• Population – 1.08 billion
• Languages Spoken – English and Hindi
• GMT - +5.5 hours
• Visas - All visitors to India require a passport that is valid for 6 months. Visas must be obtained before arrival from your nearest consulate. Certain areas, such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Lakshadweep Island and Sikkim, have restricted access and special visas are required. Current information should be confirmed with your nearest Indian Embassy.
• International Dialing Code - country code +91
• Electricity - 220-240V AC at 50Hz. Standard sockets are small rounded 2 or 3 pin.
• Health – Vaccinations are mandatory and water is unfit for drinking most especially if travelling outside major cities.
• Money - Indian Rupee # Best time to visit - The months from October to February are some of the best times to visit as the weather is very pleasant with little rain in most places.

Highlights of India

• The most recognizable example of Mughal architecture, Taj Mahal is a magnificent mausoleum in Agra which should be visited at sunset, when the colors of the dome turn from white to various shades of pink.
• Palace on Wheels is rated as one of the top ten luxury train rides in the world. This royal train takes a trip past the forts and palaces of Rajasthan in seven days.
• Red Fort is a palace fortress in Delhi, so-called due to the red sandstone comprising its walls, contains an array of exquisite buildings, all decorated with intricate artwork.
• India's largest mosque, the Jama Masjid can hold up to 25,000 devotees at any one time and has smaller towers at each corner which can be climbed by visitors, allowing them a breathtaking view of Delhi.
• Darjeeling is the favorite vacation spot of British colonials. This hill station in West Bengal offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas as well as a challenging trekking route called the Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek.
• Goa, a former Portugese colony, has many delightful beaches, especially Anjuna Beach, which are known for outrageous night parties.
• One of the most popular wildlife reserves in India is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can see elephants, mongooses, sambar, and hundreds of species of birds. Crawford Market is a place where the inhabitants of Mumbai go for supplies. This indoor market includes Chor Bazaar, a "thieves market" where antiques of dubious value are sold.
• The largest of its kind in the subcontinent, Jain Temples of Ranakpur boasts of amazing marble work and 1,444 pillars which dissect 29 halls, each pillar sculpted with intricate carvings.
• Amber Palace is the center of the former capital of the Kuchwaha Rajputs in Jaipur. The most memorable part of this tour is climbing the palace ramparts, past the successive gates, on the back of an elephant, Maharaja-style.