Crowdy Planet...where Volunteering is fun and makes you a better person...
During the last few years, Crazy Wanderers has grown to become one of the largest volunteer hosting organization in the country. Volunteers are at the heart of our work and activities, we initiate programs to work together with local communities in building a more peaceful and self-content society. By placing volunteers throughout Bengal and the world into various societies, we show interest in the work and lives of people, which encourages them. We also hope to make people more aware of the world in which they live in and its possibilities.
Crowdy Planets objectives are to:
- Promote international understanding and cultural exchange
- Encourage voluntary service as a means to encourage peace, equality and democracy
- Support community development and bring an intercultural dimension to community projects
- To help and conserve our nature and work for a green planet cause.
- To bring global issues to local community
- Self-awareness and personal development for the volunteers.
- Work to support Eco-friendly and recycled causes.
Who can be a Volunteer???
We welcome anyone interested to come and participate in our voluntary programs. One need not have any special skills for most of our programs. However, since it is humanitarian work, the volunteers can survive and make a positive impact by having these three simple attributes:
Open Mindedness is the first attribute that is needed to become a volunteer.
One cannot expect to volunteer in any program with a closed or fixed mind!
Flexibility can help the volunteer in settling down and to start working in a
foreign culture/society.
Creativity is essential for volunteers to come up with appropriate and suitable
proposals for their work. It helps in keeping the motivation going, and prevents routine and boredom!
Open Mindedness is the first attribute that is needed to become a volunteer.
One cannot expect to volunteer in any program with a closed or fixed mind!
Flexibility can help the volunteer in settling down and to start working in a
foreign culture/society.
Creativity is essential for volunteers to come up with appropriate and suitable
proposals for their work. It helps in keeping the motivation going, and prevents routine and boredom!
We believe in the work camp principles, that people in any community should be given equal opportunities to express their solidarity with others in a practical and basic level. We believe that practical work can be a good way to break the ice, and is a way young people can discover or develop talents and skills that are within themselves.
Our work camps offer valuable opportunities for the volunteers to learn values of life from different parts of the world through cooperative operations and services. Therefore, we are open to an unlimited extent of fields rather than restricting to only perfect conditions.
We aim to increase social, cultural, educational, and environmental actions in the rural and urban areas of India through national and international volunteering by means of work camps.
Work camps promote tolerance, understanding, overcoming prejudices and stereotypes. The work camps are created to support and encourage local initiatives that will continue even after work camps are held.
We aim to increase social, cultural, educational, and environmental actions in the rural and urban areas of India through national and international volunteering by means of work camps.
Work camps promote tolerance, understanding, overcoming prejudices and stereotypes. The work camps are created to support and encourage local initiatives that will continue even after work camps are held.
Our mission is to expand horizons by organizing volunteer camps throughout India with help of national and international volunteer organizations, institutes and colleges, by bringing people of different cultures, languages and regions together.
Volunteering at work camps represent a unique experience for the youth. Besides gaining new skills of communication, practical knowledge and work experience, they become aware of the importance of being socially active. This way the volunteer strengthens the consciousness of society as a whole.
Volunteering at work camps represent a unique experience for the youth. Besides gaining new skills of communication, practical knowledge and work experience, they become aware of the importance of being socially active. This way the volunteer strengthens the consciousness of society as a whole.
FAQ -Frequently Asked Questions
What are the starting dates of the Long Term Program?
The Long Term Program runs all year long. However, the starting date is always the first Monday of every month. Therefore we ask you to plan your arrival time accordingly.
What are the age limits?
The minimum age is 18 years old, but there are no restrictions in the maximum age. We welcome volunteers of all ages.
Is experience required?
Yes and No. If you do have teaching experience or any particular skill that’s great! But don’t worry. As participants do not need teaching experience to work in all the projects? All we would need is a big heart and lots of love for humanity.
The minimum age is 18 years old, but there are no restrictions in the maximum age. We welcome volunteers of all ages.
Is experience required?
Yes and No. If you do have teaching experience or any particular skill that’s great! But don’t worry. As participants do not need teaching experience to work in all the projects? All we would need is a big heart and lots of love for humanity.
What can a participant expect from Crazy Wanderers India?
