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CLIMATE - WEATHER India has hot tropical weather with variations occurring region to region. While the coolest months are from November to mid-March, hottest are from April to June. From mid-July to September one can experience Monsoon rains. Winters in India are pleasant with plenty of sunny days. Most of the North India remains dry, dusty, and unpleasant during the summer months. For a tourist, India provides ample opportunities to participate in diverse activities in different parts of the country. You can explore India in all the seasons, but you will have to be selective about the destinations Observed Social Customs Observed Social Customs NAMASTE OR NAMASKAR Namaskar or Namaste is the most popular form of greeting in India. It is a general salutation that is used to greet or welcome somebody and also for bidding farewell. While doing Namaskar, both the palms are placed together and raised below the face to greet a person. It is believed that both the hands symbolise one mind, or the self meeting the self. While the right hand represents higher nature, the left hand denotes worldly or lower nature. It has also a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one's ego in the presence of another. Lighting Lamp In many Hindu homes a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn. All auspicious functions and moments like daily worship, rituals and festivals and even many social occasions like inaugurations commence with the lightning of lamp. Light symbolizes knowledge and darkness, ignorance. Knowledge removes ignorance, just as light removes darkness.Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievements can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth. GWU School of Business India Trip Travel Guide 2006/2007
Observed Social Customs MARRIAGE Muslims also have their own special way of celebrating the marriage ceremony, popularly called Nikaah. During the auspicious occasion, the groom’s family gives mehar (nuptial gift) to the bride. Parsis plant a young mango tree in a pot during the marriage ceremony. This ceremony is famous as ‘Madhavsaro’ ceremony. Every state has its own special way of celebrating the marriage ceremony. Observed Social Customs CLOTHING Observed Social Customs MARRIAGE Observed Social Customs CLOTHING WOMEN Indian Dresses: Beauty of Indian women lies in the clothes she wears. Very traditional and ethnic yet contemporary Indian Saris are famous worldwide. It is worn with a blouse that covers the upper part of the body. In rural parts a version of sari, called ghagara -choli is very much popular. Choli is like a short blouse that covers the upper part of the body and ghagara is like a long skirt. Time has changed but the lavishness has always been an integral and indispensable part of Indian marriages. In India, marriage is still taken as an institution where not two people but two families get united. So, it always calls for boisterous celebrations full of music and dance. Within India, every caste and community has its own way of performing the rituals of marriage. In Hindu marriages, while Punjabis perform the ‘Roka’ ceremony in weddings, Sindhis perform the ‘Berana’. But most common of all is the ritual of Hast Milap ceremony popularly called Paanigrahan Sanskar. MEN For the men, there is no dearth of variety. >From dhoti kurta to shirt pants, an Indian man prefers Everything that fits well and looks good. But, traditionally you can see north Indians wearing kurta pajama, dhoti kurta or sherwani on formal celebrations whereas south Indian men prefer lungi with shirt. Observed Social Customs CLOTHING WOMEN In order to have a graceful and complete look, women folk carry a duppatta, which is a soft and delicate material of reasonable length thrown over the shoulder. Though with slight variations, Salwar kameez is a dress that is famous in every part of India. This attire contains two pieces-kameez, which is a like a long top covering upper part of the body and salwar is like trousers. Like ghagara choli, salwar kameez is also complemented by dupatta.
. Common and Useful Hindi Phrases "How much does this cost?" -- YEH KIT-NE KA HAI How are you?" -- KYA HAAL HAI, or KAISE HO/HAIN, or KYA CHAL RAHA HAI, "Where's the phone?" -- PHONE KA-HAAN HAI? what time is it = KYA SA-MAY HAI "Where are you?" -- KAHAN HAIN AAP or KIDHAR HO TUM or KAHAN HO TUM/. "Can I sit here?" (If you are male, then say) --KYA MEIN YA-HAN BAYTE SAK-TA HOON "Can I sit here?" (If you are female, then say) --KYA MEIN YA-HAN BAYTE SAK-TI HOON "Goodbye." -- ACH-HA, CHALTA HOON "Please enter." -- PADHARIYE "See you again." --PHIR MI-LEN-GAE "Thank you." -- DHAN-YA-VAD or SHUK-RIYA "It is nice to meet you." -- AAP SE MIL KE KHU-SHI HUI, or AAP SEMIL KE ACH-CHA LAGA – "Please take me to my hotel." -- KRIP-YA MUJ-HE MAY-RAY HO-TEL LE CHA-LI-YE "here is the bathroom?" – SHAU-CHALAY KID-HAR HAI? “Hello.”- NA-MA-SKAAR or NA-MA-STAY “Please.”-KRIP-YA “Water.” – PAA-NEE “Can I please have some water?”- KRIP-YAMU-JHE PAA-NEE DI-JIYE “Can you help me?”- KYA AAP MAY-RI MADAD KAR SAKTE HAIN? “Help!” – BA-CHA-O (literally means “save me”, but that’s what people shout out when in trouble) “Call police.” – POLICE KO BU-LA-AIYE.
