India

The caste system is a problem as people have been murdered for developing relationships with those from other castes. The long-standing hostility against Pakistan continues. Country faces rebellion in the east. There is a very high threat of terrorism throughout India. On 30 October 2008 a number of bombs exploded simultaneously across the state of Assam, killing at least 50 people and injuring 300 more. The latest bombs are more evidence of attacks targeted public places, places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers including places of worship and major public events, celebration venues, government buildings, hotels, airports, shopping areas, markets and public transport. These are all potential targets for such attacks. You should expect an increased security presence. You are advised not to travel to the immediate area of the border with Pakistan, NW India. You should be aware that since July 2006 there have been terrorist attacks in major cities including New Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Hyderabad. These attacks are often conducted in series and at peak shopping time, early evening. Tamil Tigers are still operating in the south. In some areas the medical system is inadequate. There is endemic petty crime and large organised criminal networks. Drug trafficking and reported corruption continues. Violence is generally not targeted at Western travellers as long as you stay well clear of the trouble-spots. In cities you will find scores of hustlers fighting for your attention. Stay calm and level-headed. Severe risk of kidnappings in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ignore touts who claim this area is safe. Weapons (assorted), vehicle security, personal security, checkpoints, general travel, navigation, off-road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, diseases, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, cultures / customs, communications, terrorism, civil disturbances / unrest, terrorism, drought / floods / natural disasters. India is the world's fourth most dangerous place for women after Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Pakistan, according to a 2011 poll of more than 200 aid professionals, academics, health workers, policymakers, journalists and development specialists conducted by TrustLaw, legal news service of the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Women are subject to female feticide, child marriage and high levels of trafficking and domestic servitude. Some 100 million people, mostly women and girls, are involved in trafficking in one way or another, according to India's former Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta. Up to 50 million girls are missing over the past century due to female infanticide and feticide. Some 44.5 per cent of girls are married before the age of 18.

Use bottled water at all times, if not ensure correct sterilisation takes place.

Upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north.

Varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north.

Droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes.