India

An amazing subcontinent…Incredible experiences that only happens in India…

India’s vibrant contemporary wave-lengths with a mix of ancient cultural heritage create a compact travel experience encircling luxury, adventure, enchantment and escape—a sublime destination where all the senses come alive to produce an ecstatic environment.

The term ‘India’, is a derivation from the ancient historical name of the Indus Valley Civilization & the famous ‘Indus River’. Geographically located next to Nepal, China and Bhutan in the North, Pakistan in the Northwest and Bangladesh and Myanmar in the East, India is the seventh largest country in the world covering a total area of 3,287, 263 sq.m. The country stands with over a billion people within its borders, & is the second most populous country in the world. Amazing India, this country is a perfect blending of tradition and modernity, with a myriad of cultural and geographical diversities, India is perhaps the most diverse country in the world. Whether it is historic palaces, cultural heritage sites, majestic temples, vibrant colorful markets, lovely sea beaches, desolate deserts, forested mountains, snow capped peaks, and even a spiritual search for self discovery or somewhere to release your demons…the great continent that’s India probably has it all! Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Vaishnavism and Christianity all make up the rich fabric of religion in India.

Much of the Himalayas are in India, namely: Arunachal, Sikkim, Uttaranchal, Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir and the Eastern Karakoram. Most of India’s Himalayas have peaks above 7000m and are waiting to be explored with promises to make your India adventure holidays a lifelong experience.

Stroll into the Taj Mahal bathed in silvery moonlight, or experience a new dawn on the banks of the River Ganges, as the first rays of the sun turn the water to luminescent pearl, camels silhouetted on a distant dune, or wild blue poppies on a Himalayan hillside. India will open your eyes to a world of unknown beauty. Feel the soft folds of a silk sari, touch your hands together in the Indian greeting of ‘Namaste!’, and feel emotions by the kindness of the people you meet. Hear the distant roars of a tiger in the jungles of this huge country, the bittersweet melody of a Rajasthani folk song, the tolling of temple bells clanging across a lake, or the cry of the colourful Hoopoe bird. Breathe the pure mountain air of Ladakh, or the gentle breeze of the Andaman Islands, delight in the scent of jasmine in the air, as girls with flowers in their hair stroll by, and inhale the mouth-watering aroma of a Goan fish curry. Taste the sweet lime tang of a nimbu panni, India’s most popular thirst quencher, especially in the summers & taste the fiery punch of green chilies, or the cool of a coconut kulfi ice cream. Some come alive to the feel of their senses. Let the essence of India awaken yours.

The Indian subcontinent has plenty of scope for adventure tourism & the varieties are just so many with a galore of options. India’s rich history of royal legacies, folklores, classical music, folk dance, arts and exotic cuisine, & the colorful tapestry of its palaces create the true spirit that is India today…

Visit Nepal Tours & Travels takes you to India like nobody else…we show you how the heart of India beats from the inside…

 

Important Things to know about India

Capital: New Delhi
Population: 1,000,000,000
Languages: Hindi, English and 22 regional languages
Currency: Indian Rupee (Rs)
Religion: 80% Hindu, 14% Muslims, 2-4% Christian, 2% Sikh, 0-7% Buddhist, 0-5 % Jains

Geography
The Indian Himalaya is not exactly one whole chain of mountains, but is more like a massive layered cake of several different ranges. The major Himalayan mountain ranges divide the Indian Sub-continent from the Tibetan Plateau. From Nanga Parbat in the west, these mountains spread over 2000 kilometres to the borders of Sikkim and Bhutan in the east. In Kashmir, the mountain ranges give way to the subsidiary ranges that make up the heart of Kashmir's lakes and valleys, whilst to the north and east lie Zanskar and Ladakh, commonly referred to as the Trans-Himalaya zone, marking the geological transition between the Indian Sub-continent and the Tibetan Plateau. To the south-east stretch the lower ranges of the Pir Panjal and the Dhaula Dhar which eventually tie in to the high, snow-capped mountains of the Garhwal Himal and beyond to the most easterly extension of the Indian Himalaya, Nanda Devi, the Kumaon Himalaya and the Panch Chuli Group. Sikkim is one of India's new states, and lies to the east of Nepal, a projection northwards from the Indian plains, and isolated from the surrounding countries (Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet) by high ridges.

Electric Supply and their applications:
The electricity supply in the Indian Subcontinent is 220 Volt and 50 MHZ (50 Cycles per Second). Plugs are mostly two or three round prongs as found in most European countries (not the UK) and more rarely, flat prongs as found in use in the United States. If your electronic device uses 110 Volt 60 MHZ electricity, you may need a voltage converter.

