City of Meerut (pop. app. 1.5 million) is located in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. It is an ancient city with settlements dating back to the Indus valley civilization having been found in and around the area. The city lies 70 km northeast of the national capital New Delhi. It is also close to the now city Hastinapur– the place where the Mahabharata(The Great War) took place. Meerut is the second largest city in the National Capital region, and as of 2011, the 33rdmost populous city of India. The city is one of the major producers of sports goods, and the largest producer of musical instruments in India. The city is also an education hub in western UP. It is famous for being the starting point of the first revolution of independence against the British rule in 1857. 

TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE VENUE AT CCSU

Participants are advised to reach the venue in India latest in the evening of 25thNovember 2018. To reach the venue at Meerut University (UP), from the IG Airport, Delhi, one should hire an Interstate Taxi(as the road passes through 3 federal states and all taxis do not have a license to ply outside the state of Delhi). Alternative means of transport (train and buses) are fairly cheap, but complicated

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation can be booked at nearby hotel Broadway. Please book well in time. All participants will have to bear the cost of their stay at the hotel. 

CLIMATE & CLOTHING 

The weather is mostly sunny with clear skies at this time of the year. Temperatures vary around 23-degree Celsius. Early mornings and evenings are cool thus light woolen clothes are recommended.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND PERSONAL INSURANCE

All foreign citizens coming to India must have in their passports a valid visa, issued by the Indian Embassy in their respective country. Please contact Indian Embassy in your country. 

Travelers to India are advised to have health and other insurance policies as they deem fit. 

Please keep with you a copy of your ticket as the same, along with your passport is to be presented at the entrance of the airport for your return journey.

CURRENCY REGULATIONS

Participants are advised to change the foreign currency on the airport upon arrival, because elsewhere it will be fairly difficult to change as the currency rules do not permit all banks to deal in Forex. It is only Thomas Cook Travelsin Delhi or selected 5* hotelsthat can change money. 

Indian currency is Rupee. The rate of exchange is 1 USD=65 INR. All payments are made in local currency. Credit cards are accepted at certain places only (reputed hotels, big stores, selected shops etc, but, please look for the signs or ask the owner of establishment). 

Foreign citizens can carry into India, a maximum amount of cash worth 10.000 USD. However, Indian Rupee Notes cannot be taken out of the country. 

SIGHTSEEING

A trip to AGRA-JAIPUR-DELHI is advised.

            If going to city at your own, please be watchful of touts, pickpockets, and baggers. Keep together, and do not try any food item outside of your hotel.

Costs of sightseeing will have to be borne by the participants. Those interested must get it organized through their travel agent. 

LETTER OF INTENT

To: Emeritus Professor Soumitra Sharma
E-mail: ssharma@unipu.hr

• letter_of_intent.doc