India is not just one of the world's oldest civilizations, it is also the world's largest democracy, and has made stupendous progress among developing nations. India's impressive variety of history and culture, from the ancient Gangetic Kingdoms to the present state, harmoniously blend to form a unique atmosphere in over a million square kilometers of scenic sights. A continent-sized country, India possesses an amazing wealth of sights and sounds, tastes and textures. From a bustling cosmopolitan city to the quiet countryside, hill station or a beach resort, India has destinations, which offer a backdrop of unmatched beauty for a business meet. You will find a fascinating amalgam of tradition & culture, beauty & nature, style & splendour, warmth, feelings & courtesies, comfort & convenience virtually everything the modern conference organiser or delegate could expect. Conferences here bring fresh meaning of the concept of combining work with pleasure.

India is undoubtedly a unique Conference Destination as it offers cultural and heritage sites, the exotic and mystical, excellent facilities of beach and adventure holidays which can be combined as pre and post conference tours.

Enchanting India's image as a conference destination is also projected through the chains of Hotels, providing international standards in facilities and services. Exclusive business hotels and exotic resorts, with meeting rooms of distinction, spacious convention facilities, modern business centres and a wide range of conference facilities.

COUNTRY INFORMATION Area: 3,287,000 sq km Population: 968 millions Capital City: New Delhi People: 72% Indo-Aryan, 25% Dravidian, 3% Mongoloid Currency: Rupee Languages: Hindi and English, plus 15 main languages and over 700 dialects Country Phone Code: 91 Electricity : 220 volts ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Restricted entry: Entry is refused to (a) nationals of Afghanistan if their passport or ticket shows evidence of transit or boarding in Pakistan; (b) British passport holders, including those of Indian origin, who are being deported to India without their consent. PASSPORTS: Valid passport required by all. VISAS: Required by all. Types of visa: Tourist, Business and Transit. Meeting Venues in India

USEFUL INFORMATION Public Holidays: Jan 26 Republic Day; Apr 20 Mahavir Jayanti; Mar 24 Holi; Good Friday; May 22 Buddha Purnima; Milad Un Nabi. Aug 15 Independence Day; Oct 2 Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday. Oct Vijay Dasami, Dussera; Oct Diwali; Nov 14 GuruNanak’s Birthday; Dec 25 Christmas Day. Tipping:A service charge is always included in restaurants and hotels bills. The tip of 10% is customary. Banks Opening Hours:On weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm. On Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM. Health: No vaccination is necessary. Domestic Airlines: Indian Airlines, JET Airways, Sahara Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Air Deccan, SpicJet, GoAir, many more. Air Travel is one of the cheapest in the world Business customs: Sometimes a meeting begins with a cup of tea, take your time to drink it and wait for your host to start. Be respectful to hierarchy, never be hurried.