Emergency Numbers in India

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U.S. Embassy 419-8000

Marine Guard ext# 8008 (24 hrs)

RSO office ext# 8675

Guard Force ext# 4338 (24 hrs)

(Group 4-watch office/ shift commander)

Guard Force Hotline 419-0007

Poisons Information Center

24 hrs service, 7 days a week

AIIMS, Department of Pharmacology

Tel: 685-9391/ 0691/ 659-3677

Travelers arriving from countries where Yellow Fever is endemic (numerous countries in Africa, some locations in Central and South America plus a few Caribbean locales must have a valid certificate of vaccination against the disease.  If the traveler does not have this certificate, she/ he may be isolated in an airport quarantine hospital for up to 6 days before being allowed to enter India.  There are no exceptions. 

Dysentery, hepatitis and many infectious diseases are common in India.  Tourists should consume only bottled drinks, without ice, or boiled water.  The surface of vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before use.  Food (meet in particular) should be well cooked.

 Regular, year round, anti malarial chemoprophylaxis is recommended.  Consult your physician for the most appropriate regimen for you.  Mosquito avoidance strategies (such as the use of insect repellant) are recommended.

Prior to departure for India, tourists and extended visitors should seek advice about immunizations.  For long-term visitors, the usual recommended immunization includes: typhoid, meningococcal meningitis, hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese B encephalitis (if prolonged exposure in high risk area is likely) and immune globulin every 4-6 months.  For short-term visitors, typhoid, hepatitis B and immune globulin every 4-6 months are recommended.

Sikh Temple	back to top
	The Sikh it self means ‘disciple’.  A Sikh is a person who believes in one-God and teachings of the Ten Gurus, enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy book.  Amrit is a must for every Sikh.  They have to get up in the morning before dawn and meditate on the name of God.  The Sikh temple called Gurdwara.  In every gurdwara the Sikh Holy Scripture is installed in the main hall, which is used for prayer and daily service.Before entering the Gurdwara, everyone must take off their shoes and cover their head and bows as you approached the holy book.Services begin with the singing of hymns with the musical instrument.
As it hits the lunchtime, everyone is equal to sit together and have his or her lunch/ dinner, which is free.  In total almost 1000 people a day in weekdays and 3000 people in weekends.  How they got the money to provide the meals?  Down below the altar, behind the Guru Granth they have a clerical man sits with his computer for giving a receipt to every person who wants to donate their money as charity and a believe for what you give will come back times three.

The Sikh baptism.  No minimum or maximum age is stipulated for getting baptized.  A Sikh undertakes to uphold the principles of its faith and code of conduct as prescribed by the Gurus.  Man, woman, any nationality, race or social standing, which adheres to the principles of the Faith, has a right to receive baptism and join the Sikh Common wealth-the Khalsa Panth.

Laksminarayan Temple	back to top
Also known as Birla Mandir is a large Hindu temple built in Orissan style, in 1938 by the renowned by Birla family (famous industrialist family).  It’s a picturesque complex with the central shrine dedicated to Narayana or Vishnu and his spouse Laksmi-the Goddess of wealth.  It also houses the 7 deities of the Hindu Pantheon including painting of Jesus Christ and the Sikh Gurus.
	Qutub Minar	back to top
	Afghan architecture built by a slave of Muhammad Akbar.  Qutabu’din started building the tower as a memorial of victory in 1199 AD.
Humayun Tomb	back to top
	This mausoleum was built by Humayun’s widow, Queen Hajji Begum in the 16th century (1565) and exemplifies the early Mughal Architecture.  Its double domed elevation was to serve later as model for the Taj Mahal.  About 250 tombs of almost the entire royal family member buried here.
	India Gate	back to top
	This is a 42.3 meter-high arch, which is a war memorial to the soldiers of First World War and has names of 75.000 Indian and British men etched on it.

An astronomical observatory with rubber masonry instruments built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699-1743), the mathematician and astronomer King of Jaipur.  The instruments are intended to show the movements of the sun, moon, etc.  The instruments can tell time accurately up to half a second.

Shah Jahan’s (the builder of the Taj Mahal) elegant citadel, constructed of red sandstone, was built at the eastern extreme of the walled city, along the riverfront.  From the ramparts of Lahori Gate, its main entrance, India’s Prime Ministers have delivered their speeches, for years.  Lahori gate leads to a roofed passage called Chatta Chowk, now lined by antique shops.  The Naqqar Khanna (Drum house) at the end of this passage marks the entrance to the royal enclosures.  The war memorial museum is now housed here.

