EXPLORE INDIA| Travelwings

Home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, India is an epitome of timeless beauty, spirituality, more than 5000-year-old history, and innumerable wonders. The country is popular worldwide for its rich heritage, cultural values, traditional festivals and unarguably, the striking wonder of the Taj Mahal. Tourists come from across the globe to savor its magnificence. Gain a perennial experience as you embrace the charm of its natural marvels. Feel tranquilized at its pristine natural sites or get lost in the exquisiteness of its diverse heritage. Walk by its man-made wonders and get sucked in by a trench of surprises. There is a lot one can admire and enjoy while in India. So, plan a vacation in India and get transported to a different world.

USEFUL INFO. ABOUT INDIA

OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of India

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary Democratic Republic

Capital City: Delhi

Largest City: Mumbai

POPULATION:1.33 Billion (est. in 2018)

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Hindi and English

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Sanskrit

ETHNICITY: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidians 25%, Mongoloid and other groups 3%

CURRENCY: Indian Rupee ₹ INR

MAP REFERRED: Asia

AREA: 3,287,263 Sq Km

Area: 3,287,263 Sq Km

Land: 2,991,409 Sq Km (91%)

Water: 295,854 Sq Km

Lowest Point: Kuttanad at -2.7 M

Highest Point: Mount Kanchenjunga at 8586 M

Coastline: 7516 Km

Network / Connectivity

You will face no problems with internet connectivity in india. Most cafes, restaurants, and bars offer Free Wi-Fi access to paying customers. As of 2019, over 75% of the population in Kazakhstan has internet access which puts it ahead of many of its fellow Asian countries. Major internet service providers you will hear about are KazakhTelecom, Kcell (3G), INTELSOFT (cable), AlmaTV (cable access), Beeline (3G, cable), DigitalTV (WiMax), and Sekatel to name a few.

Political events can impact information available for access, thus there may be some restrictions on the search results available to users.

Indian Rupee is the national currency of India and has a very long history of development. The earliest forms of coins used across modern-day India were centuries before the common era. They were rupyarupa (made of gold), suvarnarupa (made of silver), tamra rupa (made of copper) and satarupa (made of lead). However, the current Indian Rupee coins are made of ferritic stainless steel.

The paper Indian rupees came into existence for the first time in the late 18th century during British rule. Since then, it has undergone numerous changes.
Symbol: ₹
Code: INR

1 Indian Rupee = 100 paise

1 Indian Rupee INR = 0.052 United Arab Emirates Dirham (As of 28th Jan 2019)

Indian Rupee notes can be found in the denomination of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2000.

Indian Rupee coins can be found in the denomination of 1, 2, 5 and 10.

India is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited places on Earth as it has a history that dates to about 55, 000 years. Hence, the country has been a great destination for history lovers since time immemorial.

However, the country became an urban culture after the social and economic development of the Indus Valley Civilization, which is about 5300 years old. This was the time when India started rising to heights due to trade and agriculture and gained a special position on the global map.

In the Iron Age during the period between 2000 and 500 BCE, the Vedas, which are the oldest texts in Hinduism, were composed. Several inventions and a lot of discoveries were made. Thousands of incredible temples and other architectural masterpieces were constructed. Trade flourished and grew in the interior parts of the country.

The modern-day country, which is a democratic republic nation now, was an expanse comprised of several kingdoms then. Each of the kingdoms was ruled by an independent ruler.

Coming forward to the 10th century, India started witnessing invasions. Several foreign powers raised armies against the country and eventually in the early 13th century, the Islamic empire of the Delhi Sultanate was established.

Later, the majority of the country was ruled by the Mughals. The East India Company and the British also administered the nation until India got complete freedom in the year 1947.

Since then, the country is growing at a fast pace. Today, India is one of the most powerful nations in the world. It is a nuclear power state and has one of the strongest armies on the planet. However, the country is mainly recognized for its culture, history, architecture, and natural beauty. Millions of tourists flock the country every year to enjoy its grandeur and learn its greatness.

Being the third-largest country on the globe, India has a diverse landscape. The country is spread across an area of about 3,287,263 sq km and that's the reason, travelers get to experience rich biodiversity. In India, one can come across plains, mountains, hills, valleys, lakes, rivers, shores, grasslands, forests, and everything else that contributes to prolific nature. From the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats and the Himalayas to the Purvanchal Range, the country harbors beautiful vegetation and wildlife.

