India🇮🇳
India is located in South Asia and is the seventh-largest country by land area. The country is bordered by Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. Known for its rich cultural heritage, India is home to diverse traditions, religions, and languages. The country is renowned for its vibrant festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid, historical monuments such as the Taj Mahal and Qutub Minar, and diverse landscapes from the Himalayan peaks to coastal plains. The country is famous for its Indian film industry, Bollywood. When visiting, one can explore various attractions like the beaches of Goa, wildlife safari at Ranthambore National park or the beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid tap water and opt for sealed bottled water.
- Avoid disrespecting religious or cultural customs.
- Avoid flash photography in places of worship.
- Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth to prevent attracting unwanted attention.
- Avoid street food that isn't cooked well or isn't served hot.
- Avoid isolated places and travelling alone at night, especially for women.
- Avoid rural medical facilities and seek treatment at major city hospitals.
- Avoid interactions with wild animals. Stray dogs and monkeys can be aggressive and might carry diseases.
- Avoid sensitive border areas due to security concerns.
- Avoid public demonstrations or large gatherings, which can sometimes turn violent.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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India's crime situation is moderate, with petty crimes such as theft and robberies being the most common. Although violent crime is less frequent, caution is advised especially in the most unsafe cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Agra. Pickpocketing and scams are common in crowded places and tourists areas. Cybercrime instances have also seen a rise over the years.
Terrorism 💣
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India faces significant issues with terrorism, especially in regions near the borders. Notable terrorist incidents include the 2008 Mumbai attacks, where multiple shootings and bombings took place over four days. Terrorist attacks usually target public places, government buildings, and modes of public transportation.
War ⚔️
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India currently isn't at war, but the country has experienced conflicts with neighboring countries in the past. Tensions with Pakistan over the Kashmir area have resulted in military disputes, most notably the Kargil War in 1999.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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India is prone to various natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. In 2021, the western state of Maharashtra suffered severe floods that resulted in numerous deaths and property damage. Furthermore, the country's coastline is vulnerable to cyclones, especially during the monsoon season.
Medical Care 🏥
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India has a mixed healthcare system with public and private providers. Major cities have excellent private hospitals, but rural areas lack good medical facilities. Moreover, access to healthcare has been significantly strained due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in India isn't safe to drink due to contamination risks. Most locals and visitors opt for bottled water, ensuring they are sealed. Alternatively, water purifiers are commonly used.
Disease Burden 🤒
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India faces a high burden of communicable diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. Non-communicable diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, also pose significant health challenges. The COVID-19 situation has been particularly severe with India being one of the worst-hit countries globally.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is a significant issue in India. It is prevalent across various sectors, including the public sector, with instances of bribery and illegal practices. The 2010 Indian Premier League cricket scandal is an example of high-profile corruption.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While the situation varies regionally, instances of gender-based violence and harassment have been reported, especially in urban areas or late at night. Many big cities have introduced women-only transportation to enhance safety.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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LGBTQ+ rights in India have seen improvement with decriminalization of homosexuality in 2018, although social stigma persists. Instances of discrimination and violence have been reported, particularly outside metropolitan areas.
Censorship 📺
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India has seen an increase in censorship over the years. There have been instances of internet blackouts, restrictions on academic freedom, and crackdown on critical voices, notably the 2020 farmer protests.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in India consists of buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and metro services in major cities. The road safety conditions are poor due to traffic congestion and often lax adherence to traffic rules.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Safety in India varies by region and general context. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded public places. Avoid traveling alone at night and always keep personal belongings secure. It is advised to comply with local customs and religious sensitivities.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are numerous foreign embassies in India, primarily located in the capital, New Delhi. Some prominent ones include the U.S. Embassy, British High Commission, and the Australian High Commission.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for India: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
India is home to several dangerous animals. This includes Indian cobra, Bengal tigers, and saltwater crocodiles. In case of any outdoor activities in rural or forest areas, it is recommended to have the guidance of trained local authorities.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most countries require a visa to enter India which can be obtained online or from an Indian embassy or consulate in one's home country.
💲 Currency
The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and authorized currency exchange outlets.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in metropolitan areas and tourist destinations. However, in rural areas, cash is often preferred.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
India offers various opportunities for work and travel, though restrictions may apply to foreign nationals.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Cost of living is relatively low in India, but it can vary greatly depending on the location. Major cities like Mumbai and Delhi can be much more expensive than rural areas.