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Location
State: Madhya Pradesh
Location: Sanchi
Climate: Summers 24°-
48° C. Winters 9°-36 °C.
Altitude: Sanchi
is
situated
at
an
altitude
of
about
427m.
Coordinates: 23.15
N 77.25
E
Language: Sanchi
has
a multilingual,
cosmopolitan
character.
People
speak
and
understand
both
Hindi
and
English.
Punjabi
and
Local
languages
are
also
spoken
and
understood
in
and
around.
Clothing:Required
Light woolen
in summer
and heavy
woollens
in winter.
Best
time
to visit: October
to March.
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| History
Sanchi emerges from
obscurity to take
centrestage as a
hub for, first travelling
merchants and then,
Buddhist pilgrims
rather early in India’s
history.
Sanchi had, even
before it caught
the eye of a certain
king who made it
famous, always been
a bustling village,
or rather traveller’s
halt.
Because, about 7km
away, is Vidisha
which had always
been a strategic
trade centre and
a thriving town throughout
history.
In
fact Sanchi’s
ancient name was Vidishagiri,
the hill of Vidisha.
In the ancient Indian
times, majority of
the merchants of Vidisha
followed Buddhism.
It is easy to see why
Buddhism might have
appealed to the level-headed
businessmen of Vidisha – it
was a way of life that
was not burdened by
caste restrictions
and gave to everyone
the freedom to attain
the respectability
which comes with wealth
and social mobility.
We are told that rich
merchants and patrons
from Vidisha opened
their ample coffers
to pour in the money
to sustain the religious
life and building activity
at Sanchi, dated around
2nd century BC to 1st
century AD. For the
Buddhist monks too
the location was ideal.
They could live in
the calm and peaceful
sanctuary of Sanchi
(also called Chaitya-giri,
the hill of Chaitya
prayer halls) and walk
to Vidisha, according
to the tenets of Buddhism,
to beg for alms and
their daily food.
The
story behind the making
of Sanchi and
its stupas is however
nothing less than a
fairy tale – and
it’s a substantiated
historical fact.
When
the merchants of Vidisha
decided
to convert Sanchi into
a Buddhist retreat,
they went to famous
Mauryan King (then
governor of Ujjaini
of which Vidisha formed
a part) Piyadasi Asoka
(215 BC) – before
he became the most
famous convert to Buddhism – to
ask him to grant them
the land. Asoka not
only agreed, but also
decided to take a personal
interest in the building
activity.
Upto this
point Asoka’s interest
can be safely put
down to a king’s
(even a would-be)
natural love for
building and plain
curiosity, but mark
the sequel.When he
came to Vidisha,
the prince fell in
love with the beautiful
Devi, the daughter
of one of the most
powerful merchants
of Vidisha.
The love
was returned and
it is said that
it is because of
this connection that
Asoka started to
take a serious interest
in Buddhism. To honour
his ladylove’s
faith the prince
started playing an
active role in the
building of Sanchi,
giving out generous
grants in form of
both money and kind.
The
love story meanwhile
continued against
the backdrop of the
building of Sanchi
during which time
Asoka also succeeded
to the throne.
Although they had
two children, Asoka
and Devi never married
as she refused to
move to Patliputta
(the king’s
capital, now Patna
in Bihar), choosing
to stay in Vidisha
instead.
She gave two reasons
for this. Firstly
because she preferred
to stay out of the
intricate royal politics
of the centre and
secondly, Vidisha
was where her religious
and community work
was based and she
was reluctant to
abandon that. One
suspects that the
first might have
been the real reason,
because what with
Asoka already having
so many ‘suitable’ queens
and Devi being an ‘outsider’,
it’s hardly
conceivable that
she would have been
warmly accepted as
the chief queen in
the capital.
Devi was wise to
anticipate complex
royal intrigue – and
wiser still to choose
to stay away from
it all.
Many years
later it was her
children,
Mahindra and Sanghamitta,
who led the famous
royal embassy that
Asoka sent to the
island of Sri lanka
to carry the message
of the Buddha.
