Eicher Budha P 160-169 agn.pmd

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
When to come to India
The best time to come to India is between
October and March.
During the winter months of December
and January, the day temperatures, in the
plains of north India are around 18°C
(64°F) and could go down to below 2°C
(35.6°F) at night.
The summer months of May and June are
hot, and the temperature can rise as high
as 46°C (115°F). As walls burn from the
intensity of the sun, the overhanging dust
clouds trap the heat.
After the scorching heat, monsoons
arrive towards the end of June and the
rainy season stretches till late August to
early September.
What to wear
India does not have a fixed dress code.
The sari and salwar-kameez are the main
attire for Indian women, though
increasingly women are opting for western
wear, like jeans and trousers with loose
tops or kurtis, especiallly in larger towns
and cities. For men, kurta and pyjama,
with sandals or chappals, is the most
common attire. In cities, however, men
have taken to wearing trousers and
shirts.
It would be sensible to wear comfortable
clothes which do not attract unnecessary
attention. Carry enough warm clothes with
you if you’re travelling in December and
January. Loose cotton clothes that are
cool and protect the hands and legs from
the heat and the dust are the best
summer wear. It is advisable to wear a
scarf or a hat to protect one’s head from
the blazing heat of the Indian summer.
Before coming to India
There are a few things you need to take
care of before travelling to India.
Time Zone
Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5½
hours ahead of Greenwich Mean
Time (GMT) and 10½ hours ahead of
US Eastern Standard Time. IST is
4½ hours behind Australian Eastern
Standard Time, 3½ hours behind
Japanese Standard Time and 1½
hours behind Thai Standard Time.
Despite its vast geographical
territory, India has just one time
zone, and no daylight saving time
in summer.
Visa Extension
The 180-day tourist visa is usually nonextendable but can be extended for a
maximum of 15 days in exigencies. A valid
onward ticket must, however, be produced
as proof of the intention to depart India’s
shores.
The 15-day extension on the 6-month visa is
issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, New
Delhi, the local State Government and
Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office
(FRRO). The FRRO is open on weekdays,
9.30 am to 1.30 pm and 2 pm to 3 pm.
For more information see
immigrationindia.nic.in
New Delhi: FRRO
East Block 8, Level-II
Sector-I, RK Puram
Ph 26711443
Kolkata: FRRO
237 AJC Bose Road
Ph 22470549
Chennai: FRRO
Shastri Bhawan
Haddows Road, Nungambakkam
Ph 23454970
Mumbai: FRRO
3rd floor, Special Branch Building
Badruddin Tayabji lane
Behind St. Xavier’s College
Ph 22621169
Travel Insurance
Visa
The tourist visa is normally given for six
months. The 15-day single/double entry
visa is issued only to bonafide transit
passengers. Tourist groups of not less
than four people travelling under the
auspices of a recognised travel agency
may be considered for a collective tourist
visa.
A visa is given for a period during which
the passport is valid. So, if the validity of
the passport runs out before the visa
expires, a new visa is not issued. The
visa is valid for 180 days from the date of
its issue, and not from the date of entry
into India, unless specified otherwise.
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Take a travel insurance policy, covering
theft and loss, before coming to India. Also
buy a medical insurance.
There are several kinds of insurance
policies. Make the right choice after
consulting a reliable travel agent in your
country.
Driving Licence
A valid International Driving Licence is
necessary if you wish to drive a car or a
motorcycle in India and it is advisable to
get one before coming. It you do not have
an International Driving Licence and still
wish to drive in India, you can get a
Temporary Driving Licence, provided you
are carrying a valid driving licence of your
country. You may still be required to give a
test to check your knowledge of road
signs.
Health
Your health during your travel in India
depends on three things: precautions taken
before arrival, day-to-day health care, and
efficiency in tackling emergencies.
No particular vaccination is required for
coming to India. However, visitors from
designated countries in Africa, South
America and Papua New Guinea, even if
they are on transit, are required to bring
valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificates.
In the absence of this certificate they will
be quarantined for six days.
Precautionary medication is the best bet
against common ailments like diarrhoea,
dysentery and malaria. Malaria is a
problem in India during the rainy season.
So, if you are coming at that time of the
year, do consult your doctor for precautionary anti-malarial medication. While in
India, use mosquito repellent ointment.
If you are not already vaccinated against
hepatitis B, get it done before travelling.
Those not accustomed to Indian conditions
are usually vulnerable to stomach
problems. It is advisable to seek qualified
medical advice before travelling and carry
your own first-aid kit.
For travel health, use your common sense.
Take care of what you eat or drink. This is
the most important health rule. Water is
suspect, therefore, it is best to carry your
own mineral water. Bottled mineral water
and aerated drinks are easily available and
are a good substitute for regular water. Hot
tea and coffee are also good alternatives.
Diarrhoea is the most common stomach
ailment. Take a three or five-day course of
anti-diarrhoea tables duly prescribed by a
doctor.
Diarrhoea leads to dehydration. So, along
with medication, drink a lot of water with
salt and sugar. There are some restrictions
on your diet, too. Alcohol, milk, meat, fried
and spicy foods should be avoided. If the
bout of upset stomach persists, get a stool
test done because it might be amoebic
dysentery. The tropical sun is extremely
strong during the summer months, so
guard against sun stroke and dehydration.
Wear a hat and dark glasses when you go
out. Drink lots of non-alcoholic liquids,
water and fruit juice. Allow sweat to
evaporate, wear loose cotton clothes. Use
sun screen lotions and talcum powder as
a precaution against prickly heat rash.
Things you can bring into India
Visitors can bring in articles for personal
use, including a reasonable quantity of
jewellery, a pair of binoculars, a portable
musical instrument, a portable radio, a
tape recorder, a laptop and professional
equipment.
On arrival, you will have to give an
undertaking on a Tourist Baggage ReExport (TBRE) form, available with
Customs officials at the airport, that you
will take these items back when you leave.
This form, along with the articles that are
entered in it, have to be shown to the
Customs officials at the time of departure.
Designated ‘high-value articles’ are also
allowed in, but on a written undertaking
that they will be taken back at the time of
departure. Please obtain a Landing
Certificate if you are expecting unaccompanied baggage and for mishandled
baggage.
You can bring in 200 cigarettes (or 50
cigars or 250 gms of tobacco) and liquor
and wines up to 32 oz (1 litre).
You are allowed to bring in any amount of
foreign currency in cash or travellers
cheques. However, if you are carrying
more than US $ 10,000 (or equivalent),
you have to declare it on arrival. Fill up the
Currency Declaration Form (CDF) which is
to be attested by the Customs Officer.
Indian currency cannot be brought in nor
taken out of the country.
Things you can take back
Export Regulations
A visitor can take back the following
goods:
(A) Souvenirs (including Indian silk, wool,
handicrafts, etc.) without any limit.
(B) Gold jewellery and silverware up to a
value of Rs 100,000 (and in excess of
that only after obtaining a permit from
the RBI, the Indian central bank).
(C) Other jewellery and precious stones.
If of high value, these should be
appraised by the Customs Appraiser at
the airport before departure. As a
general rule, get an RBI permit for
goods of high value. There are
restrictions on the export of antiques
and art objects which are more than
100 years old. In case of doubt, consult
the Director, Antiquities, Archaeological Survey of India Janpath, New
Delhi (Ph 23010822). It is advisable to
get a certificate of proof. Export of
most wildlife products is either
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prohibited or strictly regulated. Do not
buy articles made of ivory, reptile, tiger
or deer skin, tortoise shell or
shahtoosh shawls made by killing the
Tibetan antelope.
Tax Clearance Certificate
If you stay in India for more than 120
days (four months), from the date of issue
of the visa, regardless of your date of
entry into India, you will be required to
furnish a tax clearance certificate to leave
the country. This is to prove that you did
not earn money while in India and that
your trip was financed with the money
brought in. If you are planning to stay in
India for more than four months, be
careful with your documents relating to
travel finance.
If you are not an Indian passport holder
and you are planning to stay in India for
more than four months, apply for the
certificate at the Income Tax Department,
Central Revenue Building (ITO), Vikas
Marg, New Delhi. (Ph 23705836,
23379713).
STD CODES
New Delhi
Kolkata
Chennai
Mumbai
Bangalore
Hyderabad
Lucknow
011
033
044
022
080
040
0522
Tourist Information Office
Govt. of UP
Chanderlok Bldg, 36 Janpath
Ph 23322251/23711296
Tourist Information Office
Govt. of Bihar
Room No. 6
Hotel Janpath
Ph 23368371
Airlines Offices
Air India
Malhotra Building
F Block, Connaught Place
Ph 23310517
Airport Ph 25675121
Jet Airways
Jetair House, 13 Community Centre
Yusuf Sarai
Ph 39841111
Airport Ph 25675504
Kingfisher
N 42, Outer Circle
Connaught Place
Opp. Statesman Building
Ph 23730238
Airport Ph 25674841
Indigo
Level 1, Tower C
Global Business Park
Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Gurgaon
Ph 0124 4352500
Airport Ph 25671579/80
SpiceJet
319, Udyog Vihar
Phase IV, Gurgaon
Ph +91 9871803333
KOLKATA
Arriving in India by Air
DELHI
Delhi airport is called Indira Gandhi
International Airport. It has two terminals:
T1 and T3. Some low-cost domestic
airlines including Spicejet, Indigo and
GoAir operate from T1, while all other
domestic and international departures and
arrivals are handled through T3.
For queries call 124-3376000. For online
enquiries visit www.newdelhiairport.in
Airport Express
The Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line
links the IGI Airport to New Delhi Rly
Station.
