When should I apply for the volunteer/internship programs in India?

Global Crossroad has been running volunteer/internship programs in India for more than three years. We are able to offer placements on the first and third Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply at least two- three months in advance , but if you want to expedite your application within less than three months of time, please contact our office for more information .

What happens once I submit my documents and application to Global Crossroad?

Once Global Crossroad receives and reviews your completed application, it is then forwarded to our In-Country Coordinator in India who will then finalize a specific placement as per your qualifications and request. Upon receipt of your finalized placement details, this information is then immediately sent to you.

How long does it take to process my application?

The application process can usually take anywhere from 1-3 weeks – occasionally longer (given the time of year). However, in the event that interested participants require their application expedited due to time constraints, they are requested to contact Global Crossroad's offices prior to submitting their application.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

Usually, the only documentation required is the completed application form which can be found online ( http://www.globalcrossroad.com/apply.php). Applicants have the option to either submit their application online or download the application from the website and submit the completed form to Global Crossroad's USA-based offices either by post or fax.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the India-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are:

• An open mind and a willingness to teach others as well a passion for helping those in need.

• Enthusiasm for living abroad and meeting new people.

• Be in good health.

Visa Information

US citizens require a passport and visa to enter and exit India for any purpose.  Volunteers must obtain visas at an Indian Embassy or Consulate abroad prior to entering the country, as there are no provisions for visas upon arrival.  Those arriving without a visa are subject to immediate deportation.  Please get transit visa if you are traveling to other countries via India

Project Information

Who manages the volunteer projects in India ?

Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator in India is responsible for researching appropriate volunteer projects as per the qualifications and skills of the applicants.

What are the daily schedules of the projects?

Project schedules vary for each project in India . Most projects are from Monday to Friday for 5-6 hours a day. Most volunteers have the weekends off to sight-see or explore India on their own.

Where are the projects located?

Delhi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It contains many relics of empires long past, contrasting with the lightening-fast progress and change going on constantly in the city. With a population of about 13 million, it is the second largest city in India , and the seat of the Indian government (located in New Delhi , which the British built after colonizing the country). Dating back as far at 800 BC, the ancient city was a trading center due to its location at the threshold of the Great Gangetic Plains. Almost 80% of the population is Hindu, while there are also Christians, Muslims, Sikhs and Jains.

Jaipur is renowned as the Pink City of India . The royal capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727 AD. The ancient forts and palaces attract thousands of travelers from all over India and the world. While in Rajasthan, you can go for a camel ride and a jeep safari to explore the unending stretches of the Thar Desert . Our volunteer project is located 20 miles north of Jaipur in a small colorful village. Volunteers can explore beautiful villages, local bazaar, friendly people, and amazing landscaping of Rajasthan village.

What is the language spoken in India ?

India is the official language of India .

When are the India-based projects available?

Literally, the projects are open year-round on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers are encouraged to apply anytime at their convenience.

How long can I volunteer in India ?

We normally suggest participants volunteer from 2-12 weeks.

Arrival and Departure Information

Who will arrange my flight to India ?

Airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer.

Which airport should I book my flight into?

India has international airports in six cities: Delhi , Calcutta , Chennai, Bombay , Trivendrum, and Bangalore . All international flights arrive and depart from one of those airports. However, our national office is located in New Delhi , and volunteers are requested to make their final destination the Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi .

When should I arrive in India ?

To coordinate the flight schedules of our volunteers and to make our plans more flexible, Global Crossroad organizes language and culture orientation programs 2 times a month. Global Crossroad suggests volunteers adjust their flight plan according to the start dates of our language program schedules. It is difficult to make extra arrangements for missed classes. Interns and volunteers may choose to stay and wait at the hotel (at their own expense) if they arrive prior to the start of the language and culture program. Please look at the information on our language and culture program for the schedule.

Will someone pick me from the airport? If so, how do I know about the person?

You will be picked up at the airport, but you must send your travel itinerary to our India in-country Coordinator and to us at Global Crossroad before your arrival in India (we'll pass it on to the Coordinator). You will be picked up by a staff member or our in-country coordinator who will be holding a sign with your name written on it, awaiting your arrival outside of the airport. In case no one is there, you can call our in-country coordinator, who can help with the picking-up or arrange the accommodations immediately. You will be supplied with all contact information in-case of the rare instance that you are not picked up. Make sure you look carefully for your pick-up, as it will be extremely busy outside of the airport.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

• Try to call our India in-country Coordinator from the airport and inform him of the possibly-delayed arrival time.

• Check your placement instructions pertaining to details of hotels that have been recommended for late arrival if your flight is to arrive after midnight;

• Call/email our India in-country Coordinator once you arrive so that he can help with a pick-up accordingly.

