India is a real mystery of the East, a country of maharajas and snake charmers, a country of amazing paradoxes, where civilizations and times mix. India is the only country in the world where cultural and religious traditions have not been interrupted since ancient times. The great civilizations of antiquity arose and dissolved in nothingness, the Indian tradition remained unchanged, and this is how India has survived to this day. India amazes and surprises at every step, there is a feeling that you are in another time or in a parallel world.
Guided tours to India are a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden shores, misty mountains, rich cultures and festivities. The interest in the historical monuments of India among those who purchase tours to India is understandable. It was here that one of the most ancient civilizations arose, which was later destroyed by the Indo-Aryan tribes. However, these tribes also built a distinctive culture, the monuments of which still attract tourists who prefer sightseeing tours in India.
Our tours to India cover all corners of this mysterious country - from the northern snows of Jammu and Kashmir to the hot southern beaches of Kerala and Goa; Hindu temples of the valley of the sacred river Ganges, ashrams of great teachers, safaris in national parks and reserves, colorful holidays and festivals. An abundance of souvenirs, the brightest colors of outfits, spices, aromas, jewelry and unique food - all this adds up to a kaleidoscope of unforgettable impressions on our carefully designed tours.
Goa is one of the most beautiful states in India and a major tourist destination. Holidays in Goa are beautiful beaches with silvery sand, azure waters, white churches surrounded by rice fields and coconut groves, beautiful warm days and cool soothing nights. Goa tours are gothic churches, forts, colonial buildings, temples and churches, villages and farms. Extreme sports, fishing, holidays and festivals await you.
Ayurveda in India is a complex of treatments, one of the few recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective system of alternative medicine. Now more than 200 thousand tourists a year come to India for Ayurvedic treatment. In Belarus, Ayurvedic and yoga tours to India have also become popular and fashionable recently, so now many people go to India not only for the beaches of Goa or the cities of the "Golden Triangle", but also for treatment.
For centuries, India's Golden Triangle has attracted travelers from all over the world. Cities such as Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are undoubtedly the embodiment of the cultural, historical and architectural heritage of India. Holidays and sightseeing tours to India are suitable for those who love adventure, who want to kneel before the bosom of nature, and those who have a great desire to unravel the intricate architectural wonders of India.
Official name: Republic of India.
Capital: Delhi.
Language: Hindi, English.
Climate: in the south of India it is closer to the equatorial, in the north - to the mountainous subtropical. The change of seasons is determined by the monsoons. The hot and dry season lasts from April to June, the average temperature at this time is +38 .. + 46 ° C, and the rainy season lasts from mid-June to early October (+35 .. + 38 ° C). The "high" tourist season in mainland and southern India lasts from early October to late March. The sky during this period is almost cloudless, and the air temperature during the day is +25 .. + 30 ° C, at night +20 .. + 25 ° C. In Delhi and to the north, it is cool in December-January, at this time the average temperature is about +13 ° C. In April, when it gets too hot in the south and center of the country, favorable weather sets in the Himalayan states.
Currency: Indian rupee (INR), 1 INR = 100 paise. 1 USD ~ 44.61 INR. 1 EUR ~ 60.95 INR. You can exchange currency at the airport (the rate will not be the most profitable), at a bank, at certified exchange offices (using your passport) or at the offices of travel companies (but not all). When exchanging, it is better to take a receipt - this will make it possible, if necessary, to exchange money back when leaving the country (but not more than 25% of the officially exchanged amount). It is best to import dollars or euros, the currency of other countries is not changed in all banks, and if they do, then at a less favorable rate. Banks are open on weekdays from 10:00 to 14:00, and on Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00. Traveler's checks can only be cashed in large banks, with preference given to Thomas Cook and American Express. Credit cards are of limited use only in the capital and major resort areas.
Customs: import of foreign currency (and export of previously imported) is not limited, national is prohibited. More than 10,000 USD in cash (or the equivalent in another currency), as well as personal computers and laptops must be declared. Allowed duty-free import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, alcoholic drinks - up to 0.95 liters, jewelry, food, household items and things - within the limits of personal needs. The import of drugs and drugs containing narcotic substances, weapons and ammunition is prohibited without appropriate permits. The export of skins of tigers, wild animals and plumage of birds, skins and products from the skins of rare reptiles and ivory, living plants, gold and silver in ingots, jewelry worth more than 2000 INR (except for those bought in duty free), antiques is prohibited made over a hundred years ago.
Transport: it is more comfortable and faster to travel around the country by plane, cheaper - by train (long distances) or by bus (short). Since a first class train ticket sometimes costs a little less than a plane ticket to the same destination, it is wiser to travel in second class with air conditioning. The bus network in India is well developed, with public transport companies and a large number of private ones in every state. Rickshaws and motorcycles can be hired as easily as taxis. Rickshaws are exotic, but quite fast and convenient way to get around the city. Moreover, it costs about half the price of a taxi.
Shops, shopping: from India you can bring fabrics (cashmere, silk and Rajasthani cotton), saris, scarves, skirts, shawls, blouses, tea, Indian spices (pepper, turmeric, saffron, cloves, cinnamon, as well as fragrant powders unknown to us, which are essential when making curries). All this is of excellent quality and, by our standards, is practically free. On request: jewelry made of copper, brass, bronze, silver and gold with inlaid, bright enamel, semi-precious and precious stones. To the heap: figurines and figurines made of clay, copper, glass, sandalwood, bamboo, rosewood and Indian walnut.
Cuisine, restaurants: the basis of Indian cuisine is a variety of vegetables, fish, rice, flour products, "puri" cakes and various dairy products. The number of original dishes in it has not yet been calculated by anyone (it is not realistic to do this). Well, the main “visiting card” of local chefs is, of course, spices, which are added here to almost any dish, even sweets, and in the most unusual combinations. Therefore, if the tourist's stomach does not need particularly vivid impressions, it is better for him to immediately warn the waiter about this. Tipping in India does not have the status of "compulsory", but no one will, of course, refuse them. Their size depends on the type of service and the level of the establishment. Usually they are 5-10 INR or more. The taxi driver will be happy with a small reward of 20-30 INR, and in restaurants and cafes, tips are equal to the traditional 10% of the bill. In large hotels there is an official surcharge for service of 10-25%, so there is no need to give a tip.
Safety: when walking outside the hotel, women should dress more modestly, without bare shoulders and mini-skirts. But in the hotels themselves, it is better to use a safe, without leaving valuables or money in plain sight or in easily accessible places. Locked in a suitcase or bag, no one will touch them. Drinking raw tap water is not recommended. Hands and purchased fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed with soap. At the entrance to any temple, guests will be asked to remove their shoes. Some temples are allowed to enter in socks, which are best thrown away at the exit.