India

Probably there is no man on earth, not to dream to go to India, where all penetrated symbolism and hidden meaning. In India, where age-old tradition are not crumble under the pressure of civilization, where rickshaw and sacred cows together with luxurious palaces and skyscrapers.

India has always surprised the world, even do it now, inviting tourists from all over the world to join its secrecy, which over the centuries created by Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Portuguese, English. India inconceivable eastern philosophy, which everything is subject of fate and destiny.

India will charm you natural beauty, combine a sea and mountains, deserts and jungles, cold and heat. To list all the attractions of the country of elephants is not possible. The whole culture of India, based on different religious canon, is a monolith, which each side as the famous Taj Mahal Mausoleum, struck by its beauty. That's why thousands of travelers from all corners of the earth seeking to enter India, which established an excellent tourist industry. Today we are going to India, not only to get acquainted with architectural cuisine, but also to swim in the crystal waters of the oceans, to take up diving, a ride on the backs of camels and elephants, to commit exciting safari in the jungles in India and much more.

The capital: New Delhi

The largest city: Mumbai

Population: 2008 estimate - 1,132,446,000; According to data in 2000: Hindus - 81.3% of the population, Muslims - 12%, Christians - 2.3%, Sikhs - 1.9%, other groups - 2.5%.Around 25 million people of Indian or Indian origin living outside India. While in the U.S., Canada and the UK Indians are employed in high technology sectors.

National particularities: Hindus mental warehouse featuring heavily developed fantasy. They are peaceful, sometimes humiliation polite, often equally disingenuous, as well as very sensual and emotionally, and they can hide their passions. Their virtues are moderation, cleanliness, patience, curiosity, respect for science as well as positive and constant goodwill. They are smiling all the time. To better understand these people, should know that India for centuries, residents tried to follow the principles and rules laid down in ancient holy book-Vedas. According Vedas everyone should learn to express love for God in their daily affairs. In each case should be done with joy and be a small step to self-improvement.

Holidays: India is a multicultural and multireligious society, celebrates holidays and festivals of various religions. There are three national holidays in India: Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti. In addition, many states and regions have local festivals. Popular religious festivals include the Hindu festivals of Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, Dussehra and the Islamic festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr, Muharram, Ramadan which are celebrated throughout the country. The Sikh festivals such as Guru Nanak Jayanti , the Christian festivals such as Christmas, Good Friday and Jain festivals like Paryushan are celebrated in certain areas where these religions have a significant following.

Geography: India is a huge country in southern Asia, which closes the Himalayas from the north, and from the south washed by the Indian Ocean. It borders with Pakistan in the northwest, China, Nepal and Bhutan in the north and Bangladesh and Myanmar in the east. At the northern coast of India is the island of Sri Lanka. India covers an area of 3287000 sq km, although this figure is not entirely accurate, since some border areas disputed by China and Pakistan. India is the seventh in area country in the world.

Climate: Climatic conditions here are varied from dry deserts of Rajasthan to cold in highlands of Assam, perhaps the most humid place on earth. In India there are three seasons - hot, humid and cold. Heat comes to the northern plains in February and by April becomes intolerable. The first signs of monsoon appear in May when a thunderstorm starts and increased humidity. Monsoon rains begin in early June at the far south to the north and seeking by July cover all the country's territory. During the monsoon does not become cooler, but this time of great relief for farmers. The main monsoons come from south-west, but south-eastern coast seizes wet northeast monsoon, which brings rains since mid-October until January. The main monsoons end by October and in December in the big cities of northern India at night becomes fresh. In the south where is never cold, at this time is warmth and pleasure.

Time zone: IST (UTC+5:30)
Summer (DST) not observed (UTC+5:30)

Official language: Hindi in the Devanagari script is the official language of the union and English the 'subsidiary official language'
Scheduled Languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu

The currency: Indian rupee, which is subdivided into 100 paise.

