Cities in India: list of the largest. India Largest cities in India
What associations do you have when you mention a country like India? Surely these are some kind of mystical images, symbols that excite the minds and imagination. Visiting major cities in India will definitely give you more than just good memories and experiences. After all, here even the most ordinary things are perceived in a new way, let alone the exotic. No one can resist her charms.
India
This is a South Asian state, consisting of 28 states, each of which has its own national characteristics. The seven union territories of India are under central jurisdiction. The country is located within three geographical regions of amazing beauty: the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Himalayan Mountains and the Hindustan Peninsula. The local climate is comfortable at any time of the year, depending on the purpose of the trip, so they are popular all year round. So, let's take a closer look at the large and truly ancient cities of India.
New Delhi - capital
It is here that all the main government agencies of the country are located. In 1991, New Delhi's population was 294,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two parts: Old and New. Old Delhi in ancient times was the capital of the Indian Muslim state, so there are many old forts, monuments, and mosques. New Delhi is riddled with long, shady boulevards - this place is the grave of many empires and the birthplace of the republic, so every visitor feels an incomprehensible and fascinating mixture of new and old in the air.
Agra
Many cities in India were previously the residence of various empires. Agra, for example, was the capital of Agra Fort, which was repeatedly mentioned in literary works and captured on feature films. It was in this city that the monument to “immortal love” - the Taj Mahal - found its place. This white marble tomb, looking the same as it did 2.5 centuries ago, is the tourist emblem of India and the most extravagant monument to human love. was erected by Emperor Shah Jahan for his second wife, who died in 1631 during the birth of her 14th child.
Jaipur
Considering all the cities in India, this one stands out for its pink hue. Most of the buildings in the old part of Jaipur were painted pink by order of Maharaja Ram Singh, symbolizing hospitality. This was done to meet the Prince of Wales. Among the countless attractions of this Indian city, the most notable are the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort.
Mumbai or Bombay
It is the largest metropolis in the country. If we consider all the coastal cities of India, then Mumbai is the youngest of them. About 15 million people live here. The main tourist area of the city is called Colaba. Life in this place is in full swing: countless hotels, restaurants and shops. Bombay is the capital of Indian cinema, the commercial and financial center of the country. Arriving here, you should definitely see the Gateway of India, the Marine Drive embankment and the most beautiful train station in Asia - Victoria. Have a magical trip!
India is among the largest countries on the planet. Along with China, it is considered a dynamically developing state and ranks second in the world in terms of population. The United Nations believes that by 2050, India will overtake China to become the world's most populous country. The annual population growth rate is approaching 2%, while China's population growth is 1.4%. India is a huge country consisting of 29 states, 6 union territories, more than 600 districts and 7900 cities and towns. The largest cities in India amaze with their dense population, vibrant activity and at the same time enchant with their architecture, monuments, and landscapes.
Big cities in India:
Mumbai
The financial capital of the country and the economic center in India is Mumbai, formerly Bombay. The headquarters of a number of multinational companies, large industrial houses and financial corporations are located here, which makes the city attractive for making money and attracting foreign employees. Mumbai is home to the Stock Exchange and the Reserve Bank of India.
Its convenient location on the shores of the Arabian Sea has turned the metropolis into a bustling and prosperous port. Due to its history and variety of architectural styles, Mumbai attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world. The Indian “city of dreams” is the birthplace of Bollywood, a thriving film industry similar to American Hollywood.
Delhi
One of the most ancient cities in the world, and now the capital of India, is the city of Delhi. The historical monuments of this city are a unique heritage and are of high archaeological value. Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt many times.
The city represents two different worlds - ancient and modern. Old Delhi consists of narrow streets and mosques. New City is home to government offices, including the Houses of Parliament, making it a diplomatic and governmental center. Modern Delhi is a bustling metropolis and the second most populous city in the country.
India Gate, Red Fort, Lotus Temple are the main attractions of the capital of India, which make Delhi a popular holiday destination for both tourists and the local population.
