National Emergency
All emergencies — police, fire, ambulance
NDRF (Disaster Response)
Natural disasters, floods, landslides
Mountain Rescue (ITBP)
Himalayan rescue, high altitude emergencies
Air Ambulance
AIIMS air ambulance service
Tourist Helpline
Ministry of Tourism — 24/7, multilingual
Women Helpline
Women travelers in distress
Poison Control
AIIMS — snake bites, plant poisoning
Normal activity. Stay hydrated in heat.
Most people fine. Mild breathlessness during exertion is normal.
Ascend max 500m/day above 2,500m. Drink 3-4L water. Watch for headaches.
Acclimatization day mandatory. Diamox recommended. Descend if symptoms worsen.
Only with experience + guides. HACE/HAPE life-threatening. Know symptoms.
Golden rule: If symptoms worsen, DESCEND IMMEDIATELY. Altitude kills.
Jawai, Jim Corbett, Coorg, Western Ghats
Don't leave food out. Make noise while walking. Never run if spotted — back away slowly.
Himachal, Uttarakhand, Kashmir above 2,500m
Make noise on trails. Carry bear bell. If charged: play dead (brown), fight back (black).
All forest/riverside camps, especially monsoon
Watch where you step. Shake out shoes/sleeping bag. Carry snake bite kit. Get to hospital ASAP.
Wayanad, Coorg, Dandeli, Thekkady
Never approach. 100m minimum distance. Never get between mother and calf. Listen for trumpeting.
Western Ghats (Jun-Oct), Northeast
Leech socks, salt, tobacco powder. Check body after trek. Don't pull — apply salt/heat.
Rajasthan desert camps, dry rocky terrain
Shake out shoes/clothes. Don't reach under rocks. Most Indian scorpions not fatal but painful.
• Always inform someone of your plans — share location, expected return date, and emergency contact.
• Download offline maps (Google Maps / maps.me) before heading to remote areas.
• Carry cash — most campsites don't have card machines or UPI signal.
• Never camp alone in wildlife zones. Groups of 3+ recommended.
• Check weather 48 hours before departure. Avoid camping during storm warnings.
• Keep food in sealed containers. Hang food bags from trees in bear country.
• Carry a whistle — 3 blasts is the universal distress signal.
• Respect local communities and their land. Leave no trace.