How can I get to the hotel from the airport if I did not see Global Crossroad's local representative in the airport?

In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel (or if you failed to meet Global Crossroad's representative at the airport), you should hire a taxi at the airport (there is office of government assigned taxi inside airport. Pls do not use outside taxi) who will take you to a hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information (and do remember to request a receipt from the driver).

ALSO: make sure that you call Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator BEFORE boarding the taxi. Participants are advised to contact Global Crossroad's India In-Country Coordinator the next day and let him/her know their whereabouts.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

• Please make sure that you pack all your necessary documents – Passport, copy of passport, and at least one other form of ID.

• Prepare financially, in advance, to cover various expenses up to $100 USD/week for extra expenses and travel to your project each day.

• Get your mind and spirit ready for the duration you have committed to. Culture shock affects everyone and may be so strong that you want to quit the week after arrival.

If I want to arrive earlier than when the program begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations?

You can arrive several days earlier or even up to a week early for your project, however, you will be responsible for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet the Coordinator at the airport on the designated date.

When should I depart from India ?

We ask participants to depart from India on the Sunday after their project is completed.

Which airport will I fly out of?

All volunteers will depart from Ghandi International Airport in New Delhi .

Who will drop me off at the airport?

GC does not offer airport drop service. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our in-country coordinator in India or your home stay family will be more than happy to assist you with this.

Can I store my luggage if I arrive earlier than my program starts?

Yes, you may, but please note that this service is usually charged and/or calculated on an hourly basis. So, do not leave your luggage at the airport for an extended amount of time.

Living Accommodations Information

Who will arrange my accommodations and what are they?

The living conditions of the placement depend on the area to which you are assigned. Although a beautiful, friendly place, you should not expect luxurious accommodations in India .

You will be placed within a welcoming family setting where you will have your own room. Our host families are educated, well-respected people who have experience with international students. Some members of our host families speak English. In many cases, volunteers stay in hostel.

Are singles rooms available?

Yes, in most cases you will have your own room unless you request to stay with another volunteer. In some cases you will share a room with another volunteer.

If I arrive with my friend, or girlfriend/boyfriend, can we stay together?

Yes, we will try our best to place friends and families together

Will there be other foreign volunteers/interns at my placement?

This depends on the exact placement and your preference in this issue. If you want to stay with other volunteers, pls let us know

What are the bathroom facilities?

It depends on accommodation. Most bathrooms will have a Western style toilet rather than a squat style. A shower with cold water is usually installed in the bathroom.

What are the laundry arrangements?

Laundry will be done by volunteers. Paid laundry services are available in India .

Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?

Yes. Electricity in India is 240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. You will require a voltage converter if you are carrying a device that does not accept 240 Volts at 50 Hertz.

Electrical plug details

Generally in India the outlets will be either the old British model or the new British model. Here is an adapter:

What are the local cuisines? Who manages food?

Global Crossroad manages food and accommodation from the very first day to the last day of the program in collaboration with the local host families involved.

Indian cuisine is superb and takes its place among the great cuisines of the world. There is a good chance that you'd have tasted "Indian food" in your country, especially if you are a traveler from the West, but what India has exported abroad is just one part of its extraordinary range of culinary diversity.

Indian food has a well-deserved reputation for being hot, owing to the Indian penchant for potent green chilies that will bring tears to the eyes of the uninitiated. You can even find sweet cornflakes with a spicy edge and Indian candies with a piece of chili inside. To enjoy the local food, start slowly. Don't try everything at once. After a few weeks, you can get accustomed to spicy food. If you would like to order your dish not spicy, simply say so. Most visitors are tempted to try at least some of the spicy concoctions, and most discover that the sting is worth the trouble.

Source: wikitravel.org

Can you supply special diets?

Global Crossroad can provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Occasionally, in the event that you require a special diet, you are responsible for your own meals. Participants are strongly urged to inform Global Crossroad of any special dietary need prior to arrival in-country.

Is the running tap water safe for drink?

Indian tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap's seal is not broken! You can request that your host family boil water for you each day to consume.

Are there hot and cold water facilities available?

Specifics pertaining to availability of hot water will be included in participants' placement details.

Will bottled water be provided?

No, if participants require bottled water, they are responsible for obtaining it themselves.

Health and Safety

How safe is India ?

Please careful with beggars, frauds, theft, and crowd in India

As a rule India is quite safe for foreigners. However, check with your embassy and ask for local advice before heading to Kashmir or northeast India ( Assam , Nagaland , Tripura and Manipur ), as both areas have long-running insurgencies. Also take extra caution when traveling at night in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar , Jharkhand and Uttaranchal and down-market districts of large cities.