By area, India is the seventh-largest nation in the world. The country is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. Hence, it has been successful in providing a huge variety of natural wonders.

The lowest point in India is at Kuttanad (Kerala) at about 2.7 m below the sea level

The highest point in the country is at Mount Kanchenjunga at about 8586 m above the sea level

This shows the kind of topography India possesses.

India is surrounded by water on three sides. Hence, the coastline of the country extends for about 7516 km. It starts from Gujarat in the West and goes up till West Bengal in the East.

The major rivers of India are as follows:

Ganges

Brahmaputra

Mahanadi

Narmada

Godavari

Yamuna

Tapti

The culture of India has a history of about 5000 years. Though the traditional values and customs in the country are rooted in the Hindu philosophies, you would still find several elements from other cultures of the world. Based on Vedic texts and ancient scriptures, the ancient Indian culture has become more of culture with religious diversity. Today, the country houses all the major religions of the world. And that's what makes India a unique nation.

Art and Music
Indian art is heavily influenced by mythology, religion, and native life. You would find murals, paintings, pottery and textile arts depicting the presence of god and mystical powers in the world. Be it through the carvings on temples or the calligraphy on mosques, Indian art speaks for it.

The music of India serves a variety of different genres. From classical folk to Indian pop, one can enjoy melodies of all kinds within the country. Today, people enjoy western music as well. The major traditional musical instruments include the sitar, sarod, tabla, flute, shehnai, sarangi, and harmonium.

Food and Drink
Indian cuisine is known for being spicy. But, if you explore different regions of India, you would come to know that there are more than 30 types of cuisines within the nation. From spicy curries to bland soups, you can relish everything as per your taste buds here. As the country has been ruled by several empires in the past, its cuisine has become a blend of various traditions and flavors.

Chai (Tea) in the northern parts and coffee in the southern parts of India are the most loved hot beverages in the country. Indians also love to enjoy soothing drinks and sherbets made from fruits, especially during the summer season. Most of the famous drinks savored in the country are prepared from the by-products of milk; for instance, lassi and chaas.

Must-try Delicacies
India Thali, Biryani, Aloo paratha, paneer butter masala, dosa, idli, vada pav, Indian chats, rogan josh

Must-try Drinks
Masala chai, lassi, shikanji, toddy, solkadhi, falooda, coconut water, jal jeera, chaas

Hospitality
Amongst tourists, Indian people are known for being helpful. They believe in 'Atithi Devo Bhava' which signifies that a guest is a god. They will greet you with an eternal smile on their faces and keep serving you food until you can't take another morsel. They love to host various gatherings in their homes. It is an important part of their culture. Hence, tourists feel quite comfortable during their visit to India.

As per the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, India is one of the most affordable places to visit in the world.

Take a sneak peek into the ancient culture and traditions of the country and learn its values.

Behold the grandeur and charm of the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world.

Take the foodie in you on a world tour in the food streets of Delhi and Mumbai and relish authentic traditional Indian dishes.

Awaken the adventurer in the hills and mountains of Himachal Pradesh and capture unseen beauty.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the corridors of royal residences in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur.

Attend cultural festivals and events and get an insight into India's diversity.

Detox your mind, body, and soul in the Yoga and Ayurveda capitals, Rishikesh and Kerala respectively.

Go offbeat and discover the veiled wonders of Northeast India.

Take a peaceful camel ride in the dazzling Thar Desert and experience a sense of calmness.

Explore the French colony, beaches and serene surroundings of the beautiful little Pondicherry.

Spend a day or two in the villages of India to experience its countryside lifestyle and raw culture.

Hike up the Himalayas and treat yourself with some heavenly views.

Try scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, kite surfing, fly-boarding and more in waters of the Arabian Sea.

Due to the vastness of India, the country experiences different climatic conditions at different places. The Indian weather pretty much changes every 300 km. In the summers, when north India gets extremely hot, you can experience a pleasant climate in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and more. In the winters, when places like Delhi and Agra experience chilling weather, you get great sunny days in the coastal regions of the country. Hence, the country is a year-round destination for travelers. If you are planning to visit the coastal regions of India like Goa and Mumbai, then the best time to visit it is from November until the end of February.

If you desire to explore historic trails of places like Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur or of the central parts of the country, then the best time to visit it is from February to April and September to November.

For hilly regions and high altitude places, the best time is from April until the end of August.