Tourist Information Offices
Tourist Office, Govt. of India
88 Janpath, Ph 23320005
Ashok Travels & Tours (ITDC)
3rd Floor, Jeevan Vihar
3 Parliament Street, Ph 23748165/55
162
Kolkata Airport is called Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose Airport, and is 22 kms from
the city centre (BBD Bagh). It has two
terminals, International and Domestic,
located in the same building.
Airport Enquiry
Customer Care Helpline
Ph 25118787
Airlines Offices
Air India
Airlines House
39 Chittaranjan Avenue
Ph 22110810
Airport Ph 25119721
Jet Airways
Stephen Court, 18D Park Street
Ph 22171344
Airport Ph 25119895/96
Kingfisher
Wallace House, 4 Banckshell Street
Ph 22486551
Airport Ph 25113023
Tourist Information Offices
Tourist Office, Govt. of India
Embassy, 4 Shakespeare Sarani
Ph 22825813/7731
Tourism Centre, Govt. of West Bengal
3/2 BBD Bagh East
Ph 22488271/72/73
Tourist Office, Govt. of Bihar
Neel Kanth Bhawan, 26B Camac Street
Ph 22803304
Tourist Office, Govt. of UP
12-A Netaji Subhash Bose Road
Ph 22485917/8271
CHENNAI
Chennai airport is in Meenambakkam,
16 kms from the city centre. Both Domestic
and International Terminals are in the
same building. The Domestic Terminal is
called Kamraj terminal and the
International Terminal is called Arignar
Anna International Terminal.
Airport Enquiry
Customer Care
City Office
Ph 22560551
Ph 26202622
Airlines Offices
Air India
19 Rukmani Lakshmipati Road
Egmore
Ph 28578165/66
Airport Ph 22561971
Jet Airways
Thapar House,
43/44 Montieth Road
Egmore
Ph 28587920
Airport Ph 22568020
Spice Jet
Murasoli Maran Towers
73 MRC Nagar Main Road
MRC Nagar
Airport Ph 22561691
Tourist Information Offices
29 kms from the city centre (Nariman
Point). The Domestic Terminal is 6 kms
from the International Terminal.
Airport Enquiry
Customer Care
Ph 66851010
For online queries visit www.csia.in
Airlines Offices
Air India
Air India Building
Nariman Point
Ph 22028031
Airport Ph 26168000
Jet Airways
Amarchand Mansion
Madame Cama Road
Colaba
Ph 39893333
Kingfisher
Kingfisher House
Next to Nanagiri Guest House
Western Express Highway
Vile Parle
Ph 26262200
Airport Ph 26156966
Go Air
Paper Box House
Off Mahakali Caves Road
Andheri(E)
Ph 67420499/0300
Airport Ph 26264789/4790
Tourist Information Offices
Tourist Office, Govt. of India
123 M Karve Road
Ph 22032932/22033144
Tourist Office, Govt. of Maharashtra
Express Towers, 9th floor
Nariman Point
Ph 22024482/4522
Tourist Office, Govt. of UP
38, World Trade Centre
Cuffe Parade, Colaba
Ph 22185458
Airline websites and help-lines
Tourist Office, Govt. of India
154 Anna Salai
Ph 28278884
Air India
Website: www.airindia.in
Helpline: 18001801407
Tourist Office, Govt. of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Tourism Complex
No. 2 Wallajah Road
Ph 25383333/4444
Kingfisher
Website: www.flykingfisher.com
Helpline: 18002009000
Tourist Office, Govt. of UP
28 Commander-in-Chief Road
Ph 28283276
MUMBAI
Mumbai airport, recently renamed
Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, has two
terminals, International and Domestic.
The International Terminal is at Sahar,
JetKonnect
Website: www.jetkonnect.com
Helpline: 1800223020
Indigo
Website: www.goindigo.in
Helpline: 18001803838, +91 9910383838
Jet Airways
Website: www.jetairways.com
Helpline: 1800225522 (for queries related to
international flights), 39893333 (across
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Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad,
Bangalore and Kolkata)
Go Air
Website: www.goair.in
Helpline: 1800222111, +91 9223222111
SpiceJet
Website: www.spicejet.com
Helpline: 18001803333, +91 9871803333
Customs
There are two channels for customs
clearance at International terminals in
Indian airports: Green Channel and Red
Channel.
Green Channel: This is for unhindered exit
from the airport. You can walk through the
Green Channel if you are not carrying
goods which attract customs duty.
Red Channel: For those who have
anything to declare, including money worth
more than US $10,000.
Air India offers a 25% concession on the
basic fare to foreign students. Air India
also offers two special travel packages:
Discover India Fare: Rs. 22,000 for 7
days
Rs. 33,000 for 15 days
Rs. 44,000 for 21 days
(Taxes extra)
India Wonderfare: Rs. 16,500 plus taxes
(zone-wise) for 7 days of unlimited travel.
Port Blair is not included in this
scheme.
Rail
The Indian Railways run a gigantic,
modern and organised network which
connects the metros to most major and
minor destinations within India.
Rail reservations start from 90 days
before the date of travel. Reservations
can be cancelled up to 24 hours before
the train leaves, but a nominal cancellation fee has to be paid.
Transfer from Airports
Buddhist Tourist Train
Taxis: There are pre-paid taxi counters in
the arrival area of all major airports. It is a
good idea to hire a pre-paid taxi to avoid
being over-charged. Most major cities
have metred radio-cabs available which
are usually quite safe. Popular radio-cab
services in the cities include Meru,
EasyCabs, Aarya etc.
Indian Railways runs the tourist train,
Mahapirinirvan Express, which takes
passengers on a pilgrimage to all the
major Buddhist sites. There are three
fare options available at per night
rates: $160 for AC First Class, $130
for AC Second Class, and $110 for
AC Third Class.
Auto rickshaws: They carry up to three
passengers and are cheaper than cabs.
They are available outside some Indian
airports though the fare may have to be
negotiated.
The pilgrimage lasts for eight days
and the fare includes food,
accommodation and guided tours.
Travel Within India
Route: Delhi - Gaya (Bodh Gaya,
Nalanda, Rajgir) - Varanasi (Sarnath) Gorakhpur (Lumbini, Kushinagar) Gonda (Sravasti) - Agra - Delhi.
To book a tour, call 011-23701100 or
visit www.railtourismindia.com.
Air
There are several airlines that fly to
domestic destinations. The biggest is Air
India, a state-owned domestic carrier.
Other major flyers are Jet Airways and
Indigo.
Hand Baggage: In all domestic flights,
passengers are allowed one piece of hand
baggage. All baggage is subject to
security check whether carried by hand or
booked in the hold.
Baggage Allowance: Domestic airlines
allow 20 kgs check-in baggage for
Economy Class and 30 kgs for Business
Class. Excess baggage is charged as per
the schedule available at the airline’s
counter.
The reporting time for all domestic flights
is 60 minutes prior to departure.
164
Train tickets must be bought before you
enter the train. You will be penalised if you
do not have one and intend to buy it on
board.
International Tourist Bureau
(Ph 42625156) on the first floor of New
Delhi railway station is open Monday
through Saturday, 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Tickets here are issued only to foreign
nationals and non-resident Indians against
payment in US dollars, Pound Sterling and
Indian Rupees.
Such tickets get a priority on reservation
under the Foreign Tourist Quota and are
exempted from reservation fees.
Indrail Passes for travel in India by train
can be booked in India or abroad. The fare
has to be paid in either US dollars or
Pound Sterling. The passes are valid for
7 to 90 days. You can buy Indrail passes
at the railway reservation offices in New
Delhi and Varanasi.
(See www.indianrailways.gov.in)
equals 100 paise. Coins in common use are
those of ` 5, 2 and 1. The 50, 25, 20 and
10 paise coins have become redundant in
big cities, but they still have value in
smaller towns and in rural India.
Tips or Baksheesh
Indrail Pass Prices in US $
Days Air-cond. 1st class 2nd class
7
15
21
30
60
90
270
370
395
495
800
1060
135
185
198
275
400
530
80
90
100
125
185
235
Porters: All stations have a licenced porter
facility. They sport a metal armband with a
number on it. It is advisable to use the
services of the licenced porter or coolie.
If you are arriving by a late night train and
happen to be in an Indian railway station for
the first time, railway stations are possibly
the safest place to stay until morning. There
are Upper Class Waiting Rooms in all
stations, as well as Retiring Rooms.
Transport from the Station : Taxis and
auto rickshaws are available in major
railway stations. Buses are also available
but they are likely to be crowded.
Getting Around
According to a recent study, there are over
15 different modes of transportation by
which people manoeuvre their way around
India, ranging from the latest model of the
Mercedes Benz to the humble bullock cart.
The level of noise in the streets of an
Indian city may unnerve the first time
visitor.
Auto Rickshaw: No visit to India can be
complete without a ride on an auto
rickshaw – a three-wheeled, black-andyellow canopied contraption. These little
vehicles are allowed to carry up to three
passengers at a time. Auto rides are no joy
rides, especially over bumpy roads with no
discretion shown for speed. They are,
however, a cheap way to travel from point
to point.
Cycle Rickshaw: Cycle rickshaws are a
common sight in most parts of urban and
rural India. They are a convenient means
of covering short distances. Not only do
they precariously balance 2 to 3 people,
but often carry merchandise as well.
Money
There is no rule which compels you to
tip anyone for any service rendered.
Courtesy demands that you tip a
waiter in a restaurant or hotel. The
general norm is to pay 10% of the
billed amount. Taxis, auto rickshaws,
public transport staff, government
officials or private service providers
are not expected to be tipped. It is
entirely up to you to tip someone for
services rendered.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are becoming increasingly
popular in urban areas. All major
international credit cards like Visa,
MasterCard, Amex are accepted.
ATMs
All major cities have ATMs for both
domestic and multinational banks that are
open 24 hours.
