India

Asia

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India

India is a country in South Asia with a population of over 1.4 billion people, making it the world’s most populous country after China. Comprising 28 states and eight union territories, India offers a diverse and contrasting culture within each of its regions. The country has a rich variety of languages, including Marathi, Bengali, Telugu, and Gujarati. However, Hindi and English are the predominant languages used in government, media, and everyday communication. Exploring India would be incomplete without savoring its culinary delights filled with rich spices, such as biryani rice, tandoori chicken, samosa, butter chicken (murgh makhani), and others. India also offers plenty of natural attractions, including the Sundarbans (the largest mangrove forest in the Bay of Bengal), Radhanagar Beach in the Andaman Islands, and the Ellora Caves in western India. Other notable destinations include iconic historical sites such as the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra; the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi; the Amer Fort and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur; and the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai.

Travel Tips for India

What you need to know before traveling here

Practical Tips for India

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Do you need a visa to enter India?

Citizens from more than 160 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa online at Indian Visa Online. If you wish to d o so, you need to have purchased return flight tickets and passports with at least six months of validity.

When is the best time to visit India?

The ideal time to visit India is during the winter season, which occurs from December to early March. It is not recommended to visit from April to November, as the weather tends to get very hot.

What is the recommended duration for a holiday in India?

For first-time visitors to India, planning for seven to ten days to explore the country is recommended. This duration allows you to visit the Golden Triangle, which consists of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. If you want to explore additional cities such as Chennai or Mumbai, consider extending your trip by two more days.

What are some customs to be mindful of in India?

When visiting India, it is important to adhere to local etiquette and avoid engaging in certain actions that are prohibited. These include pointing at people with feet or fingers, eating with the left hand, and displaying public intimacy. It is advisable to avoid such behaviors to prevent causing discomfort.

What are the popular historical sites in India?

Hampi, Mysore, Badami, and Mahabalipuram are some of the popular historical sites in South India. Hampi is an ancient village that houses ruins from the Vijayanagar Empire, while Mysore is known for its majestic Mysore Palace. The Badami Cave is a complex of caves and temples dating back to the 7th century, and Mahabalipuram has an old temple adorned with ornaments. In North India, Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi are three must-visit cities with notable historical sites. The Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar Tower are among the famous landmarks in North India.