PRACTICAL INFORMATION 4th OECD World Forum on Statistics, Knowledge and Policy Measuring Well-Being for Development and Policy Making
16-19 October 2012 New Delhi, India
Measuring Well-Being for Development and Policy Making 16-19 October 2012, Ashok Convention Centre, New Delhi, India
Practical Information
This practical information note is designed to give you all information required for your stay in New Delhi and complements the Event Guide.
If you have any queries, please contact the New Delhi 2012 Co-ordination Team at
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ...... 2 2. ARRIVING IN NEW DELHI ...... 2 3. ACCOMMODATION ...... 3 4. CONFERENCE VENUE...... 4 5. CONFERENCE BADGES ...... 4 6. CONFERENCE PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE ...... 5 7. VISIT TO THE TAJ MAHAL ...... 6 8. GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 6 9. EMERGENCY NUMBERS ...... 7 10. TOURIST SITES OF INTEREST ...... 8 11. CONFERENCE CENTRE LAYOUT AND MAPS ...... 10
4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
1. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Please ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your trip. Most participants will be required to present a valid passport and an entry visa to India.
2. ARRIVING IN NEW DELHI
Indira Gandhi International Airport (http://www.newdelhiairport.in/traveller.aspx) is the primary airport in New Delhi, situated in West Delhi, 15 kms from the conference venue.
For those who wish to take a shuttle from New Delhi airport to the official Forum hotels (Ashok Hotel, Samrat Hotel, Le Meridien Hotel, Lalit Hotel, Hans Plaza Hotel, Shangri-la Hotel, Janpath Hotel and Royal Plaza Hotel), please be sure to provide your flight details, including arrival and departure time, in your registration form.
When you clear immigration, make your way to the 4th OECD World Forum welcome desk, situated just outside the customs area, where a 4th OECD World Forum banner will be prominently displayed. Agents will be present at the counter to assist delegates to reach their destination. The counter will be operational on 13-15 October 2012. If you are arriving before or after these dates you will be met at the airport by a driver who will be holding a sign with your name on it, provided you filled in your arrival time in your registration form.
Should you prefer to take a taxi, official taxis can be found at the exit of the airport. The cost to reach your hotel should be between 300 - 500 INR.
Please note that for the return journey, you will require a printed copy of your airline ticket to gain access to the airport.
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
3. ACCOMMODATION
Should you experience any difficulties with your accommodation please write to: [email protected].
OFFICIAL FORUM HOTELS
HOTEL ADDRESS CONTACT
The Ashok Hotel Dimplomatic Enclave, Tel: +91 11 2611 0101 CONFERENCE VENUE 50-B Chanakyapuri, +91 11 2611 6161 New Delhi, 110021 Fax: +91 11 2687 6060 +91 11 2687 3216 www.theashok.com
The Samrat Hotel Kautilya Marg Tel.: +91 11 2611 0606 Chanakyapuri Fax: +91 11 2688 7047 New Delhi, 110021 http://hotelsamrat.co.in/en
Janpath Hotel Janpath, Connaught Place Tel : +91 11 2334 0070 New Delhi, 110 001
Le Meridien Windsor Place, Janpath Tel: +91 11 2371 0101 New Delhi, 110 001 Fax: +91 11 371 6996 www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/index. html
The Lalit Bharat Hotels Limited Barakhamba Avenue, Tel: +91 11 4444 7777 Connaught Place, Fax: +91 11 4444 1234 New Delhi, 110 001 www.thelalit.com/
The Hans Plaza Hotel 15, Barakhamba Road, Tel: +91 11 2331 6868 New Delhi, 110 001 +91 11 6615 0000 Fax : +91 11 6615 0000 www.hanshotels.com
Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel 19, Ashoka Road, Tel: +91 11 4119 1919 Connaught Place Fax: +91 11 4119 1988 New Delhi, 110 001 www.shangri-la.com/newdelhi/erosshangrila
The Royal Plaza Hotel 19, Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, Tel: + 91 11 43555555 New Delhi, 110001 Fax: + 91 11 43555556 + 91 11 43555557 http://www.hoteltheroyalplaza.com/the_royal _plaza/index.aspx
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
4. CONFERENCE VENUE
Conference centre The conference will be held at the Ashok Hotel conference centre which is conveniently located in the New Delhi Diplomatic Enclave (Dimplomatic Enclave, 50-B Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021 INDIA, www.theashok.com). The conference centre is air conditioned and equipped with simultaneous interpretation facilities (French and English). A Forum Information Desk will be open in the Lobby Area of the Ashok Hotel from 16-19 October, 08:30-20:30. Delegates can access internet, print, scan, photocopy and fax documents free of charge at the Internet Corner, across from the plenary room. Wireless internet will also be available in some areas of the Convention Hall. Shuttle buses will be available to transport registered participants between the Forum hotels and the conference centre. Please consult the signage in your hotel for departure times.
