India - a mysterious country, where even now dominate the cultural and religious traditions that emerged centuries ago. Visit these places - then plunge into the world of exciting adventures, to feel the spirit of ancient wisdom, get into a different reality, where human abilities have no limits and anything is possible. There are ancient Buddhist monasteries and Hindu sects that practice arcane, mysterious rituals.
Geography
The Republic of India is located in South Asia, the Indian subcontinent, washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and most of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It has borders with Afghanistan, China, Nepal and Bhutan in the east - with Bangladesh and Burma (Myanmar) to the west - with Pakistan. On the east by the Bay of Bengal in the south - Polkskim Strait, which separates it from the island of Sri Lanka, and the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea on the west. Area - 3,287,000 sq.km. The highest point above sea level - Chogori in the north (on the border with China) (8611 m).
Climate
Natural conditions in India to amaze. Here everyone can find a corner of the soul. In India, the monsoon climate. 3 seasons: the dry cold - from October to March (considered the best time to visit), dry hot - from April to June and wet hot - from July to September. The best time to travel to India depends on where you are going. The climate in India is very diverse. When in Goa only opens the beach season (November), the Himalayas have snow. On the other hand, July - August, when the south of India is very hot and humid, the best time to travel to Ladakh (district, which lies on the Tibetan plateau for great Himalayan range). In mountainous areas, the temperature and the weather are highly dependent on the height above sea level. In South and Central India, it is recommended to go in the season from July to September (rain, humidity, heat + 25-30 ° C) and from October to March (dry, cool + 20-25 ° C), low season from March to June (very hot, dry + 35-45 ° C).
Capital
Delhi
Population
Residents of India account for 16 percent of the world population (over 1 billion). In this country there is a huge population growth. To this day, there remains a division into castes and podcasts, which now number 3.5 thousand. During its long history of India repeatedly exposed to invasions of conquerors and the influx of immigrants, which eventually led to the mixing of races and nationalities. So now the locals can see people of different color, and Mongoloids. Of the population (about 7 percent) - is backward tribes still remain on the fringes of civilization. The literacy rate is about 52%.
Language
Official languages - English and Hindi. 17 official languages in the states, 844 dialects. For the minimum sufficient level of communication school English.
Currency
Currency of India - Indian Rupee. In a rupee 100 paise. The system of cash circulation in India is characterized by a huge amount of the outstanding notes of varieties - there are about 50. Since the import of Rs forbidden best to take this country U.S. dollars or travelers checks. You can change money in banks, exchange offices of large shopping centers, high class hotels. Currency exchange is at the airport, with many foreign and commercial banks, as well as in some branches of state banks. They have installed ATMs working with major international payment cards. Currencies of other countries did not change at all banks and a less favorable rate. Use electronic credit card (MasterCard, American Express, Visa) in the calculations can be expensive in stores, hotels or restaurants. In exchanges with banks must have a passport with a valid visa. Indian Rupee exchange back into hard currency can and leaving the country - up to 25% of the amount you officially exchanged (with valid certificates from banks issued in the exchange, which is valid for 3 months). If you are offered to change money at the store, make sure that there is a sign outside the large size, which tells the exchange. If not, the owner has no license, and he is engaged in illegal currency exchange, in India it is a criminal offense.
Time zone
Local Kiev ahead by 3.5 hours (2.5 hours in summer).
Religion
The most common religion - Hinduism, the followers of which are about 80 percent of the population. Buddhism is practiced only 1 percent of the people of India. This country is also represented by Muslim (11 per cent), Christianity (2.5 percent) and some other religions.
Political Structure
According to the Constitution, which came into force on 26 January 1950, India is a federation of sovereign secular democratic republic. Legislative power is vested in the Parliament consisting of the President and two houses: the Upper (Council of States) and the lower (House of the People). The President of India is the executive head of state and commander in chief of the Armed Forces. He was elected for five years by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament and members of state legislatures. According to the Constitution of India is a Union of States. Indian states are major administrative units, formed mainly on the basis of language. At present, India has 25 states. In addition to the states, in India there are so-called seven union territories, which are relatively small in size and population of the administrative units under the central government. States are divided into districts, and they in turn - into districts. National Capital Territory of Delhi has three urban education: Old Delhi, which is controlled by the Municipal Corporation, New Delhi, which is controlled by the municipal committee and the Delhi military town, which is under the jurisdiction of the Office of the military camp, and 214 villages, run by the Municipal Corporation of Old Delhi.