May, June, and July are the hottest months in India with June being recorded as the month of the highest temperature in India.

December and January are the coldest months here.

The monsoon season in India generally starts from July and remains till September.

The highest rainfall in India is received by Mawsynram in Meghalaya.

Visit India with Family

Visit Agra and watch the wondrous glamor of the world-renowned Taj Mahal

Plan a family trip to Uttarakhand and explore the charm of its beautiful hills and valleys

Shop for the best souvenirs in the local markets of Jaipur and Delhi

Try authentic Indian Cuisine in the foot streets of Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow

Ride camels and spend a day in the extensive Thar Desert

Visit India as a Couple

Explore the pink-hued palaces and blue waters of Udaipur

Feel romance in the air of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Take a boat trip in the pacifying backwaters of Kerala and enjoy beautiful sunsets

Get lost in the valleys of Himachal Pradesh and ignite the passion for each other

Take a relaxing stroll along the promenade of Pondicherry and enjoy its beautiful French architecture

Go for a shikara ride in Dal Lake against the beautiful backdrop of towering mountains

Pay a visit to the eternal symbol of love, Taj Mahal

Visit India with Friends

Take a chill pill and relax on the beautiful bustling shores of Goa

Dance the night away in the clubs of Mumbai and Bangalore and enjoy their hip-hop scene

Trace the unexplored trails of Northeast India and visit the natural wonders of Dawki

Plan an excursion to the historic Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Trek up the hills of Manali, go river-rafting in Rishikesh or camp at Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

isit India with Kids

Ride an elephant in Jaipur or a camel in Jaisalmer

Enjoy jeep safari and witness beautiful wildlife in Ranthambore National Park

Pass through the hills of Darjeeling via the popular Himalayan Toy Train

Let your kids enjoy fairytales at the Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon

Spot colorful species of exotic and indigenous birds at Bharatpur Sanctuary

Explore the adventure parks of Mumbai and Bengaluru

What to Buy?

Indian Tea

Jewellery

Pickles

Agra
One of the major tourist attractions in India, Agra is always on the wishlist of every traveler who visits India. The city houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. It harbors a major chunk of Medieval Indian history as it is here you get acquainted with the past of the Mughals. Watch ancient splendors passing by as you stroll down the city's streets. No wonder Agra gets flooded with millions of tourists every year.

Kerala
Kerala is quite famous as the ultimate spa retreat of India and is fondly known as God's Own Country. The kind of nature it stores is peerless and hence, it is one of the best places to visit in South India. Stay in a houseboat and sail down the beautiful backwaters of the country. Revel in beach exploration and gain unparalleled experience. Kerala is all about pristine nature with a magical touch. At every step, you get to witness never-seen beauties. In short, a surreal world altogether!

Varanasi
If history and culture fascinate you, then Varanasi, the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, deserves to be on the top of your bucket list. From walking along divine ghats to taking a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges, every single activity in the city would leave an everlasting impact on you. Talk to saints, sit by the riverbank, listen to the temple bells producing a calm environment or indulge in exploring age-old narrow streets. No wonder, it is one of the most famous places in India for spirituality seekers.

Udaipur
The city of lakes and one of the most beautiful places in India, also one of the best tourist places in India, Udaipur hosts an amazing series of historical sites. The city boasts of great lavish hotels, royal palaces, and majestic forts. Hence, it makes for an unforgettable getaway for those who desire to experience sublime artistry from the past. As Udaipur is tucked away in the midst of green beautiful hills, it has become an escape for nature photographers too. Hence, a must-visit on India travel!

Delhi
The capital city and a significant part of tourism in India, Delhi is the cornerstone of the country's history. It is one of the few places where travelers relish a perfect mix of food, culture, history, architecture, and nature. The metropolitan houses lakes, ancient monuments, beautiful temples, and architectural marvels. Serving a variety of beauty, Delhi always leaves its guests awestruck. Hence, it is one of the best places to visit in India!

Lakshadweep
A group of Islands, Lakshadweep in the Laccadive Sea seems like a paradisal land with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best honeymoon destinations in India, though it is visited mostly by offbeat explorers. Lakshadweep is also home to numerous historical sites in the form of palaces and mosques. Visit the islands for a peaceful vacation away from the noise of Indian cities.

