India is not only known from numerous Bollywood films, this country is also quite popular as a holiday destination. This is mainly due to the fact that you will not only find beautiful beaches here, but also impressive palaces and breathtaking landscapes.

The country’s coastline, for example, is about 5,000 kilometers long. The most famous beach in India is Goa Beach. Many tourists even think that India has the most beautiful beaches in the world, which are of course lined with palm trees and make true postcard motifs.

 

 

India is located in South Asia and is divided into 28 states. In the north of the country you will find the huge Himalaya Mountains, in the south India is bordered by the Indian Ocean. The Himalayas are the highest mountains in the world.

The landmark of India and the most visited building is the Taj Mahal. This magnificent palace is surrounded by numerous gardens that invite you to linger and stroll. The Red Fort in Agra, also a magnificent palace complex, is well worth a visit. Inside this fort is the Perl Mosque; this is on the UNESCO cultural heritage list.

In the city of Jaipur you should visit the famous Palace of the Winds. This five-story building impresses above all with its almost 1,000 lattice windows.

Furthermore, one should not miss a visit to a traditional spice market in India.

India is a very religious country; the world religion of Hinduism has its origin here, but Islam and Christianity are also widespread. When entering temple complexes one should adapt to the traditions of the country and be appropriately dressed.

 

 

With a little luck you can discover numerous rare animal species in India. The best known are probably the Indian elephant and the king tiger and also leopard, lion and mongoose have found their habitat in India. Incidentally, the rhesus monkeys found in India are considered sacred by the Hindus.

 

 

 

HEALTH & SAFETY

There are no mandatory vaccinations. Before you travel, please find out from your doctor whether it is personally advisable for you to have one or the other travel vaccination.

Sun protection, a hat, mosquito repellent and a general first-aid kit with the usual remedies for an upset stomach are definitely recommended.

Many monuments in India are not barrier-free, which is why it is recommended, if you are dependent on a walking aid or a wheelchair, to check with your tour operator beforehand whether all sights can be visited without any problems.

Public toilets often do not meet Western standards, which is why it is advisable to always take disinfectant and handkerchiefs / toilet paper with you on the sightseeing tour.

Rest areas, hotels etc. are excluded from this.

 

 

MEET AND GREET

After arrival in Delhi, immigration formalities and luggage collection, you will be met by our representative with a name badge and accompanied to your vehicle to drive to the hotel.

 

OPENING HOURS

Offices .: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shops do not have standard times. In some tourist cities, the shopping centers, shops and bazaars are open seven days a week until around 8:00 p.m. or even longer.

The opening times of the restaurants and bars correspond to the curfew of the respective federal state

 

BANKS

Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

KREDITCARDS

Major credit cards accepted everywhere.

CURRENCY

The official Indian currency is the Indian rupee (INR for short, symbol: ₹).

 

TIPS

In India it is customary to tip the waiter, porter, guide and driver if you are satisfied with their services.

A guideline for the amount of tips is as follows:

Restaurants: 10% of the invoice amount

Porter: 1 USD per case

Guide: 5 USD per day / person

Driver 4 – 5 USD per day / person.

 

SHOP

Shimmering silk, hand-knotted carpets, statues made of bronze or marble, handbags, clothing, scarves, jewelry, shoes, instruments … – The list of products that can be purchased in India in very good quality at low prices is endless. The best bargains can be found in the bazaars, as with a little skill you can negotiate very good prices here.

 

 

 

LOCAL POWERS

FOOD – In India, people often eat with their right hand. The left hand is considered unclean and is generally not used for eating or paying.

GREETING – The Indian greeting is “Namaste” and is accompanied by the following gesture: Put your hands together in front of your chin and tilt your head forward.

PERSONAL DISTANCE – Although India is very densely populated, people keep their distance, especially in full buses etc. and avoid touching each other. It’s not uncommon to see same-sex friends holding hands, however.

