India Travel Guide

Necessary Travel Documents

Travel documents needed when traveling to India are fairly typical, a valid passport from your country of origin and a current India visa. The only place where a visa is not needed is in Nepal.

Be aware that there are different types of visas (travel, business, etc.). Be sure to apply for the proper one.

People are the Heart of India

A very populous country, India's people vary by region. Their national and social personality have been molded by a rich and diverse history. Simply consider the number of languages spoken: Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Bengali, Kashmiri, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, and Telugu are the more "native" languages that the traveler is likely to encounter. Luckily, due to the influence of British colonists, English is extremely common so communication should offer no problems.

How do Indians Dress?

This is dependent on where in India you find yourself. One thing is sure though, you will see plenty of women wearing either a sari or a combination of loose fitting pants and a loose, long shirt.

Men, on the other hand, typically wear the lungi which is simply a length of material worn thigh-length along with a shirt. Alternately, the kurta-pyjama is worn.

Pick Your Climate

The climate in India is quite different in the North than it is in the South due to the size of the country. Seasons? The seasons can basically be divided into three segments: cool, wet, and warm. The wet, of course, is the infamous monsoon season that has been known to wreak havoc on occasion.

Generally speaking, the cool period is the most pleasant time of year to make a trek to India. This occurs from about the beginning of November to the middle of February. This dovetails nicely with the Christmas/New Year's time when many people schedule vacation.

The monsoon season can be expected to arrive at the very end of May and will last until October. If you are going to be in India during this period, it's a great opportunity to meander up to the hill country where the weather remains pleasant.

The Holidays of India

Officially, there are three national holidays. These are Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. But these are just the tip of the iceberg due to the rich history and the broad range of cultures.

Other holidays which are popular in India are based in religious tradition. Hindu holidays are the most populous, including Diwali, Holi, and Chaturthi. Under the Muslim banner, come Muharram and the ever-popular Ramadan. The Sikh population host their own religious festivals. To a lesser degree, Christian holidays are observed.

Understanding Indian Currency

The Indian national currency is the Rupee although you may hear it referred to as Roopayi, Rupaye, Rubai depending on where you are. Don't be confused; it's the same currency.

The Rupee's issuance is the responsibility of the Reserve Bank of India. Some of the denominations may be confusing. For example, the term "crore" is used where Westerners would say, "ten million".

As with all currencies, the relative value of the Rupee against currencies of other countries fluctuates on a daily basis. What can you roughly expect the exchange rate to be? It will vary, but one Dollar U.S. is currently equal to about thirty-three Rupee.

Sampling Indian Food

When thinking about Indian food, what attributes come to mind? Spicy and curry! It also has a reputation for being vegetarian. But as mentioned earlier, India is diverse. One can expect to sample a variety of meat: lamb, fish, chicken, and goat.

Indian food has been influenced not only by many different cultures, but also by the fact that the country is so conducive to growing vegetables and spices.

Due to Its size, location, and rich history, the number of popular destinations in India is amazing. The main problem that most vacation planners encounter is deciding which destinations and attractions to focus on.

India is made up of a number of geographic regions and each is justifiably proud of its own local tourist enticers. Accordingly, the choices you make depends on your interests and the time of year you choose to visit.

Why Not Start your Vacation in Delhi?

Delhi is a perfect destination to get a flavor of the hustle and bustle of the typical crowded Indian city. Since Delhi is India's capital, you can be sure that it has a unique blend of the cosmopolitan and the traditional elements.

Humayun's Tomb is well worth a look while visiting Delhi. This impressive structure predates the Taj Mahal. But speaking of the Taj Mahal, why not make a day trip to Agra to visit it? Built entirely of white marble, it took twenty two years to complete.

The Bahai Temple also calls Delhi home. This beautiful edifice features a façade that resembles and opening lotus flower, bringing to mind the Sydney Opera House. It incorporates dramatic gardens on the exterior and the architecture inside is a thing to behold. In the spirit of inclusiveness, the Bahai doctrine welcomes all faiths.

Yoga and Meditation Destinations

Are you looking for a spiritual vacation? India is one of those places that can make it happen and the choices are numerous. Take the state of Bihar, for example. Lord Gautam Buddha hails from Bihar and the numerous spiritual retreats reflect the different stages of his life and spiritual development.

Rishikesh, located in the North if India in the lap if the Himalayan mountains, is the primary yoga destination in the country, and by some accords, in the world. In fact, if you consider yourself to be a yoga devotee, plan on being here for the annual International Yoga Week. But make plans early, as the area is overwhelmed each year during the first week of February.

Beaches and Archaeological Artifacts

If this particular combination sounds like your idea of a dream vacation, then a visit to Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum is the place for you. This is Kerala's capital city and the home of three the crescent beaches of Kovalam. Of the three, the Lighthouse Beach is in the south and attracts the most visitors.

While in Kerala, plan to attend one of the many festivals. Notably, each festival ends with the traditional bathing of idols of the local deities in the river.

A visit to the Napier Museum reveals some of the most important of India's archeological treasures including an authentic temple chariot, bronze idols, and exquisite ivory sculptures.

Now matter what your personal interests, you will be sure to find something to enchant you on a vacation to India. Just be prepared to return again in the near future, Rupees in hand.