Goa
The party hub of India, Goa is the smallest state in the country and is mainly recognized for its bustling beaches and ancient churches and forts. It is second to none when it comes to a destination nurturing a boisterous and lively environment. From casinos to pubs, everything provides a unique experience. Dig a little deeper and explore the hidden destinations of Goa. Enjoy water sports, hot-air balloon ride and more. Goa has some of the most vivacious tourist spots in India.

Ladakh
Ladakh is all about unspoiled mountain beauty. The scenic views of towering hills, the melodious flow of streams and the vibrant culture of the high passes define the charm of Ladakh. Take a bike ride through its valleys and find yourself stepping into a peaceful world. Watch beautiful birds, visit monasteries, stargaze at night or enjoy a yak safari.

Hampi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi in the Indian state of Karnataka was the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. And once you venture out and explore its ruins, the entire kingdom comes alive in front of you. From ruined temples to forts, everything would take you back to the times when India stood strong as a global leader. Come here to capture historic panoramas. Unarguably, one of the awe-inspiring tourist places in South India.

Kashmir
Look at the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir or its verdant meadows or the lakes and valleys the name for Kashmir being a Heaven on Earth would become real. Savor this dreamlike destination by trekking up green hills or by relaxing on calm river banks. Visit it and traverse into a magical world. The place is also home to numerous historical sites and ancient monuments and thus, one of the best places in India.

Other Places of Importance in India:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Rishikesh

Rann of Kutch

Kasol

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Jim Corbett National Park

Valley of Flowers

Meghalaya

Jaisalmer

Thar Desert

Ooty

Khajuraho Temples

Kanyakumari

Mahabalipuram

5 Best places to visit in June in India

Goa

Kerala

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Uttarakhand

Sikkim

5 Best places to visit in July in India

Kodaikanal

Wayanad

Spiti

Lansdowne

Kudremukh

5 Best places to visit in August in India

Coorg

Munnar

Mount Abu

Ladakh

Meghalaya

5 Best places to visit in December in India

Dawki

Shimla

Rann of Kutch

Thajiwas Glacier

Assam

5 Best places to visit in January in India

Arunachal Pradesh

Nagaland

Goa

Srinagar

Dalhousie

5 Best places to visit in February in India

Agra

Delhi

Mumbai

Jaipur

Udaipur

Diwali
One of the most-awaited cultural festivals in India, Diwali is the festival of lights and is celebrated for several days. It is also one of the major Indian holidays. People clean their houses and decorate them with colorful lights. Shopping is an important part of the festival as people indulge in it every activity. The festival observes the day when Lord Rama killed the demon Ravana and returned to his home, Ayodhya.
Location: Across the country
Date: October / November

Eid
Eid happens to be one of the awaited holidays in India too. Another festival that sets the entire nation happy. On this day, Muslims break their 30-day long fast, wear new clothes, visit mosques and prepare sweets. The streets across the nations get decorated with beautiful lights. Scenes of joy can be seen everywhere during the festival.
Location: Across the country
Date: Varies, depends upon the moon

Ganesh Festival
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Ganesh Festival provides an insight into Hindu traditions and customs. During the festival, people buy clay idols of Lord Ganesha and install them in their houses. On the last day, these idols are immersed in the sea/lake/pond/river after carrying them in public processions.
Location: Across the country
Date: Varies

Onam
The most important festival of Kerala, Onam is celebrated in the memory of King Mahabali, who is believed to visit the state during the festive season. People make flower rangolis, clean their homes and partake in boat races and lord worshipping. Though it is mainly celebrated in Kerala, it is popular across the nation.
Location: Kerala
Date: Varies

Holi
The festival of colors, Holi is one of the major festivals in India and is celebrated with great zeal and zest. Today, it is popular beyond boundaries and is observed across the globe. People wear vibrant clothes, frolic, and throw colors at each other. It is a festival that celebrates unity and brotherhood.
Location: Across the country (Mostly in North India)
Date: March

Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna. It is one of the major Hindu festivals and is observed with nation-wide cultural events, prayer offerings, birthing rituals, and sweets preparation. People also read religious texts and visit temples to honor their lord. Dahi Handi is an important part of the festival wherein a pot filled with yogurt hanging high in the air is broken by a team of young boys that enact the role of young Krishna.
Location: Mostly In North and Central India
Date: August

Durga Puja
Durga puja, traditionally known as Durgotsava is a holistic Hindu festival. The celebration takes place in many Indian subcontinents. Devotees set up colorful pandals and pray to the goddess for the well being and prosperity. People wear new clothes, light up their homes and stroll in the markets with friends and family.
Location: Across the country (Mostly in West Bengal)
Date: October/November (varies)

