This is a list of Government tourism offices in India (all states). Every tourist visiting India must have this list. Lack of authentic information and ignorance have led tourists to serious problems. There are many travel agencies in the market (especially in hotel hubs in Delhi), who present themselves as government tourism authorities, but they are complete frauds. There have been instances of violence against tourists who refused to book a tour or ticket from these agencies or tried to escape from them.
The fraud travel agencies in Delhi
One of the fraud travel agencies at Paharganj, in front of New Delhi railway station
In Delhi, places like Paharganj, Cannought Place and Karol Bagh are the epicentres of such frauds. The fake agencies write ‘Incredible India’, ‘Tourism department of Government of Delhi’, ‘Government of India’ over their display boards. Never trust them. The majority of the fraud happens when a tourist goes for a railway ticket booking. As soon as the touts come to know about this, they will try to approach you by all possible means. Never listen to anybody.
The Government of India has set up the ‘Incredible India HelpLine’. It is operated in-house to address and guide the tourists during any emergency which may include medical, crime natural calamities or on being stranded. This service is available as toll-free on telephone 1800111363 or on a shortcode 1363.
Best place to book a train ticket in India
One of the fraud travel agencies at Connaught Place
The best source to book a train ticket in India is ‘www.irctc.co.in’ (A government website for booking the trains all over India). Anybody can book a train seat from any part of the world through this website. Another resource is the ‘International Tourist Bureau’ located at New Delhi Railway station (and few more places). Precisely, this office is located on the first floor of the platform no. 1 of NDLS (the official code of New Delhi Railway Station). This office is now open 24×7 round the year. Watch this video to see how to approach the International Tourist Bureau.
If you are not able to get a confirmed train ticket, don’t worry. Nikita R Shankar has shared her tricks to tell you how to get a waitlisted ticket confirmed.
The Foreign Tourist Quota in Indian Railways
The biggest benefit of booking a ticket from this office is that a passenger can get a confirmed ticket in a train (subject to availability) under the Foreign Tourist Quota. Indian Railways keep some seats blocked for the eligible passengers under this quota. There are chances when the online ticket booking system shows no seat available in a train but under this quota, one gets a seat easily.
Who is eligible for the foreign tourist quota ?
- All foreign nationals having a valid passport and visa
- Non-resident Indians (also Indian nationals stayed for more than 6 months at a stretch outside India)
Popular tourist scams in Delhi, India
- There is no seat available in any of the trains to your desired destination. But I can get one for you.
Fraud travel agencies at Paharganj, in front of New Delhi railway station
- Due to some reasons, the train has been cancelled. I can arrange a taxi or flight for you.
- The booking office is closed or shifted to some other place. I can take you there.
- We are the official government tourism offices. We will provide you a proper transaction receipt of all the transactions you do with us.
- We will arrange a packaged tour or taxi or book a hotel for you.
- Roads leading to your hotel have been closed today due to a demonstration or religious function or festival.
Never trust these people. Always contact the Government tourist offices mentioned here in case of emergency. These offices are operated by the Government of India (Federal/Central Government) and all other state governments. Tourists can contact them to get any information or help.