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| ⇒ Country Profile: India |
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 Introduction
India is a mystical land that presents the traveller with a bamboozling array of unforgettable experiences. Hinduism, the prominent religion, is intimately woven into the fabric of everyday life, reflected in an extraordinary range of time-honoured traditions. Apart from its ancient spiritual framework, India's vastness also challenges the imagination, being home to one sixth of the world's population.
Its intoxicatingly rich history can be traced back to at least 2500BC when the first known civilisation settled along the Indus River. There was an influx of Mughals in the 1520s from Central Asia, who maintained effective control of the north until the mid-18th century. At the end of that century, as the Mughal Empire declined, the British took control of the whole subcontinent, and India was administered by a single alien power.
The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885, but made little progress on independence until Mahatma Gandhi began the policy of non-violent non-cooperation with the British. But the Congress itself was later split on the issue of Hindus and Muslims. The Muslims, under Mohammad Ali Jinnah, claimed a separate homeland and in August 1947 the independent states of India and Pakistan came into being. Since this time, India has been a democratic republic.
Such a rich history has spawned an incredible number of exquisite palaces, temples and monuments. The most frequently visited part of India is the Golden Triangle, comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Meanwhile, the people-packed cities of Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta) have a bustling, colourful charm, while the holy city of Varanasi and the awe-inspiring temples of Tamil Nadu are rewarding places of pilgrimage. For those in search of tropical bliss, there are the palm-fringed beaches of Goa and Kerala. And for fresh air and serenity, India ripples with pristine mountains and hills, from the towering beauty of the mighty Himalayas to a bevy of beautiful pine forests, orchards and babbling streams.
One of the greatest fascinations of India is the startling juxtaposition of old and new; centuries of history rubbing shoulders with the trappings of modern-day living, from slick Internet cafes and fancy fast-food eateries, to swanky bars and chichi boutiques.
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Contact Information
Keys Facts
Location
South Asia.
Time
GMT + 5.5.
Area
3,166,414 sq km (1,222,582 sq miles).
Population
1.1 billion (estimate 2007).
Population Density
347 per sq km.
Capital
New Delhi. Population: 16.6 million (estimate 2007).
Geography
India shares borders to the northwest with Pakistan, to the north with China, Nepal and Bhutan, and to the east with Bangladesh and Myanmar. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, to the east the Bay of Bengal and to the south the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka lies off the southeast coast, and the Maldives off the southwest coast. The far northeastern states and territories are all but separated from the rest of India by Bangladesh as it extends northwards from the Bay of Bengal towards Bhutan. The Himalayan mountain range to the north and the Indus River (west) and Ganges River (east) form a physical barrier between India and the rest of Asia.
Government
Republic since 1947.
Head of State
President Pratibha Patil since July 2007.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh since 2004.
History
Pratibha Patil became India's first female president in July 2007 and her supporters hailed her election as a victory for women. She succeeds APJ Abdul Kalam, an esteemed scientist and the architect of the country's missile programme. Patil, of the ruling Congress Party, was previously the governor of Rajasthan.
India has seen several women in powerful positions - most notably Indira Gandhi, one of the world's first female prime ministers in 1966 - but activists say that women still face widespread discrimination both within and beyond the political arena.
Indian foreign policy continues to be dominated by relations with Pakistan. The main cause of friction is the status of Kashmir, a disputed territory straddling both nations. Historically, the USA and China had backed Pakistan while India had close relations with the Soviet Union. The demise of the Soviet Union has not, however, damaged India. China has long viewed India as a rival, however relations between these two emerging economic powers have been steadily improving over recent years.
Language
The main language is Hindi which is spoken by about 40% of the population; English is also enshrined in the constitution for a wide range of official purposes. In addition, 17 regional languages are recognised by the constitution. These include Bengali, Gujarati, Oriya and Punjabi, which are widely used in the north, and Tamil and Telugu, which are common in the south. Other regional languages include Kannada, Malayalam and Marathi. The Muslim population largely speaks Urdu.
Religion
About 82% Hindu, 12% Muslim, with Sikh, Christian, Jain, Parsi and Buddhist minorities.