English-Indian Phrasebook

Greeting ...................(Svagat)
Hello! .........................Namaskar!
Good morning! ..............Namaste!
Good evening! ...............Namaste!
Goodbye! .......................Namaste (Namaskar)! Alvida!
See you later!................ Phir milege!
Good night! ...................Namaste!
My name is ... ................Mera nam ... hai.
What is your name?............. Apka kia nam hai?
Where is the public phone?........ Pablik fon kaha hai?
Where can I change money? ......Mai apne paise kaha badal saku?
Help me please. ............................Kripaia, mudjhe madad didhjiye
How much does it cost? And that? ......Is(us)vale ka bhav kia hai?
It is (too) expensive. ..................Bara mahaga hai.
Is there a cheap? .........................Isse kuchh sasta vala mi lega?
Escarpment in the price. .............Bhav kuchh cam kidjiye.
Welcome! ......................................Svagat (Svagatam)!
Come in. ........................Aye.
Feel like your home. ...................Aram serahiye.
Do not be shy, please! ....................Sankoch chhoriye!
Have a sit, please! ........................Baythne ki kripa kidjiye!
Thank you very much for everything! Sab kuchh ke lie dhanyavad!
Yes.............................. [ji] Ha
No ...............................[ji] Nahi
Of course. ..................Avashya (Zarur) hai
Sorry. ........................Mafi magta hu



Delhi

Your first impression of Delhi is unlikely to be good, especially if it's your first impression of India. Here you will see the smog, crowds of people, noise and dirt before will be able to assess the charm of the city. But this city is worth for visit. His story is interesting and from all sides surrounds you: Pahargandzh bazaars, which grab you with an abundance of souvenirs and unusual things; buildings and monuments of the city which are architectural masterpieces, and restaurants.

Delhi is the capital of India and transportation hub north of the country. From here you can start a trip to Agra or Taj Mahal, and Jaipur is located just a five-hour drive from the city. If you want to go to the Himalayas or to the east of Varanasi, then their journey, you too can start in New Delhi.


Goa

When we speak of beach tourism in India, we mean Goa.
In Goa all arranged so that you do not even notice, as during visits to places of entertainment you active reach secrecy culture and history of Goa, famous for its centers Ayurveda - the traditional Indian medicine.

Goa conditionally is divided into two parts Southern and Northern.
South Goa differs significantly from the North: beautiful, tender coast, with comfortable beaches, high class hotels, and respectable audience. Sandy Northern beaches of Goa are less attractive.
Beaches of South Goa: Kolva - the most lively beach in Goa, Vayniginim - an exotic beach with a magnificent garden; Kandolim - a meeting place for followers of Osho Radzhnisha religious practices, meditation at sunset lovers and followers of the style of "natural"; Palolem - the southernmost and picturesque Goa beach; Dona Paula - a paradise for lovers, where according to legend, threw rocks into the sea from the Governor's daughter Paula, when she separated from her beloved fisherman; Aguada - its newly famous attraction - sunken aground dry; Mabor - amazing for its charms Lagoon, with luxurious white sands.

Northern Beaches Goa: Arambol - excellent place for peaceful rest on wild beaches, where nothing and no one would not detract you from the validity of contemplation; Kalangut - beach entertainment, including short courses of meditation, yoga, karate; Vagator - the incessant holiday for those who love trans culture; Cola Beach-beach, where there are no unnecessary fuss, able to retain its original charm and beauty of nature; Andzhuna - the most photographed beach, with the most famous Eastern markets, where you can buy from merchants from all over India, nearly all from small souvenirs, and ending with antiques.

There are many reasons to visit Goa: 100 km line golden sandy beaches, washed by the aquamarine Arabian Sea with a rich underwater flora and fauna, and continues to attract fans of surf cafe, windsurfing, diving.

If you like tropical beauty you can visit the local Mahavir reserves, the largest in Goa, a famous variety of exotic nature. Bondla is a great place to relax with your family, where in addition to enjoying incredible beauty of botanical gardens and rose gardens. Also you can get fun in numerous mini-zoos. In reserve Gadzhanur can observe the life of wild elephants, tigers, lions, deer and ride on the back of the elephant. In the reserve Dudhsagar you can swim in the lake at the same waterfall, the second highest in India and one of the most beautiful in the world. And lovers of oriental spices should not fail to visit the plantation "Savoy", where their eyes can see the blossoms and the process of assembling various spices - the wealth of India. So far, wondered at the eye of tourists Caves Arvalem built in the 5-6 centuries and located at the same picturesque waterfall, attract many fans of adventure. The whole complex of caves consists of 5 offices, converging into one large central hall.

