Travel_Booklet_Single

Namaste

Dear Team,
Namaste! (a common spoken salutation originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is
a customary greeting when individuals meet, and a valediction upon their parting.)
HCL welcomes you to India! We are happy to host your stay here in India and it is our
desire to make our time together as beneficial for you as possible.
During your visit, you will experience the passion of our teams who are providing value
to customers. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about our Centers of
Excellence and the depth of technical capabilities, domain expertise, and frameworks,
tools and processes that underpin our services.
We have a full agenda planned for your team over the next few days. Our promise to
you is that this visit will be a memorable one.
Safe travels and once again a big welcome to India and to HCL.
Cheers!

Table of Contents
About HCL
3
HCL Offices in India
5
A Glimpse of India
9
Attractions worth exploring
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Chennai & Bangalore
21
Festivals & Events in India
39
Bon Appétit
42
Helpful Tips
43
Currency in India
44
Do’s and Don’ts
46

About HCL
HCL Technologies is one of India's leading global IT Services companies, providing software-led
IT solutions, product engineering, R&D, enterprise and custom applications, enterprise
transformation services, infrastructure management, and BPO services. Having forayed into the
global IT landscape in 1999 after its IPO, HCL Technologies focuses on Transformational
Outsourcing by working with clients in areas that impact and re-define the core of their business.
The company leverages an extensive global offshore infrastructure and its global network of
offices in 18 countries to deliver business aligned solutions across several verticals including:
• Banking and Financial Services
• Insurance
• Life sciences & Healthcare
• Energy and Utilities
• Government and Defense
• Media, Publishing, and Entertainment
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Education
• Real Estate
New
York
Egham, UK
Preston, UK
Romford, UK
Welwyn Garden
City, UK
Croydon, UK
India
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New Jersey
Virginia
Raleigh
Redmond
Irvine
Houston
GLOBAL DELIVERY LOCATIONS
India Delivery Locations (8)
Delivery Locations Outside India (33)
Proposed New Delivery Centers (1)
Missouri
Michigan
Guadalajara,
Mexico
Belfast
Dublin
Georgia
Puerto Rico
Sao Paulo
Helsinki
Krakow
Prague
Israel
Saudi
Arabia
Newlands
Sunninghill
Singapore
Indonesia
Pudong
Shanghai
Hong Kong
KL, Malaysia
Philippines
Brisbane
North Sydney
Melbourne

Our Founder: Shiv Nadar
At a time when India had a total of 250 computers,
Shiv Nadar led a young team of eight which
passionately believed in and bet on the growth of the
IT industry. That vision in 1976, born out of a Delhi
“barsaati” (akin to a garage start-up) has resulted now
in a global transformational technology enterprise.
Today, HCL is a $6.2-billion global enterprise with
over 90,000 professionals from diverse nationalities,
who operate from 31 countries, including over 500
points of presence in India.
With a desire to give back to the society, Shiv Nadar
founded the Shiv Nadar Foundation in 1994 to support
the cause of education in India. The Foundation
empowers individuals to bridge the socio-economic
divide to create a more equitable, meritocracy based
society. It aims to achieve this primarily through
outstanding educational institutions of higher
learning.
Shiv Nadar was conferred the Padma Bhushan - the
third highest civilian honor, awarded by the President
of India in recognition of not just his contribution to
trade & industry in India, but also his deep
commitment to public good.
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HCL offices in India

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A Glimpse of
India
Home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and a
region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the
Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial
and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Today, it
stands as the one of the fastest-growing major economies
in the world. According to World Bank, the Indian
economy is the world's tenth-largest by nominal GDP and
third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). India is
also the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most
populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the
most populous democracy in the world.
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A celebration of
Diversity
In India, one can experience it all—snow-wrapped peaks of
the north, sunny beaches down south, thick forests, sacred
rivers, and scenic hill stations. The country’s geographical
diversity is mirrored by the diversity of the Indian people
who reflect a myriad of racial characteristics, social
patterns, cultures, cuisines, art forms, handicrafts, and
much more.
All year round, India’s historic palaces and forts, beautiful
temples, and vibrant festivals draw tourists. There are
hundreds of festivals and fairs which are of regional
significance, celebrated with equal pomp and colour.
