City in India on the village of India

Delhi

Delhi is a city of contrasts that stretches deep into India. It combines a unique exoticism, a mysterious atmosphere for our people, with dusty streets and outright poverty of the local population.

The first settlements on the site of the capital of India, according to legend, date back to 3000 BC. e. Archaeological excavations have shown that they were located on the site where British colonists eventually built the New Delhi area. The dawn of the city begins in the 16th century.

Delhi, in fact, consists of two cities: Old Delhi and the new, modern one, built in the 30s of the 20th century - New Delhi. The motley colors of the old smoothly transform into the luxury of the new city. Delhi is certainly less hectic than other major cities in India.

Thanks to its cultural heritage, tours to Delhi are now very popular, and the city is one of the largest tourism centers in the world. The city collected an unimaginable amount architectural monuments different eras, palaces, forts and mosques in several of the most popular tourist areas.

It will be interesting to see such sights of Delhi as The "Presidential Palace" (Rashtrapati Bhavan) is a combination of Indian and British architectural styles, which was intended for the viceroy of the country.

"Royal Rajpath Road" is an avenue in the center of the new city. It is home to the Gateway of India, built in honor of the soldiers of British India. The names of soldiers who died during the First World War are written on the walls of the memorial.

Akshardham is the world's largest Hindu temple, all covered with carvings. On its territory there is a musical fountain, gardens, restaurants, a cinema and various exhibitions are held.

Lakshminarayan Temple is a Hindu temple and a garden with fountains located on its territory. Every year a big festival is held around the temple.

Mumbai

Local residents prefer the old name of the city - Bombay. The city acquired its current name in 1995. The largest city in India is the first most populous city in India and all of South Asia. The largest port of western India, Mumbai, occupies the islands of Solsett and Bombay, as well as the adjacent coast. The islands have been inhabited since the Stone Age.

Today Bombay is a major commercial and industrial center - a very vibrant and lively city. Mumbai is home to the well-known Bollywood, which produces more films per year than are produced in any other city on Earth.

Mumbai grew up around an old British fort and was actively developed during the reign of the British Crown.

The list of “main attractions of Mumbai”, of course, is headed by the well-known pearl of all India - the Taj Mahal Palace. Nowadays, the most luxurious seven-story hotel is located right on the shores of the Arabian Sea.

The basalt 26-meter triumphal arch “Gateway to India” or “Gateway from India”, as they began to be called after the last British troops left the country through them.

Chharpati Shivaji Station (until 1996 "Victoria Station" - in honor of the Queen of England) is a mixture of Gothic and Victorian architectural styles with notes of ethnic culture. The station still serves short and long distance trains. Since 1994 it has been cultural heritage UNESCO.

Calcutta

Since 2001, the city has been called Kolkata within India. Kolkata is located at the mouth of the Ganges River. It is the second largest city in the country and the fourth largest city in the country. Calcutta was the capital of British India during the rule of the British Crown in the country. Thanks to this, the city became a major center of education, science, art and politics. However, the problem of the city is the poverty of the local population. The city hosts one of the most famous and largest book fairs in the world.

Among the luxurious gardens in the middle of Kolkata is the regal Victoria Memorial. This snow-white quadrangular building was built in honor of Queen Victoria of Britain in 1921. The height of the memorial reaches 56 meters. At the moment, the Victoria Memorial is a working museum.

St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most mesmerizing architectural landmarks of Kolkata. It is built in the neo-Gothic style. The height of its tower is more than 61 meters. The magnificent white cathedral was built in 1847 and is still part of the Church of England.

Fort William was built at the very beginning of British rule in India in 1696. In front of the fort is the largest public park in Kolkata.

All cities and resorts in India for travel. List of the most famous regions, regions, cities and resorts of India: population, codes, distances, best descriptions and reviews of tourists.

Tours for the New Year all over the world
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Delhi

Let's start with the capital. Delhi is a metropolis with 13 million inhabitants. The Indian capital was moved here from Calcutta in 1911. Like any capital, Delhi is a city of contrasts: real slums are combined with colonial chic, and ultra-modern buildings with majestic ancient temples. In the old part of the city there is a top attraction on the tourist list - the Red Fort of Delhi, built during the heyday of the Mughal Empire. In essence, the fort is a city within a city - there are only six royal palaces in it.

In addition, in Delhi you can (or rather, need to) see:

the largest mosque in India, Jami Masjid, in the courtyard of which 25 thousand people can be seated, and the minarets reach a height of 40 m;
Qutab Minar complex, located 15 km from the capital. Built in the early 12th century by the Mughals, the five-storey Qutab Minar is an 85m tall cone-shaped tower inscribed with quotations from the Koran. Nearby is the mysterious Iron Column (7 m and inscriptions in Sanskrit), which is two and a half thousand years old. The mystery lies in the fact that the column is iron, but does not rust.
the capital's most popular Lakshmi Narayan temple, dedicated to Krishna and his wife, the patrons of love and family.

Agra

The former Mughal capital Agra has the largest number of attractions per unit area.

The most famous landmark of Agra, a kind of symbol of India, is the Taj Mahal mausoleum. Built by Shah Ceyhan in memory of his deceased wife, the white marble mausoleum sits on red sandstone and is surrounded by a lush garden. There are four canals in the garden, symbolizing the path to heaven, a huge pool reflects the outline of the majestic structure, and visitors take off their shoes when entering the mausoleum, as if they were entering a temple.

Two kilometers from the Taj Mahal is the Agra Fort, built in the mid-16th century to defend the city, and later became the residence of the Mughals. Behind the twenty-meter-high walls hide palaces, terraces, mosques, colonnades and magnificent gardens.

Situated in the outskirts of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is another former Mughal capital. The city was built in honor of the Sufi Chishti, who prophesied the birth of a son to the childless Emperor Akbar. When this joyful event finally happened, the emperor laid new city and moved the capital here. The tomb of Saint Chishti attracts many thousands of pilgrims, mostly childless women.

Jaipur - the treasure of India

Jaipur

Jaipur, which is called the "Pink City" was built by the Maharajah of Savoy Jai Sngha II. His ambitious plan was to build an ideal city, with a layout corresponding to the structure of the universe. The city is divided into nine sectors, all streets intersect at right angles, and at each intersection there are large squares. The city is surrounded by a fortress wall, and pink marble of amazing beauty was actively used in construction, which actually gave the city its name.

Jaipur City Palace (one-seventh of the city in area) is a unique fusion of two architectural schools- Rajaput and Mughal.

