Visiting India

India is an extremely populated country, particularly in the cities, with climates ranging from icy mountains to deserts and forests. From October to March, the winter season, is considered the best time to travel to the region. Although wintry weather exists in the mountain areas during this time the average temperature elsewhere is comfortable.

India is a mixture of assorted cultures and religions. Religion plays a large role in the lives of most and affects the decisions they make about personal lives, business, even food. Traveling just a few miles in India can take you to a place where everything is different than the town you left. A guide may help make transitions easier if you'll be traveling the country extensively.

Make business appointments well in advance and confirm the appointment before boarding a plane. Keep all appointments on time but don't be surprised if you're kept waiting a few minutes - or longer. Family and other matters can sometimes interrupt business routines. Plan to leave for your meeting early since cities can have bumper-to-bumper traffic for long periods of time. Since addresses in India can be extremely confusing make sure you have a detailed map on how to find your destination.

When scheduling appointments keep in mind that the dinner hour is usually for family and socializing. Schedule business lunches, instead, anytime between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. India has quite a long list of holidays and depending upon what part of the country you're visiting, there are additional festivals and other celebrations. It's helpful if you have a contact source to check with on matters of scheduling, holidays, business hours and such.

Business dress is usually slacks and long sleeve shirts with tie. Jackets are not necessary if it's extremely hot and the company with which you're meeting is not exceptionally formal. Some places are even more casual dressing in short sleeve shirts in the summer. For women the necklines should be high and hemlines below the knee.