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| What to see
Places
to see in Sanchi
Ashoka Pillar Put up in the third
century, this Greco
Buddhist style structure
stands as a proud testimonial
to the rich legacy
of Sanchi. Brilliantly
carved pillar is renowned
for its aesthetic beauty
and sumptuous proportions.
One would be astonished
to find that the dazzling
polishing of the pillar
still glitters as if
it were painted recently.
The pillar at Sanchi
is located near to
the great Stupa and
only the shaft can
be seen here. The crown
of the pillar is displayed
in the museum along
with the other artifacts
of yesteryears.
This
pillar bears close
resemblance to
the Sarnath pillar
and the only difference
is that here the lions
do not hold the Dharmachakra.
One would be well aware
that these lions are
found depicted in the
national emblem of
India.
Buddhist ViharaAn
important center of
Buddhist culture,
Sanchi encompass
so many Buddhist
Viharas and shrines.
One could be able
to see all forms
of Buddhist architecture
here. Among the relics
of this great culture,
Viharas takes the
predominant position.
Formerly all the
Viharas were made
up of woods that
are ornamented with
exquisite carvings,
but the modern monasteries
lack such artistic
structure.
The Viharas
are the dwellings
of
the monks and being
the hub of all communal
activities of a large
group these structures
hold a central area
where group activities
are taking place.
So many individual
chambers where the
monks take their
rest border this
region. One of the
valuable attractions
in the modern monastery
at Sanchi is the
relic of the Satdhara
Stupa, which is placed
in a glass casket
in the inner sanctum.
Gupta Temple A
harbinger in temple
architecture,
Gupta temple at
Sanchi bears a
significant position
in the entire history
of India. This
centuries old structure
carries a great
legend of magnitude
and one could not
find any other
formation of that
much old, which
can match with
this artistic marvel.
Belonged
to the golden age
of Indian
history, this temple
reflects the rich
cultural traditions
of a bygone era.
Gupta temple is
located in vast
complex that is
categorized as
crowning shelf,
intermediate shelf
and lower shelf
.The temples are
in the intermediate
level, which poses
as a worthy to
watch spectacle.
The
Gupta Temple No.
17, needs a
special rendering
since it symbolises
the renaissance
of structural movement
in Sanchi. It embodies
all the guidelines
that were considered
imperative in the
creation of an
Indian temple.
This well-designed
temple has a simple
dreary covered
compartment and
a pillared overhang
at the entrance.
Its simplicity
is conspicuous
and there is a
lot of moderation
in its embossing.
Sanchi
Museum A
proud testimonial
to the rich cultural
and religious heritage
of India, Sanchi
Museum houses invaluable
objects that belong
to the early years
of fist to third
centuries.
Sanchi
Stupa No 1 A renowned center
of Buddhism Sanchi
boast of a rich
artistic culture
and among them
the stupas outshines
all other structures
in its elegant
grace. Dates back
to 3rd century,
these stupas were
meant to keep the
remnants and some
of the stupas have
been found with
the relics of the
disciples of Buddha.
Appealingly
placed on the
top of a hill,
these stupas
carries with
them a rich legacy
of architectural
grandeur. Most
striking among
all the Stupas
is the stupa
number one, which
has a diameter
of 36.5 and a
height of 16.4
meter. A colossal
hemispherical
dome on the top
adds a heavenly
charm to this
centuries old
monument. Highly
embellished walls
and gateways
stand in everlasting
majesty, and
the paved procession
path around it
worn smooth by
centuries of
pilgrims.
Stupa No
2Placed at the periphery of the hill, Stupa number 2 is characterized
by the striking stone railings that surrounds it. Built in the 2nd century BC,
this
stupa is placed on an artificial podium and it lies beneath all the other stupas.
Except its stone fencing this stupa do not have gateways like the other ones.
But one can see intricate and exquisite carvings and other decorations on these
hedges.
Some of the carvings embrace birds with human head (kinnara) figures
with elephant head and fish tail (makaras), yakshi and yaksha (male and female
nature
spirits) and snake (naga). The stupa also houses the vestiges of the two great
Buddhist gurus, Kasyapagotra and Suvijayita.
