mornings — if you’re sensitive to pollution, packing a good-quality mask (N95 or equivalent) is worth doing before you arrive, as it may be harder to find a reliable one locally.

In Baroda, winters are much milder — daytime highs around 28–30°C (82–86°F) with cool, comfortable evenings closer to 12–15°C (54–59°F). It’s generally dry and sunny, with far better air quality than Delhi. Light layers are enough; you likely won’t need heavy winter clothing at all.

India uses Type C, D, and M plugs, running at 230V. If you’re travelling from a country using a different plug type or voltage (such as the US), bring a universal adapter — and check whether your electronics need a separate voltage converter, as not everything is dual-voltage.

The most reliable option is to pre-book an airport pickup — either through your hotel or via a trusted local driver — rather than arranging transport on arrival. If pre-booking isn’t possible, prepaid taxi counters are available inside both Delhi (IGI) and Baroda (Vadodara) airports, and are a safer, fixed-price alternative to hailing a cab curbside. Uber and Ola also both operate airport pickup, though pickup points can be a short walk from the arrivals area and expect an increased wait time due to this being the preferred option with locals — check the app for designated pick-up zones.

Uber operates reliably in both New Delhi and Baroda and is generally the easiest way to get around day-to-day — the app works the same as it does internationally, with upfront pricing and cashless payment. Ola, India’s other major ride-hailing app, is also widely used and worth having as a backup.

For full-day travel, site visits, or if you’d prefer a dedicated driver for the duration of your stay, you can reach out to the following contact to arrange local taxi services:

  • Satwinder Singh: +91 9999899243 / +91 9971583032
  • Salauddin (Sonnu): +91 9560113227

The dargah is an active place of worship, so modest dress is appreciated for all visitors regardless of faith. Shoulders and knees should be covered; loose, breathable clothing works well for both the weather and the setting. You’ll be asked to remove your shoes before entering — wearing something easy to slip on and off makes this simpler. Women may want to carry a scarf or dupatta to cover their head, which is customary at many shrines, though not always compulsory. When in doubt, dressing more conservatively rather than less is the safer choice to feel more comfortable. If you have any questions about the rituals during the Urs ceremony, please feel free to ask any of us who are around.

Even in a space of worship, it’s worth taking the same care you would in any busy, crowded place. The dargah draws large numbers of pilgrims and visitors, particularly during the Urs, so keep valuables like phones, wallets, and jewellery close and secure. Avoid carrying more cash than you need for the day, and if you’re travelling with a bag, keep it zipped and within sight at all times.

At the dargah, please be mindful — photography and videography are not permitted inside the space of the tomb itself. Elsewhere, it’s respectful to ask before photographing people directly, particularly in more intimate or ritual settings.

 

For police, dial 100. For an ambulance, dial 102 or 108, depending on the region. It’s worth saving these numbers to your phone before you arrive.