15

A Ready-Reckoner for foreigners' Hindi

Namastey - Hello (respectful).
Dhanyavaad - Thank you.
Aap Kaisey Hai? - How are you?
<Is> ka kitna daam hai? - How much this costs?
Mujhey <Yeh> Dijiye - Give me this.
Haan - Yes (a nasal ~n)
Nahi - No
Nahi Chahiye - Dont want.
<Bank> kaha hai? - Where is the bank?
<Khaana> kaha milega? - Where can I find food?
Mujhe <Airport> Jaana Hai. - I want to go to the airport.
Paani - Water
Achcha - Good
Bahut Achcha - Very Good
Boora - Bad
<Aap> ka naam kya hai? - What is your name?
Mera naam Neel Hai. - My name is Neel
Patni - Wife
Dost - Friend
Bachchey - Kids
Phir Milengey - See you.
*You may replace the word between <> with the name of any thing, place, food etc.

Hope this helps.

Edited by: Irene_Adler

16

Sri Lanka - Sinhala

"Let's Speak Sinhala"

According to the information, this is the only site of it's kind on the Internet helping people learn spoken Sinhala.
The lessons consist of grammar structures, functional language and vocabulary introduced in a clear context through a dialogue.

http://www.speaksinhala.com/

Edited by: Irene_Adler

17

More on Scams:

Scams in India

Edited by: Irene_Adler

18

India Travel Tips (especially for young women):

Tips on travelling in India, especially for (young) women
(popular reference thread on this forum)

Edited by: Irene_Adler

19

Correct spellings of places in India:

I know this is not a classroom, but please get your spellings right :

1. Delhi
2. Varanasi
3. Mumbai
4. Kolkata
5. Rajasthan
6. McLeod Ganj
7. Chennai
8. Thiruvananthapuram
9. Kochi
10. Dharamsala
11. Shimla
12. Shekhawati

Edited by: Irene_Adler

20

Station Codes for places which have more than one station/ terminus: for internet booking; checking availability

1. Agra Cantt. - AGC, Agra Fort - AF, Agra City - AGA
2. Varanasi Junction - BSB, Varanasi City - BCY
3. Lucknow Junction - LJN/LKO, Lucknow City - LC
4. Jalandhar Cantt. - JRC, Jalandhar City - JUC
5. Pathankot - PTK, Chakki Bank - CHKB
6. New Delhi - NDLS, Delhi Jn. - DLI, Delhi Cantt. - DEC, Delhi Sarai Rohilla - DEE, Hazrat Nizamuddin - NZM
7. Mumbai Central - BCT, Mumbai CST - CSTM, Lokmanya Tilak Termius - LTT, Dadar - DR
8. Kolkata - (Howrah) HWH, (Sealdah) SDAH
9.Chennai Central - MAS, Chennai Egmore - MS
10. Bangalore City Jn. - SBC, Bangalore East - BNCE, Bangalore Cantt. - BNC
11. Hyderabad - HYB, Secunderabad - SC
12. Kochi - CHTS, Ernakulam Town - ERN

Edited by: Irene_Adler

21

Getting an Indian Visa in London:

A tip for anyone wanting to get a visa in London in person ... Get there early, Q tickets start at 08:30 We arrived at 07:45 and were 20(ish) in line. By 08:30 there must have been 150 - 200 waiting just to get in.
Plus the queue is around the side (to the right) and not to the main doors at the front.
Arrived early and was away by 09:30.

Be Lucky ;-)

Edited by: Irene_Adler

22

Climate in Sri Lanka:

Here's a compiled list of the rough, outlined climate of Sri Lanka. A meteorologer also helped me compile this, hope it's useful. Always remember though the humidity makes it seem MUCH HOTTER than it actually shows on the thermometer. Temperatures are in celcuis, and rainfall in millimeters.

=========
Southwest
=========

The southwest region stretches from about Matara all the way up the coast to about Chilaw. This region spreads inland upto the hills, and as far north as about Kurunegala. This region has two monsoon seasons, one in April-June, and the other from September-November. Please remember that even if its not the monsoon season, you can expect a bit of rain in this region. Usually the area around Ratnapura is the wettest.

At Colombo, temperatures are usually about 22 - 31 (Dec-Mar), 25 - 31 (April - June) and about 24 - 29 the rest of the year. Further south the temperature usually remains about 23 - 29 all year round in Galle. Inland, it is usually hotter, about 20 - 33 (Dec - Mar), 22 - 35 (April - June) and about 21 - 32 the rest of the year in Ratnapura.

In March, temperatures often can reach 38 inland, but can drop to 17 as well overnight.

Colombo has an annual rainfall of about 2500 mm, 2000 mm in Galle, and 4000 in Ratnapura.