Banks
Banks are open from 10 am to 4 pm
Monday to Friday and 10 am to 1 pm
Saturdays. Private banks however are
open for 10-12 hours a day. Banks are
closed on Sundays and national holidays.
Communications
Post Offices
The main post offices in large towns
provide a wide range of facilities, like
telegraph, fax and a courier service which
operates under the brand name EMSSpeed Post.
All Post Offices are open from 10 am
to 5pm Monday to Saturday.
Major private international courier services
like DHL, Blue Dart also operate in India.
Email
Most major cities have numerous cyber
cafés which allow you to access the
internet for a nominal fee.
Indian Currency
Telephone
Indian currency is called the Rupee (`). It
is available in denominations of 1000, 500,
100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. One rupee
ISD (international), STD (Domestic long
distance), and local telephone call booths
are available all over India.
165
The rates for international calls are fixed,
but calls within the country are charged on a
pulse rate which varies for different cities,
and different times of the day.
Most booths remain open till midnight.
Some of these booths have facilities for
sending and receiving fax messages.
Emergencies
Hospitals
Indian cities have government as well as
privately run hospitals and nursing homes.
The government hospitals have modern
medical facilities, but due to large patient
turnout, medical assistance is slow.
Police Assistance Booths
Police assistance booths are located at
the airports, railway stations and near the
major bus stops.
Lost articles: In case of loss or theft,
especially vital documents like passports, an
FIR (First Information Report) must be filed
at the Police Station nearest to the place
where the loss occurred. In case of loss of
documents the embassy or high commission
concerned must be immediately informed.
Phrase Book: English - Hindi
In Emergencies
help!
bachao!
stop
rukho
medicines
davai
Please call a doctor /
ambulance
doctor / ambulance ko
bulaiye
Where is the nearest
hospital?
nazdeek hospital kahan
hain?
I’m not feeling well
Meri tabiyat theek nahin
hai
Where is ....?
Kahan hai...?
When will... be back?
...vaapas kab ayenge?
Call the police
Police ko bulaiye
Do you have change?
Khule paise milenge?
Do you have...
Aap ke paas...hain?
How much does this cost?
Yeh kitne ka hai?
Do you take credit cards?
Aap credit card lete hain?
I’m just looking
Main sirf dekh rahan hoon
Communication
Essentials
greetings
yes
no
thank you
money
time
day
night
morning
evening
Useful Phrases
afternoon
today
How are you?
tomorrow
Aap kaise hain?
yesterday
Very well, thank you
here
Hum theek hain,
there
dhanyavad.
food
What is your name?
water
Aap ka naam kya hai?
girl
My name is ...
boy
Mera naam ... hai
woman
See you
man
Phir milenge
who
What is the time?
why
Kitna baja hai?
what
Where are you from?
where
Aap kahan se aaye hain?
when
Do you speak English?
how
Kya aap angreji bolte hain?
one/two
166
namaste/
namaskar
han
nahin
dhanyavad/
shukriya
paisa / rupaye
samay
din
raat
subah
shaam
dopeher
aaj
kal
kal
idhar/yahan
udhar / wahan
khana
paani
ladki
ladka
aurat
aadmi
kaun
kyon
kya
kahan
kab
kaise
ek/do
Shopping
What is this?Yeh kya
hain?
clothes
kapda
shoes
joota
big
bara
small
chhota
black
kala
white
safed
red
lal
blue
neela
yellow
peela
green
hara
Useful Words
hot
cold
good
bad
open
close
left
right
near
far
up
down
outside
inside
fast
slow
car
bus
road
way
house
door
fan
electricity
train
aeroplane
garam
thanda
achcha
bura
khula
bandh
baayen
daayen
paas
dur
oopar
neeche
bahar
andar
jaldi
dheere
gadi
bus
sarak
raasta
ghar / makaan
darwaaza
pankha
bijlee
train /
rail gadi
hawai jahaj
Embassies & High Commissions in Delhi
Consular offices in Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai
Australia
1/50 G Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 41399900
Bangalore Ph 2076620
Kolkata Ph 24763768
Chennai Ph 45921300
Mumbai Ph 67574955
Germany
6/50 G Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 44199199
Kolkata Ph 24791141
Chennai Ph 24301600
Mumbai Ph 22832422
Greece
Austria
EP 32
EP 13 Chandragupta Marg Dr S Radhakrishnan Marg
Chanakyapuri
Chanakyapuri
Ph 24192700
Ph 26880700/04
Kolkata Ph 22822476
Kolkata Ph 22831541
Chennai Ph 28334501/02 Chennai Ph 28203663
Mumbai Ph 22874758/59 Mumbai Ph 26607852
Bangladesh
EP-39
Dr. Radha Krishnan Marg
Ph 24121389-94
Kolkata Ph 4127500
Belgium
50 N Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 42428000/8100
Kolkata Ph 22902628
Chennai Ph 22827531/32
Mumbai Ph 24212115
Bhutan
Chandragupta Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 26889230
Kolkata Ph 22902628/7718
(customs office)
Cambodia
W-112 Greater Kailash
Part II
Ph 29214436/35
Canada
7/8 Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 41782000
Bangalore Ph 25599418
Kolkata Ph 22426820
Chennai Ph 28330888
Mumbai Ph 67494444
China
50 D Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 26112345
Kolkata Ph 40048169
Mumbai Ph 56324303
Indonesia
50 A Kautilya Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 26118642/46
Kolkata Ph 24148681
Chennai Ph 22341095
Mumbai Ph 23511678
Myanmar
3/50 F Nyaya Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 24678822/23
Kolkata Ph 24851656
South Africa
B 18 Vasant Marg
Vasant Vihar
Ph 26149411/19
Mumbai Ph 23513725/26
Nepal
Barakhamba Road
Ph 23329969/7361
Kolkata Ph 24561103/24
South Korea
9 Chandragupta Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 26885374/5376
Kolkata Ph 22488220
Chennai Ph 24361224
Mumbai Ph 23886743
The Netherlands
6/50 F Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 24197600
Kolkata Ph 22897020
Chennai Ph 42112770
Mumbai Ph 22194200
New Zealand
Sir Edmund Hillary Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 46883165
Chennai Ph 28112472
Mumbai Ph 61316668
Ireland
230 Jor Bagh
Ph 24626741/43
Bangalore Ph 28523425
Mumbai Ph 56355635
Nigeria
Plot No. EP4,
Chandragupta Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 24122142/44
Israel
3 Aurangzeb Road
Ph 30414500
Kolkata Ph 22850028
Mumbai Ph 22822822
Norway
50 C Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 41779200
Kolkata Ph 24656280
Chennai Ph 25245314,
25232981/2982
Mumbai Ph 24389712
Italy
50 E Chandragupta Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 26114355/4359
Goa Ph 2438944
Kolkata Ph 24792414
Chennai Ph 24331120
Mumbai Ph 23804071
Japan
50 G Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 26876581
Kolkata Ph 24211970
Chennai Ph 24323860
Mumbai Ph 23517101
Laos
A 104/7 Maharani Bagh
Ph 41327352
Denmark
11 Golf Links
Ph 42090700, 23010899
Kolkata Ph 22487476/77/78
Chennai Ph 28128140/41
Mumbai Ph 22614462,
22685657
Malaysia
50 M Satya Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 26111291/92
Bangalore Ph 2075181
Chennai Ph 28226888
Mumbai Ph 26455751/52
France
2/50 E Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 24196100
Kolkata Ph 40163200
Mumbai Ph 66694000
Mongolia
34 Archbishop Makarios Marg
Ph 24631728, 24617989
Kolkata Ph 22407083
Mumbai Ph 22042554
Pakistan
2/50 G Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 26110601/03
Philippines
50 N Nyaya Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 24101120, 26889091
Kolkata Ph 22802546
Chennai Ph 22354063
Mumbai Ph 22024792
Portugal
4 Panchsheel Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 46015403
Kolkata Ph 24797564
Russia
15 E Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 26873799/3802
Kolkata Ph 24797006
Chennai Ph 24982330
Mumbai Ph 23633628
Singapore
E 6 Chandragupta Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 46000800/ 0915
Chennai Ph 28158207/08
Mumbai Ph 22043205/09
Spain
12 Prithviraj Road
Ph 41293000
Kolkata Ph 24695954
Chennai Ph 24942008
Mumbai Ph 22871089
Sri Lanka
27 Kautilya Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 23010201/03
Chennai Ph 24987896
Mumbai Ph 22045861
Sweden
4-5 Nyaya Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 24197100
Kolkata Ph 22807136/9
Chennai Ph 28112232/0294
Mumbai Ph 24915313
Switzerland
Nyaya Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 49959500
Kolkata Ph 22260437,
22295542
Thailand
F-4/5
Vasant Vihar
Ph 26150130
Kolkata Ph 24403229/7836
Chennai Ph 42300730/40/80
Mumbai Ph 22823535,
22810808
United Kingdom
Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 24192100, 26872161
Kolkata Ph 22885172
Chennai Ph 42192151
Mumbai Ph 66502222
United States of America
Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
Ph 24198000
Kolkata Ph 39842400
Chennai Ph 28574242
Mumbai Ph 23633611
Vietnam
17 Kautilya Marg
Chanakyapuri
Ph 23019818/2123
Mumbai Ph 26208549
167
Come to India.
SUNDERBANS AND DOOARS
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Outside Key Monastry, Spiti; Cave 26, Ajanta;
86
Monks
gathered for prayers at Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
W
WALK with the BUDDHA
Siliguri
87
TRAVELLER'S NEEDS
The Buddhist sites in India are located in the two states of Bihar
and Uttar Pradesh. For travellers wanting to tread the path of the
Buddha, the journey begins at either of the two entry points to
the circuit, Patna in Bihar or Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
Patna, the capital of Bihar in eastern India, provides easy access
to the most important centre of Buddhism, Bodh Gaya. Rajgir,
Nalanda and Vaishali, the other important sites, are also easily
accessible from Patna.