We can guarantee
We can guarantee
1. A comprehensive Orientation week to introduce you to India and your fellow volunteers.
2. Your Basic Boarding & Lodging is taken care of (food and accommodation) during your term.
3. Depending on the availability, you will be placed in a project from one of your three choices to work on. We will match you with a project of your choice.
4. Evaluation Meeting.
5. We are available during emergency and at all times for support and advice.
6. A contact person to assist you during the program term.
7. Access to reports and project information as well as material that could be useful for your project.
8. An experience Certificate at the end of the Program term to formally attest your participation.
9. You can also expect to meet with many young people, spend quality time, once in a life time experience, exchange and learn a lot. Enjoy a safe stay in a foreign country and relish the fruit of several years of experience in the field of volunteer exchange.
What participants CANNOT expect from Crazy Wanderers India?
1. Special food: with respect to the different diets of each one (vegetarian, non-vegetarian, allergies) We provide mostly basic Indian food. Please don’t expect us to provide foreign/imported food items, or to pay for food and accommodation outside the placement.
2. There will be no change in the chosen project, once the placement has been confirmed (unless in very special/serious cases). We expect all volunteers to try a placement for a minimum of one month. An adaptation period is necessary and it takes at least a week to make a real contribution to a long-term project
3. A holiday! You should remember that you are a volunteer and that you are not on a normal holiday. Although you may find the work hard at times you will also have time to have lots of fun!
What does Crazy Wanderers India expect from all the participants?
1. Co-operate with us by adapting to your new culture, this is also for your security.
2. Show interest and responsibility during your program.
3. Adjust to the way of life of the host family or project.
4. Realize that the living conditions in India are very different than home (no warm water /air-conditioning/ easy access to international phone or internet/ easy transportation at all times, mosquitoes…etc)
5. Be open minded, flexible, leave prejudices behind, and show initiative.
6. Understand that a lot of time will be spent with locals who do not speak English (very well). Volunteers should make an effort in trying to communicate in the local language; this shows your interest (and patience!).
7. Be creative. Share your thoughts and ideas for the work, discussions, the project, the work and excursions!
8. Only English is accepted when others are around, even if they do not join in on the conversation.
9. You should be ready to write a monthly report of your work and activities in order to keep in touch with the coordinators.
10. Your appearance should be presentable at the project. In many cases, a “dress code” is mandatory: long sleeves and pants, no extravagant or minimal clothing…
11. Behavior and dress code should be cultural sensitive, especially while in the village or schools.
12. Cleanliness is very essential and is mandatory.
Crazy Wanderers India is a non-profit body registered under the Indian Trust Act. We receive absolutely no financial support from the government of India or from any other foreign agency. The main source of income available for Crazy Wanderers is from the discounted Tours which we offer to the volunteers.
This income is spent as follows (from the most to the least expensive item):
This income is spent as follows (from the most to the least expensive item):
1. Project development: this is the money that is spent to set up projects and travel to the different locations. Some projects require more expenditures than others.
2. Orientation and Evaluation weeks for volunteers/participants: the expenses related to food, accommodation, transportation, and activities organized during your first week.
3. Volunteers hosting payments: Crazy Wanderers India pays for the food, accommodation, transportation for participants-which differs from project to project.
4. Office expenses including salaries, rents, telephone, internet, postage, photocopy, printing, stationery, electricity, gas, food (meals are provided to staff) and other equipments.
5. Rent: We pay rent for accommodation of its international staff members in Kolkata as well as for food and pocket money.
6. Local transportation costs for staff to visit volunteers and projects: in order to keep in touch with their volunteers, the coordinators of CW have to travel regularly to the locations of the projects throughout the country.
7. International travel costs to attend Conferences and international meetings: We send representatives to statutory meetings and conferences to interact with its worldwide partners and develop its activities.
8. Promotional Material & Web Site costs.
In spite of all these costs, we still make ends meet. How do we do that?
We receive free manpower, valuable time (from friends & family).
We receive free manpower, valuable time (from friends & family).
All Staff are volunteers with just an average pocket money.
We use limited resources.
We never purchase items unless absolutely necessary.
What are the Accommodation options?
The accommodation varies according with the projects.
It can be either in the project itself, in a host family or in a community living, together with other volunteers.
It can be either in the project itself, in a host family or in a community living, together with other volunteers.
