Incredible India , where culture echoes, tradition speaks, beauty enthrals and diversity delights. Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches, India is the kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities.
The timeless mystery and beauty of India has been waiting for you for 5000 years, always warm and inviting, a place of infinite variety - one that favours you with different facets of its fascination every time you visit India .
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
All foreign nationals require visa to enter India . However, there are some relaxations for Bhutanese and Nepalese nationals. Details and types of visa and the fee may be obtained from the Embassy of India. (Address given on opening cover page).
Information for Tours which offers trekking and mountaineering expiditions to India .
1) Where the proposed tour includes any point above 6000 mtrs, visa may be given only after receiving the formal clearence from the indian Mountaineering Federation.
2) Where the proposed tour is for areas below 6000 mtrs. the visa applications should be accompanied ba an iterary indicating days and places to be visited alog with their height, a map of the proposed area with the distinct markings of the places to be visited and a copy of the broshure outlining the tour highlights. These details are required to ensure that the proposed tour does not violate the mandatory conditions laid down by the IMF.
RESTRICTED & PROTECTED AREAS
Certain parts of the country need special permits before they can be visited.
Foreign Tourists can visit Nagaland
In order to promote tourism in the North-east region, the Government of India has decided to allow foreign tourists to visit Nagaland. Until recently the entire state of Nagaland was a restricted area. However the Government of India has decided to allow foreign tourists to visit the destricts of Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchong and Wokha for a maximum period of 10 days and in a group of 4 or more. this restriction of group is not valid for married couples.
These permits are issued by the Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi 110 003
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram
These States/Union Territories have been designated as protected areas and foreigners cannot enter these areas without special permits. These permits are issued by the Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi 110 003 at least 4 weeks before the date of the expected visit.
Certain areas of Sikkim like Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang and Zongri in West Sikkim and Pamayangtse have been excluded form the inner line and declared as restricted areas. Individual tourists are permitted to visit Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodang. Tourists are permitted to visit Zongri and Pamayangtse. The duration of stay has been raised from 7 to 15 days. Permits can be issued by all Indian Missions abroad, all FRROs, Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta , Chennai and New Delhi . Manipur. Manipur has also been opened to foreign tourists; permits can be issued by all Missions abroad, all FRROs, Home Commissioner, Manipur, Imphal. The duration of stay has been raised from 3 to 5 days. Permits are no longer required for Darjeeling , Assam , Meghalaya, Tripura.
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS
Individual foreign tourists can visit Port Blair Municipal Area, Havelock Island , Long Island, Neil Island , Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, where a night halt is allowed and Jolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Mount Harriet , Madhuban where only day visits are allowed. Prior permit is necessary.
LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS
Only Bangaram and Subeli Islands are open to foreign tourists. Permits are required, obtainable from the Lakshadweep Administration, Wellington Island , Harbour Road , Kochi -3, Manipur Loktak Lake , Imphal, Moirang, Keibul Deer Sanctuary and Waithe Lake .
LANGUAGE
The official language is Hindi in the Devanagri script. The States are free to decide their own regional languages for internal administration and education, so there are 18 official languages spoken throughout the country. English is widely spoken.
GUIDES
Trained English speaking guides are available at fixed charges at all important tourist centres. The Govt. of India Tourist Offices can be contacted by tourists for the services of approved guides. French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian and Japanese speaking guides are available at some cities. Please consult the nearest Govt. of India Tourist Office. Unapproved guides are not permitted to enter protected monuments, and tourists are, therefore, advised to ask the guides for the identity card issued by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of India.
OPENING HOURS
These may vary from region to region. All international Hotels have a 24 hours money changing facility.
TIME
GMT + 5.5 hours.
COMMUNICATIONS
Fax/Telex/Telegram:
International 24-hours service from large hotels and telegraph offices in major cities.
Telephone:
Telephone calls to most countries are now direct. There are telephone facilities between the most cities and towns. The international direct dialing code for India is 91.
MONEY
Currency: Rupee = 100 Paise. Coins are in denominations of 10, 25 & 50 Paise & l, 2 & 5 Rupees. Notes are in denominations of Rs 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500.
AIRPORT TAX
Passengers embarking on journey to any place outside India will have to pay an airport tax of Rs. 300. For journey to Afghanistan , Bhutan , Nepal , Pakistan , Sri Lanka and the Maledives = Rs. 150.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
There are many festivals and special events in India , but only a few of these are full public holidays. These are: 26 Jan Republic Day, 15 Aug. Independence Day, 2 Oct. Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday. For dates of other holidays and festival please contact Tourist Offices in India .
ADVENTURE & ACTIVITIES
The spectacular variety of India extends to the range of adventure activities available. From the ski slopes of Kashmir to the water sports centres of the large beach resorts, whatever the season, you will find a sport to suit your taste. Try driving off from the fist tee of one of the country's beautiful golf courses, or casting for trout or salmon in the clear mountain rivers of the north. Or perhaps watch a skillful game of hockey, venture a few Rupees while mixing with the fashionable race-goers at any of India 's elegant racecouses; or combine elements of both by enjoying the spectacle of a game of polo. Hotels and Tourist Offices will be able to supply details of all these and other available attractions. For instance, while in India- why not try one of the following ...
TREKKING
Trekking has come a long way since the days of tedious journeys on foot or grueling hours of travel by ox-cart. Today, trekking conjures up visions of the spectacular northern and eastern Himalayas, the mist-strewn Western Ghats or the blue tranquillity of the Nilgiri Hills. India is the ultimate destination for a trekking holiday, offering everything from short and easy excursions to the long challenges of the snowy peaks. Trekking is comparatively undemanding, requiring only stamina to walk long hours and the mental agility to adapt to an ever-changing landscape. And the landscape is indeed spectacular.
The trekker will encounter rugged hills and mountains, green slopes carpeted with wild flowers and ice cold streams gurgling over boulders and ground pebbles. Far above in the clear blue sky, eagles wheel and bank while golden orioles, scarlet minivets and white-cheeked bulbuls pierce the pure air with their sweet cries. To take a trek in India is to rediscover the awesome majesty and beauty of nature. The highest mountain range on earth – the Himalayas - forms 3500 kms of India 's northern and eastern frontiers. The spectacle of the snow capped peaks, glaciers, pine forested slopes, rivers and lush meadows of wild flowers cannot be equaled. Peninsular India offers natural beauty of another kind, clothed in green woodland and fragrant orchards.
TREKKING PERMITS
Trekkers are reminded that it is forbidden to enter Restricted and Protected Areas without the correct documentation. Please consult the Tourist Office before departure or local tourist offices on arrival in India to ascertain what restrictions may apply and what documentation may be required.
TREKKING SEASON
This varies from region to region; In general, the season runs from April to June and September to November. It is possible to undertake treks in the valleys of Lahaul, Pangi and Zanskar and in Ladakh during the rainy season (June to August) as these areas receive minimal precipitation.
MOUNTAINEERING
Permission for mountaineering mus t be obtained from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi .
RIVER RUNNING
A fairly young sport in India . The snow-fed mountain rivers that run down from the mighty Himalayas make northern India one of the best regions in the world for this sport. Amateurs and first-timers have their choice of quieter waters, but with the promise of a passage through some truly spectacular riverside landscapes. Some rapids hit Colorado 8 (the highest is 10) on the scale, but most are on the 4 to 6 grade. The main regions are Ladakh, Garhwal and the four rivers of Himachal Pradesh.
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