Jama Masjid

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Masjid it self means a mosque.  The great mosque of old Delhi is both the largest in India and one of the final architectural extravagance if Shah Jahan.  Begun in 1644, the mosque was not completed until 1658.  It has 3 great gateways.  Four angled towers and 2 minarets standing 40m high and constructed of alternating vertical strip of red sandstone and white marble.  The courtyard of the mosque can hold 25000 people.  The views in all directions are superb.

North-east of Feroz Shah Kotla, on the bank of the Yamuna, a simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948.  A commemorative ceremony takes place each Friday, the day he was killed.   The Raj Ghat area is now beautiful park.  The memorials of other leaders nearby here include Jawaharlal Nehru at Shanti Van, Indira Gandhi’s at Shakti Sthal, etc.

At the western end of Lodhi Road is located the Safdarjung tomb built in 1753-54 by the sib if the second Nawab of Oudh.

The main street of Old Delhi is colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk.  Its highly congested day and night, a very sharp contrast to open, spacious street of New Delhi.  At the east (Red Fort) end of Chandni Chowk, there is a Digambara Jain temple with a small marble courtyard surrounded by a colonnade.  There’s an interesting bird hospital here, run by the Jains.  Next to the Kotwali (old police station) is the Sunheri Masjid.  The west end of Chandni Chowk is marked by the Fatehpuri mosque, which was built in 1650 by one of the Shah Jahan’s wives.

They came to India and took the good harvest, spices, and good belongings of India and go back to Afghanistan.  They did this for 14 times.  Shah Jahan has 1 arranged marriage, 1 love marriage and 1 political marriage.Not sure which ones is to what marriage (I was sleep when the tour guide explain the whole thing).  He has Mumtaz (Indian), Mariam (Christian) and another woman from Moeslim as his wives.  In addition to this 3 wives, he also has many harems (mistresses), to please him.  He spent all of his 30 years to womanizer and drugs (the biggest opium consumer at that time).  When Mumtaz died, Shah Jahan realized that his love to her is unconditionally and promise her to build a castle to remember their true love.  He mourns for so long even cried terribly.  He raises the taxes to the Indian and spent all of the money to build the Taj.  The Taj its self built by beautiful white marble carved by flower design from various color of many stones.  It cost 16 billion of rupees that time.  Akbar the son of Shah Jahan captive him to house prison and replace him.  Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz, barried here.

Mix by carved red stone and white marble with better carved from various colorful stones.He has 99 mistresses and made the auditorium floor as recreational center where the walls build as a small-carved room for his entire mistresses to perform the dancing for him.  The pillars are (hand) carved from Persian, Hindi and Moslem design from top-down.  He also has 1 special room where the entire wall carved with silver and flower design from various colorful stones.  We are talking when they do not have any vehicle to move the marble, or a technical equipment and head-chop penalty when you refuse to do it.  Everything has been done by hand.  The silvers are sparkling in the dark as the mistresses’ dance in this room with candles in both hands.  Nothing but the pleasure for him.  He died one day because he was so drunk from the opium and fell down the stairs.

Day Trips in New Delhi

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Tuglakabad Fort

Historical interest among quiet, abandoned ruins.  En route to the Surajkund Mela

Sultanpur Lake Bird Sanctuary

If you are bird lover, you must visit this place.  Bring binoculars and a picnic to enjoy the birds and fresh air.  Just past Gurgaon.  35 km (1 hr from the embassy)

Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Indian Parliament buildings and where the President lives.  Tours are available.  Opposite of Raj Path is India Gate.

Visit Old Delhi (walk through)

Chandni Chowk and the Spice Market (Khari-Baoli).  Closed on Sunday.  Visit the seven cities of Delhi with a tour guide.  Nigel Henkins, who has a wealth of knowledge regarding Old Delhi offers tours.  Sign his reservations book at the Moghul gate at the British High Commission.

Nehru Museum

Located at Teen Murti Bhavan, home of India’s former Prime Minister was converted after his death into a national memorial and research library.  Tel: 301-6734

Sadar Bazzar

One of the oldest bazzars in Delhi, is situated along the Quatab road

The Delhi Conservationist Society hosts walk from time to time.  For more information, contact Nilini Thakur, president at 685-2279.

Things to do with kids

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The Nehru Museum and Planetarium

The Museum of Natural History.  In the FICCI building on Tansen Marg.  Tel: 331-493

The Delhi zoo.  (Avoid Sundays)

In Purana Qila, has wonderful birds and animals, but avoid it on a Sunday because it gets very crowded. 

Walking around India Gate, on Raj Path in the evenings.  Balloon sellers and ice cream men are there as it cools down in the late afternoon.

Nehru Park

Bordered by Niti Marg and Vinay Marg, is a pleasant place to walk around on weekends.