Bangalore
Bangalore, officially known as Bangalore, is the capital of the state of Karnataka and the third most populous Indian city. Received the title of capital after the liberation of India from British colonial rule.
Many decades ago, Bangalore was a tiny place, but with the development of information technology, many residents of neighboring cities and villages moved here permanently in search of income and professional prospects. The modern city of Bangalore is at the forefront of the telecommunications and software industries.
Compared to other metropolitan cities in India, it boasts of cleanliness and abundance of vegetation. It is not for nothing that the city was given the name “garden city”.
Chennai
Chennai is located on the Bay of Bengal on the Coromandel Coast in southern India in the state of Tamil Nadu. The city was originally called Madras. Chennai is often compared to Detroit in the US for its key role in the Indian automobile industry. This place is famous for its education system and has the highest literacy rate in India. Chennai is known as the “Gateway to South India” and is rich in rivers, lakes and canals. The city has many modern architectural structures and ancient temples built in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and is known as the “City of Pearls”. Its rapid growth and development is driven by new business opportunities in light manufacturing, information technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.
It is home to two of the largest film studios in the country - Tollywood and Ramoji. The latter is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest film studio in the world.
Hyderabad is also famous for its cinema with the world's largest IMAX 3D screen.
Tourists are attracted by such attractions as the Mecca Masjid Mosque, the Arc de Triomphe of the East, and the magnificent palace complexes of Chaumahallai Phalakunum.
Hydabarad is home to the largest Nehru Zoo in India and South Asia.
Calcutta
Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and a river port in the Ganges delta. The largest commercial city in eastern India and the center of numerous private and public sector companies. It has a developed infrastructure and is proud of its rich culture. Kolkata is one of the friendliest cities in India. The most famous attraction is the Kali Temple, which is an important sacred site for Hindus.
However, the city has a number of environmental problems; many areas are striking in their poverty.
Surat
Surat is a city in the state of Gujarat and is considered an important diamond exporter in the country and a major textile manufacturing city. Surat is also the hub of various giant corporations that contribute greatly to the city's economy. The dynamics of its development are one of the fastest growing in the world.
Indian festivals are often held here, characterized by their brightness and enchantment - the festival of kites, Ganesh Chaturhi, Diwali, Navratri.
Pune
Pune is the cultural capital of the state of Maharashtra. It is one of the fastest growing cities in India and ranks second in the country in terms of quality of life, second only to Hyderabad. The city is located on the east coast of India just a few hours drive from Mumbai.
Pune is a major cultural and arts center and also has an important economic segment in the information technology and automobile industries. Jawaharlal Nehru once described Pune as the "Oxford and Cambridge of India" as the city is considered the main educational and scientific center of the country.
Jaipur
Jaipur is located in the state of Rajasthan. It is the center of numerous international companies. Known as the "Pink City" due to the pink color of the stones used in construction. Due to such unique architecture, Jaipur is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is the largest city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan and is part of the famous Golden Triangle of India.
The city's main attractions include:
- Jal Mahal is a unique floating palace, 4 floors of which are completely submerged in water; tourists can only observe the upper floors of the building; you can only get here by boat.
- Nahargarh Fort.
- Jantar observatory building Matara.
Cities of Goa
India is known for its countless exotic beaches. The state of Goa is the most popular tourist destination and is located in the western part of India. It attracts a large number of foreign travelers with its beautiful beaches, scenic spots and historical monuments.
This state has a unique combination of Indian and Portuguese culture. By Indian standards, it is the smallest state and is divided into southern and northern regions.
Panaji
Panaji is the capital of the state of Goa, its political, educational and cultural center. There are no skyscrapers in Panaji, and old colonial buildings coexist with modern buildings. Despite its status as the capital, the city ranks third in India in terms of population.
There is a wide range of entertainment in Panaji:
- casino on board a small luxury liner;
- bus tour of the city at night, including a river cruise;
- evening boat cruise.
On the western side of the city is the Kampala district, which is considered its cultural center. There are dance, theater and music programs, art exhibitions and show productions.
Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama is a port city on the west coast of Goa. The city was named after the Portuguese explorer and his former viceroy Vasco da Gama and is better known as Vasco. The city is a key shipping center, with more than 30% of ore exported from this port. Wasco is the only city in the state that is well connected by road, rail, sea and air to other localities.
Numerous leather, textile and jewelry shops decorate the city market, while a long line of cafes and music stores give it a festive atmosphere.
Mapusa
Mapusa is the main commercial center of North Goa after Panaji. Traditionally, every Friday a bazaar opens in Mapusa. Unlike other markets that are more tourist-oriented, the Mapusa fair has a local flavor and specializes in the sale of agricultural products.
Margao
Margao is the second largest city in the Indian state of Goa, which is located 33 km from the capital Panaji. It is surrounded by fertile agricultural land.
The city was once a major religious center with dozens of rich temples and magnificent examples of Portuguese churches. Margao Railway Station is the largest and most important railway junction in the state. It is located at the junction of the Konkan Railway and the South Western Railway and is called the “Gateway of South Goa”.
Margao has a quaint charm and beautiful examples of Portuguese architecture. A favorite destination for tourists traveling to Margao is the nearby Colva Beach.
Modern metropolises and the oldest cities of India are combined with the grace and beauty of Indian-Portuguese architecture, ancient monuments and many colonial-style churches. India is a unique and unique country that has managed to preserve the power and rich heritage of its ancient civilization.
Until the mid-twentieth century, India was considered a country with a low level of urbanization. Most of its citizens were rural residents. A few cities, such as Allahabad, Varanasi, Delhi, Patna, were the focus of ancient culture that arose at the dawn of civilization. In the 1980s, the country experienced an urban boom. Large cities have sharply crossed the million mark. New urban agglomerations have also emerged. What are the largest cities in India in terms of area or population? We will consider a list of such subjects in this article. For now, let’s just say that India ranks second in the world in terms of the number of city residents. It is second only to China in this indicator.
Dynamics of urbanization level growth
At the very beginning of the twentieth century, there were not even two thousand cities in the vast country. Now their number has more than doubled. In 1991, there were more than 4,700 of them. But it is not because of the number of cities that India is “breathing down the neck” of China. The urban settlements themselves are swelling by leaps and bounds. Two thirds of the country's total population live in large agglomerations. But back in 1901, only Calcutta alone could boast of a million inhabitants. But already in 1911, Bombay (present-day Mumbai) crossed this line. In the middle of the century, India already had five million people, in 1981 - twelve, and ten years later - twenty-three. The country greeted the beginning of this century with 34 huge megacities, twelve of which had a population of more than two million people. The number of Indian cities with a population exceeding 500 thousand will soon exceed 300. Below we will look at the top 5 largest metropolitan areas in the country.
The largest cities in India by population
The list of the country's greatest cities is topped by Mumbai. Previously, this city was located on seven small islands in the Arabian Sea. But now the former Bombay is also taking over the vast mainland. The islands have long been welded together by numerous bridges. The rapid growth of the population began with the construction of a cotton factory by the British in 1851. Then hired workers from the countryside came to the city and settled in it. Now the metropolis in the state of Maharashtra has a population (as of 2011 census) of 12,478,447. The remaining megacities included in the top 5 “largest cities in India” were distributed as follows. The second position is the capital of the country, Delhi, with a population of eleven million people. This is followed by Chennai in Tamil Nadu (8,425,970), Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh (6,809,970) and Bangalore in Karnataka (5,570,585). There are also more than fifteen megacities in India, where there are from one and a half to five million inhabitants.
