TRAVEL INFORMATION – HYDERABAD, INDIA
ABOUT INDIA
Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacular
coastline surrounded by three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes,
magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats,
colorful people, rich cultures and festivities. India, always warm and inviting, is a place
of infinite variety.
Places to Visit
Delhi -New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India, unwinds a picture rich
with culture, architecture and human diversity. Main attractions: India Gate, Qutab
minar, Red Fort, Lotus Temple
Agra - Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj
Mahal. Main Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandra Fort
Jaipur - Jaipur is the first planned city of India, also known as the Pink City, is famous
for its architecture, handicrafts and jewellery. Main attractions: Hawa Mahal, City
Palace Jaipur, Jantar Mantar
Mahabalipuram - Mahabalipuram, a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of
the Pallavas, known for its beautiful shore temples.
Kerala - Kerala, known to be God’s own country, is one of India’s most beautiful states.
It is a perfect destination for tourism, holidays, art, culture, tradition, health care,
ayurveda and meditation. Main Attractions: Kovalam Beach, Kumarakom, Backwaters,
house boats
ABOUT HYDERABAD
The capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is the fifth largest city in India
with an ancient civilisation and culture. The city is nearly 400 years old and is noted for
its natural beauty, mosques and monuments, bazaars and bridges, hills and lakes. It is
perched on the top of the Deccan Plateau, 1776ft., above sea level, and sprawls over
an area of 100 Sq. miles. Hyderabad is famous as the former seat of the fabulously
wealthy Nizams of Hyderabad.
Hyderabad is unique in being one of the few cities where tradition and technology coexist. The city has constantly kept pace with the latest trends and advancements in
technology and has acquired the status of a ‘cyber city’. Hyderabad is famous world
over for its fabulous diamond markets, glass embedded bangles and the delectable
"Hyderabadi Cuisine".
Places to Visit
Charminar - Mosque of the four minarets
Golconda Fort - a massive structure on the outskirts of Hyderabad
Birla Mandir - a magnificent Hindu temple, entirely built in white marble
Shilparamam - The Art and Crafts Village
Salar Jung Museum - largest one-man collections Of the World
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Foreign citizens are required to apply for a visa to visit India. Visas can be applied for in
person or by post at the High Commission of India based in the country from where the
candidate intends to depart for India. A letter of invitation from the host (Institute of
Actuaries of India)of the meeting is to be submitted along with the visa application.
Invitation letters shall be issued after receipt of separate request for the same. The
contact email adress is ED@actuariesindia.org
TRAVEL
Meeting participants are expected to make their own travel and stay arrangements.
Direct to Hyderabad
Hyderabad is well linked by all major airlines to most major Indian cities and overseas.
All flights, national and international, to and from Hyderabad, operate from Rajiv Gandhi
International Airport (also known as Hyderabad International Airport), is a new airport
located at Shamshabad, 22 kms from city.
The following Airlines offer services to travel Hyderabad from various International
destinations.
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Emirates Airlines
Saudi Airlines
Qatar Airlines
SriLankan Airlines
Malaysian Airlines
SilkAir
Lufthansa Airlines
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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways
Gulf Air
Delta Airlines
Air India
Direct from North America to Delhi/Mumbai
In addition you could also consider flying non-stop from Chicago to New Delhi on
American Airlines and subsequently connecting with a local flight to reach Hyderabad.
Other non-stop flights from N. America to Delhi originate from Newark, NJ (Continental)
and Toronto, Canada (Air Canada). There is also a new JFK-Mumbai (Delta) flight.
Almost every major airline flies to Delhi and Mumbai and tickets to these destinations
are on average cheaper than those directly to Hyderabad. But you have to factor in the
additional inconvenience of flying to Hyderabad after a long journey.
Transferring from Delhi/Mumbai to Hyderabad
Flying time from Mumbai and Delhi to Hyderabad is one hour and two hours
respectively. In both cities you will have to undertake a transfer from the International
airport to the Domestic terminal.
Airport Pick up
Radio Taxi service at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is provided by leading
service providers Meru and Easy cabs. This is an air conditioned cab service with
charges payable on the basis of meter reading at the end of the journey.
Fare: Rs 15 per km, Minimum INR 30 which include the first 2 Km travelled. Waiting
charges @ INR 1 per minute. 25% night surcharge is applicable between 2300hrs to
0500hrs
Please note that pre-paid taxis are also available and they usually charge INR 500 for
reaching the hotel from the International airport [INR 50 = 1 US $]. When you come out
of the customs area, you can see the ‘Pre-paid taxis Booth’. Please pay the tariff here
and your receipt will indicate the taxi number.
INR: Indian Rupees
MISCELLANEOUS
Tipping
Tipping is usually 10% to 15% of the charge
Climate
Weather in Hyderabad is very pleasant during November. Temperature ranges from
11°C to 29°C.
Time Zone
India has a single time zone. It is 5.5 hours ahead of the GMT, 4.5 hours behind the
Australian Eastern Standard time and 10.5 hours ahead of American Eastern Standard
Time.
Electricity
Electricity in India is 220-230 Volts at 50 Hertz. The most common plug type is Type D
(old British plug) which is comprised of 2 round pins with ground.