In addition to mystery and spirituality, India is associated with a wonderful holiday in Goa, Kerala, Delhi. Here tourists are attracted by the airy Himalayas, the Golden Triangle with its treasures and mysterious Ayurveda. The specificity of the country requires a thorough preliminary study of the characteristics of the region and the culture of the people.
Regions, cities and resorts of India
The capital of this mysterious country is the city of Delhi. It is bright, multinational and contrasting in all its manifestations. Poverty and dazzling wealth, colorful folk clothes and European business suits, country-style buildings and modern buildings are located nearby.
Among the attractions I want to highlight:
- Qutub Minar (the highest minaret on Earth);
- Triumphal Arch - Gates of the city;
- Red Front (sandstone fortress);
- Tomb of Humayun.
On the streets you can find numerous markets, adjacent to fashionable boutiques. Big modern restaurants sprout up next to tiny cafes.The business capital has concentrated in an area called New Delhi. It can be recognized by the huge skyscrapers, which are located in modern business centers. Here you can find numerous museums where you can spend your time with benefit.
Agra is a unique place known throughout the world - the Taj Mahal. But, besides, there are many other wonderful places in the city.
India's climate
Conventionally, the country is divided into south and north, where the equatorial climate reigns in the southern part, and subtropical mountain type reigns in the northern part. The change of seasons is accompanied by monsoon rains. From April to June, the average temperature varies from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. In March, rest in India will bring more pleasant minutes than during this period of dry and hot weather. From the middle of the first month of summer, the temperature will drop slightly (+320– +380), that for tourists from Russia is an undoubted advantage.
The city of Cherapundzhi is famous for being recognized as the rainiest place on earth. At the same time in the north-west is the Thar desert, which is the driest and hottest place.
The tourist season in India lasts from October to March. Comfortable temperature is kept here both day and night (+200…+250). In winter, the air temperature reaches 130 with a plus. When unbearable heat comes in April, you can move to the Himalayan regions. In Goa, the beach season begins in November, at this time there is already snow on the slopes in the Himalayas.
Visa to India and customs
For citizens of Russia, visiting India requires a visa. It can be multiple, double or disposable. The validity of these visas varies from 3 to 6 months. Among the restrictions - the inability to extend the visa while in the country. Also, be sure to get medical insurance for the whole trip.
The situation is somewhat simplified by the fact that at the airport you can make a visa for 15 days. You just need to pre-discuss all the nuances of the travel agency. You should also be aware that the import of currency into the country is unlimited. But the amount of cash from 5 thousand dollars or 10 thousand securities and checks must be officially declared. You can also bring 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of alcohol, 250 ml of eau de toilette, one unit of household appliances, one stroller into the country. Weapons, gold, plants, animals and weapons require declaration.
It is forbidden to bring drugs, pork, products made from rare leathers, gold bars, antiques and other items that can be found in the country's legislation with the list. You can not export local currency, pornography, antiques and fakes, rare skins and more.
How to get to India
From Russia to India can only be reached by air. The main airport of the country named Indira Gandhi takes planes of various airlines, including Aeroflot. Direct flights depart from Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo. The cost of a one-way trip will cost about $ 250 to $ 310.
In Goa, you can fly from Moscow for 400-450 dollars. There are also direct flights to Kerala, but, if desired, you can get to the state from Goa.
Country transport
Inland you can also travel by plane. Among local carriers worth noting:
- Spice Jet;
- "Indigo";
- "Go Eyre";
- "Jet Airways."
The average price of a flight is 2500 INR. The journey will last about 2 hours. Cheaper to travel by train and bus. If the choice fell on the train, then grade 2 will be optimal. The cars are equipped with air conditioning and compartments for 4-6 people. The ticket here costs about 1700 INR. For a ticket in class 1 will have to pay 6000 INR. The main stations offer foreigners in a special window to buy tickets for quotas for dollars.
If we talk about buses, then in each city there are representatives of public and private companies. Trips cost 1 rupee depending on the distance and level of the bus. Local buses run until 19.30. It costs from one and a half rupees. In Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai there is a subway, where you can ride for 12 rupees.
Taxis can also be public and private. The payment occurs on the counter, and also there is an advance payment in special cash desk.At the same time you need to bargain with the taxi driver, which will allow to bring the price down by half. You can take a taxi from Delhi Airport for 450 rupees, and Goa for 750.
Exotic lovers should use rickshaws and tuk-tuk. It is quite fast and convenient, and also cheaper than a taxi by 2 times. But you should choose motor rickshaws, as designs with bikes are extremely slow.