Great place to spend time wishing for exotic occupations. Where, as in Goa can neither commit an unforgettable raid - in the jungle safari, both at the jeeps, and on the back mighty elephant, which can be amusing and feed sacred in India monkeys, and watch life antelopes, leopards, wild boars and Other representatives of Indian fauna. No less extreme and Safari crocodiles, which revision canoes can be taken up at the picturesque river Zouari. Fans of fishing in Goa can go on St. Georgia, where in a calm atmosphere and can even communicate with dolphins.

No less attractive to tourists archaeological tradition of Goa. The famous Museum of History and Archeology tells his sights on the distant centuries: Neolithic, Indus culture, the Middle Ages, the Muslim influence times Sultan of Gujarat, Christian dominion. The preserved in excellent condition arches and 79 cannons Fort Aguada (XVII century) - the most famous bastion of Goa, another place of frequent visits of tourists, who invariably want to visit and fort in Chapora - an ideal place to observe fantastic sunset.



You can visit and modern capital of Goa Panaji where harmoniously coexist old and new, European and Oriental. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of Portuguese life can be, looking in the oldest quarter of the city Fonteynes where still living descendants of Portuguese; touch with the Christian tradition in the Church of Immaculate Conception; admire Muslim grace, visiting the huge palace Adil Shah dynasty - Idalkao Peles (XV century) and from the port city of Vasco de Gama with a special train to reach the unique village, where preserved life and mores in 17 Portuguese culture.

The visiting card for Panaji city is the traditional four-day carnival, which serve mainly to the motto "eat, drink and have fun."

Calcutta

The capital of West Bengal spread along the eastern bank of the river Hooghly. Once when Calcutta was magnificent capital of British India, however, after the division and the flow of refugees it has become a haven of poverty and hunger. But this courageous city, calls itself the "City of fun" and tries to present itself the most fascinating and friendly city of the country, nation intellectual capital and the center of policy and the arts.
According to the legend, when the wife of Lord Shiva died, one of her fingers fell to the place where now located Kali temple. Therefore it is a permanent place of pilgrimages. In the morning here they sacrificed goats to placate the bloody goddess. In other urban sights are: the magnificent Indian Museum, the largest and perhaps the best museum in the country; Botanical Gardens, which grows 200-years old banyan tree, which has the second largest in the world crown (after their fellow, which is growing in Andhra Pradesh) and the Howrah Bridge, which is considered the most crowded bridge in the world.

Agra

Taj Mahal – in fact this monument of love is a tourism symbol of India. The mausoleum was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in 1631 during childbirth has become such a blow to the Emperor that his grown grey hair in a night. Taj Construction began in the same year and was completed in 1653.
The walls are lined from polished translucent marbles. Been used turquoise, agate, malachite, cornelian and others. Marble has a feature that in bright daylight it looks white; it looks at the dawn of pink, and silver in the lunar night. For the construction of the complex were invited more than 20 000 artists from all over the empire, as well as masters of Central Asia, Persia and the Middle East. At the other bank of the river should have been placed twin-building of black marble, but it was not build. Connect these two buildings should have been a bridge of gray marble.

If you plan to visit this miracle, it draws attention to the fact that on Friday's mausoleum is closed for non-Muslims.

Another attraction is a massive city of red sandstone fort - Agra, which is located on the bank of the river Jhamna. The enormous double wall of the fort rise by 20 meters, and their circumference is 2.5 km. They are surrounded by a deep moat. Inside the fort is a maze of halls, mosques, houses and gardens, which seems to form a "city in the city." Unfortunately, not all buildings open to visits, including Jemchuj mosque of white marble, which is rightly considered the most beautiful mosque in India.