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Tilak “I am the one non-dual Brahman, free from all
duality. May my eye of intuition open soon"
In Hinduism the Tilak, Tilaka, or Tika is more than just a
smearing of powder/paste on the forehead. It signifies the
beginning of something auspicious, and is considered a
form of blessing. Worn daily or for special religious
occasions, The Tilak also has a deeper physical and spiritual
connection. It is usually applied on the Ajna Chakra, the
center of forehead, on the space between the eyebrows. This
is the third eye, the seat of memory and thinking and the
point which governs all human actions. It is believed that
by applying the Tilak you not only relieve stress and
prevent energy loss, but you are also on the way to opening
the eye of intuition.
The Tilak can be made using sandal paste, turmeric,
vermilion or holy ashes each with its own significance:
• Sandal: White sandal symbolizes purity, calmness
and tranquility
• Vermilion: Red kumkum signifies power, vigor,
dynamism and stability
• Turmeric: Saffron colored turmeric stands for
wealth, fortune, prosperity and opulence
• Holy Ashes or Vibhuti: Vibhuti represents
dedication, devotion and commitment
Welcome to India!
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Angavastram
A highly versatile piece of cotton or silk cloth, the
angavastram is worn (especially in Southern India) in many
ways, across different occasions. Used casually it serves the
purpose of a scarf; it is also used by the bridegroom during
the wedding ceremony, during traditional dance
performances or by the pujari (priest) in Hindu temples.
There are different ways of draping an angavastram around
the upper body based on when and where it is being used.
It can be carried across one shoulder, folded decoratively
around the waist, or draped across the body with two
corners tied at the shoulder.
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Lighting of the
lamp
A highly versatile piece of cotton or silk cloth,
the “What else shall beautify a home, but the flame of a
lovely lamp?
What else shall adorn the mind, but the light of wisdom
deep?”
The lighting of the lamp has deep intellectual and spiritual
significance in Indian culture. An oil lamp is lit daily, across
most homes in India, twice a day, at dawn and dusk. It is
also considered auspicious to commence important
occasions and events with the lighting of the lamp.
The lamp’s purpose of dispelling darkness has further
spiritual significance. The light of the lamp symbolizes
knowledge. So, by lighting the lamp, we open ourselves to
knowledge that removes ignorance just as light removes
darkness. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our
negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by
spiritual knowledge, negativity and the ego are slowly
exhausted before finally perishing. The flame of a lamp
which always burns upwards, also reminds us that
acquiring knowledge guides us to higher ideals.
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India offers a gastronomic adventure for travellers
from around the world. Indian cuisine features an
unsurpassed reliance on herbs and spices, with dishes often
calling for the nuanced usage of a dozen or more
condiments. Many of these spices are native to the
Subcontinent. With different climates in different parts of
the country, India produces a wide range of spices for
domestic trade and export.
Mark Twain once said: "So far as I am able to judge, nothing
has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make
India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on
his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing
overlooked."
Welcome to India!
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Attractions
worth exploring
Delhi—the gateway to India
The Indian capital of Delhi is the world's eighth most populous metropolis.
Home to several ancient and medieval monuments and archaeological sites,
Delhi is known for its rich culture and heritage.
While Old Delhi is reminiscent of Delhi's Mughal past, New Delhi takes pride in
its imperial government buildings, landscaped gardens, and beautiful avenues.
Places of Interest
India Gate: Originally known as All India War Memorial, India Gate is one of
the largest war memorials in India. Situated in the heart of New Delhi, India
Gate is a prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the 90,000 soldiers
of the erstwhile British Indian Army who lost their lives fighting for the British
Indian Empire. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Akshardham: Located on Delhi’s outskirts is the mammoth and elaborate
Akshardham Temple, a recently built structure (inaugurated in 2005) of pink
sandstone and white marble. It houses around 20,000 carved deities. Plan to
spend at least half a day as there’s a lot to see at this sprawling temple complex.
ach evening (except on Mondays), a one-hour sound and light show re-creates
events of India’s history, particularly those associated with the fort.
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Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: Topped with gold domes, the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, spent
several months in 1664.
Regalia Tea House: Regalia Tea House is situated at Sunder Nager Market, one of
the reputed markets in Delhi. The teahouse offers the finest range of tea including
organic, flavored, and herbal. The choicest Darjeeling teas of exquisite aroma and
taste are available here.
Shopping: Delhi is well known for its bustling shopping scene. From road-side
bazaars to grand shopping plazas, Delhi offers a wide and colorful range of
shopping options for tourists. Try Ansal Plaza in Andrews Ganj, DLF Emporio in
VasantKunj, Modern Store in Connaught Place, Janpath, and Gulati Stores in
Connaught place for clothing. Exquisitely designed jewelry and artifacts can be
bought at Taj Khazana in Taj Hotels.
Agra—the legacy of the Mughal Empire
Agra is situated on the banks of the sacred river Yamuna. The city is sought by
tourists for its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal,
Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage
Sites.
Places of Interest
Taj Mahal: Described as the most extravagant monument built for love, this
sublime Mughal mausoleum is India’s most prestigious icon. Many have tried to
sum up its beauty – ‘a teardrop on the face of eternity’ according to Indian poet
Rabindranath Tagore and ‘the embodiment of all things pure’ according to British
writer Rudyard Kipling.
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LalQila Agra Fort: The fort is also known as LalQila or Fort Rouge, or Red Fort
of Agra. It is about 2.5 kilometers northwest of its much more famous sister
monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled
palatial city. Red Fort (LalQila) derives its name from the extensive use of red
sandstone on the massive walls that surround the fort. A UNESCO World
Heritage Site, Red Fort is the location from which the Prime Minister of India
addresses the nation on its Independence Day.
Fatehpur Sikri: This imperial palace complex consists of a number of
independent pavilions arranged in formal geometry on a piece of level ground,
a pattern derived from Arab and central Asian tent encampments. In its entirety,
the monuments at Fatehpur Sikri reflect the genius of Akbar in assimilating
diverse regional architectural influences within a holistic style that was uniquely
his own.
Shopping: The main markets for shopping in Agra are near the Taj Mahal
complex. These areas include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, and Munro Road.
Gangotri, the U.P State Emporium at the Taj Mahal Complex, offers a great
variety of marble, brassware, rugs, leather items, and textiles at reasonable
prices. The Shilpagram crafts village is another venue with a wide range of
handicrafts on sale, directly by the artisans themselves. U.P Handlooms and
UPICA at Sanjay Place on M.G. Road are other good venues to shop for
souvenirs.
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Jaipur—the Pink City
Jaipur is the largest city of Rajasthan and acquired its name, Pink City, because of the
extensive use of the color pink on the walls during the visit of the Prince of Wales.
The city exudes royalty, magnificence, and vibrancy with splendid fortresses,
majestic palaces, tranquil temples, lush gardens, beautiful havelis, exquisite
handicrafts, and spectacular jewelry. This city of Rajputs is well known for its fairs
and fests including the kite festival, camel festival, teej, gangaur, and elephant
festival.
Places of Interest
Amber Fort: The Amber Fort (also known as Amer Fort) is situated in Amer, which
is 11 kilometers from Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. The
fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain
charm to the entire Fort. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace.
Jantar Mantar: The Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest observatories
ever built. Combining religion, science, and art, the Jantar Mantar is the name given
to a series of five, magnificent structures built in Jaipur, New Delhi, Ujjan, Varanasi,
and Mathura.
Gaitore: Gaitore, one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur, is a royal
cremation ground for the Kachhwaha Rajput kings and the members of the royal
family. The word ‘Gaitore' is believed to be a mispronounced form of the Hindi
phrase, 'Gaye ka Thor' which means ‘resting place of the departed souls'.
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Jaigarh Fort: The Jaigarh Fort is a majestic stronghold built by Sawan Jai Singh
II. This almost-intact fort is surrounded by huge battlements and is connected
to the Amber Fort, with subterranean passages.
Shopping: Jaipur is recognized as the crafts capital of India and offers the best
traditional Rajasthani artwork and textiles. Its tie-n-dye and bandhej sarees,
kurtas, and dress materials are popular for their patterns and designs. Jaipur is
also famous for its traditional yet contemporary jewelry with Thewa and
Kundan being the most popular. Haldiyon Ka Rasta, M.I Road, Bapu Bazar,
and Kishanpol Bazar are some of the main bazaars in Jaipur. These are places
where you can find some excellent fabrics and carpets. Jaipur is specially
known for its camel leather products—a pair of 'jutis' or 'mojaris' from Jaipur
would make your trip worth the while.
