India

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India

• India is among the largest cities in the world in terms of its area. It is surrounded by many neighboring countries like Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Maldives. It has more than a billion people making it second to China.
• The country of India is extremely diverse. It has immense differences when it comes to its geography and climate. More than that, its distinctive culture and language plus its ethnicity is truly remarkable clearly depicting its democracy.
• The richness and diversity of India’s culture and tradition is dominated by religion and other spiritual themes. People in India come from different origins, beliefs as well as ethnic backgrounds
• India brings almost everything that US tourists are looking for – mountains, beaches or deserts. The Himalayas, known as the world’s highest mountain range is in the country’s border.

 

The Life: Conservative

• While many people refer to India as a ‘poor’ country, people residents of the country values religions and rituals, making them rich in culture and tradition. One of its unique practices is taking off their shoes when entering mosques or churches.
• US tourists must be aware of the conservative dress codes of Indians. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are inappropriate for a day at the beach. Metropolitan areas, however, are more liberal with their western influences on their outfits.
• Life in India consists of significant diversity, with extreme differences when living in villages and when staying in other towns and cities.

 

Cost of Living: Inexpensive

• US tourists can pretty much take pleasure in the affordable prices of food as well as accommodation in India. A simple meal costs about $10 while fast food meals are priced at around $4. Apartment rentals are affordable as well. Apartments located within the city center are priced at $180 per month while outside the city is slightly cheaper at $120. Rooms in hotels are generally priced at $60 per day.

 

Poker: Common

• Online poker games are popular among Indians. PokerGuru is believed to be the top online poker portal of the country. Poker championship tournaments and championships are regularly participated by locals and travelers.

 

Internet Speed: SLOW

• India includes a good number of internet kiosks. Cost is normally based on the speed of the internet. However, US tourists must be wary about using their credit cards. Credit card thefts are widespread.
• Most of the Wi-Fi spots in the country are limited. Cities like Delhi and Mumbai are known to have the most decent Wi-Fi coverage. But majority of the internet users do not actually depend on Wi-Fi. GPRS datacards are more extensively used but will entail agreements – a fact that may not be practical for short-term tourists.

 

Weather: Good

• India comprises of four official seasons. Winter months are from December to April while summer starts in late April up to June. April and May are the hottest months. Rainy season usually begins in June and lasts until September. Finally, the remaining months experience the post-monsoon season.
• The weather information dictates the best time of the year that US tourists can decide on their trip schedule.

 

U.S. Visa/Entry Difficulty Level:

• Tourist visas are normally valid for six months. US citizens have the special privilege of availing a ten-year visa, both for travel and business purposes. The visa costs $150 and will be valid from its day of issue and not upon entry into the country.
• Upon entry, a US passport, valid for six months, is required as well as tickets and travel documents.

 

Banking:  Workable

• US tourists are allowed to open bank accounts in India but only in certain financial institutions. Requirements including US passport are essential.

 

Language: Numerous

• Amazingly, India consists of 18 major languages and more than 1600 dialects. Its official language is Hindi which is spoken by half of the country’s population.
• Major languages include: Hindi, English and Bengali and more. Being the second primary language in India, English is widely used for official business.

 

Schools:

• US tourists can find lots of interesting things to learn in India. From yoga to ayurveda to classical musical instruments, vocal music and even cooking – these are the variety of fascinating things found in the country which tourists can spend valuable time for learning.

 

Food: Spicy

• Indian cuisine is topnotch and most of the time a representation of each of the exceptional cuisines all over the world. US citizens may have ideas of Indian food. However, Indian cuisine in western countries is only a portion of the special and diverse range of the country’s specialties.
• Hot – this is the usual food in India with green chili found to bring tears to anyone. While spicy food is the most common, there are also other cuisines that have no shade of chili; Bengal is an example of a non-spicy food. Many US tourists do not leave the country without trying the spicy food.

 

Recreation: Interesting

• There are many tourist spots in India. Taj Mahal is the most popular not only in the country but is also well-recognized in the world. It is a powerful representation of the Islamic architecture as well as a sweet emblem of eternal love.
• Some of tourist destinations that can become part of the tourists’ sightseeing activities include the Golden Temple, the Sangla Valley and the Andamas Island.
• Besides visiting these attractions, tourists may be interested in sports activities such as playing football, hockey and cricket.
• Fairs and festivals are worth participating as well. Goa Fair is set in February along with Surajkund. These celebrations display the lively atmosphere in India as shown in its processions, floats as well as the brightest traditional crafts of the country.

 

Safety: Quite Secure

• Petty crimes are widespread in India. Sadly, most tourist destinations have theft cases but no serious incidents of robbery were reported. Beggars may also be all over the country, often attracted to travelers.
• Scams are also prevalent which support the advice for US tourists to be extra vigilant.