Varanasi, in the adjoining state of Uttar Pradesh, is only 10 kms
from Sarnath, where the Buddha first preached the eternal
Dharma. His birthplace, Lumbini (now in Nepal), Kushinagar, the
site of his Mahaparinirvana and the sacred sites of Kapilavastu
and Sravasti can also be covered.
PATNA
Important Train Connections
Train Nos/Train Names
Arriving by Air
Patna Airport is 8 kms from the city centre
(Gandhi Maidan). Patna is connected by
air to Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi,
Varanasi and Lucknow.
Domestic Airlines Offices
Air India
South of Gandhi Maidan
Ph 2222554/2226433 Fax 2227310
Airport Ph 2228939/2223199
JetKonnect (airport office)
JPN International Airport
Ph 2223045/46
Fax 2223047
Airport Ph 2221988/8308
Air connections from Patna
Patna-Kolkata
S2 3513 JetKonnect Daily
6E 342 Indigo Daily
Patna-Delhi-Mumbai
6E 191 Indigo Daily
Patna-Kolkata-Ranchi
S2 3513 JetKonnect Daily
Arriving by Train
Patna Junction Railway Station is about
2.5 kms from Gandhi Maidan. Patna is
connected by train to all major cities.
Patna Railway Station has a fully
computerised Reservation Centre.
Railway Enquiry Ph 131, 133, 139
Reservations Ph 2230877
170
New Delhi-Patna via Varanasi
2392/2391 Shramjeevi Express
New Delhi-Patna via Mughal Sarai
2309/2310 Patna Rajdhani Exp
New Delhi-Howrah
2305/2306 Kolkata Rajdhani Exp
New Delhi-Patna
2401/2402 Magadh Exp
New Delhi-Howrah via Patna
2304/2303 Poorva Exp
Mumbai-Patna
2141/2142 Rajendra Nagar Exp
Note:
Not all the trains run daily. It is advisable to
check in advance.
Travelling by Road
Patna is connected by National Highways
to Kolkata and Varanasi and State
Highways to all major towns in Bihar.
Important Road Distances
Bodh Gaya (via Jehanabad)115 kms
Bodh Gaya (via Rajgir)
181 kms
Kolkata
607 kms
Nalanda
90 kms
Rajgir
100 kms
Vaishali
63 kms
Varanasi (via Mohania)
278 kms
Bus
The main bus terminus in Patna is at Bir
Kunwar Singh Park (near Patna Junction
Railway Station). Enquiry Ph 2221475
Bihar State Road Transport Corporation
(BSRTC) buses ply to all major destinations in Bihar. Services begin at daybreak
and continue till late at night. There are
several BSRTC bus services to Varanasi
every day. The journey takes eight to ten
hours.
Car Rentals
You can hire a private taxi for local and
outstation tours through travel agencies in
hotels in Patna and Varanasi. A cab for will
charge approximately `1000 for 8 hours,
for travel within the city and `7 to `15 per
km for outstation travel. The night halt
charges are approximately `200. The rates
for hiring a taxi at any of the sites in the
Buddhist Circuit are approximately the
same as above.
Local Transport
while the second is for four days and
three nights. A detailed itinerary is
available on the website
http://bstdc.bih.nic.in.
Travel Agencies
Ashok Travels and Tours, ITDC
Hotel Pataliputra Ashok
(Govt. of India Undertaking) Ph 2504238
Travel Corporation of India
Maurya Hotel Ph 2221699, 2232482
Magadh Travels and Tours
73 Saketpuri, Rajendra Nagar Ph 6526167
Mamta Travels
Dak Bungalow Road Ph 2220383/1303
Authorised Money Changers
Patna does not have any black-yellow
taxis. Private taxis are available from the
Airport, Railway Station and some hotels.
It is advisable to fix rates beforehand. Auto
rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are easily
available, but with them too it is advisable
to fix rates beforehand.
Foreigner’s Regional Registration
Office, Behind the Superintendent of
Police Office, beside SK Memorial
Hall, near Gandhi Maidan
Tourist Information Centres
Bihar State Tourism Development
Corporartion (BSTDC)
Birchand Patel Marg Ph 2222622/2210219
BSTDC, Hotel Pataliputra Ashok
Birchand Patel Marg Ph 2223238/2226272
BSTDC, Patna Junction Railway Station
Ph 2221093
Ashok Travels and Tours, India Tourism
Development Corporation (ITDC)
Hotel Pataliputra Ashok Ph 2504238,
+91 9431433349
Tourist Office, Govt of India
Sudama Palace, Old Bypass Road
Ph 2345776
Conducted Tours
Bihar State Tourism Development
Corporation Ltd (BSTDC) operates single
day excursions from Patna to Gaya and
Bodh Gaya and two day, one night
excursions from Patna to Bodh Gaya,
Rajgir and Nalanda. One can go by deluxe
bus (which requires a minimum of 20
bookings to operate) or by car (which
require a minimum of four bookings). There
are also student package tours that
include a day trip to Vaishali and a two
day, one night trip to Rajgir, Nalanda and
Bodhgaya.
BSTDC also offers two Buddhist Circuit
package tours which begin on the second
and fourth Saturdays of every month. The
first lasts for eight days and seven nights,
Bank of India
Fraser Road
Open Monday to Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Ph 2231337
Thomas Cook
South Gandhi Maidan
Open Monday to Saturday 9.30 am - 6 pm
Ph 6455275/76
State Bank of India
West of Gandhi Maidan
Open Monday to Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Hospitals, Nursing Homes
Patna and Varanasi have several
government as well as privately run
hospitals and nursing homes. All
government hospitals have modern
medical facilities, but due to large patient
turnout, medical assistance is slow.
Service at the privately run hospitals and
nursing homes is more efficient and
assistance quicker.
:
Ford Hospital,
Ramakrishna Nagar Ph 2390005
:
Holy Family Hospital, Kurji Digha
Ph 2262540
:
Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical
Sciences, Sheikhpura Ph 2297631*
:
Nalanda Medical College Hospital
Old Bypass Road Ph 2641159*
:
Patna Medical College Hospital
Ashok Rajpath Ph 2670132*
:
Rajendra Memorial Research Institute
Agam Kuan Ph 2631561*
:
Sahyog Hospital, Pataliputra Colony
Ph 2262642
*Government hospitals
Important Phone Numbers
l
Police Station,
East of Gandhi Maidan
2673519
l
Traffic Police
2673999
l
Emergency/Ambulance
102
l
International Trunk
Call Booking
2225111
171
Communications
)
General Post Office, August Kranti Marg
Ph 221620/224000 is open on Sundays
till 8 pm.
President Off Fraser Road (7 kms
from Airport) Ph 2209200/05
Fax 2209206
Shiv Krishna Sheohar Sadan
Fraser Road Ph 2227210, 2233984
)
Central Telegraph Office, August Kranti
Marg is open round the clock.
)
Rajasthan Fraser Road (7 kms from
Airport) Ph 2225102-04 Fax 2225104
Speed Post Office, Revenue Building
Birchand Patel Marg.
Tourist Bungalow Kautilya Vihar
Birchand Patel Marg (6 kms from
Airport) Ph 2225411 Fax 2236218
STD/ISD booths are located all over the city and
are open from 7 am to 11 pm
Where to Stay
Patna has hotels in Luxury, Economy and
Budget categories. Most charge 7% luxury
tax and 10% service charge. Some give
offseason discounts. Most of them accept
all major credit cards but make sure before
you check in. Most hotels in the luxury and
economy categories have authorised
money changers and in-house travel
agencies. It is advisable to use them for
travel reservations.
Luxury
(Above `3000 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Chanakya Birchand Patel Marg (6 kms from
Airport) Ph 2223141 Fax 2220598
Centrally airconditioned
Maurya Patna South Gandhi Maidan
(8 kms from Airport)
Ph 2203040
Fax 2222069, Centrally airconditioned
Patliputra Ashok Birchand Patel Marg
(6 kms from Airport) Ph 2226270-75
Fax 2223467, Centrally airconditioned
Hotel Windsor Exhibition Road (8 kms from
Airport) Ph 2203250/58
Economy
(`1000 and up to `3000 for a standard
room with double occupancy)
Minar Exhibition Road (7 kms from
Airport) Ph 2223541/3541 Fax 2230849
Sarvodaya Rajendra Path
Ph 2322411/13 Fax 2322414
Samrat International Fraser Road
(7 kms from Airport) Ph 2220560-67
Fax 2226386
Satkar International Fraser Road
(7 kms from Airport) Ph 2220550/51
Fax 2220556
Budget
(Less than `1000 for a standard room with
single occupancy)
Anand Regency
Patna Junction
Ph 2223147/48 Fax 2212421
Marwari Awas Griha Fraser Road
(7 kms from Airport)
Ph 2220625-34 Fax 2220943
172
Where to Eat
Most hotels have multi-cuisine restaurants,
often with bars. Some of the better known
eateries are located in the 5-star hotels.
The other restaurants which we
recommend include Basant Vihar in
Mauryalok Complex for pure vegetarian
cuisine; and Amrapali on Birchand Patel
Marg and Pind Baluchi at Gandhi Maidan
for excellent Indian cuisine. Ashoka and
Hot Breads on Fraser Road are worth
trying out, as is Mayfair on Dak Bungalow
Road for snacks and ice creams.
Where to Shop
The major shopping areas around Gandhi
Maidan are Mauryalok, Hira Place,
Birchand Patel Marg and Patna Market
Shopping centres in Patna are open from
10 am to 8 pm daily and are closed on
Sundays. Patna is famous for its tassar
silk, khadi cottons and stone ware.