Telephone/Dialing Instructions FROM BANGALORE, India Telephone/Dialing Instructions FROM BANGALORE, India Telephone/Dialing Instructions FROM NEW DELHI, India (011) is the international prefix used to dial somewhere outside of U.S.A (91) is the international code used to dial to India (80) is the local area or city code used to dial to Bangalore; please omit it if calling from within Bangalore and If calling from within India but outside of Mumbai, one must dial “0” before (22) (011) is the international prefix used to dial somewhere outside of U.S.A (91) is the international code used to dial to India (22) is the local area or city code used to dial to Mumbai; please omit it if calling from within Mumbai and If calling from within India but outside of Mumbai, one must dial “0” before (22) (011) is the international prefix used to dial somewhere outside of U.S.A (91) is the international code used to dial to India (11) is the local area or city code used to dial to Delhi; please omit it if calling from within Delhi and If calling from within India but outside of Delhi, one must dial “0” before (22) Hotel & Embassy Info MUMBAI, India Hotel & Embassy Info BANGALORE, India Hotel & Embassy Info NEW DELHI, India Taj Lands End Band Stand, Bandra (West), Mumbai 400 050, Tel No. : (91-22) 6668 1234 Fax : ((91-22) 6699 4488Email:landsend.mumbai@tajhotels.com Le Méridien New Delhi Windsor Place New Delhi Phone: (91)(11) 23710101 Le Méridien Bangalore 28 Sankey Road · PB No 174 · Bangalore, Karnataka 560 052 Phone: (91)(80) 2226 2233 U.S. Embassy Shantipath, ChanakyapuriNew Delhi - 110021Tel: +91-11-2419-8000Fax: +91-11-2419-0017 Email: ndcentral@state.gov Consulate Information American Corner Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Race Course Road Bangalore 560 001 Phone: 080 - 2226 5746/7303 Fax: 080 - 2228 7373 Unit Consulate Information American Citizen Services General Mumbai 78, Bhulabhai Desai Rd.Mumbai, Maharashtra 400-026 Phone: (91-22) 2363 3611,4306/4134/4237 mmbajacs@state.gov
Sightseeing Ideas and Options in New Delhi Sightseeing Ideas and Options in New Delhi Sightseeing Ideas and Options in New Delhi, Jantar Mantar, Delhi : Within Connaught Place is the Jantar Mantar Observatory built by the Rajput King of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh in 1724. It was believed to have been built with masonry instruments for observing the movements of the stars and planets Dilli Haat Food and Crafts Bazaar, opposite INA Market, is a one-stop shopping place for tourists, which not only offers various arts and handicrafts of India, but also a taste of the ethnic cuisine. Visitors can also witness the different performing arts of the country. India Gate, Delhi: the 42 metre high, free standing arch, popularly known as India Gate, was designed by Luytens and built in 19111. It was originally called All India War Memorial in memory of the 90,000 Soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the soldiers are inscribed all along the walls of the arch. In1971, an eternal flame was lit here to honour the Amar Jawan (immortal soldiers). Sightseeing Ideas and Options in New Delhi Purana Qila (Old Fort), Delhi the ruins of the fort are located on a small hill which once stood on the banks of the river Yamuna. Legend has it that the fort marked the site of Indraprastha, the magnificent capital of the pandavas, though the construction was carried out by Sher Shah Suri sometime between 1538 to 1545 AD. The structure houses a mosque which has a double storeyed octagonal tower. At the foot of the hill is a lake where the Delhi Tourism has arrangements for boating. Connaught PlaceOne of Delhi's most popular shopping centres built as early as 1931 there is nothing that one cannot buy here and it also has several eating houses. The state emporia buildings are also located in this area so are the head offices of major banks, airlines and other such things of importance to the tourist. The complex popularly referred to as CP is an important meeting points for all sections of people and is something which no tourist should miss if for nothing else then for its architecture and the humdrum of everyday life. Chandni Chowk It was the eyes and ears of the Mughal's commercial instincts and is today one of the country's best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches. The entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families of that time. There is however a word of caution and that is that there are several elements who are believed to be selling duplicate goods and the tourist needs to be careful about this.