Stupa No 3 Lies adjacent to the great
Stupa, Stupa no. 3 is also
referred as the most striking
edifice of Buddhist as
well as Mauryan arts. In
design, stupa number one
and three are akin to each
other. All the three stupas
bears some special signs
of royal importance and
the hemispherical dome
of this one carries an
umbrella which is considered
as very regal and highly
religious. Polished stones
of this umbrella give it
an elegant appeal.
The innermost
chamber of this stupa holds the
remnants of Sariputta and
Mahamogallena, two earliest
disciples of Sri Buddha.
It is believed that its
magnificent gate way is
built in the first century.
The coffer also contains
five precious jewels -
garnet, pearl, crystal,
lapis and amethyst. This
stupa was taken to England
in 1853, brought back in
1953 and is displayed in
modern Vihara.
The Eastern Gateway Constructed
in 35 BC, the four gateways
in Sanchi
portray important incidents
in the life of Buddha.
Popularly called as toranas
these gateways are named
as eastern, western, southern
and northern. Elephants
facing four directions
support the architraves
of this gate.
The Eastern
gate tells us about the
voyage of
Buddha from his royal palace
to the path of enlightenment.
Here Buddha is shown as
a horse rider. Dream of
Maya, Buddha’s mother
during her pregnancy is
also found a place in this
gate. The Western gate
depicts the seven manifestation
of Buddha. The Northern
Gateway is characterized
by a wheel-of-law, which
portrays the miracles linked
with Buddha. Exceedingly
embellished carvings of
the Southern gateway try
to illustrate the birth
of Gautama.
The Great Bowl As the
cradle of Buddhist renaissance,
Sanchi houses
a vast expanse of glorious
monuments that reflects
the religious norms of
the past centuries. All
these monuments are put
up atop of a hill that
overlooks the plains and
these structures were the
major center of Buddhism
till the end of 12th century.
Great
Gumbha is one among the
precious relic in this
cluster of monuments, which
displays marvelous artistic
grandeur. Engraved out
of a colossal block of
stone, this gumbha used
to the storehouse of food
items, which were distributed
to the monks in Sanchi.
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| Art and Crafts
Madhya Pradesh is
the house of art
and
culture
, and
the Bharat Bhavan
which sits atop the
Shamla Hills, is
a prime example of
that. Designed by
Charles Correa, the
museum houses an
art gallery, a repertoire
company and libraries
of poetry, classical
and folk music. and
since Madhya Pradesh
has a large concentration
of adivasis (tribals),
a visitor at the
Tribal Habitat in
Bhopal gets a feel
of village life in
the state.
However, the most interesting facets of the district are the spectacular cave
paintings at Bhimbetka, a short distance away from the city of Bhopal. Etched
in rock, some of the work is more than 30,000 years old, while the more recent
ones belong to the medieval period. The cave paintings are valuable, not just
for their artistic merit but also because they constitute a treasure trove of
information on the pre-historic age.
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Dining Out
The best way to enjoy your dining
out the restaurants or picnic places
are the great place to relax and chat. There’s
an extensive range of beers on tap and wines
and spirits to satisfy any taste. A casual
and friendly environment with prompt service
and plenty of bar stools and lounge style
seating. The perfect place to unwind. Cheers!many
resorts ,resturents or picnic places in Madhya
where you can enjoy your dinner.
Many places are famous its Indian and Western
cuisine,some for authentic Punjabi and Gujarati
food. You can also get decent Indian food
here.If you would like to go out for cheaper
meals , you should try to organize your own
night out with the same people, arranged
around a more modest budget.An open glade
by the banks of the rivers you makes a good
holiday destination. Clean white sand separates
the lush green grass from the stoneMany places
are ideal for a taste of adventure and for
spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendour.
Enjoy your Restaurant - Relax, smile, laugh,
smile some more- eat, drink, eat some more,
and make some new friends. Start a contest
of wits or just stare dreamily into the air.
Be happy if you feel happy, loving if you
feel loving, friendly if you feel friendly.
It is your visit and we will do all we can
to make it pleasant for youThe restaurant
is an awfully convenient idea For dining
out. We hope that you all will go for it.
