All cities and resorts in India for travel. List of the most famous regions, regions, cities and resorts in India: population, codes, distances, best descriptions and reviews of tourists.
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If you are visiting India for the first time, then Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are the absolutely necessary minimum places to visit.
Delhi
Let's start with the capital. Delhi is a metropolis with 13 million inhabitants. Here in 1911 the Indian capital was moved from Calcutta. Like any capital, Delhi is a city of contrasts: real slums are combined with colonial chic, and ultra-modern buildings with majestic ancient temples. In the old part of the city there is a top tourist attraction - the Red Fort of Delhi, built during the heyday of the Mughal Empire. In essence, the fort is a city within a city - there are only six royal palaces in it.
In addition, in Delhi you can (or rather, you must) see:
- the largest mosque in India, Jami Masjid, in the courtyard of which 25 thousand people can be accommodated, and the minarets reach a height of 40 m;
- complex Kutab Minar, located 15 km from the capital. Built at the beginning of the 12th century by the Great Mughals, the five-story Qutab Minar is a cone-shaped tower 85 m high, dotted with quotes from the Koran. Nearby is the mysterious Iron Column (7 m and inscriptions in Sanskrit), which is two and a half thousand years old. The mystery lies in the fact that the column is iron, but not covered with rust.
- the most popular metropolitan temple is Lakshmi Narayan, dedicated to Krishna and his wife, patrons of love and family.
Agra
Agra, the former capital of the Great Mughals, has the largest number of landmarks per area.
The most famous landmark of Agra, a kind of symbol of India, is the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Ceyhan in memory of his deceased wife, the white marble mausoleum at the foot of the red sandstone is surrounded by a lush garden. There are four canals in the garden, symbolizing the paths to paradise, the huge pool reflects the outline of the majestic structure, and visitors take off their shoes when entering the mausoleum, as if they were entering a temple.
Two kilometers from the Taj Mahal is the Agra Fort, built in the mid-16th century to defend the city, and later became the seat of the Mughal. Palaces, terraces, mosques, colonnades and magnificent gardens are hidden behind the walls of twenty meters high.
Located in the vicinity of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is another former capital of the Mughals. The city was built in honor of the Sufi Chishti, who prophesied the birth of a son to the childless Emperor Akbar. When this joyous event finally happened, the emperor laid new town and moved the capital here. The tomb of Saint Chishti attracts many thousands of pilgrims, mostly childless women.
Jaipur - the treasure of India
Jaipur
Jaipur, which is called the "Pink City", was built by the maharajs Savoy Jai Singh II. His ambitious plan was to build an ideal city, with a layout corresponding to the structure of the universe. The city is divided into nine sectors, all streets intersect at right angles, and there are large squares at each intersection. The city is surrounded by a fortress wall, and pink marble of amazing beauty was actively used in the construction, which actually gave the city its name.
The City Palace of Jaipur (the seventh part of the city in area) is a unique fusion of two architectural schools - Rajaput and Mughal.
The Palace of Winds is a symbol of Jaipur and its main attraction, a luxurious five-story building of pink marble, blown through and through, served in the past as a harem.
The Amber Fort, located 11 km from Jaipur, is a complex of exquisite palaces, temples, gardens and pavilions hidden behind austere fortress walls.
Another fort is located nearby - Dzhaigrakh, a kind of "Plan B" of those times: in case of immediate danger, the rajah and his accompanying persons could move from the Amber Fort to Dzhaigrakh along an intricate (for the uninitiated) system of underground passages.
Another palace - Jal Mahal is located in the middle of an artificial lake. It was intended for recreational activities, as well as for hunting waterfowl.
87. Urban population and largest cities in India
India is a land of ancient urban culture. Such cities as Varanasi, Allahabad, Patna, Delhi, emerged at the dawn of human civilization. But until the middle of the XX century. the level of urbanization in India remained very low, which characterized it mainly as a country of rural residents. Only in the second half of the XX century. it began to grow faster (Table 47).
Table 47
GROWTH OF THE URBAN POPULATION OF INDIA IN THE XX CENTURY
Despite this, India belongs to the medium-urbanized countries. Nevertheless, in terms of the total number of citizens, it is second only to China.
Another indirect indicator of urbanization is the growth of the number of cities itself. In 1901 there were slightly more than 1900 of them, in 1981 - 4000, and in 1991 - 4700. Including large cities in 1961 there were 108, in 1981 - 220, and in 1991 - more than 300. About 2/3 of all townspeople live in them. In 1901, only Calcutta had a population of more than 1 million, in 1911 this boundary also surpassed Bombay, in 1951 there were 5 such millionaire agglomerations, in 1981 their number increased to 12, in 1991 - to 23 , and in 2001 - up to 34, 12 of which had more than 2 million inhabitants (Table 48).
The appearance of most cities in India was formed during the colonial period. They are characterized by a combination of two parts - old and new. The old part is usually a traditional oriental city with cramped development and lively trading activities centered on numerous bazaars, with little functional differentiation of trade. The new part is formed by the so-called European city with a business and administrative center and clearly planned quarters of Western-style cottages intended for officials of the colonial administration.
Table 48
URBAN AGLOMERATIONS IN INDIA WITH A POPULATION OF OVER 2 MILLION PEOPLE IN 2001
Delhi city,located on the right bank of the river. Jamna, at the crossroads of trade routes, has been the capital of various states for many centuries and even millennia: from the beginning of the XIII century. - Delhi Sultanate, from the beginning of the XVI century. - the empire of the Great Mughals, from 1911 - British India, from 1947 - the Indian dominion and from 1950 - the Republic of India. In 1911 the population of the city was only 214 thousand people, in 1941 - 700 thousand, in 1951 - 1.4 million, in 1971 - 3.6 million, in 1981 - 5.7 million, in 1991 - almost 8.4 million, in 2001 - 11.3 million, and in 2005 - 15 million. Delhi's main function is political and administrative, capital. In this sense, the city spreads its influence throughout the country. But Delhi is also one of the largest industrial centers in India, transport and trade hubs, a center of science, culture, education and art.
In terms of functions and appearance, the city is clearly divided into Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi, or Shahjahanabad, located in the bend of the Jamnah (Fig. 133), is especially rich in historical and architectural sights. This is, first of all, the famous Red Fort (Lal-Qila) - a grandiose structure of brown sandstone, erected during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan and serving as the residence of the Great Mughals. It is also the largest mosque in the country, Jama Masjid, built in the middle of the 17th century, which houses such Muslim relics as the head of the Koran, according to legend, written under the dictation of the Prophet Muhammad. This is the 70-meter Qutb Minar tower, erected by Muslim conquerors in the XII-XIII centuries. Here, on the banks of the Jamna, there is a memorial museum of the leader of the national liberation struggle in the country, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, nicknamed Mahatma ("great soul"). In January 1948, he was killed by a bullet from a fanatic killer, and at this place (Rajghata) he was cremated. The cremation sites of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are also nearby.
Figure: 133. Delhi Plan (by G.V.Sdasyuk)
Old Delhi even today is a labyrinth of narrow and crooked streets with many shops, workshops, warehouses, overflowing, moreover, with streams of cyclists, pedicabs, three-wheeled taxis (scooters), cars, buses. “Bazaars, endless bazaars,” he wrote in the late 1950s. Ilya Ehrenburg who visited Old Delhi. - Cars, carts, bicycles. Near the green and fruit shops of the cow, they collect banana peels, papaya peels. The merchants sit cross-legged on the counters. Like everywhere else in the East, all together: a craftsman's workshop, his shop and his dwelling. What do they do not trade! Glass bracelets and straw mats, silk shawls and turquoise necklaces, betel leaves that are chewed after meals, and papaya - the fruit of the melon tree, sweets with pepper and coconuts.
