Logistics
The 22nd Session of the GEWEX Scientific Steering Group is being hosted by the Government of India's National Rainfed Area Authority. The meeting venue and lodging are at the International Guest House, NASC Complex (Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Pusa, New Delhi-110012, India).
1. VISA:
Every visitor requires a visa to enter and stay in India. Individuals should contact the Indian Embassy / Mission in their respective country to obtain a visa. If your visa to India requires an official letter of invitation, please send Dr. Singh an e-mail at sahadeva73@yahoo.co.in (cc: gewex@gewex.org) with the following details: Name, Father's/Husband's Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Date of Issue, Place of Issue, Date of Expiry, and Address.
2. ARRIVAL AT INDIRA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
After clearing immigration, baggage collection and customs, the participants will walk into the arrival hall. They will find a driver holding a placecard on which ‘GEWEX’ will be inscribed. Please make sure that your travel arrangements, such as flight arrival and departure, have been sent to Dr. Singh (cc: gewex@gewex.org). The organizers have hired “PUSHPLATA TOUR OPERATOR” for the airport pickup, return, the visit to City Centre and half-day excursion in the city of Delhi. The distance from the airport to the International Guest House is about 30 km. The rates for airport pick up and drop-off are US $25.00 and US $15.00 respectively, which is to be paid in Rupees to the tour operator.
3. MEALS
The International Guest House provides breakfast (US $ 10), lunch (US $ 15), and dinner (US $ 15). Alternatively, one can visit the ‘City Center’ (transport cost $ 10.00) for the dinner (distance 15 km).
4. EXCURSION
A half-day excursion has been planned on Wednesday afternoon to see Delhi/New Delhi historical sights. This trip will include the Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, and the Humayun’s Tomb, which was the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. It will cost US $30 per person. If you are interested in taking a day trip on Saturday, January 30th to see The Taj Mahal in Agra, please email Shannon Macken at gewex@gewex.org.
5. WEATHER
The month of January is the coldest month in India and the temperature in New Delhi averages around 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Click here for the current weather in New Delhi and for historical temperature data.
6. CURRENCY
All payments for lodging, transport, food, drinks, etc. must be made in Indian currency. There is a 24-hour exchange facility available at the airport. If for some reason you are not able to use the exchange facility, you may exchange your currency for Rupees in Delhi on the next working day. Payment for lodging must be made in Rupees and can be done during check in or the next day if you were unable to exchange currencies. Click here for the most recent exchange rates.
7. LODGING
The meeting venue and lodging are at the International Guest House, NASC Complex (Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Pusa, New Delhi-110012, India), which is a Government of India accommodation equivalent to a 3-star hotel. For more information, click here. Please note that all payments for lodging must be made in Rupees.