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Chennai—the Cultural Capital of South India
The coastal city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil
Nadu state and is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. It is a major
commercial, cultural, economic, and educational center in India. The city grew
up around the English settlement of Fort St. George and gradually absorbed
the surrounding towns and villages. Despite the strong British influence,
Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil culture and effectively blended it
with the foreign influence.
Places of Interest
Fort St. George: The first bastion of British power in India, Fort St. George,
now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and offices of the State
Secretariat. The fort was first completed in 1654 and its walls have withstood
several fierce sieges. Fort St. George’s towering flagstaff is, even today, the
tallest in India. Glimpses of early Chennai are preserved in Clive Corner,
Wellesley House, Fort Museum, and St. Mary’s Church. The Fort owes its
present shape to the remodeling work done in 1749.
Marina Beach: The 4.5-kilometer long Marina beach is the second longest
beach in the world. Important landmarks, historic monuments, statues, and
architecturally striking parks line the beach offering a scenic spectacle. Some
of the old buildings along the beach road including The Senate House of the
University of Madras now house government offices, such as Ezhilagam and
the Director General of Police office.
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Mahabalipuram: This seventh-century port city of the South Indian dynasty of
the Pallavas is situated 60 kilometers south off Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is
believed to have been named after the Pallava King, Mamalla. It has various
historic monuments built largely between the seventh and ninth centuries, and
has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is especially known for
its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant
open-air reliefs such as the famous ‘Descent of the Ganges’, and the temple of
Rivage, with thousands of sculptures dedicated to the glory of Shiva.
Shopping: Chennai is a shopper’s delight with many shops worth visiting. For
conventional items and handicrafts, Government Emporiums offer wide variety
of choices at fixed prices. Victoria Technical Institute on Mount Road showcases
handicrafts from all over the country. Central Cottage Industries Emporium in
Temple Towers, also on Mount Road, offers good buys. SIPA’S Craftlink at
Kodambakkam High Road is South India’s first fair price shop, which supports
local artisans. You can buy variety of locally made handicrafts, textiles, and
papier-mâché items at reasonable prices. Cane ’n’ Bamboo at Egmore stocks
textiles and handicrafts sourced from charity-based craft cooperatives at lower
prices than most Emporiums.
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Bangalore—India’s Silicon Valley
Call it the Pensioner’s Paradise, Garden City, IT Hub, or Silicon Valley—we all
know it as Bangalore or Bengaluru, as it has been renamed now. It is here that
India witnessed its IT dream unfold.
The IT hub is draped over the Deccan Plateau at an altitude of 920 meters above
sea level, which gives it possibly the best climate among all other major cities in
India. Bangalore is famous for its green canopy which earned its name, Garden
City.
Places of Interest
The Bangalore Palace: The Bangalore Palace is a visual treat standing tall in all
its grandeur. Built by the Wodeyars, it resembles the Windsor Castle in England.
In 1884, it was bought by the Maharaja of Mysore, Chamaraja Wodeyar. The
sprawling palace, spread across 428 acres, is currently owned by the current scion
of the Mysore royal family, Srikanta Datta Narsimharaja Wadiyar.
Palace of Tipu Sultan: The palace was constructed first by Hyder Ali and
completed by his son Tipu Sultan in the year 1791. Tipu called it as ‘The Envy of
Heaven’. It is constructed mainly in wood and has intricately sculpted arches
surrounded by exquisite minarets.
The Bull Temple: This Dravidian style temple is famous for its mammoth bull
statue that was carved from a single boulder. Legend has it that the temple was
built to appease a marauding bull that stole local crops, and that the offering was
effective with the bull subsequently leaving the area. Since then, local farmers
have held an annual festival to express their gratitude.
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Vidhana Soudha: The Legislative House of the State of Karnataka, this granite
building was built in the 1950s. It is a marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and
one of the most imposing buildings not only in Bangalore but in India. An
interesting feature of this building is the grand stairs in front--a flight of 45 steps
62 m (204 ft) wide 21 m (70 ft) deep, giving direct access to the foyer of first floor
leading to an Assembly Chamber. The building has carved bases and capitals for
pillars, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, heavy pediments, and
domical finials, all characteristic of Dravidian architecture.