Sightseeing Ideas and Options in Bangalore Sightseeing Ideas and Options in Bangalore Tipu's Palace The palace and the fort of Tipu Sultan are the must see spot in Bangalore. The architecture, the layout and the overall look of the palace gives you the idea of the ethnic Mughal lifestyle. The fort and its remains present the history of the era in which it was built. The construction of the Tipu palace was started by Haider Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan himself. Vidhan SoudhaVidhan Soudha, built in the year 1954 is one of the major centres of attraction in Bangalore. The architecture of the building is based on the neo Dravidian style and it presently houses the Legislative Assembly of the state of Karnataka. The building also houses a part of the Karnataka secretariat. Sightseeing Ideas and Options in Bangalore, Lal Bagh Gardens Lal Bagh is a must see while visiting Bangalore. The name Lal Bagh has been given to it for the wonderfully bloomed red roses that remain blooming all through the year in this garden. The garden has also a collection of famous Botanical species. Though the flow of visitors to the park is a regular affair, the garden gets a festive look during the Republic Day and on the days of flower shows that are held here
Sightseeing Ideas and Options in Mumbai The University of Mumbai (formerly University of Bombay) is a university situated in Maharashtra state of India. It has been given a five-star ranking by NAAC. The name of the University was changed from University of Bombay to University of Mumbai according to a Government Gazette dated 4 September1996. It is abbreviated as either (UoM) for University of Mumbai or as (MU) for Mumbai University. Sightseeing Ideas and Options in Mumbai Chowpatty Beach & Juhu Beach Chowpatty beach is situated on Marine Drive. This beach is well-known for it's stalls selling "Bhel-Puri and Pani -Puri chat" a favourite fast food among the Mumbaites and visitors to the city. Juhu Beach is the most popular beach in Mumbai which is 30 kms away from the heart of Mumbai. It is a long stretch of sandy beach from Santacruz to Vile-Parle. This is a very popular beach for picnic. Sightseeing Ideas and Options in Mumbai, Sightseeing Ideas and Options in Mumbai Fashion Street refers to a cluster of about 130 to 140 clothing shops on MG Road in South Mumbai, India. Ready made garments are one of Mumbai's chief exports, so the same clothes sold at leading US & European retail stores can be purchased on Fashion Street for a fraction of their price abroad. Furthermore, many proprietors haggle over bargain prices. There are also several shoe and jewelry shops. It is a very popular area with college students and teenagers, and, since Fashion Street is little known to those outside of Mumbai, tourists only rarely venture there. Bollywood celebrities are also known to patronize Fashion Street. The Bombay Stock Exchange LTD: -the oldest stock exchange in Asia. It is located at Dalal Street, Mumbai. Bombay Stock Exchange was established in 1875. There are around 3,500 Indian companies listed with the stock exchange. As of October 2006, the market capitalization of the BSE was about Rs. 33.4 trillion (US $ 730 billion). The BSE SENSEX (SENSitive indEX), also called the BSE 30, is a widely used market index in India and Asia. It is among the 5 biggest stock exchanges in the world in terms of transactions volume. Kamala Nehru Park & Hanging Gardens The giant Old woman's shoe in the Kamala Nehru Park is very popular with children to play in. One gets a panoramic view of parts of the city from these parks situated at the height of Malabar Hill. At night, the view of street lights of Marine Drive resemble a dazzling bejeweled "Queen's Necklace". At sunset, the waterfall and fountains in the park are lit with colorful lights which are worth seeing. The Hanging Gardens surrounded by beautiful flower beds and lush green lawns are very popular as picnic spots.