Electricity
230-240 volts AC, 50Hz. Some areas have a DC supply. Plugs used are of the round two- and three-pin type.
Social Conventions
The traditional Hindu greeting is to fold the hands and tilt the head forward to namaste. Indian women generally prefer not to shake hands. All visitors are asked to remove footwear when entering places of religious worship. Most Indians also remove their footwear when entering their homes; visitors should follow suit. Many Hindus are vegetarian and many, especially women, do not drink alcohol. Most Sikhs and Parsis do not smoke. When visiting a private home, gifts, such as flowers and sweets, are a polite display of gratitude for hospitality. Women are expected to dress modestly and men should also dress respectfully. Women should not wear short skirts and tight or revealing clothing, although there is a more casual approach to clothing in Goa. Businesspeople are usually expected to dress formally for meetings and social functions.
English-speaking guides are available at fixed charges at most official tourist centres. Guides speaking French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish are available in some cities, especially the more touristic ones. Consult the nearest India Tourism office. Tourists are advised to ask for guides with certificates from the Ministry of Tourism or India Tourism (see Contact Addresses).
Photography: Formalities mainly concern protected monuments, places of worship and military sites. Photography at many places is allowed on payment of a prescribed fee, which varies. Photography may be prohibited at some border crossings, airports and train stations.
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Public Holidays
Below are listed the Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.
Holidays
2010
26 Jan **Republic Day.
1 Feb *Mahashivratri.
26 Feb Milad-Un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
1 Apr *Mahavir Jayanthi.
2 Apr Good Friday.
5 Apr Easter Monday.
28 Apr Buddha Purnima.
1 Aug *Janmashtami.
15 Aug **Independence Day.
1 Sep *Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami).
10 Sep - 11 Sep Id ul Fitr (End of Ramadan).
2 Oct **Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday.
2 Nov Guru Nanak's Birthday.
5 Nov Deepavali or Diwali (Festival of Lights).
16 Nov - 17 Nov Idu'l Zuha/Bakrid (Feast of the Sacrifice).
7 Dec Muharram (Islamic New Year).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.
Note
* Dates to be confirmed.
(a) ** Only the secular holidays of Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday are universally observed. Public holidays in India tend to be observed on a strictly regional basis. The above dates are Government of India holidays, when government offices will be closed nationwide. In addition, there are numerous festivals and fairs which are also observed in some states as holidays, the dates of which change from year to year. For more details, contact Incredible India (see Contact Addresses). (b) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. (c) Although not government official holidays, Christmas Day (25 Dec) and New Year's Day (1 Jan) are widely observed nationally.
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Accommodation
Hotels
Modern hotels are available in all large cities and at popular tourist centres. Usually they offer a choice of first-class Western and Indian cuisine, with the more upmarket properties serving excellent global fare, from Thai to French food. Premier 5-star hotels in India include the Taj, Sheraton, Oberoi, Hyatt and Meridien. These offer properties that range from business hotels to beach resorts. Hotel bills may be subject to a 10% expenditure tax, 7 to 15% luxury tax and a variable service charge.
Grading: Hotels range from historic palace buildings that have been converted into Heritage Hotels, 5-star deluxe, 5- and 4-star hotels, which are fully air conditioned with all luxury features, 3-star hotels, which are functional and have air-conditioned rooms, to 2- and 1-star hotels, which offer basic amenities.
Camping/Caravanning
Campsites are scattered throughout India, but are few and far between. Full addresses may be obtained from India Tourism (see Contact Addresses). Some hotels may permit camping on their grounds for a small fee which includes bathroom use.
Youth Hostels
The Department of Tourism has set up several hostels, spread throughout many regions. Each has a capacity of about 40 beds or more, segregated roughly half and half into male and female dormitories. Beds with mattresses, sheets, blankets, wardrobe (often with locks), electric light points, member kitchen utensils and parking areas are usually available at each hostel. Some hostels are more impressive than others.