The Palace of Winds is a symbol of Jaipur and its main attraction, a luxurious five-story building made of pink marble, drafty, which served as a harem in the past.

The Amber Fort, located 11 km from Jaipur, is a complex of exquisite palaces, temples, gardens and pavilions, hidden behind the harsh fortress walls.

Nearby is another fort - Jaigrah, a kind of “Plan B” of those times: in case of immediate danger, the raj and his entourage could move from the Amber Fort to Jaigrah through an intricate (for the uninitiated) system of underground passages.

Another palace - Jal Mahal is located in the middle of an artificial lake. It was intended for entertainment events, as well as for hunting waterfowl.

India is among largest countries on the planet. Along with China, it is considered a dynamically developing state and ranks second in the world in terms of population. The United Nations believes that by 2050, India will overtake China to become the world's most populous country. The annual population growth rate is approaching 2%, while China's population growth is 1.4%. India is a huge country consisting of 29 states, 6 union territories, more than 600 districts and 7900 cities and towns. The largest cities in India amaze with their dense population, vibrant activity and at the same time enchant with their architecture, monuments, and landscapes.

Big cities in India:

Mumbai

The financial capital of the country and the economic center in India is Mumbai, formerly Bombay. The headquarters of a number of multinational companies, large industrial houses and financial corporations are located here, which makes the city attractive for making money and attracting foreign employees. Mumbai is home to the Stock Exchange and the Reserve Bank of India.

Its convenient location on the shores of the Arabian Sea has turned the metropolis into a bustling and prosperous port. Due to its history and variety of architectural styles, Mumbai attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world. The Indian “city of dreams” is the birthplace of Bollywood, a thriving film industry similar to American Hollywood.

Delhi

One of the most ancient cities in the world, and now the capital of India, is the city of Delhi. The historical monuments of this city are a unique heritage and are of high archaeological value. Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt many times.

The city is two different worlds- ancient and modern. Old Delhi consists of narrow streets and mosques. New City is home to government offices, including the Houses of Parliament, making it a diplomatic and governmental center. Modern Delhi is a bustling metropolis and the second most populous city in the country.

India Gate, Red Fort, Lotus Temple are the main attractions of the capital of India, which make Delhi a popular holiday destination for both tourists and the local population.

Bangalore

Bangalore, officially known as Bangalore, is the capital of the state of Karnataka and the third most populous Indian city. Received the title of capital after the liberation of India from British colonial rule.

Many decades ago, Bangalore was a tiny place, but with development information technology many residents of neighboring cities and villages moved here for permanent residence in search of income and professional prospects. Modern city Bangalore is at the forefront of the telecom and software industry.

Compared to other metropolitan cities in India, it boasts of cleanliness and abundance of vegetation. It is not for nothing that the city was given the name “garden city”.

Chennai

Chennai is located on the Bay of Bengal on the Coromandel Coast in southern India in the state of Tamil Nadu. The city was originally called Madras. Chennai is often compared to Detroit in the US for its key role in the Indian automobile industry. This place is famous for its education system and has the most high level literacy in India. Chennai is known as the “Gateway to South India” and is rich in rivers, lakes and canals. There are many modern ones in the city architectural structures, and ancient temples built in the 7th and 8th centuries.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and is known as the “City of Pearls”. Its rapid growth and development is driven by new business opportunities in light manufacturing, information technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.

It is home to two of the largest film studios in the country - Tollywood and Ramoji. The latter is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest film studio in the world.

Hyderabad is also famous for its cinema with the world's largest IMAX 3D screen.

Tourists are attracted by such attractions as the Mecca Masjid Mosque, the Triumphal Arch of the East, and the magnificent palace complexes of Chaumahallai Phalakunum.

Hydabarad is home to the largest Nehru Zoo in India and South Asia.

Calcutta

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and a river port in the Ganges delta. The largest commercial city in eastern India and the center of numerous private and public sector companies. It has a developed infrastructure and is proud of its rich culture. Kolkata is one of the friendliest cities in India. The most famous attraction is the Kali Temple, which is an important sacred site for Hindus.

However, the city has a number of problems ecological nature, many areas are striking in their poverty.

Surat

Surat is a city in the state of Gujarat and is considered an important diamond exporter in the country and a major textile industry city. Surat is also the hub of various giant corporations that contribute greatly to the city's economy. The dynamics of its development are one of the fastest growing in the world.

Indian festivals are often held here, characterized by their brightness and enchantment - the festival of kites, Ganesh Chaturhi, Diwali, Navratri.

Pune

Pune is the cultural capital of the state of Maharashtra. It is one of the fastest growing cities in India and ranks second in the country in terms of quality of life, second only to Hyderabad. The city is located on the east coast of India just a few hours' drive from Mumbai.

Pune is a major cultural and arts center and also has an important economic segment in the information technology and automobile industries. Jawaharlal Nehru once referred to Pune as the "Oxford and Cambridge of India" as the city is considered to be the premier educational and scientific center countries.

Jaipur

Jaipur is located in the state of Rajasthan. It is the center of numerous international companies. Known as the "Pink City" due to the pink color of the stones used in construction. Due to such unique architecture, Jaipur is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is the largest city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan and is part of the famous Golden Triangle of India.

The city's main attractions include:

Jal Mahal is a unique floating palace, 4 floors of which are completely submerged in water; tourists can only observe the upper floors of the building; you can only get here by boat.
Nahargarh Fort.
Jantar observatory building Matara.

Cities of Goa

India is known for its countless exotic beaches. The state of Goa is the most popular tourist destination and is located in the western part of India. It attracts a large number of foreign travelers with its beautiful beaches, scenic spots and historical monuments.

This state has a unique combination of Indian and Portuguese culture. By Indian standards, it is the smallest state and is divided into southern and northern regions.

Panaji

Panaji is the capital of the state of Goa, its political, educational and cultural center. There are no skyscrapers in Panaji, and old colonial buildings coexist with modern buildings. Despite its status as the capital, the city ranks third in India in terms of population.

There is a wide range of entertainment in Panaji:

casino on board a small luxury liner;
bus tour of the city at night, including a river cruise;
evening boat cruise.

On the western side of the city is the Kampala district, which is considered its cultural center. There are dance, theater and music programs, art exhibitions and show productions.

Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama is a port city on the west coast of Goa. The city was named after the Portuguese explorer and his former viceroy Vasco da Gama and is better known as Vasco. The city is a key shipping center, with more than 30% of ore exported from this port. Wasco is the only city in the state that is well connected by road, rail, sea and air with other settlements.

Numerous leather, textile and jewelry shops decorate the city market, while a long line of cafes and music stores give it a festive atmosphere.

