India Welcomes You
History & Culture:
The history of India dates back more than five thousand years. India is named after the Indus River and is home to one in the oldest civilizations in the world. It has seen and gone through many changes during different kingdoms and empires. Every part of India has its own history. It is the birthplace of many great ideas, philosophies, and movements that have greatly influenced the world.The rich heritage of India is a vibrant blend of amazing arts, music, dance, architecture, culture and religions. Guests are considered Gods in India. No other country in the world has such an incredible hospitality. The history and culture of India make it a perfect vacation destination.
Religions:
India has been a thriving ground for many religions like Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, and Islam. From day-to-day activities to major decisions of life, religion plays a great role in the lives of the majority of Indians. Because of the diverse religions of India, there is always a festival going on. Every part of India will amaze its visitors with its unique customs and traditions. This makes India a great place to explore different cultures and religions.
Geography:
India has an amazing geographical location with the great Himalayas in the north, Arabian Sea in the west, Bay of Bengal in the east and the Indian Ocean in south. Thar Desert or the Great Indian Desert lies in the northwestern part of India. These geological features provide ample tour options. The country is divided into five major regions: Western, Central, Northern, Eastern and Southern. India shares borders with Nepal, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan. Maldives and Sri Lanka are off the coast neighboring countries of India.Weather:
The major climatic seasons in India are summer, rainy season and winter. The summer lasts from April till June, and these are the hottest months during the years in India. This is also the best time to visit the hill stations of India. From November till March, the winter season makes the climate pleasant throughout India with bright sunny days. Northern plains of India experience much severe winter because it lies at the foothills of the Himalayas while the rest of India enjoys a pleasantly cool weather.
The rainy season or monsoon begins in June on the south western coast of India, which then gradually spreads to all the other parts throughout the country.
Clothing:
While traveling in India, casual wears are most preferred. From spring to autumn, light cotton clothes are recommended. Winters will require warm clothing as early morning and late evenings are very cold in Rajasthan and few parts of northern India in winters. While India is a rapidly developing country, the societies across India deeply respect their religion and traditions. It is advised to follow local customs and traditions to avoid hurting sentiments of the local people. While visiting rural areas, dress-up modestly, especially the women, to dodge any unwanted attention. Cover your head (both men and women) while entering a temple or any other religious place. However, in big metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi, western dresses are common. Indian attire has its own appeal and are a must try while visiting India.Passports and Visas:
A valid passport and a proper visa are also required to enter and stay in India (except nationals from Nepal and Bhutan). Those who are interested in traveling to India must contact the Indian Embassy in their respective countries for visa norms and other formalities. Visas are issued on arrival only to the nationals of few selected countries. There are some restricted areas that may require special permits. Visa duration depends on the nature of the visit. All the information about visas can be gained from the Indian consulate.