Lodhi Gardens

On Amrita Shergill Marg, has some old tombs as well as a variety of birds for birds watchers.  They also have balloon and drink vendors.

Sankar International Doll Museum.  Bhadur Shah Zafar Marg New Delhi.  Tel: 331-6970

Market

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Connaught Place (closed on Sundays)

This shopping center of New Delhi has been designed by Lutyens and Baker and will take several trips to fully appreciate it.  It is located in the center of Delhi and it gives various options for shopping.  Traffic is one-way clock wise around concentric circles.  Parking is available in front of most blocks.  Things that can be found in Connaught Place are clothes, shoes, bags, books, suiting, fabric for dress material and handicrafts.  Connaught Place is 9 km from the American Embassy.

Janpath

On Janpath there are lots of shops selling handicrafts from all over India.  Cotton skirts and tops are also readily available and are priced from Rs100 onward to probably Rs500.  There are couples of good book stores where a variety of books are on display.  Other shops sell shoes, artificial jewelry, nuts, cosmetic and music.  It’s a great place to buy souvenirs to take back home.  Bargaining is considered normal here.

Cottage Industries

Cottage Industries is right opposite Janpath.  It has several floors and it houses all the handicrafts from all over India.  This is a government run organization and the prices are fixed.  It is centrally aircon and they accept all major credit cards.  They not only have handicrafts on sale but also sell jewelry precious and semi precious, furniture, silk fabric by the meter and leather goods.  It is open from 10am-7pm all through the week and closed on Sunday.

State Emporium

All the states of India have their emporiums located on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, in Connaught Place.  Each of these emporium sell and have on display their local craft and fabric of their region.  This street is also closed on Sunday.

Shankar Market

Shankar Market is famous for selling fabric and dress materials.  Fabric here is sold by the meter and there is a vast variety to choose from.  Some of the shops also have in house tailors who do a good job at making salwar-kameez.

Karol Bagh

(Closed on Monday)  It is located two km west of Connaught Place along Panckuian Marg.  It is one of the largest retail markets of New Delhi.  It has approximately 100-200 shops in one long row.  The market sells electronics, household items, clothes (western & Indian) for men and women, shoes, saris, bags, fabrics, toys, books, and linen.

INA Market

(Closed on Monday)  This is a classic oriental market.  It is near the corner of Sro Aurobindo Marg and the inner ring road.  This market sells everything you need in relation to food and household items.  Meat, vegetables, spice, fish and general stores abound in this market with lots of imported foodstuffs.  A lot of plastic products like soap dishes, pitchers, cups, buckets and market baskets can also be found here.

Dili Haat

Dilli Haat is across the road from INA Market.  It is a government run food and craft bazaar open daily 9 am – 10 pm.  Caftsmen from all over India exhibit their carfts here and there are more than 60 stalls in Dilli Haat.  The products are priced very moderately and the admission fee is Rs 7.

Santushti

(Closed on Sunday)  Santushti is opposite the Samrat Hotel in the Chanakya Puri area of New Delhi.  It is run by the Air Force Wives Association, this complex has some very nice upscale shops and boutiques, which are scattered, around a small garden.  The shops sell some very traditional Indian Fabric, leather goods, great outfits made out hand woven silk, linen and cotton.  Other shops in the complex sell jewelry, pottery and home furnishings.

Sarojini Nagar

(Closed on Monday) A greata market to stroll around.  Here one can find export surplus/ reject clothing for the whole family at bargaining prices.  Close to Sarojini Nagar is a fruit and vegetable market also and near by is the Babu Market which has several household stores, many cloth and tailoring shops and also sell a lot of trimmings.  Even on Monday you can find few shops and vendors open and selling clothes.

Jor Bagh

small but it has stores like C. LAL and SONS

South Extension

South Extension is located on the ring road and is east of INA Market.  This market is divided into 2 parts.  Both the parts fall on either side if the ring road.  There is parking space available in front of the shops.  This market is convenient for working people, as it is open on Sunday.  IT has couple of big stores in South extension Part 2, household items, books and toys.  This market has several jewelers, a huge music shop in part II, lots of sari shops and also several stores that sell western & Indian wear in both the parts.

Ansal Plaza

(Closed on Tuesday) This plaza is about 1 km away from South Extension Market.  This is a fairly new shopping plaza.  It is air-cond and houses a variety of shops and designer boutiques.  The Shopper’s Stop is popular, they sell Indian and western wear at great prices, toys, cosmetics, watches, leather goods, household items are some of the things that are sold.  The plaza has several floors and has a huge music shop, which has a vast variety of music.  Most of the shops accept credit cards.