Mumbai is the most populous city in India
First, seven islands in the Arabian Sea were captured by the Portuguese. This happened in 1534. But already in 1660 they became part of the dowry of the Portuguese princess who married the British King Charles II. The British contributed in every possible way to the growth of the city. All the islands were connected to each other and to the mainland by earthen dams. The historical part of Mumbai is located in the south. There is an ancient fort and the famous “Gateway of India” built in the Hindu-Muslim style. The administrative quarters are located near Malabar Hill. The southern islands resemble a European metropolis in appearance. In the north, the traveler will find slums, narrow streets and a minimum of infrastructure. The mainland and port parts are occupied by industrial enterprises. Together with the surrounding area, the agglomeration is inhabited by about twenty million people. Thus, Mumbai deservedly received the title of the largest city in India.
Delhi
During the colonization of India, the British, as a rule, built a new European part, leaving the local residents with a confusing labyrinth of ancient streets. It so happens that the large cities of India consist of two halves that are clearly different from each other. In Delhi this division is especially clear. This city on the banks of the Jumna has been the capital of various states for many centuries. Fate itself was destined for him to lead the independent republic of India. Although in 1911 the population of Delhi including its suburbs was only 214 thousand people. Now the agglomeration numbers about fifteen million. Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) is a chaotic development with shops, handicraft workshops, bazaars, Hindu temples and mosques. The main street of this part of the city is Chandi Chowk (Silver). One end of it abuts the famous Lal Qila (Red Fort). New Delhi was built south of Old Delhi in 1911 according to the design of Edwin Lutyens. It was conceived and implemented as a “garden city”. Avenues with a radial-ring layout radiate from Cannaut Square. The government quarter of Rashtra-Pati Bhavan is located in New Delhi.
Kolkata
The name of this city in India, more familiar to Europeans, is Calcutta. The metropolis is located in the Ganges delta, at the confluence of the Hooghly. The city was formed in 1690 on the site of three villages by Job Charnock, an employee of the British East India Company. Calcutta experienced rapid growth from 1773 to 1911. It was then the capital of the colony of British India. When Bangladesh was formed in 1947, the industries previously closely associated with East Bengal began to decline. And with the transfer of the capital to Delhi, the growth of Kolkata slowed down completely. However, it still holds the position of the second industrial city of India. The contrasts in the standard of living of the population are also most noticeable here. More than half a million people are homeless.
Chennai
Until recently, the name of this large city in India was different - Madras. It was founded in 1639 by the British as the southernmost fort of the East India Company. The city stretches along the Bay of Bengal for twenty kilometers. The local Marina beach is considered one of the best in the world. Chennai, like Kolkata, is a city of contrasts. Next to the luxurious skyscrapers, square kilometers of slums cluster in entire blocks. About thirty percent of the residents of this metropolis are deprived of any sanitary and hygienic conditions. Chennai is the capital of the Tamil Nadu province. Cars, bicycles, and carriages are produced here.
Hyderabad and Bangalore
These major Indian cities are not alike. Hyderabad is famous for its centuries-old history. The city has many temples (Hindu, Islamic, Christian), palaces and examples of colonial architecture. It was once the capital of the Nizams - rulers who became rich in the diamond trade. They say that even their clothes were woven from gold threads and studded with pearls. Hyderabad is a recognized center of Islamic culture in the country. Bangalore is the complete opposite. It was electrified earlier than other big cities in India. And now it houses the centers of knowledge-intensive companies. Because of this, Bangalore received its second name - the Silicon Valley of India. A large flow of tourists traditionally flocks to this city, which is why it is also called the capital of pubs.
India is an ideal country for both experienced independent travelers and beginners. Here you can find a wide variety of holidays and experiences. Many people begin their acquaintance with India from a resort, buying a tour package, and so it was with me. However, as lovers of this country say, this is not India at all.
Want to see the real India? Don't limit yourself to one state, don't be afraid to travel beyond the tourist areas - that's where real adventures await you! The main danger of traveling in India is that you will most likely want to return there again and again.
India is a love for life. India is very diverse. Each state is a different world. Deserted beaches, noisy cities, mountains with snow-capped peaks, oriental bazaars, colonial quarters, ancient temples; many cultures and religions have mixed here, making it so special. That’s why making your own route is a pleasure. The main problem I face on every trip is how to meet the deadlines and see all the interesting things!