Receptions and dinners All participants are invited to three cultural gala dinners. ♦ Tuesday 16 October on the front lawn of the Ashok Hotel ♦ Wednesday 17 October at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi (approximately 3 kms from the Ashok Hotel) ♦ Thursday 18 October at the Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon, Haryana (approximately 20 kms from the Ashok Hotel) Shuttle buses will be provided from the Ashok Hotel and back to the official Forum hotels on both Wednesday and Thursday evening.
5. CONFERENCE BADGES
Participants will receive their conference badge and pack upon check-in at any of the official Forum hotels. A registration desk will also be available in the lobby area of the Ashok Hotel should you not have obtained your badge when checking-in at your hotel.
Your badge is your passport to the Forum, please wear it where it is visible at all times. In case of loss, please go to the Forum Information Desk, located in the lobby of the Ashok Hotel.
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
6. CONFERENCE PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
08:00* Buses depart from the Forum hotels to the Ashok Day 1 Hotel conference centre
Tuesday, 16 October 2012 08:30 Registration desk opens at the Ashok Hotel conference centre 09:00-18:20** Conference sessions 19:00 Cultural evening with gala dinner in the Ashok Hotel conference centre After evening Buses will be provided at the end of the evening back to the official Forum hotels 08:00* Buses depart from the Forum hotels to the Ashok Day 2 Hotel conference centre Wednesday, 17 October 2012 08:30 Registration desk opens at the Ashok Hotel conference centre
09:00-18:30** Conference sessions 19:00 Cultural evening with gala dinner at the Taj Palace Hotel (Buses provided from Ashok Hotel) After evening Buses will be provided at the end of the evening from the Taj Palace Hotel to the official Forum hotels 08:00* Buses depart from the Forum hotels to the Ashok Day 3 Hotel conference centre
Thursday, 18 October 2012 08:30 Registration desk opens at the Ashok Hotel conference centre
09:00-17:20** Conference sessions 19:00 Cultural evening with gala dinner at the Kingdom of Dreams (Buses provided from Ashok Hotel) After evening Buses will be provided at the end of the evening from the Kingdom of Dreams to the official Forum hotels 08:00* Buses depart from the Forum hotels to the Ashok Day 4 Hotel conference centre Friday, 19 October 2012 08:30 Registration desk opens at the Ashok Hotel conference centre
09:20-18:00** Conference sessions
18:00 End of conference and departure of shuttle buses from the conference centre to official Forum hotels
Departure of participants – Buses will be available to transport participants to the airport. *Please consult the signage in your hotel for exact departure times. **Session times are subject to change, please refer to the latest programme available at the Forum Information Desk, located in the lobby of the Ashok Hotel.
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
7. VISIT TO THE TAJ MAHAL
The Government of India has organised a visit to the Taj Mahal, in Agra on Saturday, 20 October for foreign delegates who indicated their interest on the online registration form. Buses will leave official Forum hotels at 07:00 and will return to New Delhi at approximately 21:00. Participants are requested to kindly be at the entrance of their hotel by 06:30 in the morning to board the buses. Luggage can be left either at the Ashok Hotel or loaded directly on the bus.
