"If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India." - Romain Rolland
India is the largest democracy in the world, the seventh largest country and the second most populous. India is a picture of diversity seen in her people, culture, colorful festivals, dress and costumes, religions, flora and fauna and varying landscapes. India's history dates back to the Indus Valley civilization of about 2500-1700 BC. She is, as Mark Twain intones " the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, grandmother of legend, and great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India." She gave the world the knowledge of counting that transformed the scientific faculty of man. She was and arguably is the spiritual seat of the world.
India is located in south Asia and is often called a subcontinent. The Himalayan ranges crown the northern boundary of India. India is bounded on the north by Afghanistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan; on the east by Bangladesh, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and the Bay of Bengal; on the south by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar (which separates it from Sri Lanka) and the Indian Ocean; and on the west by the Arabian Sea and Pakistan. India is divided into 28 states (three of which are recently formed) and 7 Union Territories. New Delhi is the capital of India and one of its largest cities.
Climate
India has tropical weather. One cannot speak of the climate of India, or else one must speak of several different India's. The subcontinent has eight climatic zones all of which only have the monsoon rains in common. But even the monsoon comes to different parts of the country at different times. And you can fly in the space of a couple of hours through a range of weather from the cold crisp air of the mountains to the burning dry heat of the Rajasthan Desert where summer temperature regularly reach 45°C and beyond.
It is beautiful to see the sand dunes shift and move to the will of the winds, but not at all pleasant to be caught in a sand strom coming off the Thar. In winter Rajasthan is dry and cold and the skies a translucent blue. There is little rain and the monsoon winds often pass Rajasthan by leaving the prickly thorny bushes, acacia trees and other native vegetation to pick up what little dew the night bring with it. Pumps and tube wells lift water for agricultural irrigation but farmers often get only a few distribution of water, particularly in the more arid areas of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer, is systematically organized.
The wheat and sugarcane growing areas of the Punjab, Haryana and parts of western Uttar Pradesh suffer from drastic extremes in climate. It can be very cold from December - January, very dry and hot from the end of March till June, very hot and humid till the monsoons arrive from July through September. The rest of the year is comfortably pleasant. The fields are full of mustard flowers, the air is redolent of sugarcane being crushed and molasses on the boil.
Across the Gangetic plain, the summer months are an interminable heat haze. From Gwalior through Bhopal and Raipur to Patna and Nagpur, temperature begin to rise in March and by May they hover around 45°C. In the fields, the earth actually shows deep cracks. In Bihar, for example, a terrible drought with near famine conditions occurred a few year ago. The fickle winds had taken the clouds several thousands miles westward to the Punjab, and India's granary produced bumper crops that same year!
Health
Tourists coming to India via Africa and South America or any other yellow fever infected areas must have yellow fever vaccination certificate. A vaccination certificate is not regarded as valid until today after the date of vaccination. Inoculations for Cholera and Hepatitis and anti-malarial pills are recommended but is not mandatory.
Hour
Banks, Office and most shopping areas remain closed on Sunday. Sometimes within the same city, different markets close on different weekdays therefore it is wise to check from the Hotel before you set out for shopping. Shops usually remain open from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm (small tourist shops may close much later) and offices from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Many offices observe Saturdays as holidays. The Indian calendar is full of festivals and religious holidays. Should one happen to be in India on any such day it is advisable to participate in the festivities, possibly with the help of a guide.
Visa
The Government of India has withdrawn the temporary landing permit facility till further notice. Hence it is compulsory that all foreign tourists must be in possession of a valid Indian Visa. Tourists also visiting Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other neighbouring countries must possess multiple entry Visa.
Shopping
India is still the proverbial "Shopper's paradise" for enterprising bargain hunters. However, before you buy, it is better to compare prices with the neighbouring shops. With tourists, bargaining is almost a practice. Emporiums run by State Government are a safe place to buy because the quality is standardised, the UPS usually lower the prices fixed. Ensure that you are fully satisfied with your purchases and that you obtain a proper receipt. Return of goods is not entertained, even less, once you have returned to your country because Indian customs have strict regulations against this. Should your shopping weight be too much to accompany you by air, it can be sent as unaccompanied baggage. Usually, Handicraft shops can also ship it to your address, but insist on a comprehensive insurance, it is recommended that expensive goods like carpets etc., be brought from established government recognised' shops. Except on antiques which requires prior permission of the archaeological survey of India which can be arranged from the shop where you buy. Most shops that sell to tourists welcome the major credit cards. Some even accept personalcheques.
LANGUAGE :
While each state has its own regional language, Hindi and English are widely spoken
MONEY EXCHANGE :
Through recognised money changing agents or Banks or at the hotel counters. Money changing facilities are also available at the international airports. Please keep certificate of changing money from foreign currency to Indian Rupees safely. You are allowed to rechange your money back in your currency on final departure at the Bank Counter at the airports.