Mapusa

Mapusa is the main commercial center of North Goa after Panaji. Traditionally, every Friday a bazaar opens in Mapusa. Unlike other markets that are more tourist-oriented, the Mapusa fair has a local flavor and specializes in the sale of agricultural products.

Margao

Margao is the second largest city in the Indian state of Goa, which is located 33 km from the capital Panaji. It is surrounded by fertile agricultural land.

The city was once a major religious center with dozens of rich temples and magnificent examples of Portuguese churches. Margao Railway Station is the largest and most important railway junction in the state. It is located at the intersection of the Konkan and South-Western railways. railway, it is called the “Gateway of South Goa”.

Margao has a quaint charm and beautiful examples of Portuguese architecture. A favorite destination for tourists traveling to Margao is the nearby Colva Beach.

Modern metropolises and the oldest cities of India are combined with the grace and beauty of Indian-Portuguese architecture, ancient monuments and many colonial-style churches. India is unique and unique country, which managed to preserve the power and rich heritage of the ancient civilization.

India is an ideal country for both experienced independent travelers and beginners. Here you can find a wide variety of holidays and experiences. Many people begin their acquaintance with India from a resort, buying a tour package, and so it was with me. However, as lovers of this country say, this is not India at all.
Want to see the real India? Don't limit yourself to one state, don't be afraid to travel beyond the tourist areas - that's where real adventures await you! The main danger of traveling in India is that you will most likely want to return there again and again.

India is a love for life. India is very diverse. Each state is a different world. Deserted beaches, noisy cities, mountains with snow-capped peaks, oriental bazaars, colonial quarters, ancient temples; many cultures and religions have mixed here, making it so special. That’s why making your own route is a pleasure. The main problem I face on every trip is how to meet the deadlines and see all the interesting things!

India is a huge country, each of its states (and there are 29 of them) deserves special attention. No matter how many times I’ve been to India, there are always places that simply need to be visited. So I’m coming back... On your first trip, it’s better to combine the most interesting sights (to suit your taste), beautiful cities and beach holidays. I will try to help you with this.

Visa and border crossing

It will not be difficult for Russians to obtain an Indian visa. The set of documents required to obtain it is minimal. Today there are 2 types of visas:

standard,
electronic.

I always applied for a regular visa for a period of 6 months. The electronic one appeared not so long ago and has the main drawback for me - a short validity period (30 days). But first things first.

You can apply for a regular visa yourself at a visa center or with the help of numerous intermediary companies that will take care of the entire long and sometimes tedious application process. Residents of Moscow or St. Petersburg have no point in turning to intermediaries, because they have visa centers nearby!

, Liteiny Prospekt, 22, Office No. 30, 3rd floor. Phone: +74995005529, +74956385654
, St. Novy Arbat, building 2, floor 4, office No. 412. Phone: +74995005529, +74956385654

You can get a tourist visa for a period of 1, 3 or 6 months. Most often, visas are issued for 3 or 6 months (their cost is the same). Based on the number of entries, tourist visas are divided into single and double (one or two entries); it is this indicator that affects their price.

So, a single visa will cost a tourist 1,800 rubles, and a double – 3,800. To apply for a visa yourself, you need to prepare a number of documents. Compared to the requirements in other countries, such a set of pieces of paper will seem like a trifle.

So, you will need:

A valid foreign passport (validity period, as usual, must be more than 6 months from the date of submission of documents) with two blank pages.
On the website On the website for processing Indian visas online, you need to fill out a form at English, print it on two pages, sign under the photo and at the end of the questionnaire.
A 3.5x4.5 photo on a white background is glued to the application form.
Printed round trip air tickets.
Hotel reservation (if you are traveling for a long time, a simple reservation with Booking for the first few days of your stay in India will do).
Copy of civil passport (main page and with registration).
A copy of a foreign passport.

The visa is issued quite quickly (up to 7 working days, but more often faster). If you need a visa urgently, then for an additional fee of about 2,000 rubles it will be issued in 1-2 days.

For those living in the regions, it is much more convenient and easier to obtain a visa from an intermediary company. You will be asked to fill out a simple form in Russian, send a couple of photographs, a passport and a copy. For this pleasure, you will be charged from 3 to 5.5 thousand, depending on the duration of the visa and the number of entries. Add to this the cost of courier services.

An electronic visa is also often called a visa on arrival. As I already wrote, it is given for only 30 days from the date of receipt of the stamp at the airport. This option is perfect for those who are flying on a last-minute trip or just for a short period of time and don’t want to bother with paperwork.

You can fill out an application for an e-visa. You will also have to upload scans of your documents and photos to the site. You must pay a visa fee of $60 no later than 4 days before arriving in India. There is also a form on the website that allows you to track the status of your visa. By the way, an electronic visa is issued very quickly - sometimes within one day, on average 2-3 days. When it is ready, you will be able to download and print the PDF document on official letterhead, in exchange for which you will receive the coveted stamp in your passport at the airport in India.

How to act at the border

While still on the plane, caring flight attendants will give all passengers Arrival cards and Declaration Form (migration form and declaration of values). I highly recommend filling both out right in your seat and not wasting time on it at the airport. The arrival card is very simple, and this year its size has been reduced. You must provide your details, flight number, address in India (write the name of your hotel or guesthouse, if none of this is available - any name), visa number. In the declaration form, in addition to general information, you will have to write down all the valuables that you are transporting in India. “Valuables” are: prohibited drugs, gold, meat, fish, dairy products, toxic substances, seeds and plants, satellite phones, cash more than 25 thousand rupees, currency more than 5 thousand dollars, the total amount of all currencies over 10 thousand dollars. If you have at least one of the listed items with you, you will have to go through the “red corridor” of customs (the customs control zone where passengers with baggage that must be declared enter).

Upon arrival at major airports in India (or Mumbai), try to quickly get to passport control - this is one large room with many counters that accept passengers from all arriving flights. Sometimes the queues are just huge! This is especially important for those who are in a hurry to catch their next flight.

How to get there

By plane

If you are flying for a short period (10-14 days), consider purchasing a tour package. You can see prices for standard tours 7/11/14 days. It is not at all necessary to live in a hotel; you can find the most inexpensive offer, which will be cheaper than just round-trip tickets. When traveling for longer periods, look for tickets on regular flights. It is better to plan your trip to India as far in advance as possible. You will have time not only to coordinate the route, but also to find good tickets. I usually buy them a couple of months before departure, and start monitoring them six months in advance. If you go to a sale, you can find some great inexpensive options. It’s convenient to “catch” tickets at good prices in search engines or, for example, in the Travelsearch section. Most often, travelers fly to the largest cities in India, which can be a great start - Delhi or Mumbai, some fly directly to.

