Tourism Information

Tourism & Event Information

To ensure a safe, comfortable, and enriching travel and conference experience in Bihar, participants are requested to carefully observe the following guidelines:

1. Travel & Documentation

• Passport & Visa Requirements:
  International visitors are required to carry a valid passport and an appropriate visa at all times. Participants are strongly advised to verify visa validity and entry requirements well in advance of travel.
• Important Documents:
  Retain both digital and physical copies of essential documents, including passport, visa, flight/train tickets, hotel confirmations, and conference registration details.

2. Best Time to Visit

• Seasonal Climate & Weather Overview:
  Mid-November offers one of the most pleasant climatic windows in Bihar, with mild daytime temperatures ranging from 24–27 °C, comfortably cool evenings (18–21 °C), and fresh mornings around 11–14 °C.
• Recommendations for Sightseeing:
  This period is particularly suitable for visiting religious sites, heritage monuments, and engaging in outdoor and cultural activities in Rajgir, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and surrounding regions.

3. Clothing & Personal Essentials

During mid-November, the climate across Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, and Bodh Gaya is generally dry, mild, and comfortable. Light cotton or breathable daytime clothing is appropriate, while a light sweater, shawl, or jacket is recommended for early mornings and evenings, particularly in Rajgir and Bodh Gaya, where temperatures may feel slightly cooler. Visitors are advised to wear modest, culturally respectful attire, especially when visiting religious and heritage sites.

Footwear:
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are strongly recommended, as site visits often involve walking and uneven pathways. Footwear that can be easily removed is preferable for temples, monasteries, and other religious premises where this is customary.

Drinking Water & Hydration:
During this period, normal packaged or filtered drinking water is sufficient, and there is no necessity for excessively chilled or frozen water. Participants who habitually prefer warm drinking water may carry a personal thermos bottle, which is both convenient and advisable, particularly during morning hours or extended outdoor visits.

4. Cultural, Religious & Social Etiquette:

• Dress Code & Modesty Guidelines:
  Visitors are expected to dress conservatively and uphold standards of modesty at all times, particularly when entering temples, monasteries, mosques, gurudwaras, and heritage sites.
• Footwear Protocols:
  Footwear must be removed where required, in accordance with local religious and cultural practices.
• Conduct at Religious & Heritage Sites:
  Maintain decorum, avoid loud conversations, and observe local customs and traditions.
• Prayer & Meditation Protocols:
  Respect silence and adhere to site-specific instructions during prayer, meditation, or contemplative sessions.

5. Photography & Media Guidelines:

• Permitted Locations & Restrictions:
  Photography is generally permitted at most tourist and heritage sites; however, restrictions may apply at certain temples, monasteries, mosques, museums, or protected monuments.
• Compliance with Local Instructions:
  Always observe posted signage, official guidance, and respect the privacy of worshippers, residents, and local communities.
• Official Congress Photography:
  Photographs of all participants during every session—including plenary halls, panel discussions, parallel sessions, seating areas, discussion forums, Q&A sessions, and collective events such as lunches—will be officially captured and uploaded by WCND to the Congress website within 24 hours. Participants may thereafter conveniently download their individual photographs; consequently, excessive personal photography is unnecessary.

6. Local Transport & Mobility

• Authorized Transport Services:
  Use only authorized taxis, buses, or officially arranged transport services for city and intercity travel. Pre-booked vehicles for delegates are recommended.
• Travel Advisory:
  Allow additional time for intercity journeys, comply with traffic regulations, and verify local train or bus schedules in advance.

7. Accommodation & Facilities

• Recommended Hotels & Guesthouses:
  Participants are advised to stay in recognized hotels or guesthouses with verified credentials. Booking confirmations should be readily accessible. Details of approved accommodations for delegates will be communicated prior to the conference.
• Emergency Contact Preparedness:
  Keep hotel contact details, local emergency numbers, and conference helpdesk information easily available.
• Emergency Helplines:
  • Police / All Emergencies: 112
  • Ambulance / Medical Services: 102 / 108
  • Women Helpline: 1091
  • Child Helpline: 1098
• Additional Safety Advice:
  Participants are strongly advised to carry a handwritten physical copy of relatives’ or emergency contacts’ phone numbers and addresses at all times.