Defense Colony Fly Over Market

(Closed on Monday)  This market is situated under the flyover on Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, in south Delhi.  It has a lot of boutiques that sell ready-made Indian outfits for women.  Several restaurants, couple of grocery, household and gift shops is located here.

Laipat Nagar

Central Market (Closed on Monday)  Lajpat Nagar is closely located to Defense Colony.  This is a very lively Indian Bazaar composed of four small inter connecting square.  You will find an amazing selection and variety of fabric and dress materal.  There are some very good shops that sell some very good quality home furnishings and are sold by the meter.

Greater Kailash

‘M’ Block Market Part1 (Closed on Tuesday)  Located in south Delhi, the ‘M’ block market of Greater Kailash – 1 is famous for its designer boutiques and ready to wear garments for both men and women.  It has some very fine shoes and bag shops and the prices are competitive.  Beside selling every thing from clothes to household items, it has lots of restaurant there and worth mentioning is the grocery shop and the store that sells sports and gym equipment.

Hauz Khas Village

(Closed on Sunday)  Hauz Khas is very close to the Deer Park and is almost 7 kms south of Connaught Place.  It is small village turned into one of the most posh and up market area of New Delhi.  Lots of fashion designers have their outlets here and a lot of stores sell Indian silver jewelry.  Couple of shops up front sell home accessories and ready to wear garments for ladies.

Sunder Nagar

(Closed on Sunday)  This market is located in a posh suburb and is south of the Old Fort (Purana Qila) located on Mathura Road.  This market specializes in bric-a0brac, “antiques”, jewelry, silver, brassware and other items of interest to foreigners.  There is store that sells flavored tea and is very popular with the community.  The prices are a little high here as compared to the other markets of New Delhi.  This market is a great place to buy souvenir and gifts.

Yashwant Place

(Closed on Sunday).  Yashwant Place is close to Chanakya Cinema, at the corner of Satya Marg and Africa Avenue.  It has a lot of handicraft shops, mainly handicrafts from Kahmir.  There are also sores that specialize in leather and fir coats, there are carpet emporiums and quite a few jewelry shops.  This market is cheaper than Sunder Nagar Market.

Khan Market

(Closed on Sunday).  Khan Market is located on Cornwallis Road (Subramania Road).  This is a good one stop-shopping place.  There are bookstores, photo studio, stationary stores, and toy store, tailoring shops.  Fruit and vegetable, chicken and mutton shops are also there in this market.  Close to Khan Market is the Lok Narain Bhawan, which is famous for the numerous lights, and lamp shop it has.

Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi)

Closed on Sunday.  Located in Old Delhi this is a famous shopping area.  It was designed by the Great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s Daughter Jahanara.  Chandni Chowk is out side the Red Fort has several small lanes with numerous shops.  It is India’s biggest whole sale market.  Absolute anything can be bought here.  The narrow streets of Chandni Chowk are called Ktara’s.  For specific there is a specific katra and products sold are at wholesale prices.

    Dariba Kalan:  This place is famous for all kinds of jewelry and perfumes.

    Katra Neel:  This Katra delas with fabric.

Wedding Street or Kinari Bazaar:  Here wedding finery can be bought or rented.  Every sort of trimming, lace, edging, buttons, beads, masks and garlands made out of paper and plastic are sold here.

X Meena Bazaar:  At the entrance of the fort used to be a market by the name of Meena Bazaar, where the royal ladies used to shop.  Now you can find several shop selling Indian handicrafts at nominal prices.

Ambavata Complex (closed on Sundays):  Located in Mehrauli near Qutab Colonnade.  This is Avery big complex and has some very good shops and designer boutiques.  Many Indian designers have their outlets in this complex.  The shops sell shawls, scarves, beaded bags, shoes, furniture, silver jewelry, candles, candle stands, dishes, photo frames.  Couple of stores sell Indian out fits designed by Indian designers.  The prices in this complex are a little high as compared to the other markets in New Delhi.

The Visa requirement is far and away the most important for an American visitor.  India requires citizens of certain countries, including the U.S., to have valid visas before applying for entry.  U.S. citizens must obtain their visas before entering India.  A VISA CAN NOT BE OBTAINED AT THE AIRPORT UPON ARRIVAL.  American visitors arriving witout valid visas risk being returned to their point of embarkation on the next available flight.  There is little the embassy can do to assist U.S. citizens who arrive without valid travel documents (in addition to no visas, this can also include expired visas and passport).

The following is a set of “cultural tips” based on the observances of American travelers to India.  Because of the infinite size and scope of Indian “cultural factors”, the tips are followed by a suggested reading list which may help the American traveler from his/ her impressions of India.

