Rajasthan is a northern Indian state bordering Pakistan. Its palaces and forts are reminders of the many kingdoms that historically vied for the region. In its capital, Jaipur (the “Pink City”), are the 18th-century City Palace and Hawa Mahal, a former cloister for royal women, fronted by a 5-story pink-sandstone screen. Amer Fort, atop a nearby hill, was built by a Rajput prince in the early 1600s.
| PLACES COVERED | Delhi–Agra–Jaipur– Jodhpur–Ranakpur–Udaipur–Khumbalgarh–Udaipur– Varanasi–Delhi | ||||||
| DURATION OF TRIP | 11 NIGHTS/12 DAYS | ||||||
| MINIMUM REQUIRED | 2 PAX | ||||||
| ACCOMMODATION | BUDGET ACCOMMODATION | ||||||
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | PICKUP DELHI /DROP VARANASI | ||||||
| RETURN TIME | Approximately 6:30 PM/Depends on onward Journey | ||||||
| WEAR | Comfortable athletic clothing, sunscreen. | ||||||
| BASIC INCLUSION |
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| BASIC EXCLUSION |
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Day 01: Arrive Delhi
On arrival Delhi Airport at night, meet & great with tour representative later transfer to you at pre-booked hotel in Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi City Tour
After breakfast Explore Delhi visit:
The morning after breakfast proceeds to Delhi city tour and visit:
Red Fort: Delhi’s most famous monument, the Red Fort, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometers (1.2 miles), were built in 1638 to keep out invaders. However, they failed to stop the fort being captured by the Sikhs and the British. (Note: Red Fort remain Closed on every Monday)
Jamia Masjid:-Jama Masjid is another marvelous treasure of the Old City, and is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can hold an incredible 25,000 devotees. The mosque took 13 years to build and was completed in 1650. A strenuous climb to the top of its southern tower will reward you with a stunning view across the rooftops of Delhi.
Humayun’s Tomb:-If you think Humayun’s Tomb looks a bit like the TajMahal in Agra, that’s because it was the inspiration for the Tajmahal’s creation. The tomb was built in 1570 and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun.
Lotus Temple:-The Bahai Temple is commonly referred to as the Lotus Temple, as it’s shaped like a lotus flower. It’s particularly pretty at night when it’s attractively lit up. Made out of white marble, the temple belongs to the Bahai Faith, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions. (Note:-Lotus Temple remains Closed on every Monday)
Qutub Minar:-Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, is an incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture. It was built in 1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others say it was used to call the faithful to prayer.
India Gate:-The towering archway of India Gate at the center of New Delhi is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I.
Laxmi Narayan Temple:-Built in 1938 by the Industrialist G.D. Birla, it is one of the major temples in Delhi and is located near Connaught Place. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and her consort Narayana.
Later return to the hotel, Stay overnight at Hotel in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi / Agra
After breakfast proceed to Agra upon arrival check-in to the hotel, later visit:
Taj Mahal:- You cannot think of Agra without thinking of TajMahal. Or, you might not have thought of Agra were it not for the monument of love. TajMahal, the white marble beauty was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, MumtazMahal. (Note:- Taj Mahal remain Closed on every Friday)
Agra Fort: -You would regret if you miss Agra Fort during your visit to Agra. The 16th-century monument is yet another proof of the architectural brilliance of Mughals. This is situated near the gardens of the world famous TajMahal.
Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah:- is a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Often described as a “jewel box”, sometimes called the “Baby Tāj”, the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Tāj Mahal.
Later return to the hotel, overnight stay in Agra.
Day 04: Agra to Jaipur visit via Fatehpur Sikri visit
The morning after breakfast leave Agra for Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan also known as ‘pink city’ visit en-routed at ‘Fatehpur Sikri’ near Agra towards to the Jaipur way:
Fatehpur Sikri:-Built by Akbar, the Mughal emperor in 1570, the city was a tribute to Sufi Saint. Fatehpur Sikri is a perfect blend of Indian, Islamic and Persian architecture and it was built using red sandstone. For around 10 years, the city remained the capital of the Mughal Empire.
Later proceed to Jaipur on arrival in Jaipur can also visit some places in Jaipur:
HawaMahal:-built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with overhanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture.
Jantar Mantar:-built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonry instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provides accurate time, which is subject to daily corrections.
City Palace:-situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one-seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the center, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city.
