India is a world in itself. This is the land of mysticism, superstition & myths, snake charmers, yogis and Maharaja's. India’s variety has richness, where light, color, noises, smells, flavors are all so vivid and intense.

Area : 3,287,263 sq km (1,269,219 sq miles).

Population : 920,000,000 (official estimate 1995).

Density of population : 279.9 per sq km.

Capital : New Delhi.

Geography:

India shares borders to the northwest with Pakistan, to the north with China, Nepal and Bhutan, and to the east with Bangladesh and Myanmar. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, to the east the Bay of Bengal and to the south the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka lies off the southeast coast, and the Maldives off the southwest coast. The far northeastern states and territories are all but separated from the rest of India by Bangladesh as it extents northwards from the Bay of Bengal towards Bhutan. The Himalayan mountain range to the north and the Indus River (west) and Ganga River (east) form a physical barrier between India and the rest of Asia. The country can be divided into five regions: Western, Central, Northern (including Kashmir and Rajasthan), Eastern and Southern.

Language

The official language is Hindi which is sPokharaen by about 30% of the population, English is also often used for official or commercial purposes. In addition, 17 regional languages are recognised by the Constitution. These include Punjabi, Bengali, Gujerati and Oriya which are widely used in the north and Tamil and Telegu which are common in the south. Other regional languages are Marathi, Kannada and Malayalam. The Muslim population largely speak Urdu.

Religion : 80% Hindu, 11% Muslim with Sikh, Christian and Buddhist minorities.

Time : GMT + 5.30.

Electricity : Usually 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Some areas have a DC supply. Plugs used are of the round 2- and 3-pin type.

Visa & Transport

Foreign travellers mus possess a visa for Bhutan which is granted initially for 14 days. While the actual visa is tamped on arrival in Bhutan upon payment of Us $20, visittors need to obtain visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) in advance. The visa can be extented in Thimpu for up to six months. The operator making your travel arrangements will handle the official formalities.
Transport is provided by tour operators who have their own fleet fo luxury buses. All major places of interest are connected by paved road


India Tours

Golden Traingle

Though short duration, the trip includes the two main tourists' centers of India. This trip out of Delhi can be combined with most of the tours and includes visits of the famous Taj Mahal at Agra, abandoned Mughal capital Fathehpur Sikri and the city of Jaipur.

Delhi, Agra and Vanarasi

Two of the most enduring images of India are undoubtedly the magnificent Taj Mahal at Agra and the incredible bathing ghats of the Ganges at Varanasi. From timeless Moghul architecture to religious rituals, this short tour will introduce you to some of the contrasts making India such a remarkable destination.

Enchants of Rajasthani

Delhi-Shekhawati-Bikaner-Jaiselmer-Jodhpur-Kumbalgarh-Udaipur-Amer-Jaipur-Agra-Delhi
"The Land of the Kings" and the home of the Rajputs, a group of warriors who have controlled this part of India for about one thousand years in accordance with code of chivalry and honor similar to that of the medieval European knights. Geographically Rajasthan has a mixed character. In the southern part there are the Aravali hills, northwest and south is connected with Thar Desert.

Foothills of the Himalayas

The northern part of Utter Pradesh is an area of beautiful hills, mountains and lakes. You take an exciting rafting trip down the Ganges whereby you float past temples, ashrams and yoga centers of the holy city of Rishikesh, made famous by the Beatles who visited this place in the 1960s. Next is a visit to Corbett National Park where you travel by jeep and on elephant back through the jungle trying to catch a view of the great Indian tiger. The trip is rounded off with scenic drive to the pretty little hill station of Nainital.

Footsteps of Lord Buddha

This is a classic trip covering the highlights of India and Nepal. You will have the opportunity to be acquainted with the history, culture, religion and the architectural treasuries of this region. You will visit the Taj Mahal, Maharaja’s Palaces, temples of "Kama Sutra" and the mystical ghats of Varanasi. After crossing the India-Nepal border you will visit the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini. In Royal Chitwan National Park you will chase the rhinos sitting on an elephant back. You will enjoy the overwhelmingly beautiful panorama in Pokhara and explore the Durbar Squares, temples, stupas, monasteries and many more in Katmandu Valley.