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Golden Triangle  tours  with South India tour are one of the most visited places in India that are famous for the rich cultural heritage along with the basking glorifying

PLACES COVERED  Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Delhi – Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady (Periyar) – Alleppey – Cochin – Departure in Kochi Airport
DURATION OF TRIP  13 NIGHTS/14 DAYS
CONDITION* PROMOTIONAL PRICE NOT APPLICABLE FROM 15TH DECEMBER-2021 TILL 15TH JANUARY-2022
MINIMUM  REQUIRED  2 PAX
 ACCOMMODATION  4*/5* Accommodations
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION PICKUP Delhi/DROP Kochi
RETURN TIME Depends on onward Journey
WEAR Comfortable clothing with suitable Toiletries
BASIC INCLUSION
13Night with Bread & Breakfast
01 Jeep Ride/Elephant ride to reach Courtyard of Amer Fort, Jaipur
Premium Class Houseboat stay to enjoy backwater trip in Alleppey to Alleppey round with all meals.
Private Transport
Cultural Theatre for Traditional Kathakali Dance show in Cochin
Common Boat ride at Periyar Lake and Jungle entrance.
BASIC EXCLUSION
Entrance Tickets To monuments
Gratuity Recommended
Food and Beverages not mentioned in Itenary

 

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1

DAY - 01 : Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport or railway station, our representative will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi.

2

DAY - 02: Old Delhi & New Delhi City sightseeing

After breakfast Sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi

Start By visiting the:

Jama Masjid:- Jama Masjid is another marvelous treasure of the Old City, and is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can hold an incredible 25,000 devotees. The mosque took 13 years to build and was completed in 1650.

Chandni Chowk:- The Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square) is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, India. Chandni Chowk is located close to Old Delhi Railway Station.

Spice Market:- A bit west of Chandni Market you will find yourself on Khari Baoli Road in the heart of Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Here we found hundreds of shops dealing in refined, local and exotic spices. This large market area is rich in color and photographic opportunities and is well worth seeking out

Red Fort:- Delhi’s most famous monument, the Red Fort, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometers (1.2 miles), were built in 1638 to keep out invaders.

India Gate visit drive pass:- The towering archway of India Gate at the center of New Delhi is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. At night it glows warmly under floodlights, and the gardens that line its boulevard are a popular place to enjoy a warm summer’s evening.

Qutub Minar:-Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, is an incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture. It was built in 1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others say it was used to call the faithful to prayer.

Humayun’s Tomb:- If you think Humayun’s Tomb looks a bit like the TajMahal in Agra, that’s because it was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal’s creation. The tomb was built in 1570 and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun.

Lotus Temple:- The Bahai Temple is commonly referred to as the Lotus Temple, as it’s shaped like a lotus flower. It’s particularly pretty at night when it’s attractively lit up. Made out of white marble, the temple belongs to the Bahai Faith, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions.                                (Note: Temple is closed on Every Monday)

Evening return to the hotel, overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

3

DAY - 03 : Delhi / Jaipur– 268 km/06 hrs Drive

After breakfast proceeds to Jaipur. We will have First coffee Break for 15-20 min after crossing Delhi.

After Reaching Jaipur we will have lunch and then start a sightseeing tour of a few places of Jaipur visit:-

City Palace:situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one-seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the center, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city.

Jantar Mantar:built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonry instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provides accurate time, which is subject to daily corrections.

Later back to Hotel, Stay overnight at Hotel in Jaipur.

4

DAY - 04 : Jaipur sightseeing

Early morning after breakfast proceed to sightseeing tour of Jaipur, Direct sunlight on the Hawa Mahal is the most amazing sights to see from outside and will stop there for the photo shoot.

HawaMahal:-built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with overhanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below.

Later drive to Amer Fort there experience the Jeep Ride/Elephant ride from the old town to reach the Courtyard of Amer Fort, Back days king army used the same route !!!

Amer Fort:-The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

JalMahal:-On the way Back From Amber Fort, this small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Renovation around the lake is in progress.

Albert Hall Museum:- situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces.

After Sightseeing we will stop for lunch after visit most Unique Art of Jaipur which is Block printing.

