India
Located in southern Asia, India is the second most populous country in the world (more than 1.3 billion inhabitants), although it is only the seventh in terms of surface area. With great cultural diversity , India is home to many communities and religions, with Hinduism as a major religion. After having been a British colony for a long time, the country became independent in 1947 thanks to the Gandhi movement and is today the most populous democracy in the world as well as a country experiencing strong economic growth , although still marked by inequalities and poverty. poverty. You will be able to discover both spectacular architecture and lush nature made up of mountains, rivers and waterfalls.
Capital
New Delhi
Spoken languages
English and Hindi are the official languages but each region has its own language, the most widely spoken of which are Bengali, Telugu and Marathi
Currency
Indian rupee
1 rupee = €0.011
Telephone code
+ 91
Currency
Indian rupee
1 rupee = €0.011
Visa
For French people, a visa is systematically necessary to travel to India. For tourism or business travel, an online request can be made, guaranteeing a 30-day stay. Beyond this deadline, you must make a physical request. There is a student visa to take courses or complete an internship in India, but this cannot exceed 6 months, in which case you will need to register with the FRO (Foreigners Registration Office).
Missteps
Above all, cover your legs and shoulders so as not to shock the Indians. However, removing your shoes is a sign of respect. We also avoid showing signs of affection in public and being tactile with them. Finally, try to do as many things as possible with your right hand! The left is associated with impure acts (courage to left-handers).
Be careful, India is not an entirely safe country. It is recommended by the ministry to avoid all gatherings and to be careful. While all major cities can represent a risk, it is especially not recommended to go to the north of the country on the border with Pakistan (region of Kashmir and Srinagar).
Aché's advice:
"Refuse when someone wants to pay you for tea, for example, or directly offer to pay something to the person in return (there it's normal to pay to your guest and you have to wait until the opportunity presents itself to try to pay again to the person but do not directly propose, for them there is no "debt"). Stay open-minded if you want to make local friends because inevitably there will be differences in mentalities and morals.
The pint of beer costs
1,70€
(72% cheaper than in France!)
The cost of living is
61%
cheaper than in France.
(58% cheaper in New Delhi than in France)
-63%
-80%
-77%
The McDonald’s menu costs
3,60€
(63% cheaper than in France!)
Expressions locales
Hailō śubharātri
Hello
jindagī kaisī cala rahī hai ?
How are you ?
Svāgata
Thanks
Architecture : The Taj Mahal, the Mysore Palace (royal residence), the Golden Temple (religious site), the Ajanta Caves (cave Buddhist temples and monasteries)
Nature : Jim Corbett National Park (nature reserve with wildlife), Dudhsagar waterfall, Ladakh region (magnificent region made up of gardens, mountains and rivers, ideal for hiking)
Aché's recommendations to Ahmedabad:
" Old Ahmedabad for architecture and monuments (a UNESCO world heritage city) and the city's mosques . Not far from Ahmedabad there are plenty of religious or historical sites to visit that are also very interesting."
Places to visit
Culinary specialties
Aloo Gobi
Potatoes and cauliflower garnished with many spices
Chapati
Sheet of bread used at each meal, equivalent to our baguette
Samousas
Oiled puff pastry filled with vegetable or meat stuffing
Tandoori chicken
Chicken marinated in yogurt and a mixture of spices
Bebinca
Dessert made from coconut and butter
Aché's favorite specialty:
"The hyderabadi mutton biryani (tasted in Ahmedabad but is not a specialty even of Ahmedabad). But the typical food of Gujurat is not spicy unlike the rest of India (for those who do not like spices, on the other hand she is vegetarian)."
An anecdote
Aché: "I traveled alone for 2 weeks, crossing several cities in India and being a woman. I had no problems so women don't get stuck on what they say."
A must-have
A mosquito spray and a flashlight, there are regular power cuts.
Aché: "Take biscuits and cakes from here, chocolate bars, sweets (because those from there are not at all in the same taste as in France generally and you will miss them if you spend a long stay there -down)."
Attention
Aché: "To get around: rikshaw (tuktuk). Around €100 per month transport budget. Public transport is cheaper but generally all the information is in Hindi or Gujarati, and the employees in public transport do not speak English for you help."
Transport
The transport network in India is diverse, including options such as trains, buses, taxis, rickshaws and car-sharing services.
- Trains, operated by Indian Railways, are a popular and economical way to travel around the country. They offer different levels of comfort, from local trains to express and luxury trains.
- Buses are widely used for inter-city travel and are available in a variety of comfort levels.
- Taxis and rickshaws are common in cities and can be easily hailed on the street or booked via mobile applications.
- Car-sharing services such as Ola and Uber are also available in major cities.
- Nice areas: South Delhi, Connaught Place, Hauz Khas
- Rent budget: Rents in New Delhi vary considerably depending on the location, size and amenities of the flat. For a shared flat, prices can start at around INR 10,000 per month (around EUR 120) and rise according to neighbourhood and facilities.
- Areas to avoid: Some outlying areas may be less safe at night. It is advisable to look for accommodation in well-lit and busy areas.
- Finding accommodation: Websites such as MagicBricks, 99acres and Housing.com are popular resources for finding accommodation to rent in New Delhi.
Climate
India has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the south to continental in the north. Summers can be very hot, particularly in the central and northern regions, while winters can be cool in the north.
Vaccine
It is advisable to consult a health professional or public health organisation for up-to-date information on recommended vaccinations before travelling to India.
Memory
Darjeeling Tea: Originating from the mountainous region of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, this tea is often called "the champagne of teas" due to its delicate, floral flavor
Wood carvings: if you have the opportunity to go to Khajuraho, the site is known for its age-old craftsmanship in this area
Rugs: kilims are hand-woven rugs with complex geometric patterns and often bright colors specific to regions like Kashmir or Gujarat