All about India

Land & people

• Area: 3,287,590 sq km
• Population: (July 2008 est.): 1.147 billion
• Capital: New Delhi

Language: Hindi is the national language. English also has official status. Each state has its own language, which is generally its official language. The 8th schedule of the Constitution of India lists 22 such regional languages. Numerous different dialects are also spoken in the country.

GDP per capita (2007 est.): $2,700

India is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east. The country occupies most of the subcontinent of India in southern Asia. It borders China in the northeast, Pakistan on the west, Nepal and Bhutan on the north, and Myanmar and Bangladesh on the east. The country is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia in the Indian Ocean. Its three great river systems are the Ganges, the Indus and the Brahmaputra. Administratively India is divided into 28 states and seven Union Territories.

Useful addresses

- Embassy of India
P.O. Box 4090, Abu Dhabi
+971 2 4492 700
+971 2 4444 685
indiauae@emirates.net.ae

- Consulate General of India
P.O. Box 737, Al Hamaria Diplomatic Enclave, Dubai
+971 4 3971 222/ 3971 333
+971 4 3970 453
cgidubai@emirates.net.ae

- Ministry of Tourism
P.O. Box 110001, New Delhi, India
+911 1 2371 1995
+911 1 2371 0518
contactus@incredibleindia.org
www.incredibleindia.org

- Indiatourism
P.O. Box 12856, NASA Bldg., Deira, Dubai
+971 4 2274 199
+971 4 2274 013
goirto@emirates.net.ae

Passport/visa
Visitors need a valid passport and visa for entry into the country. For detailed information, please contact the nearest Indian embassy, consulate or high commission.

Credit cards/cash
Credit cards are widely accepted in Indian cities and larger towns, particularly American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa, and can also be used to get cash advances in rupees at some banks. In cities, 24-hour ATMs accept Cirrus, Maestro, MasterCard, Plus and Visa. You can also change most major foreign currencies and brands of traveller's cheques in cities and major towns.

Shopping
Shopping choices include garments, designer wear, textiles, metalwork, jewellery, furniture, brass, silver, copper, gold, silks and brocades, leather goods, carpets and much more. Best bargains are available in regions producing the specific handicraft but most products are available in the major metros. If you are unfamiliar with the Indian market concept, the government-owned Central Cottage Industries Emporia will be an apt introduction to the country's handicrafts.

When to go
The most pleasant time to visit the country is during winters mid-October to mid-March in the north and November to February in the south.

Getting there

- Indian, the main domestic airline, has a wide network connecting various cities. Private airlines fly between domestic destinations.

- Indian Railways has one of the largest rail networks in the world. The internal rail system allows you to travel extensively in the country. The Indrail Pass allows unlimited travel for a specific number of days and advance reservation is required. These passes can also be purchased in India at the main railway stations as well as from authorised agents. Log on to www.indianrail.gov.in for more information.

- An extensive network of bus services connects all parts of the country, and is particularly useful for the mountainous regions where there are no rail services. Traffic drives on the left. Public transport is often crowded and can be uncomfortable. Chauffeur-driven tourist cars are available in the main tourist centres. Approved by Indiatourism, these unmetered tourist cars run at a slightly higher rate than the ordinary taxis. Taxis and auto rickshaws are available in large cities.