Useful information
Currency
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). It is divided into 100 paisa. Both the export and import of rupees is prohibited
Indian. Keep the exchange receipts: they are indispensable for converting the rupees into euros. Euros and US dollars
are accepted. Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels. The banks are open from 10:00 to
14:00 from Monday to Friday and from 10:00 to 12:00.
Climate
The best period goes from late October to March, with temperatures that do not exceed 30 °. December, January and February
they are the most temperate months. In April the temperatures start to rise, in August they remain high throughout
Rajasthan and Delhi. In Rajasthan the climate is dry throughout the year, excluding July and August during which it can
manifest the monsoon, with sporadic but intense thunderstorms always of short duration.
Electricity'
220 V in almost the whole country. The electrical sockets are European type. In any case, check the voltage before use
of the same. An adapter will be useful.
Time difference
The Indian time is four and a half hours ahead of the Italian one (in Italy 12 am, in India 4.30 pm). When in Italy it is
the daylight saving time is the difference of three and a half hours.
Shopping
In India the variety of handicraft production is practically endless. The muslins, the canvases, the silks and the Indian brocades
have enjoyed worldwide fame since ancient times and have been appreciated for the quality of the fabric, the beauty and the
resistance of the colors, the originality of the designs. Even today, silk saris with bright colors, embroidered or are renowned
woven of gold or silver threads, the Rajasthani cottons, the wool or wool and silk carpets of Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh. There
manufacture of fabrics is only one aspect of the varied and rich Indian craftsmanship that ranges from wood carving
(teak, sandalwood, rosewood, ebony) widespread all over the world, especially in Karnataka, Agra marble inlays or
sculptures in Orissa stone, from ceramics to hand-painted lacquers, from brass and copper pottery to objects in
bamboo and leather goods. Since ancient times, the expertise of Indians in cutting and processing semi-precious stones is known
precious, even beautiful silver jewelry. Bazaar bargaining is common practice.
Clothing
It must be light and practical. Cotton clothing is preferable and synthetic fabrics are not recommended. Not
forget a cotton or straw hat to protect you from the sun, a sweatshirt or a sweater useful for the air
air conditioned, by bus and in hotels.
We also recommend bringing socks (see Places of Worship).
Don't forget your swimsuit, in almost all hotels there is a swimming pool.
Languages
Indian and English.
Health regulations
No vaccine is required. During the day, drink water in sealed bottles. If you prefer you do not use the water of the
tap to wash your teeth. We recommend starting a lactic acid therapy one week before departure and
continue during the journey.
Places of worship
Before entering the places of worship it is essential to take off your shoes. We also recommend wearing socks (disposable)
or cotton) that can be used during visits to temples, where it is required to remove shoes. In some temples
it is mandatory to be barefoot. Often the area for storing and storing shoes is located on the street outside
temples, forcing them to walk barefoot on asphalt and clay. Shooting is prohibited in some areas of places of worship
photographs: where possible we remind you to always ask for permission or consult with the guide. In places of worship there is
it can move freely, respecting the environment in which you find yourself avoiding low-cut garments and shorts. Even the
men are required to dress in keeping with the place visited.
The kitchen
The cuisine is different in the various regions, more classically vegetarian in the south, with different spices and less spicy taste
spicy cuisine to the north and more influenced by Muslim roots. Chicken and mutton, pork and sometimes
also beef. Among the vegetarian dishes stand out cereals and legumes (lentils, in the famous and widespread "dhal"), so
as there are many types of bread, (among the most widespread rothi, chapati, chapuri, papadam, nan). Famous fish dishes and
tandoori oven cooked meat, marinated and spicy. Tofu and rice are widely used, of which Tamil Nadu boasts many
variants, including excellent whole-grain rice. Excellent fruit, always tasty.
The phone
The reception of mobile phones is good. Occasionally less effective network coverage may occur. There are
several telephone service operators and you can also buy phone cards almost everywhere. The costs are
quite high (not less than 3 euros per minute with all operators). If you need frequent phone calls, yes
recommends purchasing a card with an Indian number. To do this you must have a copy of the passport, the cost of the
card is very limited and the rates will be cheaper. Even in hotels the minimum rates are in fact 2/3 euros
per minute. Wi-fi is present in all hotels. To call in Italy the prefix is 0039, to call from Italy 0091
followed by the regional and urban code.