Will there be somebody to contact if I have any problems?
There will be someone to guide you 24 hours via phone. However we encourage if you are in India learn to be self dependent, it is fun.
What happens if I am unhappy with my project or hosting facilities?
Changes of placement and hosting facilities can be made only for very special reasons, but not before trying to adjust in the first placement. We kindly ask all participants to stay in their assigned placement for a minimum of one month before changing to a new placement. We consider that it is the time required to adapt and contribute to a long-term project.
Please note that when we work very hard in trying to confirm you in the project you are interested in, we cannot fulfill everyone’s wishes. We always try to provide the best possibilities for our volunteers, but there is no guarantee that you get the project you have applied for as a first choice. Therefore we request all participants to make a minimum of 3 choices on their application form.
Please note that when we work very hard in trying to confirm you in the project you are interested in, we cannot fulfill everyone’s wishes. We always try to provide the best possibilities for our volunteers, but there is no guarantee that you get the project you have applied for as a first choice. Therefore we request all participants to make a minimum of 3 choices on their application form.
What will it be my working hours?
Expected working hours differ from 5-7 hours/day in schools or up to 8 hours in other projects. In some projects there may be more than one volunteer but not always.
Pay attention: The concept of time in India can be very informal, others will call that undisciplined and unreliable. The point is that it works two ways. Sometimes the planning is changed without clear reasons and arbitrarily. But then again, surprising opportunities open up which are not parts of the schedule either. So please try to be flexible. There is a schedule at every project site which mentions eating and meeting times, excursions or otherwise. Try to be on time. Your project is a social effort and you are not on a holiday and time is important in the sense that others have to wait when you are late.
Expected working hours differ from 5-7 hours/day in schools or up to 8 hours in other projects. In some projects there may be more than one volunteer but not always.
Pay attention: The concept of time in India can be very informal, others will call that undisciplined and unreliable. The point is that it works two ways. Sometimes the planning is changed without clear reasons and arbitrarily. But then again, surprising opportunities open up which are not parts of the schedule either. So please try to be flexible. There is a schedule at every project site which mentions eating and meeting times, excursions or otherwise. Try to be on time. Your project is a social effort and you are not on a holiday and time is important in the sense that others have to wait when you are late.
May I decide how long I want to stay once I get there?
No. You must make a final decision once you fill in the application form. Project and Host family must know in advance the date of your departure. You may stay in the country longer, of course, but you must leave the project and host family home on the date agreed before.
What do I do in my free time when I am not working in the project?
Weekends are free, and you can plan accordingly any travel or leisure time activities. We have our own travel community www.crazywanderers.com
Holidays during your voluntary service are not allowed.
Bring along lots of enthusiasm and good spirit, it will be excellent for a great experience!!!
1. Clothes, both casual and formal
2. Medicines you may require: if you have to take specific medicines on a regular basis, bring them along. Otherwise, be aware that most basic medicines and even antibiotics are available in India (for a much cheaper price!). You can bring a simple first aid kit with yourself.
3. A sleeping bag or bed sheets: depending on your placement/project, you might require warm clothes or blankets. It will be specified to you if required. Otherwise, the weather is warm (or hot or very hot!) in India, and you do not need any thick and warm sleeping bag.
4. A torch (electricity cuts are frequent!)
5. A photo or video camera (essential for good memories!)
6. Sun tan/Sun screen lotion
7. Mosquito repellents/mosquito net
8. Things from your home (photos, food, traditional dances, music, songs…) for your hosts and friends.
What type of clothes should I wear?
The Indian people will judge you by the way you dress so try to dress as decently as possible. Usually the clothes must cover your body thoroughly and also the shoulders and knees. These rules apply also in the host family (don’t walk nude or wearing indecent clothes in the house).
Clothes are comparatively cheaper in India, so you could buy some of them here. However, bring along a couple of jeans and shirts and T-shirts. It is advisable to carry a formal set of clothes that you could wear for Indian functions, such as weddings etc. It could get nippy at times so a light sweater is recommended.
Don’t forget your rain jacket if you are visiting during the rainy season (see paragraph on Climate above).
Girls are encouraged to dress culturally sensitive, especially in small towns.
