India is located in South Asia on the Hindustan Peninsula, and has a length of 3214 km from north to south and 2933 km from west to east. The country is washed by the Bay of Bengal in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west.
Climate– According to Bridgat, the climate in the south of India is closer to the equatorial, in the north – to the mountainous subtropical. The change of seasons is determined by the monsoons. The hot, dry season lasts from April to June – the average temperature is +38..+46°C, from mid-June to early October the rainy season lasts (+35..+38°C). The tourist season in mainland and southern India lasts from early October to late March. During this period it is usually sunny, the air temperature during the day reaches +25..+30°C, at night +20..+25°C. It is cool in Delhi and to the north in December-January, when the temperature fluctuates between +10°C and +20°C. In April, when it gets too hot in the south and in the center of the country, favorable weather sets in the Himalayan states: Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Utaranchal.
Religion– Hindus make up approximately 80% of the population, Muslims (11%), Christians (2%), Sikhs (2%), Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, etc.
Language – Official languages: Hindi, English
Precautions – Vaccinations are recommended. Before the trip, you can consult with your doctor. It is not recommended to drink raw tap water: you should use only table water or bottled mineral water. You need to thoroughly wash your hands with soap, as well as purchased vegetables and fruits. You should bring sanitary napkins and medicines that you may need on the road.
Time – Time difference with Moscow +2.5 hours
Money– the monetary unit of the country is the Indian rupee -1 US dollar = ~ 43 rupees. You can change money at the airport (usually the rate is higher there), it can also be done at a bank or at certified exchange points. When exchanging, it is better to take a receipt – this will allow you to make, if necessary, a reverse exchange of money when leaving the country. You can also pay in US dollars, however, they can be recalculated at an exchange rate that is not entirely favorable for you, so it is always better to have local currency with you.
Customs rules – The import and export of previously imported foreign currency is not limited, but the national currency is prohibited. Cash in the amount of more than 10.00 US dollars, as well as personal computers and laptops are subject to mandatory declaration.
Duty-free import of up to 200 cigarettes, or up to 50 cigars, alcoholic beverages – up to 0.95 liters, jewelry, food and household items – within the limits of personal needs is allowed.
It is prohibited to import drugs and preparations containing narcotic substances, weapons and ammunition without appropriate permits. The export of skins of wild animals and plumage of birds, skins and products made from the skins of rare reptiles and ivory is
prohibited. Living plants, gold and silver bars, antiques and antiques made over 100 years ago. For the export of jewelry, it is mandatory to provide a certificate received upon purchase.
Clothing – clothing and footwear should be light and comfortable;
Women’s clothing should cover the shoulders and arms to the elbow (for this, a light shawl or scarf is usually used over the blouse) and legs to the ankles.
It is not recommended to wear defiant, tight clothes, short skirts and shorts. At the entrance to any temple, guests will be asked to remove their shoes. Inside you will have to go barefoot or in socks, which we recommend stocking up before the trip.
Security – In hotels, it is better to use a safe without leaving valuables or money in plain sight or in easily accessible places.
Vaccinations are recommended. Before the trip, you can consult with your doctor. It is not recommended to drink raw tap water: you should use only table water or bottled mineral water. You need to thoroughly wash your hands with soap, as well as purchased vegetables and fruits. You should bring sanitary napkins and medicines that you may need on the road.
Electricity – the mains voltage in India is 220V, frequency 50 Hz., sometimes sockets differ from standard European ones, you can always ask for an adapter at the hotel.
Shopping – products made of gold and silver, sandalwood or bronze souvenirs, Kashmiri carpets, silk shawls, Indian tea, beautiful and high-quality fabrics, precious stones.
Tips– The size of the tip depends on the type of service and is at your discretion, usually they are 5-10% of the bill.
Communication. International communication is available in all hotels. Roaming is available from MTS and Beeline. We recommend purchasing a SIM card from a local mobile operator.
When calling from Moscow to India, dial: (8-10-91) + area code + phone number
When calling from India to Moscow, dial: (007-495) + phone number
Area codes
Delhi – 11, Jaipur – 141, Agra – 0562, Mumbai – 22, Kolkata – 33, Chenai – 44
Embassy of Russia in Delhi:
Address – Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
Phones – (91-11) 26873799; 26889160; 26873802; 26110640/41/42
Fax – (91-11) 26876823
Website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of India www.india.mid.ru/rus.html