. Hospital Information Mumbai Hospital Information Mumbai Mumbai Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Center 12 New Marine Lines Mumbai 400 020 Tel: 2206-7676 Fax: 2208-0871 website: www.Bombayhospital.com Mumbai Clinical Diagnostic Center A-2 Ben Nevis ground floor Bhulabhai Desai Road Mumbai 400 036 Tel: 23684764/65,23618839 fax: 23671019 Email: helpdesk1@cdcuniverse.com Mumbai Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre A-791 Bandra Reclamation Bandra (W), Mumbai 400 050 Tel: 26438281, 26455891 fax: 26407655 Email: lilavati@bom3.vsnl.net.in masinahospital@rediffmail.com Mumbai Metropolis Health Services 250 D Udhyog Bhavan Hind Cycle Marg Behind Glaxo, Worli Mumbai 400025 Tel: 56622040 (11 lines) Hospital Information Mumbai Hospital Information New Delhi Hospital Information Mumbai All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS)Ansari Nagar, tel.: 6864851. Apollo Hospital,Sarita ViharMathura Rd,Tel.: 6925858/01 Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre, Okhla Rd, tel.: 6844820, 6833641. Holy Family Hospital, Okhla Tel.: 6845900-09. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital,Wellingdon Crescent. Tel.:3365933, 3365525. Safdarjung Gen. HospitalAIIMS Crossing, Tel.: 665060, Mumbai Asian Heart Institute G/N Block Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East Mumbai 400051 Tel: 5698-6666 Fax: 5698-6506 Email: info@ahirc.com Website: www.ahirc.com Mumbai Blue Cross Medicheck Centre 506 Doctor Hs. 5th fl., Pedder Road Opp. Jaslok Hospital Mumbai 400 026 Tel: 23867079 Tele-fax: 23872776 Mumbai Dalvi Hospital 38 Nyayamurti Sitaram Patkar Marg Gamdevi Mumbai 400007 Tel: 56022848 Mumbai Dalvi Hospital Pharmacy Pvt. Ltd. (Day and Night) 38 Nyayamurti Sitaram Patkar Marg Gamdevi Mumbai 400 007 Tel: 5602 2848 Tel: 23692454 Hospital Information New Delhi Mumbai Asian Heart Institute G/N Block Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East Mumbai 400051 Tel: 5698-6666 Fax: 5698-6506 Email: info@ahirc.com Website: www.ahirc.com Mumbai Blue Cross Medicheck Centre 506 Doctor Hs. 5th fl., Pedder Road Opp. Jaslok Hospital Mumbai 400 026 Tel: 23867079 Tele-fax: 23872776
. Social & Cultural FOOD Sweets are very popular all over India and are usually cooked in a lot of fat. ‘Jalebis’, luscious pretzel shaped loops fried to a golden crisp and soaked in saffron syrup can be had from any street vendor in North India. ‘Kheer’ or ‘payasam’ are equivalents of the rice pudding and ‘Kulfi’ is an Indian ice cream made in conical moulds and frozen. Tea is drunk as a beverage in India. Tea from the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong are boiled in milk and water and served with a liberal dose of sugar. Filtered coffee is a favorite among South Indians and is a very sweet, milky version of coffee. Hospital Information Bangalore CDR Medical Centre 11th Main Road Jayanagar 6655055 Church of South India Hospital 2, Hazarat Kambal Posh Road2861103, 2861104 City Corporation Hospital 5 Kempegowda CLE 923300977 Bhagawan Mahaveer JainHospital Millers Road, V Nagar2207641-49, 2260944, 2261153 Cauvery Medical Center 3-B, HBS Apartments No.1, Edward Road Hospital Information Bangalore Social & Cultural FOOD Most Indian cuisine are related by the similar usage of spices and the use of a greater variety of vegetables than many other cuisine. Religious and caste restrictions, weather, geography and the impact of foreigners have affected the eating habits of Indians. For example, Brahmins (one of the highest orders of caste) are strict vegetarians usually, but in the coastal states of West Bengal and Kerala, they consume a lot of fish. Bangalore Hospital 202, RV Road26562753/ 26565494/ 26563477 Bangalore Institute of Oncology Cancer Detection Centre, 44-45/2ND CRS RM Roy extension 2225644/2267/2359/5698/2267/2359 Bangalore Kidney Foundation No. 18762 Block Padmanabha Nagar26690084 Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain Heart Centre General Miller Road, V Nagar2267333 Social & Cultural FOOD Observed Social Customs MARRIAGE Eating from a ‘thali’ (a metal plate or banana leaf) is quite common in most parts of India. Both the North Indian and South Indian thali contain small bowls arranged inside the rim of the plate(or leaf), each filled with a different sort of spiced vegetarian food, curd and sweet. At the center of the thali you would find a heap of rice, some puris(wheat bread rolled into small circular shapes and deep-fried in hot oil) or chapathis(wheat bread rolled out into large circular shapes and shallow-fried over a hot ‘tava). Muslims also have their own special way of celebrating the marriage ceremony, popularly called Nikaah. During the auspicious occasion, the groom’s family gives mehar (nuptial gift) to the bride. Parsis plant a young mango tree in a pot during the marriage ceremony. This ceremony is famous as ‘Madhavsaro’ ceremony. Every state has its own special way of celebrating the marriage ceremony.