Unique Accommodation
There are tourist bungalows at almost every tourist centre in the country, under the control of the respective State Government Tourist Development Corporation. These usually include single, double and family rooms, most with attached bathrooms. Some properties have kitchen facilities, others can arrange meals.
Accommodation Information
Youth Hostels Association of India
5 Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
Tel: (011) 2611 6285.
Website: www.yhaindia.org
Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India
B-82, 8th Floor, Himalaya House, 23 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110 001, India
Tel: (011) 2331 8781/2 or 2332 2634/47.
Website: www.fhrai.com
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Communication
Telephone
Country code: 91.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to major towns but is increasing all the time.
Internet
E-mail can be accessed from an increasing number of hotels and from Internet cafes across the country, many now with Wi-Fi.
Post
Airmail service to Western Europe takes up to two weeks.
Post office hours: Regional variations, but generally Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1330-1630 in bigger towns and cities.
Media
The state's TV monopoly was broken in 1992, resulting in a boom of private channels. News and entertainment shows are especially popular, with news programmes often attracting the larger audiences. A number of 24-hour news channels operate in India. Public TV is run by Doordarshan, while STAR Plus, owned by News Corporation, is one of the most popular private channels. Private radio stations were sanctioned in 2000, but only public All India Radio is allowed to broadcast news. Newspaper circulation has risen, thanks to a growing middle class, as has the number of Internet users.
Press
- There are numerous local dailies published in several languages.
- Many newspapers are in English; the most important include The Economic Times, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Navbharat Times, Punjab Kesari, Deccan Herald, The Statesman, Pioneer and The Times of India.
TV
- Doordarshan Television operates 21 national, regional and local services throughout India.
- Zee TV and Star TV are satellite and cable TV services.
- Aaj Tak is a 24-hour news channel, New Delhi TV (NDTV) operates NDTV-India and NDTV 24x7 news channels.
- Sun Network is a commercial broadcaster.
Radio
- Stations include All India Radio, All India Radio External Service (offering broadcasts in local and regional languages, Arabic and English), Radio Mirchi (a commercial network in Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi and Kolkata (Calcutta)), Radio City (a commercial station in Mumbai, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Delhi and several other cities), and commercial network Red FM, which broadcasts in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
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Entertainment
Food and Drink
Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region. Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in southern India.
Things to know: Bottled water is recommended for visitors but make sure the bottles are properly sealed. Alcohol is mainly served at mid- and upper-range restaurants in the larger towns and cities; in budget eateries, it's usually only found at non-vegetarian restaurants which have a liquor licence. Most upper-end hotels have well-stocked licensed bars. Various states impose prohibition and in some big cities certain days are observed as dry days when the sale of liquor is not permitted. Tourists may check with the nearest local tourist office for the prohibition laws/rules prevailing in any given state.
National specialities:
- Dhal (curried lentils).
- Kulfi (firm Indian-style ice cream).
- Gulab Jamuns (deep-fried dough balls in sweet syrup).
- Jalebi (circular-shaped deep-fried batter in sweet syrup).
- Paan (betel nut, with assorted condiments and spices, wrapped in a paan leaf).
National drinks:
- Chai (tea) is India's favourite drink. It will often come ready-brewed with milk and sugar unless 'tray tea' or 'separate tea' is specified.
- Coffee has long been popular in the south, but nowadays most large cities and towns have cafes serving cappuccinos, lattes, espressos and more.
- Nimbu Pani (lemon water).
- Lassi (iced yogurt/buttermilk beverage).
- Indian beer (in many varieties, with Kingfisher the most popular brand).Legal Drinking Age: 18-25 (state variations).
Tipping: 10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
Nightlife
Apart from some of the major cities, such as Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi and Bengaluru (Bangalore), India has generally little nightlife as the term is understood in the West. In those cities with a flourishing nightlife, expect to find swanky bars, nightclubs and a vibrant performing arts scene. In most larger towns and tourist centres there are cultural shows featuring regionally-diverse performances of Indian dance and music.