Customs regulations
Banned the import and export of local currency. An exception is made for passengers traveling to Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (up to Rs 20 per person). Money in the amount of more than $ 2,500, as well as personal computers and laptops are subject to mandatory declaration. Duty-free goods can be carried for up to 750 rupees, 200 cigarettes, 0.95 liters of alcohol, a camera with 5 films, the minimum number of personal items like binoculars, tape recorders, etc.
The export: tiger skins, wild animals, birds, feathers, leather and leather products made of rare reptiles, live plants, gold and silver bullion, antiques and antiquities, made over a hundred years ago, jewelery worth over Rs 2000, other than those that purchased at "Duty Free Shop". Certain animals can be brought out with the appropriate documents.
Transport. Car
Move around the country the fastest on the plane, comfortable - on the train, cheaper - by bus.
As a first class ticket on the train sometimes is not much cheaper than a trip to the same point, it is wiser to go second class air-conditioned.
Long bus trip invariably requires considerable physical and mental endurance. Compensation of this - a lot of amazing places of natural beauty, through which you pass. Public buses are divided into classes: passenger, semi-luxury, luxury, high-Tech bass kondishn Air (AU), Sleeper bass. In Sleeper bass (sleeper), instead of seats in two tiers made shelves. Passengers travel lying down, as in a train. For speed, the buses are divided into urban and suburban, simple airliners, with limited stops (limited stops), semi-express trains, express trains and super-express trains, Interstate Super Express. The schedule can be read like this: Mumbai S.Exp Video AC 2x2 Delux Coach. This can be interpreted as a super-express train to Bombay, with air conditioning and a video display, high reclining seats, two in each row.
Biking is definitely one of the best ways to explore the city and surrounding area. Rental price of Rs 15 per day. Check the condition of the bike before you take it. At each cycle necessarily installed anti-theft lock. It should be used at all times.
In most cities, there are bus and auto-rickshaw. You can hire them as taxis. Rickshaw - exotic and fastest way to get around the city, even though they are polluting the air, as working on the engine. For example, in Mumbai, rickshaw entrance to the central part of the city is now banned. Pedicabs were only in smaller towns and are only suitable for small trips. Price is the same as for a taxi, the rate is small, no amenities, no uphill pull, and you have to get up and walk around.
Taxis are widely available. If you are going on a long trip, it is advisable at least for the hotel receptionist to know its approximate value. Rarely go on the counter. Taxis are easily distinguished by its checkered and special color. Taxi drivers at country trips often bring not where you agreed, and a separate charge for the correction of his own "errors." The simplest solution for this problem is to record the license plate numbers and a promise to talk with the owner of the company or the police. After this procedure, the driver usually becomes much more honest and accommodating. In any case do not let him pick the road companions.
Cars are usually rented with drivers. In appointing the prices usually reflect the exact route or approximate mileage per day. Food and lodging driver usually already included in this price and should not bother you. Self drive car rental requires making a large deposit and the availability of international driver's license. For a long journey may be relevant buying a car on the spot with the subsequent sale or purchase. Do not forget that in India, left-hand drive.
Shops
India - a paradise for shopping. Prices are low, also accepted to bargain. Very popular are made of silver, souvenirs of sandalwood, bronze, Kashmiri carpets, shawls, silk, Indian tea. When buying jewelry should require a certificate of quality, only if such a document can return or exchange the goods purchased.
When purchasing souvenirs on the street or photographing exotic animals all the better to negotiate a guide. That, at least, we can expect a reasonable price.
In Delhi, thousands of shops and traditional markets are located in the eastern area of streets, Baba Kharak Singh, Chandni Chowk, Koniat Place, Hari Baoli, just south of the university, at the gate of Lahore, near Urdu Bazaar, etc. Here you can buy almost everything, and the famous bazaar atmosphere makes such purchases charm.
