Facts
Official Name: India
Capital: New Delhi
System of Government: Federal Republic made up of 28 states & 7 union territories.
Area: 3,280,000 Sq Km
Estimated Population: 1.10 Billion

The People
Hindu 80%, Muslim 14%, Christian 2.4%, Sikh 2%, Buddhist 0.7%, Jain 0.5%, Zoroastrian and others 0.4%.
The national language is Hindi with 15 other official languages & 1652 dialects. English is widely spoken throughout the country with a higher percentage in the south of the country.

Landscapes
Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east, India has a coastline of over 7000 kilometers. It borders Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal & Bhutan to the north-east and Bangladesh to the east.

The Climate
The Indian climate is a cycle of six seasons. There are areas where the distinction of the seasons is felt, but in most areas the six seasons overlap.
Spring - March & April
Summer – Mid April till & June
Monsoon – Mid June to late September
Autumn – Sept to Mid November
Pre-Winter – Mid-November to Mid-December
Winter – Mid-December to February

It is quite possible to tour India the year round, avoiding blistering heat and the monsoons, provided you choose the right area. In certain months it is hot in the South, it would be mild in the north and the Himalayan peaks will be covered with snow most of the year. The plains of India are at their freshest in the winter.

The optimum season to travel in northern India, from Rajasthan to Delhi is between September and March, although it would be quite chilly from December to January. To the east, the more extreme combination of heat, humidity and monsoon leaves only November to February fairly comfortable. Southern India is always hot but again, it is at its best between November and February. The green strip of Kerala down the Malabar Coast is more temperate, with a much milder climate.

The temperatures in the north range from (low /high) summer 26c to 46c & winter 3c to 25c. In the south they are milder, with summers ranging from 25c / 36c & winters 20c / 28c.

The Food

In India, food, culture, religion, and regional festivals are all closely related. Indian cuisine is distinguished by sophisticated addition of a great number of spices and herbs (over 35) in everyday cooking. It is also characterized by an assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. About 31% of Indian population is Vegetarian & hence there is strong emphasis on use of a large selection of vegetables & pulses in cuisines across the country.

Food is an integral part of India's culture and different cuisines are present in its various communities, regions & states with the same vegetables, meat, fish etc cooked in a very different manner. Furthermore, each religion, region, and caste has left its own influence on Indian food. Many recipes first emerged when India was predominantly inhabited by Hindus but over the centuries the Christians, Buddhists, British, Portuguese as well as Muslims rulers who came from Turkey, Arabia, Persia & others parts have left their influence. Meat and fish cuisine is mostly influenced by the Muslim population.

Indian food has achieved tremendous popularity in the last decade & is now widely available in most if not all parts of the world. Most hotels will have at least one Indian cuisine restaurant & there are now an exceeding number of good quality stand alone restaurants in all cities.
In north of India the charcoal grill ‘the tandoor’ is very popular & various types of foods can be marinated & cooked in it.

Drinks

Most 5 star hotels will have a dedicated bar & the smaller ones might have it combined with their restaurant. Most of them serve a selection of liquor, beer & wine with many having a very good imported selection also in each category.

Whiskey is a very popular drink, as is Rum (Dark & now white) and also vodka & gin. Beer again is very popular with lunches & early evening. Over the last few years wine has come of age & apart from regular imports from most wine producing countries, India is also now producing a good selection with many scoring well in the international markets.

Most cities across the country now have a great selection of bars & pubs with the best being in Mumbai, Bangalore & Goa.

Currency

The currency in India is the Rupee (Rs). Approximate conversion rates are 1 Euro = 54.00, 1US Dollar = 40.00, 1 GB pound = 78.00

Customs regulation

Regulations: If you are above 17 years you may import the following without attracting duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, a liter of alcoholic drink, 250 ml perfume, gifts up to a value of Rupees 4000 (foreign passport holders), gifts up to a value of Rupees 6000 (Indian passport holders) and articles of personal use. But it’s best to check with the authorities for the specific details.

Opening Hours

Shops are generally open 6 days a week from 10.00am to 10.00pm. The Mall culture is growing and most are open 7 days a week. The shops in each area have a fixed day of closing, so you will need to check on the area you are visiting.


Electrical Current

The current in India is AC 220/240 volts/ 50 hertz & across the sub continent plug point sockets are round two & three pin.