The main shopping street of Old Delhi is Chandi Chowk ("Silver Street"), which at one end goes to the Red Fort. In general, Old Delhi is extremely overpopulated and the ecological situation is very poor.
New Delhi, or New Delhi, began to be built by the British south of Shahjahanabad in 1911. It was designed by Edwin Lutyens and other English architects. It was at this time in England that the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating garden cities, put forward by the famous urban theorist Ebenezer Howard, gained popularity. And New Delhi was also conceived as a garden city. It has a clear radial-circular layout - with streets that converge to the central shopping area of \u200b\u200bCannaut Place. The government center is formed by the parliament building and the president's palace (Rashtra-party Bhavan), from where the main front road Raj Path ("State Avenue") stretches to the east. The memorial "Gate of India" also fits into the architectural ensemble of the center of New Delhi - a triumphal arch erected in memory of Indian soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars. In addition, a new business center is being formed with modern buildings of banks, insurance agencies, various offices, hotels.
The capital of India is one of the so-called supercities(Table 66 in Part I). And many of the problems it faces are typical of most cities of this rank. These are the problems of urban pollution, reconstruction of old quarters, improvement of infrastructure, etc. But the housing problem has become almost the main one for a long time. The city is already overpopulated. And after the transformation of the union territory of Delhi into a state, the migration of rural residents from dozens of surrounding villages increased even more, which has already led to the formation of entire areas of slums. Therefore, the plan for the reconstruction of Delhi, calculated until 2010, envisages, first of all, the restructuring of Old Delhi, the creation of new industrial zones in the suburbs, and the laying of highways. In general, the city is growing mainly towards the south.
Mumbai city(the new name of Bombay) is the largest in terms of population in India and in terms of this indicator in the whole world (Table 66 in Part I). Within the agglomeration, its population reaches almost 20 million people. Therefore, it is even more a super-city than Delhi. Mumbai is also the largest industrial center in the country, with a strong presence in both heavy and traditional light industries, especially cotton. It is also the main seaport of India, through which up to 60% of its foreign trade cargo passes. The headquarters of the leading national and transnational corporations, the country's central bank, and the largest stock exchange are concentrated here. Mumbai is one of the most important scientific and cultural centers in India. It is also a major hub for the film industry, sometimes referred to as Indian Hollywood.
Figure: 134. Mumbai Plan (Bombay)
Mumbai is very different from Delhi in its geographical position and main historical landmarks. First of all, it is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, on seven small islands. In 1534, after the start of Portuguese colonization, they were captured by Portugal, but already in 1661 they passed to England - as a dowry of the Portuguese princess, who married an English prince, who later became King Charles II. Gradually, the islands began to build up. They were connected by earthen bridges first among themselves, turning in fact into one island, and then with the coast. The faster growth of the city began already in the second half of the 19th century, especially after the opening of the first Indian cotton factory here in 1851.
The historical core of Mumbai is its southernmost promontory, where the old fort and the famous India Gate, built in 1911 in the Indo-Muslim style, are located (Fig. 134). From here to Malabar Hill, where the state governor's palace is located, along the horseshoe-shaped Beck Bay, there are administrative and business districts built up with European-style buildings, including skyscrapers, numerous banks, agencies, publishing houses, expensive hotels, and entertainment establishments. There is a seaport near the fort. The northern part of the city looks quite different, where industrial enterprises, old uncomfortable residential areas, and accumulations of slums are located. In the mainland of Greater Mumbai, there are its industrial suburbs, closely connected with the seaport. Here, in Trombay, Asia's largest nuclear research center has been established.
The rapid growth of the city led to a sharp exacerbation of housing, transport, environmental and other problems in it. And the growth of agglomeration continues. Some researchers even believe that in the not so distant future, it may turn into an even larger megalopolis. In this regard, many projects for the reconstruction of the city have been put forward.
Kolkata(the new name of Calcutta) is located in the Ganges delta, on the right bank of its western branch - Hooghly, 140 km from the Bay of Bengal. Even before the arrival of the British, the trading posts of the Portuguese, Dutch and Danes were located in this place, from where important routes into the interior of India begin. Kolkata was founded in 1690 by an agent of the British East India Company, Job Charnock, on the site of three villages, one of which was called Calicatta. The city's growth was especially rapid in 1773–1911, when Kolkata was the capital of British India and became the country's largest city. After the capital was moved to Delhi, its growth slowed down. When the country was divided in 1947 into two dominions and formations of East Pakistan (then - Bangladesh), its traditional ties with East Bengal were disrupted. Nevertheless, Kolkata today remains the second industrial and port city of India after Mumbai and its largest cultural center... With a population of 14.7 million people, it ranks 14th among the largest cities in the world.
Figure: 135. Kolkata Plan (Kolkata)
Many districts of Kolkata still remind of the colonial past. This is Fort Williams located in the city center - a fortified citadel, erected at the end of the 18th century. (Fig. 135), a nearby white marble palace, built in honor of Queen Victoria, which now houses a museum, rich mansions of British merchants and industrialists, a huge square-park Maidan. To the north of the central part of the city for tens of kilometers along the Hooghly stretch the industrial districts of Bolshaya Kolkata with numerous jute, tea-packing factories, mechanical engineering, chemical and other industries. And to the south of it, at the mouth of the Hooghly, the Khaldiya outport was built, designed to unload the country's second Kolkat port, which is experiencing great difficulties due to the shallowing of Hooghly.
Kolkata, until recently called Calcutta, in many ways resembles other large Indian cities. “In the center of Calcutta,” writes Ilya Ehrenburg, “there is pandemonium in the streets and squares; many cars, big white cows block their way; trams, rows of bicycles, carts, with the riders sitting on a bench with their backs to the horse, a stream of rickshaws sweating. Huge bank buildings, near shacks. " One can only add that Kolkata is a city of social contrasts that are unusually sharp even for India. There is a particularly strong overcrowding of the population (there are 55 thousand inhabitants per 1 km2 - this is one of the highest rates in the world), the largest share of slum dwellers. Half a million people live, sleep, cook their own food right on the street.
Chennai city(the new name of Madras) - the fourth largest in India and the largest in its southern part - was founded in 1639 by English merchants as a fort of the East India Company. It stretches for almost 20 km along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, which forms here one of the best beaches in the world - Marina. Chennai is more "Indian" city than other major cities in the country, the contrasts between local and European buildings are not so pronounced here. Chennai factories produce cars, wagons, bicycles.
It can be added that all four largest cities in India serve as the administrative centers of the capital territory: Delhi - Delhi, Mumbai - Maharashtra state, Kolkata - West Bengal state and Chennai - Tamil Nadu state. However, 30–40% of their inhabitants live in slums and are practically deprived of basic sanitary and hygienic conditions.
What associations do you have when you mention a country like India? Surely these are some mystical images, symbols that excite the minds and imagination. By visiting major cities in India, you will definitely get more than just good memories and experiences. After all, here even the most ordinary things are perceived in a new way, let alone exotic. No one can resist her spell.
India
This is the state of South Asia, consisting of 28 states, each of which has its own national characteristics. The seven union territories of India are under central control. The country is located within three strikingly beautiful geographic regions: the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Himalayan Mountains and the Hindustan Peninsula. The local climate is comfortable at any time of the year, depending on the purpose of the trip, therefore it is popular all year round. So let's take a closer look at the large and truly ancient cities of India.