 

EVERYDAY STREET SCENES

You should be aware that there is a lot of poverty in India and you will see many people, including children, begging on the streets. The waste supply is not yet as well regulated everywhere in India as it is in Western countries. It is loud on the streets of India, horns are honored and animals run naturally on the streets and complete the picture of Indian traffic. Here, rich and poor are sometimes very close to one another. If you have come to terms with the hustle and bustle, you will love the colorful, lively and diverse country.

 

 

NIGHTLIFE

The nightlife in India is very diverse and ranges from traditional bars and cafes to modern discos and clubs.

The curfew is different, but earlier than in western states. Nightlife starts quite early in India, as most bars and clubs close around 1:30 in most places.

The age limit for alcohol consumption varies from state to state, ranging from 18 years in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka to 25 years in Delhi. Some states, like Gujarat, are completely alcohol free.

 

EAT

Indian cuisine is as diverse as the country itself. Each region has its own delicious specialties that are enriched with many different spices. Whether meat, fish or vegetarian, every gourmet gets his money’s worth here.

Most hotels offer a variety of Indian and Western cuisines. We are also happy to recommend good restaurants in the cities.

 

 

We recommend avoiding uncooked and raw foods and unpeeled fruit.

Usually water is served with the meal. Apart from the classic soft drinks, there are also excellent Indian wines, Indian beer and rum.

Water should always be drunk packaged and you should avoid performance water, as the water quality cannot be compared with the usual standards.

 

 

VISIT TO MONUMENTS

In most temples and mosques one is asked to take off one’s shoes when entering. Since the ground can often get very hot, it is advisable to take a pair of socks with you in your backpack if you are wearing open-toe shoes.

Wear long pants and tops that cover your shoulders when visiting the holy sites.

Smoking is prohibited in places around temples and mosques.

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

Basically, you are allowed to photograph anything and anywhere in India. In the interior of some monuments it is forbidden to take photos out of respect – violations may result in a fine. Sometimes you just can’t use the flash, as the photo light can damage old paintings. Your guide will point out the relevant restrictions.

 

 

 

TRAIN TRAVELS

Traveling by train in India is an experience not to be missed. We recommend that you always buy tickets in air-conditioned train compartments. Since the train stations in India are usually very overcrowded and you can get lost quickly, we recommend that you wait at the platform after the train arrives. An employee will then pick you up from the train.

 

 

TELEPHONE / COMMUNICATION

It is possible to purchase a prepaid SIM card immediately upon arrival at the airport. Wi-Fi is available free of charge in most hotels and restaurants.

 

ELECTRICITY

The electricity in the hotels in India is 220 V, 50 Hz, AC. If you bring electrical equipment that does not meet these standards, you should bring an appropriate adapter.

 

INSURANCE

It is always advisable to take out health insurance abroad and to have a copy of the proof of insurance with you.

 

 

Holidays in India

 

 

LANGUAGE

The official language in India is Hindi. But there are a total of 18 other languages ​​and over 100 dialects, which is why English is spoken as a universal language throughout the country.

Useful phrases in Hindi

Hello “Namaste

Please, “Kripaya

Thank you »Shukhriya / Dhanyavaad

Yes »Haan

No »Nahin

Where can I find »Kahan milenge

I want water »Mujhe paani chahiye

I want a ticket »Mujhe Ticket chahiye

Where’s the toilet »kahan hai

Are you open tomorrow »Aap kal Khule hain?

Is that very far »Kya ye bahut

How much is that »Ye Kitne ka hai

That’s too expensive »Ye bahut mehenga hai

Make this price less »Bhaav came karo

How are you? »Aap kaise hain?

We’re sorry »Maaf kijiye

Ok »Theek hai

What? “Kya?

Where from? “Kahan?

How? “Kaise?

When? “Kab?

Who? “Kaun?

Why? “Kyon?

I do not understand »Mai samjha nahi

Please tell me the way »Kripya raasta bataiye

What’s your name? »Aapka naam kya hai?

My name is »Mera naam …

Right, “There

Left »Bayen

One hundred “Ek sau

Two hundred “Thu sow