Later back to Hotel, Stay overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

5

DAY - 05: Jaipur / Agra

After breakfast proceed to Agra and visit en-route to:

Abhaneri:– is a village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan state in India. It is situated at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur, on the Jaipur-Agra road. The place is popular for the Chand Baori step well and Harshat Mata Temple.

After visiting the above places proceed to Agra. On arrival check in Hotel.

Overnight stay in Agra.

6

DAY - 06: Agra / Delhi

Early Morning Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal:

Taj Mahal:-You cannot think of Agra without thinking of TajMahal. Or, you might not have thought of Agra were it not for the monument of love. TajMahal, the white marble beauty was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, MumtazMahal. The monument stands proof for the brilliance of Mughal architecture.  (*Taj Mahal Closed on every Friday)

Later Back to Hotel for Breakfast. Check out from hotel and visit to:

Agra Fort:-You would regret if you miss Agra Fort during your visit to Agra. The 16th-century monument is yet another proof of the architectural brilliance of Mughals. This is situated near the gardens of the world famous TajMahal. Called the Red Fort of Agra, you will be awe inspired by the powerful fortress.

Afternoon return to Delhi, Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi. Stay overnight at Hotel in Delhi.

7

DAY - 07 : Delhi / Cochin (By Flight)

Today after breakfast check out from Delhi hotel and departure transfer to the airport to fly for Cochin.

On arrival at Kochi airport meet and greet with tour manager later you will be transferred to the pre-booked hotel in Kochi. Later in the early evening, you will be picked up by the driver and visit to:

Kathakali Dance show Centre in AC Theater: (Timings: 17:30 pm – 19:30 pm)
Elements of the art of Kathakali are found in the ancient ritual plays of Hindu temples and various dance forms that are believed to have been gradually developed in Kerala from as early as the 2nd Century until the end of the 16th Century. Many of its characteristics are very much older than its literature, as they are a continuation of older traditions, but these did not crystallize until the 17th Century when the Rajah of Kottarakkara, a small principality in central Travancore, wrote plays based on the Hindu epic “Ramayana” in sanskritizedMalayam, which could be understood by ordinary people.

Later drive back for Stay overnight at Hotel in Cochin.

8

DAY - 08: Cochin sightseeing

The morning after breakfast start the tour in Kochi and visit: –

Mattancherry Palace & Jewish Synagogue: The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala which features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. The Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese as a present to the king of Cochin around 1555.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              [Above monument Timings: Dutch Palace/Mattancherry: Timings 10:00 am to 5 pm, Closed on Fridays and National holidays / Jewish Synagogue: 10 am to 5 pm, Break Time – 12 pm to 3 pm, Closed on Friday & Saturday & Jewish Holidays]

Chinese Fishing Net: In India, Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. While commonly known as “Chinese fishing nets” in India, the more formal name for such nets is “shore operated lift nets”. Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi:- The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India and visited by tourists the whole year round.

St. Francis Church, Kochi:- St. Francis CSI Church, in Fort Kochi (a.k.a. Fort Cochin), originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India. and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India.

Evening free time to visit the local markets in Kochi. Later drive back to Hotel, Stay overnight at Hotel in Cochin.

9

DAY - 09 : Cochin / Munnar

After breakfast day proceeds to Munnar. On arrival check in Hotel.

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale, Munnar is 1600 Meter above sea level.

This majestic hill station was once the summer resort of the British government in South India. Local sightseeing of Munnar includes a visit to Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake, and Echo point.

Evening free around the hotel. Stay overnight at Hotel in Munnar.

10

DAY - 10 : Munnar Jeep Safari Tour (10am – 4pm)

After breakfast Jeep safari guide will be meeting you in the hotel lobby and later your day explore for the tea-plantations by the exciting Jeep ride in Munnar.

Enjoy Jeep Safari to explore tea plantation and visit tea factory & museum.

Start sightseeing tour of Munnar by Jeep safari drive through the KananDevan Hills tea plantations, scenic beauty valleys, Lock heart gap, spice plantations, etc. After around 25 km of jeep ride through the normal road, we will reach the jeepable, jumpy, bumpy, rugged road to the World’s highest organic tea growing estate. From there drive or walk a little further to one of the oldest orthodox tea factories in this region.

