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The diverse country and Republic of India is the world’s
biggest democracy. It is home to one of the oldest civilizations
in the world. Nepal lies to the north, Burma and Bangladesh to
the east, China to the north-east, and Pakistan to the west.
India ’s largest cities are Bombay, Calcutta, Bangalore, Madras, Ahmedabad and Kanpur .
Travel Insurance for India :
Area: Worldwide exc. USA / Canada**
Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for India
The country is filled with
contrasts. The land can offer anything from sunny beaches in
the south, to desert in the west, to snow-peaked mountains, and
anything inbetween. You might see snake charmers or camels. The
country is also rich in natural resources.
The national name, and Hindi word for India , is Bharat. Despite
the poverty, overpopulation, and pollution, it remains a popular
destination for travellers – whether seeking spiritual
enlightenment, to be at one with nature, to visit Bollywood,
or whatever reason, there is something in India to delight and
inspire all visitors. Bollywood, the Indian equivalent of Hollywood
in the world’s biggest movie industry by the amount of
films made each year. It is located in the state of Mumbai.
In the north there are the majestic snow covered Himalayas
, some of the highest mountains in the world, with winter sports
like skiing. Kashmir , among other places, is located at the
foot of the Himalayas. All the other sports associated with mountain
living are also available, such as mountaineering, trekking,
and river rafting. Other states in the north include Rajasthan,
Delhi , Uttar Pradesh and Punjab . The Rajasthan area is mostly
desert with unpleasant temperatures in the summer, up to fifty
degrees. There are temples and palaces, pilgrimage destinations,
and of course the famous Taj Mahal. |
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Located at Agra , which is approximately 90 minutes by fast
train from New Delhi , the Taj Mahal ( Crown Palace ) marble
tomb is a huge tourist attraction. It was built in 1631 by the
5 th Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, for the memory of his 2 nd wife.
The Portuguese ruled the small southern state of Goa until
1961. It is famous for its sunny beaches, laid back lifestyle
and great seafood.
In the eastern part of India , known for its tea plantations,
there are many smaller states, including Assam and Darjeeling
. The East India Company was established by the British in Calcutta
. The area also contains forests and wildlife, including tigers
and rhinos. There are Buddhist monasteries, lakes and deer.
For those seeking an active trip, trekking is popular. Skiing
is limited, but available from approx. Jan-March. You can swim
in Goa , but for SCUBA diving and snorkelling the islands in
the Bay of Bengal are best. White water rafting or camel trekking
is also available in certain areas.
Remember to check on and observe expected etiquette when visiting
any spiritual locations, such as taking off shoes, covering the
head, etc.
CLIMATE
AND WEATHER
India's climate varies from temperate in the northern area
to tropical monsoon in the south. The country has 3 main seasons:
summer, winter and monsoon.
LINKS
www.tourisminindia.com
India's government tourism web site for hotels, tours and travel
information.
www.tourindia.com
Welcome to India - a land for all seasons. Visit and Explore
India.
Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure this information
is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy.
* Inclusion on this guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in this country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries for which the F.C.O. advise against travel to.
** At the time of writing, the F.C.O. advised against travel to countries, or areas thereof, marked thus at the time of writing. Travel Insurance is not available in areas where the F.C.O. advise against travel to.
You are strongly advised to visit the F.C.O. web site for up to date information and general travel advice before you travel.
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