The Republic of India:
TRAVEL AND TOURISM OVERVIEW:
India is located in the southern part of Asia and a very popular tourism
destination. It is the second most populous country in the world with China
being the most populous. It is the world's largest democracy with over one
billion people and more than one hundred distinct languages. The Indian economy
is one of largest in the world, in terms of purchasing power. It consists of
28 states each having its own State Government. People come here for business,
India travel, spirituality, yoga, some just to see the Taj Mahal ( one of the seven
wonders of the world), Rajasthan (the city of royal palaces), the capital New
Delhi and historical sites of India tourism.
BRIEF HISTORY:
India's history and culture is ancient and dynamic, spanning back to the
beginning of human civilization. It's extraordinary history is intimately
tied to its geography. A meeting ground between the East and the West, it has
always been an invader's paradise. India regained independence in 1947, after
being partitioned into the Republic of India and Pakistan.
LOCATION:
The subcontinent of India lies in south Asia, between Pakistan, China and Nepal.
To the north it is bordered by the world's highest mountain chain "The
Himalayas". India travel is very popular among the tourists who visit South
Asia.
WEATHER:
Weather plays a key factor in deciding when you should go for India travel.
Climatic conditions in the far north are distinctly different to those of the
extreme south. During October and November it's generally not too hot and not
too cool and this is when India sees most tourists. April to September is hot in
most parts of the country. February and March are also very good months for
India travel.
TIME ZONE:
+ 5.5 hrs GMT
CURRENCY:
INDIAN RUPEE - INR ( 1 USD = 40 INR apx as of year 2007)
You can use yahoo finance for latest conversion rate
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=INR
TOURIST VISA:
All foreign nationals who travel here, require an entry visa prior to leaving
their home country.
http://www.indianembassy.org
Another good site for India visa information is www.india-visa.com
INDIA TOURISM TIPS:
* Please go to http://travel.state.gov and http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1139.html
for travel tips provided by the US government.
* Drink bottled water during your India tourism vacation.
* Consult your doctor and take immunizations referred by them
* Carry sun screen, sun glasses, hat and wear Cottons or synthetic blends if you
are traveling in summers.
* Carry an umbrella if you are visiting in monsoon season (Around July-August)
* Winters (December to February) can be chilly, especially in North India. Carry
sweaters and jackets.
* Try to learn some local words. In north India Hindi is the primary language,
Southern India has a separate language for each State. Lot of people in India
speak English.
* Be ware of pick pockets during your entire India travel vacation.
* Train and Bus system is very popular and economical transportation medium when
traveling short distance.
* Not a lot of people follow the traffic rules, so prefer not to drive yourself.
* Bargaining is common.
* Cell phone coverage is quite good, and cheap too. Do consider getting
one if you are staying for more than 1 month. Most plans have free incoming
calls and cheap outgoing calls.
* Please visit our general India travel tips also.
EMBASSY IN INDIA:
Just three are listed here, most nations have their embassy in India.
The United States Embassy in New Delhi
(Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, tel. 011-6889033). Please verify latest information
on this.
The Canadian High Commission in New Delhi
(7/8 Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, tel. 011-6876500). Please verify latest
information on this.
The British High Commission in New Delhi
(Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, tel. 011-6872161) . Please verify latest information
on this.
LANGUAGE:
India is the home of many languages. It's is a vast country with lot of
cultural and geographical differences. There are a number of languages spoken in
India. Today there are 18 officially spoken recognized languages. The
Constitution has accepted Hindi as India's national tongue, however, English is
the additional official language of India. English is easily understood and
spoken in almost all the tourism places.
SHOPPING:
India is a shopper's paradise, a statement that has not been told without a
reason. Be it Leather or Fabric, handicrafts or herbs, paintings or antiques,
traditional garments or modern fashion statements, India has everything to
offer. The whole country is a shopping mall, with sellers offering some of the
most exotic products one can find anywhere. The bustling bazaars of the country
can make even the most unwilling person a prospective client. Some of the good
shopping places of India are Rajasthan and Delhi.