After visiting the Factory we will have fresh tea picked, processed and made on the spot. Soon after we will start walking to a small ground to have lunch near the cliff at a local south Indian restaurant with a wonderful view around, then will proceed to Munnar in the jeep itself. The ride will be through the tea plantations jeepable rugged road and we can have a close look at the spectacular countryside and the rural Tamil people, working in the tea plantations.

Later drive back to Hotel stay overnight at Hotel in Munnar

11

DAY - 11 : Munnar / Periyar (Thekkady)

After breakfast proceeds to Thekkady (Periyar).

Thekkady (Idukki district):- is the location of the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction in the Kerala state of India. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km2 (300 sq mi), of which 360 km2 (140 sq mi) is a thick evergreen forest. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deer, and bison that come down to drink in the lake. The sanctuary can be accessed through a trekking, boating. Sightseeing destinations in Periyar wildlife sanctuary where you can see wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more.

Upon arrival in Periyar check-in to the hotel, later you have an amazing boat ride in Periyar Lake which flows through the Periyar tiger reserve.

Enjoy the common boat ride on Periyar Lake explore wildlife flora & Fauna

You will have the chance to watch the wild animals like elephant, Bison, Sambar, Deer, etc are roaming both shores.
Overnight stay in the hotel in Periyar.

12

DAY - 12 : Thekkady / Alleppey (Backwater trip to Kerala)

After breakfast check out from hotel in Munnar and proceed to Alleppey on arrival check in Houseboat.

Following by the lunch on board the Houseboat for a unique experience through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala.

The materials that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets, etc. The main wood used is “Anjali “.

The Houseboat provides all comforts – Beds, a kitchen, western toilet.

Traditional lanterns are used as lights. Spend the day cruising on a boat. Through remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb experience. Sensational in its own silent way, the cruise takes you along Snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, Toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets pitched for the day’s catch, bounded paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes crisscrossing each other. The experience enables you to reach beautiful untouched areas. Night take traditional dinner at houseboat.

Stay overnight at in Houseboat in Alleppey.

13

DAY - 13 : Alleppey / Cochin – Evening Ayurveda Massage Therapy

After breakfast check out from the houseboat, proceed to Cochin on arrival check in Hotel for relaxation.

Later visit at Ayurveda Centre for “Full Body Massage Therapy”

Abhyanga Massage – Full body massage

Abhyanga or Synchronised massage subdues the aging and degeneration process. A therapy pioneered as per the ancient Ayurvedic classics; its rhythmic motion helps to relieve joints and muscles from stiffness and makes all body movements free. This stimulating treatment increases blood circulation, which in turn encourages quick removal of metabolic wastes while providing relief for anxiety, fatigue, circulatory disorders, rheumatic and arthritic problems, backaches and injuries

Later drive back to Hotel stay overnight at Hotel in Cochin.

14

DAY - 14 : Delhi Airport Drop

In this Day transfer to Airport for flight to your onward destination.

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Services are included in the price:-

  • A safe and comfortable air-conditioned private bus/car with driver, all-inclusive. (Fuel for car/Bus, road and state taxes, toll fees, parking fees, Driver and driver’s food, and lodging).
  • The car will be with you from your arrival to departure with as many stops to sightseeing as you want.
  • A Driver with excellent skills and record, a good knowledge of the area you are visiting and sufficient English to communicate.
  • Transfers and land transportation according to the itinerary.
  • Accommodation Double or Twin rooms with Bed and Breakfast basis.
  • Sightseeing Tours in All Cities as per tour itinerary
  • Jeep/Elephant Ride in Jaipur
  • One Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
  • English Speaking tour Guide in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Cochin sightseeing only
  • Free visit to Jaipur’s famous block painting workshop
  • Free visit to TajMahal Inlay Marble (Work Shop).
  • Common Boat ride at Periyar Lake and Jungle entrance
  • One Jeep safari in Munnar (10 am – 4 pm) followed by the lunch at Local South Indian Restaurant
  • Premium Houseboat stay with 24 hours air-condition and all meals (Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast) in Allepey
  • One “Indian Ayurveda Full Body Massage” in Cochin as per tour plan
  • Flight ticket for Delhi/Cochin
  • Maximum Group size 22 Pax
  • All applicable taxes.