The Indian film industry is the largest in the world, now producing around three times as many full-length feature films as the USA. Mumbai is India's answer to Hollywood, churning out scores of blockbusters each year, while a number of southern cities such as Chennai (Madras) and Bengaluru are also notable film-producing centres. Almost every town will have a cinema, and large towns will have many, some of which will show films in English. Music and dancing are an integral part of Indian cinema, combining with many other influences to produce a rich variety of unique film art. Larger cities may have theatres staging productions of plays in various vernaculars, including English.
Shopping
Each region has its own specialities, each town its own local craftspeople and its own particular skills, often passed down the generations. For fabrics, silverware, carpets, leatherwork, gems and antiques, India is a shopper's paradise. Bargaining is the norm at most bazaars, and the visitor can check for reasonable prices at fixed-price, state-run emporia.
Fabrics: One of India's main industries is textiles. Of the silks, the brocades from Varanasi are among the most famous. Rajasthan cotton with its distinctive 'tie and dye' design is usually brilliantly colourful, while Chennai (Madras) cotton is known for its attractive 'bleeding' effect after a few washes. The himroo cloth, a mixture of silk and cotton, often decorated with patterns, may be found throughout the country. Kashmir sells beautiful woollens, particularly shawls, which can be easily sourced at shops in most major Indian cities.
Carpets: India has one of the world's largest carpet industries. Each region has its own speciality, such as the distinctive, brightly coloured Tibetan rugs, available in Darjeeling and elsewhere. Exquisite Persian rugs can be found nationally.
Clothes: Clothes are relatively inexpensive, and can be quickly tailor-made in some shops. Cloth includes silks, cottons, georgettes, brocades and chiffons. Larger cities such as Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi and Bengaluru (Bangalore) have fancy boutiques selling domestic and foreign designer labels.
Jewellery: This is traditionally heavy and elaborate although fine, simpler pieces are also in abundance. Indian silverwork is especially world-famous. Gems include diamonds, lapis lazuli, Indian star rubies, star sapphires, emeralds, moonstones and aquamarines. Hyderabad is a leading pearl centre.
Handicrafts and leatherwork: Each area has its speciality; the range includes bronzes, brasswork (sometimes inlaid with silver), canework and pottery. Woven rugs and papier mache (some decorated in gold leaf) are a characteristic Kashmir product. Inlaid marble and alabaster are specialities of Agra. Rajasthan is particularly known for its colourful fabrics and paintings. Leatherwork includes open Indian sandals and slippers, handbags and wallets.
Woodwork: Found nationally, with especially beautiful sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, walnut wood from Kashmir, and rosewood from Kerala and Chennai.
Other goods: Pickles, spices, Indian tea, perfumes, soap, handmade paper, incense, puppets and musical instruments.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat around 0930-1700 in most large stores; variable hours in bazaars.
Note: There is a veto on the export of antiques, art objects over 100 years old, ivory, animal horns, endangered shells, animal skins and objects made from skins.
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Getting There
Getting There by Air
The major national airline is Air India (AI) (website: www.airindia.com). The other national airline is Indian Airlines (IC) (website: www.indian-airlines.nic.in). There are also newer commercial airlines adding international destinations to their schedules such as Jet Airways (9W) (website: www.jetairways.com).
Approximate Flight Times
From London to Delhi is 8 hours; to Kolkata (Calcutta) is 9 hours 45 minutes; to Chennai (Madras) is 11 hours, and to Mumbai (Bombay) is 8 hours 30 minutes. From New York to Delhi is 15 hours 30 minutes; to Mumbai is 15 hours.
Main Airports
New Delhi (DEL) (Indira Gandhi International Airport) is 23km (14 miles) south of the city (journey time - 45 minutes). To/from the airport: There are bus and taxi services to the city. Facilities: Duty-free shops, banks/bureaux de change, post office, snack bars and car hire.
Mumbai (BOM) (Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport) is 35km (22 miles) north of the city (journey time - 50 to 75 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxi and bus services go to the city. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, post office, restaurant and shops.
Kolkata (Calcutta) (CCU) (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport) is 20km (13 miles) northeast of the city (journey time - 40 to 70 minutes). To/from the airport: There are buses and taxis to the city. Facilities: Post office, bank/bureau de change, snack bars and duty-free shops.
