INDIA AT A GLANCE
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit India is from October to March when the climate is the most favourable for travelling. If your clients wish to enjoy the summer, locations like Ladakh have the perfect weather and landscapes to enjoy summer, and the best time to visit these places is from May to September.
AIRPORT
Mumbai and Delhi are the gateway cities of India and have great air connectivity with major international destinations. India's other crucial international terminals include Pune, Banglore, Hyderabad, Kochi, and many more. These airports have all the facilities, amenities, and other services that make the commute and layover of travellers pleasurable.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Foreign visitors can apply for tourist, student, employment, business, transit, and entry visas to India through India Mission Abroad. The process is hassle-free with the convenience of an online application through the e-visa portal of the Indian Embassy, where travellers can select their travel purpose, submit required documents, pay the fees, and receive ETA. The validity of an e-visa in India is one year.
DIALECT
India is home to a wealth of languages and dialects. Of all the languages spoken in India, Hindi is the most common language and is spoken by 40% of the people. The second most popular language is Bengali which 10% of Indian citizens speak, followed by Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil.
CUISINE
Indian cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world, reflecting India's long history of traders, invaders, and immigrants worldwide. The result is a rich amalgamation of tastes, spices, and cooking methods that appeal to everyone. Whether visitors are looking for a hearty meal or a light snack, whatever their palette desires, they're sure to find a dish to satisfy their taste buds.
CULTURE
India is recognised to have one of the oldest and most unique cultures ranging from doing "the Namaste" to removing footwear outside before entering a place of worship. Indian culture has been influenced by various factors, including the country's long history, geographical location, influence from Vedas and Puranas, and interactions with other cultures. The important elements of Indian culture are holism and human values, and the people have adapting behaviour with a strong belief in belongingness. Common customs followed are younger people touching elders' feet to seek their blessings, married women wearing a bindi on their forehead, and more.
ARCHITECTURE
The collection of India's architectural masterpieces includes carved temples, stupas, heritage palaces and forts, ancient administrative buildings, and various other historic structures. Whether visiting the ruins of Hampi, where the mighty Vijayanagara empire existed in 1500 AD, or applauding the Indo-Islamic architecture of the Taj Mahal, Indian architecture is as varied and diverse as the country itself.
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
India is a constitutional democracy. There are 28 states and 7 union territories. Parliament is bicameral; the lower house is known as the Lok Sabha (House of the People), and the upper house is known as the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Major currencies can be changed at banks and authorised bureaux de changes as well as at hotels. No matter when you arrive in India, an exchange office will open at the airport. All major credit cards are accepted for all tourist activities and accommodation. ATMs are widely available in different cities in India. Major payments in India are now made digitally and conveniently using e-payment and UPI options under the Digital India initiative.
ELECTRICITY & VOLTAGE
The standard voltage is 230-240V (usually 240V). It is advisable for foreign travellers to carry a universal adaptor for using electrical appliances and charge devices. The adaptor must be compatible with Indian sockets because, in India, only 3-pin plugs are in use.
TELEPHONE
The international direct dialling code for India is 91. travellers can access telephone facilities round the clock in their hotels as well as in towns/villages. A prepaid mobile connection can be purchased on your arrival in India.
FESTIVALS
Festivals in India are the greatest and most heartwarming celebrations that unite people and cultures. The entire nation observes different energy and enthusiasm during festivals, with smiling faces and hues of happiness and colours adding to the excitement. The important festivals celebrated are Holi, Diwali, Mahashivratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Navratri.
SHOPPING
India is a shopper's paradise with a variety of options and items to buy from local vendors to big shopping malls. Shopping in India is the ideal way to fulfil your wish of taking a memory of India with you.
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