Shopping: The main shopping areas are Commercial Street, MG Road, Cauvery
Arts Emporium, and Brigade Road. Karnataka is famous for sandalwood, silk, and
gold and silver jewelry. Carved elephants, sandalwood soaps, and incense sticks
make good souvenirs. The Forum Mall in Koramangala and Bangalore Central and
Garuda Mall, off MG Road are good places to try your hand at branded goods and
garments. Kala Madhyam showcases tribal and folk art in hand crafted rural
products at Richards Town.
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Festivals & Event in India
Ganesh Chathurthi (September 19 –29, 2012): Ganesha Chaturthi, also known
as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the Hindu festival celebrated on the birthday
(re-birth) of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati.
The belief is that Lord Ganesha bestows his presence on earth for all his
devotees during this festival. Ganesha Chaturthi is the day Shiva declared his
son Ganesha as superior to all the gods, barring Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shiva, and
Parvati. Ganesha is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and
good fortune and traditionally invoked at the beginning of any new venture or
at the start of travel. The festival, also known as Ganeshotsav ("festival of
Ganesha") is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting
on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). The date
usually falls between August 19 and September 20. The festival lasts for 10 days,
ending on Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of the waxing moon period).
While celebrated all over India, Ganeshotsav is most elaborate in Maharashtra,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh.
Outside India, it is celebrated widely in Nepal and by Hindus in the United
States, Canada, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma , Fiji, and
Trinidad & Tobago.
Gandhi Jayanti (October 2, 2012): Gandhi Jayanti is a National Holiday
celebrated in India to mark the the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand
Gandhi, the "Father of the Nation." He was born on October 2, 1869. The
holiday is one of the three official declared National Holidays of India and is
observed in all Indian states and union territories. The United Nations General
Assembly announced on June 15, 2007 a resolution which declared the 2nd of
October the International Day of Non-Violence.
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Navaratri (October 16 – 23, 2012): Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship
of the Hindu deity Shakti. The word Navaratri means nine nights in Sanskrit,
nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten
days, nine forms of Shakti are worshiped. The 10th day is commonly referred
to as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are two very important
junctions of climatic and solar influence. These two periods are taken as sacred
opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother. The dates of the festival
are determined according to the lunar calendar.
Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India. In North India, all
three Navaratris are celebrated with much fervor by fasting on all nine days
and worshiping the Mother Goddess in her different forms. The Navaratri
festival in Gujarat is one of the main festivals. Garba is dance which people do
with groups and live orchestra or devotional songs.
Dussehra (October 24, 2012): Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is a major
Indian festival celebrated on the tenth day of the Ashvin month according to
the Hindu calendar. This day falls in the month of September or October. The
day culminates a 9 day fasting period of Navaratri in the Hindu culture. The
day also coincides with immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga. The day is
celebrated to commemorate the killing of Ravana by Lord Rama. The day also
celebrates the killing of demon Mahishasur by Goddess Durga. Dussehra
spreads the message of the victory of good over sin.
It is believed that the celebration of Dussehra started in the 17th century, when
the king of Mysore ordered the celebration of the day on a grand scale. Ever
since, the day is celebrated with great fervor and energy.
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Bon Appétit
Satiate your taste buds with Mughlai dishes and regional delicacies at the following restaurants
and hotels. These places also serve excellent intercontinental and contemporary cuisine.
Delhi / Noida
Hotel
Restaurant Name
Cuisine
The Hotel Maurya
Bukhara
The Maurya
Indian (North - West Frontier)
Indian (Awadh Cuisine)
Shangri-la
19 Oriental Avenue
Oriental
Radisson MBD
Made In India
Indian
The Oberoi
Travetino
Taipan
Italian
Chinese
Bangalore
Vivanta by Taj
Terracotta
Contemporary, Indian,
North Indian
Gateway by Taj
Karavali
Coastal Indian
Vivanta by Taj,
M.G. Road
Café Mozaic
Graze
Memories of China
Multi-cuisine
European Fine Dining
Pan-Asian
International, Indian
Leela
Bangalore
Pan-Asian
North and South Indian
ITC Windsor
Royal Afgan
North West Frontier
Chennai
Taj Fisherman's Cove
Upper Deck
Barbeque & Grill
Taj Connemara
Hip Asia
The Raintree
South East Asian
Indian, South Indian
Taj Coromandel
Prego
Italian
Radisson GRT
The Great Kebab Factory
Awadhi - Package
Park Sheraton
Dakshin
South Indian
Chola Sheraton
Peshawri
North Indian Frontier
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Helpful Tips
Climate and clothing recommendations
The nation is largely subject to four seasons: winter (January and February), summer (March
to May), a monsoon/rainy season (June to September), and a post-monsoon period (October
to December). However, due to the geographical diversity of India, regional climate
conditions in the extreme north, east and west varies from the general conditions.