Which airlines fly to India?

Aeroflot. Moscow – Delhi.
AirIndia. - Delhi.
Qatar Airways. – Doha – Delhi ().
Emirates Airlines. Moscow - Delhi (and many other cities in India).
Ethihad Airways. - - Delhi.
AirArabia. Moscow - Delhi.
Uzbekistan AirlinesAnd. Moscow (or regions) – – Delhi.
FlyDubai. Moscow (and regions) – – Delhi ().
Turkish Airlines. Moscow - Delhi ().
Air Astana. Moscow – Almaty – Delhi.
Gulf Air. Moscow - Delhi.

Not all possible options are listed here. Many of these airlines are generous with discounts and seasonal sales. Keep track of discounts in April-May.

On average, you can find round-trip tickets from Moscow for 20 thousand rubles, from the regions – from 30 thousand.

Tourist regions

To see India in all its diversity, you will have to visit several states. Domestic tourism is well developed in the country; Indians love their homeland and culture and enjoy exploring it. Therefore, in all cities where there are at least some attractions, you can find everything a tourist needs to live.

Tourist regions of India are deserted beaches, ancient forts, palaces of maharajas, national natural parks and much more. The entire country can be divided into northern, western, eastern and southern India. In each part, tourism is completely different.

Northern India

These states include: Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh. The climate here is very diverse; if you travel in winter, don’t forget warm clothes. Northern India may not be much warmer than Siberia. This part of the country has mountain resorts, Tibetan monasteries, yoga and meditation centers, ancient temples and modern cities.

Golden Triangle

This tourist program is most popular among travelers. Who, why and when came up with this route and called it the most interesting remains a mystery.

It includes three destinations: Delhi, Agra, . Perfect for the novice traveler. The main advantage of this tour, in my opinion, is the proximity of cities; you can travel between them by trains, buses, or even take a taxi. Travel time will be 4-5 hours. It is convenient to fly to Delhi and start your journey from there. The Golden Triangle is a rich, active excursion program that will allow tourists to get acquainted with the culture of India. The impressions from ancient beauties will last for a long time!

Varanasi

The most mystical and holy city in India is Varanasi. Considered one of the oldest cities in the world, it is also called city of the dead. Varanasi is the city of Shiva; according to legend, it was he who founded it 5 thousand years ago. The city stands on the banks of the sacred river Ganges; dying in Varanasi and being cremated on the banks of the Ganges is the greatest honor for a Hindu. The main life of the city flows along the river on ghats - stone steps leading to the water. Pujas are performed here every night, trade takes place and cremations take place all day long. 10 km from the city is the place where 2500 years ago Buddha delivered his first sermon immediately after enlightenment. This is why one should come to Varanasi for spiritual experience and wisdom. There is also a huge selection of courses in yoga, Sanskrit and learning to play traditional musical instruments.

Himachal Pradesh

One of the most northern states allows tourists to see the majestic Himalayas with their own eyes. The nature of this region is unique. Compared to other hot and dry states, where it is always summer, here you can see smooth transitions of all seasons. The optimal time to visit is from April to October. In Himachal Pradesh, you should definitely go trekking, climb a mountain pass, stay at a campsite and raft down a mountain river. There are also temples and palaces here, but the main thing is nature. The Russian artist Nicholas Roerich was in love with the Himalayas; by the way, he lived for many years in the town of Naggar, and his grave remains here. In the yoga capital of Rishikesh, you can take courses or get a teaching certificate, as well as master meditation or serve in an ashram. The residence of the Dalai Lama is located in Dharamsala. There are also sacred mountain Kailash, the valley of the gods of Kullu, the world's most dangerous mountain road from Leh to and much more. Himachal Pradesh will appeal to both crazy extreme sports enthusiasts and lovers of self-discovery.

Rajasthan

I have already mentioned the state capital; many travelers stop at only one city. And completely in vain. The rest of Rajasthan is no less beautiful. Main tourist centers: Jaisalmer. Come to Rajasthan (the country of the Maharajas) to admire the majestic palaces, huge forts, listen to street musicians and take pictures of colorful guys in turbans and huge mustaches. Rajasthan is known to tourists for its four “colored” cities: pink, white, blue, golden Jaisalmer. The country of the Maharjas is so colorful and colorful that it attracts artists and photographers from all over the world. The Rajasthanis themselves have managed to preserve their rich culture: wherever you go, you will be surrounded by traditional music, painting, puppet shows, and national costumes. It's motley and colorful daily life state of Rajasthan.

Western India

Consists of the states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and partly Madhya Pradesh. Here you will find beaches for every taste, an excursion program, and relaxation in the mountains.

Goa

After such a sightseeing run, tourists need to warm their bones on popular beaches. For me, like most travelers, my love for India began with this smallest of its states. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year for the famous hippie spirit of freedom, trance parties and affordable drugs. But there are other entertainments here, Goa is for everyone. There are not many historical or cultural attractions here, but there are beaches for every taste! And also good inexpensive hotels, delicious food, cheerful and friendly local residents. – this is for lazy people and hedonists.

Maharashtra

The state is located next door to Goa, so it is very convenient to combine a beach holiday and a little excursion program - you can get there on a budget by bus in 12 hours. If you are tired of hanging out in Goa, take a couple of days and see the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai, and visit the ancient caves of Ellora and Ajanta. You can hide from the heat, which begins in February-March, in the mountains. Of course, these cannot be called real mountains. The Western Ghats mountain range lies within the state. IN colonial times The British set up settlements here - summer cottages. The most picturesque places are located in Nashik, Matherana, Chikhaldara. And don't forget to visit the favorite honeymoon destination of Indian newlyweds - Mahableshwar, the largest strawberry plantations in India.

South India

India is clearly divided into north and south in the minds of its citizens. They have different languages, culture, architecture and much more. South India is extremely interesting for tourism. By the way, the beaches here are no worse than those in Goa.

Kerala

Kerala is called the land of the gods, the birthplace of Ayurveda and the forge of health. Among our tourists, this state is not as popular as Goa (of course! There is no cheap alcohol in the public domain, and life dies out after 8 pm). But if you want to see incredibly beautiful nature (Kerala is the greenest state I have seen in India), improve your health or study Ayurveda, practice yoga with real Indian masters - come to Kerala.