 Services are not included in the prices:-

  • Tips, laundry, telephone bills, luggage handling, and Beverages.
  • Meals unless specified
  • One time entrance tickets to the monuments as per plan in Delhi, Jaipur &Agra
  • One time entrance tickets to the monuments in Cochin only Dutch palace, Jewish synagogue
  • Camera charges at all entrance to the monuments if apply

General Information:-

  • Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package and are at your own discretion (e.g. as a guide, approx. AUD 5-10 per person, per day per city as per the industry standard).
  • All domestic internal flights with a limit of 15kg Check-in baggage& for 07 kg hand baggage in the cabin.  ***If any extra luggage for any domestic flight(s) can be arranged on additional cost as per the airline guidelines.

Accommodation Using For  Package 4* & 5*
Delhi:-       (Hotel Crowne Plaza, New Delhi or Similar hotel)
Jaipur:-     (Hotel LemonTree Premiere or Similar hotel)
Agra:-        (Hotel Crystal Sarovar or Similar)
Thekkady (Periyar):-   (The Mountain courtyard or similar)
Munnar:-   (The Panoramic gateway, Munnar or similar)
Alleppey:-  (Premium Class Houseboat stay )
Cochin:-      (The Taj Gateway Marine drive or similar)

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VISA INFORMATION

OVERVIEW

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.

All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application link , in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa.

The duly signed physical copy of the application form completed in all respect and submitted successfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be seen at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions.

The applicants are also requested to visit website of the Indian Mission concerned for detailed information about Indian visa.

ONLINE VISA APPLICATION

All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through online application link. Or can apply by typing the URL: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ in the address bar of web browser, in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa. In either case, no hand written application form will be accepted by any of the Indian Mission/ Post, where-ever online Visa facility has been implemented. The application form completed in all respect and submitted succesfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post in absence of IVAC, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be refered at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions. If you have already applied online for Indian Visa online and want to know the status of your application,

VISA CATEGORIES

Government of India issues the following visas: Business Visa, Conference Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Employment Visa, Emergency Visa, Entry Visa, Journalist Visa, Medical Visa, Missionaries Visa, Permit to re-enter within 2 months, Research Visa, Student Visa, Tourist Visa, Transit Visa. Please follow the link for details on Visa Provision and supporting documents

VISA PROCESSING TIME

Upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the Indian Mission/ Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases.

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

Online India Visa Application allows the Applicant to upload a digital photograph of self to complete the online visa application.

Guidelines/procedure to upload a digital photograph

The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:

Format – JPEG

Size

Minimum 10 KB

Maximum 300 KB

The height and width of the Photo must be equal.

Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.

Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.

Background should be plain light colored or white background.

No shadows on the face or on the background.

Without borders.

Make sure that photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin. Head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm). Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3.

FEE FOR INDIAN VISA

The visa fee depends upon the type of applied for and duration of visa. Visa fee is divided into various types depending upon the case viz; Basic fee, special fee, processing fee by out-sourcing agency. During the online registration process, at the end of the process the basic fee shall be displayed. However, this fee shall be indicative only and final fee shall be charged while submitting the application at the respective counters Fee once received are non-refundable even if the visa application is withdrawn, the visa is not granted, or if visa issued is of shorter duration of period than applied for or otherwise issued or returned at a time or on terms and conditions that may vary from those sought by the applicant. For further information on this, please check with local embassy office or Indian Visa Application center office or websites for information on applicable fee and payment methods.

 VISA PROVISION

Sl. No. Type of Visa Period for which granted Entry – Single (S), Multiple (M), Double Documents required with application Extendable in India
1 Tourist 180 days M No
2 Transit 15 days S/ Double Return/ onward journey ticket No
3 Business 5 years M Documents to prove bonafide purpose (Company’s letter etc.) Yes
4 Employment 1 year/ period of contract M Proof of employment (appointment document), terms and conditions Yes
5 Student Period of course/ 5 years M Proof of admission in Indian Institution Yes
6 Foreigners of Indian Origin 5 years M Proof of being of Indian Origin Yes

INSTRUCTIONS 

  1. Online application form:

This application form is meant for those foreigners who are applying for visa from outside India.

Each online application form is meant for one person only. Separate application has to be filed for each applicant.

Furnish information exactly in the manner asked for in the forms, especially the names, address and date of birth.