Time Zone
The time in India is GMT +5:30 hours.

The jargon used in India
The national language of India is Hindi, although there are around 15 other languages spoken (and listed on some of the bank notes). Generally in India many people speak some English and India is an easy kind of country to get friendly with the local folks. We recommend that you take a pocket phrase book and learn some basics such as common greetings. Your efforts to speak a few words of the local language will be rewarding & get you good receptions in most places you visit.

Climate
Many of India's mountain areas are affected to a certain degree by the monsoon, during the period from June to mid September. However, Ladakh and Zanskar lie in the rain shadow of the Himalaya and escape the worst of the monsoon's influence, & this is the best time to trek in these regions. This area is referred to as a high altitude desert. The part of the Indian Himalaya which encompasses the Vale of Kashmir and Manali has a modified monsoon climate and normally experiences periods of rainfall until mid-July. The Dhaula Dhar Range, the Garhwal, and eastwards to the massifs of Nanda Devi and Panch Chuli, tends to get the main brunt of the monsoon weather, & trips hereabouts can only be done by the end of September when the area normally gets its most settled and pleasant weather in the higher valleys. Similarly, Sikkim is adversely affected by the monsoon, and we do our trips in to the south and east sides of Kangchenjunga on either side of the monsoon - in April and November.

Currency
The currency of India is the Indian Rupee. For up to date exchange rates visit: www.xe.com

It is not possible to obtain local currency prior to departure. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are equally acceptable for exchange in India. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash. If you prefer not to carry all of your spending money in cash, it is possible to withdraw money from ATMs in Delhi using your debit or credit card.

Visa Requirements
A passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity) and a current Indian Visa are required for extensive holidays that have a mix. More detailed information on visas can be found on our website on the trip page for your holiday.

Vaccinations
You should attend your own doctor and dentist for a check-up. Your doctor will have access to the most up to date information on the required vaccinations for the country you are visiting. In general we recommend vaccinations against the following: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis ‘A'. Malarial prophylaxis is not required whilst in the mountains. An anti malarial regime may be recommended for other rural areas - please check with your doctor. It is always good to leave home well prepared to avoid glitches to what would otherwise be vacations that dreams are made off.

 People & Culture

Uttranchal

Garhwal
Garhwal resembles other parts of the Himalayas where various ethnic groups live side by side. Following chiefly the agrarian-pastoral way of life, native Garhwalis make their living from the hilly land the best they can. Some, like the Bhotia traders, migrate far and wide, although the ancient trade routes with Tibet have been closed since 1950. Most of the indigenous people like Jaunsari, Bhotia, Buksha, Tharu, and Raji are heterodox Hindus and Buddhists, while Sikh migrants from West Punjab have settled in the lowlands since 1947. A few Muslim groups are also native to the area, although most of them have settled recently. The Muslim Gujjar herders also migrate to the hills.

Kumaon
The inhabitants of the Kumaon hills are commonly known as the Kumaonese. They belong to a predominantly patriarchal society, which recognizes the superiority of men over women. The social structure is based on the extended family system, the eldest male member being the head of the family. Women are respected in society but they usually confine themselves to household activities. No religious ceremony is considered complete without the wife joining the husband. Women also work in the fields and forests alongside the men. In Kumaon, bigamy or polygamy has religious sanctions but polyandry is prohibited. Widow marriage and re-marriage by divorced women is permitted except in certain sections of high-caste Brahmins and Rajputs. Child marriage is still practiced in all classes of society despite legal restrictions on it. It has all but disappeared from the educated society.

The peace and tranquility of Uttaranchal laid the foundation for a treasure house of paintings and art. Out of the two major art forms, the art of stone carving and woodcarving are fairly well known. The art of stone carving gradually died down, but woodcarving continued. Woodcarving could be seen on almost every door of a Garhwali house until only half a century ago. Woodcarving can still be seen in hundreds of temple all over Garhwal. The remains of architectural work have been found at the Chandpur Fort, temple of Srinagar, Pandukeshwar (near Badrinath), Devi Madin (near Joshimath), and Devalgarh Temple.

