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| Hotel Accommodation: |
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| Accommodation has been reserved of the Various Hotels of Chennai of
special rates as given below. Acceptance of booking is on first come first served basis,
and subject to the availability. Late registrants may not be eligible for the rooms at the
discount rate. As the hotel accomodation is always tight throughout the city, you are
advised to make your hotel reservation as soon as possible in order to ensure that you get
the hotel of your choice. |
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| Hotel Reservation: |
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| Various classes of Hotel Accommodation are arranged for the participants.
The details are provided in the Hotel Reservation Form. |
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| Conditions: |
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| The special room rates are applicable only if the rooms are booked
through the Congress Secretariat. Requests for reserving the accommodation must be
accompanied by the deposit amount for one night stay at the hotel. |
| Shuttle bus service will be provided every day only for guests staying at
the Congress hotels to the venue and vice versa. |
| Hotel reservation should be made prior to August 15, 1999 otherwise
accommodation will not be guaranteed. |
| Hotel cancellation should be made in writing before August 30, 1999. |
| No refund will be given for the cancellation received after August 30,
1999 |
| The refund will be processed after the Congress is over. |
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| Airport Tax: |
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| Government of India has levied airport tax of INR 150 per person on
departure by air from India to the neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Maldives, Island, Nepal, Pakistan and Srilanka. If a tourist visiting the
neighbouring countries will not return to India for the final departure, the airport tax
levied at the time of departure to the neighbouring countries would be INR 500 per person. |
| The Airport tax on departure for the other countries is INR 500 per
person. |
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| WELCOME TO CHENNAI |
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| Chennai, the fourth largest city in India, is the capital of the state of
Tamilnadu. It is the gateway to South India, the land of wonderous silk and profuse
incense, sky-rising temple gopurams, a vibrant festival atmosphere, a long (900 km)
castling with silver lined beaches and warm friendly people. Chennai offers a rich variety
of South India culture, dance, architecture, art and not to forget the famous mouth
watering curries. |
| There are many places of interest to visit in Chennai, like the Marina,
the second longest beach in the world; the world headquarters of the Theosophical society;
the Kalashetra, and internationally renowned institution for Indian classical dance and
music; the Kapaleeswarar temple with its tall gopuram and splendid sculpturs; St. Thomas
Mount, where St. Thomas was martyred and the Santhome Cathedral Basilica built over the
tomb of St. Thomas (One of the Apostle of Jesus Christ). The famous Big Mosque is located
in the central part of Chennai. There are several shopping centers for the famous silk
sarees. |
| From 4 to 6 km off Chennai Airport is located the world famous ancient
seaport, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, with its fantastic monuments hewn out of solid
rocks. The crocodile farm, located on the way to Mamallapuram, has about 5000 crocodiles
representing 6 species. There are several beach resorts along the route to Mamallapuram,
including the Fisherman's Cove. Kanchipuram, the Golden city of Thousand Temples and one
of the seven sacred cities of India, is 71 km from Chennai. This ancient town is not only
known for its majestic temples but also for its hand-woven silk fabrics. |
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| Climate: |
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| In Chennai, the weather during December is pleasant with the temperature
around 20-300C. There may be
monsoon rains. Cotton clothing or light woollen clothes are recommended. Please do not
forget to bring an umbrella. |
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| Language: |
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| Tamil and English are the most widely sued languages in Tamilnadu. Almost
all of the people connected with tourism, hotels, clubs, restaurants, shops and ground
handling services speak English. |
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| Currency: |
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| The currency acceptable in India is the Rupee. Exchange rates are
available at the Hotel or Bank or Foreign Exchange Counters. Most establishments will
accept credit cards. The conference Travel Agent will have a Foreign Exchange counter to
facilitate the transactions for the delegates. |
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| Transportation: |
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| Chennai has the largest metropolitan bus services network in India. In
addition three suburban train lines cater to the needs of the large population. Metered
Taxis and Autorickshaws (3 wheelers) are also available. Delegates are advised to hire
Taxis or Autorickshaws through the hotel or the Secretariat. Prepaid taxis are available
at the Airport. |
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| Food: |
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| Chennai is the centre for the delicious and world famous South India
curry. Both Vegetarians and Non-vegetaarians will find Chennai to be a paradise with an
excellent variety of food to suit the individual palate and purse.Good restaurants are
located near the Conference venue and all over the city. Delegates are advised to eat only
in the approved hotels. The list of approved hotels will be provided in the conference
bag. |
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| Shopping: |
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| Chennai is famous for the silk (the world famous Kanchipuram silk sarees)
and cotton wears, leather products, antiques and handicrafts. |
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| Tips: |
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| Giving Tips is optional but usually expected. |
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