It is not recommended to rent cars for tourists. Heavy traffic, lack of markings and signs, as well as narrow roads will create a lot of problems for drivers who are not familiar with such conditions. The rules of the road here are observed very rarely, focusing only on the situation. If there is an urgent need, then you need to rent a car with a local driver. It will be expensive, but safe.
India hotels in Goa
Among the advantages of resorts in India - the availability of hotels, designed for any budget. Those who chose Goa, will be able to rent at will and a bed in a hostel and a luxurious hotel room. Most hotels here are pleased with the luxury and high quality of room stock and service. Visitors to Kerala can stay in one of the unique clinics hotels with ayuverdichnymi inclinations. The main objective of such hotels is to offer customers a wide range of wellness treatments.
Those who enjoy diving should go to the Andaman Islands, where all the conditions for such a holiday are created. Delhi and Mumbai also provide a wide range of accommodation options for tourists. Lovers of luxury can meet their needs for special hotels, which are converted from the palaces of the Maharajas. The type and conditions of the rooms are appropriate.
Local hotels do not recognize the global distribution system of stars. Choosing a place to stay here is better according to reviews or rated hotels on the Internet. In Delhi, you can rent a bed for 450 rupees. Approximate level of 3 stars will cost 1000 rupees, and 5 stars - 3500. In the top five in Goa you can relax for 4500 INR per day. More budget accommodation here costs the same as in the capital. Luxury hotels in Kerala clinic will cost 7,000 rupees per day. If you liked the hotel-palaces, you will have to lay out about 12,000.
Cuisine and restaurants in India
Of course, the main part of restaurants and cafes offer food that is exotic for Europeans. Food in India can combine in one dish a sour, sweet, spicy and spicy taste. The most popular products are vegetables, dairy products, fish, tortillas, rice, flour. Among the gastronomic “stars”, curry chowder, chanty (vegetable dish), pakora soup, dal soup, tandoori chicken dish most often appear on tourist tables. All these delights are richly flavored with local spices, without which even desserts do not cook here. Those who are not sure of the abilities of their digestive system, it is better to consult with the waiter before choosing.
If you wish, in India you can find many restaurants and cafes where they offer exclusively vegetarian cuisine, as well as fast food and specific places for meat eaters. The price of all this does not "bite" at all. The cost of an average meal in a cafe will be 60-150 rupees, and the restaurant will require you to pay from 280 rupees per person. Tipping leave is not necessary. It all depends on the habits of the tourist and the level of the place. If you want to thank the waiter, then the amount may be about 10% of the check. In large chain hotels, these expenses are most often included in the bill under the name “service surcharge” and make up up to 25%.
Tours to India: entertainment and attractions
Entertainment and excursions in this country are countless. Only UNESCO World Heritage sites list here 50 pieces. Local guides recommend starting the journey with Delhi, admiring the Qutub Minaret, the Humayun Tomb, the Gateway of India and the city zoo for children.
After that, you should visit Agra and see the Taj Mahal and the local fort. Here you need to pay attention to architectural masterpieces created by man and the creations of nature. Bollywood proposes to plunge into the world of cinema in the heart of Bombay. Here you can book an excursion to the world behind the scenes and walk through the cinema pavilions.
Despite the fact that many go to India for a beach holiday, they should periodically take a break from the sea coast. For those who want bright colors, suitable excursions to the plantation of spices. With children, be sure to visit the reserve "Bandla". Here guests are greeted by numerous exotic animals. In the reserve "Kotiago" tourists fall into the real jungle.
Also noteworthy are:
- Mahabodhi Temple;
- Aihole city;
- Pattadakal city;
- monasteries and temples of small Tibet;
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple;
- Hampi village;
- National Museum of Delhi;
- Indira Gandhi and Gandhi Smirti Museum;
- Shankar Puppet Museum and much more.
As for prices, a sightseeing tour of South Mumbai will cost about $ 200. The same inspection of Agra will be released at 140 dollars. The temples and museums of Kerala will require you to pay about $ 80. A tour of Delhi costs from 60 to 80 dollars per person. The Lotus Temple can be viewed for 60, and a tour of Khajuraho to make only for the amount of $ 45. The tour of Varansi will cost 160, and the edge of the earth - Cape Kanyakumari can be seen for only 110 US dollars.
Judging by the reviews of India, then only those who are used to seeing positive things and not noticing dirt like it. Even just a beach holiday in Goa does not always leave unequivocal impressions of the guests. In India, you need to go for knowledge and new experiences. A desire to lie in a lounge chair is better to implement in another place.
Enumerate the unique, interesting and unforgettable sights of the rich history of India can be infinite. For one trip to inspect everything is simply impossible. It seems that even the whole life is not enough for this. But you should try and start with buying a ticket to this magical land.