Chennai (MAA) (Anna International Airport) is 14km (9 miles) southwest of the city (journey time - 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Buses and taxis are available. There is a train regularly throughout the day. Facilities: Money exchange facilities, tourist information offices and hotel reservation services.
Departure Tax
None.
Getting There by Water
Main ports: Calicut, Kochi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay), Panaji (Goa) and Rameswaram (the main departure point for the sea crossing to Sri Lanka; passenger services are presently suspended owing to the political situation in Sri Lanka).
Indian ports are also served by several international shipping companies and several cruise lines. There are, however, no regular passenger liners operating to South-East Asia.
Departure tax: Seaports levy the following departure tax: Rp500 (for journeys to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka); Rp750 (all other destinations).
Getting There by Rail
This section gives details of the major overland routes to neighbouring countries (where frontiers are open); in most cases these will involve road as well as rail travel. Details should be checked with India Tourism as they may be subject to change (see Contact Addresses).
Connections to Pakistan: From India you can cross into Pakistan at the international Attari/Wagah border. There are bus and train services between India and Pakistan. Approaching the border away from the official crossing point could be dangerous.
Connections to Nepal: The most practical and popular route to Nepal is by train to Raxaul (Bihar) and then by bus to Kathmandu or by train to Gorakphur (or by bus if coming from Varanasi) and then by bus to Kathmandu crossing the border at Sunauli; also, by train to Nantanwa (UP) and then by bus to Kathmandu/Pokhara, or Bhairawa to Lumbini for Pokhara. It is also possible to make the crossing from Darjeeling by bus to Kathmandu across the southern lowlands.
Connections to Bhutan: The best way of reaching Bhutan by land is by bus/train to Siliguri, then bus to Phuentsholing.
Connections to Bangladesh: The most convenient route to Bangladesh is Kolkata (Calcutta) to Dhaka by bus. Another route is from Darjeeling via Siliguri, then train or bus from Jalpaiguri to Haldibari.
Currently, no land frontiers are open between India and Myanmar or India and China (PR).
Getting There by Road
The overland route from Europe to India remains popular, but travellers should have accurate up-to-date information about border crossings, visa requirements and political situations en route. Some of the most popular border crossings into India are Sunauli (for Delhi and northwest India), Birganj (for Kolkata (Calcutta) and east India) and Kakarbhitta (for Darjeeling). Several adventure holiday companies arrange overland tours and buses to India.
A bus service operates between Lahore (Pakistan) and New Delhi. The journey takes about 12 hours. For information on this and other overland routes to neighbouring countries, contact the India Tourism office
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Sightseeing
- Encounter the two sides of Delhi: New Delhi is a modern city, offering Lutyens' architecture; 'Old' Delhi is several centuries old, with narrow, winding streets, ancient shrines and rambunctious bazaars. See the Red Fort, the nearby Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque) and the Qutab Minar's soaring tower.
- Gaze at the sacred River Ganges. Along its bank is the wondrous city of Varanasi, one of India's holiest Hindu locations with its ghats which, at dawn, are thronged with pilgrims and holy men performing ritual ablutions and prayers.
- Discover the 'Golden Triangle'. Delhi is its centre. In the southeast lies Agra, and its iconic Taj Mahal. To the southwest, in Rajasthan, is Jaipur, the vibrant 'Pink City'. Visit the Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). To the southeast of the triangle lies Khajuraho with its famous erotic friezes.
- Visit the most romantic city in Rajasthan, Udaipur, built around the lovely Lake Pichola and famed for its breathtaking Lake Palace Hotel, and dubbed the 'Venice of the East'.
- Enjoy the cool Hill Stations as a retreat from the heat of the plains. Some of the most renowned hill stations include Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Ooty (Tamil Nadu) and Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu).
- Wonder at Kashmir's flower-spangled meadows, icy mountain peaks and clear rivers. Jammu is the railhead for Srinagar, the ancient Mughal capital. Lake Dal has houseboats where visitors can live surrounded by scenery so beautiful it is known as 'paradise on earth'.
