Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Mumbai, the City of Dreams and capital of Maharashtra rubs its shoulders with some of world’s most developed cities. And the state of beaches, Goa, has the ability to attract massive crowd from all around the world; through the magic of its beaches, culture, history and youthful vibe. Both these cities are among the best destinations of India, and this is your chance to explore them. The Mumbai-Goa tour takes you the best of attractions of both these cities. Not just shopping and sightseeing, if you are an adventure seeker, fun sports activities in Goa are going to engage you.

 

PLACES COVERED  Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Mumbai-Goa
DURATION OF TRIP  12 NIGHTS/13 DAYS
MINIMUM  REQUIRED  2 PAX
 ACCOMMODATION  BUDGET ACCOMMODATION/Premium On Demand
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION PICKUP DELHI/DROP GOA
RETURN TIME Approximately 6:30 PM/Depends on onward Journey
WEAR Comfortable athletic clothing,  sunscreen.
BASIC INCLUSION
12Night with Bread & Breakfast
Transfers and land transportation according to itinerary.
Mumbai / Goa – By flight
Jaipur / Mumbai (By Flight)
A Driver with excellent skills and record, a good knowledge of the area you are visiting and sufficient English to communicate.
Mumbai Half Day Bollywood tour
BASIC EXCLUSION
Entrances tickets to Monuments if apply
Meals unless specified
Tips, laundry, telephone bills, luggage handling and Beverages.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
1

DAY - 01 : Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport, our representative will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel.
Stay overnight at Hotel.

2

DAY - 02 : New Delhi City Tour

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. At night it glows warmly under floodlights, and the gardens that line its boulevard are a popular place to enjoy a warm summer’s evening.

Dilli Haat: is a paid-entrance open-air food plaza and craft bazaar located in Delhi, run by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). Unlike the traditional weekly market, the village Haat, Dilli Haat is permanent. It is located in the commercial centers of South Delhi, opposite INA market. Products offered may include rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, sophisticated fabric and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, and silk & wool fabrics.

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 creation. The tomb was built in 1570 and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. It was the first of this type of Mughal architecture to be built in India, and the Mughal rulers followed it up with an extended period of construction all over the country. The tomb is part of a greater complex that’s set amongst beautiful gardens.

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. The tower has five distinct stories and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Quran. There are also a number of other historic monuments on the site.

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. Everybody is welcome to worship there. The tranquil gardens and ponds surrounding the temple are also a great place for a relaxing picnic. (Temple is closed on every Monday)

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 Connought Place. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and her consort Narayana. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the stipulation that people of all castes shall be allowed to enter the temple.

Later back to the hotel, stay overnight at Hotel.

3

DAY 03 :- Old Delhi City tour & “Visit Kingdoms of Dreams”

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. Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the mosque or you won’t be allowed in. This means covering your head, legs, and shoulders. Attire is available there.

The Chandni Chowk by Rikshaw Ride) Chandni Chowk or also called “Moonlight Square’ is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, India. ChandniChowk is located close to Old Delhi Railway Station. The Red Fort monument is located within the market. It was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor of India Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahanara. The market was once divided by canals (now closed) to reflect moonlight and remains one of India’s largest wholesale markets.

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. To take your imagination back to the ancient era, a one hour sound and light show of the fort’s history is held each evening. (This fort is closed on every Monday)

Later in the afternoon drive to “Kingdom of dreams for visit: Jhumroo the dance show on Indian Bollywood songs and music. Show timings one time in a day rather in afternoon or evening (daily changes in the show timings)

Kingdom of dreams:- As the name implies, Kingdom of Dreams is a spectacular world of unparalleled imagination, which brings to you a blend of India’s culture, heritage, art, crafts, cuisine and performing arts buttressed with the mind-boggling technological wizardry of today. Kingdom of Dreams is designed and conceptualized to offer international and domestic tourists a breath-taking, magical Indian experience. It showcases modern and traditional India and presents Indian culture in an entertaining format to all visitors. It offers you the best of India in the form of Cuisine, Crafts, Musicals, Dramas, Carnivals, Street Dances, Mythological Shows.

Later after show return to the hotel, overnight stay in Delhi.

4

DAY 04 :- Delhi/Agra (230 km – 4 hours drive)

After breakfast at the hotel in Delhi drive to Agra the city of Taj Mahal. Upon arrival in Agra check-in to the hotel and later visit to:

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. Called the Red Fort of Agra, you will be awe inspired by the powerful fortress. The fortress comprises many palaces namely, Jahangir Palace, KhasMahal and so on. There are audience halls and two mosques. The entire fortress is a symbol of Mughal’s grandeur. It was in Agra Fort Shah Jahan was held prisoner by Aurangazeb, his son. Shah Jahan, the emperor, spent his last days here viewing the monument of love he had built for his wife.