Unfortunately theft is quite common in places visited by tourists. More likely a thief will pick your pocket (see pickpockets ) or break into your room. There is little culture of muggings in India .

Westerners, particularly women, attract the attention of beggars , frauds and touts. Beggars will often go as far as touching you, and following you tugging on your sleeve. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behavior. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout -- positive or negative -- the longer they will follow you hoping for a payback. As always in India , patience is required. Wearing local clothes will decrease the amount of attention you receive.

•  Do not show off your wallet or valuable goods in public
•  Keep enough money for your immediate needs in your pocket, and hide the rest on your body or leave your backup supply in a safety deposit box at your hotel
•  Always keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel instead of leaving them in your room
•  Remove any jewelry that may draw a thief's attention before you go out for strolling
•  Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the "snatch-and-ride"
•  Never carry your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler's schedules or other travel documents in your shoulder bag.
•  Ensure that you aware of the values of different local banknotes to avoid being deceived
•  Be particularly cautious about your possessions in crowded areas such as local festivals, markets, tourist sites, railways, bus stations, or on trains and buses.
•  Always let your coordinator know where you are on your free days during your tour.
•  Respect the customs of the local ethnic groups.
•  Do not quarrel with anyone during your trip.
•  Any disputes should be reported to your local guides for resolution.
•  Avoid traveling in any areas or sites that are not open to foreigners.
•  Do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to India 's laws and code of ethics and morals.

I am young girl. How safe it is to travel alone?

We strongly suggest volunteers not to travel alone. Please travel with other volunteers or friends. If you need help, pls take the help of our coordinator. you should be aware of the following issues

•  India is a conservative country and some western habits are perceived as dishonorable for a woman in this culture.

•  Outside of the larger cities, it is unusual for people of the opposite sex to touch each other in public. Even couples (married or otherwise) refrain from public displays of affection. Therefore, it is advised that you do not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends his/her hand first. The greeting among Hindus is to bring your palms together in front of your chest, or simply saying ' Namaste' , or ' Namaskar' (' Vanakkam' in Tamil Nadu). Both forms are equally polite and correct, if a little formal. Almost all the people (even if they don't know English) do understand a "Hi" or a "Hello".

•  Except in major cities (and only in trendy places or in high society) women do not smoke. A woman who smokes/drinks is associated with loose moral character in much of the rest of the country's growing middle class.

•  People are fully-clothed even at the beach. So, be sure to find out what the appropriate attire is for the beach you are visiting. (In some rare places like Goa , where the visitors to beach are predominantly foreigners, it is permissible to wear bikinis on the beach but it is still offensive to go about dressed in western swim wear away from the beach).

•  In local trains, there are usually cars reserved only for women and designated as such on their front. Predominantly this reserved car is usually the last in the train.

•  In most buses (private and public) a few seats at the front of the bus are reserved for women, Usually these seats will be occupied by men and many a times, they vacate the place when a female stands near gesturing her intention to sit there. In many parts of the country, (except cities), women do not prefer sharing a seat with a man other than her spouse. If you by mistake sit near a man, he may stand up from the seat and give the place to you as a matter of respect, which is usually mistaken by many foreigners for a rude attitude.

•  Street parties for holidays are usually devoid of women but filled with crowds of inebriated men partying. During festivals such as Holi, New Year's Eve, and even Christmas Eve, women can be subjected to groping and sexually aggressive behavior from these crowds. It is unsafe for women to attend these festivities alone.

•  Friendly conversation with men you meet on trains, etc. is often confused with flirtation/availability. In some scenarios, this can lead to unexpected sexual advances (this happens to Indian women as well, not just Westerners). Befriending Indian women, however, can be a wonderful experience for female travelers, though you might have to initiate conversation.

•  Dressing in traditional Indian clothes, such as salwaar kameez (comfortable and good in) or saree (more formal and difficult to wear) will generally garner Western women more respect in the eyes of locals. Show some enthusiasm for the traditional Indian way of life and you may find that men will treat you more like a 'lady' than an object.

•  " Eve Teasing ” is a term used in Indian English to refer to anything from unwanted verbal advances to physical sexual assault.

Source: wikitravel.org

More about Travel Safety to India

International travel does present risks, especially with the threat of international terrorism. The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings and advisories in many countries for U.S. travelers. These travel advisories and warnings change frequently as situations in each country change. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own governments before participating in a Global Crossroad program. These links provide travel information:

British Foreign Office Advice
http://www.fco.gov.uk/

American State Department Advice
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Australian Government Advice
http://www.dfat.gov.au/

Canadian Government Advice
http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html

What are the principle health risks?