Tamil Nadu

Most southern state India is fundamentally different from all others. Tamils are proud of their culture and language, most do not know or recognize Hindi. Tourists come here to see the famous temples scattered throughout the state. They are the ones business card South India - high temple towers, entirely consisting of figurines of gods, painted in bright colors. After getting acquainted with the most ancient temples in India and completely immersing yourself in the South Indian flavor, go to little Europe - the union territory of Pondicherry, located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Here you will surely forget that you are traveling in India. The former French colony still delights tourists with its long promenade, fresh coffee, hot croissants, cycling and colonial architecture.

Karnataka

The second Goan neighbor can also please beachgoers with a rich excursion program. Even if you only have two weeks of vacation, you can easily reach the ancient capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in 8 hours by car or bus - a town that you can read about. Everything there breathes history, and the landscape resembles the surface of alien planets. The main entertainment besides visiting numerous palaces and temples is dating the sun. There are several places in the town from which it is best to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. In addition to Hampi, in Karnataka you can see the city of Mysore palaces or visit the Indian silicon valley.

Eastern India

Eastern India includes the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

West Bengal

You can begin your exploration of the state from its capital, Kolkata, one of the most colorful cities in India. This is the most English city in the country, because it was the capital of British India. If you love colonial architecture, definitely come to Kolkata. But keep in mind that the ancient rich architecture creates a strong contrast with the modern poverty. Has everyone seen the movie "Train to Darjeeling"? This mysterious city is located in West Bengal. If you want to take a break from dusty cities, welcome to the mountain resort. See with your own eyes how the famous tea is grown.

Top cities

Every Indian city has its own flavor. In order not to get lost in the huge list of attractions and cities, I offer my personal rating of places where there is always something to do for tourists.

. Look at the red double-decker buses in India, Victoria Station, English architecture, stroll along one of the most beautiful embankments, Marina Drive, and drink beer at the famous Leopold Cafe (very expensive beer for India).

. See with your own eyes the cremation ceremony, walk along the centuries-old ghats, take a boat ride along the sacred Ganges. Here you can also learn (or try) Sanskrit or play some Indian pipe.

Rameswaram. Find yourself at the edge of the earth in the truest sense of the word. Rameshwaram is located on a small island, which can be reached from the mainland via one of the most dangerous bridges in the world, Pamban. The fact is that the bridge does not have any protective fences, and the rails are only a couple of meters from the water, which gives the impression that the train is literally floating on the water surface. The greatest danger for passengers occurs during strong winds and storms. In Rameswaram itself you can take a ferry to (there are only 33 km between the islands).

. Take a look at the Indian contrast between luxury and poverty in one of the most major cities countries. Take a ride on a tram - there are none anywhere in India except Kolkata, or take a more traditional transport for the city - a rickshaw. To see communist India - walk along the streets of Lenin, Ho Chi Minh, Karl Marx.

Pondicherry. Here you should definitely eat soft French rolls, wash them down with the best coffee in India and go to the promenade. And also meditate at the Aurobindo Ashram and go to the city of the future Auroville.

For those who like complete immersion in local reality, there is the opportunity to rent private apartments - more details.

Islands

India owns many islands, but not all of them are suitable for tourism. Travelers most often go to the Andaman, Nicobar, and Laccadive Islands.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andamans are located in the Bay of Bengal, 1400 km from the mainland. Best time for visiting – from October to May. There are nature reserves on the islands; this is a closed area, so tourists need to obtain a permit to enter. The capital and largest city is Port Blair. This is where you can get your entry permit. It is issued for 30 days, if you do not have a return ticket, then only for 15. If you get to the Andamans by sea, make sure to obtain a permit in advance - at the office in Chennai or Kolkata.
Getting to the paradise islands is very easy - there is an airport in Port Blair that accepts flights from Kolkata and Chennai. If you are planning to travel from, then the cheapest and easiest way is to change trains in Chennai (you can get there by train). Another option for extreme sports enthusiasts is to sail by ship from Kolkata or Chennai, but this method is not very popular among our tourists; the journey can take several days.

Ferries of varying comfort levels run between the islands. Entertainment options include diving, snorkeling, visiting museums, and there are several historical attractions. Accommodation on the islands is quite expensive and not very comfortable. There are also problems with transport and the Internet. Holidays in the Andamans will surely appeal to lovers of silence and solitude. Don't expect service and amenities from the islands. In essence, this is the same India, only wilder and more island.

Laccadive Islands

These islands are located in the Arabian Sea, 400 km from the state. The best time to visit is from December to May. The group consists of 36 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited, and tourists are allowed on only 3 - Agatti, Kadmat and Bangaram. To visit the islands you also need a permit, which can only be obtained in advance when issuing an Indian visa, having entered the islands into it.
You can get there by air and by water. In both cases, you will have to go to Kochi, a city in Kerala. From here planes fly and ships go to Agatti Island. Plane tickets cost less than $100 one way. You can get there by sea in about 20 hours, however, flight schedules change all the time depending on the weather conditions. Information is presented at

The main entertainment is water sports, diving, snorkeling, fishing. Eco-tourism reigns on the islands; order and cleanliness are carefully monitored. There is no need to talk about the service, since apart from a few hotels and a couple of diving centers, there is nothing here. It is better to bring everything that a tourist might need (cosmetics, cigarettes, inexpensive alcohol, clothes).

Top attractions

It is simply impossible to choose 5-10-100 attractions in India. Even in my personal rating there are many more of them. This country is so generous with vivid impressions that it is very difficult to limit the circle to the most chosen ones. But I'll try.