New Delhi is the capital
It is here that all the main government offices of the country are located. In 1991, the population of New Delhi was 294,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two parts: Old and New. Old Delhi in ancient times was the capital of the Indian Muslim state, so there are many old forts, monuments, mosques. New Delhi is riddled with long, shady boulevards - a real one. This place is the grave of many empires and the birthplace of the republic, so every visitor feels in the air an incomprehensible and mesmerizing mixture of the new and the old.
Agra
Many cities in India were previously the residences of various empires. Agra, for example, was the capital. Fort Agra has been repeatedly mentioned in literary works, captured on feature films. It was in this city that the monument to "immortal love" - \u200b\u200bTaj Mahal, found its place. This white marble tomb, which looks the same as it did 2.5 centuries ago, is India's tourist emblem and the most extravagant monument to human love. was erected by Emperor Shah Jahan for his second wife, who died in 1631 giving birth to her 14th child.
Jaipur
Taking into account all the cities of India, this one stands out for its pink hue. Most of the buildings in the old part of Jaipur were painted pink by order of the Maharaja Ram Singh, symbolizing hospitality. This was done to meet the Prince of Wales. Among the countless landmarks of this city of India, the Palace of the Winds, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort can be distinguished.
Mumbai or Bombay
It is the largest metropolis in the country. If we consider all the coastal cities of India, then Mumbai is the youngest of them. It is home to about 15 million people. The main tourist area of \u200b\u200bthe city is called Colaba. Life in this place is in full swing: countless hotels, restaurants and shops. Bombay is the capital of Indian cinema, the commercial and financial center of the country. Arriving here, you must definitely contemplate the Gateway of India, the embankment of Marine Drive and the most beautiful station in Asia - Victoria. Have a magical journey!
India is an ideal country for both experienced solo travelers and newbies. Here you can find a wide variety of rest and experiences. Many people start their acquaintance with India from the resort, buying a tour package, so it was with me. However, as the fans of this country say, this is not India at all.
Want to see the real India? Don't be limited to one state, don't be afraid to travel outside the tourist spots - this is where real adventures await you! The main danger of traveling in India is that you will most likely want to return there again and again.
India is love for life. India is very versatile. Each of its states is a different world. Deserted beaches, bustling cities, mountains with snow-capped peaks, oriental bazaars, colonial quarters, ancient temples; many cultures and religions have mixed here, making it so special. That is why it is a pleasure to make your own route. the main problemthat I come across on every trip - how to meet deadlines and see all the fun!
India is a huge country, each of its states (and there are 29 of them) deserves special attention. No matter how many times I have been in India, there are always places that are simply necessary to visit. So I come back ... On the first trip, it is better to combine the most interesting sights (to your taste), beautiful cities and beach holidays. I will try to help you with this.
Visa and border crossing
It will not be difficult for Russians to obtain an Indian visa. The set of documents required to obtain it is minimal. Today there are 2 types of visas:
- standard,
- electronic.
I have always applied for a regular visa for a period of 6 months. The electronic one appeared not so long ago and has the main disadvantage for me - a short period of validity (30 days). But first things first.
You can apply for a regular visa yourself at the visa center or with the help of numerous intermediary companies who will take over the entire long and sometimes tedious process of registration. It makes no sense for residents of Moscow or St. Petersburg to contact intermediaries, because they have visa centers close by!
- , Liteiny prospect, 22, Office No. 30, 3rd floor. Phone: +74995005529, +74956385654
- , St. Novy Arbat, house 2, floor 4, office No. 412. Phone: +74995005529, +74956385654
A tourist visa can be issued for a period of 1, 3 or 6 months. Most often, visas are issued for 3 or 6 months (their cost is the same). According to the number of entries, tourist visas are divided into single and double (one or two entries), it is this indicator that affects their price.
So, a single visa will cost a tourist 1,800 rubles, and a double visa - 3,800 rubles. To apply for a visa yourself, you need to prepare a number of documents. Compared to the requirements in other countries, such a set of pieces of paper will seem a trifle.
So, you will need:
- Valid foreign (validity period, as usual, must be more than 6 months from the date of submission of documents) with two blank pages.
- On the website On the website for issuing Indian visas online, you need to fill out a form in English, print it on two pages, sign the photo and at the end of the form.
- Photo 3.5x4.5 on a white background is glued to the application form.
- Printed round trip tickets.
- Hotel booking (if you are traveling for a long time, a simple booking with Booking for the first few days of your stay in India will do).
- A copy of a civil passport (main page and with registration).
- Copy of your international passport.
The visa is issued quite quickly (up to 7 working days, but more often - faster). If a visa is needed urgently, then for an additional payment of about 2000 rubles it will be issued in 1-2 days.
It is much more convenient and easier for those living in the regions to apply for a visa in an intermediary firm. You will be asked to fill out a simple questionnaire in Russian, send a couple of photos, a passport and a copy. For this pleasure they will rip you off from 3 to 5.5 thousand, depending on the duration of the visa and the number of entries. Add to this the courier fees.
An electronic visa is also often referred to as an arrival visa. As I already wrote, it is given only for 30 days from the date of receipt of the stamp at the airport. This option is perfect for those who fly on a last minute ticket or just for a short time and do not want to bother with paperwork.
You can fill out an e-visa application. You will also have to upload scans of your documents and photos to the site. You need to pay for a visa in the amount of $ 60 no later than 4 days before arrival in India. There is also a form on the website that allows you to track the status of your visa. By the way, an e-visa is issued very quickly - sometimes within one day, on average 2-3 days. When it is ready, you can download and print a PDF document on the official letterhead, in exchange for which you will receive the coveted stamp in your passport at the airport in India.
How to act at the border
While on the plane, caring flight attendants will issue Arrival cards and Declaration Forms to all passengers (migration form and declaration of values). I strongly advise you to fill both right in your seat and not waste time at the airport. The arrival card is very simple, and this year its size has been reduced. You must indicate your details, flight number, address in India (write the name of your hotel or guesthouse, if nothing else - any name), visa number. In the declaration form, in addition to general data, you will have to write down all the valuables that you bring in India. "Values" are: illegal drugs, gold, meat, fish, dairy products, toxic substances, seeds and plants, satellite phones, cash more than 25 thousand rupees, currency more than 5 thousand dollars, the total amount of all currencies over 10 thousand dollars. If you have at least one of the listed items with you, you will have to go through the "red corridor" of the customs (the customs control zone into which passengers with baggage to be declared).
Upon arrival at major airports in India (or Mumbai), try to quickly get to passport control - this is one large room with many counters that accept passengers from all arriving flights. Sometimes the lines are huge! This is especially important for those who are in a hurry for their next flight.
How to get there
By plane
If you are flying for a short time (10-14 days), consider buying a tour package. You can see prices for standard tours 7/11/14 days. It is not at all necessary to live in a hotel, you can find the cheapest offer that will be cheaper than just round-trip tickets. When traveling for longer periods, look for regular flights. It is best to plan your trip to India as early as possible. You will have time not only to coordinate the route, but also to find good tickets. I usually buy them a couple of months before departure, and start monitoring them six months before. If you hit the sale, you can find some great inexpensive options. It is convenient to "catch" tickets at good prices in search engines or, for example, in the Trevelask section. Most often, travelers fly to the largest cities in India, which can be an excellent start - Delhi or Mumbai, some fly directly to.
Which airlines fly to India?
- Aeroflot. Moscow - Delhi.
- AirIndia... - Delhi.
- Qatar Airways... - Doha - Delhi ().