The Indian people will judge you by the way you dress so try to dress as decently as possible. Usually the clothes must cover your body thoroughly and also the shoulders and knees. These rules apply also in the host family (don’t walk nude or wearing indecent clothes in the house).
Clothes are comparatively cheaper in India, so you could buy some of them here. However, bring along a couple of jeans and shirts and T-shirts. It is advisable to carry a formal set of clothes that you could wear for Indian functions, such as weddings etc. It could get nippy at times so a light sweater is recommended.
Don’t forget your rain jacket if you are visiting during the rainy season (see paragraph on Climate above).
Girls are encouraged to dress culturally sensitive, especially in small towns.
Which precautions should I have in terms of health?
Vaccinations: All updated information about vaccinations is available at: http://www.who.org/(The World Health Organization’s website). There is no compulsory vaccination to enter India. However, it is recommended to undertake the following: Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid. Please consult your doctor and the above-mentioned website of W.H.O. for updates and special warnings.
Insurance: You are required to subscribe to a health or travel insurance before arrival to India. It should be valid for the entire period of your stay outside your country. For more details, contact your sending organization.
Allergies: Please inform us of any allergies you may have, so that the team leaders and coordinators are prepared and special arrangements can be made for you.
Vaccinations: All updated information about vaccinations is available at: http://www.who.org/(The World Health Organization’s website). There is no compulsory vaccination to enter India. However, it is recommended to undertake the following: Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid. Please consult your doctor and the above-mentioned website of W.H.O. for updates and special warnings.
Insurance: You are required to subscribe to a health or travel insurance before arrival to India. It should be valid for the entire period of your stay outside your country. For more details, contact your sending organization.
Allergies: Please inform us of any allergies you may have, so that the team leaders and coordinators are prepared and special arrangements can be made for you.
How to get money in India?
Currency Exchange:
All moneychangers in India accept US Dollars, Euros, G.B.Pounds. Please be aware that some of them charge a commission for the service. Always check current rates before exchanging any money. The official exchange rates are available on all major newspapers daily.
Credit/Debit Cards:
Most major cities and tourist centers accept credit cards.
Currency Exchange:
All moneychangers in India accept US Dollars, Euros, G.B.Pounds. Please be aware that some of them charge a commission for the service. Always check current rates before exchanging any money. The official exchange rates are available on all major newspapers daily.
Credit/Debit Cards:
Most major cities and tourist centers accept credit cards.
Villages of Volunteer ship are 1.Sunderbans the wildlife Forest
2.Bolpur Tibal VIllage
3. Calcutta Stray Dogs love and care.
What you get is free homestay in an Indian home (homestay) in the North of Calcutta along with meditation and yoga and Ayurveda session.( On availability) This becomes a lifetime achievement for you as no other Volunteer Agency provides such a wonderful gift of life.
Kolkata city tour for 2 days. visiting 29 heritage places in the City of Joy.
Indian Cooking session in Bengal inside a Bengali kitchen.
2.Bolpur Tibal VIllage
3. Calcutta Stray Dogs love and care.
What you get is free homestay in an Indian home (homestay) in the North of Calcutta along with meditation and yoga and Ayurveda session.( On availability) This becomes a lifetime achievement for you as no other Volunteer Agency provides such a wonderful gift of life.
Kolkata city tour for 2 days. visiting 29 heritage places in the City of Joy.
Indian Cooking session in Bengal inside a Bengali kitchen.
Contact us:- travel@crazywanderers.com
http://www.crazywanderers.com/
Even if you're not booking any tours with us but want some help while in India, do not hesitate to call or email us.
At the Airport
The arrival terminal at Kolkata International Airport is new though it looks old. Money Exchange counter will not cash credit cards. A Pre-paid taxi service is available. You receive a slip on payment and present it to a man as you exit the terminal. You need not pay any more, at any stage, although you may be asked to do so. A Pre-Paid taxi to the center of the city is around Rs 260/- and from Airport to our own homestay is Rupees 160 the place called "Nager Bazaar. "
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Taxi Drivers
Insist on the driver using the meter unless you know the correct fare. Outside meters have a different reading than inside meters but have virtually disappeared. Taxi drivers carry conversion cards telling you what you should actually pay for the amount on the meter. The calculation is actually simple. Whatever it comes on the meter just double the sum and add 2 Rupees. So if its 50 Rupees on the meter, the actual fare would be Rupees 102.
