India:

Because of India’s vastness, it is impossible to see everything in just one trip. It is better to concentrate on one or two regions. The most popular region for travelers is the so-called "Golden Triangle" in the north: Delhi, the capital city; Agra, home of the Taj Mahal; and the pink city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is the most popular state with travelers, who are drawn by its desert scenery, by the imposing medieval forts and palaces of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bundi, and by the colourful traditional dress.

East of Delhi, the River Ganges meanders through some of India's most densely populated regions to reach the extraordinary holy Hindu city of Varanasi, where to witness the daily rituals of life and death focused around the waterfront ghats (bathing places) is to glimpse the continuing practice of India's most ancient religious traditions. Further east still is the great city of Kolkata (Calcutta), the capital until early last century of the British Raj and now a teeming metropolis that epitomizes contemporary India's most pressing problems.

Kerala, near the southernmost tip of the subcontinent on the western coast, is India at its most tropical and relaxed, its lush backwaters teeming with simple wooden craft of all shapes and sizes, and red-roofed towns and villages all but invisible beneath a canopy of palm trees. Further up the coast is Goa, the former Portuguese colony whose hundred-kilometre coastline is fringed with beaches to suit all tastes and budgets, from upmarket package tourists to long-staying backpackers, and whose towns hold whitewashed Christian churches that might have been transplanted from Europe.

For all its jarring juxtapositions, India remains an utterly compelling destination.

What you need to know:

CLIMATE:
Due to its size and varied topography, India experiences great extremes of climate. Most of the country experiences three seasons:

Cool – North India's cool season is from October to April and South India's cool season is from November to March, however cool does not necessarily mean cold. Daytime temperatures are still quite high - the sky is clear but it is not blisteringly hot. Evenings are cooler, and nights can be surprisingly cold. Warm clothing is recommended during this period. This is the most pleasant time to travel in sub-Himalayan India.

Hot – From April to June the whole country experiences a hot and humid climate by day and night.

Wet – The monsoon falls on North India from July to September and in the South from July to October. During this time the climate is humid and wet by day and night.

The main exception to the above is far North India (Himachal Pradesh and Punjab). From October to April the nights are VERY COLD and from Dec to Feb daytime temperatures can also fall considerably – don’t forget to pack for this!

FOOD:
One myth is that Indian food is always hot. In fact North Indian food, while often very rich and indeed spicy, does not contain as much chilli as South Indian food. Both North and South Indian food is predominately vegetarian; however more meat dishes are available in the North.

In many restaurants the spices are mixed specifically for each order so you may have to wait 30 minutes or more. In more remote places hotels often prepare an evening buffet, with a wide range of food, much of it vegetarian.

Common meat dishes (meat will be either mutton, chicken or pork - never beef) include rogan josh (stew with onions and tomatoes), tandoori (meat marinated in yoghurt and spices and cooked in a clay oven) and biriyani (flavoured rice with chicken or mutton). Common vegetarian dishes include palak paneer (spinach and cottage cheese), aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower), Chana masala (chickpeas in a spice mix), raita (yoghurt mixed with vegetables) and boondi raita (balls of gram flour batter fried and soaked in yoghurt).

You will also find several different kinds of bread such as whole-wheat roti or chapatti, tandoor baked nan bread and batura, a leavened deep-fried bread.

CURRENCY:
The monetary unit in India is the India Rupee (INR). Currently, $1USD is equal to approximately 39.85INR. During your stay in India, you will notice a general lack of small change. It is usually recommended that travelers maintain a small supply of coins and small denomination notes (e.g.10 & 20 INR notes).

VISAS:
All nationalities require a visa to enter India. Regulations and costs change frequently and differ according to nationality. For the latest information on your specific visa requirements you should contact your local Indian Embassy or Consulate. Visas are usually valid for either 3 months or 6 months from the date of issue and are valid for multiple-entry regardless of whether you intend staying that long or re-entering the country. Tourist visas cannot be extended.

LANGUAGES:
Each state has its own official language, however Hindi is most widely spoken. English is the language of national government and law.

Useful Hindi words and phrases:

We recommend:

1.	Rajasthan Safari – 22 Days
		The Rajasthan Safari is a true Indian experience and a favorite amongst our travellers. We visit the palaces and forts that give this desert state its remarkable diversity. more

2.	South India Unplugged – 16 Days
		This adventure has so many highlights; it is difficult to list them all: Explore Chennai, See the Shore Temples of Mamallapuram, Watch religious traditions in action in Madurai, Check out Varkala's nightlife ... more

3.	North Indian Highlights - 15 Days
		This trip is perfect for the first time visitor. Original and exciting activities such as a desert camel trek, a safari in the fabulous Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary and a boat trip on the River Ganges all add to the adventure! more

4.	Pappadoms & Palaces - 12 Days
		With her history, diversity and vibrant local colors, India is an ideal destination for families. 'Pappadoms & Palaces' offers you India's highlights, as well as exciting opportunities for discovery that will appeal to travellers of all ages. more

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