. DOING BUSINESS BODY LANGUAGE Indians generally allow an arm’s length space between themselves and others in business situations. Do not stand too close, they value personal space. Indian men may engage in friendly back patting merely as a sign of a friend ship. When an an Indian smiles and jerks his/her head backward or moves his head in a figure 8, this usually means ‘yes’. DOING BUSINESS BODY LANGUAGE The Western side-to-side hand wave for hello is frequently interpreted as no or go away. Only use your right hand to touch someone, pass money or pick up merchandise. The left hand is considered unclean. Feet are considered unclean. Pointing footwear at people is considered an insult. DOING BUSINESS DOING BUSINESS Regionalism, religion, language and caste are all factors that need to be taken into account when doing business in India. Behavior, etiquette, and approach are all modified depending on whom you are addressing and the context in which they are being addressed. HIERARCHY Hierarchy plays the most important role of all cultural influences that most influence Indian business culture. With its roots in Hinduism and the caste system, Indian society operates within a framework of strict hierarchy that defines people’s roles, status, and social order. MEETING AND GREETING Meeting etiquette requires a handshake. Indians themselves will use the namaste. Using the namaste is a sign of your understanding of the Indian etiquette. When addressing an Indian whom you know personally, always use the appropriate formal title, whether Professor, Doctor, or Mrs. or if you do not know their names use Sir or Madam. Business cards should be exchanged at the first meeting. Be sure to receive and give with your right hand. Make sure the card you are given is put away respectfully and not simply pushed in your trouser pocket. LANGUAGE Central government only recognizes Hindi as the official language. When doing business in India, English is the language of international commerce. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Indians only deal favorably with those they know and trust – even at the expense of lucrative deals. A good working relationship must be founded upon demonstrating strong business acumen and relating to your partner.
. DOING BUSINESS MEETINGS AND NEGOTIATIONS Meetings should be arranged well in advance. This should be done in writing and confirmed by phone. Punctuality is expected, although being 10 minutes late will not have disastrous consequences. Flexibility is paramount. When entering a meeting room, you must always approach and greet the most senior figure first. Meetings should always commence with some conversation. This is the part of the getting to know you process. Avoid talking about personal matters, and if new to India, do not comment on matters such as the poverty or beggars. Indians do not base their business decisions solely on statistics, or empirical data. They use intuition and faith to guide them. Always exercise patience, show good character and never exhibit frustration or anger. DOING BUSINESS DOING BUSINESS • NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL TIPS • Grasping one’s own ears expresses sincerity. • Backslapping is not a sign of affection. • American men should not touch women in public, nor talk to a lone woman in public. • Whistling is considered impolite. • Bargain for goods and services. • The left hand is considered unclean. Use the right hand for eating with the fingers or accepting things. DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT Arrive 15-30 minutes later than the stated time for a dinner party. At a social gathering, a garland of flowers is often placed around a guest’s neck. Remove it after a few minutes and carry it in your hand to show humility. Allow hosts to serve you. Never refuse food, but do not feel obligated to empty your plate. If hosts eat with hands, assure them you enjoy doing the same. If utensils are not used, use your right hand’s first three fingers and thumb.
