Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / India
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| | | Land of contrasts |  | Why go on holiday to India?
India is an assault on the senses. The colour, noise and vitality is overwhelming. It is a country of infinite contrasts - as vast as it is crowded, as luxurious as it is squalid; it is often said that India is not a country, but a continent.
How much does it cost?
You can spend almost as little or as much as you want in India but as a guide, flights cost from £300-£450. Package trips to Goa are good value: around £350 half-board for seven nights in November.
Local hotels are cheap, from £20 upwards a night, but a more Western-style two-week coach and air tour taking in Old Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho and Varanasi will set you back around £1,800.
When should I go?
Climatic conditions vary hugely across such a vast country but in general there are three seasons: hot, wet and cool - in that order.
Most people visit during the winter (November to March), when the weather is neither too hot nor too humid.
In Delhi, for example, temperatures can still be as warm as 30C (86F), dropping to between 10C and 20C in December and January; rising to 30C (86F) in November and March.
April to August are unbearably hot (up to 50C/122F) unless you are travelling to the northern Himalayan regions, when this is the best time to visit.
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| | | A spiritual journey |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Most people head for famous landmarks during their first trip. Think of India and you'll undoubtably think of the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, the magnificent marble mausoleum built for love.
Together with the red sandstone Agra Fort and the Amber Fort and Palace of the Winds at Jaipur, it makes up what is probably the most popular tourist triangle.
But there are so many other temples and sights to see: the ruined city of Sarnath, the sunrise on the Ganges at Varanasi and the Golden Temple at Amritsar.
What about somewhere to relax?
The beaches of Goa are famous for sun, sand and a hedonistic lifestyle, but have become more Westernised in recent years.
The beaches of Lakshadweep, a series of coral atolls off the west coast, are pristine but expensive to reach.
An alternative option is to make for the mountains. Northern India is bordered by the highest peaks in the world, the Himalaya. Daramasala is a fascinating cultural centre, home to the exiled Dalai Lama.
What role does religion have in India?
Although overwhelmingly Hindu, there is probably more diversity of religions and sects in India than anywhere else on Earth. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists rub shoulders with followers of Jain, an ancient religion unique to India.
Visits to temples and religious festivals add an important cultural and spiritual element to any trip.
The country is also the guru centre of the world, and it's relatively easy for Westerners to pay a visit to one of the country's many ashrams to receive guidance on their spiritual paths.
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| | | Spice of life | | Where's good for nightlife?
The best place to experience traditional dancing and music is at a festival, of which there are hundreds. Check with the local tourist board.
Large cities and traditionally hedonistic spots like Goa will have a selection of bars and clubs, but in general this type of entertainment is not as common as it is at home.
More popular is the cinema; entry is inexpensive and a Bollywood blockbuster is practically as vibrant and colourful as the country itself.
What's the food like?
There's no such thing as a curry in India; the word is an English invention to cover all Indian spicing. Indian cooks have about 25 spices on their regular list; dishes needn't be hot but are always well-flavoured.
There are innumerable regional variations. Sample the street cooking: both flavour and experience are utterly unlike anything back home.
Vendors squat beside their karais (woks) or hotplates and take shouted orders for bhajas (crispy veg cakes), beguni (aubergine), samosas (stuffed pastries) and masala dosas (stuffed pancakes).
What should I buy?
There are so many beautiful items to buy that you may end up shipping stuff home - but do bargain hard.
Carpets, pottery, metalwork, jewellery, leatherwork, textiles, silks and saris, woodcarvings and paintings are all tempting, but beware the dealers who wish to show you "my brother's shop" - they are working on commission so prices will hike up.
Also doubt those who sell you large items "all shipping included"; inevitably this is not the case and you will have to pay customs and handling charges.
What is there for children to do?
Travelling with children is not the easiest thing in India, but the effort will be more than compensated by the experience that they gain from their adventure into such a radically different landscape and culture.
In the larger towns and cities you will find classic attractions aimed at kids, such as amusement parks, snake farms and children's gardens. The sights and sounds of India will engross all but the smallest child.
Tourist office:
Government of India Tourist Office, 7 Cork Street, London W1S 3LH. Tel. 020 7437 3677. 24-hour brochure line: 01233 211999.
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| | Available rental properties in India |
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| |  | | Luxury Villa with a pool
The property is built to a old kerala design with a centre marble courtyard open ,with a central water feature as they were 200yrs ago
|  | | Villa Salmona
Lovely Portuguese heritage villa set in tropical garden with pool. Beautifully decorated and located in a charming village minutes from beaches.
|  | | Thulasi Bhavan, Kovalam, Trivandrum
Newly built luxuary 4 bedroom house, all bedrooms airconditioned with onsuites. The house is less than five minutes walk to Hava beech at Kovalam
|  | | GOCH Villa
GOCH is an IATA and Ministry Of Tourism, Govt. of India approved Travel Agency. The Full Service Villa in Kochi off N.H-47 Bye-Pass behind EMC & near SmartCity, Kakkanad has 3 Deluxe AC Rooms.
|  | | Partial Seaview Aprtment
This is a beautiful apartment having with a partial view of the Zuari river and is perched on top of the hillock called Ocean Heights.
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