India is one of the most amazing country in South Asia. The cradle of the most ancient civilization, the birthplace of Buddhism and Hinduism, today it takes the second place on the planet in terms of population and continues to fall in love with travelers who crave incredible discoveries. India is mysterious, not like any other land on earth. Fireworks of colors and aromas, a kaleidoscope of traditions, sometimes shocking, but remain untouchable from time immemorial. Majestic palaces, ancient temples and other ceremonial sights are adjacent to the rickety shacks and noisy bazaars - there is no wealth here, but there is life. And the backdrop is magnificent landscapes: mountain peaks, jungle, beaches - the local nature is generous in beauty. People come here for enlightenment: in isolation from the western bustle, you begin to look at the world with different eyes. And here they sunbathe under the gentle sun, conquer the obstinate waves, have fun at fashionable resorts, comprehend the true meanings of yoga.
India with all its traditions and history in 5000 years fits perfectly into modern reality. India is an ideal country for both experienced freelance travelers and beginners. Here you can find a variety of vacations and experiences. Want to see real India? Do not be limited to one state, do not be afraid to travel outside of tourist places - this is where real adventures await you! The main danger of traveling in India is that most likely you will want to return there again and again. India is love for life. India is very multifaceted. Each state is a different world. Deserted beaches, bustling cities, mountains with snow-capped peaks, eastern bazaars, colonial quarters, ancient temples; many cultures and religions intermingled here, making it so special. That’s why it’s a pleasure to make your own route. The main problem that you would be encounter on every trip is how to meet deadlines and see all the most interesting! India is a huge country, each of its states deserves special attention. No matter how many times you have been to India, there are always places that you simply need to visit. So, you would be coming back.
The most beautiful, richest, mysterious and unpredictable India always attracted travelers. The secrets of the noble Himalayas, the raging vegetation of tropical forests, the contrast and mysticism of the country, make India unlike any other country, and makes it possible to attracts travellers in India. India is one of the most unusual, diverse, ambiguous and impressive countries in the world. After a visit, it is simply impossible to remain indifferent. You would be amazing the imagination of even the most experienced traveller. Skyscrapers in the neighbourhood of slums, snow-white beaches and water channels, rare animals and birds, unusual national cuisine, fresh fruits and vegetables all year round, ancient culture and modern art, colorful dresses and noisy festivals.
Even a simple walk through the Indian city and meeting with always open and friendly residents will always remain in your memory and will change your consciousness and attitude to life. There is a well-known expression that from travels you always come back by another person - and so, this concerns India first.
The capital of India is Delhi, the city is bright, multinational, woven from contrasts. Its contradictory character is reflected in everything: in eclectic architecture, colorful clothes of passers-by, moods of the Old Town and the modern center. There are many interesting sights: Kutub Minar - the world's tallest minaret, India Gate- the Arc de Triomphe in the eastern manner, Red Fort - a quaint sandstone fortress, the tomb of Humayun - a mausoleum resembling a palace. Walking along the winding streets of the old center, you can come across colorful markets and branded boutiques, trendy restaurants and tiny cafes. The area of New Delhi, where the official capital of the country is based, looks completely different. Skyscrapers, business centers, museums - everything, as in any self-respecting metropolis.
Rajasthan is the land of kings. It is famous for its legendary palaces, forts and temples. But not only architecture - the nature of this state invariably attracts the attention of tourists, because Rajasthan is also the golden dunes of the Thar desert, Wildlife sanctuaries and the majestic Aravali mountains. This land is rich in folk crafts, famous for its fairs and festivals, where you can buy unusually beautiful things.
Agra is full of miracles, and despite the popular misconception, you can admire here not only on the Taj Mahal. Of course, the white marble mausoleum, built by the emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, is one of the main symbols of India. But noteworthy are the Agra Red Fort (larger and more spectacular than the capital), the City of Fatehpur Sikri mosques, and other historical monuments.
The largest city in the country is not Delhi at all, but Mumbai, aka Bombay. This is the capital of Indian cinema, recognizable from the first shots: the very one where everyone sings and dances, from elephants to heroes in love. There are good beaches and picturesque city landscapes. Kolkata, in the past Calcutta, still remembers the times of colonization: on the street’s buildings flaunt not only in the familiar Indo-Islamic, but also in Gothic, Romanesque and other European styles. In Kolkata, full of museums and temples, numerous exhibitions and book fairs are held.
India is also famous for its resorts. The most famous is the many-faced Goa, the center of attraction of downshifters from around the world. Fort Aguada divides the coastal state into two parts: Northern and Southern. The first is noisy and democratic: it is here that young people come together with a modest budget and bold dreams. The second is sleek, bourgeois: a paradise for wealthy fans of beach holidays.
Another popular resort is Kerala with stunning nature and a full range of opportunities for healing soul and body. Holidays on the white sand surrounded by coconut palms are combined here with excursions and Ayurvedic procedures. Solitude lovers should go to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: you can spend a vacation in their protected area only after receiving special permission. It is easier to get to the Lakshadweep coral islands, but the infrastructure there is not yet very developed.