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The Kolkata Metro Timetable.
The Metro is a fast and usually efficient service which travels the length of the city on one line. It is faster than a taxi and much less expensive. Monday to Saturday the first trains leave from the south and the north stations at 7.00 AM. The last trains leave these stations at 9.45 PM. Early and late trains run at a 15 minute interval but drop to 7 or 8 minutes during peak times. Trains on Sunday do not commence service until 2.00 PM and end at 9.45 from the terminal stations. They run at 15 minute intervals. There are three main city price zones depending on distance travelled. Single, return and multiple ride tickets can be purchased. Trips to the new stations in the south put you into other fare zones but most travellers will not go to the most southern stations.
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Other Transport
Auto Rickshaws play on set shortish routes and the cost is usually no more than 4-5 rupees per ride. Train bookings are open three months before the date of travel. If you are planning a tour and want to book trains in advance then you need to make the bookings on the day they open for many routes. Web services like makemytrip.com have revolutionised how people book. You can book trains, flights and even some luxury bus services through these web pages from the comfort of your home. There is a Tourist Quota Ticket Counter in Kolkata only for foreigners at Fairly Place where you can get train tickets without any extra charges.
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Busy Periods
Like in most countries Indians travel during holiday time in extra numbers. The end of the monsoon holiday period during October and November can be an extremely busy travel time. Booking rail and even air bookings at this time can be difficult for many destinations. Book as soon as possible and provide options if your first choice is not available.
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Planning a tour.
Some people tell us they want to see the Sunderbans and Darjeeling and do a cooking class all in 4 days. Distances between places can be long but also travel can be very slow. Roads are poor in places and waiting for connections can add a lot of time to a trip. A trip of 170 kms can take 5 hours or more. What looks like a day trip is better done in at least 2 days. It takes an overnight train and half the next day to get to Darjeeling from Kolkata travelling by train and jeep. It takes most of a day to get to the Sunderbans. Also remember that there is always a chance that your plane, train, bus or car will arrive at your destination late. This is so common as to be a factor in planning a tour. Try not to have one journey linked too closely to another in case you cannot make it to your second starting point in time. Also try and be aware of holidays that can also interfere with your travel plans. These days you can easily look up dates on the web. Also take into account the travel fatigue factor. Plan to do less rather than more. Many people devise plans where they are travelling every other day. Moving can be interesting but it is also taxing. Build relaxation places into your trip to give yourselves some quiet peaceful time. Apart from some of these practical considerations it is worthwhile reflecting on your reasons for travel and how you might make the most of the experience. Too many people follow guide books and not their existing passions. And of course we are here to help you build your tour.
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Internal Flights
India now has a plethora of low cost domestic carriers. They are good value but there can be problems. Booking from overseas can be a problem and using international credit cards even here can have you getting your home bank to guarantee your credentials. Things however have improved and we refer you to the new web pages that make booking easier. You may also face the problem of flights being cancelled especially on less popular routes. Usually you can get on to another carrier but this can mean delays.
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Howrah
If you arrive at Howrah Station there are pre paid cabs at an inflated price. If you have a light back pack you can catch a ferry across the river during the day time (go by subway out of the station) and catch a cab from the other side of the river. Much cheaper. Also a pre paid system exists at Sealdah Station.
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Money
Banks are slow. For cash and traveller’s cheques, licensed money changers abound and are fast and easy. There is a good legal money exchange on the first floor of the new complex in the New Market or in the street leading to the New Market from The Grand Hotel. Also available in Airport Area Money Exchange.
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Credit Cards.
ATM’s work well and are bobbing up everywhere including on Chowringhee at Park St. and Esplanade metro station outlets. Getting cash is usually not a problem. Be careful however when you pay with a credit card. There has been widespread abuse of credit card information and foreigners with big credit limits can find themselves in trouble. Do not travel with a huge credit limit in your account and if you can, move money through your internet banking account into your credit account as you need it.
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Bargaining .
There are no formulas, you can’t divide the asking price by 2 or 4 and offer your price. Some shops have fixed prices. Where you can, start and maybe stay with these. Try not to offer a price until you have shopped around and walked away a couple of times. If it is a costly item go back over a period of time and see if the price changes. It is possible to bargain your hotel bill especially prior to arrival depending on the season.