STD Codes
Balrampur
Bodh Gaya
Gorakhpur
Kushinagar
Nalanda
Patna
Rajgir
Sarnath
Sonauli
Sravasti
Vaishali
Varanasi
Siddharthnagar
05263
0631
0551
05564
06112
0612
06112
0542
05522
05252
06225
0542
05544
VARANASI
Varanasi Railway Station Enquiry
Ph 131/132/133
(BENARAS, KASHI)
Mughal Sarai Junction Enquiry
Ph 2255703/2255782
Arriving by Air
Important Train Connections
Varanasi Airport is at Babatpur, 22 kms
from Varanasi Railway Station and 26 kms
from the city centre at Godoulia. Varanasi
is connected by air to Lucknow, Delhi,
Mumbai, Khajuraho and Kathmandu.
Train Nos/Train Names
It is advisable to hire a taxi at the airport
for transfer to the city centre, as the bus
service is often erratic.
New Delhi-Varanasi
4257/4258 Kashi Vishwanath Express
Patna-New Delhi
2309/2310 Patna Rajdhani Express
Mumbai-Varanasi
1065/1066 Darbhanga Express
Chennai-Varanasi
2669/2670 Ganga Kaveri Express
Pune-Varanasi
1031/1032 Gyan Ganga Express
Secunderabad-Varanasi
7092/7091 Secunderabad Patna Express
Howrah(Kolkata)-New Delhi
2381/2382 Poorva Express
Howrah-New Delhi
2301/2302 Howrah Rajdhani Express
Puri-New Delhi (via Mughal Sarai)
2876/2875 Neelachal Express
Domestic Airlines Offices
Air India
52 Yadunath Marg, Cantonment
Ph 2502527
Airport Ph 2622090
Jet Airways
1st Floor, Krishnayatan Building
S 20/56 D Kennedy Road, The Mall
Cantonment Ph 2506444/555
Airport Ph 2622026/27
Air connections from Varanasi
Varanasi-Delhi
SG 233 SpiceJet Daily
Not all the trains run daily. It is advisable to check
in advance.
Travelling by Road
9W 724 Jet Airways Daily
Varanasi-Khajuraho
AI 406 Air India Daily
Varanasi-Kathmandu
AI 405 Air India Daily
Varanasi-Mumbai
AI 696 Air India Daily
Note: The flights to Varanasi mainly
originate in Delhi and are often subject
to delays in the winter months of January
and early February when Delhi Airport
is often fog-bound in the mornings. It
is advisable to check if your flight is
on time.
Arriving by Train
Varanasi Railway Station is in the
Cantonment area. Some 16 kms from
Varanasi is another important railway
station, Mughal Sarai Junction. Both
these stations are well connected by the
North Eastern railway to all the major
cities. Both have fully computerised
Reservation Centres. The booking office
is open all days of the week from
8 am to 8 pm.
There is left-luggage facility at both
Varanasi and Mughal Sarai Railway
Stations. Both are open 24 hours.
Varanasi is situated at the junction of NH2,
NH7 and NH29, and is well connected by
National Highways to Kolkata and Patna
and by State Highways to all major towns
of Uttar Pradesh.
Important Road Distances
Agra
Allahabad
Bodh Gaya
(via Mohania)
Kolkata
Delhi
Gorakhpur
Kaushambi
Kushinagar
Lucknow
Patna (via Mohania)
Sarnath
Sonauli (Nepal border)
565 kms
125 kms
240 kms
677
765
212
190
267
286
246
10
386
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
Bus
There are two bus stands in Varanasi,
one on Sher Shah Suri Marg, in the
Cantonment area and the other at
Godoulia.
173
UP Roadways operates bus services from
both the bus stands to Allahabad,
Gorakhpur and Lucknow.
Important Phone Numbers
l
l
UP Roadways Enquiry Ph 2441850 (open
24 hours)
l
l
Private deluxe buses are also available. It is
advisable to personally check timings and
fares at least a day in advance of travel.
Local Transport
Boats
2330444
Most of the travel agencies arrange
conducted tours on the Buddhist Circuit. The
contact details of approved tourist guides
for local sightseeing are available from
Tourist Information Office Govt. of India.
1-4 tourists full day : Rs 750
5-15 tourists full day : Rs 975
16-35 tourists full day : Rs 1350
Guides speaking foreign languages can be
hired by paying a little extra.
Roadways Enquiry
The best way to enjoy Varanasi is by boat.
Boats are available at most ghats.
Approximate rate for hiring a small boat
from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat and
back is `300.
Foreigners’ Registration Office
Police Station
Kotwali (Near GPO)
l
2333723
2502644
2508585
2310290
2310045
Conducted Tours
Metered black-yellow taxis are not
available in Varanasi. Local city buses
cover most parts of Varanasi but are often
very crowded and uncomfortable. Cycle
rickshaws and horse-drawn carriages
(tongas) are commonly used and quite
convenient. It is advisable to fix rates
before travel. Try to find out the going rate
for the journey from local people and
negotiate a fair price before starting.
l
l
Ambulance
Superintendent of Police
District Magistrate
Banaras Hindu University
Bharat Kala Bhawan
Foreigners’ Registration
Office
Ph 2330444
UP Roadways Bus Stand, Sher Shah Suri
Marg, Cantonment
UP Roadways Bus Stand, Godoulia
Both are open 24 hours and run frequent
services to Allahabad, Gorakhpur and
Lucknow. Deluxe buses are also available.
Authorised Money Changers
Tourist Information Centres
State Bank of India (SBI)
Near Hotel Surya, Cantonment (branches at
Hotel de Paris, Hotel Clarks Varanasi and
Hotel Varanasi Ashok) Ph 2504095
Open Monday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Tourist Office, Govt. of India
15B The Mall, Cantonment
Ph 2501784/85
Tourist Office, Govt. of Bihar
Englishiya Market, Sher Shah Suri Marg
Ph 2223821
Indian Overeas Bank, Lahurabir
Ph 2414813, 2401363
Open Monday to Friday. 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday 10 am - 1 pm
Tourist Office, Govt. of UP, Parade Kothi
Cantonment. Ph 2208413, 2506670
Fax 2206638
Tourist Information Counter, Govt. of UP
Varanasi Rly Station. Ph 2346370
Hospitals & Nursing Homes
Tourist Information Counter, Govt. of India
Varanasi Airport, Babatpur
:
Apollo Clinic Ph 2360880, 2361032
B38/46-H, Mehmoorganj
:
New Life Hospital
23 Sigra, Gandhi Nagar Ph 2221293
:
Raja Birla Hospital
Machhodari Ph 2435357
:
SSPG Hospital, Kabir Chaura Ph 2316590
:
Shiv Prasad Gupta Hospital
Kabir Chauraha Ph 2214723, 2214720
:
Shivlal Memorial Hospital Ph 2373360
:
Akankha Tours and Travels
Hotel Vaibhav Ph 9415226225, 2507761
Sir Sunder Lal Hospital
BHU Ph 2309260
:
Holiday Travel Tips
Near Taj Ganges Ph 9415343532
Sri Om Hospital, 36 Gandhi Nagar Naria
Sunderpur, Ph 2316590
:
St. Mary’s Hospital, Korauta Ph 2255218
:
Swami Harsankranand Ji Hospital
N8/237, Nevada, Sunderpur
Ph 2317396, 2317458
:
Uphaar Nursing Home, Mehmergunj
Ph 2360370
Travel Agencies
Cosmic Travels and Movers
Varuna Bridge Ph 2504526
ITDC Transport Unit, Ashok Travels
52 YN Marg, Indian Airlines Bldg
Cantonment Ph 2502548
Aditya Travels N Tours
Nadesar Ph 2504952, 2505743
MP Travels and Tours
Near Taj Ganges Hotel, Nadesar
Ph 9336875616
Sarnath Travels and Tours
K4 Raghunath Nagar, Mahmoorganj
Ph 2360089/0416, 2362946
174
* Government hospitals
Communications
)
Head Post Office
Bisheshwarganj and Cantonment
)
Post Offices are open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
and the Telegraph Office from 9.30 am to
4.30 pm.
There are STD and ISD booths in all localities
that are open from 8 am to 11 pm.
Major courier services also operate from
Varanasi:
)
DTDC B 30/37, Khatri Complex,
Banaras Hindu University gate, Sunderpur
Ph 2368542
)
DHL Worldwide Express, D 58/53-54 Shiva
Complex, 1st Floor Ph 2361412
Where to Stay
Varanasi has hotels in Luxury, Economy
and Budget categories. Most charge an
additional 5-7% luxury tax and 10%
service charge. Some give off-season
discounts. Most hotels listed here accept
major credit cards but make sure before
you check in. Hotels in the luxury and
economy categories have authorised
money changers and in-house travel
agencies and have air-conditioned rooms.
It is advisable to use the in-house travel
agencies for travel arrangements.
The city also offers a wide range of guest
houses and dharamshalas which offer basic
but clean service. Varanasi Railway Station
has Retiring Rooms which can be booked
through the Matron-in-Charge, 1st floor,
Varanasi Railway Station. The Railway
Retiring Rooms are available for a maximum
of three days against proof of train journey.
Hotels offer discounts during off-season
but you must bargain for it because even in
the hot summer months, when few tourists
come to Varanasi, it is common for hotels
to offer printed official tariff.