We use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov). Your travel doctor will be knowledgeable about current epidemics and should be consulted.

Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to South Asia . Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B , especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Japanese encephalitis , if you plan to visit rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.
• Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in these countries, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to South Asia .
• Rabies , if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
• Typhoid . Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors Vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region. There have been recent reports of typhoid drug resistance in India and Nepal .
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles , and a one-time dose of polio for adults.

Required Vaccinations

• None.

Source: www.cdc.gov

What health precautions should I be aware of and tend to?

Carry a first aid kit and have contact phone numbers with you. Malaria is very common, and you should carry anti-malarial medication. Travelers may experience illnesses like upset stomach, which if it continues, may be caused by a parasite. In this case, you should go to a private hospital for treatment, since government hospitals don't have very good service. To avoid these kinds of health problems, make sure to wash your hands before and after you eat, avoid tap water, and hydrate yourself thoroughly.

Source: wikitravel.org

Do I need health insurance?

Global Crossroad takes out comprehensive medical insurance for its volunteers. So, your health insurance is crucial. It is suggested that you pay up-front costs and then file an insurance claim to get reimbursed back home after medical expenses such as doctor's visits, medicines, etc. For some larger expenses, the insurance company may be able to arrange direct payment to the hospital or medical provider, but this is rare. 

Who do I contact in case of a health-related emergency?

East or west, home is the best. There is no place better than home when you are ill. But if you do get ill, don't panic. Participants can obtain information pertaining to medical assistance through a number of channels:

• Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator;
• Assigned host-family;
• Your country's embassy in India – participants are greatly encouraged to obtain and maintain contact information for their respective embassy; keeping it on their person for easy access.

Is the food safe if I buy it from a street vendor?

No! While you are in India , food safety should be the major factor in your decision to abstain. You can hardly resist the tempting novelty of street vendors and their food variety. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you get familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different than anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases. In India , poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors. So, we do not suggest buying food from street vendors.

What are the sanitary conditions in India ?

•  Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in-case you need to use the public toilet. Don't assume you will always have access to a western-style toilet.
•  India toilets generally do not do well when flushing large amounts of items or feminine hygiene products so do not flush them and throw them away in the trash.
•  In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems are old and have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily. In these cases a small basket is usually placed beside the toilet (for your used toilet paper).
•  Use hotel lobby toilets; these are everywhere and are always clean. Still, they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of hotel that you are using.

What vaccinations are required?

See the questions above about health to find out what vaccines you should get. Global Crossroad STRONGLY suggests volunteers follow the Center for Disease Control's travel advice (www.cdc.gov).

Money

Are ATMs easily available? If yes, which debit and credit cards are accepted?

Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master and Visa are accepted at the local large hotels or tourist stores. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks from ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction.

What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?

The official currency is India currency is the Rupee. The exchange rate is generally about 42 rupees to one US dollar. You can find out the exchange rate any time at websites like www.xe.com, or in the Wall Street Journal.

Where do I exchange my money and how much?

Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards, including Diners Club and MasterCard, are accepted in the main establishments, although outside major cities, facilities may be limited. Traveler's checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travelers are advised to have cash on hand. You may exchange money at the airport or at a bank.

How much money should I bring with me?

Carrying extra money depends on your personal preferences. Global Crossroad will manage your food and accommodations from the first to the last day that you are enrolled in our program. However, you may need some extra money if you plan to participate in activities outside of the organization, or if you want to buy some souvenirs. You must also remember the visa fee, which is $60 ( U.S. ) for 180 days, and India 's airport tax of 300 rupees.

Is it safe to carry cash with me?

Carrying cash is not safe, therefore, don't carry a large surplus of cash with you.

Important Reminder: Retain your receipts whenever you exchange any currency or traveler's checks to Rupees. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange Indian currency back to any other currency upon your departure.

How do I make contact with Global Crossroad's local coordinator?

Details contact of our India in-country Coordinator will be given in final placement sheet. You can contact him by email or telephone; we suggest all volunteers talk with country coordinator before they arrive.

How do I contact my family once I arrive in India ?

International Direct Dialing from India is available in cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and phone booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in most towns, although they can sometimes be noisy as they are a popular spot for the youth to play online games. You can use any type of communication to call back home.

Are internet services easily available?

Internet cafes are available in all cities including Delhi .

How can my family members contact me?

Once you settle down at the host family, you will want to use your calling card to contact your family if you have not already done so when you arrived in India at the airport.

Can I bring my telephone from my home country?

