Modern Western-style hotels are available in all large cities and at popular tourist centres. Usually they offer a choice of first-class Western and Indian cuisine. The well-known Taj Group offers accommodation in either eight grand luxe hotels or in its many superb business hotels. Several beach resorts, so-called palace hotels, garden retreats and hotels in areas of cultural significance are also part of the international group. Hotel charges in India are moderate compared to those in many other countries. Hotel bills may be subject to a 10 per cent expenditure tax, 7 to 15 per cent luxury tax and a variable service charge. Hotels range from old palace buildings that have been converted into Heritage Hotels, 5-star deluxe, 5- and 4-star hotels, which are fully air conditioned with all luxury features, 3-star hotels, which are functional and have air conditioned rooms, to 2- and 1-star hotels, which offer basic amenities.

There are tourist bungalows (known as holiday homes in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and tourist lodges in West Bengal) at almost every tourist centre in the country, under the control of the respective State Government Tourist Development Corporation, except in the metropolitan cities of Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai, Mumbai (Bombay) and Bangalore. These include a clean single, double and family room, most with a bath and general canteen. At holiday homes and certain tourist cottages there are kitchen facilities. Bookings should be made (a deposit will be required) with the managing director of the respective corporation, or with the manager of the bungalow.

These are to be found throughout India. Full addresses may be obtained from Incredible India (see Top Things To Do).

These provide a convenient and cheap base for organised tours, trekking, hiking or mountaineering. The Department of Tourism has set up several hostels, spread throughout every region, ideally placed for exploring both the plains and the hill stations. Each has a capacity for about 40 beds or more, segregated roughly half and half into male and female dormitories. Beds with mattresses, bedsheets, blankets, wardrobe with locks, electric light points, member kitchen utensils and parking areas are available at each hostel.

Youth Hostels Association of India
5 Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
Tel: (11) 2611 0250.
Website: www.yhai.org

Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India
B-82, 8th Floor, Himalaya House, 23 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India
Tel: (11) 2331 8781/2 or 2332 2634/47 or 3770.
Website: www.fhrai.com
Contact for a full list of Government-approved hotels and palace hotels.