Luxury
(Above `3000 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Clarks Varanasi
The Mall Cantonment
(20 kms from the Airport)
Ph 2501011 Fax 2348186
Hindustan International
C-21/3 Maldahiya
(20 kms from the Airport) Ph 2411489/84
Suryauday Haveli Shivala Ghat
(26 kms from the Airport) Ph 6540390
Hotel Surya Mall Road
(21 kms from the Airport) Ph 2508465
Palace on Ganges Near Assi Ghat
(26 kms from Airport) Ph 2204963
WelcomHeritage Jukaso Ganges Patni
Tola Chowk (25 kms from Airport)
Ph 2406666
Radisson The Mall Cantonment
(21 kms from the Airport)
Ph 2501515 Fax 2501516
Meraden Grand 57 Patel Nagar,
Nadesar Ph 2509952/54 Fax 2507653
Ramada Plaza JHV The Mall
Cantonment Ph 2510000 Fax 2500711
Ganges View Assi Ghat (22 kms from the
Airport) Ph 2313218
Taj Nadesar Palace Nadesar Palace
Grounds Ph 6660002
The Gateway Ganges Nadesar Palace
Grounds Cantonment
(22 kms from the Airport) Ph 2503001/19
Economy
(`1000 and up to 3000 for a standard room
with single occupancy)
De Paris 15 The Mall (20 kms from the
airport) Ph 2505131/33
Diamond B-20/44-A-3 Bhelpur
(20 kms from the Airport) Ph 2276696/99
India 59 Patel Nagar Cantonment
(20 kms from the Airport) Ph 2507593/97
Siddharth D 58/9-A Sigra,
Ph 2221961/0961
Budget
(Less than `1000 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Buddha
Ramkotra Ph 2203686, 2204508
Vaibhav 56 Patel Nagar
Cantonment Ph 2501359/62 Fax 2502966
UP Tourism Tourist Bungalow 0ff Parade
Kothi, G T Road (20 kms from the Airport)
Ph 2208413/8545
Where to Eat
Varanasi has restaurants that are varied
not only in their ambience but also in their
rates.
All top hotels have restaurants offering
Indian, European and Chinese cuisine.
Some of the better restaurants are
Canton’s in Hotel Surya, Cantonment and
Winfa in Lahurabir for authentic Chinese
food; Konamey on Dasashwamedh Road
and El Parador behind city bus stand for
basic European food; Tulsi in Chaitganj
and Jalajog in Godoulia offer excellent
Indian food.
City restaurants are not allowed to serve
alcohol. Hotels do not serve alcohol on the
1st and 7th of each month and on certain
public holidays.
Where to Shop
Varanasi is internationally famous for its
silks and brocades. The visitor should also
175
check out on Varanasi’s brassware, gold
jewellery, painted wooden toys and
handwoven carpets. Among the main
shopping areas are Chowk,
Dasashwamedh Road, Godoulia and
Vishwanath Gali.
Worth visiting are the handloom and
handicrafts showrooms run by the State
Government, UPICA at Nadesar and UP
Handlooms at Lahurabir and Nadesar.
State Highways to other major towns
of Bihar. It is advisable not to travel
after dark.
Important Road Distances
Gaya
Patna (via Jehanabad)
Patna (via Rajgir)
Rajgir
Varanasi (via Patna)
16
115
181
70
393
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
BODH GAYA
Bus
Arriving by Air
The nearest Airport is at Patna, 125 kms
away (see: Patna)
Arriving by Train
Gaya Railway Station is 15 kms away.
Gaya is connected by train to all major
Indian cities.
Important Train Connections
Train Nos/Train Names
New Delhi-Howrah via Mughal Sarai (MS*) &
Gaya 2301/2302 Howrah Rajdhani Express
New Delhi-Bhubaneshwar via MS & Gaya
2421/2422 Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express
New Delhi-Howrah via Varanasi & Gaya
2381/2382 Poorva Exp
Howrah-Kalka via MS & Gaya
2311/2312 Kalka Mall
Howrah-Jodhpur via Gaya
2307/2308 Jodhpur-Howrah Exp
Howrah-Dehradun via Varanasi & Gaya
3009/3010 Doon Exp
Howrah-Gwalior
2175/2176 Chambai Exp
Howrah-Mumbai via MS & Gaya
2321/2322 Howrah Mumbai Mail
Note:
Not all the trains run daily. It is advisable to check
in advance.
* Mughal Sarai Junction is 16 kms from Varanasi
Railway Station.
Howrah is a major railway station in Kolkata
Important Phone Numbers
l
l
l
l
Bodh Gaya Police Station 2200741
Railway Enquiry Gaya 131, 20283
Railway Reservation Gaya 22932
Mahabodhi Mahavihara Bodh Gaya
Temple Management Committee
2200735; Fax 2200777
Travelling by Road
Bodh Gaya is well connected by National
Highways to Patna and Varanasi and by
176
Bihar State Road Transport Corporation
(BSRTC) buses operate regularly from
Bodh Gaya to Patna and Varanasi. Bihar
Tourism Development Corporation
operates deluxe coach service daily to and
from Bodh Gaya from its headquarters in
Patna. (see: Patna)
Local Transport
Taxis or buses are not required for travel
within Bodh Gaya. The best way to move
around within Bodh Gaya is on foot since
all the important sites are located within
walking distance. Cycle rickshaws and
tongas (horse drawn carriages) are
easily available and are the most favoured
mode of transport within the town. There
is a regular bus service to Gaya, 15 kms
away.
Tourist Information Centres
Tourist Information Centre, Govt. of Bihar
Mini Market, Opp. Mahabodhi Temple
Bodh Gaya Ph 2200672
Open 10 am - 8 pm.
There is a Govt. of Bihar tourist
information booth at Gaya Railway Station
Ph 2420155
Bihar State Tourism Development
Corporation, Hotel Siddharatha Vihar
Bodh Gaya Ph 2200445
Some tourist literature is also available at
the main gate, Information Office of the
Mahabodhi Temple.
Conducted Tours (see: Patna)
Authorised Money Changers
Bank of India, Hotel Embassy
Ph 2200950
State Bank of India, Mahayana Guest House
Ph 2200746
Banks are open Monday to Friday
10 am-2 pm, Saturday 10 am-12 pm;
Sunday closed. There are some private
authorised money changers in the Mini
Market who also accept and encash all
credit cards.
Where to Stay
Bodh Gaya offers accommodation at
hotels, guesthouses, dharamshalas and
monasteries.
Most hotels accept major credit cards,
yet make sure before you check in. The
high-end hotels have prayer halls,
conference and banquet facilities,
business centres, baby sitter, courier
service, doctors on call, laundry services
and travel agencies. Most hotels provide
an extra bed for a payment of approx.
10% of the room rent. Most offer
discounts 20-50% in off season. There
are special tariffs for groups.
Luxury
(Above `2500 for a standard room with
double occupancy).
Lotus Nikko Ph 2200700
Tokyo Vihar Ph 2201141
Royal Residency Ph 2200181
Taj Darbar Ph 2201178
Tathagat International Ph 2200106
Siddhartha International Ph 2223352
Sujata Ph 2200481 Fax 2200515
Economy
(`1000 and up to `2500 for a standard
room with double occupancy)
GPL Tibetan Monastery Ph 2200722
Indosan Nipponji Japanese Temple
Ph 2200740/0743, +91 9341224815
Korean Temple Ph 2200512
Lumbini Guest House
Ph 2200735 Fax 2200777
Mahabodhi Society Sri Lanka Rest House
Ph 2200742/0797
Royal Bhutan Monastery Ph 2200710
Royal Thailand Monastery Ph 2200470
Sechen Monastery Ph 2200400/0690
Taiwan Temple 2200502/03
Tamang Nepalese Temple Ph 2200802/0818
Vietnam Temple and Guest House
Ph 2200733
Where to Eat
Most hotels have their own multi-cuisine
restaurants. Better restaurants in the city
are Amrapali Restaurant and Uruvela
Garden Restaurant at Hotel Niranjana,
Pavitra Restaurant at Hotel Buddha
International, Siddhartha Restaurant at
Hotel Siddhartha Vihar. There are many
wayside restaurants which offer mixed
Indian and European fare, the most
popular being Shiva and Kalpana. A
number of tent restaurants (dhabas)
around the bus stand and Kalachakra
Ground sell fairly good Tibetan and
Chinese food.
Where to Shop
Embassy Ph 2200711
Kirti Guest House 2200744
Siddhartha Vihar (Bihar Tourism
Development Corporation) Ph 2200445
Budget
(Less than `1000 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Buddha Vihar (BTDC) Ph 2200445
Yatrik Tourist Bungalow (BTDC) Ph 2200445
Monasteries
Many of the monasteries in Bodh Gaya
provide simple accommodation at nominal
rates. They usually give preference to
pilgrims and visitors from their respective
countries. Guests are expected to
observe some discipline and follow the
rules and regulations of the monasteries.
If you wish to stay in a monastery, it is
worth checking out by telephone.
Burmese Vihara and Guest House
Ph 2200721
China Temple and Guest House
Ph 2200769
Daijokyo Temple Ph 2200407/0747
The stalls outside the Mahabodhi Temple
sell handcrafted soft stone images of Lord
Buddha, incense and candle stands, and
Bodhi leaves painted with the image of the
Buddha of the Mahabodhi Temple.
Buddhist Institutions
Asian Buddhist Culture Ph 2200478
Buddhist Bharat Thai Society Wat Pa
Ph 2200845/0528
Dhammabodhl Vipasana Mediation Centre
Ph 2200437
International Meditation Centre Ph 2200707
Mahabodhi Mahavihara Bodh Gaya Temple
Management Committee Ph 2200735
Fax 2200777
Root Institute for Culture and Wisdom
www.rootinstitute.com
Ph 2200714
Most of these institutions offer meditation
courses/programmes of different kinds.
People who wish to contribute for the
development of Bodh Gaya may contact
the Secretary, Bodh Gaya Temple
Management Committee, Bodh Gaya
Library Building, Bodh Gaya. Ph 2200735
Fax 2200777.
177
Economy
RAJGIR
(`1000 and above for a standard room with
double occupancy).
