Compare India Holidays

Overview

From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the sun drenchedcoastal villages of the south, India unfolds like an ancienttapestry. At times threadbare and fading, the land stretches fromdesert dunes and scattered slums to the rich embroidery of ancient,jewelled palaces, and the majestic domes of forgotten empires.Since the first civilisations rose on the banks of the IndusRiver almost 5,000 years ago, India has given birth to Buddhism andHinduism, been touched by the Empire of Alexander the Great, seenthe ancient empires of the Mauryas and Guptas rise and fall, andhas traded with Pharaohs and Caesars.An invasion by the white Huns scattered its people until thesweeping hand of Islam saw new kingdoms rise, heralding the era ofthe Sultans. Defeat came again as the Mogul Emperors marched overthe mountains and into the Punjab. The decline of the Mogul Empiregave way to the Marathas, who consolidated control of India just intime for the arrival of the British. The sun finally set on theBritish Empire as India reclaimed independence in 1947, heralding anew age of democracy.India is a feast for the senses; where the air is heavy with thescent of jasmine and dancers trail frenetic melodies in colourfulsilk saris. Its cooks compose dishes from a palette of exoticspices that may leave a lingering taste of saffron or aniseed. InIndia's cities, the stench of slum living competes with thecacophony of seemingly endless traffic and a myriad of othertextures, colours and movements all jostling for yourattention.

Money

The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed atbanks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible toobtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive inIndia there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It isillegal to exchange money through the black market and it isadvisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apartfrom the National Bank. It is best to change money into smalldenominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widelyaccepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMsare not generally available.

Time

Local time is GMT +5.5.

Language

Although English is generally used for official and business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by about 30 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim demographic. There are 16 other languages also spoken.

Climate

It is hard to generalise in a country that runs from theHimalayas to the beaches of the Indian Ocean but broadly speakingOctober to March tend to be the most pleasant months in India, whenit relatively dry and cool. In the far south the best months tovisit are between January and September, while northeastern areasof India tend to be more comfortable between March and August. Thedeserts of Rajasthan (west of Jodhpur) and the northwestern IndianHimalayan region are at their best during the monsoon (July toSeptember). The mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmirshould be visited over the summer months (May to September).

Current Weather Conditions for Bombay, , IN

Now 32°C Windchill: 32°C Smoke

Location: Bombay, , IN Wind: 8 kph NW Humidity: 36% Visibility: 0.02 km Pressure: 0 mb steady Sunrise: 7:03 am Sunset: 6:40 pm

Thu High: 34°C Low: 22°C Sunny

Fri High: 33°C Low: 22°C Sunny

Compare Holidays in India

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