==========
Hill Country
==========

The hill country is always cooler, and provides a respite from the heat of the lowlands. There are two monsoons again, but the rainfall is less heavy higher up, but falls on more days. The main dry season here is between January and March. Areas on the Colombo-Nuwara Eliya road, however, are the wettest parts of Sri Lanka.

Temperatures can drop low high up around Nuwara Eliya. At Kandy (500 m), temperatures are about 17-29 (Jan-Mar), 20-28 the rest of the year. Kandy can be very humid, as it is situated in a valley. Around Hatton, and the foothills upto Adam's Peak, temperatures are about 13-23 (Dec-Mar) and about 15-21 the rest of the year round. This area is between 900-1500 m in elevation. At Nuwara Eliya, temperatures are about 7-22 (Dec- Mar) and 12-18 the rest of the year. Nuwara Eliya can be nippy all year round in the evenings, so bring a sweater. Further up, at Horton Plains, January temperatures in the morning can reach below freezing (!). You can expect 4-22 (Dec-Mar), and about 8-15 the rest of the year. In winter, the plains can heat up a lot more than Nuwara Eliya, which is at 1800 m, whereas the plains are at 2300 m. The same goes for Adam's Peak, at 2243 m.

Rainfall tends to be heavy everywhere, about 1800 mm in Kandy, 2200 mm in Nuwara Eliya, 2500 mm at Horton Plains and as much as 7000 around Adam's Peak.

=========
East Coast
=========

The east can be very hot in the summer. The main monsoon in from October - January, and very dry the rest of the year round.

Temperatures at Trincomalee and Arugam Bay are about 24-27 (monsoon) and about 27-34 the rest of the year. South at Hambantota or Yala, it is usually 23-29 (monsoon) and 26-31 the rest of the year. Inland, around Mahiyangana or the Vedda lands, it can be VERY hot... about 38. Up at Badulla or Bandarawela, which is at 600-1200 m, it can be between 12-28 (monsoon) and 15-27 other times.

The rain fall is lower here at about 1500 mm, mostly falling in the monsoon season.

=====
North
=====

The north is very similiar to the east, and the only difference is that around the ruined cities, is very much drier. Temperatures in Anuradhapura are often almost 38.

Edited by: Irene_Adler

23

What Price for What Room?

As everywhere else, you get what you pay for - but what is it? Rock-bottom prices start at 150 rupees. This price is also recommended to start your negotiations with in the medium range hotels.
In smaller and less touristic towns, between 200 and 500 rupees would be for a room with no/bucket hot water. In these hotels, bathrooms may contain visitors, so if you mind getting fungus or stepping barefoot on animals, wear slippers.
Comments were that in larger cities no hotels for 500 rupees take cockroach cleaning seriously and that recommenddable accomodation starts at around 750 rupees up to 1500 rupees per night.

All in all, it is recommended that you allways try to bargain and that you allways check your room before agreing on staying and paying. Have a look in dark corners and in the bathroom, you may try to turn on the water to check the drain.

Recommendations:

wonderwomanusa:
Bharatpur - Park View Hotel - 150 rs
Puri - Z Hotel - 300rs
Hyderabad - Harsha - 700 rs "and quite wonderful"

maple:
Mumbai - "y" hotel - 550 to 750 rs breakfast & dinner incl.

Thanks to all who answered my question :-)

24

Travel Warnings and Tips:

originally posted by '666' 14 Feb, 5:46pm

For up to the minute advice and/or warnings on travelling to any country I recommend:
1. Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel Advice (UK)

2. US Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs

- - -
and 06 Mar, 12:45am

LP postcard section, with tales and tips from travellers all over asia

06 Mar, 7:26pm

India
When To Go
When To Go to the Indian Himalayas
When To Go to Rajasthan
When To Go to South India

Nepal
When To Go

Edited by: Irene_Adler

25

More on Train Rides in India:

quote:
"It is the young men who get into the train with the intention to harass," said Ruchira Chatterjee, assistant security commissioner with the Railway Protection Force, which is spearheading the drive. "The message we want to give them is that, in local trains in the Delhi division at least, they cannot harass women."

Delhi police track male train intruders

It is a normal day at the Delhi railway station as tens of thousands of people mill about, waiting to board trains. There seems to be a sense of orderliness as passengers wait for a local service to Panipat in the neighbouring state of Haryana. But as the train pulls into the station, all hell breaks loose.
Uniformed policemen suddenly emerge from the platform, grabbing by the collar and arresting men who have been travelling in carriages reserved for women. The initiative is part of a drive by the authorities to ensure that men do not stray into women-only compartments.

Complaints
While all the other carriages are painted green, those reserved for women are red with big letters on the outside saying "mahilayen", which is Hindi for women. To simplify matters further, there is a picture of a woman at the carriage entrance. But it is still not enough to stop a lot of men regularly travelling in these coaches. That is why Northern Railways decided it was time to take action against the male intruders.
"There is a certain section of women passengers who travel alone and we feel they should feel totally secure," said PK Goel, Northern Railways divisional regional manager. "They should not have to put up with any harassment and lewd remarks," he says. "Once they enter the railway premises, they should feel totally secure, as if they are in their bedroom."