Visit to Kalakriti Theatre:- Grand cultural center with art exhibits & live Bollywood-style shows about the Taj Mahal. Kalakriti is the largest and most spectacular handicraft emporium in Agra. It stands over 10,000 sq. meters. Very close from the Taj Mahal on VIP Road, Agra. It is a three-story fort like building an amazing experience began from entrance door studded with semi-precious stone and design to resemble famous Buland Darwaza. Intricate carvings and patterns on the wall and door deem the embellished beauty of Kalakriti.

The show is a visual feast for the eyes with its ace enactment of the grandeur and splendid lifestyles of the Mughal period. The most overwhelming part of this extravaganza is the climax. The world’s biggest replica of the Taj Mahal emerges slowly on a lotus-shaped platform lifted by a hydraulic lift. Truly, a majestic delight. (Show timings are: 18:45 pm – 20:00 pm – daily open) – Later return to the hotel, overnight stay in Agra.

5

DAY 05 :-Agra Visit Taj Mahal at Sunrise / Jaipur (250 km – 5.5 hours drive)

Wake up early morning to visit:-

Tajmahal:-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. The monument stands proof for the brilliance of Mughal architecture. Named as one of the wonders of the world, TajMahal stands the test of time. It has been declared as World Heritage Site in the year 1983. It is a feast for your eyes and senses to watch the unmatched beauty on the night of full moon day. (*TajMahal Closed on every Friday)

Later back to the hotel take breakfast and check-out from Agra to proceeds Jaipur but visit en-route to:

FatehpurSikri:-Built by Akbar, the Mughal emperor in 1570, the city was a tribute to Sufi Saint. FatehpurSikri 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 Mughal Empire. The city has a 6-kilometer long wall on three sides and there are towers and gates. It houses some of the city’s important buildings namely Buland Darwaza, Birbal’s House, PanchMahal and Jama Masjid. The entire city along with all the important constructions including royal palaces, Jama Masjid and courts were declared as World.

Abhaneri is a village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan state in India. It is situated at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur, on the Jaipur-Agra road. The place is popular for the Chand Baori step well and Harshat Mata Temple.

Later proceed to Jaipur upon arrival can visit to the Market in Jaipur.

Later, check-in to the hotel, Stay overnight at Hotel in Jaipur.

6

DAY 06 :-Jaipur City Tour

Today after breakfast start sightseeing tour in Jaipur and visit to:-

Amer Fort:-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. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh II.

The last Maharaja of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he shifted his capital in 1727.The palace complex is lavishly ornamented and displays the riches of Amer. Sheesh Mahal chamber of Mirrors. Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of Public Audience is a beautifully proportioned hall open on three sides and stands on two rows of ornamented pillars. Diwan e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience has delicate mosaic work in glass. Sukhmandir is guarded by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory.

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.

HawaMahal:-built in 1799, by Maharaja SawaiPratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display “Jaipur past and present” is the special feature of this newly setup museum.

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 storied Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. SilehKhana has a collection of armory and weapons.

JantarMantar:-built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary 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.

Later in evening visit: –

Raj Mandir Cinema is a movie theatre in Jaipur in Rajasthan state in India. Watch current any movie show. It is situated on the Bhagwan Das Road, near M.I. Road, the meringue-shaped auditorium opened in 1976, and over the years has seen many movie premieres of Hindi films, and has become a popular symbol of Jaipur.

Later return to hotel, overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

7

DAY 07 :-Jaipur / Mumbai (By Flight)

In this day Transfer to Airport for flight to Mumbai. On arrival meet & greet with our tour manager later transfer to the hotel, check in Hotel Stay overnight at Hotel in Mumbai.

8

DAY 08 :-Mumbai half day City Tour & the rest of the day is free

After breakfast start half day sightseeing in Mumbai and visit:-

Gateway of India: The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century in Bombay, India. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 191.

Crawford Market: is one of South Mumbai’s most famous markets. It was named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of the city.

Flora Fountain, at the Hutatma Chowk, is an ornamentally and exquisitely sculpted architectural heritage monument located at the southern end of the historic Dadabhai Naoroji Road, called the Mile Long.

Siddhivinayak temple: Siddhivinayak temple is one of the most important landmarks of Mumbai. Located in PrabhaDevi, Mumbai, the temple is dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant headed god. The temple is known to fulfil wishes and prayers of the devotees. It was founded in the year 1801 by LaxmanVithu and DevbhaiPatil. The temple is among the Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra. The Siddhivinayak temple is also called Navasachaganapati and NavasalaPavanaraGanapati. Tuesdays are special at this temple as the timing for Aarti as well as darshan is different from the other days of the week. Thousands of devotees throng to this temple on Tuesdays to offer prayer and seek blessing.