Applicants are required to verify the application details before submitting the online application. They have an option to save the online application form, in case it is not to be submitted.

Once the online application form is submitted by the applicant, then further modifications are not allowed. Hence applicants are requested to check and validate the details before submitting the online application form.

Applicants are requested to keep the Application Id (generated automatically after the submission of online form) for further communications.

  1. Appointment Scheduling:

Applicant can schedule the appointment as per his/ her convenience with the concerned Indian Mission.

Each applicant to schedule a separate appointment with the Indian Mission

  1. Process for filling up online application form:

Applicant shall access the Visa Application system online through the following link: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.

Applicant visits the above mentioned web link and selects the Indian Mission from where he intends to apply for the Visa from the tab “Select Mission”.

Applicant fills the application on-line as per the forms standardized by the Ministry.

After filling the form and submitting it, the system shall automatically generate a Application Id. Applicants are requested to keep this Application Id for further communications with the concerned Indian Mission.

System will automatically ask the Applicant for the following confirmation: “Select ‘Yes’ if the applicant want to seek appointment and make payment online or ‘No’ if the applicant just want to print the submitted application form.”

If the applicant response is “No”, then it is requested by the applicant to take the print out of the submitted online application form and approach the concerned Indian Mission for submission of the online form along with supporting documents.

If the response from applicant is “yes” then the system automatically takes the link to perform the following:

Selection of Date and Time of appointment at the concerned Indian Mission

Calculation of Visa fee, service charge, VAT etc. as applicable according to the Visa type

E Payment using service provider’s payment system

In case the facility of Appointment Scheduling and e-Payment is not available for the concerned Indian mission, then applicant has to take the printout of the online application form and visit the concerned Indian Mission to submit the same along with supporting documents and make the payment.

Indian Culture: Traditions and Customs of India

India’s culture is among the world,s oldest; civilization in India began about 4,500 years ago. Many sources describe it as “Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara” — the first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) organization.

Western societies did not always see the culture of India very favorably, according to Christina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Early anthropologists once considered culture as an evolutionary process, and ”every aspect of human development was seen as driven by evolution,” she told Live Science. “In this view, societies outside of Europe or North America, or societies that did not follow the European or Western way of life, were considered primitive and culturally inferior.  Essentially this included all the colonized countries and people, such as African countries, India, and the Far East.”.

However, Indians made significant advances in architecture (Taj Mahal), mathematics (the invention of zero) and medicine (Ayurveda). Today, India is a very diverse country, with more than 1.2 billion people, according to the CIA World Factbook, making it the second most populous nation after China. Different regions have their own distinct cultures. Language, religion, food and the arts are just some of the various aspects of Indian culture. Here is a brief overview of the culture of India.

Language

India has 28 states and seven territories, according to the World Health Organization. There is no official language in India, according to a Gujarat High Court ruling in 2010. Many people living in India also write in Devanagari script. In fact, it is a misconception that the majority of people in India speak Hindi. Though many people speak Hindi in India, 59 percent of India residents speak something other than Hindi, according to The Times of India. Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu are some other languages spoken in the country.

Religion

India is identified as the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, the third and fourth largest religions. About 84 percent of the population identifies as Hindu, according to the “Handbook of Research on Development and Religion” Edited by Matthew Clarke (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013). There are many variations of Hinduism, and four predominant sects — Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakteya and Smarta.

About 13 percent of Indians are Muslim, making it one of the largest Islamic nations in the world. Christians and Sikhs make up a small percentage of the population, and there are even fewer Buddhists and Jains, according to the “Handbook.”

Food

When the Moghul Empire invaded during the sixteenth century, they left a significant mark on the Indian cuisine, according to Texas A&M University. Indian cuisine is also influenced by many other countries. It is known for its large assortment of dishes and its liberal use of herbs and spices. Cooking styles vary from region to region.

Wheat, Basmati rice and pulses with chana (Bengal gram) are important staples of the Indian diet. The food is rich with curries and spices, including ginger, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, dried hot peppers, and cinnamon, among others. Chutneys — thick condiments and spreads made from assorted fruits and vegetables such as tamarind and tomatoes and mint, cilantro and other herbs — are used generously in Indian cooking.

Many Hindus are vegetarians, but lamb and chicken are common in main dishes for non-vegetarians. The Guardian reports that between 20 percent and 40 percent of India’s population is vegetarian.

