India is one of the most populous countries on earth, bordering Bangladesh , Bhutan , China , Myanmar , Nepal and Pakistan. Varied landscapes, five thousand years of history and countless temples, fortresses and monasteries, as well as the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra fascinate travelers. See ANDYEDUCATION for education in India.
| Capital City | New Delhi |
| Size | 3,287,469 km² |
| Resident | 1,339,180,000 |
| Official Language | Hindi and English |
| Currency | Indian Rupee |
| Time Zone | UTC+5.30 |
| Telephone Area Code | +91 |
Fast facts to know
- The Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela is the largest event in the world.
- It is forbidden to export Indian currency.
- There are around 330,000 gods in Hinduism.
- 70% of all spices in the world come from India.
- Traveling through India requires patience and time.
- In India there is a caste system that determines, among other things, the possible career choices.
- A valid passport and tourist visa are required for entry.
- A good first-aid kit is mandatory due to hygienic conditions.
- Only 15% of Indian residents have access to sanitation.
- Sex is considered a taboo subject in India.
- There are no mandatory vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis and the standard vaccinations polio, tetanus and cholera are recommended.
- Temples and mosques are always entered without shoes.
- Indians like to haggle.
- From the tropical rainforest to the perpetual ice, India is home to all climate zones on earth.
- India’s wildlife is very diverse.
- The cow is considered sacred in India.
- India has the largest film industry in the world.
Exciting cities in India
- Delhi
- hampie
- Agra
- Udaipur
- jaipur
- Bombay
- Kerala
- Jaisalmer
- Varanasi
- Mysore
- Darjeeling
History of India
- Indus Valley Civilization is one of the early advanced civilizations.
- 2,500 BC there were already planned cities with sewage systems.
- 1500-500 BC In the Vedic period, the foundations of today’s culture were created.
- From the 6th century B.C. BC Development of Buddhism.
- 8th century Arab conquests bring Islam to north-west India.
- 1398 Mongol invasion.
- 16th century Founding of the Mughal Empire.
- 18th century Maratha Empire supplants Mughal Empire.
- 1756 British East India Company conquers large parts of India.
- 1947 British colonial rule comes to an end with the declaration of independence.
- Indian subcontinent is divided into Union of India and Pakistan.
- Consequence: Largest flight and expulsion movement of modern times – 10 million Hindus and Sikhs are expelled from Pakistan, 7 million Muslims from India.
- Several wars between India and Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir region follow.
- India is characterized by poverty, pollution and the ongoing dispute with Pakistan over the Kashmir region.
- India and Pakistan are nuclear powers.
Climate & travel weather in India
- south tropical.
- Central and North India: subtropical.
- Mountain regions: moderate to alpine.
- Strong monsoon influence: begins in June in most parts of the country and brings very heavy rainfall until September.
- Dry season: October – May with extreme heat in April and May.
- Recommended travel time:
- Generally: October to March well suited.
- West Coast of South India: October – February.
- South Indian East Coast: November – April.
- Himalayas: May – September.
- Rainy season and extreme heat should be avoided.
Ideas for trips in India
- Taj Mahal in Agra.
- Red Fort in Agra.
- Fort Amber in Jaipur.
- Palace of Winds in Jaipur.
- Tomb of Humayun.
- Fort Meherangarh.
- Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- Minakshi Temple in Madurai.
- Ellora Caves at Aurangabad.
- Sun Temple of Konarak.
- Kerala’s backwaters.
- Ajanta Caves.
- Take a train trip.
- experience safaris.
- Celebrate India’s festivals.
Eating & Drinking in India
- Diverse dishes, well seasoned, mostly very spicy.
- Especially the vegetarian dishes of the south are extremely spicy.
- Diverse vegetarian cuisine.
- Rice is the most popular side dish.
- Popular meats: lamb, poultry.
- Breakfast is usually hearty.
- Traditionally, you sit cross-legged on the floor and eat from a banana leaf.
- Locals usually eat without cutlery, but never with their (unclean) left hands.
- Various, very sweet desserts.
- In the evening there are often curries.
- Europeans should only drink water from sealed bottles.
- Beer and schnapps are common, wine is hard to come by.
- Main drink: tea.
- Typical dishes:
- Alu Matar (potatoes and peas in sauce, with flatbread).
- Samosa (fried dumplings filled with vegetables).
- Palak Panir (cream cheese cubes in spinach, with rice or flatbread).
- Dal Makhani (Lentils cooked in butter, served with rice or flatbread).
- Kebab (mutton or lamb stewed in sauce, with flatbread or rice).
- Kofta (meatballs with curry, rice and chutney).
- Chicken Tikka (marinated, fried pieces of chicken in a spicy sauce).
- Biriyani (rice with spices, raisins, nuts or vegetables, also with meat).
- Korma (meat stewed mildly in yoghurt sauce).
- Murgh Masala (chicken with yoghurt, spices and nuts).
- Pilau (rice with spices and vegetables, sometimes with meat).
- Roti (flatbread).
- Lassi (yoghurt, diluted, sweet or salty).
- Masala Tea (tea boiled with spices, sugar and milk).
- Rogan Josh (lamb curry).
Particularly scenic
- Kanha National Park
- Seascape in Udaipur
- himalayan
- Goa’s beaches