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– 13 – www.paradises.com asking price if you're prepared for some serious haggling). There are many wonderful handicrafts from Kashmir's hand- loomed rugs, furs, papier-mâché utensils and pashmina shawls, jewels and brassware from Jaipur, and silks from Varanasi and Bangalore. For souvenirs, Delhi's famed bazaars won't disappoint, and are teeming with eclectic homewares, clothing, pashmina scarves, and more. Chandni Chowk Bazaar, located in the heart of old Delhi is comprised of a series of interconnecting crowded walkways littered with stalls hawking everything from books, clothes and shoes to electronics, amidst the pervading smell of Indian food—the best bazaar to experience the 'real' India. For those who wish to return home loaded with quality yet well priced souvenirs, Janpath is a must-visit. Just a short walk away from Connaught Place, Janpath Bazaar has stand alone street stalls, permanent shops and a f lea market, selling quality homeware items such as bright and ornate throws, wall hangings, lamps, rugs, embroidered cushion covers, vases, and much more, as well quality clothing and a plethora of trinkets. Also at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath Rd and nearby, along Baba Kharak Singh Marg in New Delhi, are various state emporia each run by their state governments. Activities Indians all play hockey, cricket, polo, football, volleyball and basketball, and in the hill stations ponies can be hired for excursions to the glaciers' edge. Ski resorts at Gulmarg in Kashmir and Auli in the state of Uttaranchal are popular for snow skiing and heli skiing, and also some of the Himalayan snowfields to the northeast and near Shimla. The season runs from December to January. There's whitewater canoeing on the Ganges' tributaries and on the Zanskar, Indus, Chenab and Lidder rivers in Kashmir. Ballooning has become popular with a club at Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi. Other activities include camel safaris, trekking and hang gliding in the Himalayas, or exploring woodlands and orchards of the Western Ghats or Aravali hills. Currency The Indian rupee is divided into 100 paise. Tipping is appreciated, as wages are low by Western standards. Climate There are three major seasons: winter, summer and the monsoon. The winter, from November to March, is pleasant with bright sunny days in the south and east, but in December and January in the north, the temperature drops and there is snow in the hills. In summer, April to June, it is very hot and humid, and many head to the cool hill resorts. The southwest monsoon breaks about early June and continues until September. The south-eastern areas receive rainfall between October and December. Wear cool, light, cotton clothes in the south and northern plains from April to September. Warmer clothes are advisable for the north during winter. In New Delhi an overcoat may be required during December and January. It is advisable that females dress modestly where possible, even in warmer climes, as showing too much skin is generally frowned upon and may attract unwanted attention. However tourist beachside areas are generally more lax. — I n d i a — — I n d i a —