Travel Guide To Turkey

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• Original Passport (Passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in Turkey and should have at least 2 full blank pages available in it)
• Visa Application Form
• Two white background photographs having size 2.5inch x 2.5inch
• Confirmed Return Ticket
• Travel Insurance
• Company covering letter with an entire travel plan
• Income tax returns or Form 16 for last three years
• Original and updated personal bank statements for last six months

A pleasant transcontinental country, Turkey shares its borders with eight countries including Greece, Georgia, Iraq and Syria to name a few. The country is known for its historical significance and abundance in natural beauty which also makes it one of the most captivating places in the world.

Turkey is blessed with everything that a traveller desires - be it serene beaches, historical monuments, adventurous escapades or bustling bazaars. If you are also planning a trip to Turkey, here are some of the best places to visit in Turkey that must be in your itinerary:

• Kabak Bay: To witness nature at its best in Turkey, take a trek to Kabak Bay. Also known as a ‘fairytale gateway’, Kabak bay is a rare gem situated in a rustic destination.

• Butterfly Valley: Located on the southwest coast of Turkey, Butterfly Valley is home to unique Jersey tiger butterfly. There are also serene beaches where tourists love to stroll and admire the beauty around.

• Cappadocia: A historical region situated in Tukey, Cappadocia is every photographer's dream. The region is adorned with cliff ridges and hill crests which give it a distinctive look. The place is also famous for hot air balloon rides.

• Hagia Sofia: One of the best places to visit in Turkey, Hagia Sofia is situated in Istanbul which is believed to be built in 537 AD. Once you visit the museum, you will not stop admiring its architectural beauty and grandeur.

• Mount Nemrut: Studded with giant statues of kings and gods, this historical site is a must-visit place in Turkey. Tourists love to explore the mountain and get fascinated by colossal stones heads at the top.

• Pamukkale: Meaning ‘Cotton Castle’ in English, Pamukkale is famous for its pure white travertine terraces which look mesmerising amid the green landscapes. The rambling ruins of Roman Hierapolis also make it one of the must-visit places in Turkey.

Turkey has plenty of international airports that connect it with the places around the world. Some of the major airports are in cities like Istanbul and Ankara. People travelling from India can either take a direct or connecting flight from cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai to reach Turkey without any hassle. Some of the major airlines operating between the two countries include Gulf Air, Air Arabia, Kuwait Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Autumn and Spring are the best seasons to choose if you are planning a trip to Turkey. During these seasons, the temperature is pleasant, skies are clear, and the atmosphere is breezy making the trip perfect than ever. Apart from that, if you are interested in enjoying different festivals like Istanbul Film Festival, Sun Splash Festival and Ramadan, you can also visit the country according to their schedule.

To ensure that you don’t miss on the travel essential while packing, check the below items that are must for your trip to Turkey:

• Lightweight binoculars
• Sunglasses and umbrella
• First Aid Kit
• Important documents like travel insurance policy
• Stoles and scarves to cover your head
• Camera and an extra set of batteries

Other than these, check the weather conditions in Turkey when you begin packing for clothes and footwear. Some areas like Mosques in Turkey do not allow sleeveless dresses; so do keep that in mind while deciding which clothes to pack.

While travelling in Turkey, there is no way that you can ignore the sumptuous Turkish cuisine. To help you make the best choice out of the Turkish menu, here is the top list of delicacies you must try:

• Menemen: Perfect for a light breakfast, this dish is a blend of scrambled eggs and vegetable stew. The dish is prepared by cooking tomatoes, onions and peppers to a savoury broth and adding eggs in it. Other ingredients like cheese and spicy sausage are also included to make it yummier.

• Dolma: This dish is made by stuffing vegetables with a mixture of spices, dried fruits and pine nuts. Though a simple dish, Dolma is considered one of the most popular dishes in Turkey.

• Çig Köfte: A wonderful finger food, these are said to be originated in Turkey at the times of Abraham. Traditional, Çig Köfte is made with either beef or lamb and is a favourite Turkish snack

• Nohutlu Pilav: A staple of Turkish street food, Nohutlu Pilav is made with rice and chickpeas along with the roasted chicken. This dish is not just famous for its simplicity but also excellent flavour and nutrition.

