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Tamil is the local language in Tamil Nadu, though
English is widely understood and spoken.
The climate is tropical, generally hot and humid for most of the year.
Daytime temperature ranges from 25ºC in the winter to 45ºC in the
summer. The rainy season strikes in May/June and a smaller monsoon
once again in November/December. The most pleasant time to visit is
during the months of July through February. April and May are the
hottest months.
Food is generally spicy. So, always specify if you would like your meal
to be made less spicy.
Since South India is warm even in December and January, you really
do not need any warm clothes. Cotton clothes are most suitable. However, if you are planning to travel to North India during winter
months or if you plan to visit any of the regional hill stations, it is
advisable to bring adequate warm clothes, as it could be cold.
Though incidents of theft are rare, it is advisable to keep your luggage
and room locked. Madurai is a constantly bustling city making it quite
a safe place to go about.
• Film processing and printing from either film or digital cameras is
readily available in Madurai. The "Mini Studio" is located about four
blocks from LAICO and does excellent work at low prices.
• Generally speaking, local people in Madurai love to have their photos
taken. Please ask first to be sure, but once you take one photo, you
will probably be asked to take dozens more.
• Photography inside temples is sometimes restricted. You may need to
purchase a camera pass.
• 240 V AC, 50 Hz
• Sockets: 2 or 3 Round pin
• If your country uses a different kind of plug, conversion adapters are
available.
• Most computer related devices and chargers will operate on 110 or 220
volt power, but check yours ahead of time to be sure. It is handy to
bring one 3-way adapter to plug into the conversion adapter.
• Auto-Rickshaw – This is the most convenient way to get around. Auto
rickshaw stands can be found all over, or you can simply flag one down
if you see one without passengers in the back seat. Typical charges
should be from 20 to 40 rupees per trip, as an example, from the
Aravind campus to the Meenakshi Temple the charge should be 40
rupees. Always agree on the price before getting into the auto rickshaw, and be prepared to bargain with the driver. If the driver insists
on a higher price than you feel is reasonable, simply walk away to find
another autorickshaw.
• Buses – Most Indian cities have an excellent system of low-cost
buses, which are a convenient and inexpensive way of getting around. However, the signs and other information are all written in Tamil. If asked, the bus conductor will usually help you out by telling you when
to get off for your desired destination. For finding the correct bus,
look for the “bus number” prominently displayed on the front of the
bus. There are three main bus stands in the city of Madurai, namely
Periar bus stand, Arapalayam bus stand and Mattuthavani bus stand. If you are taking a long distance bus, ask which bus stand you should
go to, to find the bus for your destination.
• Taxis – Taxis are also available, at a higher charge.
South Indians are mild mannered and are quite open to foreigners. The
following tips should help you understand what appropriate behavior is.
• Use only your right hand to give or receive anything.
• Avoid criticism of local customs or traditions.
• Avoid aggressive behavior.
• Be a patient guest; the pace may not be as fast as that to which you
are accustomed. The formality of sitting at length in conversation is a
time-honored custom.
• Shaking hands: Don’t shake hands unless a hand is offered. If in doubt
say “Namaste” with both hands clasped together, especially when greeting women. Handshakes may be longer and could involve both hands
at times.
• Always remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s
house.
• Indians assume that Westerners dislike hot and spicy food, so if you
prefer hot and spicy food do tell them.
• If your host insists on paying for things, don’t force the issue.
• Observe social protocols in meetings - for example, don’t force junior
people to speak in front of the seniors.
• The approach to time in India is more relaxed than abroad, so don’t be
surprised if people turn up late for meetings or just cancel it at the last
minute.
• It’s a friendly and common gesture for people of the same sex to hold
hands.
• Smoking, consumption of alcohol, and chewing gum are not permitted
within any of the Aravind premises.
• Tipping: A moderate tip of 5% is acceptable.
• Drinks: While it is generally acceptable to get coffee or tea from the
local street vendors, other drinks should only be purchased in sealed
bottles. This includes bottled water (ask for “mineral water”), soda,
and beer.
• Do not ask for ice cubes, as they are merely frozen water.
• Fruit drinks mixed with local water should also be avoided.
• Sugar cane juice from local vendor should also be avoided.
• Use only bottled water for brushing your teeth.
• Shop Hours: Most shops are open from 10 am to 6 pm. They generally
don’t close for lunch. Many shops are closed on Sundays.
• Credit Cards: Only the larger shops accept credit cards (Master Card
and Visa) and traveller’s cheques.
• Bargaining: At most of the local shops the prices start out quite high,
and you are expected to bargain to get a more reasonable price. If you
don’t feel comfortable about bargaining, there are some “fixed price”
shops you can go to.
• Currency Exchange: You can contact any government approved
exchange offices or hotels to change money, or you may ask the hospital cashier for help.
• ATM machines are quickly spreading throughout South India.
Post and post-related services like courier and FAX are available; ask
the hospital receptionist where to find these services.
• Cell phone service is available at reasonable rates from several local
service providers including Airtel, Vodaphone (formerly Hutch), and
BSNL. Cell phone reception is generally good in all major cities and
even in most small towns. If you want to purchase a mobile phone in
Madurai, you will find excellent pricing starting as low as 1500 rupees
for a basic phone.
- You will need an “unlocked GSM tri-band or quad-band cell phone” for use in India. If you are bringing a GSM style phone with you to India, first call your home phone company to obtain the “unlock code” which may be necessary to allow you to use your phone with a different mobile phone service.
- To obtain a local SIM card to insert in your phone, along with your application you will need to submit a copy of your passport and a letter from Aravind saying that you are involved in Aravind related projects.
- If you will be spending most of your time in South India you should purchase your SIM card in Madurai rather than a different Indian city, to be sure of being charged only local Indian rates when using your phone in Madurai.
- Cell phone service for visitors is usually “pre-paid”. You purchase“air time” and validity” as required. Extending either is very simple.
– there are numerous mobile phone suppliers who will be glad to assist you and sell you the appropriate card. One such supplier is located only two blocks from the LAICO building.
- If your home service provider allows it, you can also use your existing SIM card, but you will be paying higher prices as your local and International calls will all become international calls. |
Internet from Mobile Phones - Several of the newer high-end mobile
phones also have WiFi capabilities. You can use these to perform most
of the same functions as a laptop computer. You may even be able to
install programs such as “Fring” which allow free Skype calls from your
mobile phone.
South India celebrates fairs and festivals in a very grand manner. Festivals
in India are usually celebrated with the family. These festivals are some of
the more grand occasions when the city comes alive.
• PONGAL or the harvest festival, in January is a thanks giving to the
Sun God and is a colourful sight complete with decorated cows!
• JALIKATTU or bull-taming on the days after Pongal is an impressive show of strength and courage by the village youth. The Madurai
Chamber of Commerce organizes tourist visits to the “bull taming”.
• DIWALI, held in November, the festival of lights is a nation-wide celebration of the conquest of good over evil.
• It is advisable to bring your own supply of toilet paper with you when
traveling to India, as it is not always available at public toilets. If you
travel away from the hospital area, you should carry your own supply
with you.
• Also bring along some mosquito repellant.
• Make copies of your passport and visa, and carry them with you
instead of the originals.
• Be aware that what people in other countries such as America call the
“second floor” is referred to as the “first floor” in India. Think of the
ground floor as “0” and count up from there for additional floors.
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