India is a huge country, each of its states (and there are 29 of them) deserves special attention. No matter how many times I’ve been to India, there are always places that simply need to be visited. So I’m coming back... On your first trip, it’s better to combine the most interesting sights (to suit your taste), beautiful cities and a beach holiday. I will try to help you with this.
Visa and border crossing
It will not be difficult for Russians to obtain an Indian visa. The set of documents required to obtain it is minimal. Today there are 2 types of visas:
- standard,
- electronic.
I always applied for a regular visa for a period of 6 months. The electronic one appeared not so long ago and has the main drawback for me - a short validity period (30 days). But first things first.
You can apply for a regular visa yourself at a visa center or with the help of numerous intermediary companies that will take care of the entire long and sometimes tedious application process. Residents of Moscow or St. Petersburg have no point in turning to intermediaries, because they have visa centers nearby!
- , Liteiny Prospekt, 22, Office No. 30, 3rd floor. Phone: +74995005529, +74956385654
- , St. Novy Arbat, building 2, floor 4, office No. 412. Phone: +74995005529, +74956385654
You can get a tourist visa for a period of 1, 3 or 6 months. Most often, visas are issued for 3 or 6 months (their cost is the same). Based on the number of entries, tourist visas are divided into single and double (one or two entries); it is this indicator that affects their price.
So, a single visa will cost a tourist 1,800 rubles, and a double – 3,800. To apply for a visa yourself, you need to prepare a number of documents. Compared to the requirements in other countries, such a set of pieces of paper will seem like a trifle.
So, you will need:
- A valid foreign passport (validity period, as usual, must be more than 6 months from the date of submission of documents) with two blank pages.
- On the website On the website for processing Indian visas online, you need to fill out a form in English, print it on two pages, sign under the photo and at the end of the form.
- A 3.5x4.5 photo on a white background is glued to the application form.
- Printed round trip air tickets.
- Hotel reservation (if you are traveling for a long time, a simple reservation with Booking for the first few days of your stay in India will do).
- Copy of civil passport (main page and with registration).
- A copy of a foreign passport.
The visa is issued quite quickly (up to 7 working days, but more often faster). If you need a visa urgently, then for an additional fee of about 2,000 rubles it will be issued in 1-2 days.
For those living in the regions, it is much more convenient and easier to obtain a visa from an intermediary company. You will be asked to fill out a simple form in Russian, send a couple of photographs, a passport and a copy. For this pleasure, you will be charged from 3 to 5.5 thousand, depending on the duration of the visa and the number of entries. Add to this the cost of courier services.
An electronic visa is also often called a visa on arrival. As I already wrote, it is given for only 30 days from the date of receipt of the stamp at the airport. This option is perfect for those who are flying on a last-minute trip or just for a short period of time and don’t want to bother with paperwork.
You can fill out an application for an e-visa. You will also have to upload scans of your documents and photos to the site. You must pay a visa fee of $60 no later than 4 days before arriving in India. There is also a form on the website that allows you to track the status of your visa. By the way, an electronic visa is issued very quickly - sometimes within one day, on average 2-3 days. When it is ready, you will be able to download and print the PDF document on official letterhead, in exchange for which you will receive the coveted stamp in your passport at the airport in India.
How to act at the border
While still on the plane, caring flight attendants will give all passengers Arrival cards and Declaration Form (migration form and declaration of values). I highly recommend filling out both right in your seat and not wasting time on it at the airport. The arrival card is very simple, and this year its size has been reduced. You must provide your details, flight number, address in India (write the name of your hotel or guesthouse, if none of this is available - any name), visa number. In the declaration form, in addition to general information, you will have to write down all the valuables that you are transporting in India. “Valuables” are: prohibited drugs, gold, meat, fish, dairy products, toxic substances, seeds and plants, satellite phones, cash more than 25 thousand rupees, currency more than 5 thousand dollars, the total amount of all currencies over 10 thousand dollars. If you have at least one of the listed items with you, you will have to go through the “red corridor” of customs (the customs control zone where passengers with baggage that must be declared enter).
