Area
3,166,414 sq. km. (1,222,582 sq. miles)
Location
South Asia
Population
1.1 billion (as per estimates of 2005) and Population Density of 347 per sq. km.
Capital City
New Delhi with a total population of 13.8 million (as per estimates of 2001)
Language
The country has a host of official languages, but Hindi is the national language, spoken by 30% of the total population. The Constitution of India also recognises English as one of the many languages for official purposes. Among other languages (along with hundreds of dialects), the popular ones include Bengali, Gujarati, Oriya, Punjabi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Urdu, etc
Electricity
AC 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin and three-pin plugs are commonly used. Some regions of India also have a DC supply.
Currency
Rupee (INR; Symbol Re or Rs (Rupees)). 1Re = 100 Paise.
Notes prevalent = Rs 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000
Coins prevalent = Paise 10, 20, 25, and 50; Re 1; Rs 2 and 5
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at most branches of banks, airports and the authorised moneychangers. The visitors are advised to avoid unauthorised and illegal moneychangers who may offer better rates.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. are widely accepted. ATMs are also conveniently situated in most towns, cities, and even some villages.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted and can be changed at banks and larger hotels. In order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Some bank branches may refuse certain travellers’ cheques; however, other authorised exchanges can easily change them.
Banking Hours
Banks in India normally function from Monday to Friday from 1000-1400 and Saturday from 1000-1200.