When visiting Bombay worth a stroll through the narrow, winding quarters Kalbadevi area north of Crawford Market, where one after another whole series of colorful markets Zaveri Bazaar, Mangaldas Market, Dub and Khor Bazaar ("thieves market").
Link
Call from India to Ukraine hard. Call out to places with signs posted or STD / ISD / PCO or ISD / IDD / STD. Depending on the time taken by the various categories of prices for telephone bills. Domestically, it is from 8.00 to 19.00 - a standard rate, from 19.00 to 22.00 and from 6.00. to 8.00 - 0.5 rate, and from 22.00 to 6.00 - 0.25. For international calls to European countries are 25% discount from 22.00 to 11.00. The call from the hotel room will cost you several times more expensive.
Internet can be found nearby with negotiating settlements or in shopping malls, on high streets (they are usually called Internet cafes). Prices range from 10 to 100 rupees per hour. Never go to erotic and pornographic websites.
Electricity
Mains voltage in India is 220.
Tip
Tip from you will be expected for almost all, but remember that, in principle, you do not have anyone. Do not give a tip in taxis, especially when you pay in advance (most likely, you already overpaid). True, if the taxi driver will take you to the spot, and will hand your stuff, then to pay him for it would be quite superfluous. If you hire a taxi for the day, it is not shameful to give the cab driver 25 or 50 rupees for lunch. Those who provided the service tipping. Maids - 2-3 rupees. Luggage - 2-5 rupees.
An interesting feature of the tip of India - often they are seen not only as a universal sign of gratitude for the service. Rather, it is a smooth transition from the sphere of relations between the buyer and the seller for more companionship.
Health. Water
When visiting a country officially vaccinations are not required, but is recommended to vaccinate against malaria, meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A is high risk of contracting hepatitis A, cholera, dysentery, malaria and typhoid.
In the presence of insurance, which provides medical care abroad, payment of treatment made by the insurance company. Insurance pays for emergency cases. Chronic diseases can not be treated by insurance. In the absence of medical facilities require insurance to pay for in cash. Medicine in India is paid, but it is inexpensive, and its quality is at a high level, rapid tests are done in some places in an hour, medication is very effective. However, the further away from civilization, the health care worse.
Pharmacies have a good range of both western and eastern medicine. If for some reason did not turn sick to the doctor about your condition can consult a pharmacist, and description of the exact symptoms. Typically, owners of pharmacies are required to have a minimum pharmacological education.
Drinking tap water can not be used, but should be used only mineral water in plastic bottles. It is also recommended to use this water for cleaning teeth. Necessarily a good wash all fruits and vegetables, and for the reliability of recommended rinse them with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Tips and tricks. National characteristics
At the entrance to temples and private homes rely off your shoes. Although the aliens are usually lenient, and they can stay in your socks, it is best to remove them as well, or better still do not wear it. In Sikh temples made to go with his head covered, even men. In the temples of giving to charity is a part of a religious tradition, but beggars are everywhere. If you do not want to build the beggars from the neighborhood and eventually left without money, try not much give in to requests for charity. No one will be offended. The best way to get rid of pesky asylum - not ignore them. For children, it is better to fall candy or other sweets.
Eat in India only the right hand. Pass things or take something from others, too right. The left hand is used in the toilet and is considered unclean, so take it or give some thought to at least impolite. Have obscene or left hand to touch her mouth. It should be remembered, however, that if the meals you want to take something from a common tray, and you eat hands, then it should be done with the left hand.
Middle-class women usually do not serve men hand in greeting. In general, men and women should not touch each other in public. Welcoming anyone can join hands in front of you and say, "Namaste." Shake of the head from side to side in India can mean "no" and "yes", and the latter - often. European "no" - it otmahivanie head left and right. Indian "yes" - a shake of the head from side to side, as if you pour the water after swimming from the ears, or say "can be, well ... let's try."
You may experience confusion when they first get into the real Indian toilet. Traditionally, cleansing after defecation Indians are not paper, and water. If it flows from the tap, then it can be safely used, and if it is in the bucket, and so on, it is better to carry more and soap. Be sure to wash your hands with soap after using the toilet and try to move it a little less, especially the right hand. All the hotels where you are staying, there is a "European toilet," toilet paper and shower in each room.