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Sudder Street.
This is the backpacker’s budget area with a few middle range hotels. Not a heavy place but does attract touts out to make all sorts of deals with foreigners. It is not representative of the city which, although diversified, is generally a little less pushy.
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Cheap Bars.
Many cheaper bars will not serve women and have no female toilets. If you are after cheap drinks in bars that will serve you, Olley’s Pub in Park St. (upstairs) is a good starting point or The New Cathay on Chowringhee close to the Grand Hotel entrance. The Cecil in Bowbazar does allow women and is well run by a Canadian Sikh. The Broadway on Ganesh Chandra Avenue is a lovely old pub which welcomes women. Cheaper all male bars abound and can be interesting but are often none too clean with unbelievably bad toilet facilities. The Chota Bristol behind the Metro cinema is a large old style bar and interesting. Country Liquor bars are for the brave.
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What to wear .
Looking like you are loaded is not always wise especially if you are out and about the streets at night. On the other hand, looking like a ‘hippy’ will exclude you from many potentially rewarding contacts with the locals. Of course it is your choice, but choosing to alienate large sections of the population does limit the range of contacts that can be made. Many Indians disapprove strongly of women showing too much flesh, although Bengali woman can show a fair bit of tummy. It may be unfair but it is the reality.
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Security.
Kolkata is still one of the safer big cities. You do need to be careful however. Travel with a couple of locks and a chain. On a train trip chain your luggage immediately on entering a carriage to the rack above and opposite you or beneath your legs. Do not carry anything of value in top pockets or small backpacks, especially in the back zip pocket. Pouches in the front do make sense for carrying valuables. Credit cards are increasingly the best way to carry money if you protect them. Some people travel with a phony wallet and long inside pockets for items not needed often. Carry a torch and have it handy at night. Con tricks come in many forms. “Just wait here and I’ll go off and buy it for you,” should raise alarm bells, but there are many variations. Photocopy airline tickets, passport and credit card details before you leave home and keep them separate.
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Female Travelers.
Women travelling without men are considered by some local men to be, “loose and available”. How convenient. Nevertheless it remains a perception as does the one about women in the west liking ‘free sex’. Again unfair but to avoid nasty situations consider dressing conservatively, avoiding crushes (including crowded transport), keeping to lit areas and carrying a heavy torch at night. Bengal is better in this regard than many other parts of India or Asia. If you are taking taxis, especially at night, pass on the number plate details to someone as you get in and let the taxi driver see you do this or pass it on in a mobile phone conversation, even if the phone does not work. This is more for your peace of mind than anything but probably a useful insurance policy. Don't be put off, many women travel alone here.
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Gay and Lesbian.
There is no organized gay or lesbian social scene as such. There are a couple of support groups however. Kolkata is even more conservative than most other metros. On 2 July 2009, the Delhi High Court decriminalised homosexual intercourse between consenting adults. From time to time a bar becomes the in place especially for younger men. You can check with locals by going to any of the gay social networking sights that cover India. Men caught in cruising areas are subject to harassment and the mandatory bribe at the very least.
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Phone and email
There are numerous Personal Call Offices (PCOs) allowing local, STD and ISD calls and many Cyber Cafes operating in the central city.
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Mobile Phones.
You can purchase local SIM cards for your own phone but make sure it is unlocked. You can also purchase an unlocked cell phone for a very small price. For people travelling for some weeks this is not a bad idea. You will need a passport photo and your passport (copy of key pages) and usually a letter from your hotel proving that you are staying there. You can then purchase a sim card with a very short validity period. A new cell phone would cost you around 25-30 dollars.
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Enjoy the city and call if you need assistance at 09330659957. or email us at crazywanderers1@gmail.com.
Even if you're not booking any tours with us but want some help while in India, do not hesitate to call or email us.