8. GENERAL INFORMATION
New Delhi Facts
Altitude: 293 m above sea level
Population: 16.75 million (Census of India 2011)
Time zone: GMT + 5:30 hrs
Telephone: International access code - 00 Country code - 91 New Delhi city code - 11
Average Temperature: In October, weather is pleasant with temperatures range between 19°C (67°F) and 33°C (91°F) and 1.6 average rainy days.
Desirable Clothes: Cotton and light woolens are recommended for the autumn.
Rainfall: 714 mm
Monsoon: July to mid-September
Best time to visit: October to March
Languages: Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi. Hindi is the official language of the country but English is well used.
Religions: Hinduism is the religion of 86.8% of New Delhi's population. There are also large communities of Muslims (6.3%), Sikhs (2.4%), Jains (1.1%) and Christians (0.9%).
Getting around in New Delhi The best way to get around New Delhi is by hiring a car or taking a taxi. Auto-rickshaws are also a good way to see the city if you are up for a bit of adventure. All taxis (local and the auto-rickshaws) are usually equipped with a meter on which payment is based.
The metro system in New Delhi is very clean and easy to use. Tickets can be purchased at each station. For unlimited travel over short periods, you can purchase a 1-Day Card for 100 INR or a 3- Day Card for 250 INR. A single journey token (ticket) costs between 8 INR and 30 INR depending on the length of the journey. The nearest metro station to the Ashok Hotel is "Race Course".
For more information please consult the New Delhi Metro Rail website: www.delhimetrorail.com/big-route-map.aspx
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Currency and exchange rates The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Exchange facilities are available at the Airport and at various Banks within the city. The current exchange rate is approximately 55 INR to one US dollar or 70 INR to one Euro (as of 28 September 2012). For daily exchange rates you may wish to refer to: www.xe.com
Travel and health insurance Delegates attending the conference are reminded to ensure they make suitable arrangements for comprehensive travel and healthcare insurance for the duration of their stay in India. You are also advised to seek medical advice before travelling and ensure any vaccinations needed are up-to-date. For medical emergencies, two doctors will be available in the medical room located across from the plenary room.
Electricity
Voltage 220 V Currency frequency: 50Hz Plug sockets: A variety of electrical plugs are to be found throughout India, so an all-around adaptor plug set is recommended. Type D and type C are the most common. Hotels usually have desks and workstations which accept a variety of plug types.
Type D: Type C:
9. EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Emergency numbers
Police: 100
Fire: 101
Ambulance: 102
Accident & Trauma Service: 1099
Tourist City Information Service: 1280
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
10. TOURIST SITES OF INTEREST
For more information please visit the official website of the New Delhi Tourism Office: http://delhitourism.nic.in/delhitourism/index.jsp
Sites of Interests
Qutab Minar Named after the Muslim sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak, this is one of the finest and tallest stone towers in India. It stands adjacent to the Quwwat-ul-Islam, the first mosque in India..
Humayun’s Tomb One of New Delhi’s most sublime sights and a beautiful example of early Mughal architecture. Built by Haji Begum, the wife of the second Mughal emperor Humayun, in the mid-16th century, this red sandstone structure is considered to be the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Among other important Mughal’s, Humayun is also buried in this sandstone and marble tomb.
Red Fort (Lal Quila) The Red Fort is the greatest of New Delhi’s Mughal palace-cities. It was built in the 17th century during the reign of Shah Jehan. Named for its red sandstone walls, Lal Quila recalls the era of Mughal power and magnificence. The walls of the fort extend for 2km and vary in height from 18m on the river side to 33m on the city side.
Bahai House of Worship (Lotus Temple) This extraordinary temple is shaped like the sacred lotus flower. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariburz Sahba in 1986, it has 27 immaculate white-marble petals. The Bahai philosophy revolves around universal peace and the elimination of prejudice, and adherents of all faiths are welcome to pray or meditate silently according to their own religion.
Jantar Mantar Comprised of curious terracotta-red structures, Jantar Mantar is the earliest of Maharaja Jai Singh II’s five observatories, constructed in the early 18th century. The instruments at Jantar Mantar are fascinating for their ingenuity, but accurate observations can no longer be made from here because of the surrounding tall buildings.
Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) Constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble, India’s largest mosque was the last monument commissioned by Shah Jahan. Towering over Old Delhi, the ‘Friday Mosque’ can hold over 20,000 people. It has 3 gateways, 4 angle towers and 2 minarets standing 40m high.
Connaught Place The heart of New Delhi is the vast traffic circle of Connaught Place and the seven streets that radiate from it, which are divided into blocks. It has an architecturally uniform series of colonnaded buildings devoted to shops, banks, restaurants, hotels and offices.
Rajpath & India Gate Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. India Gate is a high stone arch of triumph towards the eastern end of Rajpath. It was built in memory of the British Indian Army soldiers who fell in WW1 and the 3rd Afghan War of the late 19th century. Below the arch is the memorial to the unknown soldier, Amar Jawan Jyoti. Traffic speeds around the outer circle while the inner circle is busy with vendors on green grass lawns.
Lodi Gardens A delightful urban park, built around the tombs of Sayid and Lodhi rulers. This beautifully landscaped garden is a popular spot for a stroll or a leisurely game of cricket.
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Shopping spots
Central Cottage Industries Emporium A government-run fixed pricemultilevel of India-wide handicrafts: woodcarvings, silverware, jewellery, pottery, papier mâché, brassware, textiles (including shawls), beauty products and plenty more. Address: Janpath cnr Tolstoy Marg near Imperial Hotel Hours: 10am-7pm
State Emporiums These neighbouring state government emporiums showcase products from different states. Address: Baba Kharak Singh Marg Connaught Place Hours: 11am-7pm Mon-Sat, may close for lunch 1.30-2.30pm
Dilli Haat This open-air food and crafts market sells regional handicrafts. Admission is 15 INR Address: Aurobindo Marg Sarojini Nagar Hours: Daily from 10am-9pm
Greater Kailash I: M-Block & N-Block Markets A two-part upmarket shopping enclave well known for their Fabindia store (clothes and accessories). Also check out clothing store Anokhi (N-Block). Hours: Wed - Mon
Khan Market Favoured by New Delhi’s elite, the boutiques in this enclave are devoted to fashion, books, and homeware. This is the place to find gourmet groceries and imported foods. Check out Anand Stationers for handmade paperware and Silverline for attractive, reasonably priced silver & gold jewellery. Address: Central Delhi nr Lodhi Gd Hours: Mon-Sat around 10.45am-7pm
Fabindia Readymade clothes, plus great home furnishings Address: Connaught Place Upper Ground fl, 28 B-Block Hours: 10.30am-10pm
Janpath Market Also known as the Tibetan Market, this touristy strip sells the usual trinkets: shimmering mirrorwork textiles, colourful shawls, brass oms, and dangly earrings. Address: Janpath Connaught Place Hours: 10.30am-7.30pm Mon-Sat
The Santushti Shopping Complex Located in Chanakyapuri, this complex is a collection of posh and arty boutiques scattered around a small quiet garden across from the Ashok Hotel. Open every day but Sunday from 10 to 6
Chandni Chowk (Silver Street) This is the old city’s famed shopping strip. Once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jehan rode, is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths. Address: Chandni Chowk Main Rd Old Delhi Hours: Mon-Sat some stores open from around 10am to 7pm, others from noon to 9pm.
Hauz Khas Village This arty little enclave is packed with designer Indian-clothing boutiques, art galleries and furniture shops. It's also a great place to find posters from Bollywood films. Hours: Mon-Sat11am-6pm 9
4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
11. CONFERENCE CENTRE LAYOUT AND MAPS
Ashok Hotel Conference Centre Layout
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Map of the Forum venue and hotels
Hotels: Janpath Hans Plaza Lalit
Hotels: Le Meridien Shangri-La’s Royal Plaza
Hotel Samrat Hotel Taj Palace Hotel
Conference Center and Hotel The Ashok Hotel
Towards the Kingdom of Dreams
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
New Delhi city map
www.delhicapital.com/images/delhi-tourist-map.gif
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4th OECD World Forum, New Delhi, 16-19 October 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
New Delhi metro map
http://www.delhimetrorail.com/zoom-route-map.aspx
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