Later check-in to the hotel in Jaipur. Stay overnight at Hotel in Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur City Tour
Today after breakfast proceed to sightseeing in Jaipur to following places:
Amer Fort:- Visit in Amber Fort, Complex. The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces.
JalMahal:-On the way to Amer, this small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Renovation around the lake is in progress.
Albert Hall Museum:- situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces.
Later you are free for the market visit in Jaipur closed to the pink city area, later return to the hotel, Stay overnight at Hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 06: Jaipur to Jodhpur
The morning after breakfast proceeds to Jodhpur upon arrival check-in to the hotel and overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 07: Jodhpur tour – Ranakpur
Early morning after breakfast proceeds to Jodhpur city tour and visit to: –
Mehrangarh Fort:-It is one among the largest Indian forts. This invincible fort stands magnificently 400 feet above the city. Rao Jodha constructed the fort in 1459 AD.
Ummaid Bhawan Palace:-Construction of Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum was started in the year 1929 and it was completed in 1943. The palace is situated on the highest point in the city. The 347-roomed massive palace is named one of the largest private residences in the world.
Jaswant Thada:-Jaswant Thada was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, the Second in the year 1899. This is close to Mehrangarh Fort. The tranquility of the marble construction is enchanting. The carvings are intricate. Inside Jaswant Thada, you will find the portraits of the Rathore rulers.
Later continues drive to Ranakpur. “Ranakpur is a village located in Desuri tehsil near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan in western India. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur”, upon arrival check-in to the hotel, overnight stay at hotel in Ranakpur.
Day 08: Ranakpur tour – Udaipur
Early morning after breakfast check-out from the hotel and visit some important places in Ranakpur:
Ranakpur Jain Temple– The Jain temples in Ranakpur are dedicated to Lord Adinath who was the first Tirthankar of Jains. Ranakpur is one of the f most important pilgrim sites for Jains.
The Chamukha (four faced) temple – It is located in a huge complex and is the main temple. This temple is dedicated to Adinathji, revered among Jains as the first Tirthankara (saint). This temple…
Surya Narayan temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is frequented by the devotees of Lord Surya Narayan. It is the popular attraction among the tourists for the number of wall stills in a circular motion. There is also a sight of Surya driving his chariot with seven horses.
A later straight drive to Udaipur, upon arrival check-in to the hotel, later evening spend time at the Lake Pichola:
Lake Pichola: Surrounded by hills, gardens, temples, and Havelis, Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful lakes in India and a much sought-after tourist attraction in Udaipur. The famous Lake Palace hotel is situated in the middle of Lake Pichola and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
Later return to the hotel, overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur – Khumbalgarh – Udaipur same day tour
Early morning after breakfast visit to the important place in Udaipur:
City Palace: A palace complex built by Maharana Udai Singh, the City Palace is grandeur personified. A conglomeration of several buildings with towers, balconies, and cupolas built all over, the City Palace also houses a crystal gallery, which boasts of royal artifacts and the world’s largest private collection of crystal.
Fatehsagar Lake, built by MaharanaFateh Singh in 1754 A.D. Also visit the Jagdish Temple, the largest and most venerated temple of Udaipur. Fateh Sagar Lake, Solar Observatory of Udaipur is considered as the best solar observing site in India.
Later drive to Khumbalgarh for the same day return tour. Kumbhalgarh fort is a Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand district near Udaipur of Rajasthan state in western India. It is a World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
Upon arrival in Khumbalgarh visit to: –
Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the five hill forts of Rajasthan that were declared the UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. It is situated in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan and lies 82 kilometers northwest of the city of Udaipur.
Badal Mahal is also a part of the main fort. It is divided into two sections: Zanana and Mardana Halls for ladies and men respectively. The architecture of both these sections is astounding. Also, the view of the surrounding area from the top of the tower is spellbinding.
Mahadev Ji Temple – This temple is right below the Kumbhalgarh Fort. It had four huge slabs with inscriptions on them, but these have been transferred to the Udaipur museum.
Later after sightseeing return to the Udaipur, overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.
Day 10: Udaipur – Varanasi by flight via Delhi
Early morning after breakfast day free later in the early afternoon check out from hotel transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi Airport meet & greet with tour representative later transfer to you at pre-booked hotel in Varanasi. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
Day 11: Varanasi Tour
Wake up early morning for start tour with a Boat ride at Sunrise time on Ganges river and also can visit the holy places in Varanasi:-
AssiGhat:-AsiGhat, the Ghat located at the confluence of Assi River and the holy Ganges, is the southernmost Ghat in Kashi. The Ghat is renowned for a spectacular and large Shiva Lingam placed under a Peepal Tree.
