ubiquity of AC in Indian public spaces?

reneeautumn

I could not think of where to put this thread; it may need to be moved.

What I'm wondering is, will I find a lot of public spaces like restaurants, libraries, and other cultural places like museums or houses of worship that will be air conditioned? If so, I think I could handle staying in an un-AC hotel room. If not, I think I would prefer an AC hotel room so that I could come back once or twice during the day to escape the heat and rest a few minutes/half-hour.

On that subject, how prevalent are libraries in India? I am thinking that would be a great place to sit and rest and be in a space that would mainly have non-tourists and give me a better feel for 'regular' Indian life. If not libraries, what other spaces do you think would be good? Public parks, I'm sure. Do bazaars have any sort of plaza or place with benches to rest? Will I find that there are restaurants or cafes that don't mind if a person lingers a while? I'm talking about half an hour or an hour, not all day.

capt_mahajan

many resteraunts will have ac, specially in big cities.

museums, no a/c

places of worship: no, though I know of one which has an airconditioned hall.

generally speaking, public buildings will not have any airconditioning at all.

libraries, no.. and there arent many public libraries anyway. The British Library is airconditioned, though you have to be a member. (and only available in a handful of cities)

Lingering can be done anywhere..but don't expect vacant benches and seating, though.

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nayan

1. restaurants - from mid range above they will be AC. budget places will be non AC. you will understand by looking at the door. if the place has a door its AC. If it is open to the street its not AC.
2. Most museums are in huge colonial style buildings with open courtyards etc. dont think they will be AC. but due to very high ceiling and thick walls they are usually quite cool.
3. houses of worship - if you mean temples - never. dont think mosques, churches or gurdwaras will be AC either
4. Library - not at all prevelant.

in the cities the malls, upmarket shops and multiplexes will be AC.

Its better to take a AC room. you will have a good nights sleep and be fresh for next days adventuers.

Nick-H

Exactly; it is the nights that are the worst!

Down this wet-humid hot end of India, one can actually be comfortable out and about as long as you try to stick to the shady side of the road and don't spend too much time in the glaring sun. It is when you go inside you will seek a fan or AC.

In fact, some shops can feel uncomfortably cold, and it can be a relief to get back to the warmth outside! I've sat in concert halls wishing I had a shawl to wrap up in!

When the night comes, the temperature on the thermometer may be ten degrees less than it was in the day. Does it feel it? No... not really, it just turns into a muggy, steamy heat, and, as you lie in your bed it feels like you are breathing water.

Consider that I am pretty-much acclimatised to this place, but seldom sleep without AC! Actually, I could, from about November to February, but Mrs N, who was born here, will still be complaining about the heat! (but I hate to sleep in the draft from a fan)

An AC room is also more likely to be protected against mosquitoes. You can keep the windows shut, and if you use one of those plug-in things, or spray an hour or two before bed, you should be safe for the night without a net. A little repellent is still a good precaution; I've been in rooms with sealed windows, netted windows, all sorts of stuff, and then found that the bathroom has an open ventilator!

Of course, a lot depends on where you are going and when, and many a traveller has survived very well without AC!

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