Varanasi

During 2000 years Varanasi - "The eternal city" - was the religious capital of India. Built on the bank of holy river Gang, as if he has the common features of places of pilgrimage, and anyone who finishes his days here goes straight to heaven. For Hindus this city has the same weight as the Vatican for Catholics.
The most easterly town in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is an important place of learning, and therefore there are many writers, philosophers and philologists. This city has played a role in shaping India's national language - Hindi.
The attractions of the city are: the Golden Temple, which is covered with golden quadrangle towers; many markets where you can buy copper, lacquered boxes, scarves, silk products and sitar. Be sure to visit the Buddhist center Sarnat and make a little trip down the river Ganges. You'll see a lot of people who come on Gang shore not only to commit ritual washing, but also to play Yoga, to sell flowers, to do massage, to play cricket, to swimming, to washing facilities, and improve their karma by applying for charity.

Shimla

"Summer Capital" of British India had spread to form crescent ridge at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level in southern Himachal Pradesh. It was from one of the most important cities in India before the country gained its Independence.
The most famous street of the city-Moll along which faces typical British houses crosses the ridge. Christ Church, Castle Gorton House and Vice-King more resemble a fortress, reinforcing the impression that you are in England.

After you take a walk on the Moll it may be interesting to commit to walk Jakhu Temple, dedicated to monkey-god Hanuman. It is located near the highest point range, and hence sees beautiful views of the city and its environs. Ski resort Kufri is located 15 km to the east, although snowfalls have become so rare in recent times that planned to suspend admission of tourists. Snowy is usually in January and February.

Jaipur


The capital of Rajasthan is known as "pink city", because of it's painted in pink houses and city walls. Indian people felt that the pink color is a symbol of hospitality, and they painted all the houses in a way they are preparing for arrival of Prince Alfred in 1853. But the traditional hospitality of Jaipur survived to this day.

Currently, Jaipur is a city of broad streets and special architectural harmony, built on the spot dry lakes and surrounded by barren hills. This is a surprisingly beautiful city.

The main point of reference in the Old City is Izvari Minar Svanga Sul (Minaret, Reach Heaven), which towers are over the town. But you will be interested from five facades Hawa Mahala, or Palace of Winds. This palace was built in 1799 to allow the blood royal ladies to observe street life and festive procession. It is part of the Palace complex and the heart of Old Town.

Udaypur

The most romantic city of Rajasthan, built on the shores of Lake Pichola, rightly called the "Venice of East". Founded in 1568 in Maharaja Uday Singh, the city is a harmonious blend houses and marble palaces, gardens, temples and havelis (traditional Indian dwellings). It is proud of its artistic heritage and reputation of the city of arts, as well as its abundance of water, which has helped the city become an oasis of civilization and bright flower in the province of gray stones.

Lake Pichola is located in the city centre. On the two islands of Lake hosted two palaces - Dzhagnivas and Dzhagmandir - which are themselves indicators Rajput era. Dzhagmandir is now a luxurious hotel. There is a museum, several beautiful gardens and several luxury hotels. Other attractions are Udaypura old gates, fenced walls of the city and its excellent track; magnificent Indo-Aryan Jagdish Temple, dates from the mid-17 century, and Bagore ki Haveli, once a former royal home and now a cultural center.

Mysore

This charming and quiet city long had been a favorite among travelers because of its climate and sought. It is a city renowned for its silk and is the centre for sandalwood and incense, although not hope that the air here will be very different from air in other cities.
Indo-Saratsin Magaradja Palace, with its stained glass, decorative mirrors, mahogany from the ceilings, heavy silver doors and completely wild flowers, is the main attraction of the city.
Another interesting place is 1000 - stepped recovery in Chamundi Hill, which culminated in a temple Chamundesvari. At the entrance to the famous staircase stands 5 meters Nandi (Shiva Bull), cut from solid stone. In October here runs 10 days Dussehra festival, which ends magnificent procession richly decorated elephants, cavalry, and people bearing flowers adorned with images of deities.

To describe what you can see in India is simply impossible. And there is more than you can surprise from a vacation in India, so that rather pack their suitcases and go to see happiness and appeasement to the country in whose films are always good wins.