India is like nowhere else on earth. It is the ultimate eclectic mix of sights, sounds, spirituality, and smells. Every expectation – be it of beauty, mysticism, poverty, or bureaucracy – will be outdone by what hits you when you arrive, and one visit will not be enough. The welcome you receive, wherever you go, will be warm and friendly and nothing will be too much trouble at any stage of your journey.
India’s landscape is as diverse as its people and ranges from tropical beach paradises to primary forests of teak: to desert tundra’s broken by forts ruled by princes: and to chilly foothills clad in tea plantations opening onto vistas of the world’s highest mountain peaks.
The experiences you may encounter will be just as diverse, from being slowed down by herds of water buffalo crossing the road; hearing the perpetual blowing of car horns 24/7; avoiding monkey’s as they try to steal food from your rucksack; playing cricket with the locals in the heat of the day; to counting how many people are hanging on the outside of your train as it leaves the station!
India is embracing modernity with open arms and is the foundations for its recent economic boom but religion still remains the backbone of Indian society and it continues to provide a source of both social harmony and sporadic tension. Tourism Today is booming in India, not just with western visitors, but domestic tourism is thriving as middle class Indian’s discover a new found wealth as their economy continues to prosper.
The fabled Golden Triangle is the classic introduction to this vast and beautiful country. Bustling streets, havens of tranquillity and architectural wonders await as you dive headlong into the vibrant sights, sounds and experiences of northern India.
See the bustling bazaars of Delhi and Jaipur, the magnificent Taj Mahal at Agra, the deserts of Rajasthan, the bathing Ghats of Varanasi and the erotic temples of Khajuraho. Discover more by adding a visit to the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.
Contrasting vastly from the north, southern India is an intensely tropical and wonderfully laid back region to explore. The emerald jewel in India’s crown, Kerala boasts a rich heritage and mystical backwaters, flanked by rice paddies and coconut groves, and plied by rustic kettuvallam.
Time difference: GMT +5.5 Hours
Flight Time: Approx 9 hours depending on location
Visa Required: Yes
Currency: Rupee
Tel Code: +91
Population: 1 ,295 ,806 ,340
Official Language: Hindi
Main Religion: Hinduism
Airlines: British Airways, Finnair , Jet Airways , Emirates , Etihad Airways , Qatar Airways , Turkish Airlines
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