Independence Day
Commemorating the country's freedom from the British regime, Independence Day is one of the major national holidays in India. The day witnesses parades, march-pasts, cultural programs and an array of patriotic-themed events across the country. People show their respect for the nation by partaking in flag hoisting ceremonies. The entire nation gets immersed in patriotism.
Location: Across the country
Date:15 August

Republic Day
Another festival that brings beautiful smiles on the face of every Indian! Republic Day is celebrated annually with great enthusiasm and is one of the important government holidays in India. This is the day when the constitution came into effect and gave India new wings to fly. Watch the popular Republic Day parade in New Delhi or indulge in cultural events. Witness a wave of happiness conquering the nation.
Location: Across the country
Date: 26 January

Other popular festivals in the country and government holidays in India

Temple Festivals of Kerala

Pushkar Camel Fair

Kumbh Mela

Makar Sankranti

Dussehra

The land of unending charm and a stretch blessed with miraculous beauties, India is every explorer's destination. But every tourist looking forward to entering the boundaries of the country needs to have a visa unless he/she is from visa-exempt countries.
Those from visa-exempt countries need not require applying for a visa at all. They can visit the country anytime and stay as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days. At present, the citizens of the Maldives are eligible for Visa-Free Entry as per the visa-exempt policy of India.

However, there are certain countries that have complete freedom of movement in India. People coming from these countries are free to live, study or work in India. The list of such nations includes:

Nepal

Bhutan

The overseas citizens of India, who live in foreign countries and are of Indian origin, are also eligible to enter India without a visa.
The following given is the list of all the countries that are eligible to avail of the Indian visa-on-arrival policy. On this visa, tourists can stay for a maximum of 60 days in the country and are charged $28 per head.

Japan

United Arab Emirates

South Korea

However, the citizens of the UAE can get VOA only if they have got e-visa or a regular visa in the past.
Citizens of all the remaining countries (except for Pakistan) can obtain an e-visa provided they hold a valid passport.
Pakistani passport holders who are more than 65 years old and desire to visit India to meet their families or friends can get a Visa on arrival for a maximum of 45 days. Other Pakistani citizens cannot get a tourist visa at all. However, they can surely apply for a visitor visa.

Notes:

Visa-on-arrival can be obtained only in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

An E-visa can be obtained at all the major airports of the country and at the seaports of Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai, Mangalore, and Goa.

The nominal fee for an e-visa is $80. However, it is $100 for Mozambique, the United States, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Visitors need to apply for special permits if they desire to visit the Lakshadweep Islands.

You can apply for an Indian Visa here()

Buses
Bus traveling is quite convenient and cheap in India. Buses are available in all the cities, towns and villages in India. In places like Mumbai and Delhi, you can also use air-conditioned bus services to travel. The maximum fare per ride is about $1.

Metros
If you are looking for a fast and more convenient means of transport, then metros are perfect for you. However, the metro railway system is available only in the megacities of India. The list includes Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Gurugram, Noida, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur. The maximum fare per ride is about $1.

Human-Pulled Rickshaw
Human-pulled rickshaws can be found only in the small towns and cities of India. To have that rural touch within a city and have a beautiful experience of the old world, travelers go for it. A ride in these types of rickshaws costs nothing more than $1.

Auto Rickshaw
Auto rickshaws are available everywhere. However, these are costlier than the metro and bus services. It is a perfect means of transport for those who desire to quickly cover their tourist destinations within a city or town. You can also book an auto-rickshaw for a day or so to visit all your favorite places.

Bicycle
If you want to be your own guide and explore the city in your style, then a bicycle would be a great option. There are several bicycle rental shops in all the tourist cities across the country. You can rent one for a day or two and it wouldn't cost you more than $3 per day.

Trains
Most of the cities and towns of India are well connected to each other via rail. Places like Mumbai and Delhi also operate local trains that run within the cities.

Cabs
The most convenient means of transport for a traveler is always a taxi. Taxis are available at all the tourist places in India. Though these are costlier than other means, these are most comfortable and trouble-free. You can also use the online cab services of Ola or Uber.

Via Air Route
The major airports in India that are well-connected to the other major cities of the world are:

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport, Mumbai

Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

Chennai International Airport, Chennai

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata

All of the above airports have great access to the cities and towns of India. You can either use bus, private cab, or railway services to reach your desired destination.

