India - Travel Guide - Places to visit & Tourist Information

Geographical position and Climate of India

India is located in South Asia, bounded by the Indian Ocean to the south, the Arabian Sea to the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast. It shares land borders with Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north and northeast; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. In the Indian Ocean, India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka and the Maldives, while its Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a maritime border with Thailand and Indonesia.

The country lies largely on the Indian Plate, which is part of the Indo-Australian Plate. India’s geographical features include the Himalayan mountain range to the north, the Thar Desert to the northwest, fertile plains along the Ganges river, and the Deccan Plateau in the southern part of the peninsula.

India’s climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. The Himalayas act as a barrier to the cold katabatic winds flowing down from Central Asia, keeping the bulk of the Indian subcontinent warmer than most locations at similar latitudes. Meanwhile, the Thar Desert attracts the moisture-laden southwest summer monsoon winds that, between June and October, provide the majority of India’s rainfall.

The climate of India can be classified into four major climatic groups:

Tropical Wet (Humid): Regions experiencing this climate type include the Western Ghats, parts of the northeastern states, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is characterized by long periods of heavy rain during the monsoon season.
Tropical Dry: This climate dominates most of the inland peninsular India except for the semi-arid zone that lies close to the Thar Desert. The wet season is relatively short, and the temperature during the dry season can be very high.
Subtropical Humid: Most of North India fits under this climate category, especially the Himalayan region and areas to the south of the Himalayas. Winters can be cool with occasional frost, and summers can be hot.
Mountain Climate: The Himalayan regions have a mountain climate where temperatures can drop below freezing point, and snowfall is common in winter months. The weather is also influenced by altitude, with varying conditions experienced at different elevations.

Overall, India’s climate ranges from equatorial in the far south, to alpine and tundra in the high-altitude Himalayan north. The country experiences significant variations in temperature and rainfall patterns, making it a region with a rich diversity of ecosystems.

Brief History of India

India boasts a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The earliest known civilization in the region was the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2500 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. Following this period, a tapestry of dynasties and empires rose and fell across the subcontinent, including the Maurya Empire under Ashoka the Great, and the Gupta Empire, known as the Golden Age of India for its advancements in science, technology, engineering, art, dialectic, literature, logic, mathematics, astronomy, religion, and philosophy.

The medieval era saw the rise of Islamic empires, such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, with the latter leaving a profound cultural and architectural legacy, including the Taj Mahal. Regional powers also flourished, like the Vijayanagara Empire in the south.

European traders arrived in the 15th century, leading to the establishment of British East India Company control over large parts of India by the mid-18th century. India became a crown colony of the British Empire following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The struggle for independence was marked by non-violent resistance led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi.

India gained independence from British rule in 1947, after which it adopted a democratic government system. Since then, India has become the world’s largest democracy and has made significant economic, scientific, and cultural advancements while facing challenges such as population growth, environmental issues, and regional disparities.

Religion

India is known for its religious diversity, being the birthplace of several major religions and a host to many others. The predominant religion in India is Hinduism, which is practiced by about 80% of the population. It is one of the oldest religions in the world and encompasses a broad spectrum of laws and prescriptions of “daily morality” based on karma, dharma, and societal norms.

Language

India is a linguistically diverse country with several languages spoken across its vast territory. The Constitution of India recognizes 22 official languages under the Eighth Schedule.

Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, is the most widely spoken language and serves as the lingua franca of the northern part of India. It is also one of the two official languages of the Government of India, along with English.

Each state and union territory in India can also designate its own official language(s) based on linguistic demographics. For example, Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu, and Telugu is the official language of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Places to visit in India

Before you visit India

Travel to India

Travelers can reach India through various modes of international transportation, primarily by air, sea, and land. Here are the common ways to get to India:

By Air

International Airports: India is well-connected to major cities around the world through its international airports. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, and Chennai International Airport are some of the busiest entry points.
Airlines: Many international airlines operate flights to India, including Air India, the national carrier, as well as other global airlines like Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and many more.

By Sea

Cruise Ships: India has several major ports such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Kolkata that welcome international cruise ships.
Cargo Ships: Some cargo ships offer passenger services and may provide an alternative way to travel to India, though this is less common and typically requires more time and flexibility.