The Himalayas have inspired generations of singers, balladeers, and musicians throughout the ages. The natural beauty of the mountains-which inspires a deep spirituality-and the harshness of life-which darkens the heart with adversity and anguish-have invigorated Uttarakhandi music, heightening its poignancy and enriching its lyrical texture. Although, increasingly influenced by trends in Hindi film music (with Garhwali songs set to film-style music), the more traditional forms of Himalayan music have remained deeply popular. This has been especially true of the Pahari penchant for folksy values, biting humor, raw honesty, loving devotion, and soaring spirits that shines through each song. Indeed, in face of other homogenizing trends in India , Uttarakhandi music has distinguished itself in retaining its cultural uniqueness and vibrant sound, while remaining popular among the masses. Major dance forms of the region are Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati folk dance, Pandava Nritya, Dhurang, and Dhuring. The people of Garhwal wear a wide variety of dresses.

Upper Garhwal
This zone consists of the tracts lying above an elevation of about 2300 mts. and extends to the upper limit of human habitation. The upper reaches of Garhwal are inhabited by tribes such as the Bhotias and Gujars. The cold season is very severe and heavy snowfall is received in this tract. The Bhotias wear clothes made of goat/sheep wool which is locally woven by them. The menfolk wear loose trousers over which they put on a loose gown, girt around the waist with a woollen cloth called patta and a cap of wool on the head. A loose undergarment of wool is worn by the women instead of trousers. The upper garments resemble those of men. The womenfolk also put on woollen skirts with a white woollen waist coat. Woollen clothes are rarely washed and the clothes are worn till the end of their useful lives. Clothes made of cotton are not worn. Nowadays, in large Villages, one may come across people wearing synthetic trousers, shirts and coats.

Middle Garhwal
This zone covers the middle hills of Garhwal between elevations of 1000 and 2300 mts. Wool, hemp and cotton are used for clothing in the middle valleys of the rivers Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and Yamuna. The males put on close fitting trousers and a buttoned up long coat or achkan. They may sport a Gandhi cap on their heads. The women- folk put on a long skirt or ghaghrai; a type of blouse, and a scarf like cloth is tied around their heads. The grazer communities of middle Garhwal put on a type of sleeveless unstitched gown that extends to just below the knee. It is made of goat wool. In the recent past, clothes like shirts, trousers and coats have been adopted by men. The sari and blouse, or the pyjama and kurta suits are now being worn by women in the urban and semi-urban centres of Garhwal.

Lower Garhwal
This zone includes all areas below an elevation of about 1000 mts. Lower Garhwal is relatively more developed and the people have adopted dresses worn in the plains and western countries. The men-folk put on shirts, trousers, coats, bush-shirts, and safari suits. The women wear the sari and blouse, as also pyjama-kurta suits. The impact of western dresses is more in this zone. The younger generation has taken to jeans and other western clothes in a big way.

Visa Information

IMMIGRATION PASSPORT

Citizens of all countries, except Nepal & Bhutan , require a valid national passport or valid travel documents and a valid visa granted by Missions abroad for entering India . Nepalese or Bhutanese citizens need no passport or visa but should possess suitable documents for their identification when proceeding from their respective countries.

VISAS

Requirement For Visa :
Foreigners desirous of visiting India can do so after obtaining visa from the Indian Mission in their country of their residence. They should possess a valid National Passport - except in the case of nationals of Bhutan & Nepal , who may carry only suitable means of identification.

Tourist Visas :
Usually, a multi-entry visa, valid for a period of 180 days, is granted for the purpose of tourism. The visa is valid from the date of issue.

Collective Visas :
The facility also exists for the issue of collective visas to group tours consisting of not less than four members and sponsored by a travel agency recognised by the Government of India. Such groups may split into smaller groups for visiting different places in India after obtaining a collective "licence to travel" from the immigration authorities in India . However, they must reassemble and depart as the original group.

Transit Visas :
Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days.

Exemption from Registration :
Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or shorter period are not required to register themselves with any authority in India . They can move about freely in the counrty, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places. Nationals of Bnagladesh are exempted from registration upto six months. If their stay exceeds six months, they have to register themselves. Individuals without nationality (stateless persons; IRO refugees, persons receiving legal or political protection, holders of Nansen passport etc.) should have valid passports, identity documents or sworn affidavits along with the visa for which they should apply two months in advance. Family passports issued by other governments are recognised without discrimination.

Landing Permit Facility :
Tourists may note the no Landing Permit Facility is available to any foreign tourist landing without a visa. A limited facility exists only for group tours consisting of four or more members and sponsored by a travel agency recognised by the Government of India. Children of foreigners of Indian origin below the age of 12 may be granetd a landing permit by the immigration authorities upto a period of 90 days to see their relatives, in case they happen to come without a visa.

