The country and Population
India has a total area of 3,287,263 sq. kms and offers a variety in topography and culture. Every visit to the country offers a new experience of the socio-cultural spectrum. The population of the country is approximately 1,001,587,855, second only to China.

Climate
The Indian winter is from mid-November to early March- with temperature in the northern plains ranging from 5°C to 22°C. Summers in the north are hot while summers in the south are more tolerable. The rainy season in west, central and south India starts from the last week of June and ends in August.

Passport
A valid passport is required for arrival into India. You need atleast one empty page for your passport to be stamped. Passport must be valid for atleast 6 months on arrival.

Accomodation
In the major metro cities of India clean secure accommodation ranging from 2-5 star rating is available. In the smaller towns clean 2-3 star hotels are also available. All hotels with a 4 star and higher rating offer room service,

Transportation
Public urban transport is almost non-existing in India. In the larger metros metered taxis and scooter rickshaws are easily available, In the smaller towns non-metered taxis, scooter rickshaws and bycycle rickshaws are the common mode of transport.

Money
The Indian currency is called the Rupee, which is divided into 100 Paise. Bank Notes are available for 10,20,50,100 & 500 rupees. It is recommended to carry rupees for shopping, eating out etc, as most establishments do not accept foreign currency. Currently the exchange rate is approximately Rs. 42 to US$ 1.

Credit Cards
Major credit cards (like Visa Mastercard and American Express) are accepted at all major hotels, restaurants, and large shops. However, the smaller shops still prefer cash and it is advisable to always carry some currency notes and coins.

Electricity
Electric current is 220-240 V AC, 50 cycles. The electric socket used is 2 or 3 round pin type.

Tips
Tipping in India is the norm. It is approx 10% of the food bill at a restaurant and Rs 10 for room service or portage per bag (at a hotel). It is not normal to tip a metered taxi or motor scooters. However if you have a chauffeur driven car, it is customary to tip the driver, if he has done a good job.

Security
India is a safe destination. Armed assault and robbery is very rare. However, it is advisable to never leave your bags unattended and to keep valuables money, passports etc., in the hotel safe deposit boxes. During traveling it is recommended to carry these items in a waits pouch.

Indian Customs
Bringing in large quantities of gold, currency, electronic items, animal products and drugs are banned by Indian customs. Before you enter India, you will be given a Immigration Form to fill in details on dutiable items being carried by you. Currency in excess of USD 2500 and traveler cheque in excess of USD 10,000 has to be declared on arrival.

Language
The official language is hindi but English is widely spoken across India. Besides English and Hindi India has another 17 main regional languages.

Business Hours
Most Indian shops are open from 10 a.m to 7 p.m, Monday to Saturday. Normal Banking hours are from 10 a.m to 2 p.m, except on Saturdays when they open from 10 a.m to 12 p.m, with Sundays as a weekly holiday.

Time
India is 5 hours 30 mins ahead of GMT and 10 hours 30 minutes ahead of Eastern Standard time of the USA.

Phones
All over the country (including the smaller towns) phone booths are available .All these booths carry a bright yellow signboard with ISD/STD written on them. Here you may make metered calls to any part of the world. However these Calls are to be paid for in cash (no credit cards).

Reporting time for Domestic and International Flights
For domestic flights reporting time is 1 hour before departure. For all international flights reporting time is 3 hours before departure. Many international Airlines require a reconfirmation of the flight 72 hours before departure. No reconfirmation is required for domestic flights.

Food
India offers a range of delectable cuisine. Traditional Indian food is normally too spicy for the western palate. However, many restaurants and hotels all over the country provide buffets meal, which are a combination of Indian and Continental food. At a la Carte restaurants, you may also ask for a less spicy platter to suit your taste.

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