India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage that spans thousands of years. The country covers an area of 3,287,263 sq. km, stretching from the snow-capped peaks of the Great Himalayas in the north to the coastal plains in the south. It extends from the arid deserts of the west to the fertile deltas of the east and from the dry heat of the central plateau to the lush forests in the northeastern foothills. India measures approximately 3,214 km from north to south and about 2,933 km from east to west. The land frontier extends to about 15,200 km, while the total length of its coastline, including the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, is 7,516.6 km.
India surpassed China in 2023 to become the most populous country in the world, with an estimated population of over 1.42 billion people. It is a young nation, with over 65% of its population under the age of 35. India is also one of the most linguistically diverse countries, with 22 officially recognized languages and over 1,600 dialects spoken.
New Delhi serves as the capital of India and is home to key government institutions, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Residence), the Parliament of India, and the Supreme Court. The city is a historical hub, housing UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar.
India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is GMT +5:30 hours. Unlike some other countries, India does not observe daylight saving time.
India has a diverse climate that varies significantly across regions. The country experiences four distinct seasons:
Best Time to Visit: October to March is considered the most favorable time for tourists due to pleasant weather conditions. However, those looking for off-season discounts and fewer crowds may prefer visiting between April and September, particularly in hill stations.
India is a secular country with a vast array of religious practices and traditions. The major religions practiced in India are:
India is also the birthplace of four major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, each contributing to the country’s deep spiritual and philosophical traditions.
India’s diversity is reflected in its festivals, art, music, and cuisine. From the grandeur of Diwali and Holi to the fervor of Eid, Christmas, and Guru Nanak Jayanti, the nation thrives on cultural celebrations. With a rapidly growing economy, cutting-edge technology, and deep-rooted traditions, India continues to be a land of contrast, blending ancient heritage with modern progress.
INDIA TRAVEL TIPS
A visa is essential to enter India, and travelers must apply for one in advance. Things to do before travel to India include applying for an e-Visa on the Indian government website. Australian nationals, among others, can obtain an e-Visa, which should be applied for at least four days before the travel date. Approval generally takes 72 hours post-application.
Important: Guests’ passports should have at least two blank pages and a minimum six-month validity from the date of arrival.
1. Domestic flights: 15 kg (check-in baggage) + 7 kg (cabin baggage) per person.
2. Extra weight incurs additional charges, payable directly to the airline.
While many hotels and restaurants offer Wi-Fi, connectivity may be limited in remote areas. Things to know before traveling to India include getting a local SIM card on arrival at the airport or booking a smartphone in advance with features such as:
India is modern yet traditional in various regions. Tips for visiting India include dressing modestly, especially in religious places like temples, mosques, and pilgrimage sites. Carry a stole/shawl to cover up when required.
Tipping is customary and forms part of earnings in tourism-dependent professions. Best India travel guide recommendations for tipping:
The official currency is Indian Rupee (INR). Best tour guide in India suggests the following for money exchange:
Experiencing India’s railway network is a highlight of any journey. India tour guide tips for train travel include:
Women Travelers’ Safety in India
While India is generally safe, private tour guide India experts recommend:
Learning some local words enhances interactions with locals. Some useful phrases include:
Luxury & Pilgrimage Tours in India
India is a paradise for luxury and religious tourism. Luxury tours India offer personalized experiences, including five-star heritage stays, guided historical walks, and curated culinary journeys. Pilgrimage tours India cover sacred sites such as:
You are one step closer to having the best journey of your lifetime! Talk to us, write to us all that you have envisioned for your India trip, and one of our travel experts will connect with you on priority. To help you explicitly we have WhatsApp and Email addresses!