- Emirates Airlines. Moscow - Delhi (and many other cities in India).
- Ethihad airways... - - Delhi.
- AirArabia... Moscow - Delhi.
- Uzbek airlinesand... Moscow (or regions) - - Delhi.
- Flydubai... Moscow (and regions) - - Delhi ().
- Turkish Airlines... Moscow - Delhi ().
- Air Astana... Moscow - Almaty - Delhi.
- Gulf Air. Moscow - Delhi.
Not all possible options are listed here. Many of these airlines are generous with discounts and seasonal sales. Track discounts in April-May.
On average, you can find round-trip tickets from Moscow for 20 thousand rubles, from the regions - from 30.
Tourist regions
To see India in all its diversity, you will have to visit several states. Domestic tourism is well developed in the country, Indians love their homeland and culture and enjoy learning about it. Therefore, in all cities where there are at least some sights, you can find everything you need for a tourist's life.
Tourist regions of India are deserted beaches, ancient forts, palaces of maharajas, national natural parks and much more. The whole country can be divided into North, West, East and South India. Tourism is completely different in each part.
North india
These include the states: Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh. The climate here is very diverse, if you are traveling in winter, do not forget warm clothes. North India may not be much warmer than Siberia. This part of the country has mountain resorts, Tibetan monasteries, yoga and meditation centers, ancient temples and modern metropolitan areas.
Golden Triangle
Such a tourist program is the most popular among travelers. Who, why and when came up with this route and called it the most interesting - remains a mystery.
It includes three destinations: Delhi, Agra,. Perfect for a novice traveler. The main plus of this tour, in my opinion, is the proximity of cities, between them you can move by trains, buses or even take a taxi. Travel time will be 4-5 hours. It is convenient to fly to Delhi and start your journey from there. The Golden Triangle is a rich, active excursion program that will allow the tourist to get acquainted with the culture of India. Impressions from ancient beauties will last for a long time!
Varanasi
The most mystical and holy city in India is Varanasi. It is considered one of the oldest cities in the world, it is also called the city of the dead. Varanasi is the city of Shiva; according to legend, it was he who founded it 5 thousand years ago. The city stands on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, dying in Varanasi and being cremated on the banks of the Ganges is the greatest honor for a Hindu. The main life of the city runs along the river on ghats - stone steps leading to the water. Here, nightly pujas are performed, there is trade and cremations are held all day. 10 km from the city there is a place where 2500 years ago Buddha gave his first sermon immediately after enlightenment. That is why one should come to Varanasi for spiritual experience and wisdom. There is also a huge selection of courses in yoga, Sanskrit and learning to play traditional musical instruments.
Himachal Pradesh
One of the northernmost states allows tourists to see the majestic Himalayas with their own eyes. The nature of this region is unique. Compared to other hot and dry states, where summer always reigns, you can see smooth transitions here in all seasons. The best time to visit is from April to October. In Himachal Pradesh, you should definitely go trekking, climb a mountain pass, live in a camping and raft down a mountain river. There are also temples and palaces here, but the main thing is nature. The Russian artist Nicholas Roerich was in love with the Himalayas, by the way, for many years he lived in the town of Naggar, and his grave remained here. In the yoga capital of Rishikesh, you can take courses or get a teacher's certificate, as well as master meditation or serve in an ashram. The Dalai Lama's residence is located in Dharamsala. And also on the territory of the state there is the sacred mountain Kailash, the valley of the Kullu gods, the most dangerous mountain road in the world from Le to, and much more. Himachal Pradesh will appeal to both crazy extremists and those who like to know themselves.
Rajasthan
I have already mentioned the state capital, many travelers stop at only one city. And completely in vain. The rest of Rajasthan is no less beautiful. The main tourist centers:, Jaisalmer. Come to Rajasthan (the land of maharajas) to admire the majestic palaces, huge forts, listen to street musicians and take pictures of colorful uncles in turbans and with huge mustache. Rajasthan is known to tourists for its four "colored" cities: pink, white, blue, gold Jaisalmer. The country of the Maharjas is so colorful and colorful that it attracts artists and photographers from all over the world. The Rajastans themselves managed to preserve their rich culture: wherever you go, you will be surrounded by traditional music, painting, puppet shows, and national costumes. This is the colorful and colorful daily life of the state of Rajasthan.
Western india
Consists of the states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, partly - Madhya Pradesh. Here you will find beaches for every taste, an excursion program, and a vacation in the mountains.
Goa
After such a run through the sights, tourists need to warm up bones on popular beaches. Like most travelers, my love for India began with this smallest of its states. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year for the famous hippie spirit of freedom, trance parties and affordable drugs. But there are other entertainments here, Goa is different for everyone. There are not so many historical or cultural attractions here, but beaches for every taste! And also good budget hotels, delicious food, funny and friendly locals... - this is for lazy people and hedonists.
Maharashtra
The state is located next to Goa, so it is very convenient to combine a beach vacation and a little excursion program - you can get a budget by bus in 12 hours. If you are tired of resting your sides in Goa, set aside a couple of days and see the capital of Maharashtra Mumbai, visit the ancient caves of Ellora and Ajanta. You can hide from the heat, which begins in February-March, in the highlands. Of course, you can't call it real mountains. On the territory of the state lies the Western Ghats mountain range. In colonial times, the British set up settlements here - summer cottages. The most picturesque places are located in Nashik, Matheran, Chikkhaldara. And don't forget to visit the favorite honeymoon destination of Indian newlyweds - Mahableshwar, India's largest strawberry plantations.
South india
India is clearly divided into north and south in the minds of its citizens. They have different languages, culture, architecture, and more. South India is extremely interesting for tourism. By the way, the beaches here are no worse than the Goans.
Kerala
Keralu is called the land of the gods, the birthplace of Ayurveda and the forge of health. Among our tourists, this state is not as popular as Goa (of course, there is no cheap alcohol in the public domain, and life dies out after 8 pm). But if you want to see incredibly beautiful nature (Kerala is the greenest state that I have seen in India), improve your health or study Ayurveda, do yoga with real Indian masters - come to Kerala.
Tamil Nadu
The southernmost state of India is fundamentally different from all others. Tamil people are proud of their culture and language, most do not know or recognize Hindi. Tourists come here to see the famous temples scattered throughout the state. They are the hallmark of South India - high temple towers, entirely consisting of figures of gods, painted in bright colors. After getting to know the oldest temples in India and a complete immersion in the South Indian flavor, go to Little Europe - the union territory of Pondicherry, located in Tamil Nadu. Here you will surely forget that you are traveling in India. The former French colony to this day delights tourists with a promenade along the long promenade, the freshest coffee, hot croissants, bike rides and colonial architecture.
Karnataka
The second Goan neighbor can also please beach-goers with a rich excursion program. Even if you have only two weeks of vacation, you can easily reach the ancient capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in 8 hours by car or bus - a town you can read about. Everything there breathes history, and the landscape resembles the surface of alien planets. The main entertainment besides visiting numerous palaces and temples is meeting the sun. There are several places in the town from which to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. In addition to Hampi, in Karnataka you can see the city of Mysore palaces or visit the Indian Silicon Valley.
East India
Eastern India includes the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Sikkim, Assam, Megalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
West Bengal
You can start exploring the state from its capital - Calcutta, one of the most picturesque cities in India. This is the most English city in the country, because it was he who was the capital of British India. If you love colonial architecture, be sure to come to Kolkata. But keep in mind that ancient rich architecture creates a strong contrast to modern poverty. Has everyone watched the movie Train to Darjeeling? This mysterious city is located in West Bengal. If you want to take a break from dusty metropolises - welcome to the mountain resort. See with your own eyes how the famous tea is grown.