Arriving by Air
The nearest airport is Patna, 100 kms
away. (see: Patna)
Arriving by Train
The nearest railhead is Bhakhtiyarpur,
54 kms, though the loop line connects
Rajgir
Ajatshatru (Tourist Bungalow II)
½ km from Kund Ph 255027
Gautam Vihar (Tourist Bungalow I)
1 km from Kund Ph 255273
Siddhartha Kund Ph 255216, 255352
Budget
(Less than `1000 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Important Train Connections
Train Nos/Train Names
New Delhi-Rajgir via Bakhtiyarpur
2392/2391 Shramjeevi Express
Howrah-Rajgir via Bakhtiyarpur
3039/3040 Janata Express
Travelling by Road
Rajgir is well-connected by good roads to
Patna, Gaya, Delhi and Kolkata. Private
and State Roadways buses leave Patna
every ten minutes for Biharsharif and touch
Rajgir 25 kms away en route to Gaya.
Matador vans, tempos and taxis are also
available. Bihar Tourism organises
conducted tours from Patna to Rajgir via
Nalanda from its headquarters at Patna.
For tour enquiries call 2225411/2622
Important Road Distances
Bhakhtiyarpur
Bihar Sharif
Bodh Gaya
Nalanda
Patna
54
25
70
11
100
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
Tourist Information Centres
Govt. of Bihar Tourist Office
Kund Market Ph 06112 255224
Where to Stay
There are a number of hotels in Rajgir
mostly moderately priced.
Luxury
(Above `2500 for a standard room with double
occupancy)
Indo Hokke Ph 255245
Email centaur@bsnl.in
Tathagat Vihar
Ph 255176
Rajgir Residency
Ph 255404
178
Mamta opposite Digambar Jain Temple
Ph 255044, Fax 255210. Bookings can be
made in Varanasi at Shabnam Travels
S-20/49 A-1, Baruna Bridge, Varanasi Cantt
2521002(UP) and in Kolkata at
Ramakrishna Travels, 39 Mahatma Gandhi
Road, Kolkata 700009 Ph 23509199
Tathagat Vihar (Tourist Bungalow III)
½ km from Kund Ph 255176
Where to Eat
Amber Restaurant (Tathagat Vihar Hotel)
serves Indian, European and Chinese
cuisine. Open 6 am - 10 pm.
Indo Hokke Hotel has an airconditioned
restaurant, which serves Indian, European
and traditional Japanese food, and the bar
serves a variety of Indian and imported
liquors. Prices are very steep. Mamta
Hotel & Restaurant serves vegetatian
Indian food. Non-vegetarian meals are
prepared only on order. Hotels also
provide packed lunch for excursions in the
off season (March to October), hotels
offer about 50% discount and 7% Luxury
Tax is always levied.
NALANDA
Arriving by Air
The nearest airport is Patna 93 kms away
(see: Patna)
Arriving by Train
The nearest railhead connecting Nalanda
is Bhakhtiyarpur, which is at a distance of
38 kms on the loopline connecting with the
Delhi-Howrah mainline (see: Rajgir)
Travelling by Road
Nalanda is connected by road to Patna,
Rajgir, Gaya, Delhi and Kolkata. From
Patna private and State Transport buses
leave for Biharsharif every ten minutes
and touch Nalanda en route to Gaya.
Tempos and taxis are also available from
Biharsharif. Bihar Tourism organises
excursions from its headquarters in Patna
(see: Patna)
Where to Stay
Important Road Distances
Most people prefer to make a day trip from
Patna, since the accommodation available
here is limited.
Bhakhtiyarpur
Bodh Gaya
Patna
Rajgir
38
80
90
11
kms
kms
kms
kms
Budget
(Less than `1000 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Tourist Bungalow Ph 285425
Torist Information Centres
Govt. of Bihar Tourist Information Office
Bargaon, Nava Nalanda, near Bus Stand.
SARNATH
Arriving by Air
Where to Stay
Tourists prefer to stay in Rajgir, 10 kms
away. The Guest House in the Nava
Nalanda Mahavihara and the Burmese
Rest House are not open for general
tourists, but may provide overnight
accommodation on request. Visitors are
advised to carry packed lunch and drinking
water. Nalanda can be ideally covered in a
day trip.
Nearest airport is Varanasi Airport at
Babatpur, 30 kms from Sarnath
(see: Varanasi)
Arriving by Train
Nearest railway stations are Varanasi,
12 kms, and Mughal Sarai Junction,
15 kms (see: Varanasi)
Important Train Connections
VAISHALI
(see: Varanasi)
Travelling by Road
Arriving by Air
Patna is the nearest airport 63 kms away
(see: Patna)
Sarnath is well connected to Varanasi and
other cities of Uttar Pradesh.
(see: Varanasi)
Arriving by Train
Important Road Distances
The nearest railhead is at Hajipur, 35 kms
away.
Varanasi
10 kms
(see: Varanasi for other distances)
Important Train Connections
Train Nos/Train Names
New Delhi-Barauni via Hajipur
2554/2553 Vaishali Express
Tourist Information Centres
Tourist Bungalow, Govt. of UP
Sarnath Ph 2595965
Travelling by Road
Vaishali is connected by a good road to
Patna via Hajipur.
Important Road Distances
Hajipur
Kushinagar
Muzaffarpur
Patna
35
280
36
56
kms
kms
kms
kms
Tourist Information Counter, Govt. of India
Babatpur Airport Ph 2343472
Conducted Tours
(see: Varanasi)
Authorised Money Changers
State Bank of Travancore
Ashapur
Canara Bank Ph 2586864
Central Bank Ph 2590384
Tourist Information Centres
Tourist Bungalow
Govt. of Bihar Tourist Information Office
Ph 285425
Hospitals & Nursing Homes
:
Dr. Baijnath Hospital, Sarnath
:
Government Hospital Sarnath
179
Communications
Bus
)
The main bus terminus in Gorakhpur is a
three minute walk from the railway station.
Ph 332893
Post Office, Sarnath Ph 2595013
Where to Stay
It is best to stay in Varanasi and take a
taxi to Sarnath for the day, since there are
very few hotels in Sarnath.
Tourist Information Centres
Govt. of UP Tourist Bureau, Buddha Marg
Kushinagar, Civil Lines, Gorakhpur
Ph 273090
Budget
(Less than `1000 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Banks
Golden Buddha Sarangnath colony
Ph 9935039368
Central Bank of India, Kasya Road,
Kushinagar
Mrigadava (UP Tourism)
Ph 2595965
State Bank of India, Kasya Road,
Kushinagar
Ph 05564 272106/20
Sarnath Hotel and Resorts
Ph 2591212/13
Important Phone Numbers
Surabhi International
Ph 2587993
District Magistrate
Kushinagar
240202/03
KUSHINAGAR
Communications
)
Arriving by Air
Varanasi Airport at Babatpur, 280 kms
away, is the nearest airport
(see: Varanasi)
Arriving by Train
Gorakhpur Railway Station, 51 kms from
Kushinagar, is the most convenient as it is
well connected to all the major cities in
India. Gorakhpur also has a fully
computerised reservation centre.
Important Train Connections
Sub Post Office, Main Crossing
Where to Stay
Luxury
(Above `2500 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Lotus Nikko Ph 273025/26
Hotel Royal Residency Ph 273011/15
Imperial Kushinagar Ph 273096/97
Budget
(Less than `1000 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Train Nos/Train Names
Delhi-Barauni
2554/2553 Vaishali Exp
Delhi-Darbhanga
4674/4673 Shaheed Exp
Mumbai-Gorakhpur
1015/1016 Kushinagar Exp
Ahmedabad-Gorakhpur via Lucknow
5045/5046 Ahmedabad Gorakhpur Exp
Gorakhpur-Howrah
5048/5047 Purvanchal Exp
Delhi-Guwahati
5610/5609 Avadh Assam Exp
Rahi Pathik Niwas UP Govt Tourist
Bungalow Ph 273045/46
There are also other options for staying in
Kushinagar:
Birla Hindu Buddha Dharamshala Ph 273090
Bumese Dharamsala Ph 273105
At Gorakhpur
Travellers looking for good hotels can stay
at one of the hotels in Gorakhpur, which
are all in the Economy range.
Marina Ph 2337630
Travelling by Road
President Golghar Ph 2337654
The Grand Ph 2205015
Important Road Distances
Gorakhpur
Kapilavastu (Piprahwa)
Lumbini (via Gorakhpur)
Sarnath
Sravasti
Vaishali
180
51
148
176
261
274
280
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
Park Regency Ph 2204967
Where to Eat
Pathik Niwas has a reasonably good
multi-cuisine restaurant. There are not
many other restaurants in Kushinagar.
LUMBINI (NEPAL)
KAPILAVASTU
Most tourists prefer to travel to Lumbini
by car, breaking the journey at Sonauli,
27 kms from the town, on the Indian side
of the international border. For entering
Nepal, a nominal road tax has to be paid
at the border for a one-day permit. Getting
the permit is a cumbersome process and
may take around two hours. People from
India and Bhutan do not need permits but
others do.
(PIPRAHWA)
Arriving by Air
Nearest airport is Varanasi (323 kms) and
Bhairawha, Nepal (13 kms).
Arriving by Air
Varanasi, 312 kms away, is the nearest
airport. It is a long journey and the traveller
is advised to take adequate care.
(see: Varanasi)
Arriving by Train
Siddharthnagar Railway Station, situated
at a distance of 20 kms, is the nearest rail
link, but it is not well served. Gorakhpur,
97 kms away, is the best alternative.
Arriving by Train
Travelling by Road
The nearest railhead is Gorakhpur,
123 kms away via Sonauli (see: Gorakhpur)
Travelling by Road
Kapilavastu is well-linked by good
all-weather roads to Gorakhpur and other
towns of UP.
