Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacular coastline surrounded by three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes with world’s highest mountains, awesome rivers, fabulous valleys, great deserts, national parks, game sanctuaries and golden beaches.
Five thousand years of continuous civilizational encounters have left India with a legacy of temples, monuments, forts, palaces and sculptural masterpieces of aesthetic grandeur. A bewildering variety of races, religions, cultures, festivities, languages and customs have produced a blending of cultural traditions and mores that speak of a great unity and manifold diversities. It is this amazing diversity that offers something for everybody for study and enjoyment. Nowhere do the past and present coexist in more colorful promiscuity.
India is still a living heritage with infinite variety – one that favors you with a different facet of its fascination every time you visit.
Basic Facts
Capital : New Delhi
Independence Day : August 15, 1947
Republic Day : January 26, 1950
Area : 32,87,263 square kilometers
Width : 2933 kilometers (East to West)
Length : 3214 kilometers (North to South)
Latitude : Between 8 degrees 4′ and 37 degrees 6′ North
Longitude : Between 68 degrees 7′ and 97 degrees 25′ East
Hemisphere : Northern
Area in the world : Seventh Largest
Coastline : 7516.6 kilometers
States : 25
Union Territories : 7
Currency : Indian Rupees (INR) [US$ 1 = INR 42 app]
Population : 1000 Million
Languages : 18 officially recognized languages and over 340 regional dialects
Hotel Accommodations
India offers an unusual variety and range of hotels to suit individual budgets and life-style. This range varies from five star deluxe to budget accommodations.
Almost all standard hotels have basic amenities, like, a private bath/shower with 24 hour hot and cold running water, swimming pool, safe deposit lockers, cable television, telephone with direct dial facility and round the clock room service.
Deluxe hotels are equipped with business center, health club, beauty salon and conference facilities. While some of the hotels are modern in their outlook, there are a few which portray a traditional look but are newly renovated. However, the charm lies in staying at places which were the former royal palaces and forts, now converted into modern hotels, popularly known as Heritage Hotels. Perhaps India is the only place where one can enjoy the rare experience of staying at palaces of royalty.
Cuisine
The scent of spices and the taste of India’s many flavors will offer travelers a unique gastronomic experience. Indian food largely consists of meat and vegetables cooked in a spicy sauce known as curry. There are a number of curry sauces, such as, Madras, Vindaloo, Jalfrezi and Dopiaza of varying strengths.
Throughout the country the better hotels and restaurants serve a wide selection of Indian, Western and Chinese food. While the north Indian cuisine includes a range of flat breads, such as pooris, chapatis, nans and paranthas, a repertoire based on rice is an essential part of any meal in south India. Many of the culinary delights of India have originated from the great royal courts of earlier times, like, Mughali, Wazwan, Dum-Phukt, Hyderabadi.
For the sea-food lovers, it is best recommended to visit the coastal areas which offer a rich fare of fish, shellfish, crab, prawn, mussel and other sea food. Indian people have a sweet tooth and there are many desserts made from caramelized milk.
Climate
India’s huge size and varied topography means the climate varies from place to place quite markedly. Broadly speaking, India has a tropical climate and with the exception of the Himalayan region, one can divide the year into three major seasons: summer (April to June), winter (November to March) and the monsoon (June to September).
Money
The Indian currency is the Rupee (Rs), which has 100 paisa. There are of 25, 50 paise and also coins of Rs. 1, 2, 5. There are notes of Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Travellers cheques are the safest form of money to be carried, and can be used directly to settle bills. The best currencies to take are US dollars and pounds sterling. More than $10,000 (or equivalent) in cash, must be declared. Credit cards are widely accepted at mid range and upmarket hotels and for buying rail and air tickets and also in many shops. You will get encashment certificates from the bank/hotel for each transaction, which should be kept carefully. In case you want the Indian Rupees to be changed back into foreign currency, these encashment certificates are required.
Entry Requirements
All foreigners visiting India must hold a valid visa. They can easily be obtained from the Indian Consulate in your region. While in India, the Foreigners’ Registration Office can help you in extending your visa, if required. Should a foreigner’s stay exceed 120 days, a Tax Clearance Certificate is required which can be obtained from Income Tax Office (Foreign Section). It is recommended to carry photocopies of your important travel documents, which should be kept separate from the originals. A separate visa is required to visit restricted areas like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.
Neighbours
A visit to India is normally combined with a quick glance at neighboring countries: Bhutan, the land of the thunder dragon; Nepal, the Himalayan Kingdom; Tibet, the roof-top of the world; and the astonishing Sri Lanka.
The Author
Born at Udaipur in the colorful State of Rajasthan, I have been associated with tourism and hospitality industries for over twenty years. After post-graduation, I undertook extensive training in tour operations by traveling with American groups in the Orient and Asia and finally excelled in every field of tourism-related activities in the United States. Now I am well settled in my home country and share my knowledge of the industry with discerning travelers. Cooking food, playing squash and collecting unusual stuff are my hobbies.
