VISA
All foreign nationals visiting India must be in possession of a valid passport and visa. An Indian visa is readily available from Indian Consulate in the country of your origin. Visa fees may vary from country to country.
It is recommended to obtain a multiple Entry Tourist Visa since this simplifies the procedure for visiting neighboring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka. Indians holding foreign passports would also have to obtain an Indian Visa before entering India.
Requirements for Visa
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months
- Correct visa fee
- Two passport size photographs
- Supporting documents, where necessary (invitation letter can be obtained from us)
- Duly completed application form
All foreign visitors entering India must have a passport which is valid for at least 6 months & a valid Visa.
Invitation Letter
Upon request, the Congress Secretariat will be happy to issue an official letter of invitation to attend the Congress. Letters of invitation are intended to help participants in raising travel funds, obtaining visas or permission from their institutions to attend the Congress and this does not include or imply payment by APCC Organizing Committee of any expenses, such as registration fee, travel or hotel accommodation.
Weather
October to March is the best time to visit India. It is true, The winter months (November to February) have bright, sunny days and are pleasant throughout India. Up north, in the capital city of Delhi, the temperature may vary between 4 °C (minimum on the coldest days) and 20 °C. The desert region of Rajasthan also extremely popular in the winter months, follow a similar temperature pattern. This is also the time for winter sports and a white Christmas in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttranchal. In Maharashtra south and east India, December and January are pleasantly cool, never very cold.
Electricity
230V to 240V, 50AC; sockets take plugs with three round pins, similar to European sockets.
Health
Tourists coming to India via Africa and South America or any other yellow fever infected area must have yellow fever vaccination certificate. No other vaccination certificate is mandatory though you may like to consult your doctor for inoculation against typhoid, and meningitis. Inoculations for cholera and hepatitis A and anti-malarial pills are recommended.
Shopping
The Indian craftsman has been perfecting his art for centuries, passing down traditions and techniques from generation to generation. Each region has its own specialities, each town its own local craftsmen, its own particular skills. The results are a consummate blend of ancient skills and modern aesthetics. Silks, spices, jewellery and many other Indian products have long been famous and widely desired, and merchants would travel thousands of miles, willingly enduring the hardships and privations of the long journey in other to make their purchases.
Carpets
India has one of the world’s largest carpet industries, and many examples of her ancient and beautiful craft can be seen in museums throughout the world. Kashmir has a long history of carpet making, influenced by the Persians. Pure wool and woven and silk carpets are exquisitely made, and can be bought for a fraction of the cost that one would pay in the west. Each region will have its own specialty; such as the distinctive, bright coloured Tibetan rugs, available mainly in Darjeeling.
Clothes
Clothes are very cheap to buy, and can be tailor made in some shops, usually very quickly. Choose from an unmatchable range; silks, cottons, himroos, brocades, chiffons, chignons, touched with streaks of silver and gold thread, set with sequins or semi-precious gems.
Jewellery
Particularly of Rajasthan (Kundan), is traditionally heavy and stunningly elaborate. Indian silverwork is world-famous. Gems can be bought and mounted. Apart from diamonds, other stones include lapis lazuli, Indian star rubies, star sapphires, moonstones and aquamarine. Hyderabad is one of the world’s leading centres for pearls.
Handicrafts And Leatherwork
Once again, each area will have its own specialty; the vast range includes fine bronzes, brasswork (often inlaid with silver), canework and pottery. Papier Mache is a characteristic Kashmir product, some decorated with gold leaf. Marble and alabaster inlay work, such as chess sets and ornamental plates, are a specialty of Agra. Good leatherwork buys includes open India sandals and slippers.
Woodwork
Sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, rosewood from Kerala and Madras, Indian walnut from Kashmir. These are often exquisite and make excellent presents.
Other Buys
Foods such as pickles, spices and Indian tea, perfumes, soap, handmade paper, Orissan playing cards, musical instruments- anything that takes your fancy.
NOTE: It is forbidden to export antiques and art objects over 100 years old, animal skins or objects made from skins.