Top cities
Each Indian city has its own flavor. In order not to get lost in a huge list of attractions and cities, I offer my personal rating of places where there is always something to do for a tourist.
- . Look at the red double-decker buses in India, Victoria Station, English architecture, stroll along one of the most beautiful embankments in Marina Drive and have a beer at the famous Leopold Cafe (very expensive beer for India).
- . See with your own eyes the ritual of cremation, walk along the age-old ghats, ride a boat along the sacred Ganges. And here you can learn (or try) Sanskrit or play some Indian pipe.
- Rameshvaram. To be on the edge of the earth in the truest sense of the word. Rameshwaram is located on a small island, which can be reached from the mainland via one of the most dangerous bridges in the world, Pamban. The fact is that the bridge does not have any protective fences, and the rails are only a couple of meters from the water, which gives the impression that the train is literally floating on the water surface. The greatest danger to passengers arises during strong winds and storms. In Rameshwaram itself, you can take a ferry to (only 33 km between the islands).
- . Take a look at the Indian contrast between luxury and poverty in one of the largest cities in the country. Ride on a tram - they are not available anywhere in India, except for Kolkata, or on a more traditional transport for the city - a cycle rickshaw. To see communist India - walk along the streets of Lenin, Ho Chi Minh, Karl Marx.
- Pondicherry.Here you should definitely eat soft French rolls, wash them down with the most suitable coffee in India and go to the promenade. And also to meditate in the Aurobindo ashram and go to the city of the future Auroville.
For lovers of complete immersion in the local reality, there is an opportunity to rent a private apartment - more details.
Islands
India owns many islands, but not all of them are suitable for tourism. Travelers most often go to the Andaman, Nicobar, Laccadive Islands.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andamans are located in the Bay of Bengal, 1400 km from the mainland. The best time to visit is from October to May. There are nature reserves on the islands, this is a closed area, so tourists need to get a permit (permission) to enter. The capital and largest city is Port Blair. This is where you can get an entry permit. It is issued for 30 days, if you do not have a return ticket, then only for 15. If you get to the Andamans by sea, take care of obtaining a permit in advance - at the office in Chennai or Kolkata.
Getting to the paradise islands is very easy - Port Blair has an airport that accepts flights from, Calcutta and Chennai. If you plan to travel from, then the cheapest and easiest way is to change trains in Chennai (you can get to it by train). Another option for extreme sports lovers is to sail by ship from Kolkata or Chennai, but this method is not very popular among our tourists, the journey can take several days.
Ferries of various levels of comfort run between the islands. From entertainment - diving, snorkeling, visiting museums, there are several historical sights. Accommodation on the islands is quite expensive and not very comfortable. There are also problems with transport and the Internet. Holidays in the Andamans will surely appeal to lovers of peace and solitude. Don't expect service and convenience from the islands. In fact, this is the same India, only more wild and insular.
Laccadive islands
These islands are located in the Arabian Sea, 400 km from the state. The best time to visit is from December to May. The group consists of 36 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited, and tourists are allowed only to 3 - Agatti, Kadmat and Bangaram. To visit the islands, you also need a permit, which can be obtained only in advance when issuing an Indian visa by entering the islands into it.
You can get there by air and water. In both cases, you will have to go to Kochi, a city in Kerala. From here planes fly and ships go to Agatti Island. Airplane tickets cost less than $ 100 one way. By sea you can get there in about 20 hours, however, the flight schedule changes all the time depending on weather conditions. Information presented on
The main entertainment is water sports, diving, snorkeling, fishing. Eco-tourism reigns on the islands, order and cleanliness are carefully monitored. There is no need to talk about the service, since apart from a few hotels and a couple of diving centers, there is nothing here. Everything that a tourist may need (cosmetics, cigarettes, inexpensive alcohol, clothes) is better to bring with you.
Top attractions
It is simply impossible to choose 5-10-100 attractions in India. Even in my personal rating there are many more of them. This country is so generous with vivid impressions that it is very difficult to limit the circle of the most elite. But I will try.
- ... A tiny village in the state of Karnataka, famous for the ruins of the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. On the territory of 26 sq. Km. preserved palaces, temples, stables, once great empire... There are also several highly revered active Hindu temples. One of them, the Temple of the Monkeys, is located on a high mountain with almost 600 steps leading to it. In the center of the village itself on the square stands Virupaksha Temple, its huge gopura (the main tower of the temple, it is also the gate) in 48 meters can be seen from anywhere in Hampi.
- Jaisalmer Fort. This city is located near the border with Pakistan in the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer was nicknamed the golden city, it looks especially picturesque at sunrise and sunset, when a huge fort, standing on a hill, is illuminated by the rays of the sun. It was built in the 12th century and people still live in it! All tourists also have such an opportunity, because most of the guesthouses are concentrated there. Don't miss your chance to live in a real fort!
- Chand Baori. Scattered throughout India are true architectural wonders - step wells. Many of them are several hundred years old. Chand Baori - one of the oldest and largest, this structure resembling an inverted pyramid has 3500 steps. It is located in the city of Abaneri in the state of Rajasthan. These wells used to supply people with water in arid climates, but today they are a favorite destination for travel photographers.
- Golden Temple. Harmandir Sahib is located in Amritsar and is the main temple for the Sikhs. Thousands of pilgrims visit it every day. The temple stands in the center of a large reservoir, you can walk to it along long bridge... Sikhism is a very interesting religion, their temples are unlike any other. Once on the territory of Harmandir Sahib, you feel peace and bliss, despite the large crowd of people around. The energy of this place is very strong.
- Meenakshi Temple The temple is located in the city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the brightest examples of Tamil temple architecture. Meenakshi Temple is surrounded by 14 gopuras - huge towers 40-50 m high, each of which is covered with thousands of multi-colored sculptures. Tamil temples are the brightest and most colorful in India.
- Galta G. 3 km from Jaipur is the Galta Gee pilgrimage center, on the territory of which Monkey Temple stands. A small Temple of the Sun is built at the top of Galta Peak, which can be seen from almost anywhere in Jaipur. Be sure to visit these attractions at sunset, great views are guaranteed.
- Mysore Palace. Mysore is a city of palaces, but the most impressive of them is Amba Vilas, the former residence of the royal family. The building with huge domes impresses with its size and inner wealth. On weekends and holidays, 96,000 light bulbs are illuminated in the evenings.
- Temples of Khajuraho. The famous Kamasutra temples are located in a small village in Madhya Pradesh. About 20 monuments have survived to this day. The walls of these majestic structures are decorated not only with sculptures depicting lovers in intricate poses. Artists told about the life of gods, rulers, mythical animals and much more. But Khajuraho became famous precisely because of the images of love joys.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Station. A huge operating station (formerly named after Queen Victoria) is located at. Outside, the building is striking in its scope - the station is made in a pretentious Victorian style with neo-Gothic elements. And inside is an ordinary Indian station with a crowd of thousands.
- Adam's bridge. It is also the Rama Bridge, located in Rameshwaram, its origin is shrouded in legends. It represents a string of shoals and coral islands between India and Sri Lanka, 48 km long. Until the 15th century, the bridge was pedestrian, but then a storm destroyed it. The Indian epic Ramayana tells a beautiful story about how the god Rama ordered the construction of a bridge from India to Sri Lanka to save his beloved Sita. Live it is just an incredibly beautiful place, a real "end of the earth".
