India At a Glance
When traveling to India, it's important to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here's a quick guide to help you:
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
- India has diverse climatic zones, from the cold Himalayas to tropical beaches. The best time to visit is generally October to March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. The summer months (April to June) can be hot, while the monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains in many regions.
CULTURAL ETIQUETTE
India is a multicultural country with a deep-rooted heritage.
- Dress modestly, especially in religious places.
- Remove footwear before entering temples and homes.
- Greeting with a "Namaste" (folded hands) is appreciated.
- Respect local customs and traditions, which can vary by region.
CURRENCY
- Indian Rupee (INR): The official currency is the Indian Rupee (₹).
- ATMs and currency exchange services are available in cities and tourist areas.
- Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for remote areas.
- 1 USD ≈ 83 INR (Exchange rates fluctuate).
LANGUAGE
- India has 22 official languages, but Hindi and English are the most widely spoken. English is commonly used in cities and tourist areas.
Here are some useful Hindi phrases for tourists visiting India:
- Hello: Namaste | How are you?: Aap kaise hain? | I'm fine, thank you; Main theek hoon, dhanyavaad
- Thank you: Dhanyavaad | Yes: Haan | No: Nahi | Please: Kripaya
- Excuse me / Sorry: Maaf Kijiye | Goodbye: Alvida
- What is your name?: Aapka naam kya hai? | My name is [Name]: Mera naam [Name] hai
- How much does this cost?: Yeh kitne ka hai?
- I don't understand: Mujhe samajh nahi aaya | Do you speak English?: Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?
- Water: Pani | Food: Khana | Help: Madad
- Where is the bathroom?: Bathroom kahan hai?
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
- Auto-rickshaws & Taxis: Common in cities, but always negotiate fares or use metered options.
- Metro & Buses: Efficient in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
- Indian Railways: A vast network connecting all parts of India. Book tickets in advance.
- Ride-Sharing: Apps like Ola and Uber are widely used for convenient travel.
FOOD AND DRINK
- Indian cuisine is diverse, with regional specialties like biryani, dosa, butter chicken, and street chaat.
- Tap water is not safe to drink—always drink bottled or filtered water.
- Street food is delicious but opt for clean and hygienic stalls.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
- India uses Type C, D, and M electrical outlets with a standard voltage of 230V and 50Hz. Visitors may need an adapter and a voltage converter for certain devices.
TIME ZONE
- India follows Indian Standard Time (IST) GMT +5:30.
- India is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.
- No daylight saving time changes.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
- In case of emergencies, dial 100 (Police), 102 (Ambulance) and 101 (fire assistance). It's recommended to have the contact details of your embassy or consulate as well.