Area

Geography

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 kilometers (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.

Climate

India is such a huge country that all kinds of climate exist. The hottest time of year is the summer, from April until June. The heat begins to build up in February, and by April temperatures regularly top 40°C. Relief comes in May when the monsoon arrives, bringing afternoon thunderstorms. From June until October expect plenty of rain and humidity. This is India's low travel season, but in the northern mountains it's a wonderful time of year.

Visa

For our citizens visa is required!

Custom

Visitors over 17 are allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, 2 litres of alcohol and up to 60ml of perfume without incurring a duty tax. All visitors to India bringing laptop computers or special video and camera equipment are required to fill out a Tourist Baggage Re-Export Form provided at the airport. When you depart India this form proves that you didn't purchase the equipment in India.

Sightseeing

India has so many highlights it's simply impossible to touch on them all. Each region has dozens of world-class historical sites, religious temples and fascinating cities worth exploring at length. The best strategy for travelling in India is to allow plenty of time and focus on one or two regions. Whether it's the Taj Mahal in the north or the Kerala Backwaters in the south, you are guaranteed the journey of your life.

Delhi

Behind the startling veneer of Delhi's poverty-stricken streets littered with cows, traffic jams and heart-wrenching beggars is a city rich in cultural diversity, intriguing architecture and great food. Old Delhi is the place to find the most adventure wandering its labyrinthine streets and gawking at its ancient temples and colourful bazaars. New Delhi, by contrast, is a land of gleaming skyscrapers and broad orderly boulevards.

Ajanta Caves

These ancient Buddhist caves dating back to 200 BC are one of India's many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Located in Ajanta, the temples – cut out of the rock face – are in incredibly good condition considering their age. The walls are adorned with pristine religious paintings depicting various aspects of early Buddhism in India. The caves are a bit out of the way, but that's what makes them so special.

Jaisalmer Fort

India's liveliest fortress was built in 1156, but around 25 per cent of Jaisalmer's local population still resides within its mazelike streets, giving it a special feel. Massive stone gates provide entry into a timeless world of colourful shops bedecked with brilliant cloth, mirrored tiles and amazing handicrafts. Head to the top of the fort and you'll get panoramic views of entire valley.

Kolkata (Calcutta)

India's third-largest city is a seething metropolis on the rise. The capital of West Bengal is a fascinating city to explore for its crumbling British colonial architecture, chaotic markets and heady community of artists, writers and political activists. If you can handle the snarling traffic, suffocating pollution and depth of poverty you will find many hidden treasures in this culture-heavy Indian city.

Mumbai (Bombay)

The home of Bollywood is everything you'd expect it to be. Shopping malls featuring the latest fashions rise out of a surprisingly Victorian cityscape dotted with green parks, some of the most interesting street life in India, and an incredible array of traditional bazaars. Head down to Chowpatty beach on the Arabian Sea to and watch families enjoying a day off, or catch a cricket match at the legendary Oval Maiden grounds. This is modern India at its finest.

Taj Mahal

One of the world's most perfectly designed structures is as surreal as you'd imagine. Built as a monument to love by Shah Jahan in 1631, the symmetry of the architecture is perfect. Although it's always crowded, the best time to visit is at sunset, when the white marble gradually fades from gold to pink and then blue.

Hit the beach for a reminder that India isn't all just heat and dust. India is a giant peninsula, with thousands of kilometres of coastline and some of the world's finest beaches. The southern regions are where most of the action is found, especially at the renowned beach town of Goa. Despite its hip and laid-back reputation, Goa boasts some of India's most exclusive seaside resorts such as Aguada. Kerala's best beach is Kovalam, while Chennai's Marina Beach is the second-longest in the world. Near Mumbai you can escape to Juhu or Chowpatty.