It would be best to pack light cottons to beat the humidity, light woollens for those chilly
nights in the north, and an umbrella or rain cheaters for the cheeky monsoon showers.
Local sentiments
Indians are warm and friendly people who treat their guests very well. They are excellent hosts
and extremely helpful people. Each Indian region has a different dialect, but English is widely
spoken and understood everywhere. However, it will make a big difference if you learn a few
phrases in Hindi or the local language of the state you are travelling in, such as "Thank you"
and "yes, please". Using the local greeting "namaste" for hello and goodbye is always
appreciated.
Money changing
Get your currency converted from authorized foreign exchange dealers and banks. You can
check out the list of authorized forex dealers in india at
www.rbi.org.in/commonman/English/scripts/authorizeddealers.aspx. Also, you are advised to
keep the encashment certificates handy. Most hotels provide currency exchange services.
Medical insurance
If you get hospitalized, you could be faced with unexpected costs. Keep in mind that most of
the Indian hospitals and clinics may not accept your medical cards and would request you to
pay cash. Hence, before visiting to India, you may want to check with your insurance
company whether they make the payment overseas or reimburse the amount later.
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Currency in India
The Indian rupee (sign code: INR) is the official currency of the Republic of India. The
issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India
The modern rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa), although this division is now
theoretical; as of 30 June 2011, coin denominations of less than 50 paise ceased to be legal
tender. Banknotes are available in nominal values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees.
Rupee coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 100 and 1000; of these, the 100 and
1000 coins are for commemorative purposes only; the only other rupee coin has a nominal
value of 50 paise, since lower denominations have been officially withdrawn.
The Indian rupee symbol (officially adopted in 2010) is derived from the Devanagari
consonant " " (Ra) with an added horizontal bar. The symbol can also be derived from the
Latin consonant "R" by removing the vertical line, and adding two horizontal bars (like the
symbols for the Japanese yen and the euro). The first series of coins with the rupee symbol was
launched on 8 July 2011.
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You can exchange foreign currency for Indian Rupees both before and after customs in the
arrival hall of Terminal 3. In the baggage claim area before customs there is a Thomas Cook
counter (toward the right) and a Central Bank of India counter (toward the left). I believe the
latter does not charge a commission fee for the exchange. Both counters should be open 24
hours, which is helpful since most international flights get into Delhi late at night or after
midnight. Outside of customs there are also two more counters, Thomas Cook and Central
Bank of India again.
Terminal 3 also features ATMs both before and after customs.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Do keep your HCL contact person informed, if you want to explore the city on your own.
• Do use adaptors for electrical goods, please check voltage before using electrical
appliances. 220-240 Volts (AC) is the standard voltage available in India. Please carry the
voltage adaptor accordingly. Round pin plugs (unlike inverted “V” flat pins used in
Australia/ New Zealand) are used in India.
• Do bargain with street vendors. In shops, when buying in bulk, ask for a discount
Shopkeepers usually oblige.
• Do choose to shop at Govt. Emporium and Fixed Price shops to ensure quality &
reasonable prices.
• Don't buy articles made from rare or endangered species or animals; it is banned in India.
• Do tip if you are happy with the staff and the hotel services. In restaurants and hotels, tips
are commonly pooled and shared by all working staff. When in doubt, 10 % of the total
bill will do nicely.
• Do check about photography permission / video filming at any historical monument.
• Do feel free to shake hands when greeting others in the office. It is permissible, between
friends, for a male to touch another male with his right hand, however, to avoid offense,
do not touch anyone of the opposite sex.
• Don’t export Indian currency.
• Please do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
• Do keep your valuables and passports in hotel lockers/safe deposit vaults.
• Do inform the hotel and get in touch with the HCL contact person in case of loss or
damage of any document.
• Don’t smoke in public places or vehicles, laws vary from state to state.
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Hello, I’m from HCL! We work behind the scenes, helping our customers to shift paradigms and start revolutions. We use
digital engineeringto build superhuman capabilities. We make surethat therateofprogress far exceeds theprice. And right
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