Yes, you will want to contact your cell phone provider to make sure that your phone will work while you are in India, but remember that roaming will reply and those charges can be very, very expensive. To avoid them, buy a local SIM card to use with your cell.

Can I purchase phone service once I arrive in India and how much will it cost?

This is not usually an option in India . You can buy pre-paid card in india

Is there a special dress code that I should follow while staying in India ?

Volunteers should dress conservatively when at their projects. Jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. No high shorts and tank tops please. India is a conservative country and women should try to cover as much skin as possible – shorts and skirts must be at least knee-length and no one should show their shoulders.

What should I know about Indian religious conduct?

India respects different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice on your own accord. Remember to be respectful of Hindu customs and traditions while traveling.

How do I respect the Indian people?

Be more inclusive and show respect of other cultures. Indian culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Indian people enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to take part with them. You can go with your host family on outings if they ask you to or invite them along with you to go on an outing. Simply helping your family do household chores will be another bonding experience that you can enjoy. Here are some tips to prepare you to follow Indian customs:

Whereas Indian men can be really eager to talk to travelers, women in India often refrain from contact with men. It is an unfortunate fact that if you are a man and you approach a woman in India for even an innocuous purpose like asking for directions, you are putting her on the defensive. It is better to ask a man if available, or be extra respectful if you are asking a woman.

It's not disrespectful for a woman to tell a man eager to talk to her that she doesn't want to talk - so if a man's behavior makes you uncomfortable, say so firmly.

Avoid winking, whistling, pointing or beckoning with your fingers, and touching someone's ears. All of these are considered rude.

Any give or take of anything important should be done with the right hand only, or with the right hand supported with the left. This includes giving and taking of presents, and any transfer of a large amount of money.

Travelers should be aware of the fact that Indians generally dress conservatively and should do the same. Shorts, short skirts (knee-length or above) and sleeveless shirts are not appropriate off the beach. Cover as much skin as possible. Both men and women should keep their shoulders covered. Women should wear baggy clothes that do not emphasize their contours.

Keep in mind that Indians will consider themselves obliged to go out of the way to fulfill a guest's request and will insist very strongly that it is no inconvenience to do so, even if it is not true. This of course means that there is a reciprocal obligation on you as a guest to take extra care not to be a burden.

It is customary to put up a token friendly argument with your host or any other member of the group when paying bills at restaurant or while making purchases. The etiquette for this is somewhat complicated.

Additional Information

Climate

What is weather like in India ?

India is at its most pleasant between the months of October and March, when much of the country enjoys balmy, blue skies as well as fresh, clean air. In the northern part of India , from December to late February, the nights turn chilly, and a sweater or jacket is required. By mid-March, the days start getting warmer, and from late April, the temperature in central India becomes too hot for comfortable travel. In May, the dust and thunderstorms precede the monsoon season from June to August. We advise female volunteers not to wear short skirts in villages. Indian people dress modestly, and girls cover most of their bodies. This is the Indian tradition.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.

Average Temperature

Average Rainfall

Official Indian Holidays

Dec/Jan: Idu'l Zuha/Bakrid (Feast of the Sacrifice). 
10 Jan: Muharram (Islamic New Year).
26 Jan: Republic Day. 
Feb: Mahashivratri.
Feb/Mar:  Mahavir Jayanthi.
Mar/Apr:  Milad-Un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). 
21 Mar:  Good Friday.
24 Mar:  Easter Monday.
Apr/May:  Buddha Purnima.
15 Aug: Independence Day.
Sep:  Janmashtami.
Sep/Oct:  Dussehra (Vijaya Fashami).
2 Oct: Mahatma Ghandi's Birthday.
2 Oct:  Id ul Fitr (End of Ramadan).
Nov: Deepavali or Diwali (Festival of Lights).
Nov: Guru Nanak's Birthday.
25 Dec: Christmas Day.
26 Dec: Boxing Day.
29 Dec: Muharram (Islamic New Year).

What about tipping in India ?

Tipping is not obligatory in some restaurants and taxis, but it is expected with most services.

Materials to Bring

mosquito net
padlock and chain
sleeping bag liner and sleeping bag
pillow case
earplugs
water purification tablets
wet wipes and no-water washes
first-aid kit
waterproof pouch
tealight candles (during a power cut these are safer than regular candles)
collapsible water bottle
waterproof poncho
gaffer tape
universal bath plug

Medical first-aid kit

digital (not mercury) thermometer
scissors
tweezers
sticking plasters (adhesive bandages)
gauze swabs and adhesive tape
bandages and safety pins
non-adhesive dressings
antiseptic powder or solution (eg povidone-iodine)
antiseptic wipes
wound closure strips

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or travel advisors to verify this information.