Upon arrival at major airports in India (or Mumbai), try to quickly get to passport control - this is one large room with many counters that accept passengers from all arriving flights. Sometimes the queues are just huge! This is especially important for those who are in a hurry to catch their next flight.
How to get there
By plane
If you are flying for a short period (10-14 days), consider purchasing a tour package. You can see prices for standard tours 7/11/14 days. It is not at all necessary to live in a hotel; you can find the most inexpensive offer, which will be cheaper than just round-trip tickets. When traveling for longer periods, look for tickets on regular flights. It is better to plan your trip to India as far in advance as possible. You will have time not only to coordinate the route, but also to find good tickets. I usually buy them a couple of months before departure, and start monitoring them six months before. If you go to a sale, you can find some great inexpensive options. It’s convenient to “catch” tickets at good prices in search engines or, for example, in the Travelsearch section. Most often, travelers fly to the largest cities in India, which can be a great start - Delhi or Mumbai, some fly directly to.
Which airlines fly to India?
- Aeroflot. Moscow – Delhi.
- AirIndia. - Delhi.
- Qatar Airways. – Doha – Delhi ().
- Emirates Airlines. Moscow - Delhi (and many other cities in India).
- Ethihad Airways. - - Delhi.
- AirArabia. Moscow - Delhi.
- Uzbekistan AirlinesAnd. Moscow (or regions) – – Delhi.
- FlyDubai. Moscow (and regions) – – Delhi ().
- Turkish Airlines. Moscow - Delhi ().
- Air Astana. Moscow – Almaty – Delhi.
- Gulf Air. Moscow - Delhi.
Not all possible options are listed here. Many of these airlines are generous with discounts and seasonal sales. Keep track of discounts in April-May.
On average, you can find round-trip tickets from Moscow for 20 thousand rubles, from the regions – from 30 thousand.
Tourist regions
To see India in all its diversity, you will have to visit several states. Domestic tourism is well developed in the country; Indians love their homeland and culture and enjoy exploring it. Therefore, in all cities where there are at least some attractions, you can find everything a tourist needs to live.
Tourist regions of India include deserted beaches, ancient forts, palaces of maharajas, national natural parks and much more. The entire country can be divided into northern, western, eastern and southern India. In each part, tourism is completely different.
Northern India
These states include: Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh. The climate here is very diverse; if you travel in winter, don’t forget warm clothes. Northern India may not be much warmer than Siberia. This part of the country has mountain resorts, Tibetan monasteries, yoga and meditation centers, ancient temples and modern cities.
Golden Triangle
This tourist program is most popular among travelers. Who, why and when came up with this route and called it the most interesting remains a mystery.
It includes three destinations: Delhi, Agra, . Perfect for the novice traveler. The main advantage of this tour, in my opinion, is the proximity of cities; you can travel between them by trains, buses, or even take a taxi. Travel time will be 4-5 hours. It is convenient to fly to Delhi and start your journey from there. The Golden Triangle is a rich, active excursion program that will allow tourists to get acquainted with the culture of India. The impressions from ancient beauties will last for a long time!
Varanasi
The most mystical and holy city in India is Varanasi. Considered one of the oldest cities in the world, it is also called the city of the dead. Varanasi is the city of Shiva; according to legend, it was he who founded it 5 thousand years ago. The city stands on the banks of the sacred river Ganges; dying in Varanasi and being cremated on the banks of the Ganges is the greatest honor for a Hindu. The main life of the city flows along the river on ghats - stone steps leading to the water. Pujas are performed here every night, trade takes place and cremations take place all day long. 10 km from the city is the place where 2500 years ago Buddha delivered his first sermon immediately after enlightenment. This is why one should come to Varanasi for spiritual experience and wisdom. There is also a huge selection of courses in yoga, Sanskrit and learning to play traditional musical instruments.
