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India

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, full of optimism and ripe with new business opportunities. Yet stroll a few minutes from the high towers of Mumbai or Kolkata and it’s like a different planet. Every corner turns up new surprises; nowhere else do such magnificent riches sit besides such abject […]

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India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, full of optimism and ripe with new business opportunities. Yet stroll a few minutes from the high towers of Mumbai or Kolkata and it’s like a different planet. Every corner turns up new surprises; nowhere else do such magnificent riches sit besides such abject poverty.

Wander through the dazzling colours of the Old Delhi Spice Market; watch the sun rise over Himalayan peaks from Tiger Hill; gape at the legendary Taj Mahal; explore the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Everything you do is a journey into the unknown and travellers are appalled and amazed in equal measure. Be prepared for gut-wrenching homesickness and awe-inspiring wonder, often in the space of a few minutes.

For a truly mind-blowing experience, get off the beaten track. The most treasured sights in India are often the most mundane. Play Kabaddi on the beach, watch the washer women in the Ganges, explore the vibrant arts and crafts of Gujurat or just lose yourself in the old city. The Buddhist monasteries of the southern Himalaya are friendly respites from the madness of the plains and if you dare venture out of the cities you can be an instant celebrity in the surrounding villages.

Wherever you go, be warned: the beggars and hawkers won’t be far off. Learning to cope with the dark side of India is where the challenge begins; perhaps this is why many travellers go there to ‘find themselves’.

Getting there

Air travel is best and Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai all have busy international airports. The overland route from Nepal is also popular with travellers, as well as some bus routes from Bangladesh or Pakistan.

Getting around

There are extensive internal flights, though sleeper class train travel is the most cost effective option for intercity travel. Buses lack air conditioning and can be hot, bumpy and uncomfortable. Hiring cars is affordable.

Local information

Language(s): English, Hindi; many recognised regional dialects.

Time: UTC+5:30

Climate: Diverse – arid, semi-arid, tropical, subtropical, alpine tundras, oceanic. The monsoon affects much of India during the summer months.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Business etiquette: Greetings depend on religion, education and social class. Greet the eldest or most senior person first. Expect to spend time building relationships before doing business. Third party introductions can help greatly.

Tipping: 5-10 percent in restaurants. Porters 20Rs a day. Guides 200Rs a day.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2l of alcoholic liquor; Reasonable quantities of medicines.

Safety: Terrorism is a threat throughout India; between 2008 and 2010 terrorist bombs attacked Bangalore, Mumbai, Assam, New Delhi and Jaipur, accounting for over 500 deaths. Petty crime is common, particularly in cities.

Laws: Always carry your passport. Laws vary between states. Legal processes can take a long time; if arrested you can be imprisoned for several years before conclusion of trial.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, malaria, rabies, tetanus, & typhoid. Drink bottled water only. Limited healthcare services are available and comprehensive health insurance is strongly advised.

Socket type: Type C, Type D and Type M.

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