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| Wildlife
Madhya Pradesh is
situated at the heart
of India. It has
been home to the
cultural heritage
of Hinduism, Buddhism,
Jainism and Islam.
Countless monuments,
exquisitely carved
temples, stupas,
forts and palaces
are scattered all
over the state. The
natural beauty of
Madhya Pradesh is
equally diverse.
Consisting largely
of a plateau, the
state possess everything.
Spectacular mountain
ranges, meandering
rivers and miles
and miles of thick
forests offering
a unique and excellent panorama
of wildlife in herbaceous surroundings.
Madhya Pradesh is
easily accessible
from any part of
India.
Some Wildlife Sites in Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park
This is a small National Park; compact, yet
full of opportunities. It is an excellent
assemblage of trees and foliages. The density
of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is
the highest known in India. Bandhavgarh is
also a White Tiger country. Bandhavgarh is
renown for it's big cat population. The Bandhavgarh
region is gifted with a large variety of
natives in terms of animals and birds.
Kanha National Park
Kanha's sal and bamboo
forests, rolling
grasslands and meandering
streams expand over
940 sq km in dramatic
natural grandeur.
Kanha Tiger Reserve
was created in 1974
under Project Tiger.
The park is the only
habitat of the rare
hardground Barasingha
(Cervus Duvaceli
Branderi).
This is original Kipling
country which inspired
him to write the famous
Jungle Book. The same
abundance of wild life
species exists today
in Kanha National Park,
as it must have when
Kipling wandered these
parts.
Panna Tiger Reserve
Panna National Park is located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
The river Ken passes through the park, adding to its scenic beauty. The predominant
species that you will find here are the graceful little Chinkara, the Indian
gazelle, and the Chital. Other species that have their habitat in the park
are Nilgai, Sambar, Chausingha or four-horned Antelope, Blackbuck, Sloth
Bear, Leopard and the ubiquitous common Langur, Tiger, Leopard, striped Hyaena,
Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Chinkara or mountain Gazelle, crocodile and
others. Besides, Panna National Park is equally rich in avifauna.
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Nightlife
Madhya Pradesh is
a captivating region
of the Indian Himalayas.
It is often referred
to as the "Magical
Showcase of Nature's
Splendor" ideal
for the travelers to
travel, enjoy and relax.
Abundant green grassland
and wide valleys set
against imposing snow-clad
mountains; crystal
clear lakes, flowing
rivers and spurting
streams; fruit laden
groves and soft terraces
of corn and tea are
characteristics of
Madhya Pradesh. It
is the ultimate travel
destination of India.
It's the kind of place where tourists come for long weekends of lobster cracking
and wine drinking, wading into the gentle waters of Gardiners Bay to wash off
the metro-madness of the five days prior, and spending money hand over fist for
the privilege of it. Deb worked in a resort of sorts, which included single-family
luxury condos for rent or sale, and a set-back, semi-swanky restaurant with a
million-dollar view of the bay and front doors that, for reasons that baffle
me still, remained unlocked at all times. All of this regulating and refining
has lead to the production of some pretty fine stuff-nothing like the rotgut.
Madhya may pose no threat
to Mumbai as the nightlife capital of India,
but still Madhyais doesn't find a reason
not to bang their heads with the pulsating
music of their choice after pouring in a
couple of their favourite beverages down
the neck. Madhya's licensing laws are being
relaxed to encourage a culture of drinking
beer in bars rather than rocking down whisky
at home. Chilled martinis served along with
a plate of mouth-watering kebabs make for
a grand or rather Mughal startup. Step inside
the exquisite Mediterranean restaurant of
Madhya and you'll be greeted by a serene
cozy feeling that needs more adjective than
there is space here for. Whether it's the
handplastered interiors of the restaurant,
the enchanting aroma, the burnt wood furnishings,
handsome craftsmenship, lounge music or the
inspired beverages and cuisine, everything
here makes for a perfect nightout.
Madhya has generally little nightlife, although in major states a few Western-style
shows, clubs and discos are being developed. In most places the main attraction
will be cultural shows featuring performances of Madhyai dance and music. Almost
every large town will have a cinema, some of which will show films in English.
