The Country

India is the second most populated country in the world comprising of 18% of the world’s population. India is united with 29 federal states and 7 union. According to the Indian Constitution in 1949, the country has been functioning with a parliamentary type of government as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.

Languages

India has 22 main national languages which are recognized by the Constitution; Hindi being the official language. As there is a huge number of population, 10% of the population speaks English all across urban areas in businesses, media, hospitals, government speeches, higher education, etc.

Climates

India is the second mIndia has an extraordinary variety of climatic conditions each year. Its climate is strongly influenced by the Thar desert and the Himalayas. The extreme north has an alpine climate, the rest of the northern parts may have a subtropical humid climates. India’s capital, Delhi, is known to have extreme winters as well as summers. The North-East has its monsoon season around November and December. Monsoons are common in the southern parts of India during the months June to September. Sometimes you may experience floods due to extreme rainfalls. The summers are generally very hot. ost populated country in the world comprising of 18% of the world’s population. India is united with 29 federal states and 7 union. According to the Indian Constitution in 1949, the country has been functioning with a parliamentary type of government as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.

Health Risks

While most foreigners have no difficulties with regards to their health in India, it is advisable to consult your embassy in India or Indian mission for instructions on health and safety related information while in India. Taking precautions against mosquito bites are very important when you move to India. You should make sure you have gotten the following vaccinations: Yellow fever, DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus), polio, and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), immunizations for influenza, pneumococci, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis and both types of hepatitis.

Emergency Medical Assistance

For general medical assistance – dial 112. Common health risks include: dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya (a mosquito-borne tropical fever), Japanese encephalitis, diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, rabies, and influenza (mainly during the monsoon season), and hepatitis type A and B.

Terrorist Area

Unless really necessary, the government of India advises against moving to Jammu and Kashmir and north eastern regions, like Manipur, where terrorist attacks are quite frequent. It is recommended to keep security considerations in mind whenever visiting places at night, with huge crowds or public events.

Public Transportation

India’s public transportation networks are not up to the mark in all the states. Mumbai is one of the cities with a good public transportation network. Rural areas have barely any public transportation available. Roads in the urban areas are constantly congested, and driving is chaotic in most big cities.

Taxis

India’s public transportation networks are not up to the mark in all the states. Mumbai is one of the cities with a good public transportation network. Rural areas hThough the major cities have some form of public transportation, like rickshaws and buses, many locals and foreigners prefer using taxis as a mode of safe, direct and comfortable transportation. Travelling in taxis require you to know the areas or have GPS at your disposal. Newcomers should also be aware of the taxi fares in order to avoid getting into fare haggles with the driver as sometimes they do not charge according to the meter (fixed fares calculated). You can check this website for more details – Taxi Autofare.

It has been found that if you speak in English, let alone in a strong foreign accent, you may be charged a flat higher fare even before your ride begins. Taxi services on mobile apps like Uber and Ola, have a fixed calculated rate that appears when you reach your destination.
Taxi services on mobile apps like Uber and Ola, have a fixed calculated rate that appears when you reach your destination.ave barely any public transportation available. Roads in the urban areas are constantly congested, and driving is chaotic in most big cities.

Indian Railway

Indian Railways is run by the government who is responsible for the complete rail network in the country. Timetables, routes, tickets and reservations can be found on the Indian Railways website or at individual stations. Depending on the time you board, traveling on local trains can be an exciting, pleasant or stressful experience. Booking a seat in a first-class compartment could be more comfortable and less crowded than the other coaches.

Famous Cities

New Delhi, the national capital, is a huge metropolitan area in the North of the country. It was initially built in 1911 to serve as a capital to the former British Indian Empire. Compared to many other cities, it is a relatively newly, planned city. In Delhi, Chandni Chowk is well-known for being a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls among many other things.

Bangalore, or Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka was once called The Garden City of India due to its several green spaces. But now, it is the third most populous city in India and a fast-growing metropolis too. Located in the South-West of India, it is now referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ because of the increasing number of IT companies and infrastructure there. Bangalore consists of many popular aerospace companies and research institutions.

Calcutta, now known as Kolkata was founded as an East India Company trading post and was India’s capital under the British from 1773–1911. Now, it is known as the cultural capital of India. It is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Theresa.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra and the richest and densely populated city in India. Its natural harbor and most important trading post contribute to making it the commercial capital of India. It is perceived as the city of chances, attracting numerous Indians from across the country. Also, foreign businesses, companies, and investors flock to Mumbai in search of opportunities. It is well known as being the heart of the Bollywood industry.

Leisure in India

Family
Family is a very important part of the Indian culture. Huge family outings and trips are very common throughout the country though many joint families have parted ways due to migration and urbanization. Initially, expat children may find it difficult to adapt to such a society, but eventually they are would also consider family an important part of their lives

Festival fun
As a family, many expats enjoy the different festivities of the Indian culture. There are festivals of colours, lights, pyramids, and more. You could visit the nearest temple during Hindu festivals to enjoy the spirit. It could be a good exposure as well as educational to the expat kids. Remember to always be alert while visiting on these days because the place will be bursting with people and color.

Socializing
On a weekend, Indians generally socialize and relax. India’s ever-growing big cities like New Delhi and Mumbai have lots of places to hang out with friends. Many restaurants in Bangalore offer activities for kids, while the parents can enjoy a cup of tea in another corner. Similar concepts are slowly being introduced in Delhi and Kolkata too. Also, the best way to make friends, build your network and exchange experiences with expats in India, would be to join a local expat club.

Weekend classes are also on the rise. It is not uncommon for people to take part in various classes during their time off. Yoga and Bollywood dance sessions are among the popular ones with expat adults and children. You would have to check locally according to the classes you are interested in.