DashaswamedhGhat:-DashaswamedhGhat, a much acclaimed religious spot, is very favorite among the Hindu devotees and is considered as the main Ghat. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed his victorious Dasa_Ashwamedha (ten-horses) sacrifice in this spot.
Later back to the hotel for breakfast and then afternoon visit to: –
Annapoorna Devi Temple:-Annapurna or Annapoorna is the Hindu Goddess of nourishment. Anna means food and grains. Purna means full, complete and perfect. She is a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. The most well-known temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna is in Varanasi, U.P India.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple:-Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Benaras, the Holiest Place of Hindus (and center of earth in Hindu Cosmology) where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage and if possible pour the remains (ashes) of cremated ancestors here on the River Ganges.
Evening visit Ganga Aarti. Stay overnight at hotel in Varanasi.
Day 12: Sarnath Excursion trip – Flight to Delhi – Departure transfer
The morning after breakfast visit to the Sarnath trip Sarnath is the main place to visit while on tour around Varanasi. A much-sacred pilgrimage and tourist spot in the country. Sarnath is only 10 km away from Varanasi. It is one of the four most significant Buddhist pilgrimage places in India.
Sarnath Buddhist Temple:-There are a number of twentieth-century Buddhist temples in Sarnath. Many of these Buddhist temples at Sarnath are built and maintained by monks from Tibet, China and Japan but the main Buddhist temple is the MulagandhakutiVihar.
Sarnath Museum:-Sarnath has yielded a rich collection of sculptures, artifacts, and edifices comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images and other ancient remains. To house all the findings and excavations at Sarnath, the Archaeological Survey of India established a site Museum at Sarnath.
Pillars of Ashoka:-The pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the northern Indian subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed by the Mauryan king Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century BCE. Originally, there must have been many pillars but only nineteen survive with inscriptions.
Early evening transfer to the airport in Varanasi to board the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi airport, you have an international flight to the onward destination for fly back home.
PRICES BASED ON BUDGET ACCOMMODATION FOR UPGRADE PLEASE EMAIL
General Inclusion:
For India:-
- A safe and comfortable air-conditioned Car with driver, all inclusive. (Fuel, road and state taxes, toll fees, parking fees, Insurance for Customer & Driver and driver’s food and lodging).
- The car will be with you from your arrival to departure with as many stops to sight see as you want.
- A Driver with excellent skills and record, a good knowledge of the area you are visiting and sufficient English to communicate.
- Transfers and land transportation according to itinerary.
- Accommodation Double or Twin rooms with Bed and Breakfast at all hotels.
- Sightseeing Tours in All Cities as per the above tour plan.
- All sightseeing with Private Transport.
- Udaipur to Varanasi by Flight
- All Aplicacable Taxes.
PRICES BASED ON BUDGET ACCOMMODATION FOR UPGRADE PLEASE EMAIL
- General Exclusion:
- Tips, laundry, telephone bills, luggage handling and Beverages.
- Meals unless specified: Lunch or dinner
- Entrances tickets to Monuments
VISA INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.
All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application link , in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa.
The duly signed physical copy of the application form completed in all respect and submitted successfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be seen at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions.
The applicants are also requested to visit website of the Indian Mission concerned for detailed information about Indian visa.
ONLINE VISA APPLICATION
All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through online application link. Or can apply by typing the URL: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ in the address bar of web browser, in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa. In either case, no hand written application form will be accepted by any of the Indian Mission/ Post, where-ever online Visa facility has been implemented. The application form completed in all respect and submitted succesfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post in absence of IVAC, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be refered at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions. If you have already applied online for Indian Visa online and want to know the status of your application,
VISA CATEGORIES
Government of India issues the following visas: Business Visa, Conference Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Employment Visa, Emergency Visa, Entry Visa, Journalist Visa, Medical Visa, Missionaries Visa, Permit to re-enter within 2 months, Research Visa, Student Visa, Tourist Visa, Transit Visa. Please follow the link for details on Visa Provision and supporting documents
VISA PROCESSING TIME
Upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the Indian Mission/ Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases.
PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
Online India Visa Application allows the Applicant to upload a digital photograph of self to complete the online visa application.