At the Airport
The arrival terminal at Kolkata International Airport is new though it looks old. Money Exchange counter will not cash credit cards. A Pre-paid taxi service is available. You receive a slip on payment and present it to a man as you exit the terminal. You need not pay any more, at any stage, although you may be asked to do so. A Pre-Paid taxi to the center of the city is around Rs 260/- and from Airport to our own homestay is Rupees 160 the place called "Nager Bazaar. "
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxi Drivers
Insist on the driver using the meter unless you know the correct fare. Outside meters have a different reading than inside meters but have virtually disappeared. Taxi drivers carry conversion cards telling you what you should actually pay for the amount on the meter. The calculation is actually simple. Whatever it comes on the meter just double the sum and add 2 Rupees. So if its 50 Rupees on the meter, the actual fare would be Rupees 102.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Kolkata Metro Timetable.
The Metro is a fast and usually efficient service which travels the length of the city on one line. It is faster than a taxi and much less expensive. Monday to Saturday the first trains leave from the south and the north stations at 7.00 AM. The last trains leave these stations at 9.45 PM. Early and late trains run at a 15 minute interval but drop to 7 or 8 minutes during peak times. Trains on Sunday do not commence service until 2.00 PM and end at 9.45 from the terminal stations. They run at 15 minute intervals. There are three main city price zones depending on distance travelled. Single, return and multiple ride tickets can be purchased. Trips to the new stations in the south put you into other fare zones but most travellers will not go to the most southern stations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Transport
Auto Rickshaws play on set shortish routes and the cost is usually no more than 4-5 rupees per ride. Train bookings are open three months before the date of travel. If you are planning a tour and want to book trains in advance then you need to make the bookings on the day they open for many routes. Web services like makemytrip.com have revolutionised how people book. You can book trains, flights and even some luxury bus services through these web pages from the comfort of your home. There is a Tourist Quota Ticket Counter in Kolkata only for foreigners at Fairly Place where you can get train tickets without any extra charges.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Busy Periods
Like in most countries Indians travel during holiday time in extra numbers. The end of the monsoon holiday period during October and November can be an extremely busy travel time. Booking rail and even air bookings at this time can be difficult for many destinations. Book as soon as possible and provide options if your first choice is not available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Planning a tour.
Some people tell us they want to see the Sunderbans and Darjeeling and do a cooking class all in 4 days. Distances between places can be long but also travel can be very slow. Roads are poor in places and waiting for connections can add a lot of time to a trip. A trip of 170 kms can take 5 hours or more. What looks like a day trip is better done in at least 2 days. It takes an overnight train and half the next day to get to Darjeeling from Kolkata travelling by train and jeep. It takes most of a day to get to the Sunderbans. Also remember that there is always a chance that your plane, train, bus or car will arrive at your destination late. This is so common as to be a factor in planning a tour. Try not to have one journey linked too closely to another in case you cannot make it to your second starting point in time. Also try and be aware of holidays that can also interfere with your travel plans. These days you can easily look up dates on the web. Also take into account the travel fatigue factor. Plan to do less rather than more. Many people devise plans where they are travelling every other day. Moving can be interesting but it is also taxing. Build relaxation places into your trip to give yourselves some quiet peaceful time. Apart from some of these practical considerations it is worthwhile reflecting on your reasons for travel and how you might make the most of the experience. Too many people follow guide books and not their existing passions. And of course we are here to help you build your tour.
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Internal Flights
India now has a plethora of low cost domestic carriers. They are good value but there can be problems. Booking from overseas can be a problem and using international credit cards even here can have you getting your home bank to guarantee your credentials. Things however have improved and we refer you to the new web pages that make booking easier. You may also face the problem of flights being cancelled especially on less popular routes. Usually you can get on to another carrier but this can mean delays.
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Howrah
If you arrive at Howrah Station there are pre paid cabs at an inflated price. If you have a light back pack you can catch a ferry across the river during the day time (go by subway out of the station) and catch a cab from the other side of the river. Much cheaper. Also a pre paid system exists at Sealdah Station.
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Money
Banks are slow. For cash and traveller’s cheques, licensed money changers abound and are fast and easy. There is a good legal money exchange on the first floor of the new complex in the New Market or in the street leading to the New Market from The Grand Hotel. Also available in Airport Area Money Exchange.
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Credit Cards.
ATM’s work well and are bobbing up everywhere including on Chowringhee at Park St. and Esplanade metro station outlets. Getting cash is usually not a problem. Be careful however when you pay with a credit card. There has been widespread abuse of credit card information and foreigners with big credit limits can find themselves in trouble. Do not travel with a huge credit limit in your account and if you can, move money through your internet banking account into your credit account as you need it.