Given India's vast size, rich history, and geographic diversity, it comes as no surprise that there's a plethora of popular tourist attractions in India. Your particular interests should be your guiding light when trying to decide which ones are at the top of your priority list.

The Glorious Taj Mahal

Possibly the most recognized attraction in the entire Indian subcontinent, the Taj Mahal is included in the list of the eight wonders of the world. To explore this marvelous construction, book a stay in Agra.

This edifice must be seen in person to be appreciated. Constructed entirely of white marble, it was built to display and declare the love of Emperor Shahjahan for his queen. It was designed by the forward-thinking Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. 20,000 workers toiled on it daily for 22 years.

The Lotus Temple - Worship Center for the Bahai Faith

The lotus temple is located in Delhi and is also built of marble. It's the main Bahai temple for all of Asia. The Bahai faith is dedicated to be a very inclusive faith and welcomes members of all religious persuasions; this predisposition is reflected in the architecture of the temple.

The central theme behind its conception is the number 9. This number has a special significance for believers in Bahai because it is the highest digit. The building presents the shape of the lotus flower, with 9 petals, which are the portals. The number 9 is again reflected by the 9 pools outside the temple - one for each portal.

The prime time to view the Lotus Temple is at dusk when it's bathed with floodlights, causing it to glow.

Visit Qutub Minar while in Delhi

The Qutub Minar is a sandstone pillar-type construction completed in the 13th century. It stands out as being the highest stone tower ever to have been built in India, stretching up an impressive 72.5 meters into the sky.

Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak originally conceived Qutab Minar in the year 1199. Its purpose was to afford the Mu'azzin a majestic place to give calls to prayer. Not to be outdone, his son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iitutmish added three more stories to it.

The Great Himalayan National Park

What vacation would be complete without a visit to the Great Himalayan National Park? The park is located in northern India, in the Seraj Forest Division of Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh to be specific. This is approximately 60 km southwest of Kullu.

The purpose of the park is to protect the Western Himalayan ecosystem. Both plant and animal species flourish here in the wild. Some of the animals you can expect to see in their natural environment are the Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Leopard, Ibex, Wolf, Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, and the majestic Himalayan black bear.

Visit the Hemis Monastery for the Hemis Festival

The Hemis Festival commemorates the birth of the Guru Padmasambhava. The Guru is recognized as being the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. Needless to say, the Hemis Monastery is largest Buddhist monastery in North India.

How to get there? It's located 45 kilometers away from Leh. The festival lasts for three days and is held annually on the 10th day (Tse-Chu) of the Tibetan lunar month, or roughly in the June/July timeframe.

Old and New Delhi full day city tour

Delhi is one of the best examples in the world where 'old meets new'. You'll visit Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana, Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, Chandi Chowk market, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb and many more sights on this private day tour.

Strolling through the streets of Delhi you will hear the ringing bells of bicycle rickshaws and tooting horns of Mercedes-Benz cars, and even dodge the odd resting cow in the middle of a busy intersection. On this sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi your senses will come alive as you encounter the many sights and sounds this amazing city has to offer.

In the morning, you will be met at your hotel. Your first stop is Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. Continue to Jama Masjid (the biggest Mosque in India), the Red Fort and visit Chandi Chowk, an old and busy market.

After lunch (at your own expense), you will visit new Delhi. Here you will see such sights as the impressive Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tome, India Gate (War Memorial Arch) and Lakshminarayan Temple, a modern Hindu Temple. You will also drive past the President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat buildings and Connaught Place shopping center.

You will be returned to your hotel at completion of the tour.

Register for the Old and New Delhi full day city tour

Light and Sound Show at Red Fort in Delhi

In the evening, you will be collected from your hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle and taken to the Red Fort. Witness the 60 minute sound and light show, 'Son - Et - Lumiere', a dramatic interplay of sound and light effects.

The Red Fort, also know as Lal Qila was built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648 at the height Mugal power. Inside the massive sandstone walls that extend for 2 kilometers in the center of Old Delhi, special effects combine with the unique ambience to make this show an unforgettable experience

Register for the Light and Sound Show at Red Fort in Delhi

Full day Taj Mahal excursion to Agra

To begin your private tour to the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, you will be collected from your hotel at 6am to travel to Agra by road, 124 miles (20 kilometers) from Delhi and home to the sublimely beautiful Taj Mahal.

The World Heritage-listed Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, during a golden era of art and architecture in India. The world's most extravagant monument built for love was constructed as a tomb for Shah Jahan's beloved wife, Mumtaz Muhal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. You will be amazed by the intricate carvings and designs that have withstood the test of time, and be intrigued as you hear the stories of love and tragedy.

After lunch at a restaurant of your choice (at your own expense), you will visit Agra Fort, the Halls of Public and Private Audience and the Tomb of Itmad-ud Daullah.

On your return trip to Delhi, visit Fatehpur Sikri, 24 miles (40 kilometers) from Agra. This magnificent ghost city was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and became the capital of Mughal India for 15 years before it was abandoned due to sarcity of water.Your guide will show you all the points of interest including Jama Masjid, the 54-meter-high Victory Gate (Buland Darwaza), the white marble tomb of Shikh Salim Chrishti as well as many palaces and pavilions that blend elements of Hindu, Islamic and Persian architecture.

Return to your hotel in Delhi by road.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The length of the trip can vary depending on the unpredictable traffic, so please be prepared for a long day.

Register for the Full day Taj Mahal excursion to Agra