Weather
India's climate is extremely diverse. Thanks to this, you can visit the country at any time of the year - the main thing is to choose the right state. There are three main climatic seasons, which are manifested in one way or another throughout the country:
- November-February - dry season with cool weather, sunny.
- March-June is the hottest period with no precipitation.
- July - October is the rainy season.
India is almost entirely in the subequatorial belt, the weather depends on the tropical monsoons. Climate varies greatly from state to state. Since India has a huge area, the different distance of the terrain from the ocean and the differences in altitude, temperature and precipitation are very contrasting.
The monsoon climate is most pronounced on the coast of the Arabian Sea - in the zone of the main resorts: and Kerala. The coldest and driest period lasts here from December to February. The temperature during the day averages 25-27 degrees, and at night drops to 18-20. This time is considered the peak of the tourist season. Cool nights, warm days, relatively calm seas. From March, the heat begins to increase and reaches its peak in May, the temperature rises to 33 degrees, it becomes stuffy both day and night. The wind intensifies, high waves rise on the sea, and the rains begin. In June, the monsoon sets in, the sky is covered with clouds, it rains more often, they will last until September.
On the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the east of the country, monsoons are not so pronounced. The contrast between day and night temperatures is much stronger. So, from December to February, the temperature can range from 12 (minimum) to 29 degrees (maximum). This is the most comfortable time for tourism. Rains are unlikely. In May, the heat increases to 35 degrees and is much harder to tolerate than on the west coast, as humidity rises to 80%. July is the rainiest month.
In the north of India, the climate is more moderate. The coldest period is December-February. The temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees. At night and in some areas during the day it can drop below zero. If you are going to fly to or to the north at this time, be sure to take warm clothes with you. From April to June, the heat lasts, the temperature reaches 40 degrees (in Rajasthan and some other regions it can be up to 50 degrees). Humidity on average is only about 45%. It rains in July and lasts until September.
Officially, the season in tourist places in India begins in October, at this time it is comfortable to travel inland or relax on the beach. The peak season lasts from December to February. Starting in March, tourists smoothly move from the south of the country to the north, where real spring comes. You can stay comfortably in mountainous regions all summer and early autumn, and then move south again. This is the cycle of tourists in India.
Money
On the territory of India, only the state currency is accepted - rupees. You won't be able to pay in dollars, euros or rubles. The exception is large tourist areas (for example), where foreign currency is accepted, but for a tourist it is completely unprofitable. The rupee consists of 100 paise, but money is not smaller than one rupee. Coins in India are in short supply, be prepared for the fact that the prices in shops will round up, especially for the "white" tourist. For 1 rupee you can be offered candy, and for 5 - a piece of gum. In this case, the seller himself will always ask for a trifle.
Rupee exchange rate for the period of early summer 2016 (the rupee is one of the most stable currencies, the rate rarely changes by more than 5%):
- 1 dollar - 66,770 rupees.
- 1 euro - 75.891 rupees.
- 1 ruble - 1.04 rupees.
There are a lot of exchangers in the country; in tourist zones, problems will not arise for sure. The first exchange office that a traveler comes across is at the airport of any city. Never change money there! The most unfavorable rate plus some mythical commissions for exchanging money are found only there. This is especially true for the airport - employees often breed inexperienced package tourists. Also, a disadvantageous rate is offered in hotels. Where can you get money for a taxi if you have just arrived in India? The best option is to ask the taxi driver to stop at the nearest exchanger in town. The driver can advise you on the best destination. Convert money at any currency exchange office. If you arrived at night or used a pre-paid taxi (where you need to pay in advance), look for an ATM in the airport building.
There are not as many ATMs in India as we have. If you are traveling to major cities, there will be no problems with cash withdrawals. But keep in mind that most banks charge Rs 200 in withdrawal fees. Today the most profitable ATMs for Russian cards are: Bank of India, Axis Bank, J&K Bank, Canara Bank, State Bank of India, they do not charge a commission. also in large cities you can pay by card in a shop, restaurant and hotel (not all). If you have left the metropolis, move the map away. In India, you need to take cash with you everywhere. In my experience, it is more profitable to have several cards, I have 3 of them from one bank: 2 Visa and 1 MasterCard. Each card is linked to a ruble, dollar and euro account. You can transfer money from one currency to another, and in case of loss, there is always a spare card. People who travel to India for the first time often ask: is it possible to carry cash rubles or a card with a ruble account? No and no again! Take only dollars or euros with you. If the trip is short and has only 1 destination (for example, you are traveling on a voucher for 10 days), take cash dollars with you, keep them in the hotel safe and exchange them at a favorable rate. If you are traveling for a long time, break the entire amount into several parts: a small amount of cash for the first time, the rest - by cards. Everything is only in foreign currency.
Moving around the country
The transport system in India is quite well developed both between cities and within them. The only thing that is required of a traveler is to forget the word "comfortable" and remember that he is in India!
Between cities
The main advantage of traveling in India is budget. The choice of transport is quite large and the prices are very low!
Here are the approximate prices for all three types of transport on the Goa-Mumbai route:
- Train: sleeper class $ 6.2 (Rs 423), 11 hours on the way.
- Bus: $ 8.8 (600 rupees), 12 hours on the way.
- Airplane: $ 23.7 (Rs 1,600), 1.5 hours on the way.
Inside the city
You can move around the city not only by taxi. We continue to dive into Indian life.
Car rental
Many travelers dream of taking a car in India and driving it around the country. Especially often such a desire arises in people who are afraid or cannot drive a scooter and motorcycle. It may seem that a car for rent is an excellent solution, suitable for a large company, providing comfort and safety. Definitely yes. In any other country, but not in India. Here are some reasons why taking a car is inconvenient and difficult:
- If you are planning to travel by car from point A to point B, it means that you intend to take and return vehicles in different places. Planning a route will not be easy. For example, the most common option is to travel from Delhi to: a car for rent in a large rental office in the capital is easy to find, but most likely there will be no return point.
- Most of the car rental companies are private and small. You shouldn't expect good service from them. The machine may be in poor technical condition. But the price here is lower than in international rental companies.
- Traffic on the roads of India is fundamentally different from Russia. There are fewer cars here than bikes. And this is understandable - the roads are narrow, crowded, and there are no parking places. On Indian roads, not only cars and bikes are equal participants in traffic, but also pedestrians, cows, rickshaws, carts ... The larger the city, the more crazy the traffic in it.
- When traveling in different states, problems with the police may arise. The numbers of another state are immediately striking - they will stop you more often, and if you do not have international rights, then you will have to pay a fine at each post.
When renting a vehicle in a private office, you will most likely not be asked for any documents. Maximum passport and driver's license. You can leave a copy to the owner, but never give the original! Bail money should also not be left. If there is any damage to the car or motorcycle, it is better to take photos in advance so that in the future the owner does not hang other people's jambs on you.
Most tourists prefer to rent a two-wheeled vehicle. It is cheaper, more maneuverable and more practical. If you have an accident on a bike, it will be much cheaper to fix it than a car. From myself, I can advise you to take a car for a trip around one state (maximum - with a visit to neighboring states). For example, take a car in and go along the beaches, stop by a waterfall or c. When renting a car daily, you can take from 15 $ (1000 rupees) per day. You can check the car rental offers.
Communication
Language and communication
I never tire of repeating: India is an amazing country! Where else can you find a state where the language of each state is unique? Indians from the north may not understand Indians from the south. The official languages \u200b\u200bof India are Hindi and English. But believe me, not all Indians speak or understand at least one of them. There are 447 languages, 2 thousand dialects in the country. 22 languages \u200b\u200bare official and are used by various state governments. Newspapers, radio, books - everything is published not only in Hindi or English, but also in the state language. However, the tourist has nothing to fear. In major tourist places, restaurant menus, signs, signs in English. In big cities, many speak English.