Victoria Terminus: ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj Terminus formerly known as Victoria Terminus is a historic railway station and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India which serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways

Hanging Gardens: The Hanging Gardens, in Mumbai, also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, are terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park.

Dhobi Ghat: There are rows of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. Called the world’s largest outdoor laundry, Dhobi Ghat is a very popular attraction among foreign tourists. The word Dhobi Ghat is used all over India to refer to any place where many washers are present.
Later your day is free for the personal activities Stay overnight at Hotel in Mumbai.

9

DAY 09 :-Mumbai Half Day Bollywood tour & Marine drive beach visit

Early Morning after breakfast you have to proceed for “Bollywood Tour Prog

VENUE

SCHEDULE

 

HOTEL/LOCATION

 

  • Pickup from hotel @ 10:00 a.m
  • Our Representative “guide” for Bollywood tour will receive you at your hotel.
SHOOTING SIGHT

(STUDIO/LOCATION)

  • Arrival at Shooting Sight
  • Escorted to a specially created studio
  • Visit a live shooting set
  • Watch filming at shooting set
  • Peek at the behind-the-scenes activities of movie making
  • See the technicians at work
  • If possible, look into the star`s makeup rooms
  • If possible, have your picture taken with a Bollywood actor
DANCE HALL

(LIVE BOLLYWOOD STYLE DANCE)

 

NOTE : For 1 Pax Dance Performance won’t be possible.

  • Arrive at Bollywood Museum where you will get a glimpse of famous Bollywood actor’s posters and photographs and then you will be escorted to an air-conditioned Dance Hall with decorated stage and music system in Bollywood style.
  • Welcome Drink on arrival
  • Watch 3-4 Live Bollywood Dance Shows performed by professional dancers.

Professional dancers including 2 ladies & 2 gents.

Performance no 1

  • Bollywood Dance (Hindi latest Song)

Performance no 2

  • Bollywood dance  (Hindi latest)

Performance no 3

  • Bollywood Dance (Punjabi Song)

Performance no 4

  • Bollywood Dance (Hindi item Song)

(Here guest will get a chance to participate in dance on the stage)

Performance End

STARS HOME
  • Drive past the homes of famous stars.
LUNCH
  • A fine, hygienic restaurant.
DROP AT HOTEL/ LOCATION
  • In afternoon arrival at hotel/Location in Mumbai.

Later in the evening you will be free for visit beach in Mumbai: –

Mrine Drive & Juhu Chowpaty: Marine Drive (renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Marg) follows the sweeping curve of sea that stretches north from Nariman Point’s high-rise buildings to infamous Chowpatty Beach, located at the foot of Malabar Hill. It’s the ultimate seaside promenade, where Mumbaikars come to escape the claustrophobia of central Mumbai, gratefully eyeing an endless horizon while strolling or jogging along the broad windswept promenade. In the evenings, casual, single-item snack stalls are set up for brisk trade; a stroll along here also takes in the world’s second-largest stretch of Art Deco buildings (in future years, there’ll be heritage plaques identifying the most significant of these).

Later return to hotel, overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.

10

DAY 10 :-Mumbai / Goa – By flight

In this day transfer to Airport for flight to Goa.

Upon arrival in Goa, transfer from the airport by our tour manager and later to the hotel in Goa.
Day is free in Goa – overnight stay at hotel in Goa.

11

DAY 11 :-Goa – Day is for relaxations

Today after breakfast you are free for the relaxation at beaches or personal activity in Goa. Overnight stay at hotel in Goa.

12

DAY 12 :-Goa – Day is for relaxations

Today after breakfast you are free for the relaxation at beaches or personal activity in Goa. Overnight stay at hotel in Goa

13

DAY 13 :-Goa – Day is for relaxations

Today after breakfast transfer to the airport in Goa for onward destination

PRICES BASED ON BUDGET ACCOMMODATION FOR UPGRADE PLEASE EMAIL

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Services are included in the price:-

  • 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.
  • Mumbai Half Day Bollywood tour
  • Mumbai / Goa – By flight
  • Jaipur / Mumbai (By Flight)
  • Later in afternoon drive to “Kingdom of dreams for visit: Jhumroo the dance show

PRICES BASED ON BUDGET ACCOMMODATION FOR UPGRADE  PLEASE EMAIL  

Services are not included in the prices:-

  • Tips, laundry, telephone bills, luggage handling and Beverages.
  • Meals unless specified
  • Accommodation
  • Entrances tickets to Monuments if apply
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

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 

  1. 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.

  1. 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

  1. 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.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
  • 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.