INDIA

Area
The area of India is 3 287 590 km ².

Current Population
The Indian population is 1.237 (around) billion.

Transport
In any case, avoid being in a hurry.
The aircraft is very practical and saves considerable time. Indian Airlines offers a 21-day air pass.
It is easy to rent a vehicle with driver. This is very useful in a country with rules of anarchic behavior and whose roads are often in not a good condition. The drive is on the left. To discover the mountain (Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Sikkim & North-East part of India) do not hesitate to opt for a Jeep and make sure to always keep on you the special authorizations of the regions that require it, before the visit.
Local buses are economical, but slow and often crowded. Prefer private bus companies like Deluxe, sometimes at the same rates as state buses but more comfortable.
The train remains an economical and popular way to visit India. The network is very dense.

Weather
Having such an extensive surface we find a great climatic diversity: tropical and subtropical zones, moderate zones and alpine zones. So we can travel at any time of the year but we choose the ideal area as well.

 

South India:

It is a monsoon zone from June to September that reaches the southwest monsoon, which enters the coast of Goa and Kerala and extends through the rest, and from September to November, the north-west monsoon arrives on the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh. From December to May it would be the dry season, with pleasant temperatures until April-May the heat begins.

Currency
The currency unit is the Indian Rupee, divided into 100 paisas. We found Note of 5,10, 20, 50,100, 200, 500 and 2,000 Rupees. You can exchange Euros & Dollar or any currency without problems in banks and exchange bureau, the change is approximately 1 EUR = 74 INR. 1 USD = 64 INR.

Telephone – Internet
In general there is no problem with the telephone lines, we can find call centers to make calls in any town or city, at very economic prices. It is also possible to use your mobile phone, or you can buy the Indian SIM card for your mobile & internet.

We find internet without problems throughout the territory, and in most hotels, it can be free or paid but very economic rates.

Religion
Although according to its constitution India is a secular country, it is the only place in the world in which they coexist a great number of different religions. In India we find the four major religions of the planet: Hinduism (80%), Islam (15%), Christianity (2.5%) and Buddhism (0.8), and other minority religions: Sikhism (1.9% ), Jainism (0.4%), Bahai, Judaism and Animism. Four of them originated in India: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

Fairs & National Holidays in India

National holidays :
26 January: The Feast of the Republic gives rise to important demonstrations. In Delhi, military parade in Rajpath with presence of elephants.

15 August: Independence Day.

2 Oct: Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Indian religious calendar is filled with colorful ceremonies and festivals, whose dates vary according to the moon. Whether the atmosphere is in contemplation or exuberance, these festivals are a wonderful sight and an opportunity for amazing encounters. Here are some of the best known:

Pongal (January): harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, particularly lively in Madurai.

Festival of the Jaisalmer desert (February): numerous animations around the popular traditions of the region (races of dromedaries, puppeteers, snake charmers, …)

Hemis Festival (June / July): a great religious festival in Ladakh, where the costumes are very beautiful.

Onam (August / September): the biggest festival of Kerala, famous for its snake boat races on the backwaters of Allepey.

Diwali or Deepavali (new moon of October or November): the festival of lights, which draws its origins in the Ramayana, is one of the most popular and most joyful. It celebrates the return of exile from Rama and is dedicated to Lakshmi, Kali and Krishna. It also marks the Jain New Year.

Pushkar Fair (full moon of November): the most famous camel fair in Rajasthan, with Nagaur.

Documentation
Passport is required in order with a minimum validity of 6 months and 2 free pages. An entry visa is required, which must be processed before departure, you can request an e-Tourist visa online (for stays of up to 60 days and two tickets). There are restricted areas and to visit them you need a special permit that must be requested at the Foreign Registration Offices in Delhi, Madras, Calcutta or Bombay. These areas are mainly the eastern states: Sikkim, Arunachal, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, some areas of Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Laquedivas islands.

Electricity
220V in almost the whole country. The electrical outlets are European type. Check the voltage before use. An adapter will be useful.

Language
The official language is Hindi, although there are 22 other official languages ​​and thousands of local dialects and languages. Broadly divided into two groups: Indoaryan, in the north and Dravadian in the South. English is the most common language of communication.

Health
There is no mandatory vaccine to enter India. Before leaving, we advise you to consult the International Vaccination Centers, to inform us of possible vaccines and health advice according to the areas to visit and the type of trip.

Time Difference
India is in the fringe +5.30 GTM, the whole country is governed by the same schedule and there are no seasonal changes. (+ 4h30 in the winter and + 3h30 in the summer).

With reference to Europ the difference is of + 4.30hrs in winter and +3,30 hours in summer.

Gratuities
In India, the tradition of tip and expected by your guides and drivers. It should not be seen as a constraint, but as a reward for a service rendered. Its allocation and amount are left to your discretion, which is we do not include it in our prices.

However, as an indication, we suggest that you include:
For group trips, between Rs. 250 and Rs. 350 per day and per person for the escort guide and around Rs. 150 per day and per person for the driver. Think also to thank the driver helps (frequent in India and generally responsible for the luggage and the cleanliness of the vehicle).

For individual trips, Rs. 300 per day per person for a local guide on a stage, Rs. 400 per day per person for an escort guide accompanying you throughout your trip, and around Rs. 300 per day for the chauffeur.

In hotels and restaurants, a box (“tip box”) is usually provided at the reception for employees (porters, waiters, maintenance staff, etc.). If not, or if you prefer this solution, you can thank the staff directly if you wish (allow Rs. 100-200, depending on the category of establishment).