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Bargaining .
There are no formulas, you can’t divide the asking price by 2 or 4 and offer your price. Some shops have fixed prices. Where you can, start and maybe stay with these. Try not to offer a price until you have shopped around and walked away a couple of times. If it is a costly item go back over a period of time and see if the price changes. It is possible to bargain your hotel bill especially prior to arrival depending on the season.
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Sudder Street.
This is the backpacker’s budget area with a few middle range hotels. Not a heavy place but does attract touts out to make all sorts of deals with foreigners. It is not representative of the city which, although diversified, is generally a little less pushy.
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Cheap Bars.
Many cheaper bars will not serve women and have no female toilets. If you are after cheap drinks in bars that will serve you, Olley’s Pub in Park St. (upstairs) is a good starting point or The New Cathay on Chowringhee close to the Grand Hotel entrance. The Cecil in Bowbazar does allow women and is well run by a Canadian Sikh. The Broadway on Ganesh Chandra Avenue is a lovely old pub which welcomes women. Cheaper all male bars abound and can be interesting but are often none too clean with unbelievably bad toilet facilities. The Chota Bristol behind the Metro cinema is a large old style bar and interesting. Country Liquor bars are for the brave.
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What to wear .
Looking like you are loaded is not always wise especially if you are out and about the streets at night. On the other hand, looking like a ‘hippy’ will exclude you from many potentially rewarding contacts with the locals. Of course it is your choice, but choosing to alienate large sections of the population does limit the range of contacts that can be made. Many Indians disapprove strongly of women showing too much flesh, although Bengali woman can show a fair bit of tummy. It may be unfair but it is the reality.
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Security.
Kolkata is still one of the safer big cities. You do need to be careful however. Travel with a couple of locks and a chain. On a train trip chain your luggage immediately on entering a carriage to the rack above and opposite you or beneath your legs. Do not carry anything of value in top pockets or small backpacks, especially in the back zip pocket. Pouches in the front do make sense for carrying valuables. Credit cards are increasingly the best way to carry money if you protect them. Some people travel with a phony wallet and long inside pockets for items not needed often. Carry a torch and have it handy at night. Con tricks come in many forms. “Just wait here and I’ll go off and buy it for you,” should raise alarm bells, but there are many variations. Photocopy airline tickets, passport and credit card details before you leave home and keep them separate.
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Female Travelers.
Women travelling without men are considered by some local men to be, “loose and available”. How convenient. Nevertheless it remains a perception as does the one about women in the west liking ‘free sex’. Again unfair but to avoid nasty situations consider dressing conservatively, avoiding crushes (including crowded transport), keeping to lit areas and carrying a heavy torch at night. Bengal is better in this regard than many other parts of India or Asia. If you are taking taxis, especially at night, pass on the number plate details to someone as you get in and let the taxi driver see you do this or pass it on in a mobile phone conversation, even if the phone does not work. This is more for your peace of mind than anything but probably a useful insurance policy. Don't be put off, many women travel alone here.
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Gay and Lesbian.
There is no organized gay or lesbian social scene as such. There are a couple of support groups however. Kolkata is even more conservative than most other metros. On 2 July 2009, the Delhi High Court decriminalised homosexual intercourse between consenting adults. From time to time a bar becomes the in place especially for younger men. You can check with locals by going to any of the gay social networking sights that cover India. Men caught in cruising areas are subject to harassment and the mandatory bribe at the very least.
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Phone and email
There are numerous Personal Call Offices (PCOs) allowing local, STD and ISD calls and many Cyber Cafes operating in the central city.
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Mobile Phones.
You can purchase local SIM cards for your own phone but make sure it is unlocked. You can also purchase an unlocked cell phone for a very small price. For people travelling for some weeks this is not a bad idea. You will need a passport photo and your passport (copy of key pages) and usually a letter from your hotel proving that you are staying there. You can then purchase a sim card with a very short validity period. A new cell phone would cost you around 25-30 dollars.
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Enjoy the city and call if you need assistance at 09330659957. or email us at crazywanderers1@gmail.com.
Dr.Rupak Chatterjee
Contact Number.
+9133 32451481
+919330659957
Kolkata
West Bengal
India.