10 phrases in hindi
There is no need to specifically learn Hindi before traveling to India: it is used in the north of the country and will not be useful at all in the south. Memorize a few Hindi phrases. They will not so much help you out in a difficult situation as they will help you earn respect in the eyes of the local population. Just a couple of expressions will show that you are not an indifferent tourist, but an interested traveler. So you can get a good discount on your purchase.
- Hello! (Goodbye!) \u003d Namaskar! (Namaste!)
- My name is ... \u003d Measure for us ... hi.
- What is your name? \u003d Apka kya us hai?
- Help me please. \u003d Kripaya, mujhe madad digiye.
- How to get to ... \u003d ... So kaise smelly ja sakta hai?
- How much does it cost? And then? \u003d Is (us) vale ka bhav kya hai?
- Very (too) expensive. \u003d Bara mahaga high.
- Give in. \u003d - Bhav kuch kam kijiye.
- Thanks a lot for everything! \u003d Sab kuch ke lie dhanyavad!
- Sorry \u003d Mafi magta hu.
Features of mentality
Many who have visited India agree about the local population - Indians are like children. Naive, kind, open, funny, noisy… it's all about them. What features do Indians have that most amaze foreigners?
Food and drink
Indian cuisine is mostly vegetarian and very spicy. Fish and seafood in abundance can only be found in major seaside resorts (Kerala). All restaurants are divided into vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In big cities, you can find both. But even hardened meat eaters do not suffer in India on vegetables and fruits. In such heat it is much easier to do without meat than in Russia. In addition, Indian vegetarian cuisine is so varied and rich that you won't miss the cutlets.
Spices play a huge role here. It is very difficult to find a mild and not spicy dish. You can repeat to the waiter like a "know spicy" spell, but the chances of bringing something completely without spices are extremely small. The way out is to study the main dishes in advance and choose the least spicy for yourself, eat in places designed for tourists. It is not difficult to find European, so-called "continental" cuisine in India. Pizza, burgers, pasta, steaks are present in any menu of a large restaurant (we are not talking about the Indian outback). In shopping centers on the food court, you can easily find cafes familiar to our stomach. But for lovers of everything authentic, I highly recommend eating in local restaurants and on the street. Yes Yes! Street food does not die! It is very cheap and really tasty. In an unsightly cafe with dirty furniture a crowd of grimy hard workers is sitting and greedily devouring something? Urgently go there! The local population eats rice, flat cakes, vegetable and legume gravies. All local fast food is deep-fried. You can have a snack anywhere. From morning until late at night, small teahouses are open, serving the famous masala tea. You can also taste local dishes there. You can have a snack on the street for $ 0.3-0.4 (20-30 rupees), a hearty lunch at a local cafe will cost $ 1.5 (100 rupees), a meal in a tourist area - from $ 4.4 (300 rupees) and to infinity.
Indian cuisine differs depending on the region. In the north, non-vegetarian dishes predominate, more bread products, in the west - fish and seafood, in the south - vegetarian dishes with rice and coconut. Indian sweets deserve special attention. They are served not only in restaurants, but are also sold in abundance in the markets. Try it! The main ingredients of Indian cuisine are rice, legumes, vegetables, dairy products.
Beverages
- Bottled water is sold everywhere and costs 0.3 $ (20 rupees) per liter. In local cafes, a jug of filtered water will be placed in front of you for free. There is also soda water - Soda, it is drunk with lemon, sugar or salt. It is worth a penny.
- The best milk drink is lassi. Served in any cafe and sold in bags in stores. It can be sweet, salty and with the addition of any fruit. A simple sweet lassi most of all resembles our "snowball" drink. Be sure to try it in all its varieties, especially with the mango.
- Masala tea. A national drink that you can talk about forever. Incredibly sweet tea (almost syrup) with milk and spices. The most delicious is sold on the street and costs $ 0.2 (5-10 rupees).
- Freshly squeezed juices. In sheks on the seashore can be very expensive (up to $ 3 (200 rupees). Look for specialized juice centers (there are in any major cities or in tourist areas). Prices for a glass from $ 0.4 (30 rupees). You will get fresh thick juice from any exotic fruit. ) is not worth it. The benefit depends only on the dollar exchange rate. If you want to buy branded clothing or equipment in India, you can navigate in advance on prices in the online store. All major cities have shopping malls featuring popular European and Indian brands. Street markets sell locally produced goods at penny prices.
- Even if you are traveling in a package, take care of quality health insurance for your child. Read the entire agreement.
- Prepare a first aid kit with you. Take medicines for emergencies and those that the child cannot do without. Everything else can be bought locally.
- India has a dangerous sun. Always put cream on your baby high degree protection. Creams are expensive here, but the choice is not great. Get a good quality pharmacy brand cream from home. Do not let your child go in the daytime without a headgear.
- You don't have to worry about food. It is easy to find fresh dairy products, fruits, vegetables in shops and markets. If you eat in a cafe, there are always soups, cereals, and mild food for children. Don't take juices with ice! Children are often poisoned by them (the ice may be of poor quality) or catch colds.
- It is better not to take small children on excursions, most often the road takes a lot of energy and strength. Older children will love the waterfalls c.
- Come only during the high season. After February it gets very stuffy and hot.
- Sanali (India) - Belahia (Nepal)
- Raxaul (India) - Birganj ()
- Banbasa (India) - Mahendranagar ()
What you need to know about shopping in this country
The main rule of shopping in Indian is bargaining, bargaining and bargaining again. Bargaining is possible everywhere, except in places with fixed prices. Don't be afraid to offer your low price. If the seller doesn't agree to your offer, walk away and think a little about how much you need the product. In 90% of cases, the merchant will catch up with you and agree to give the item cheaper.
Most often, they sell a cheap shirportreb on the street. Feel free to offer low cost for it. Do not take a lot of things on your trip, you can buy everything you need on the spot. It's not a pity to attribute such things to one season and safely throw them away, knowing that you have spent a little on a purchase. In any store you will find T-shirts from $ 1.5 (100 rupees), harem pants $ 1.5-2 (100-150 rupees), long skirts from $ 2 (150 rupees), shirts with long and short sleeves - from $ 3 (200 rupees). These clothes are great for hot climates. In the northern regions, warm woolen items are sold: sweaters, jackets, hats, socks. All this is also inexpensive.
If you want branded items, head to the malls. In the season, prices do not differ from Russian ones, you can come off at sales. Discounts are held at the same time as ours - at the end of December and in June-July.
Best Cities for Shopping
If you are looking for traditional shopping with hours of shopping malls and McDonald's lunch breaks, you will surely enjoy cities like Delhi. Well, if you are a hunter of rare goods, then study the map of India - in each of its regions you can find something special. In the state of Himachal Pradesh in the Kullu Valley, shawls and scarves of excellent quality are made in small weaving factories. Only natural, very warm materials are used. The design of the products is ethnic, but you can find options for Russian everyday wear. Shawls start at $ 50 and there are also many Tibetan shops in the north (they are found all over the country, but in the north the choice and prices are better). There you can find silver jewelry: massive necklaces, bracelets, rings with natural stones. Popular with tourists are singing meditation bowls, incense, various antiques and Tibetan yak wool blankets.
