Candidates: working in india
India is an attack on all of your senses, from the chaotic cities to the spiritual Puja festivals on the banks of the Ganges. A wonderful mix of culture and traditions that is completely different to the western world. The way to best enjoy India is to absorb it – the warmth of the people, the beauty, the smells, the food, and the wonderful hospitality.
India is an extraordinary country. Religious temples abound in tiny villages and streets throughout India, and the people are some of the most friendly and compassionate around. Your stay is sure to be one of the most heart-warming experiences you’ll ever have.
the south
You can explore quaint waterways, beautiful sandy beaches, and meander through forests and coconut groves. There are also the famous, awe-inspiring temples at Madurai (where our placements are situated) which should not be missed! And for a bit of cool relief, you can catch ‘toy trains’ to different hill stations such as Kodaikanal, which are dotted around this region.
the north
You can trek in the foothills of the Himalayas, take boat trips on the Ganges River, stroll through forests and plantations. And you can’t miss the Taj Mahal. There is something to suit everyone.
Delhi is culturally beautiful, and above all a historic city. Old Delhi contrasts with the formal New Delhi, whose wide boulevards are mesmerizing. The city is full of energy and colour, and bustles to live with its’ bazaars and Moghul architecture. It is a busy and bustling city, yet still retains a unique charm and elegant nature.
Rajasthan is a dry and rugged environment, but one of the most beautiful settings in the world. With the Aravalli Hills (one of the oldest mountain systems in the world) splitting through the heart of the country, stretching from Mount Abu in the southwest to Kota and Bubdi in the east, it is a wondrous place. The capital of Rajasthan is the excellent and colourful state of Jaipur, founded by Raja Jai Singh II. It is part of the ’Golden triangle’ of Delhi-Jaipur-Agra’, and offers some magnificent buildings, and architecture. The Old City has a very enticing atmosphere, with its bazaars, palaces and havelis.
The units of Indian currency are the Rupee and Paisa(100 Paisa equal 1 Rupee ).Paper money is in denominations of Rupees 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Exchanging facilities are generally available at airports and docks, and authorized moneychangers usually display the rates of exchange.
India has three major seasons: winter, summer and the monsoon. The Himalayas and its foothills receive snowfall, sometimes till early April. In most parts of western, southern and eastern India, December and January are pleasantly cool but never really chilly.During the summer months (April-August), northern India is fairly hot, with daytime temperatures around 45 °C.
living in india
Generally in India everything is exceptionally reasonable. A meal in a local eatery costs less than 50p. Most attractions are ludicrously cheap to get to, particularly via the vast network of buses and fast and streamlined express trains which connect the villages.
dress
Light and loose, easily laundered clothing is best for the south, and the northern plains, especially from April to September. You will need warmer clothes, including woollens, for the north during winter. Warm clothing is a must in the hill stations all year round.India does not have a very formal dress code, though some hotels and clubs could insist on a minimum of formality in their dining rooms – long trousers and a conventional shirt usually suffice.Businessmen should wear a jacket and tie, or a tailored safari suit when meeting counterparts or senior officials. Women should follow the same principle. When touring, avoid revealing tops, short skirts and all but the baggiest shorts. A set of loose-fitting salwar-kameez is a good investment.
language
English is the lingua franca between Indians of different regions. Hindi, the official and most widely spoken language, is concentrated in the northern states.