The women-only drive has been named "Bhairavi" after the feisty Hindu goddess Kali, revered for killing demons.

Full story: Delhi police track male train intruders, By Geeta Pandey, BBC correspondent in Delhi, 16 April, 2004.

Edited by: Irene_Adler

26

This is a repost of a message by InsaneInTheBrain:

What to Wear
This a bit of general info taken from a post by jak_da_fool. Sorry dont have the links to credit those who wrote most of this (although I think may have been taken from US government website).

Society across the sub-continent is still deeply religious and steeped in tradition. Rural India, in particular, is very conservative. It is important to dress modestly to avoid offending local sensibilities and also (especially for woman) to avoid being the target of unwanted attention. Loose cotton clothing is most appropriate in this climate.

To a visitor, one of the powerful attractions in India is the colourful and diversified attire of its people. The silk saris, brightly mirrored cholis, colorful lehangas, and the traditional salwar-kameez have fascinated many a visitor. Though the majority of Indian women wear traditional costumes, the men in India can be found in more conventional western clothing. Indian dressing styles are marked by many variations, both religious and regional, and one is likely to witness a plethora of colors, textures and styles in garments worn.

Visitors to India should keep the weather in mind when arranging their travel. In New Delhi, climate alternates between extremely hot summers, humid monsoons, and surprisingly chilly winters. Lightweight, loose, yet covering cotton clothing is suitable for 8 months of the year. Sweaters, jackets, wool skirts, wool suits, sweatsuits, hats, scarves, and even gloves will be welcome during the winter. Wintertime excursions to the mountain regions in the north or to hill stations require warm clothing, including heavy sweaters and coats. Light raincoats or windbreakers may come in handy at most times of the year. Bring umbrellas for the monsoon season. Washable fabrics are the most convenient for maintenance, but drycleaning services are also available. Cotton, silk, and wool are the most comfortable fabrics.

To respect Indian sensitivities when in public Western women should wear skirts below the knees or longer or relatively loose slacks, avoiding sleeveless blouses, tight pants, and shorts. Young women and teenage girls, especially those dressed in tight or short Western dress, may attract undesirable attention. Western men should avoid going shirtless; trousers are preferable to shorts. These suggestions are especially important when visiting rural areas or tradition-bound urban areas.

Journeywoman Tips for women #1
Journeywoman Tips for women #2
Journeywoman Tips for women #3

27

---

More FAQs - using Asian toilets, monsoon travel, money belts, bus vs. train travel, dealing with beggars...

http://www.tokezone.net/faqs.html

---

28

More on Train Travel in India:

For a beginner's guide to train travel in India, take a look at www.seat61.com/India.htm.

No visit to India is complete without a trip on the Indian Railways system. It's not only the most practical and affordable form of transport for most journeys of any distance, it's also an essential part of the Indian experience in its own right..!

The question of which of the 8 classes to use on Indian trains comes up regularly on the TT - pictures say more than words, so take a look at the photo-guide to each class at the bottom of the page to see which is right for you.

The site also explains how to use the official Indian Railways website (finding your way round that site is a good pre-India training exercise for your trip), about security on Indian train, about making reservations, finding your train and reserved berth, Indrail passes, and so on.

Edited by: Irene_Adler

29

Cash Machines (ATMs) in Bangladesh
-----------------------------------------------------

I have used ATM's in Dhaka and Chittagong. If you have a bank card with the CIRRUS Logo behind it then you can use the ATM's of Standard Chartered Bank. If you have an HSBC card or a card that has the PLUS Logo behind it then you can use the machine at HSBC branches.

ATM's are properly guarded with only one person having access to an enclosed area (for Standard Chartered atleast). And the machines are available 24 hours. Used them frequently and did not find them out of order. If you use the ST CT machine, then the minimum withdrawal is 500 BDT and maximum is 20,000 BDT (if your card issuing bank has the equivalent of a lower maximum limit, then that limit may apply instead).

Relish enless salutes from uniformed guards as you approach the machine to withdraw cash. Relish equally after you are done and are on your way out. Just make sure that you are entering the security of a vehicle after withdrawing cash. If you can, go with someone you know. Don't walk about carelessly and alone afterwards with enless Takas in a plastic bag! (just being melodramatic).

Private security guards do not take baksheesh. A rare departure from the custom. In Dhaka, I saw St Ct ATM's in Gulshan (on the road linking Gulshan 1 and 2), in Kamal Atatruk Avenue, in the road facing Prime Ministers Office and there may be more in the Motijheel area. In Chittagong, one St Ct ATM is in the Agrabad area. HSBC ATM is there as well. Should point out that expect to have the bank itself present as well when you find one of their ATMs.

Edited by: Irene_Adler