Welcome to Incredible India! A journey into mysticism through the land of the unexpected.
Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities. Modern India is home alike to the tribal with his anachronistic lifestyle and to the sophisticated urban jet-setter. It is a land where temple elephants exist amicably with the microchip. Its ancient monuments are the backdrop for the world’s largest democracy.
If you’re planning a holiday to India, looking for hotels and accommodation and events information or simply interested in India as a country you are sure to find many insights on the multifaceted travel options to India here.The timeless mystery and beauty of India can be experienced only by visiting this ancient Land. There’s just one thing you’ll need to travel through 5000 years of culture and tradition- A comfortable pair of shoes.
Visa Information
Foreign Nationals desirous of coming into India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa.
There is no provision of 'Visa on Arrival' in India and no fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports. Foreign passengers should ensure that they are in possession of valid Passport and Indian Visa before they start their journey to India.
The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuance of Indian visas to the foreign nationals for their visit for various purposes. This facility is granted through various Indian missions abroad.
Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice. The Indian Mission reserves the right on granting and deciding type/duration of visa irrespective of the fees tendered at the time of making application. Granting of Visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
Specific Visas are granted on the basis of purpose of staying in India.Special permits are required for visiting certain areas in india. For information on this is provided by the VISA authorities.Additional fee is required to pay for each restricted/protected areas namely Sikkim,Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For VISA services kindly contact the respective authorities in the country and region of residence.
Photography
Tourists should seek permission from the authorities concerned before taking photographs of places of military importance, railway stations, bridges, airports, military installations, metro trains, tribal areas and sensitive border regions. It is prohibited to take photographs in some of the temples, historical monuments, forts, palaces, tombs and monasteries. Visitors are required to take special permits from the Archaeological Survey of India for photographing monuments with tripods and artificial lights. Camera fee is charged extra in some historical monuments.
Language
There are 22 National Languages recognized by the Constitution of India, of which Hindi is the Official Union Language. Besides these, there are 844 different dialects that are practiced in various parts of the Country.
The official language is Hindi in the Devanagri script. The States are free to decide their own regional languages for internal administration and education. English is widely spoken.
Guides
Trained English speaking guides are available at fixed charges at all important tourist centres. The Govt. of India Tourist Offices can be contacted by tourists for the services of approved guides. French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian and Japanese speaking guides are available at some cities. Please consult the nearest Govt. of India Tourist Office. Unapproved guides are not permitted to enter protected monuments, and tourists are, therefore, advised to ask the guides for the identity card issued by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of India.
Currency
Currency of India is Rupee. 1 Rupee = 100 Paise.The Reserve Bank has the sole authority to issue banknotes in India. The Reserve Bank has introduced banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi Series since 1996 and has so far issued notes in the denominations of Rs.5, Rs.10, Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.500 and Rs.1000 in this series. Coins in India are presently being issued in denominations of 10 paise, 20 paise, 25 paise, 50 paise, one rupee, two rupees and five rupees. Coins upto 50 paise are called 'small coins' and coins of Rupee one and above are called 'Rupee Coins'.
Music and Dance
Music and dance in India are amongst the oldest forms of classical arts with traditions that date back several centuries. The uniqueness of Indian classical dance and music is that they that are all mostly devotional in content .They are also performed to express a person's moods and emotions. Today, Indian classical music can be classified into two broad traditions, north Indian and south Indian. The north Indian tradition is known as Hindustani sangeet. The different forms of Hindustani music are Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khayal, Tappa and Thumri.
The south Indian tradition of music is called Carnatic sangeet. Indian music is based upon two pillars. They are the 'raag', which is the melodic form, and the 'taal', the rhythmic form.The instruments used in Indian classical music are of four types. They are Tantru (stringed), Susir (wind), Avanada (percussion) and Ghana (gongs, bells and cymbals).India is extremely rich in folk music as well. It resonates with the vibrant diversity of the land. Some important forms of music include Ghazals, Qawwali, Abhung and Bhajans.
Adventure and Activities
ndia offers you unlimited choices. For here, action and tranquility are two sides of the same coin.While imposing peaks defy you to conquer them; gentle mountains invite you for a leisurely trek. The rivers beckon you to taste the thrill of river running or try your hand at catching some trout. The clear blue waters of India's island beaches are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling, or for a languorous soak in the sun.India's landscape is blessed with terrains that make it a perfect destination for the adventurous traveller. With the snow-laden Himalayas in the north and the sea on all three sides of the Indian peninsula, the diversity in the landscape makes for exciting adventures in all parts of the country.
Mountain Biking
Himachal Pradesh has splendid biking opportunities, including the highest road pass in the world. Biking to the wild and barren 'moonscape' of Ladakh is also an unforgettable experience. Good camps are found along routes, enabling the traveller to interact with local cultures.
Angling
Himachal Pradesh with its rivers and their numerous tributaries are an angler's paradise with katla, rohu, trout and mahseer as the prized catch. Bhimeshwari, near Mysore, is also a treasure trove of mahseer if you are travelling in South India.
Camel Safaris
Transport yourself into a by gone royal era by indulging in a camel safari in the rustic desertland of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and many other companies offer these safaris which offer stay at camps in the Thar desert and an opportunity to traverse its golden sands. Often, fortified cities of Jodhpur, Bikaner, Shekhawati and Pushkar combine an entire trail.
Also try the tiger, elephant, horse, yak and jeep versions of the Safari.
Ballooning
New Delhi's Safdarjung Airport provides some great opportunities float past monuments and one can also view the Taj Mahal from a balloon flight.
Water Sports
The coral reefs and blue Lagoons of lakshadweep and Andaman islands are the best locations for Scuba Diving and Snorkelling. Head for Goa where many beaches offer sports like jet-skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and boating.
Cruise on calm waters in a shikara in Kashmir or its southern equivalent, the Kettuvallom, in Kerala. This is one of the best ways to view scenic beauty and make your holiday magical.