Greeting: When meeting an Indian, do not automatically stick out your hand—if they initiate a handshake, fine, but don’t be offended if they don’t.  The Indian greeting is to put your hands together in front of your chin (as for praying) and incline your head forward, saying “Namaste”.

Dress:  Visitors to India should keep the weather in mind when arranging their travel.  In New Delhi, climate alternates between extremely hot summers, humid monsoons and surprisingly chilly winters.  Lightweight, loose, yet covering cotton clothing is suitable for 8 months of the year.  Sweaters, jacket, wool skirts, wool suits, sweat suit, hats, scarves and even gloves will be welcome during the winter.  Wintertime excursions to the mountain region in the north or to hill stations require warm clothing, including heavy sweaters and coats.  Light raincoats or windbreakers may come in handy at most times if the year.  Bring umbrellas for the monsoon season.  Washable fabric are the most convenient for maintenance, but dry-cleaning services are also available.

Indian dress modestly.  To respect Indian sensitivities when in public Western women should wear skirts below the knees or longer or relatively loose slacks, avoiding sleeveless blouses, tight pants and shorts.  Young women and teenage girls, especially those dressed in tight or short western dress, may attract undesirable attention.  Western men should avoid going shirtless; trousers are preferable to short.  These suggestions are especially important when visiting rural areas or tradition-bound urban areas.

Eating:  In India, people often eat with the hand – the right hand.  The left hand is considered unclean and generally not used to eat or to handle food and money.

Tourists should consume only bottled drinks, without ice or boiled water.  The surface of vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before use.  Food (meat in particular) appears unsanitary.  Most Americans find food to be relatively inexpensive in India so paying a little extra for a meal under sanitary conditions could prove safer in the long run.

Religious Places:  Most temples and mosques prohibit shoes inside the building and sign s are sometimes posted when this is the case.  Some Hindu temples do not permit non Hindus to enter.  A visitor should ask if there is any doubt and observe other visitors.  In Sikh temples, called gurdwara, white/ saffron head covering for both men and women are required (and sometimes provided).  Priest in gurdwara also offer the visitor blessed food, which should be accepted WITH THE RIGHT HAND to avoid giving offense (not necessarily to be eaten or drunk).  The food should either be eaten or given to someone else.  Enter any religious place with the head slightly bowed.

Garlands:  If you are given a garland of flowers, remove it after several minutes to demonstrate your humility.

Feet:  The soles of shoes are considered offensive, so take care not to sit with your soles facing someone.  Do not put your feet up on furniture.  If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, apologize.  Many Indians remove their shoes when entering a dwelling.

Personal Space:  India is a densely populated country and the people are accustomed to being crowded.  However, except for the packed buses, strangers avoid touching each other.  Cross gender touching is especially offensives, although it is not uncommon to see same-sex friends holding hands or hugging.

Restrooms:  While in India, it is usually best to avoid use of public restrooms.  Most hotels catering to foreigners provide Western style restroom facilities.  If forced to use accommodation in unknown surrounding, it is important to know what to expect.  Indian-style toilets will most likely consist of a hole in the ground in place of a western-style toilet and will substitute water in place of toilet paper.  If you are fastidious, carrying toilet paper and soap or some sort of hand sanitizer at all times may prove to psychological as well hygienic benefit.

Head Bobbing:  There is a unique Indian head bobbing gesture, which looks a bit lije the head is about to fall off sideways, sometimes accompanied by a shoulder shrug.  It may look like a negative headshake or a shrug of indifference, but actually means OK, understood, no problem.

Beggars:  Begging does not have the same negative connotations as in the West; however, it is better to discourage the practice.  If you do choose to give, give one rupee or perhaps a candy or a piece pf fruit if it is a child.  Beware that once you five to one, several more will appear.  A firm head shake “no” or totally ignoring them will eventually leave you in peace.  To ease your conscience, donate time and/ or money to an established charity.  There are many NGO’s to choose from.

“Come Hither” vs “Go Away”: Americans beckon someone to come by holding the hand palm up and bending the fingers down on the palm.  Indians make a similar gesture, but with fingers pointing down.  Try it.  Now you understand why the street urchins flock to you while you are making emphatic “shoo fly” motions?

Dinner Invitations:  If you are fortunate enough to be invited to an Indian home for a meal, take at most, a very modest “hostess gift” (small box of candy, bouquet of flowers).  Indian hospitality perceives your presence as gift enough.  Indeed, your host may well offer wrapped gifts to the departing guests.  Take it home to unwrap.  The gracious way to say thank you is by sending a handwritten note and small gift or flower to their home within a few days.