Guidelines/procedure to upload a digital photograph
The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:
Format – JPEG
Size
Minimum 10 KB
Maximum 300 KB
The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.
Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
Background should be plain light colored or white background.
No shadows on the face or on the background.
Without borders.
Make sure that photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin. Head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm). Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3.
FEE FOR INDIAN VISA
The visa fee depends upon the type of applied for and duration of visa. Visa fee is divided into various types depending upon the case viz; Basic fee, special fee, processing fee by out-sourcing agency. During the online registration process, at the end of the process the basic fee shall be displayed. However, this fee shall be indicative only and final fee shall be charged while submitting the application at the respective counters Fee once received are non-refundable even if the visa application is withdrawn, the visa is not granted, or if visa issued is of shorter duration of period than applied for or otherwise issued or returned at a time or on terms and conditions that may vary from those sought by the applicant. For further information on this, please check with local embassy office or Indian Visa Application center office or websites for information on applicable fee and payment methods.
VISA PROVISION
| Sl. No. | Type of Visa | Period for which granted | Entry – Single (S), Multiple (M), Double | Documents required with application | Extendable in India |
| 1 | Tourist | 180 days | M | – | No |
| 2 | Transit | 15 days | S/ Double | Return/ onward journey ticket | No |
| 3 | Business | 5 years | M | Documents to prove bonafide purpose (Company’s letter etc.) | Yes |
| 4 | Employment | 1 year/ period of contract | M | Proof of employment (appointment document), terms and conditions | Yes |
| 5 | Student | Period of course/ 5 years | M | Proof of admission in Indian Institution | Yes |
| 6 | Foreigners of Indian Origin | 5 years | M | Proof of being of Indian Origin | Yes |
INSTRUCTIONS
- Online application form:
This application form is meant for those foreigners who are applying for visa from outside India.
Each online application form is meant for one person only. Separate application has to be filed for each applicant.
Furnish information exactly in the manner asked for in the forms, especially the names, address and date of birth.
Applicants are required to verify the application details before submitting the online application. They have an option to save the online application form, in case it is not to be submitted.
Once the online application form is submitted by the applicant, then further modifications are not allowed. Hence applicants are requested to check and validate the details before submitting the online application form.
Applicants are requested to keep the Application Id (generated automatically after the submission of online form) for further communications.
- Appointment Scheduling:
Applicant can schedule the appointment as per his/ her convenience with the concerned Indian Mission.
Each applicant to schedule a separate appointment with the Indian Mission
- Process for filling up online application form:
Applicant shall access the Visa Application system online through the following link: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.
Applicant visits the above mentioned web link and selects the Indian Mission from where he intends to apply for the Visa from the tab “Select Mission”.
Applicant fills the application on-line as per the forms standardized by the Ministry.
After filling the form and submitting it, the system shall automatically generate a Application Id. Applicants are requested to keep this Application Id for further communications with the concerned Indian Mission.
System will automatically ask the Applicant for the following confirmation: “Select ‘Yes’ if the applicant want to seek appointment and make payment online or ‘No’ if the applicant just want to print the submitted application form.”
If the applicant response is “No”, then it is requested by the applicant to take the print out of the submitted online application form and approach the concerned Indian Mission for submission of the online form along with supporting documents.
If the response from applicant is “yes” then the system automatically takes the link to perform the following:
Selection of Date and Time of appointment at the concerned Indian Mission
Calculation of Visa fee, service charge, VAT etc. as applicable according to the Visa type
E Payment using service provider’s payment system
In case the facility of Appointment Scheduling and e-Payment is not available for the concerned Indian mission, then applicant has to take the printout of the online application form and visit the concerned Indian Mission to submit the same along with supporting documents and make the payment.
Indian Culture: Traditions and Customs of India
India’s culture is among the world,s oldest; civilization in India began about 4,500 years ago. Many sources describe it as “Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara” — the first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) organization.
Western societies did not always see the culture of India very favorably, according to Christina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Early anthropologists once considered culture as an evolutionary process, and ”every aspect of human development was seen as driven by evolution,” she told Live Science. “In this view, societies outside of Europe or North America, or societies that did not follow the European or Western way of life, were considered primitive and culturally inferior. Essentially this included all the colonized countries and people, such as African countries, India, and the Far East.”.