- Escape Indian stereotypes in Mumbai (Bombay), the capital of Maharashtra, a bustling port and the country's commercial hub, with plate-glass skyscrapers and modern industry jostling alongside ramshackle bazaars and a hectic street life. The city is also the home of the prolific film industry. Welcome to 'Bollywood'!
- Enjoy India's beaches. Mumbai (Bombay) has Juhu and Chowpatty, while Goa offers some of the nation's most sublime beaches and resorts. Marina Beach in Chennai (Madras) is the second largest in the world. The lush state of Kerala includes the famous beach at Kovalam.
- Observe stunning rock-cut temples, such as the Buddhist cave temples at Ajanta, which date back at least 2,000 years. The caves at Ellora depict religious stories and are Hindu, Buddhist and Jain in origin.
- Go east to Kolkata (Calcutta), capital of West Bengal and India's second most populous city (after Mumbai/Bombay), with its impressive colonial buildings. It is a major business centre with many markets and bazaars. Central Kolkata contains the Maidan, the central parkland.
- Orissa state is famous for temples. Bhubaneswar has some particularly notable temples, including the Lingaraj Temple. The city of Puri, a holy Hindu place of pilgrimage, stages Rath Yatra in June/July, where icons of gods are drawn on massive chariots. Konarak is known for its striking 'Sun Temple '.
- Check out the wildlife in over 93 national parks, 486 wildlife sanctuaries and 14 biosphere reserves. The Indian tiger and the Asiatic elephant are still found in certain regions. Among the best known reserves are Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan), Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan), Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand) and Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal).
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Things To Do
- Listen to the evocative instruments of Indian music, such as the sitar, sarod and the subtle rhythm of the tabla. Note the variety of dance forms, each with its own costumes and elaborate language of gestures.
- Experience India's majestic deserts. Jaisalmer, in Rajasthan, holds the Desert Festival in January/February each year. Pushkar in October/November hosts the fascinating Camel Fair.
- Play golf on the highest golf course in the world, at Gulmarg. From here there are good views of Nanga Parbat, one of the highest mountains on earth. In winter, Gulmarg is transformed into a lively ski resort (website: www.skihimalaya.com).
- Party in Goa. Although much less mellow than in the heady days of the 1960s, there are still some fabulous full moon parties in places such as Anjuna.
- Whilst in Goa, attend the spectacular Carnival, held on the three days leading up to Ash Wednesday. This colourful festival is jam-packed with bustling fun, as crowds throng to watch the lavish floats pass by, and dance to music that continually rents the air.
- Snorkel in the Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, a lushly forested archipelago that has exotic plant life and a wide variety of corals and tropical fish.
- Take the 'Toy Train' to Darjeeling through fragrant tea gardens and pine forest. Darjeeling commands fine views of Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga) (8,586m/28,169ft), the third-highest mountain in the world. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay lived here and, appropriately, it is home to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and is also a world-renowned tea-growing centre.
- Take part in the Durga Puja (September/October) in Kolkata (Calcutta). One of the biggest Hindu religious festivals in India, it is full of colour and noise, held in honour of the goddess Durga.
- Go mountaineering, or trekking. It is especially pristine in Sikkim. Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh, is the base for treks into the beautiful Kullu Valley, while Kodaikanal is a popular base for treks in Tamil Nadu.
- Cruise along the tropical backwaters of Kerala, pausing en route to visit sleepy villages and assorted touristic sites.
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Transport
Getting Around by Air
Air carriers service all major Indian cities and most large towns. The state domestic airline is Indian Airlines (IC) (website: www.indian-airlines.nic.in). The network connects 76 cities, 58 within India and 18 overseas. Other domestic airlines include Alliance Air (CD), a subsidiary of Indian Airlines, Jet Airways (9W) (website: www.jetairways.com), JetLite (formerly Air Sahara) (JAI) (website: www.jetlite.com ), a subsidiary of Jet Airways, and Kingfisher Airlines (IT) (website: www.flykingfisher.com).
