India is chaotic, adventurous, confusing and present – pure bombardment of sensory impressions. In and out of an endless hustle and bustle, men in turbans, women in colorful saris, frantically honking cars, green autorickshas, fermented bicycle taxis, donkeys, camels and sacred cows flow.
On this page you will find practical information and facts about India.
PRACTICAL INFO ABOUT TRAVELING IN INDIA
Climate and best travel time
You can travel in India all year round, but the climate varies greatly from the Himalayas in the north to Kerala in the south. April and May are generally the hottest months and in the northern provinces around Delhi the temperature can go up to as much as 45 degrees.
The rainy season takes place in southwestern India in May and in the following months covers large parts of the country, but not the Rajasthan desert and the provinces in the north. Before the monsoon rains stop in early October, it rains for a couple of hours a day. If you want to trek in the Himalayas in the northwest, the best months of summer are from June to August.
Our recommendations for the best travel period in India are based on how the climate has been in previous years. The weather in India can be very changeable and unpredictable and therefore our forecasts are indicative only. Visit sunglassestracker.com for India destinations.
Money
Bring a credit card and a cash reserve in US dollars. In recent years, lots of ATMs have steadily appeared in the larger cities, but make sure to always have some cash on you as extra security.
Visas Visa
rules are subject to change at short notice, so We recommend that you check the current conditions at the country’s embassy. The information below is subject to change.
Visas are required to enter India.
The Indian Embassy in Stockholm is on duty and answers questions regarding Indian visas and passports and more. You can contact the consular department at the Indian Embassy in Stockholm by phone (+46) 8 10 70 08 or by e-mail [email protected]
Transport
Rikshaw
Most affordable in the cities is autorikshaw. The price is agreed in advance, do not forget to bargain a bit if you think it feels OK, normally between a third and a half of what wallahn asks for.
Trains
For longer distances, trains are recommended in front of the bus. The train moves at a slower pace, has nice sleeping places and the opportunity to stretch. India has the world’s largest railway network: 60,000 kilometers long and transports eleven million passengers daily.
Mail and express trains are the fastest because they do not stop at every single hole. On most express trains there are five classes and a sleeping car. Sleeper is usually preferred, especially on longer distances. Avoid the lower bunk; there are passengers in the cabin during the day.
All in all, it’s cheap to take the train, and this is where you can really meet the Indians at home – yes, you probably have not actually been to India, if you have not taken a train here. On some routes it can be difficult to get a seat, so book the ticket in advance.
Bus
On shorter distances, the buses are often a more flexible solution because they usually have more departures and travel on more distances. Especially in the mountains there is a lack of railway connections. Local buses give a nice picture of India and the Indian local color, but they can be both a tiring and nerve-wracking cultural mediator. On the better express buses, you can at least expect to be kept busy by the delicious and luxurious video and music systems that many of these buses are equipped with.
Flight
India is great that it may be necessary to fly if you have to travel far in a short time. Domestic flights through India can be purchased.
Tips
In many countries, tips are counted as part of the salary of employees in the service industry. Therefore, it is good (and sometimes directly necessary) to give tips to, for example, cleaning staff, waiters, guides, drivers and more depending on which country you visit. We therefore recommend that you familiarize yourself with how much is normal to give in tips and to whom before departure. Such information can be found, for example, in Lonely Planet guidebooks.
Links
www.india-tourism.com – The Indian Tourist Board’s website with updated travel information and news.
www.indianrail.gov.in – Indian Railways official website where you can find current train times and fares for departures across India.
FACTS
CAPITAL: NEW DELHI
LANGUAGE: 18 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES. HINDI AND ENGLISH ARE THE MOST USED.
CLIMATE: TROPICAL TO TEMPERATE
CURRENCY: INDIAN RUPEES
RELIGION: HINDUS, MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS, SIKHS, BUDDHISTS, ETC.
INSPIRATION INDIA
Unmade Delhi and Magnificent Taj Mahal
Drink a cup of sweet chai in a street stall in Delhi, or go to the cinema and watch a flamboyant Bollywood movie. India fully offers the big city – in the Indian way – and it really is big cities! The country has over a billion inhabitants and in the cities it is especially clear that India is a land of contrasts. Here live some of the world’s richest people, and many of the world’s poorest. A trip to India is an insight into a completely different world. And in the name of all Hindu gods, one must not miss one of the world’s truest wonders, the mighty Taj Mahal.
Sandy, lush, snowy India
India’s nature is at least as varied and exciting as the culture. Here are sandy deserts, lush forests, beautiful sandy beaches and snow-capped mountain peaks. If you are focused on hiking, climbing or rafting, you should go north to the Indian Himalayas, which with its challenging terrain can raise the pulse of the toughest. If you want to unwind, you can instead travel south to Goa, which with its beautiful beaches and a remnant of genuine hippie atmosphere guarantees a relaxing beach holiday.
India also has a rich wildlife that can be experienced in the tiger parks Bandhavgarh or Corbett, for example.
On an adventure in Rajasthan
In Rajasthan province, the Thousand and One Nights tales come true when you see women with golden nose rings and fluttering veils and impressive palaces with tall towers and round domes. Breathtakingly romantic views prepare over the blue city, Jodhpur or the pink city, Jaipur. Take a break from the noisy city life and enjoy a camel safari in the peaceful desert. Explore the many forts and palaces or shop at noisy markets. Or feel your feet crawling with excitement as you enter the Karni Mata Temple, full of sacred “kabas” rats. The temple must be visited barefoot and if a “kaba” runs over your feet it is seen as a sign of great luck. Good luck!