Via Rail Route
India is connected to only three neighboring countries via rail. These are Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. If you are coming from any of these countries, you can easily reach India via a rail route. However, there are only a limited number of trains that connect India and the above-mentioned countries.

The Samjhauta Express runs between Lahore (Pakistan) and Attari (India)

The Thar Express runs between Karachi (Pakistan) and Jodhpur (India)

The Bandhan Express runs between Kolkata (India) and Khulna (Bangladesh)

The Maitree Express runs between Kolkata (India) and Dhaka (Bangladesh)

There are also a few passenger trains that run between Raxaul (India) and Sirsiya (Nepal), though the route is not a preferred option for being inconvenient.

Via Road Route
There are a number of buses that ply between India and its neighboring countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. These bus services connect Delhi, Kolkata, and Gorakhpur to Dhaka, Kathmandu, and Lahore. Hence, it is one of the convenient modes of transport for travelers coming to India from contiguous nations.

Via Water Route
The major port cities in India that witness passenger traffic are Mumbai, Kochi, Mangalore, and Goa. One can reach these places in India via a water route.
One can also take cruise ships to reach the shores of India. Jalesh Cruises connect India and places like the UAE in the Arab world. Costa Cruise Lines can also be used from places like the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

TRAVEL TIPS

While exploring around, keep an eye on your belongings. Do not leave your items unattended, especially in crowded places.

Though India is known for its vegetarian cuisine, meat lovers shouldn't worry as the country offers a great variety of non-vegetarian meals in every city.

If you are traveling by train, then make sure you have your bags locked before going to sleep.

It is always better to hire a local guide when you are exploring hidden places. Guides would help you learn about these offbeat places in detail.

Travel as light and slow as you can. It would help you enjoy your destination to the fullest.

Train journeys are the best in India if you want to get close to the raw culture and lifestyle of the country.

Popular places in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur are full of scammers. Be aware of these scammers and do not get tricked into buying things from them.

Do not get into an argument with locals. Just move on and avoid them in such cases.

Haggling is a must when you are shopping at local markets in India. Otherwise, you would end up paying a lot more than the right amount.

Indians use water instead of toilet paper. And if you think you won't be comfortable with the health faucet method, then you carry toilet paper with you.

Avoid kissing or any kind of public display of affection, especially in crowded and conservative places.

Carry only a limited amount of cash while getting around.

Always keep a copy of your passport and a hotel card with you. It would help you a lot in case of emergencies.

Do not encourage beggars and avoid giving them cash. Otherwise, be prepared for an entire group of these people tailing you.

Learn a few Hindi words, such as Namaste (Hello) and Shukriya (Thanks) for a smooth trip.

Northeast India is completely unexplored. Explore it if you want to discover fascinating places.

SAFETY TIPS

Avoid traveling at night alone.

Avoid taking local cabs at night. Rely on online taxi services such as Ola and Uber.

Before crossing the road, look at both sides. The traffic in India is chaotic and you would find people riding on footpaths too. Hence, be aware of your surroundings while walking on the road.

Do not accept any kind of food or drink from strangers.

Avoid flaunting your valuables in the open unless you want a thief to come behind you.

Do not trust strangers with anything and always keep emergency phone numbers handy.

Do not take sleeping pills while traveling on trains and buses. Be wary of people near you.

Get travel insurance before you fly to cover expenses in case of emergencies.

HEALTH

Avoid drinking tap water as it may contain harmful bacteria. Rely only on bottled water.

Keep a first aid kit with you wherever you go.

Consult your doctor and take necessary vaccinations before flying to India.

Stay away from stalls and restaurants that look untidy. Eat at places that are quite popular amongst locals.

During the summer season, drink lots of water and always keep your body hydrated.

WHAT TO PACK?

Travel documents

First aid kit

Hat and sunglasses (For summers)

Woollen clothes (For winters)

Insect repellent

Backpack

Fanny bag

Camera

International adapter

Phone/laptop/tablet and their charger

Scarf

Sport shoes

Flip flops or sandals

Sunscreen (For beaches and hot regions)

Toiletries

Sleep mask

Neck pillow

DRESS CODE & ETIQUETTE

Avoid wearing revealing clothing if you don't want people to stare at you.

Women should cover their heads and shoulders while entering temples or any other religious site.

If you are visiting someone's house, do not forget to carry sweets as gifts.