With car or bus

Border Crossings: India shares land borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. There are designated checkpoints where travelers can cross, but these are subject to regulations and often require special permits.
- India-Pakistan: The Wagah Border is the most famous crossing point.
- India-Nepal: There are multiple crossing points; Sunauli-Bhairawa is one of the main ones.
- India-Bhutan: Jaigaon-Phuentsholing is a popular crossing point.
- India-Bangladesh: Petrapole-Benapole is the primary checkpoint.
- India-Myanmar: Moreh-Tamu and Zokhawthar-Rikhawdar are the main border crossings.
- India-China: Nathu La Pass is one of the crossings, but it’s not commonly used for tourism due to restrictions.

By Rail

International Trains: There are limited international train services to neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, but these are infrequent and may not always be operational due to political reasons.

When planning a trip to India, it’s essential to check visa requirements, as most foreign nationals need a visa to enter the country. E-visas or electronic travel authorizations have made the process easier for tourists from many countries. Always ensure to check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before making travel arrangements.

Visas for India

India offers various types of visas to international travelers, depending on the purpose of their visit. Here are some common categories:

Tourist Visa

For those traveling to India for tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives.
Usually granted for 6 months, but can be for a shorter or longer duration depending on nationality.

Business Visa

For individuals intending to engage in business activities in India.
Valid for one year or more with multiple entries allowed.

Employment Visa

For foreigners who wish to work in India for an Indian company.
The validity depends on the employment contract but generally extends up to two years.

Student Visa

Issued to those who wish to study at an accredited Indian institution.
Typically valid for the duration of the academic course or five years, whichever is less.

Medical Visa

For foreign nationals coming to India for medical treatment.

Conference Visa

For delegates coming to attend international conferences, seminars, or workshops in India.
Generally issued for the duration of the conference plus some extra days for travel.

Journalist Visa

Issued to professional journalists and photographers visiting India.
Normally valid for three months with single entry.

Research Visa

Granted to academics and scholars conducting research projects in India.
Validity corresponds to the research period approved by the sponsoring institution.

Entry (X) Visa

For people of Indian origin and their family members for long-term stays.

E-Visa

Available for tourists, business visitors, and medical visits.
Short-term, usually 60 days, with double or multiple entries depending on the visa type.

Transit Visa

For travelers passing through India en route to another destination.
Valid for a very short period, typically 3 days or less.

To apply for an Indian visa, applicants must typically fill out an online application form, submit necessary documents, and pay a fee. The e-Visa process has simplified the procedure for citizens of over 160 countries, allowing them to apply online and receive authorization electronically.

It’s important to note that visa regulations and requirements can change, so travelers should always check the latest information from the official Indian visa website or consult the nearest Indian embassy or consulate before planning their trip.

Best time to visit India

The best time to visit India largely depends on the region you plan to explore, as the country’s vast size means that weather patterns can vary greatly from one area to another. However, generally speaking, the most favorable time to visit most of India is during the cooler, drier months from October to March. Here’s a breakdown by region:

North India

October to March: Winter months are ideal for visiting the plains and the cities like New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, as temperatures are cooler and comfortable for sightseeing.
April to June: The Himalayan regions are best visited in the late spring and early summer when the snow has melted, and the mountain passes are open.

South India

November to March: This period offers pleasant weather, especially along the coast and in the backwaters of Kerala, the beaches of Goa, and the temples of Tamil Nadu.
April to June: It can be hot and humid; however, hill stations like Ooty and Munnar offer a respite from the heat.

East India

October to March: Ideal for visiting the eastern states, including West Bengal and Odisha, as well as the northeastern states, which are more comfortable during these months.
April to June: Hill stations like Darjeeling and Shillong are popular as they provide relief from the heat.

West India

November to February: States like Gujarat and Maharashtra, including Mumbai, are best visited in the cooler months.
March to June: Can be very hot, particularly in desert regions like Rajasthan, though this is also when you can experience local festivals like Holi and Pushkar Fair.

Central India

October to March: Wildlife parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench are best visited in the cooler months when animals are more likely to be spotted.

Monsoon Season

June to September: The monsoon season brings heavy rains to most parts of India, which can affect travel plans due to flooding and disruptions. However, some regions like Ladakh are accessible and popular during this time as they lie in the rain shadow area.

It’s important to consider regional festivals and holidays when planning your visit, as they can provide a unique cultural experience but may also affect availability and prices of accommodations and services. Always check the local weather and events before finalizing your travel dates.

Important Information

Capital – New Delhi

Territory – 3,287,263 km²

Currency – Indian rupee (INR)

Time Zone – UTC+5:30 (IST)

Population – 1,428,627,663

Demonym – Indian