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The Natural World |
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| · Introduction |
INDIA - FACT SHEET
Country Facts:
Name: Republic of India
Legal system: Based on English common law
States: 25
Union Territories: 7
Economic basics:
Natural resources of India: Coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, natural
gas, diamonds, mica, bauxite, titanium ore, petroleum.
Major Industries:
Textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transport equipment, cement,
mining, petroleum, rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane,
potatoes, animal husbandry, tourism
GDP:
US$ 2.2 trillion
National currency:
Rupees (One Rupee = 100 paise).
Geography:
Latitudes: 8° 4’ and 37° 6’ north
Longitudes: 68° 7’ and 97° 25’ east
Time zone: GMT/UTC +5.5
Topography: Upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in South India – Western
Ghats. Rolling plain along the Ganges. Deserts in western region of India.
Himalayas in northern region – separate India from China and Nepal.
Where the Himalayas end the Great Northern Plains roll-on for endless
miles. It is drained by a number of rivers, - main one – the Ganges
also/ Brahmaputra/ Indus (Sindh)/ Krishna. In the west the plains of the
Punjab merge into the Thar Desert.
Languages:
Official: Hindi and English
In total: 17 major languages, 844 dialects
Weather:
As a general guide the following applies; Best times – October –
March, July to September are the shoulder months
Exception: Himalayas when April – November are best
Clothing:
India has a general hot tropical climate with regional variations.
April – June is really hot and dry so loose lightweight cotton/
linen clothing is ideal
In the monsoon – June to September an umbrella or a waterproof cover
is essential.
Cooler times are November to mid –March – again lightweight
clothing perhaps a jumper for evenings.
In the northern hills and mountains warm clothing appropriate to the time
of year is essential.
Major religions:
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism.
Visa:
Usually six months multiple entry tourist visas are issued.
Check with the Indian Embassy for latest updates:
00353 1 497 0843/4970806 HYPERLINK "mailto:eoidublin@ind.do.ie"
eoidublin@ind.do.ie
Hours 0930 – 1215 Mon – Fri
Note – All foreigners must complete disembarkation/ embarkation cards on arrival and departure.
Insurance:
All tourists must be covered by adequate travel insurance.
Medical Care:
India has an excellent medical care in the main cities and towns. Comparable
(if not better in some cases) than Europe. However off the beaten track
and in a few of the remoter- yet popular- destinations medical care is
sparse. The majority of hotels have access to a doctor.
Health risks:
Check with Doctor for latest updates and vaccination needs. It is advisable
to take mosquito repellant. It is recommended that you use bottled water
for consumption. Street Hawker food is tempting but be sure of hygiene.
The watchword is common sense.
Dialing code: 00 91
Mobile phones: Generally good reception.
Electricity:
240V, 50Hz. Advisable to take an international adaptor
Weights & measures: Metric.
Culture
Religion permeates every facet of Indian life. Rural life still revolves
around 4000 years of history, yet India is far from being myopic or insular.
Silicon City of Bangalore, vibrant Film Industries of Chennai and Mumbai.
Call centers for Europe in Delhi. Modern India is fast paced and outward
looking. Younger city types might not be as religiously orientated as
their rural counterparts, even so, family values and ties are strong and
deference is usually given to time honored traditions.
Indian Art is eclectic – traditional religious themes used to dominate, but now modern expression has given rise to a fast growing market.
Food is phenomenal – you can get any style of food you require – Hotels cater for varied international cuisine and offer local specialties - look out for Mughlai. Regional variations depend upon the religion to a certain extent.
Cinema – wonderful tear jerking love stories, mad comic capers and tough death defying heroes dominate Indian cinema.
Example of Carriers
Used:
Airlines International: British Airways, Emirates, Gulf Airways, Kuwait,
Lufthansa, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Air France
Airlines Internal: Jet Airways, Sahara, Indian Airlines
Helicopter Transfer, Deccan Air.
A few Hints and Tips:
DO
Exchange money only through legitimate changer – keep receipt
Negotiate a price for taxis etc before setting out – meters are
not always accurate
Avoid touts and offers to visit homes.
Check items purchased are not subject to export restrictions – animal
products/ antiques etc.
Observe Indian customs – ask your guide for advice – i.e.
Some Temples do not allow leather inside. Dress respectfully in places
of worship – no shorts/ sleeveless tops/ immodest clothing/ remove
shoes.
Check if photography is restricted (especially around Military installations)
and certain archaeological sights.
DO NOT
Get lured by so called bargains – check out prices first in Government
or specially selected shops.
Encourage beggars – give a donation to a reputable charity instead.
Purchase tickets for travel through unauthorized agents.
Forget to insist on receipts and many relevant documentation for exporting
items.
For further information or to book please call 0208 744 0474
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