• Languages Spoken – Hindi, English
• GMT - UTC + 5:30
• Visas - Visitors need to get an appropriate VISA depending on the purpose of visit. Take note that the validity of the VISA starts when the visa is issued and not at the date of entry in the country.
• International Dialing Code - +91 (country code)
• Electricity - 230V/50Hz, Indian (Old British)/European plugs
• Health - A visitor's stomach would need to adjust to all the new food in India, but until then, a little stomach upset is to be expected. Make sure to follow the usual sanitation procedures of washing hands before eating, and making sure of the source of your food. No vaccinations are required but it is always prudent to be prepared with your first aid kit and basic medicines.
• Money - Indian Rupee (INR)
• Best time to visit - India has a lot of festivals all year round but you might want to time your visit in any of their 3 major festivals: Holi in mid-March, Navrati in September-October and Diwali in October-November.

Highlights of India

• The Taj Mahal -The finest example of India's Mughal architecture, this tomb to a rajah's lost love is a romantic tribute as well as a national heritage. Located in Agra, the tomb seems to change color as the day progresses into night.
• Kalighat Kali Temple - A popular pilgrimage site in Kolkata which houses shrines devoted to a multitude of divinities, including Kali and Krishna. Flower markets surround this stunning architecture.
• Palace on Wheels - The epitome of India's vast rail network, this luxury train takes visitors on a pleasure trip from New Delhi to all over Rajasthan. Each car is decorated based on the culture of each state.
• Lake Palace - a favorite summer retreat among the rulers of Udaipur in the 18th century, this white marble structure completely covers Lake Palace island. The boat ride to and from the palace across Lake Pichola is also a treat in itself.
• Goa - the smallest state of India has a 105-kilometer coastline filled with simmering beaches and flourishing jungles. The laid-back people of this "Sunshine State" follow the philosophy of sosegad, which means tranquility in Portugese.
• Jantar Mantar - The largest stone observatory in the world, located in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. It consists of 14 geometric devices used for specific purposes such as telling time and tracking planetary movements.
• Buland Darwaa - The highest gateway in the world, a 175-foot tall monument built by Akbar the Great to celebrate one of his victories. The massive red sandstone gateway is built in the fort complex of Fatehpur Sikri, 40 kilometers away from Agra.
• Mausoleum of Akbar - This unique pyramidal tomb has an open top and four entranceways, representing the 4 major religions of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. Located in the ancient city of Sikandra, the mausoleum is in the center of an enormous garden.