Remove your shoes/slippers before entering someone's house.

Always show respect to the national anthem of the country. Stand whenever you hear it playing.

Do not talk ill of the country's culture and traditions.

Nepal
Blessed with the grandiosity of snow-capped mountains, rich heritage sites, and heaven-like settlement, Nepal is pure bliss for every traveler. Though the country is popular for its sky-touching Mt. Everest and laid-back surroundings, it is visited by history lovers and architecture enthusiasts too. After all, the country houses some of the most beautiful temples in the Indian subcontinent. Nepal is also a great destination for trekkers, hikers, mountaineers, campers, and spiritualists.

Pakistan
Pakistan is on the bucket list of many travelers from all over the world. It is because the country nurtures a great mix of culture and heritage. From savoring best non-vegetarian street food to marveling at the wonderful architecture in Lahore and Islamabad, there is a lot one can enjoy while in Pakistan. The country has mountains, arid regions, luxuriant plains, wildlife, forts, palaces, mosques, and more.

Sri Lanka
An amazing island country in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers beauty in diversity and is famous amongst tourists for its uncrowded beaches, beautiful waterfalls, picturesque landscapes, and Buddhist sites. Hence, the country is often credited as one of the most beautiful islands in Asia. It is also popular for tea tourism. Visit Sri Lanka and witness nature romancing around. Immerse in serenity and plunge into a world of soothing colors.

Bangladesh
Once a part of India, Bangladesh became an independent nation in the year 1971 and eventually, separated from India. Today, the country is known for being a land of history, culture, and nature. On one hand, tourists relish beautiful shores and other natural marvels and on the other hand, they enjoy intriguing history and incredible art forms. Take an excursion and unravel unknown beauties. Discover a different world within its boundaries.

Bhutan
One of the most peaceful, happiest and least-corrupt countries in Asia, Bhutan is a charm that cannot be ignored. It is also one of the few places in the continent that have remained independent for centuries. That's one of the reasons why Bhutan has been successful in retaining its age-old culture and traditions. Plan a trip and explore its marvelous monasteries. Drive up the winding roads and enjoy a thrilling journey.

Distance between places of importance in India

Delhi to Mumbai: 1416 Km

Delhi to Agra: 230 Km

Delhi to Goa: 1910 Km

Mumbai to Agra: 1200 Km

Mumbai to Kerala: 1230 Km

Delhi to Kathmandu Nepal: 1140 Km

Mumbai to Kolkata: 2051 Km

Delhi to Jaipur: 280 Km

Mumbai to Mysore: 1010 Km

Mumbai to Bangalore: 984 Km

India is popular worldwide for its diverse culture and traditions. The country houses people from different ethnic groups and religions living peacefully.

With more than 150,000 post offices, India has the biggest postal network in the world. The world's highest and the world's only floating post offices are located in the country.

India is home to the largest vegetarian and the 2nd largest English-speaking population in the world.

The first-ever traces of water on the Moon were discovered by India. Yes! During the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2009, the country found out water on the Moon.

The biggest movie producing country in the world is India. On average, India produces approximately 1600 motion pictures every year.

Located in the Meghalaya state of India, Mawsynram is the wettest place on the planet.

Varanasi in India is claimed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It has a history dating back to more than 5000 years.

Sugar was developed for the first time in India. Hence, the country is responsible for teaching the world about sugar extraction.

India is credited with several great inventions of the world. Games like Chess and Ludo, the concept of shampooing, algebra and diamond mining and most importantly, 'Zero' originated in India.

The world's largest gathering occurs in India during the religious festival of Kumbh Mela and is clearly visible from space.

Kabaddi is one of the most popular sports in India and surprisingly, the country has won all the Kabaddi world cups.

Cow is considered a sacred animal in India, especially among Hindus. Hence, there is a bill of rights for cows in the country.

India is claimed to be the largest democracy in the world. People are free to voice their opinions.

Despite being home to the largest population of Hindus, India has more than 300,000 mosques.

India houses the great Taj Mahal, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

India has the world's 4th largest rail network in the world. The total number of passengers traveling every day in the Indian Railways is about 23 million, which is more than the population of about 100 countries.

The Himalayas that spread across India and neighboring countries have 9 out of the top 10 highest mountains in the world.

India has the world's highest bridge, the world's highest cricket ground, and the world's highest motorable road.

There are approximately 2 million temples in India. One can find temples in every city, town, and village of India.

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