Some other delicacies to try in Turkey include Lentil soup, Kazandibi, Keşkül, Shish Kebab, Baklava, Manti and many more.

Turkey is not just known for its alluring tourist attractions but also bustling bazaars and shopping complexes that can make anyone a shopping lover. Here are some of the best places in Turkey you must head for an ultimate shopping experience:

• Grand Bazaar: Considered one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, Grand Bazaar is situated at the heart of Istanbul. There are more than 60 streets covered with over 4,000 shops where you can buy everything you wish for.

• Ulus: Known as osyete pazarı or society market, Ulus is the best place to buy real fur and leather waistcoats. The market is situated in Ankara and is also famous for budget shopping.

• Çukurcuma: If you love antique shopping, Çukurcuma is the place for you. Home to some of the most well-known shops like Leyla Seyhanli, Modern Tarih Showroom and A La Turca, this market has everything from antique paintings and tapestries to pottery and furniture.

• Kemeraltı: Another famous market in Turkey, Kemeraltı is located in the district of İzmir and was built in the Ottoman period. This lively market is filled with various antique shops, coffee houses, tea gardens and inexpensive eateries that can take the shopping experience to an ultimate level.

• Cevahir Mall: it is not just the grand markets of Turkey that attract tourists, but also the luxurious malls that turn them into a shopping lover. Cevahir Mall is one such famous shopping complex that offers a complete package of entertainment, food, music and of course shopping!

• Musafir Indian Restaurant
  Location: Receppasa Caddesi 7 - C Talimhane - Beyoglu | Taksim, Istanbul 34437, Turkey
  Contact: +90 212 235 27 41

• Little India Restaurant
  Location: Gedik Pasa Cami Sokak, No:51A | Emin Sinan Mahallesi, Cemberlitas, Istanbul 34110, Turkey
  Contact: +90 543 542 02 05

• Spice Curry House
  Location: Cayhane Sokak 30/A | Gazi Osman Pasa, Ankara 06700, Turkey
  Contact: +90 312 446 68 85

When going on a trip, it is essential to have information about the healthcare centres located in the country. This will in getting the best possible help in case of an emergency. To help you out, we have listed some of the hospitals you can contact in need:

• Anadolu Medical Center, Istanbul
• Memorial Hospital Ankara
• Memorial Hospitals

It is also advised that you should buy a travel insurance policy before going on the trip. A travel insurance policy will help you trace the best hospitals in the region to get the appropriate treatment on time.

The official currency of Turkey is Turkish Lira.

Though people speak English, it is not widespread. The national language is Turkish; hence, it will be a great option to know a few words and phrases to explore the country better. Here are some of the common words you should know in Turkish language:

The following medical expenses are covered: 

• Travel insurance includes medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency medical evacuation. Even dental care expenses such as acute anesthetic treatment of teeth are covered.

“Deductible”means a cost-sharing requirement under this policy, that provides that the insurer will not be liable for a specified rupee amount or percentage of claim amount or number of days or number of hours, as specified in the policy schedule and which will apply before any benefits are payable by the insurer. A deductible does not reduce the sum insured and is applicable per event, upto the specified limits mentioned.