One of the most unforgettable impressions that a tour in India leaves is Indian cuisine in all its inter-regional diversity, in the richness of aromas, smells, tastes, colors and textures!
Indian cuisine is famous for its huge variety of seasonings and many ways of preparing meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Each region of this vast country, each community and even each family adheres to their own recipes, the basis of which is masala - a special mixture of spices. For cooking one dish, up to 25 seasonings can be used!
Indian dishes are usually spicy. The sharpness can be muffled by rice and dahi yogurt. When ordering a dish, you can add: “Not spicy, please”, and your wish will be at least partially fulfilled. The meat in Indian cuisine is usually marinated in spices (and with pepper) in advance, therefore, even asking not to add pepper during cooking, the meat dish will still taste spicy.
The splendor, exoticism and luxury of India amaze the traveller’s imagination from the very first days of his stay. Shopping in India is an exotic undertaking. Nevertheless, you can buy a lot of all useful things. Exotic outfits, jewelry, healthy and tasty spices, souvenirs ... a huge selection of everything. Shopping in India has left a sea of pleasure and positive emotions. In shops and souvenir shops you can find almost everything that you would like to bring from this eastern country: clothes, shoes, jewelry, sweets, tea and coffee. in India there is so much that you can buy, that your eyes run wide, and bags burst with the number of purchases.
Shopping at a bazaar in India is not just an exchange of money for goods, but a whole art and fun. Once in a noisy whirlpool of Indian street traffic, you, first, pay attention to the colorful clothes of passers-by. Ethnic clothing in India will be the pearl of any wardrobe. Look at the various saris woven by the hands of the original Indian masters and India will always with you. Accessories should not be ignored either. In any Indian market you can buy hundreds of different bags, handbags and wallets that will remind you of friendly India. Most of the spices in every kitchen come from India and are still produced there. Therefore, you must buy at least a few traditional Indian spices. In addition to spices, the Indian-style dish is complemented by herbs. In India, you can probably buy any greens literally at every step. At Indian trading floors you will be offered to buy real Indian tea. And to create an Indian atmosphere at home, it’s worth buying a few traditional incenses and natural cosmetics, the delicate aroma of which will help to find balance and harmony within yourself. In a visit in Indian market, you can buy yourself and your loved one’s traditional Indian clothes, exquisite accessories and jewelry for the whole family.
India really impresses tourists with its architecture, history, religion, and simply breath-taking atmosphere. In addition to the many architectural places that are required to visit, tourists are often invited to visit the reserves of India, and it would be a mistake not to look at this beauty. The nature of India is diverse and unique, the animal and plant life of the country is very rich, and all this served as the basis for the creation of numerous national parks.
Jungle. The image of an impassable, overgrown and hostile place often appears in the head, where the light barely penetrates. In fact, the jungle is the “hot spot” of biodiversity. The jungle of India is the habitat of the rarest and most exotic species of animals, and none of them symbolizes the Indian wildlife better than a tiger. The tiger is considered the king of the jungle and the most powerful predator in the Indian subcontinent. Today, there are about 50 nature reserves with a total area of more than 70,000 square kilometers, where tigers live. Such large-scale conservation projects for tigers and their habitats have benefited other species of jungle.
Water is life, especially in such a hot climate. Not surprisingly, wetlands like magnets attract wild animals that come here to get drunk, or find coolness. There is a very large variety of residents. The local hosts sitting on top of the food chain are crocodiles. In India, swamp crocodile is the most common species.
Some of the most impressive and diverse animal habitats in India are in the north. This is the realm of a magnificent and ghostly snow leopard; the rest must be on the alert. Ranthambore National Park is in the state of Rajasthan and is considered the best tiger reserve.
The territory of India is large and covers several climatic zones. The temperature in the country can range from 0 to +50 C degrees in one day. It all depends on the region and time of year. It is conditionally possible to distinguish 3 seasons - winter (October - March), summer (April - June) and the rainy season (July - September). The climate is tropical monsoon.
It is also worth considering the purpose and where you are planning a tour to India. If you are going on a beach holiday or leisure holidays, winter is considered the best time for the trip - the most comfortable temperature is +25 C - +30 C, clear and sunny weather without rains.
If you are planning a tour of Ayurveda to Kerala, then according to the rules of Ayurveda you should go in the rainy season, because all living things are purified during this period. Although, resorts are open all year round.
The hottest months fall at the end of spring - summer, the temperature in some areas reaches +40 and even +50 C degrees, it is very uncomfortable to be on the street also due to high humidity.
In the northern regions of India, in the mountains, the temperature can drop to 0 C degrees, and in the high mountains of the Himalayas even drop below 0 C. There are ski resorts, for example in Kashmir, the highest mountain resort in the world, Gulmarg, could be visit in summer season.
In the central and southern parts of the country there is never cool weather, there are no sharp changes in temperature, it is warm all year round.