Air Passes
There are various special Indian Airlines fares available to foreign nationals and Indian nationals residing abroad which may be purchased either abroad or in India, where payment is made in a foreign convertible currency (such as US Dollars or Pounds Sterling). With the exception of the Youth Fare India (see below), discounts of 90% are available for children under two years of age, and of 50% for children aged two to 12. Full details of all the special fares are available from India Tourism. A summary of each is given below. Group discounts of up to 30% may also be available.
Discover India: seven-day, 15-day and 21-day tickets offer unlimited economy-class travel on all domestic Indian Airlines services. No stop may be visited more than once, except for transfer.
Youth Fare India: valid for three months, offering a 25% discount on the normal US Dollar fare. It is available to those aged 12 to 30 at the commencement of travel for journeys on economy/executive class of domestic air services and Indo-Nepal services.
India Wonder Fares (North, South, East and West): valid for seven days, offering unlimited economy-class travel. No town may be visited more than once, except for transfer. Details of the main air centres included in the deal can be obtained from Indian Airlines offices.
Departure Tax
Virtually all international air tickets now include departure tax - check with your booking agent.
Getting Around by Water
There are ferries from Kolkata (Calcutta) and Chennai (Madras) to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. Contact Shipping Corporation of India (tel: (033) 248 2354, in Kolkata or (044) 523 1401, in Chennai; website: www.shipindia.com) for details. There are also services from Kochi and Calicut to the Lakshadweep Islands (website: http://lakport.nic.in). Services are often seasonal, and are generally suspended during the monsoon. There is a seasonal catamaran service from Mumbai (Bombay) to Goa. One particularly attractive boat journey is the 'backwaters' excursion in the vicinity of Kochi in Kerala. Several local tours are available.
Getting Around by Rail
The Indian internal railway system is state-run by Indian Railways (tel: (011) 2340 5156; website: www.indianrail.gov.in). There are six classes of travel: first-class air conditioned, first-class sleeper, second-class air conditioned, second-class sleeper, third-class air conditioned and air conditioned chair car. Major trains carry restaurant cars.
Special trains:
The Palace on Wheels (website: www.palaceonwheels.net) is a luxury train especially popular with foreign tourists. Tariff includes cost of travel, full catering and conducted sightseeing tours. Itinerary: Delhi-Jaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Ranthambore-Chittorgarh-Udaipur-Bharatpur-Agra-Delhi.
The Golden Chariot (website: www.thegoldenchariot.co.in): This luxury train journeys through Karnataka and includes a stop in Goa. Consult the website for itineraries.
The Deccan Odyssey (www.deccanodyssey.com) offers an eight-day jaunt through Maharashtra, pausing in Goa. Itinerary: Mumbai (Bombay)-Ganpatipule-Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg-Tarkarli-Goa-Pune-Aurangabad-Ajanta-Nasik-Mumbai.
The Fairy Queen is the oldest steam engine in the world. The journey is a two-day round trip from Delhi to Alwar. Guests are taken to Sariska Tiger Reserve for a jeep safari and stay overnight in a hotel.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway operates from New Jalpaiguri/Kurseong to Darjeeling. It climbs 1,525m (5,000ft). Hill Trains: Narrow-gauge rail lines completed in the 19th century link numerous hill stations. For example, the Kolkata (Calcutta)-Darjeeling route takes eight hours.
Other trains: The Rajdhani Express trains are deluxe super-fast trains connecting Delhi with a plethora of centres including Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai (Madras), Bengaluru (Bangalore), Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad and Ajmer.
Shatabdi Express: Super-fast trains connecting major and secondary city centres. Snacks and meals are provided.
Konkan Express: This route is Mumbai-Goa-Mangalore.
Rail Passes
Indrail Pass: enables unlimited rail travel for a specific period. Advance reservation is essential. Indrail passes can be reserved in the UK from SD Enterprises Ltd (tel: (020) 8903 3411; website: www.indiarail.co.uk). The passes can also be purchased in India at all the main railway stations and authorised agents.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the left. Outside the major cities main roads and other routes are often poorly maintained and congested with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers.
Bus: An extensive network of bus services connects all parts of the country, and is particularly useful for the mountainous regions where there are no rail services. However, public transport is often crowded and can be uncomfortable. Details of routes may be obtained from the local tourist office.