Much of Indian food is eaten with fingers or bread used as utensils. There is a wide array of breads served with meals, including naan, a leavened, oven-baked flatbread, and bhatoora, a fried, fluffy flatbread common in North India and eaten with chickpea curry.

Architecture and art

The most well-known example of Indian architecture is the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honor his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles. India also has many ancient temples.

India is well known for its film industry, which is often referred to as Bollywood. The country’s movie history began in 1896 when the Lumière brothers demonstrated the art of cinema in Mumbai, according to the Golden Globes. Today, the films are known for their elaborate singing and dancing.

Indian dance, music and theater traditions span back more than 2,000 years, according to Nilima Bhadbhade, author of “Contract Law in India” (Kluwer Law International, 2010). The major classical dance traditions — Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Kathakali — draw on themes from mythology and literature and have rigid presentation rules.

Clothing

Indian clothing is closely identified with the colorful silk saris worn by many of the country’s women. The traditional clothing for men is the dhoti, an unstitched piece of cloth that is tied around the waist and legs. Men also wear a kurta, a loose shirt that is worn about knee-length. For special occasions, men wear a sherwani, which is a long coat that is buttoned up to the collar and down to the knees. The Nehru jacket is a shorter version of a sherwani.

Customs and celebrations

The country celebrates Republic Day (Jan. 26), Independence Day (Aug. 15) and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday (Oct. 2). Diwali is the largest and most important holiday to India, according to National Geographic. It is a five-day festival known as the festival of lights because of the lights lit during the celebration to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. Holi, the festival of colors, also called the festival of love, is popular in the spring.

Weather

India is situated in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan.
The climate in India varies from a tropical monsoon climate in the south to a temperate climate in the north. If you are thinking of Visiting Delhi (the capital of India) then best to visit it in October, November, February and March. That’s when the nights are cool and the days are filled with a little sunshine. May, June and July are very hot with temperatures over 45 degrees (113 Fahrenheit). It is a dry heat and is sometimes accompanied by dusty desert winds. Most of the rain falls between July and September but they are not the tropical rains you’ll experience in India’s coastal cities.

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DEPARTURE DATE

 

STATUS

STAR TRIP DATE END TRIP DATE
10 April 2021 23 April 2021 OPEN
17 April 2021 30 April 2021 OPEN
10 May 2021 23 May 2021 OPEN
17 May 2021 30 May 2021 OPEN
10 June 201 23 June 2021 OPEN
17 June 2021 30 June 2021 OPEN
10 July 2021 23 July 2021 OPEN
17 July 2021 30 July 2021 OPEN
10 August 2021 23 August 2021 OPEN
17 August 2021 30 August 2021 OPEN
10 September 2021 23 September 2021 OPEN
17 September 2021 30 September 2021 OPEN
10 October 2021 23 October 2021 OPEN
17 October 2021 30 October 2021 OPEN
10 November 2021 23 November 2021 OPEN
17 November 2021 23 November 2021 OPEN
10 December 2021 23 December 2021 OPEN
17 December 2021 30 December 2021 OPEN
10 January 2022 23 January 2022 OPEN
17 January 2022 30 January 2022 OPEN
10 February 2022 23 February 2022 OPEN
17 February 2022 02 March 2022 OPEN
10 March 2022 23 March 2022 OPEN
17 March 2022 30 March 2022 OPEN
10 April 2022 23 April 2022 OPEN
17 April 2022 30 April 2022 OPEN
10 May 2022 23 May 2022 OPEN
17 May 2022 30 May 2022 OPEN
10 June 2022 23 June 2022 OPEN
17 June 2022 30 June 2022 OPEN
10 July 2022 23 July 2022 OPEN
17 July 2022 30 July 2022 OPEN
10 August 2022 23 August 2022 OPEN
17 August 2022 30 August 2022 OPEN
10 September 2022 23 September 2022 OPEN
17 September 2022 30 September 2022 OPEN
10 October 2022 23 October 2022 OPEN
17 October 2022 30 October 2022 OPEN
10 November 2022 23 November 2022 OPEN
17 November 2022 23 November 2022 OPEN
10 December 2022 23 December 2022 OPEN
17 December 2022 30 December 2022 OPEN