. Tiny village in Karnataka is famous for its ruins former capital Vijayanagar Empire. On an area of 26 sq. km. preserved palaces, temples, stables, once great empire. There are also several very revered active Hindu temples. One of them, the Monkey Temple, is located on high mountain, almost 600 steps lead to it. In the center of the village itself, on the square, stands the Virupaksha Temple, its huge gopura (the main tower of the temple, also known as the gate), 48 meters high, can be seen from anywhere in Hampi.
Jaisalmer Fort. This city is located near the border with Pakistan in the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is nicknamed the golden city; it looks especially picturesque at dawn and sunset, when the huge fort standing on the hill is illuminated by the rays of the sun. It was built in the 12th century and people still live in it! All tourists also have this opportunity, because most guesthouses are concentrated there. Don't miss the chance to live in a real fort!
Chand Baori. There are real architectural wonders scattered all over India - step wells. Many of them are several hundred years old. Chand Baori is one of the oldest and largest; this structure, reminiscent of an inverted pyramid, has 3,500 steps. It is located in the city of Abaneri in the state of Rajasthan. Previously, such wells supplied people with water in arid climates, and today they are a favorite place for travel photographers.
Golden Temple. Harmandir Sahib is located in Amritsar and is the main temple for Sikhs. Thousands of pilgrims visit it every day. The temple stands in the center of a large reservoir and can be reached via a long bridge. Sikhism is a very interesting religion; their temples are unlike any other. Once you enter the territory of Harmandir Sahib, you feel peace and bliss, despite the large crowd of people around. The energy of this place is very strong.
Meenakshi Temple The temple is located in the city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the brightest examples of Tamil temple architecture. Meenakshi Temple is surrounded by 14 gopuras - huge towers 40-50 m high, each of which is covered with thousands of colorful sculptures. Tamil temples are the most vibrant and colorful in India.
Galta G. The Galta Ji pilgrimage center is located 3 km from Jaipur, on the territory of which stands the Monkey Temple. A small Sun Temple is built on top of Galta Peak, which can be seen from almost anywhere in Jaipur. Be sure to visit these attractions at sunset, great views are guaranteed.
Mysore Palace. Mysore is a city of palaces, but the most impressive of them all is Amba Vilas, the former residence of royal family. The building with huge domes amazes with its size and internal richness. On weekends and holidays, the illumination of 96 thousand light bulbs is switched on in the evening.
Temples of Khajuraho. The famous Kama Sutra temples are located in a small village in Madhya Pradesh. About 20 monuments have survived to this day. The walls of these majestic structures are decorated not only with sculptures depicting lovers in intricate poses. The artists talked about the lives of gods, rulers, mythical animals and much more. But Khajuraho became famous precisely thanks to the images of love pleasures.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station. The huge working station (previously named after Queen Victoria) is located in. From the outside, the building is striking in its scale - the station is made in an ornate Victorian style with neo-Gothic elements. And inside it is an ordinary Indian train station with a crowd of thousands.
Adam's Bridge. Aka Rama Bridge, located in Rameshwaram, its origin is shrouded in legends. It is a string of shoals and coral islands between India and Sri Lanka with a length of 48 km. Until the 15th century, the bridge was a pedestrian bridge, but then it was destroyed by a storm. The Indian epic Ramayana tells the beautiful story of how God Rama ordered the construction of a bridge from India to Sri Lanka to save his beloved Sita. In person, this is simply an incredibly beautiful place, a real “end of the earth.”

Weather

The climate of India is extremely diverse. Thanks to this, you can visit the country at any time of the year - the main thing is to choose the right state. There are three main climatic seasons, which manifest themselves in one way or another throughout the country:

November-February – dry season with cool weather, sunny.
March-June is the hottest period of time, without precipitation.
July – October – rainy season.

India is almost entirely located in the subequatorial zone; the weather depends on the tropical monsoons. The climate can vary greatly from state to state. Since India has a huge area, the varying distances of the terrain from the ocean and the differences in altitude, temperature and rainfall are very contrasting.

The monsoon climate is most pronounced on the coast of the Arabian Sea - in the area of the main resorts: and Kerala. The coldest and driest period here lasts from December to February. The temperature during the day averages 25-27 degrees, and at night drops to 18-20. This time is considered the peak tourist season. Cool nights, warm days, relatively calm seas. From March, the heat begins to increase and reaches its peak in May, the temperature rises to 33 degrees, it becomes stuffy both day and night. The wind gets stronger, high waves rise on the sea, and it starts to rain. In June, the monsoon arrives, the sky becomes cloudy, the rains come more often, and they will last until September.

On the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the east of the country, the monsoons are not so pronounced. The contrast between day and night temperatures is much greater. So, from December to February the temperature can fluctuate from 12 (minimum) to 29 degrees (maximum). This is the most comfortable time for tourism. Rain is unlikely. In May, the heat increases to 35 degrees and is much more difficult to bear than on the west coast, as the humidity rises to 80%. July is the rainiest month.
In northern India the climate is more temperate. Most cold period– December-February. Temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees. At night and in some areas during the day it can drop below zero. If you are planning to fly to or further north at this time, be sure to take warm clothes with you. From April to June the heat lasts, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees (in Rajasthan and some other regions it can be up to 50 degrees). Humidity on average is only about 45%. The rains begin in July and continue until September.

Officially, the season in tourist places in India begins in October, at which time it is comfortable to travel within the country or relax on the beach. The peak season lasts from December to February. Starting in March, tourists smoothly move from the south of the country to the north, where real spring begins. You can stay comfortably in mountainous regions all summer and early autumn, and then move south again. This is the cycle of tourists in India.

Money

In India, only the state currency is accepted - rupees. You will not be able to pay in dollars, euros or rubles. The exception is large tourist areas (for example), where foreign currency is accepted, but this is completely unprofitable for tourists. A rupee is divided into 100 paise, but there is no money smaller than one rupee. Coins are in short supply in India, so be prepared for the price to be rounded up in shops, especially for the “white” tourist. For 1 rupee they can offer you candy, and for 5 - a piece of chewing gum. In this case, the seller himself will always ask for change.

Rupee exchange rate at the beginning of summer 2016 (the rupee is one of the most stable currencies, the rate rarely changes by more than 5%):

1 dollar – 66,770 rupees.
1 euro – 75,891 rupees.
1 ruble – 1.04 rupees.

There are many exchangers in the country; there will definitely not be any problems in tourist areas. The first currency exchange office that a traveler comes across is at the airport of any city. Never change money there! The most unfavorable exchange rate plus some mythical commissions for exchanging money can only be found there. This is especially true for the airport - employees often scam inexperienced package tourists. Hotels also offer unfavorable rates. Where can you get money for a taxi if you have just arrived in India? The best option is to ask the taxi driver to stop at the nearest exchange office in the city. The driver can tell you a place with a favorable rate. Count your money at any currency exchange office. If you arrived at night or used pre-paid taxi services (where you need to pay in advance), look for an ATM in the airport building.

There are not as many ATMs in India as here. If you travel to large cities, there will be no problems with withdrawing cash. But keep in mind that most banks charge Rs 200 withdrawal fee. Today the most profitable ATMs for Russian maps: Bank of India, Axis Bank, J&K Bank, Canara Bank, State Bank of India, they do not charge any fees. Also in large cities you can pay with a card in shops, restaurants and hotels (not all). If you travel outside the metropolis, put the card away. In India, you must take cash with you everywhere. In my experience, it is more profitable to have several cards; I have 3 of them from one bank: 2 Visa and 1 MasterCard. Each card is linked to a ruble, dollar and euro account. You can transfer money from one currency to another, and in case of loss there is always a spare card. People who travel to India for the first time often ask: is it possible to bring cash in rubles or a card with a ruble account? No and no again! Take only dollars or euros with you. If the trip is short and has only 1 destination (for example, you are traveling on a package tour for 10 days), take cash dollars with you, store them in the hotel safe and change them at a favorable rate. If you are traveling for a long time, break the entire amount into several parts: a small amount of cash for the first time, the rest - by cards. Everything is in currency only.