Tourist cars: There are a large number of chauffeur-driven tourist cars (some air conditioned) available in the main tourist centres. These unmetered tourist cars are usually cheaper than taxis if booked for an extended period of time. Shop around for the best deals and hire from a reputable firm.
Car hire: Self-drive cars are not as widely available as chauffeur-driven ones. Driving around India is not recommended due to the erratic nature of driving standards and the heavy traffic.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. If importing your vehicle into India, get the latest documentation requirements from the Indian embassy in your home country.
Note: Travel in rural areas during the monsoon season can be hazardous and care should be taken. Monsoon rains cause flooding and landslides that can cut off some towns and villages for days at a time.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Taxis and auto rickshaws are available in large cities and fares should be charged by the kilometre. They do not always have meters but, where they do, visitors should insist on the meter being flagged in their presence. Fares change from time to time and therefore do not always conform to the reading on the meter, but drivers should always have a copy of the latest fare chart available for inspection. Kolkata (Calcutta) has a Metro underground railway. A Metro system opened in Delhi in 2004; the remaining sections are due to be completed in 2010.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Delhi to other major cities/towns in India.
| Air | Road | Rail | Sea |
| Mumbai | 1.50 | 28.00 | 17.30* | - |
| Kolkata | 2.00 | 30.00 | 18.00** | - |
| Chennai | 3.00 | 45.00 | 32.00 | - |
| Port Blair | 5.05 | *** | - | **** |
Note: * Time by express (not daily); normal train takes 23 hours. ** Time by express (not daily); normal train takes 25 hours. *** Does not include stopover in Chennai. **** Boat journey from Chennai takes three to four days.
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Weather
The weather is hot most of the year with variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around December to February, with fresh mornings and evenings and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
Western Himalayas: Srinagar is best from March to October; July to August can be unpleasant; cold and damp in winter. Shimla is higher and therefore colder in winter. Places like Gulmarg, Manali and Pahalgam are usually under several feet of snow from December to March and temperatures in Ladakh can be extremely cold. The mountain passes of Ladakh are accessible from July to October.
Required clothing: Light- to mediumweights are advised from March to October, with warmer wear for winter. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains and therefore it is important to be suitably equipped. Waterproofing is advisable.
Northern Plains: This extreme climate is typically warm inland from April to mid-June, falling to almost freezing at night in winter between November and February. Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September.
Required clothing: Lightweights in summer with warmer clothes in winter and on cooler evenings. Waterproofing is essential during monsoons.
Central India: Madhya Pradesh state escapes the very worst of the hot season, but monsoons are heavy between July and September. Temperatures fall at night in winter.
Required clothing: Lightweights are worn most of the year with warmer clothes during evenings, particularly in winter. Waterproofed clothing is advised during monsoon rains.
Western India: November to February is most comfortable, although evenings can be fairly cold. Summers can be extremely hot with monsoon rainfall between mid June and mid September.
Required clothing: Lightweights are worn most of the year with warmer clothes for cooler winters, and waterproofing is essential during the monsoon.
Southwest: The most pleasant weather is from November to March. Monsoon rains fall anywhere between late April and July. Summer temperatures not as high as Northern India although humidity is extreme. The coast benefits from some cooling breezes. Inland, Mysore and Bijapur have pleasant climates with relatively low rainfall.
Required clothing: Lightweights. Waterproofing is necessary during the monsoon. Warmer clothes are worn in the winter, particularly in the hills.
Southeast: Tamil Nadu experiences a northeast monsoon between October and December and temperatures and humidity are high all year. The hills can be cold in winter.
Required clothing: Lightweights. Waterproofing is necessary during the monsoon. Warmer clothes are worn in the winter, particularly in the hills.
Northeast: March to June and September to November are the driest and most pleasant periods. The rest of the year has extremely heavy monsoon rainfall.
Required clothing: Lightweights. Waterproofing is advisable throughout the year and essential in monsoons, usually from mid June to mid October. Warmer clothes are useful for cooler evenings.
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