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India

Dangers and Annoyances

Take extra care on crowded public transport. Thieves tend to target popular tourist train routes, such as the Delhi to Agra Shatabdi Express service. Train departure time, when the confusion and crowds are at their worst, is the time to be most careful. Occasionally tourists (especially those travelling solo) are drugged and robbed - Bihar, Jharkhand and Siliguri (West Bengal) can be particularly notorious for this. The usual scenario seems to be that after striking up a conversation, the traveller is offered a drink that has been doused with sleeping pills or the like. Be cautious about accepting any drinks or food from relative strangers, particularly if you are on your own.

In the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh travellers have allegedly been the victims of drug-related set-ups, while others have vanished or even been murdered in allegedly drug-related incidents. You're strongly advised to trek in an organised group and steer clear of drugs. Trekkers should also make a point of telling people where they are going and when they will be back.

Sensitive border areas, such as Jammu and Kashmir, are subject to sporadic bouts of terrorist activities. Although smooth-talking touts (especially in Delhi) may try to get you to visit these areas, it's wise to seek the latest advice from your embassy.

Several women have reported being molested by masseurs and other therapists in Varanasi and McLeod Ganj. No matter where you are, it's always wise to check the reputation of any teacher or therapist before going along to a solo session. If at any time you feel uneasy, simply leave. In all parts of India (as elsewhere in the world) women should avoid walking alone in the streets late at night.

Indian beaches can have dangerous rips and currents and there are drowning deaths each year. Some of the more popular beach destinations may have lifeguards or signs warning of dangers, but many do not. Exercise caution and always check locally before swimming anywhere in the sea. Note that the Ganges is also reported to have strong currents.

Regions

All regions

General information

Official name:
Republic of India

Capital city:
New Delhi

Area:
3 287 590 sq km

Population:
1 000 000 000

Time Zone:
GMT/UTC + 5,5 ()

Currency:
Indian Rupee (Rs)

Official language:
english, hindu

Neighbouring countries:
Pakistan, Nepal, China, Barma / Myanmar

Highest mountain:
Kangchendoza - 8.598 m n. m

Ebb tide:
Indian ocean - 0 m n. m

Longest river:
Ganga (in the country 2 510 km)

Biggest city:
Bombai (13 500 000 people)

Landing place:
Chennai (Madras), Cochin, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay), Vishakhapatnam

People:
72% Indo-Aryan, 25% Dravidian, 3% other

Religion:
80% Hindu, 14% Muslim, 2.4% Christian, 2% Sikh, 0.7% Buddhist, 0.5% Jains, 0.4% other