Himachal Pradesh
One of the northernmost states allows tourists to see the majestic Himalayas with their own eyes. The nature of this region is unique. Compared to other hot and dry states, where it is always summer, here you can see smooth transitions of all seasons. The optimal time to visit is from April to October. In Himachal Pradesh, you definitely need to go trekking, climb a mountain pass, stay at a campsite and raft down a mountain river. There are also temples and palaces here, but the main thing is nature. The Russian artist Nicholas Roerich was in love with the Himalayas; by the way, he lived for many years in the town of Naggar, and his grave remains here. In the yoga capital of Rishikesh, you can take courses or get a teaching certificate, as well as master meditation or serve in an ashram. The residence of the Dalai Lama is located in Dharamsala. And on the territory of the state there is the sacred Mount Kailash, the Valley of the Gods of Kullu, the most dangerous mountain road in the world from Leh and much more. Himachal Pradesh will appeal to both crazy extreme sports enthusiasts and lovers of self-discovery.
Rajasthan
I have already mentioned the state capital; many travelers stop at only one city. And completely in vain. The rest of Rajasthan is no less beautiful. Main tourist centers: Jaisalmer. Come to Rajasthan (the country of the Maharajas) to admire the majestic palaces, huge forts, listen to street musicians and take pictures of colorful guys in turbans and huge mustaches. Rajasthan is known to tourists for its four “colored” cities: pink, white, blue, golden Jaisalmer. The country of the Maharjas is so colorful and colorful that it attracts artists and photographers from all over the world. The Rajasthanis themselves have managed to preserve their rich culture: wherever you go, you will be surrounded by traditional music, painting, puppet shows, and national costumes. This is the colorful and colorful daily life of Rajasthan.
Western India
Consists of the states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and partly Madhya Pradesh. Here you will find beaches for every taste, an excursion program, and relaxation in the mountains.
Goa
After such a sightseeing run, tourists need to warm their bones on popular beaches. For me, like most travelers, my love for India began with this smallest of its states. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year for the famous hippie spirit of freedom, trance parties and affordable drugs. But there are other entertainments here, Goa is for everyone. There are not many historical or cultural attractions here, but there are beaches for every taste! And also good inexpensive hotels, delicious food, cheerful and friendly locals. – this is for lazy people and hedonists.
Maharashtra
The state is located next door to Goa, so it is very convenient to combine a beach holiday and a little excursion program - you can get there on a budget by bus in 12 hours. If you are tired of hanging out in Goa, take a couple of days and see the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai, and visit the ancient caves of Ellora and Ajanta. You can hide from the heat, which begins in February-March, in the mountains. Of course, these cannot be called real mountains. The Western Ghats mountain range lies within the state. In colonial times, the British established settlements here - summer cottages. The most picturesque places are located in Nashik, Matherana, Chikhaldara. And don't forget to visit the favorite honeymoon destination of Indian newlyweds - Mahableshwar, the largest strawberry plantations in India.
South India
India is clearly divided into north and south in the minds of its citizens. They have different languages, culture, architecture and much more. South India is extremely interesting for tourism. By the way, the beaches here are no worse than those in Goa.
Kerala
Kerala is called the land of the gods, the birthplace of Ayurveda and the forge of health. Among our tourists, this state is not as popular as Goa (of course! There is no cheap alcohol in the public domain, and life dies out after 8 pm). But if you want to see incredibly beautiful nature (Kerala is the greenest state I have seen in India), improve your health or study Ayurveda, practice yoga with real Indian masters - come to Kerala.
Tamil Nadu
The southernmost state of India is fundamentally different from all others. Tamils are proud of their culture and language, most do not know or recognize Hindi. Tourists come here to see the famous temples scattered throughout the state. They are the hallmark of South India - tall temple towers, entirely consisting of figurines of gods, painted in bright colors. After getting acquainted with the most ancient temples in India and completely immersing yourself in the South Indian flavor, go to little Europe - the union territory of Pondicherry, located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Here you will surely forget that you are traveling in India. The former French colony still delights tourists with its long promenade, fresh coffee, hot croissants, cycling and colonial architecture.