Buses ply up to the Indian side of the
border, from where passengers have to
disembark and take another bus after
crossing the border check post.
Important Road Distances
Gorakhpur
97 kms
Kushinagar
148 kms
Lucknow
308 kms
Lumbini (via Sonauli)
93 kms
Sravasti
147 kms
Varanasi
32 kms
Important Road Distances
Gorakhpur (via Sonauli)
123
Kapilavastu, Piprahwa
93
(via Sonauli)
Kushinagar (via Gorakhpur) 176
Sonauli
27
kms
kms
kms
kms
Tourist Information Centres
Tourist Office, Govt. of UP
Siddharthnagar Ph 2335450
Basic medical facilities are available at the
Primary Health Care Centre at Berdpur,
8.5 kms away.
Cultural Centres
l
Lumbini Museum, located in the
Cultural Zone
l
Lumbini International Research
Institute opposite Lumbini Museum
l
Kapilavastu Museum, 27 kms west of
Lumbini in Tilaurakot village
Where to Stay
Most travellers from India take a daypermit to Lumbini and prefer to spend the
night at Gorakhpur or at Sonauli.
At Sonauli:
Niranjana (UP Tourism) Ph 05522 238201
At Lumbini:
Lumbini Hokke Ph 0977 71 80136/80236
Hotel Nirvana Ph 520837
Hotel Kasai Ph 580134
Buddha Maya Garden Kathmandu Office
0977 71 4700 800
Sri Lanka Pilgrims Guest House
Important Phone Numbers
l
District Magistrate, Siddharthnagar
222169
l
Police Station, Siddharthnagar
222183, 222302
Communications
)
Berdpur Post Office, 8.5 kms away
Where to Stay
Accommodation is likely to be available at
either of the following places. However, it is
best to avoid staying in Kapilavastu unless
absolutely essential.
The Royal Retreat (in the luxury category
and on the Mohana-Shohratgarh route,
14 kms away from Kapilavastu)
Ph 261219, +91 9871342424
Sri Lankan Temple Mahinda Vihara
Pachan Gawa
181
Rahi Motel (UPSTDC) village Birha
1 km away from Kapilavastu
SRAVASTI
Important Train Connections from
Balrampur
Gonda Jn-Gorakhpur via Balrampur
5322/5321 Kapilavastu Express (metre gauge)
Travelling by Road
Arriving by Air
The nearest airport is Lucknow, which is at
a distance of 151 kms.
Lucknow is connected by air to Delhi,
Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi.
Domestic Airlines Offices
Air India
Mahatma Gandhi Road
Ph 2220927/4618
Airport Ph 2435401/6327
JetKonnect
7 Kapoorthala complex
Aliganj road
Ph 2337777, 2377675
Fax 2378200
Airport Ph 2436188, 2432425
Jet Airways
6 Park Road
Ph 2239612/9614
Fax 2239613
Airport Ph 2434009/10
There are frequent bus services from
Balrampur and also from Lucknow and
Varanasi.
Important Road Distances
Bahraich
Balrampur
Gonda
Kapilavastu via Naugarh
Lucknow via Bahraich
Varanasi
S2 6138 & S2 162 JetLite Daily
IT 652 & IT 654 Kingfisher Daily
Lucknow-Kolkata
S2 6362 JetLite Daily
Lucknow-Mumbai
S2 666 & S2 668 JetLite Daily
Lucknow-Varanasi
IC 195 Indian Daily
Arriving by Train
Balrampur, 19 kms away, is the nearest
railway station, Most prefer to arrive from
Lucknow or Varanasi.
(see: Varanasi)
Important Train Connections for
Lucknow
Train Nos/Train Names
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
kms
Tourist Information Centres
Govt. of UP Tourist Bureau
Balrampur
Ph 05263 232456
Important Phone Numbers
District Magistrate, Bahraich
05252 232401
Where to Stay
Air connections from Lucknow
Lucknow-Delhi
IC 412 & IC 812 Indian Daily
47
19
50
147
151
260
Luxury
(Above `2500 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Lotus Nikko Sravasti Ph 235934
Reservations can be done from Dehi at Lotus
Travels, Rajendra Place Ph 26192000
Hotel Pawan Palace Ph 241021
Budget
(Less than `1000 for a standard room with
double occupancy)
Sri Lanka Ramayath Guest House
Ph 265245/72
Accommodation is also available, on
request, at the following monasteries:
Burmese Monasery Ph 265244
Chinese Monastery
Sri Lanka Monastery (Anand Bodhi Society)
Ph 265245
New Dehi-Lucknow
2003/2004 Shatabdi Exp
Patna-New Delhi via Lucknow
2309/2310 Rajdhani Exp
New Delhi-Barauni via Lucknow
2553/2554 Vaishali Exp
Mahamaya Ph 05263 232507 Fax 232508
New Delhi-Lucknow
4229/4230 Lucknow Mail
Tourism Bunglow, UP Tourism Balrampur
Ph 05263 232456
182
Balrampur, 19 kms away, offers reasonable
options for the traveller to stay, and most of
them are in the Economy range.
Pathik Balrampur Ph 05263 232265
Important Addresses
Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Information Centre
Arunachal Bhawan, Kautilya Marg
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Ph 011 23013915 Fax 011 23013786
Asian Buddhist Culture
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Ph 0631 2200478, 2200824
Asoka Mission Vihar
Mehrauli, New Delhi
Ph 011 26644470, 24620968, 24624628
Fax 011 24624628
E-mail sumedhothero@yahoo.com
Bureau of HH The Dalai Lama
10 B Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar-IV
New Delhi Ph 011 26474798, 26439745
Central Institute of HIgher Tibetan Studies
PO Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Ph 0542 2585148, 2585242
Daijokyo Japanese Monastery
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Ph 0631 2200747, Fax 0631 2200407
E-mail daijokyotemple_bg@yahoo.co.in
Delhi Mindfulness Practice Sangha
309-B Sector 15A, Noida 201301
Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP
Ph 0120 2511633
Fax 0120 2512162
Email dshantum@gmail.com
Department of Buddhist Studies
University of Delhi
New Delhi Ph 011 27666625
Department of Religious and Cultural Affairs
Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Ph 01892 222685
Himachal Vipassana Centre - Dhamma Sikhara
McLeodganj, Dharamsala
Himachal Pradesh www.sikharadhamma.org
E-mail info@sikhara.dhamma.org
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Thekchen, Choeling, McLeodganj
Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Ph 01892 221343, Fax 221813
Institute of Buddhist Dialectics
Thekchen, Choeling, McLeodganj
Dharmsala, Himachal Pradesh
Ph 01892 221215, 221452
International Meditation Centre
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Ph 0631 2200707
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala
Himachal Pradesh Ph 01892 222467
Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre
Devachan, P.O. Box 22, Leh, Ladakh
Ph 01982 264372 Email imcdevachen@hotmail.com
Mahabodhi Mahavira
Buddha Gaya Temple Managment Committee
Bodh Gaya, Bihar Ph 0631 2200742
Mahabodhi Society of India
Bodh Gaya, Bihar Ph 0631 2200742
4A Bankim Chatterjee Street
Kolkata, Telefax 033 22415214
Mandir Marg (next to Birla Mandir)
New Delhi Ph 011 23363328
Namygyal Institute of Tibetology
Gangtok, Sikkim
Ph 03592 280822, 281525 www.tibetology.net
Norbulingka Institute
Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Ph 01892 246402, 246405
www.norbulingka.org
Paljor Publications
H 9, Jangpura Extension New Delhi
Ph 011 24325643, 24312785
www.paljorpublication.com
Root Institute for Culture and Wisdom
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Ph 0631 2200714, 2200548
www.rootinstitute.com
Sakya Centre
187 Rajpur Road, Dehradun, Uttararanchal
Ph 0135 734286, Fax 0135 734498
E-mail palsakya@nde.vsnl.net.in
Sikkim Tourism Information Centre
New Sikkim House, 14 Panchsheel Marg
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Ph 011 26115171 Fax 011 26115346
Tawang Monastery
Thupten Gompa, PO Tawang, District Kameng
Arunachal Pradesh
Thosamling Institute for International
Buddhist Women
Dharamsala, Kangra,
Himachal Pradesh, Ph 01892 246731
Tibet House
1 Institutional Area, Lodhi Road
New Delhi, Ph 011 24611515
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
McLeodganj, Dharamsala
Himachal Pradesh, Ph 01892 221478/ 220587
www.tibetanarts.org
Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute
Khara Dhanda Road, Dharamsala
Himachal Pradesh, Ph 01892 223113, 223222
www. men-tsee-khang.org
Tibetan Medical Centre
13 Jaipur Estate, Nizamuddin (East)
New Delhi, Ph 011 24356503, 24351099
Tushita Mahayana Meditation Centre
9 Padmini Enclave, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
Ph 011 26513400, Fax 011 24692963
E-mail mahayanadelhi@gmail.com
Tushita Retreat Centre
McLeodganj, Dharmasala
Himachal Pradesh, Ph 01892 221866
www.tushita.info
In the Footsteps of the Buddha
Shantum Seth, a student of the Buddhist Zen
Master Thich Nhat Hanh conducts exclusive
pilgrimages ‘In the Footsteps of the Buddha’.
The group visits the sites associated with the
Buddha’s life, practising meditation, travelling
mindfully and hearing stories about the
Buddha and his teachings.
For further information and brochure,
please contact:
309-B Sector 15A,
Noida 201301, India
Ph 0120 2511633
Email info@buddhapath.com
www.buddhapath.com
Vandana Niketan, Sanchi 07482 266699
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SUNDERBANS AND DOOARS
TOP: Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath; ABOVE: Rambhar Stupa, Kushinagar
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