A Short Guide on India Travel Essentials Information
India Known for its own ancient culture, places and religions at one place at the same time that makes this country “Incredible India”. About 5 thousand years ago, the Harappa civilization was formed here. After its decline, the Aryan tribes came to these territories, which brought great development. Also, all the time there was a struggle for power between different principalities, some regions retreated to neighboring countries, internecine wars led to the fact that in the 11th century the country was unable to repel the invasions of Islamic conquerors. A Short Guide on India Travel Essentials Information.
However, the rule of the Muslims could not withstand the pressure of the Mongol conquerors, who founded a prosperous empire here. But for a number of reasons they did not last long, and in 1858 the British came to the country. This led to a huge decline in crafts, economy, culture and the impoverishment of the local population, which all the time fought for its independence. And after the Second World War, it was decided to divide the territories into two countries in order to avoid religious conflicts. This is how independent India and Pakistan arose.
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All these events left a big imprint on the culture, customs and appearance of the country. The resulting mix surprises with its beauty and unusualness. And contrasts are found here at every turn: luxurious temples and palaces and cramped slums, modern cities and wild nature, paradise beaches and snowy mountain peaks. Local color, riot of colors, amazing architecture beckon to find and pick up an online tour to India in order to quickly dive into this colorful kaleidoscope.
The development of tourism in India begins in 1945. This area receives a lot of support from the government: economic reforms are being carried out, the necessary infrastructure is being built, and advertising campaigns are organized on a worldwide scale. Tourists have long been happy to buy tours to India, as it is incredibly interesting to explore this country.
What to Explore in India
Rich culture– During its long history, the country has absorbed elements of different cultures and religions. Amazing traditions and bright holidays attract many tourists. A cuisine with pronounced features has gained admirers all over the world. The contrast of lush cities and cramped slums is striking. And many sights are breath-taking with their grandeur, unusualness and beauty.
Amazing architecture- One of the first associations with India is the magnificent Taj Mahal, which was built by Padishah Shah Jagan in honor of his wife, the love of his life. With this mausoleum, he wanted to show her beauty and the height of their feelings. Among the unusual buildings are the Khajuraho temple complex, which reflects the ideology of the Kama Sutra, and the Lotus Temple, which was built without right angles and lines. In addition, the country has a huge number of buildings of different peoples, religions and eras.
The beaches of Goa- Here is a real piece of tropical paradise: clean beaches, slender palm trees, azure water, comfortable hotels, pleasant climate and incendiary parties. Also here you will find the flavor of the former Portuguese colony. You can walk along the streets of cities, looking at architectural sights, try traditional dishes in a cozy restaurant and chat with friendly locals.
Amazing nature. The country has a wide variety of flora and fauna, and in order to protect plants and animals, many areas are protected here. The most famous of them is the Keoladeo Ghana Park, which is a refuge for many bird species. In India, you can visit the mountains and see the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, find yourself in the tropics and splash in the warm sea waters. You will also find here desert landscapes, savannah and tracts of deciduous forests.
Ancient Ayurveda. This holistic science is dedicated to the restoration of the mind, body and soul. Among her methods are the use of medicinal herbs and complex exercises. There are resorts in India where you can experience the effect of these ancient methods.
India by Interest
India is a large country with an ancient and rich history, so there are many cities, locations and areas that will be of interest to tourists.
In cities, you can focus on the study of historical and architectural heritage. In them you will find a fascinating mix of cultures, religions and times: minarets, mausoleums, forts, Buddhist temples, museums and modern buildings and skyscrapers. The main cities to visit are New Delhi, Agra, Mumbai and Kolkata.
The main beach areas are in the states of Goa and Kerala.
You can see the majestic Himalayas, visit mountain resorts and visit Tibetan monasteries in Northern India.
Solitude can be found in the Andaman, Laccadive and Nicobar Islands.
Climate and seasons
The south of the country is characterized by a climate close to equatorial, in the northern parts – mountainous subtropical. Monsoons determine the change of seasons. In the hottest time, the thermometer rises to + 38-46 ° C, and during the rainy season – up to + 35-38 ° C. Mountains, the temperature in winter drops to -3 °C, and in high regions – to -20 °C. summer, the air warms up to about +25 °C.
About India Currency
The country’s national money is the Indian rupees. It is not very profitable to change at airports, it is better to do it at banks and special points. Also, the exchange is carried out in some travel companies. It is better to take dollars with you – the rate for them is more profitable, and they are accepted everywhere. You can pay with credit cards far from everywhere, there are ATMs in large cities and resort areas
Major Holidays
India is famous for its bright and large-scale holidays and festivals. For them alone it is worth coming to this country. Here, most of the celebrations are dedicated to Hindu gods.
Tourists should visit such events:
Pongal is a harvest festival that takes place in Tamil Nadu from January 13-15. These days they organize street feasts, eat sweet rice and cashew nuts.
Kumbh Mela in January-February, when Hindus arrange a mass pilgrimage to their shrines and be sure to bathe in the Ganges. We especially recommend watching the procession of ascetic sadhus, who pass their way half-naked.
Holi , taking place in late February and early March, is a festival of colors that is considered one of the symbols of India. People sprinkle each other with colorful paints and pour water over each other. Before starting this bright action, it is traditionally necessary to burn the effigy of Holika, an evil demon and opponent of Vishnu. And then in Jaipur you can get to the elephant festival. These calm and majestic animals are dressed up and taken to magnificent parades.
Ratha Yatra is a chariot festival held in the city of Puri in early summer. In huge carts, on which deities are depicted, believers go to the Jagannath temple.
Diwali is the festival of lights. This holiday takes place in October-November and symbolizes the victory of good. The sky is filled with paper lanterns, illuminating everything with a warm light. Fireworks, decorating buildings with bright garlands and giving gifts to each other are also attributes of the holidays.
Going on a trip, you need to thoroughly study the local features and rules of conduct in order not to get into an unpleasant or awkward situation and make the trip more comfortable.
Recomondations:
Walking on the street and visiting sacred places of India and temples, you need to choose more closed clothes, especially for women.
We do not recommend giving alms to beggars, as they may not leave you alone for a long time or tell your “colleagues” about you.
At the entrance to the temple, you are asked to take off your shoes, so for hygiene reasons, you must take socks with you. Not all churches allow them to enter, but you need to be prepared.
If you are carrying any important & valuable things then you must leave this at hotel while exploring local streets and sightseeing.
Drink water only from bottles. Even restaurants can serve tap water. Vegetables with fruits should be washed with soap, and it is better not to eat food without heat treatment at all.
Carry sanitary napkins with you.
When buying something, be sure to bargain. If the seller does not know English or Russian, you can use only one calculator. Fixed prices are indicated in supermarkets and shops, where it will not be possible to reset the price.
Tipping is left only to the staff of expensive establishments. Hotels and restaurants generally include service charges on the bill. In more modest places, the reward depends on your desire.
In India, people traditionally greet people with Namaste, which is the hands clasped together over the heart. Such a greeting before your request to a local resident will surely endear him to you.
The palm leaves that are given to guests at the ashram are a plate, not a bedding, as tourists sometimes think
Use an outstretched hand gesture to point to something, not your index finger.
Public display of feelings is considered indecent here, so leave tenderness within the walls of the hotel.