Tourist Groups :
A tourist group arriving by air, ship or by a chartered or scheduled flight may be granetd a collective landing permit for a period of upto 30 days by the immigration authorities on landing, provided the group is sponsored by a recognised travel agency and a predrawn itinerary is presented along with details of passport etc. of the members, and the travel agency gives an undertaking to conduct the group together.

Extension of Visa :
As a rule no extension of stay is granted on a Tourist Visa.

Other Types of Visas :
If a foreigner wishes to come to India for a purpose other than tourism, he should come after obtaining one of the following visas.

Business Visa :
A foreigner can obtain one from an Indian Embassy abroad. A multiple entry visa is valid for 5 years, provided he wishes to come for some business. Foreigners of Indian origin can obtain a 5 year multiple entry visa for business, to meet their relatives etc. Student Visa : A student visa can be obtained from the Indian Embassy on the production of proof of admission and means of sustenance while in India , etc. The visa is valid for one year but can be extended in India for the duration of the course.

Conference Visa :
Delegates coming to attend international conferences in India can be granted Conference Visa to cover the conference as well as for tourism in India . Delegates are advised to apply to Indian Embassies well in advance.

Employment Visa :
Foreigners desirous of coming to India for taking up employment should apply for an Employment Visa, which are issued by Indian Missions abroad. Initially granted for a period of one year, it can be extended in India upto the period of contract. ** Recreation : Foreigners wishing to undertake any international sporting event, trekking, botanical expeditions, yoga, journalists, media men, documentary and feature film makers may obtain visas after due formalities from the Indian Embassy.

CUSTOMS FORMALITIES & REGULATIONS

Visitors are generally required to make an oral baggage declaration in respect of baggage and foreign currency in their possession. They are also required to obtain the Currency Declaration Form from the Customs. They should fill in the Disembarkation Card handed over to them by the airline during the course of the flight.

There are two channels for clearance :
Green Channel : For passengers not in possesion of any dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage.

Red Channel : For passengers with dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage or high value articles to be entered on the tourist Baggage Re-Export Form.

CURRENCY REGULATIONS

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travellers' cheques a tourist may bring into India provided he makes a declaration in the Currency Declaration Form given to him on arrival. This will enable him not only to exchange the currency bought in, but also to take the unspent currency out of India on departure. Cash, bank notes and travellers' cheques up to US$ 1,000 or equivalent, need not be declared at the time of entry. Any money in the form of travellers' cheques, drafts, bills, cheques, etc. in convertible currencies, which tourists wish to convert into Indian currency, should be exchanged only through authorised money changers and banks who will issue an encashment certificate that is required at the time of reconversion of any unspent money into foreign currency. Exchanging of foreign currency other than banks or authorised money changers is an offense under Foreign Exchange Regulations Act 1973.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE FORMALITIES

If the visa, for stay in India , is for more than 180 days, a Registration Certificate and Residential Permit should be obtained from the nearest Foreigners' Registration Office within 15 days of arrival. All persons including Indian nationals are required to fill in a Disembarkation Card, at the time of arrival. Four photographs are also required for registration. The foreigners registered at Foreigners' Registration Office are required to report change of their addresses.

Departure from India : All persons, except nationals of Bhutan & Nepal , leaving by air, road or rail have to fill in an Embarkation Card at the time of departure.

Exit Formalities : Every foreigner who is about to depart finally from India shall surrender his Certificate of Registration either to the Registration Officer of the place where he is registered or of the place from where he intends to depart or to the Immigration Officer at the Port/Checkpost of exit from India.

HEALTH REGULATIONS

Foreign tourists should be in possesion of their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health Regulation, if they are originating or transiting through Yellow Fever endemic countries.

AIRPORTS

The international airports in the metrocities offer a range of services ensuring that the traveller on business can continue working while waiting to board an international connection, or when transferring between international flights. These include restaurants, business centers, rest rooms and handy telephones booths. Business centers are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including wordprocessors and telefax. Airports also offer tourist dutyfree & handicrafts shopping, informal snack bars, nursery and baby care rooms, and even an art gallery. Dutyfree prices in the airport shops are very competitive, offering you bargains on international merchandise.

