India is a subcontinent full of contrasts – from snow-capped Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches. The country offers a sensory overload of colours, scents, and impressions.
Sights
The Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra (with the Taj Mahal) and Jaipur – is the classic introduction. Rajasthan enchants with Maharaja palaces and desert cities.
Kerala in the south offers backwaters, spice plantations and Ayurveda. Goa attracts with Portuguese flair and beaches. Mumbai is the Bollywood hub. Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world.
Tipping
Restaurants: 10% in upscale places. Rickshaw: 10-20 Rupees round up. Hotel staff: 50-100 Rupees. Tour guides: 200-500 Rupees per day. Temple priests: 10-50 Rupees for blessings.
Traffic rules
Highway: 80-100 km/h
Highways: 60-80 km/h
Urban areas: 30-50 km/h
Villages: 25 km/h
Reality Check: Traffic rules are suggestions. Honking is communication. Cows have the right of way. Left-hand traffic in theory. Alcohol limit: 0.3 per mille (some states ban alcohol completely).
Currency & Payment
India uses the Rupee (INR). Cash is important, but digital payments (UPI, Paytm) are booming. Card payments in hotels and larger shops. ATMs are widely available.
सावधान (Caution): Always have smaller notes on hand – change is often an issue!
Important phone numbers
Emergency: 100 (police), 101 (fire service), 102 (ambulance)
Tourist helpline: 1363
Railway Enquiry: 139
Women’s helpline: 1091
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