Rupee's fall means cheap Indian holidays Each £1 now buys far more than it did in 2011, with holidaymakers offered 88 rupees to the pound, up from 75 rupees two years ago. In effect hotels, elephant rides, afternoon tea at top of the Himalayas and a trip to the Taj Mahal all cost almost a quarter less than in recent memory. A range of factors have combined to wreak havoc in the money markets. While India's economy is now growing at an annualised rate of 4.4pc, this is down from 4.8pc at the start of 2013. Many investors, spooked by the imminent end to money-printing in America, have pulled out of the country's stock market as a result. A jump in oil prices in the wake of the Syria crisis has also complicated matters. India imports 80pc of its oil, so higher prices are a burden. Avinash Vazirani, investment manager of Jupiter's India Fund, said politics had played a central role. In the past, the Indian central bank has stepped in to avert crisis. But Mr Vazirani said he had been "struck by how reluctant the bank has been to intervene directly" to support the currency this time. Economists think the rupee may strengthen a little by the end of the year. But further falls are not out of the question. India's archaic foreign exchange rules mean you are not allowed to bring currency into the country. But Britain's cultural connections make it easy to change £5, £10 and £20 notes if you take them. The easiest option, though, is to take a debit card that you can use at cash machines. Try Metro Bank, which offers free foreign use.