Even in large cities, the day you find sleeping in the shade of local residents. It is a tradition afternoon rest, which is beneficial to health.
In restaurants, ordering tea and say "tea". This word in both languages means one and the same. English «tea» almost no one uses it.
On the streets of goods sold at market prices, and if you do not know how much a commodity, the price can go up to 1000% or more. So be sure to haggle!
Weekends and holidays
January 1 - New Year
January 26 - Republic Day (the day the Constitution was adopted in India)
March 8, as in Russia, celebrated Women's Day
August 15 - Independence Day (on this day in 1947, India received nezavisimot from UK)
August 20 - Birthday of Rajiv Gandhi
October 2 is celebrated Gandhi Jayanti, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi
November 19 - Birthday of Indira Gandhi
Of religious holidays as the main are the following:
In March - April Jainism celebrate the birthday of the founder of the religion of Mahavira. This holiday is called Mahavir Jayanti.
In April - May (the first day of the month baysak) followers of Sikhism celebrate their most important holiday - baysak.
Buddha Jayanti - Buddha's birthday is celebrated in late April - early May.
Main holiday Parsis (Indian Zoroastrians) is Khordad Sal - the birthday of the prophet Zarathustra.
In February - March Hindus celebrate spring festival of Holi.
In April - May is celebrated Eid-ul-Azha (Eid-ul-Zuha, Bakr-Eid). It is a festival of sacrifice - one of the two major festivals of Muslims.
August and September - Janmashtami - Krishna's birthday
In September - October is celebrated Dashahra (Dussera, Dussehra, Durga Puja), the day of worship Devi. This is one of the most popular holidays.
In October - November celebrate Diwali (Deepavali, Bundy Khor Divas). This festival of lights Diwali and the goddess of fortune, one of the most popular national holidays and the last day of the year on the Hindu calendar.
Main Attractions
India - it is also the endless beaches of white sand. It should be noted that the coast of this country - the longest in the world. The main resorts are concentrated in the state of Goa.
Bombay (or Mumbai) - a metropolis on the west coast of India. Despite the fact that this is also a resort on the Arabian Sea, recreational facilities are different from Goa. In Bombay, the major part of the coast are reserved for ports, so the beaches are not that big. But, nevertheless, they are. Thus, a popular spot for evening walks and swimming is Chowpatty beach, walking along Marine Drive, where many hawkers selling various edibles. At 30 km from the city of resort areas are Juhu Beach, where there are opportunities for water sports and beach holidays. Along the coast near Bombay are hotels of different categories. Here you can soak up the warm sand under the sun and enjoy a swim in the clear sea waters.
Not very far from Mumbai you can find many beautiful places such as Matheran mountain village (104 km), where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful views of neighborhoods, rising to one of the lookouts.
At 60 km from Bombay is a bird sanctuary Karnali, home to about 146 species of birds.
Even closer, 27 kilometers from the city, the lake spread, which attracts lovers of cool outings.
From south India bordered by the Indian Ocean, at the same time compelling and fraught with danger. The equipped beach lifeguard and taken to "taming" of the water element, so the risk is minimized. But it should heed the advice of travel agencies and local residents, as well as read the warning signs on beaches.
South India - a tropical region, famous for its shady palm trees, beautiful beaches with silky sand. Among the most popular local resorts Ooty, Trivandrum, Madras, and the nearby islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman.
East coast of India - is also a solid strip of beach dotted with resort villages. One of the most striking, perhaps, is Puri - Hindu holy city, which was formed in the beautiful seaside resort. Once you are there, you should definitely visit the temple of the god Jagannath, "disembodied lord of the universe". Among the sand dunes on the Gulf of Kalinga stands Sun temple, built in the form of horse-drawn coach.
Puri is located close to such an attractive place, as it were transparent Chilika lake and the small resort town of Gopalpur.
Once in India, worth visiting places such as the capital, Delhi, Mumbai, the ancient city of Agra, amazing for its architecture, Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan, the village in the Himalayas, Ladakh, where, according to legend, there was a meeting of the Buddha and the Christ.