FOREIGN TRAVEL TAX

Passengers embarking on journeys to any place outside India from a Customs airport/seaport will have to pay a Foreign Travel Tax (FTT) of Rs. 300 and Rs. 150 on journeys to Afganistan , Bangladesh , Bhutan , Myanmar , Nepal , Pakistan , Srilanka and Maldives . No tax is payable on journeys performed by ship from Rameshwaram to Talaimanar and in case of transit passengers, provided they do not leave the customs barrier. Transit passengers travelling by air who have to leave the airport on accout of mechanical trouble but continue their jouney by the same aircraft and the same flight number by which they arrive are also exempt from FTT. Transit sea passengers leaving the ship for sightseeing, shopping etc. during the ships' call at any of the Indian ports will not be required to pay FTT.

 WildLife

Uttaranchal

Corbett National Park
Along river Ram Ganga, in the foothills of the Himalayas is situated the country's oldest national park. Constituted in 1935 as Ram Ganga National Park , it was later named after Jim Corbett, one of the greatest hunters of the last century, who later became a leading voice for the conservation and protection of wildlife. The park is home to elephant, tiger, leopard, panther, bear, sambhar, cheetal, crocodile, and many other smaller animals. It is a paradise for birdwatchers - more than 150 different varieties of birds have been sighted here.

Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park , spread in an area of about 820 sq. kms., is one of the latest additions to the list of national parks in the country. The park was constituted by combining three existing wildlife sanctuaries: Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla. Nestled in the Shiwalik Hills, and lying between the Lower Himalayas and the Upper Gangetic Plains, it is the northwestern-most habitat of the Asian Elephant. The park is also home to the tiger, leopard, porcupine, barking deer, and sambhar. The largest variety of Indian python is also found in Rajaji.

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttar Pradesh, was established in 1955. Spread over an area of 957,969 sq. kms., the altitude varies from 1300 mts. to 6323 mts. The entire area of the sanctuary is subjected to light-heavy snowfall. The snow leopard inhabits the inner Himalayas above the altitude of 3500 mts. To improve the protection of this rare animal, the upper reaches of the sanctuary were notified as a National Park which covers an area of 472.08 sq. kms.

Kedarnath Sanctuary
Kedarnath sanctuary is situated in Chamoli district. The approach road starts from Haridwar-Rudraprayag and then leads to Sonprayag and Ukhimath which is 226 km. away. The fauna includes panther, musk deer, black and brown Himalayan bear, sambhar, scrow, thar, ghoral and monal pheasant. The best time to visit is during April to June and again from September to November.

Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi Sanctuary is situated in Chamoli district. The present sanctuary came into existence in 1939. There are no roads available and the area is inaccessible. No regular path exists. You can trek from Joshimath i.e. 15 km. by road upto Lata and then 51 km. trek upto the sanctuary. The fauna includes snow leopards, Himalayan bear, musk deer, bharal, him, thar and many species of pheasant. The park is a World Heritage site.

Mussoorie Wild Life Sanctuary
Mussoorie or Binog Mountain Quail Wild Life Sanctuary is accessible from two directions, northwest and south by road from Mussoorie. Bus services and overnight trains are available from Dehradun. It is well connected by road from Dehradun to Mussoorie. The entry point in Binog Block is from Dhobi Ghat, which is on the Mussoorie Kempty road. There is also a motorable kuchha road from Hathipaon up to Clouds End Estate, which is about 6 Km from Gandhi Dwar, Library, Mussoorie. From Clouds End Estate to Binog Top is about 2 Km, along a bridle path. The Himalayan Quail last sighted in 1876 and believed to be extinct now, might be spotted again in the picturesque Mussoorie hills. Primates, reptiles and avifauna are commonly found here. The sanctuary is unique in having plant communities in various forms. Apart from this the area is rich in medicinal plants. It forms the catchment area of the Aglar river which is a tributary of the Yamuna.

The Assan Barrage Wetland
Situated near the confluence of Yamuna Canal and the Assan, in Dehradun district, the lake attracts a large number of water-fowl, both waders and divers. Apart from these there are a large number of woodland and scrubland bird species in the adjoining Sal forest. Many birds listed as globally threatened species in the IUCN Red Data Book have been observed at Assan. The services of an experienced bird-watching guide can also be arranged on request.

Himachal
From thick sub-tropical forests to the dry alpine vegetation, Himachal home to a wide variety of animals. This includes the leopard, which is the most widely distributed mammal in the entire state, the snow leopard, ghoral (goat-like stout animal), musk deer which is the state animal and monal (a pretty bird in nine iridescent colours), the state bird. HP has 11 major national parks and sanctuaries - the largest number in the Himalayan region. The Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu - the first in the state - was created to conserve the flora and fauna of the main Himalayan range, while the Pin Valley National Park to conserve the flora and fauna of the cold