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INDIA
India
is a vast continent that is tailored for the independent holiday
maker. We invite you to discuss your travel plans with us and allow
us to create a tailored package to meet your budget and needs. The
Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, goes
back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded
about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier inhabitants created
the classical Indian culture. Arab incursions starting in the 8th
century and Turkish in 12th were followed by European traders, beginning
in the late 15th century.
By
the 19th century, Britain had assumed political control of virtually
all Indian lands. Non-violent resistance to British colonialism
under Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU led to independence in
1947. The subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India
and the smaller Muslim state of Pakistan. A third war between the
two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming a separate
nation of Bangladesh.
Fundamental
concerns in India include the ongoing dispute with Pakistan over
Kashmir, massive overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive
poverty, and ethnic and religious strife
India In Brief:
National Capital :
New Delhi
Total
Area : 3,287,590
sq. km.
Land
: 2,973,190
sq. km.
Water :
314, 400 sq. km.
Currency
: Rupee (Rs.) 1 USD = 45
Location
: South Asia
Comparative
Area : Slightly more than one-third the size of
the US
Climate
: Varies from tropical monsoon in South to temperate
in North
Population
: 1,095,351,995 (July 2006 estimation)
Religions
: Hindu (80.5%), Muslim (13.4%), Christian (2.3%),
Sikh (1.9%) and others
Official
Language : Hindi, English commonly used and understood
National
Days : Independence Day (August 15), Republic
Day (January 26)
Standard
Time : 5.5 hrs (5 hrs. 30 min) ahead of Green
Wich Mean Time (GMT+5.5 hrs.)
Visa: All foreign
tourists visiting to India (barring nationals of Nepal and Bangladesh)
must possess a valid visa. Visas are not issued on arrival. The
cost of the visa is approximately, US$: 30 for upto six months,
US$: 50 for upto one year and US$: 100 for more than a year and
upto five years. Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your
country with the required documents for issuance of visas. A tourist
visa is valid for three to six months. The multiple entry tourist
visas simplify your visits to neighboring countries. You will be
required to fill in a disembarkation card on your way to India,
which is required to be submitted at the immigration counters at
the entry airport.
Transit Visas: Transit
visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period
of 15 days.
Photography Restrictions:
Photography is prohibited in places of military importance, railway
stations, bridges, airports and other military installations.
Foreign Currency:
Foreign exchange / currency brought into India must be declared
at customs if the value of foreign currency exceed US$: 2,500 or
the aggregate value of the foreign exchange including currency notes
exceeds US$: 10,000/- or equivalent. You can exchange money at International
Airports where 24-hour exchange facilities are available, through
banks and government approved money changers. You can also change
money at nationalized banks and other commercial banks in the country.
Money Matters:
The Indian Currency is the Rupee and it is
a fully convertible currency. The Rupee notes are available in denominations
of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1. Coins are available in the
denominations of 5, 2, and 1 (rupee) and 50 and 25 paisa (Rupee
01 = Paisa 100).
Documents / Formalities:
All travelers
to India must possess a valid visa (Single / Multiple Entry) depending
on the number of visit(s). It is advisable to carry your passport
during your travel while in India for possible identification requirements.
Travel Insurance:
All travellers
to India must bring a travel insurance policy that covers theft
and loss or a medical insurance as per your requirements from your
home country.
Customs:
There are two channels for customs clearance
at international terminals in India airports. Green channel
and Red channel.
1. Green Channel:
This is for
unhindered exit from the airport. You can walk through the green
channel if you are not carrying goods which attract customs duty.
2. Red Channel:
For those who
love anything to declare including money worth more than US 2,500
.
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