Modern hotels are available in all large cities and at popular tourist centres. Usually they offer a choice of first-class Western and Indian cuisine, with the more upmarket properties serving excellent global fare, from Thai to French food. Premier 5-star hotels in India include the Taj, Sheraton, Oberoi, Hyatt and Meridien. These offer properties that range from business hotels to beach resorts. Hotel bills may be subject to a 10% expenditure tax, 7 to 15% luxury tax and a variable service charge. 

Grading: Hotels range from historic 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.

Campsites are scattered throughout India, but are few and far between. Full addresses may be obtained from India Tourism (see Contact Addresses). Some hotels may permit camping on their grounds for a small fee which includes bathroom use.

The Department of Tourism has set up several hostels, spread throughout many regions. Each has a capacity of about 40 beds or more, segregated roughly half and half into male and female dormitories. Beds with mattresses, sheets, blankets, wardrobe (often with locks), electric light points, member kitchen utensils and parking areas are usually available at each hostel. Some hostels are more impressive than others.

There are tourist bungalows at almost every tourist centre in the country, under the control of the respective State Government Tourist Development Corporation. These usually include single, double and family rooms, most with attached bathrooms. Some properties have kitchen facilities, others can arrange meals.

Youth Hostels Association of India
5 Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
Tel: (011) 2611 6285.
Website: www.yhaindia.org 

Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India
B-82, 8th Floor, Himalaya House, 23 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110 001, India
Tel: (011) 2331 8781/2 or 2332 2634/47.
Website: www.fhrai.com
Contact for a full list of government-approved hotels.