8. Food & Water Safety

• Hygienic Dining Practices:
  Consume food only from clean, reputable establishments to minimise health risks.
• Safe Drinking Water:
  Prefer bottled or properly filtered water. Avoid tap water unless explicitly confirmed safe.
• Dietary Considerations:
  Inform organisers or hotel staff in advance regarding dietary restrictions, allergies, or special requirements.

9. Responsible & Sustainable Tourism

• Respect for Local Communities:
  Engage courteously with residents and adhere to local social norms, customs, and traditions.
• Waste Management & Cleanliness:
  Avoid littering and actively contribute to maintaining cleanliness in public, sacred, and natural spaces.
• Protection of Heritage & Natural Sites:
  Do not touch, damage, deface, or disturb historical monuments, religious structures, or natural heritage areas.
• Modesty & Public Decorum:
  Visitors are expected to uphold standards of modesty in attire at all times; nudity is strictly prohibited to preserve decorum and mutual respect.
• Universal Citizen Selfie Point:
  Participants are requested to exercise due care and refrain from causing any damage to the “Universal Citizen Selfie Point”, which will feature a four-metre globe and 100+ international flags.

10. Health & Safety

• Personal Medication & Health Advisory Compliance:
  Carry essential personal medication and comply with any advisories issued by local or national health authorities.
• Medical Facilities:
  Major cities and towns, including Rajgir and Bodh Gaya, are equipped with accessible healthcare facilities and emergency services.

11. Local Interaction & Guidance

• Communication & Hospitality Norms:
  Bihar is widely known for its hospitality; polite, respectful, and patient interaction is appreciated.
• Authorized Assistance:
  Seek guidance only from certified tourist guides, authorised personnel, or designated event coordinators.

12. Event-Specific Guidelines

• Registration, Badges & Check-In:
  Delegates must carry registration confirmations and official event badges at all times. On-site check-in counters will operate as per the conference schedule.
• Session Participation & Timeliness:
  Participants are requested to attend all sessions punctually and adhere strictly to the official programme timetable and venue instructions.

13. Venue, Accessibility & Logistics

• Maps & Directions:
  Detailed venue maps, navigation aids, and multilingual signage will be provided at key locations.
• Accessibility Provisions:
  Ramps, designated seating, and appropriate facilities will be available for differently-abled participants to ensure inclusivity.
• Shuttle Services & Emergency Exits:
  Shuttle services between major locations will operate as scheduled. Emergency exits and assembly points are clearly marked.

14. Communication & Connectivity

• Local SIM & Internet Access:
  Temporary SIM cards and mobile internet services are available for international visitors.
• Wi-Fi & Helpdesks:
  Wi-Fi connectivity will be provided at conference venues. Dedicated helpdesks will assist with communication and technical needs.
• Emergency Contacts:
  Participants are advised to save local police, medical services, and event helpline numbers for immediate reference.

15. Local Tours & Cultural Immersion (Optional)

• Pre- and Post-Conference Tours:
  Curated tours covering Rajgir, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and nearby heritage destinations will be arranged.
• Cultural Walks & Experiences:
  Guided heritage walks, monastery visits, temple tours, and local market experiences offer insight into Bihar’s rich civilisational legacy.

16. Security Protocols

• Entry Checks & Access Control:
  Security screening will be conducted at all venues to ensure participant safety.
• Emergency Procedures & Crowd Management:
  Organisers will coordinate evacuation plans and crowd management measures. Participants are requested to follow all instructions issued by security and event personnel.

17. 24×7 Helpline during the Congress

• An official emergency contact number and email address shall be issued by the Congress Secretariat and communicated to all participants in advance of the conference. The emergency support system will operate on a 24×7 basis commencing two days prior to the conference, remain active throughout the conference period up to 20 November, and continue for two days following the conclusion of the Congress, to ensure timely assistance and coordination.”