Music and dancing are an important part of life, combining with many other influences
to produce a rich variety of film art.
Clubs and Bars:
Pubs, bars, and discos are always full, from the night till day, up to 6am. Also
you can see all different types of people, but the majority are Indians, thus
this not make much of a difference, unless you have a fight with one of them,
but the atmosphere is always friendly and wonderful. Every day they have different
dress codes just to make it livelier. The best days to go to a pub, disco, or
a bar are Valentines Day or New Year’s Day.
Fire and Ice:
The best days to visit are the weekends when the crowds converge to the floor
and the place is jam packed. People who prefer to dance in smaller crowds may
visit during weekdays (Wednesday & Thursday) when the college-going kids
prefer visiting. Stags (single men or men in groups) are not permitted. The bouncers
are tough and unyielding.
Bar & Kitchen:
The Mediterranean-influenced restaurant and bar is just what the doctor ordered.
The food is light and delicious, the DJ spins soothing sounds and decor is pure
Ibiza, complete with a comfy, cushioned chill-out area tucked away in the back.
Dress well to get past the style police on the door.
Casinos:
A casino is a facility that accommodates certain types of gambling activities.
Casinos are often placed near or combined with Hotels, restaurants.There are
no casinos as gambling is illegal in Madhya.
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Travel Tips
The following information applies to all visitors entering India through other
international airports, as on date there is no international airport in Madhya
Pradesh. This comprehensive information aims to make your stay enjoyable and
comfortable. In case of any further information or assistance get in touch with
the Govt. of India or the Madhya Pradesh Tourist Offices throughout. Travellers
should check any information they use to make decisions and rely on their own
enquiries. They should seek detailed advice and opinions from travel agents,
airlines, insurers and diplomatic missions. Do obtain necessary documents, study
regulations, observe medical guidelines and refer to other sources."
Documents:
All foreign tourists wishing to visit the country must carry a valid visa and
national passport for India. Disembarkment and embarkation cards duly filled
in should be presented at the immigration counter on arrival and departure respectively.
Indian visa are available from Indian Consulates around the world, on a payment
of a visa free. The cost of visa is US $40 for upto 6 month, US $65 for upto
1 year, US $ 180 for more than one year and upto five years. Applications for
multiple and single entry visas are accepted.
For assistance with any immigration problem, contact the Assistant Commissioner
of Police at the Airport Immigration Office. Tourist visas are available for
a maximum period of 180 days. An extention beyond 180 days is allowed only in
exceptional cases. The Foreigners Regional Registration office (FRO) in any of
these cities- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Amritsar can be contacted.
In State capitals and district headquarters the application can be submitted
to any of the Police Commissioner's Office or Superitendent of Police's Office.
Money And Foreign exchange:
Indian currency is not permitted to be brought in or taken out of the country
without the permission of the Reserve Bank of India. Unlimited amount of foreign
currency or traveller cheques are allowed into the country. But if the value
of foreign currency notes exceeds US $ 2500 and the aggregate value of the foreign
exchange including currency notes exceeds US $ 10,000 or its equivalent it must
be declared at customs. You can exchange your money at airport, where a 24 hour
facility is available through banks and approved money charges. All major international
credit cards are widely accepted in India. Indian rupees are available in denominations
of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.
Coins are available in the denominations of 5, 2, 1 (Rupee) and 50 and 25 paise.
Opening hours for banks are usually 1000 to 1400 on week days and 1000 to 1200
on Saturdays with Sundays being a holiday. International banks like HSBC, Citibank,
Standard Chartered, BNP, Bank of America, Hong Kong Bank, ABN Amro and others
can be found in major metros and tourist cities. Well known accepted credit cards
are Diners, Master, Visa and American Express. Some of the larger nationalised
banks include the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank
of Baroda (BOB), Canara Bank, Union Bank of India and Central Bank of India and
other leading banks like UTI, ICICI, HDFC and IDBI. ATMs are also widely available.
Thomas Cook, American Express and some prominent multinational banks can make
instant money transfer to their offices in India.
