Devi Jagadambi temple in India
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India

Travel guide & places to visit in Asia

Capital
New Delhi
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Language
Hindi, English (both official), 21 other officially recognized languages. 400+ languages spoken.
Best time
October, November, December

About India

5th largest economy globally, fastest growing major economy. IT services, pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture. Massive domestic consumer market.

Geography

Area: 3,287,263 sq km

  • • Varies from tropical monsoon south to temperate north
  • • Monsoon season Jun-Sep brings 80% of annual rainfall
  • • Himalayan regions: alpine
  • • Western desert: arid

Government

Type: federal parliamentary republic

Capital: New Delhi

Economy

GDP: $3.18 trillion

Per Capita: $2,277

textileschemicalsfood processingsteeltransportation equipmentcementminingpetroleummachinerysoftwarepharmaceuticals

Demographics

Population: 1,399,179,585

Languages: Hindi, English (both official), 21 other officially recognized languages. 400+ languages spoken.

Religions: Hindu 79.8%, Muslim 14.2%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.7%

Travel Essentials

Contact & Emergency

Phone Code: +91

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

fire: 101

police: 100

ambulance: 102

universal: 112

women helpline: 1091

Practical Info

Electricity: 230V / 50Hz / Type C, D, M

Driving: Left

Water: Bottled only

Tipping

  • • 10% in restaurants (some add service charge)
  • • 50-100 INR for hotel staff
  • • Taxi/auto: round up or 10%
  • • Tour guides: 200-500 INR per day

When to Visit India

Best Months

October, November, December, January, February, March

Peak Season

Nov-Feb (cool, dry — best for most regions)

Off Season

Jun-Sep (monsoon — hot, humid, heavy rain but lush greenery and fewer tourists)

  • Jan

    Republic Day (Jan 26), Pongal, Makar Sankranti

  • Mar

    Holi (festival of colors)

  • Aug

    Independence Day (Aug 15), Janmashtami

  • Oct-Nov

    Diwali (festival of lights), Durga Puja

  • Dec

    Christmas in Goa and Kerala

Top Destinations in India

  • 1Taj Mahal (Agra)
  • 2Jaipur (Pink City, Amber Fort)
  • 3Varanasi (Ganges ghats)
  • 4Kerala backwaters
  • 5Goa beaches
  • 6Rajasthan (Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer)
  • 7Delhi (Red Fort, Qutub Minar)
  • 8Hampi ruins
  • 9Ladakh & Leh
  • 10Mumbai (Gateway, Elephanta Caves)
  • 11Darjeeling & Himalayas
  • 12Rishikesh & Haridwar

Cultural Tips

  • Remove shoes before entering temples and homes
  • Use right hand for eating (left is considered unclean)
  • Head wobble means yes/okay — not no
  • Dress modestly at religious sites
  • Cows are sacred — never harm or disrespect them
  • Namaste (palms together) is the universal greeting
  • Always ask before photographing people
  • Vegetarianism is widespread — many restaurants are purely veg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is India safe for solo travelers?

    Generally yes with precautions. Tourist areas are safe. Women should exercise extra caution, especially at night. Use Ola/Uber instead of random taxis. Keep copies of documents.

  • Will I get sick in India?

    Delhi belly is common. Drink only bottled water, avoid raw salads and ice from unknown sources, eat at busy restaurants. Carry Imodium and ORS packets. Most recover in 1-2 days.

  • How much does India cost?

    Extremely affordable. Budget: 1500-3000 INR/day ($18-35). Mid-range: 5000-10000 INR. Luxury: 15000+ INR. Street food: 30-100 INR per dish.

What to Buy in India

Pashmina shawls spices tea (Darjeeling, Assam) silk miniature paintings jewelry incense Ayurvedic products

Countries Bordering India - Cross-Border Travel Guide

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