Rajasthan is (especially) famous for its products made from silver and natural stones. Jewelry prices are among the best in the country. Sarees are made by hand from silk and other natural fabrics. famous for its Ayurvedic preparations and herbal cosmetics. In the tourist market there are several colorful markets where you can buy all the souvenirs at once, at the same time - look at the bright audience, listen to music and eat deliciously. On Wednesdays, there is a day market in the village of Anjuna, on Fridays - in the regional center in Mapa, and on Saturdays - a night market in Arpora. All elephants, spices, tea, magnets in one place.
What to bring from this country
I offer a list of the necessary and high-quality goods that you are not ashamed to bring from India.
All these goods can be exported from the country without any problems. The total weight of your baggage depends on your airline. Typically, charters provide up to 20 kg and 7 kg of carry-on baggage. Local airlines are not so generous - no more than 15 kg of luggage. Check the information before departure so as not to get into an unpleasant situation with an advantage.
Vacation with children
India is a country for active travelers. Temperature drops, long journeys between settlements on not the most comfortable transport, noise and dirt of local cities are not very suitable for traveling with children. A vacation at one of the Indian resorts far from dusty metropolises will be much more acceptable for young vacationers. and are perfect for families with children of all ages. Travelers go on vacation or half-year wintering to these states with their whole families.
Choose beaches for lighter waves. The mothers and babies live in the Mandrem and Ashvem areas, in Kerala on the Kovalam beach and. It is better to rent accommodation as close to the beach as possible. Russian-speaking kindergartens and schools opened by our compatriots have long been operating in tourist places.
If you are planning a short-term trip, here are some tips to help you stay on track:
5 things to do in this country
Nearby countries
India shares borders with Pakistan, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan. It has maritime borders with Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Maldives. Apart from the islands, Nepal is of the greatest interest to the traveler. This is where they most often go after a long study of hot India. Some specifically make double entry visas to see Nepal and return back to India, while others use a trip to a neighboring country as an opportunity to open a new Indian visa.
You can get into it by land and by air. The first option is more budgetary, but not complicated. There are several border crossings between countries:
The first is the most convenient for travelers. You can get to the Sanali point as follows: get to the city of Gorakhpur by train, then take a bus to Sanali. You can get a visa right at the border. To do this, you need to have a couple of photos and $ 40 with you, which will open your way to Nepal for 30 days. A visa for 15 days costs $ 25, for 90 days - $ 100. The easiest way to get to Nepal by plane is through Delhi. In this case, it is better to fill out the form on the website. Attach a photo to it and send. Immediately after that, you will receive a receipt form with your number. Print it out and present it at the border. That's all!
.Anything to add?
While the Taj Mahal shines with a majestic marble sheen, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is full of vibrant colors. It is located in the Southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu in the city of Madurai, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited localities in the world, with more than two thousand years of operation.
Image Credit Flickr Pabloneco
Photo: Bryce Edwards on Flickr
It is based on something extraordinary - the temple of the Hindu goddess Parvati, the wife of the god Shiva. The entire temple complex is guarded by towers known as gopurs. The tallest of these is the south tower, which was erected in 1559 and is over 170 feet high. And the eastern tower is considered the oldest, founded in 1216, that is, it was built several centuries before Columbus went to discover distant lands.
Jantar Mantar
Photo: Guy Incognito on Flickr
The remarkable complex of structures is similar to the scenery for a planet far from Earth from a sci-fi blockbuster. But in fact, these are instruments developed and used in Jaipur to observe celestial bodies. They were built by order of the Maharaja in the first decades of the 18th century and are still used today.
Photo Credit: McKay Savage on Flickr
Photo: Philip Cope on Flickr
Jai Singh II was born in 1688 and became a Maharaja at the age of eleven, but inherited a kingdom that was on the verge of impoverishment. The kingdom of Amber (later Jaipur) was in a desperate situation, the cavalry numbered less than a thousand people. But by his thirtieth birthday, the ruler built Jantar-Mantar.
Kumbalgarh - Great Wall of India
It is the second largest continuous wall on our planet. Some call it by the name of the fort that it surrounds - Kumbalgarh, and others - the Great Wall of China. Surprisingly, such an outstanding structure is little known outside its region.
Photo: Lamentables on Flickr
Photo: Beth on Flickr
The wall stretches for 36 kilometers. In many pictures, you can mistake it for the Great Wall of China. However, there have been many centuries and cultural differences between them. Work on the creation of Kumbalgarh began only in 1443 - just fifty years before Columbus sailed across the Atlantic to make amazing discoveries on the other side.
Karni Mata Temple
Photo Credit: alschim on Flickr
From the outside, the Hindu temple of Karni Mata, located in the small town of Deshnok in the Indian province of Rajasthan, looks just like any other. But the beautifully and exquisitely decorated shrine with a constant stream of believers contains a surprise for unsuspecting visitors. The temple is inhabited by thousands of rats.
Photo Credit: owenstache on Flickr
Image Credit Flickr User micbaun
Rodents are not random inhabitants of the temple. Parishioners take special care of food for the rats, as they are here in memory of the legendary woman - Karni Mata.
Jodhpur - India's blue city
Photo Credit: bodoluy on Flickr
Hikers traverse the arid landscapes of the Thar Desert in the Indian state of Rajasthan to reach this place. It seems that here the sky fell to the ground and everything became the same color - blue. Jodhpur stretches out before you like blue treasures in the middle of the desert.
Photo: Christopher Walker on Flickr
Photo: Il Fatto on Flickr
According to one version, the population of the Blue City paints their houses in different shades of blue due to the caste system prevailing in India. Brahmanas belong to the highest Indian caste, and the blue color distinguishes their homes from other people.
Leh Palace
Image Credit Flickr Watchsmart
In the early years of the seventeenth century, the king of the Ladakh kingdom, Senge Namgyal, ordered the construction of this huge palace. It is located at the top of the Himalayas in the city of Leh, now the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The building served as the home of a dynasty of rulers until their overthrow and exile in 1834. Since then, the high Leh Palace has been abandoned. However, it rises majestically in this region of India, often referred to as Little Tibet.
Photo Credit: teseum on Flickr
Photo: Matt Werner on Flickr
Presumably, it was modeled on the more famous Potala Palace in neighboring Tibet, which served as the Dalai Lama's residence until 1959, when he left the country. The Leh Palace is smaller than the Potala Palace, but its nine-story structure is still impressive. The upper floors were occupied by King Namgyal, his family and crowds of courtiers. The lower floors housed servants, warehouses and stables.
Living bridges of Meghalaya
Photo: Ashwin Mudigonda on Flickr
Our understanding of India, with a population of over a billion, is often limited to statistical data. However, there are places on this subcontinent that remain virtually inaccessible. The state of Meghalaya in the northeast of the country is replete with subtropical forests. To get around in this area, the locals have resorted to an ingenious form of natural engineering - living bridges from the roots.
Photo: Rajkumar1220 on Flickr
Photo: ARshiya Bose on Flickr
With every rain, fording across rivers becomes very dangerous, and this is one of the wettest places on the planet. Persistent rainfall combined with rugged terrain, steep slopes and dense deciduous forests make many areas of Meghalaya impenetrable jungle. But the resourceful and resourceful local people have created a unique system of natural suspension bridges.
Ajanta Caves
Photo Credit: Ashok66 on Flickr
Two thousand two hundred years ago, work began on an extensive series of cave monuments in the Indian state of Maharashtra. For hundreds of years, thirty-one monuments have been carved out of the rocks here. Around AD 1000, the monks gradually left the cave complex and it fell into disrepair. The overgrown dense jungle hid the caves from human eyes.