Moving around the country

The transport system in India is quite well developed both between cities and within them. The only thing that is required of the traveler is to forget the word “comfortable” and remember that he is in India!

Between cities

The main advantage of traveling in India is the budget. The choice of transport is quite large, and the prices are very low!

Here are the approximate prices for all three modes of transport on the Goa-Mumbai route:

Train: sleeper class $6.2 (423 rupees), 11 hours travel time.
Bus: $8.8 (600 rupees), 12 hours travel time.
Airplane: $23.7 (1600 rupees), 1.5 hours travel time.

Inside the city

You can get around the city not only by taxi. We continue to immerse ourselves in Indian life.

Car for rent

Many travelers dream of renting a car in India and driving it around the country. This desire especially often arises among people who are afraid or do not know how to drive a scooter or motorcycle. It may seem that renting a car is an excellent solution, suitable for a large company, and will provide comfort and safety. Definitely yes. In any other country, but not in India. Here are a few reasons why renting a car is inconvenient and difficult:

If you plan to travel by car from point A to point B, then you intend to pick up and drop off the vehicle in different places. Planning your route won't be easy. For example, the most common option is traveling from Delhi to: it’s easy to find a car at a large rental office in the capital, but most likely there won’t be a return point.
Most companies providing car rentals are private and small. Don't expect good service from them. The car may be in poor technical condition. But the price here is lower than in international rental companies.
Traffic on Indian roads is fundamentally different from Russia. There are fewer cars here than bikes. And this is understandable - the roads are narrow, crowded, and there are no parking spaces. On Indian roads, equal participants in traffic are not only cars and bikes, but also pedestrians, cows, rickshaws, carts... The larger the city, the crazier the traffic in it.
When traveling across different states, problems with the police may arise. License plates from another state are immediately obvious - you will be stopped more often, and if you do not have an international license, then you will have to pay a fine at each checkpoint.

When renting a vehicle from a private office, you most likely will not be asked for any documents. Maximum passport and driver's license. You can leave a copy with the owner, but never give the original! You should also not leave money as collateral. If there is any damage to your car or motorcycle, it is better to take photographs in advance so that in the future the owner does not blame other people’s mistakes on you.

Most tourists prefer to rent two-wheelers. It is cheaper, more maneuverable and more practical. If you get into an accident on a bike, it will be much cheaper to repair than a car. On my own behalf, I can recommend taking a car for a trip around one state (maximum with a stop in neighboring ones). For example, take a car and go along the beaches, go to a waterfall or to. For daily rental, you can rent a car from $15 (1000 rupees) per day. You can view car rental offers here.

Connection

Language and communication

I never tire of repeating: India is amazing country! Where else can you find a state where the language of each state is unique? Indians from the north may not understand Indians from the south. State languages India's languages are Hindi and English. But believe me, not all Indians speak or understand at least one of them. There are 447 languages and 2 thousand dialects in the country. 22 languages are official and used by various state governments. Newspapers, radio, books - everything is published not only in Hindi or English, but also in the language of the state. However, tourists have nothing to fear. In large tourist places, restaurant menus, signs, and signs are in English. IN big cities many speak English.

10 phrases in Hindi

There is no need to specifically learn Hindi before traveling to India: it is used in the north of the country and is not at all useful in the south. Memorize a few phrases in Hindi. They will not only help you out in a difficult situation, but will help you earn respect in the eyes of the local population. Just a couple of expressions will show that you are not an indifferent tourist, but an interested traveler. This way you can get a good discount on your purchase.

Hello! (Goodbye!) = Namaskar! (Namaste!)
My name is... = Measure us... hai.
What's your name? = Apka kya nam hai?
Help me please. = Kripaya, mujhe madad dijiye.
How to get to... = ... So kaise smelly ja sakta hai?
How much does it cost? What about that? = Is (us) wale ka bhav kya hai?
Very (too) expensive. = Bara mahaga hai.
Give in on price.=- Bhav kuchh kam kijiye.
Thank you very much for everything! = Sab kuchh ke liye dhanyavad!
Sorry = Mafi magta hu.

Features of mentality

Many who have visited India agree on the local population - Indians are like children. Naive, kind, open, cheerful, noisy... it's all about them. What characteristics do Indians have that strikes foreigners the most?

Food and drink

Indian cuisine is mostly vegetarian and very spicy. Fish and seafood can be found in abundance only in large seaside resorts (Kerala). All restaurants are divided into vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In big cities you can find both. But even inveterate meat eaters do not suffer from vegetables and fruits in India. In this heat it is much easier to live without meat than in Russia. Moreover, Indian vegetarian cuisine is so diverse and rich that you won’t miss cutlets.

Spices come into play here huge role. It is very difficult to find a non-spicy and non-spicy dish. You can repeat “no spice” to the waiter like a mantra, but the chances that they will bring you something completely without spices are extremely small. The solution is to study the main dishes in advance and choose the least spicy ones, eat in places designed for tourists. Finding European, so-called “continental” cuisine in India is not difficult at all. Pizza, burgers, pasta, steaks are present on any menu of a large restaurant (we are not talking about the Indian outback). In shopping centers in food courts you can easily find cafes familiar to our stomachs. But for lovers of everything authentic, I strongly recommend eating in local restaurants and on the street. Yes, yes! People don't die from street food! It's very cheap and really tasty. In an unsightly cafe with dirty furniture, a crowd of grimy workers sits and greedily devours something? Get there immediately! The local population eats rice, flatbreads, vegetable and bean dips. All local fast food is deep fried. You can have a snack anywhere. From morning until late at night, small tea shops are open, serving the famous masala tea. You can also taste local dishes there. You can have a snack on the street for $0.3-0.4 (20-30 rupees), a hearty lunch in a local cafe will cost $1.5 (100 rupees), a meal in a tourist area - from $4.4 (300 rupees) and ad infinitum.

Indian cuisine varies depending on the region. In the north, non-vegetarian dishes predominate, with more bread products, in the west - fish and seafood, in the south - vegetarian dishes with rice and coconut. Indian sweets deserve special attention. They are served not only in restaurants, but also sold in abundance in markets. Be sure to try it! The main ingredients of Indian cuisine: rice, legumes, vegetables, dairy products.

