India Fast Facts

India Fast Facts

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

India Fast Facts