India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east, India has a coastline of 7,517 kilometres (4,700 mi). It is bordered by Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
Home to the Indus Valley Civilisation and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Four major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated here, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium CE and shaped the region's diverse culture. Gradually annexed by the British East India Company from the early eighteenth century and colonised by the United Kingdom from the mid-nineteenth century, India became an independent nation in 1947 after a struggle for independence that was marked by widespread non-violent resistance.
India is a republic consisting of 28 states and seven union territories with a parliamentary system of democracy. It has the world's twelfth largest economy at market exchange rates and the fourth largest in purchasing power. Economic reforms since 1991 have transformed it into one of the fastest growing economies; however, it still suffers from poverty, illiteracy, disease, and malnutrition. A pluralistic, multilingual, and multiethnic society, India is also home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats.
http://www.incredibleindia.org/newsite/cms_page.asp?pageid=798
Requirements for Visa:
Generally the following documents are required for obtaining Indian Visa. However, the requirement may vary from country to country.
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months
- Visa fee
- Two passport size photographs
- Supporting documents, where necessary
- Duly completed application form
A well-knit and coordinated system of transport plays an important role in the sustained economic growth of a country. India has a well-developed transport network comprising rail, road, coastal shipping, air transport etc.
The total length of roads in India is over 30 lakh kms including both metalled and unmettaled roads. In terms of road length, India has one of the largest road networks in the world. The national highways account for less than 2% of the total road network but carry 40% of the movement of goods and passengers.
The total rail route length is about 63,000 km and of this 13,000 km is electrified. The railways carry over 11 million passengers and 11 Lakh tones of goods everyday.
India has a long coastline, about 90% of sea borne trade is handled via major ports of Kandla, Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Marmagao, Cochin, Tuticorin, Chennai, Vishakapatnam, Paradwip, Haldia, Goa and Kolkata.
Air travel is a fastest means to reach in any part of the world. Domestic air services is looked after by Indian airlines and private airlines while the international airport service is looked after by Air India. Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi are the four major international airports of India
Climate
The climate of India defies easy generalisation, comprising a wide range of weather conditions across a large geographic scale and varied topography. Analysed according to the Köppen system, India hosts six major climatic subtypes, ranging from desert in the west, to alpine tundra and glaciers in the north, to humid tropical regions supporting rainforests in the southwest and the island territories. Many regions have starkly different microclimates. The nation has four seasons: winter (January and February), summer (March to May), a monsoon (rainy) season (June to September), and a post-monsoon period (October to December).
Sightseeing
Tourism is the largest service industry in India, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India. India witnesses more than 5 million annual foreign tourist arrivals and 562 million domestic tourism visits. The tourism industry in India generated about US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate. The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the development and promotion of tourism in India and maintains the "Incredible India" campaign.
Four must see Tourism Places in India: New Delhi, Agra, Goa and Kerela
The heart and soul of India-New Delhi is a city with magnetic attraction. Every nook and corner of the city of Delhi seems like narrating the incidents of the bygone era. Delhi was a witness of every scar India has suffered from time-to-time. New Delhi has seen the struggle of the Indians to regain their freedom, New Delhi has felt the rays of rising sun on the first morning of freedom and now New Delhi stands proudly as a symbol of the strength, achievements and aspirations of us Indians. New Delhi should be your first tourism destination if you want to understand India & Indians deeply.
If there is one place in the riveting diversity of India where there is tangible beauty and a phenomenal thing like total literacy, it is in Kerala. Kerala is a state full of good things. This small state at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula is an easy winner owing to its beautiful landscape, intriguing customs, high-intensity cultural life and an educated public so often dressed in white. From Kasargode to Thiruvananthapuram, the state in choc-a-bloc with places that attract tourists and travellers from all over the world.
Wish to realize a dream vacation? Welcome to the amazing tourism city of the TajMahal - Agra, India. The seat of the great Mughal rulers for ages Agra, India offers its treasure trove for all the tourists from India and abroad. Even though Agra, India is synonymous with the Taj, the city stands in testimony to the great amount of architectural activity of the Mughals. TajMahal is the epitome of love, poem in white marble, one of the Seven Wonders of the World besides being the pride of India. In fact all the monuments of Agra, India have contributed to Agra Tourism.
Goa is definitely the best tourist place for India. "The pearl of the east," Goa is known for its Gothic churches, crumbling forts, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, bubbly folk music?the list is endless! With its 131-km-long coastline, Goa is an important locale in every tourist's itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa trip is a perfect heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation. Goa Beach Resorts always add to the fun. Christian Pilgrimage tours to Goa are extremely popular. Besides pilgrimages Goa is famous for honeymoons also. Goa, honeymoon packages are extremely popular with Indians. Goa, honeymoon packages cater to the needs of the tourists with varying budgets.
Time zone
GMT+7
Language
Three contact languages have played an important role in the history of India: Persian, English, and Portuguese
Essentials
Electricity & Voltage
Electricity in India is 240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. You will require a voltage converter if you are carrying a device that does not accept 240 Volts at 50 Hertz. To adjust your device according to the power and voltage in India, the following three types of Voltage converters may be used
Helpful Numbers
Crime Reporting & Police 100, Fire and Medical Service 101.