Drinks

Bottled water is sold everywhere and costs $0.3 (20 rupees) per liter. Local cafes will place a jug of filtered water in front of you for free. There is also soda water - Soda, which is drunk with lemon, sugar or salt. It costs a penny.

The best milk drink is lassi. Served in any cafe and sold in bags in stores. It can be sweet, salty and with the addition of any fruit. A simple sweet lassi is most reminiscent of our snowball drink. Be sure to try it in all forms, I especially recommend it with mango.
Masala tea. A national drink that we can talk about forever. Incredibly sweet tea (almost syrup) with milk and spices. The most delicious one is sold on the street and costs $0.2 (5-10 rupees).

Freshly squeezed juices. In shekis on the seashore they can be very expensive (up to $3 (200 rupees). Look for specialized juice centers (found in any major cities or tourist areas). Prices per glass start from $0.4 (30 rupees). You will get fresh thick juice from any exotic fruit.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

The main rule of shopping in Indian style is bargaining, bargaining and bargaining again. You can bargain everywhere, except in places with fixed prices. Don't be afraid to offer your low price. If the seller does not agree to your offer, walk away and think a little about how much you need the product. In 90% of cases, the merchant will catch up with you and agree to give you the item cheaper.

Most often they sell cheap consumer goods on the street. Don't hesitate to offer a low price for it. Don’t take a lot of things on your trip; everything you need can be bought on the spot. It’s not a pity to leave such things for one season and safely throw them away, knowing that you spent a little money on the purchase. In any shop you will find T-shirts from $1.5 (100 rupees), harem pants from $1.5-2 (100-150 rupees), long skirts from $2 (150 rupees), shirts with long and short sleeves - from $3 (200 rupees). These clothes are great for hot climates. In the northern regions, warm woolen items are sold: sweaters, jackets, hats, socks. All this is also inexpensive.

If you want branded items, go to shopping malls. During the season, prices do not differ from Russian ones; you can have a blast at sales. Discounts take place at the same time as ours - at the end of December and in June-July.

Best cities for shopping

If you're looking for a traditional shopping experience with hours of walking around malls and stopping for lunch at McDonald's, you'll certainly enjoy cities like Delhi, Delhi. Well, if you are a hunter for rare goods, then study the map of India - in each of its regions you can find something special. In the state of Himachal Pradesh in the Kullu Valley, small weaving factories make shawls and scarves of excellent quality. Only natural, very warm materials are used. The design of the products is ethnic, but you can also find options for Russian everyday wear. The price of shawls starts from $50. There are also many Tibetan shops in the north (they are found throughout the country, but in the north the choice and prices are better). There you can find silver jewelry: massive necklaces, bracelets, rings with natural stones. Popular among tourists are singing bowls for meditation, incense, various antiques and Tibetan blankets made of yak wool.

Rajasthan (especially) is famous for its silver and natural stone products. Prices for jewelry here are some of the best in the country. Sarees are made by hand from silk and other natural fabrics. famous for its Ayurvedic medicines and herbal cosmetics. In the tourist market there are several colorful markets where you can buy all the souvenirs at once, at the same time see the vibrant crowd, listen to music and eat delicious food. On Wednesdays there is a day market in the village of Anjuna, on Fridays in the district center in Mapsa, and on Saturdays there is a night market in Arpora. All elephants, spices, tea, magnets in one place.

What to bring from this country

I offer a list of necessary and high-quality goods that you should not be ashamed to bring from India.

All these goods can be exported from the country without any problems. The total baggage weight depends on your airline. As a rule, charters provide up to 20 kg and 7 kg hand luggage. Local airlines are not so generous - no more than 15 kg of luggage. Check the information before departure to avoid getting into an unpleasant situation with an advantage.

Holidays with children

India is a country for active travelers. Temperature changes, long journeys between settlements on not the most comfortable transport, noise and dirt of local cities are not very suitable for traveling with children. Much more acceptable for small vacationers would be a vacation at one of the Indian resorts far from dusty cities. and are perfect for relaxing with children of all ages. Travelers go with their entire families on vacation or for a six-month winter stay in these states.
Choose beaches to stay with small waves. Mothers and babies live in the area of Mandrem and Ashvem, in Kerala on the Kovalam beach and. It is better to rent housing as close to the beach as possible. Russian-language kindergartens and schools opened by our compatriots have been operating in tourist places for a long time.

If you are planning a trip for a short period of time, here are some tips to help you not ruin your vacation:

Even if you are traveling in a package, take care of quality medical insurance for your child. Read the entire agreement.
Prepare a first aid kit with you. Take medicines for emergencies and those that the child cannot do without. Everything else can be purchased locally.
The sun in India is dangerous. Always apply cream to your baby high degree protection. The creams here are expensive, and the choice is not large. Take a good cream from a high-quality pharmacy brand from home. Do not let your child go out during the daytime without a hat.
You don't have to worry about nutrition. It is easy to find fresh dairy products, fruits, and vegetables in stores and markets. If you eat in a cafe, there are always soups, cereals, and non-spicy foods for children. Don't take juices with ice! Children are often poisoned by them (the ice may be of poor quality) or catch a cold.
It is better not to take small children on excursions; most often the journey takes a lot of energy and effort. Older children will love the waterfalls in.
Come only during high season. After February it becomes very stuffy and hot.

5 things you must do in this country

Nearby countries

India borders Pakistan, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. It has maritime borders with Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Maldives. Apart from the islands, Nepal is of greatest interest to the traveler. This is where they most often go after a long exploration of hot India. Some people specifically make double entry visas to see Nepal and return back to India, while others use a trip to neighboring country as an opportunity to open a new Indian visa.

You can get there by land and by air. The first option is more budget-friendly, but not complicated. There are several border crossings between the countries:

Sanali (India) - Belakhiya (Nepal)
Raxaul (India) - Birganj ()
Banbasa (India) - Mahendranagar ()

The first one is the most convenient for travelers. You can get to Sanali point as follows: take a train to the city of Gorakhpur, then change to a bus to Sanali. You can get a visa right at the border. To do this, you need to have a couple of photographs and 40 dollars, which will open your way to Nepal for 30 days. A 15-day visa costs $25, and a 90-day visa costs $100. The easiest way to get to Nepal by plane is through Delhi. In this case, it is better to fill out the form on the website. Attach a photo to it and send it. Immediately after this you will receive a receipt form with your number. Print it out and present it at the border. That's it!

Anything to add?