Traveller's Cheque (TC):
The TC's are mostly accepted but have to be encashed because they are generally
not accepted to be used directly for payment. Most of the banks, Hotels (only
resident) encash TC's. In case of traveling widely to remote areas it is better
buying Indian bank as these are more widely accepted.
Custom Regulations:
There are two clearance channels. The green channel for passengers carrying non
dutiable items and the red channel for the passengers with dutiable goods. Items
are allowed free of duty include personal effects like clothing excluding merchandise
for commercial purposes, gifts valuing Rs. 4000for tourists foreign origin and
Rs. 12000 for tourists of Indian origin. Small items like cigarettes, cigars,
tobacco, and alcoholic beverages are allowed duty free within the regulation
limits of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm tobacco and 1 litre each of wine
and spirits. For any grievances regarding Customs contact the Assistant Collector
of Customs in the Customs wing that is open 24 hrs. at the international airport,
Delhi. 011- 25652970
Income Tax Clearance:
If your stay exceeds 180 days in India, one is required to furnish a tax clearance
certificate to leave the country. The foreign section of the Income- Tax department
at the international airport issues these certificates.
Foreign Travel Tax:
The tax for international travel from Indian airports is levied @ Rs.150 for
the travel to neighbouring countries and Rs. 500 for travel to all other countries.
Export Regulations:
The export of all forms of wild animals including their parts and products is
prohibited. The export of all wild plants, seeds or parts is banned. Tourists
are also advised to acquaint themselves with the provisions of convention on
the international trade of endangered species of wild fauna and flora. For further
information contact the Regional Deputy Director, Northern Region, The Department
of Wild Life Prevention, Annexe No. 6, Bikaner House, New Delhi. 011-23384556.
Export of Antiques:
Antiques include sculpture, paintings or other works of art and craftsmanship,
illustrations of science, art, crafts, and religion of bygone eras and of historical
interest which have been in existence for not less than 100 years. Also art treasures
of artistic and aesthetic value can not be exported out of India. For inspection
of art objects refer to the Director General, Archaeological Survey of India,
Janpath, New Delhi-1. 011- 23019446
Healthcare:
The vaccinations recommended are Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis, Encephalitis,
Hepatitis before traveling to India. However, a few careful precautions can protect
you even if you don't take the inoculations. Protect yourself against mosquito
bites and take prophylactic drugs. Drink plenty of water, use salt on food and
avoid extreme exertion in warm climate. The case of insect byte should immediately
be treated with a local antiseptic or antibiotic cream. Aerosol spray on clothes
deters insects. To avoid intestinal upsets insist on clean food, boiled or mineral
water. Carry chlorine tablets to purify water then in doubt. For inoculation
against communicable diseases contact the Vaccination and Inoculation Centre,
Domestic Airport, New Delhi. Ph. 011- 25665348 or International Inoculation Centre,
Mandir Marg, New Delhi, Ph: 011-23361675. Doctors, Pharmacies or Chemists are
available in every little town and remote Place. Most of the Hotels have doctors
on Call
General Information:
What to take:
Light and heavy woolens are useful during the winter season in Madhya Pradesh.
Between December and February it can be real cold during the evening and night
so many woolen are a must. Prompt and very economical laundry service is available
at almost every place of stay, so clothing should best be kept to a bare minimum.
Make sure you have photocopies of all essential documents and your international
driving licence. The health kit should include special rehydration powder, antidiarrhoeal
and antimalarial tablets, some antiinfective cream or lotion and a first aid
box.
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Emergency Info
Tourist Office
Hotels
of Madhya
Pradesh
email: booking@hotlsofmp.com
Police
and Emergency:
In
emergency
dial
Police-100,Fire-101
and Ambulance-102.
In case
of items
stolen
contact
the duty
officer
at the
nearest
police
station.
Incase
of loss,
theft
or related
problem
encountered
while
traveling
in train,
report
to train
attendant
or the
ticket
examiner
and to
the railway
police
force
at the
next
railway
station.
Safety:
Beware of tricksters while making a purchase
through credit cards.
Driving Regulations:
A valid international driving license is
necessary for driving a car or motorbike.
In India we drive on the left of the road
and overtake on the right.
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