• Medical Expenses (inclusive of Repatriation and Emergency Medical Evacuation), Daily Allowance in case of hospitalization, Compassionate Visit benefits, the following will not be payable for Any pre-existing condition, Routine examinations, Expenses for rest or recuperation at spa/ health resort/ sanatorium, Pregnancy (including childbirth, miscarriage, abortion or related complications ) or treatment relating to the removal of physical flaws or anomalies (cosmetic treatment or plastic surgery).
• Cosmetic surgery, unless such cosmetic surgery is rendered medically necessary as part of treatment for accidents and burns whilst being abroad.
• Suicide, attempted or wilfully self inflicted injury or illness, mental disorder, anxiety, stress or depression, venereal disease, alcoholism, drunkenness or the abuse of drugs, or any loss arising, directly or indirectly, from any injury, illness, death, loss, expense, or other liability attributable to HIV and/or any HIV related illness including AIDS and/or any mutant derivative or variation thereof however caused.
• Treatment which could be reasonably delayed until the Insured’s return to India, which will be decided jointly by the treating Physician and the Emergency Assistance Service Provider and shall be in accordance with accepted standards of medical care.
• The Insured taking part in naval, military or air force operations; war and nuclear perils.
• Insured engaging in air travel unless he or she flies as a Fare Paying passenger in an aircraft licensed to carry passengers.
• Participation of the Insured in winter sports, mountaineering and such other professional sports or any other hazardous or potentially dangerous sport for which the Insured members are adequately trained, physically fit and using proper equipment. and that too only if specifically agreed and mentioned in the policy schedule.
• Hazardous occupation, or if engaged in any criminal or illegal act.
• Medical Expenses in respect of Experimental, investigational or unproven treatments or treatments which are not consistent with or incidental to the diagnosis and treatment of the positive existence or presence of any Illness for which confinement is required at a Hospital. Any Illness or treatment which is a result or a consequence of undergoing such experimental or unproven treatment.
• Naturopathy treatment.
• Non Allopathic treatment e.g. - Ayurvedic, Yogic, Homeopathic, Unani treatment(s).
• Under no circumstances shall this insurance contract be deemed to provide cover and no liability be incurred to pay any claim or provide any benefit hereunder to the extent that the provision of such cover, payment of such claim or provision of such benefit would expose us to any sanction, prohibition, or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade or economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States of America & India

You can avail the Travel Insurance online and enjoy the benefits offered by ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*)

Loss of passport and documents:

Reimbursement of actual expenses incurred in connection with obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport or reasonable cost of replacing/obtaining the stolen documents/ tickets if the passport belonging to the Insured / Insured Person be lost

Home Fire Insurance Contents & Home Burglary Insurance (contents):

Cover against any loss or damage of the Contents at Home of the Insured in India caused by Fire and Allied perils or through burglary and/or housebreaking while the Insured is on a trip abroad.

Hijack Distress Allowance

Payment of distress allowance in case of hijack of a common carrier for more than certain number of hours whilst on the trip. You can easily avail the allowance by filing a claim online through Travel Insurance cover online process.

Medical Expensesinclusive of Repartration  and Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you are sick or injured during the journey, your medical expenses can prove to be costly. In such cases,  Travel Insurance cover greatly helps. The insurance company also offers a cashless settlement with the network hospitals or you can also opt for the reimbursement process within 30 days of hospitalization.

Legal Expenses

Payment of legal costs and expenses incurred by the Insured towards claims from third Parties for compensation in respect of death or disablement arising due to an injury whilst on a trip abroad.

Personal Accident

Payment of compensation if the Insured sustains accidental bodily injury during a trip resulting in death or Permanent Total Disablement or Permanent Partial Disablement within 12 months of occurrence of such injury.

Trip Cancellation/Or Interruption

Payment towards the non-refundable prepaid payments incurred on the trip being cancelled and additional cost of transportation in case of Interruption: due to medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters or other listed reason in policy wordings.

Trip Delay

 Reimbursement of additional expenses if trip is delayed beyond a period, due to airline problems, medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters.

 Daily Allowance in case of Hospitalisation

 Payment of daily allowance for the days the Insured is hospitalised beyond a specified number of days, as mentioned in the Policy Schedule, for which a valid claim is admissible under the Policy whilst on a trip abroad.Emergency Accommodation

 Payment of compensation for the additional cost of emergency accommodation if the Insured/ Insured Person could not stay in the accommodation originally booked due to ­fire& flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, explosion, outbreak of major infectious diseases.

During a trip there are chances of unfortunate events such as loss of checked in baggage, medical emergency, loss of passport that can spoil your international trip, be it business or leisure. Travel insurance can protect you from such events ensuring that you are left stuck in foreign land.