However, Indians made significant advances in architecture (Taj Mahal), mathematics (the invention of zero) and medicine (Ayurveda). Today, India is a very diverse country, with more than 1.2 billion people, according to the CIA World Factbook, making it the second most populous nation after China. Different regions have their own distinct cultures. Language, religion, food and the arts are just some of the various aspects of Indian culture. Here is a brief overview of the culture of India.
Language
India has 28 states and seven territories, according to the World Health Organization. There is no official language in India, according to a Gujarat High Court ruling in 2010. Many people living in India also write in Devanagari script. In fact, it is a misconception that the majority of people in India speak Hindi. Though many people speak Hindi in India, 59 percent of India residents speak something other than Hindi, according to The Times of India. Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu are some other languages spoken in the country.
Religion
India is identified as the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, the third and fourth largest religions. About 84 percent of the population identifies as Hindu, according to the “Handbook of Research on Development and Religion” Edited by Matthew Clarke (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013). There are many variations of Hinduism, and four predominant sects — Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakteya and Smarta.
About 13 percent of Indians are Muslim, making it one of the largest Islamic nations in the world. Christians and Sikhs make up a small percentage of the population, and there are even fewer Buddhists and Jains, according to the “Handbook.”
Food
When the Moghul Empire invaded during the sixteenth century, they left a significant mark on the Indian cuisine, according to Texas A&M University. Indian cuisine is also influenced by many other countries. It is known for its large assortment of dishes and its liberal use of herbs and spices. Cooking styles vary from region to region.
Wheat, Basmati rice and pulses with chana (Bengal gram) are important staples of the Indian diet. The food is rich with curries and spices, including ginger, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, dried hot peppers, and cinnamon, among others. Chutneys — thick condiments and spreads made from assorted fruits and vegetables such as tamarind and tomatoes and mint, cilantro and other herbs — are used generously in Indian cooking.
Many Hindus are vegetarians, but lamb and chicken are common in main dishes for non-vegetarians. The Guardian reports that between 20 percent and 40 percent of India’s population is vegetarian.
Much of Indian food is eaten with fingers or bread used as utensils. There is a wide array of breads served with meals, including naan, a leavened, oven-baked flatbread, and bhatoora, a fried, fluffy flatbread common in North India and eaten with chickpea curry.
Architecture and art
The most well-known example of Indian architecture is the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honor his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles. India also has many ancient temples.
India is well known for its film industry, which is often referred to as Bollywood. The country’s movie history began in 1896 when the Lumière brothers demonstrated the art of cinema in Mumbai, according to the Golden Globes. Today, the films are known for their elaborate singing and dancing.
Indian dance, music and theater traditions span back more than 2,000 years, according to Nilima Bhadbhade, author of “Contract Law in India” (Kluwer Law International, 2010). The major classical dance traditions — Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Kathakali — draw on themes from mythology and literature and have rigid presentation rules.
Clothing
Indian clothing is closely identified with the colorful silk saris worn by many of the country’s women. The traditional clothing for men is the dhoti, an unstitched piece of cloth that is tied around the waist and legs. Men also wear a kurta, a loose shirt that is worn about knee-length. For special occasions, men wear a sherwani, which is a long coat that is buttoned up to the collar and down to the knees. The Nehru jacket is a shorter version of a sherwani.
Customs and celebrations
The country celebrates Republic Day (Jan. 26), Independence Day (Aug. 15) and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday (Oct. 2). Diwali is the largest and most important holiday to India, according to National Geographic. It is a five-day festival known as the festival of lights because of the lights lit during the celebration to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. Holi, the festival of colors, also called the festival of love, is popular in the spring.
Weather
India is situated in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan.
The climate in India varies from a tropical monsoon climate in the south to a temperate climate in the north. If you are thinking of Visiting Delhi (the capital of India) then best to visit it in October, November, February and March. That’s when the nights are cool and the days are filled with a little sunshine. May, June and July are very hot with temperatures over 45 degrees (113 Fahrenheit). It is a dry heat and is sometimes accompanied by dusty desert winds. Most of the rain falls between July and September but they are not the tropical rains you’ll experience in India’s coastal cities.
- International flights are not included and need to be purchased separately.
- Domestic flights are included as noted in the itinerary & their inclusions.
- Tipping and gratuities (Guides/Driver) are not included in the package and are at your own discretion (as a guide, approx. US$5-10 per person, per day is the industry. standard).
- The check-in baggage limit for domestic flights is 15 kgs and the cabin baggage limit for domestic flights is 7 kgs. Excess baggage, if any, is not included in the package.