Karnataka
The second Goan neighbor can also please beachgoers with a rich excursion program. Even if you only have two weeks of vacation, you can easily reach the ancient capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in 8 hours by car or bus - a town that you can read about. Everything there breathes history, and the landscape resembles the surface of alien planets. The main entertainment besides visiting numerous palaces and temples is dating the sun. There are several places in the town from which it is best to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. In addition to Hampi, in Karnataka you can see the city of Mysore palaces or visit the Indian Silicon Valley.
Eastern India
Eastern India includes the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
West Bengal
You can begin your exploration of the state from its capital, Kolkata, one of the most colorful cities in India. This is the most English city in the country, because it was the capital of British India. If you love colonial architecture, definitely come to Kolkata. But keep in mind that the old rich architecture creates a strong contrast with the modern poverty. Has everyone seen the movie "Train to Darjeeling"? This mysterious city is located in West Bengal. If you want to take a break from dusty cities, welcome to the mountain resort. See with your own eyes how the famous tea is grown.
Top cities
Every Indian city has its own flavor. In order not to get lost in the huge list of attractions and cities, I offer my personal rating of places where there is always something to do for tourists.
- . Look at the red double-decker buses in India, Victoria Station, English architecture, stroll along one of the most beautiful embankments, Marina Drive, and drink beer at the famous Leopold Cafe (very expensive beer for India).
- . See with your own eyes the cremation ceremony, walk along the centuries-old ghats, take a boat ride along the sacred Ganges. Here you can also learn (or try) Sanskrit or play some Indian pipe.
- Rameswaram. Find yourself at the edge of the earth in the truest sense of the word. Rameshwaram is located on a small island, which can be reached from the mainland via one of the most dangerous bridges in the world, Pamban. The fact is that the bridge does not have any protective fences, and the rails are only a couple of meters from the water, which gives the impression that the train is literally floating on the water surface. The greatest danger for passengers occurs during strong winds and storms. In Rameswaram itself you can take a ferry to (there are only 33 km between the islands).
- . Take a look at the Indian contrast between luxury and poverty in one of the country's largest cities. Take a ride on a tram - there are none anywhere in India except Kolkata, or take a more traditional transport for the city - a rickshaw. To see communist India - walk along the streets of Lenin, Ho Chi Minh, Karl Marx.
- Pondicherry. Here you should definitely eat soft French rolls, wash them down with the best coffee in India and go to the promenade. And also meditate at the Aurobindo Ashram and go to the city of the future Auroville.
For those who like complete immersion in local reality, there is the opportunity to rent private apartments - read more.
Islands
India owns many islands, but not all of them are suitable for tourism. Travelers most often go to the Andaman, Nicobar, and Laccadive Islands.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andamans are located in the Bay of Bengal, 1400 km from the mainland. The best time to visit is from October to May. There are nature reserves on the islands; this is a closed area, so tourists need to obtain a permit to enter. The capital and largest city is Port Blair. This is where you can get your entry permit. It is issued for 30 days; if you do not have a return ticket, then only for 15. If you get to the Andamans by sea, make sure to obtain a permit in advance - at the office in Chennai or Kolkata.
Getting to the paradise islands is very easy - there is an airport in Port Blair that accepts flights from Kolkata and Chennai. If you are planning to travel from, then the cheapest and easiest way is to change trains in Chennai (you can get there by train). Another option for extreme sports enthusiasts is to sail by ship from Kolkata or Chennai, but this method is not very popular among our tourists; the journey can take several days.
Ferries of varying comfort levels run between the islands. Entertainment options include diving, snorkeling, visiting museums, and there are several historical attractions. Accommodation on the islands is quite expensive and not very comfortable. There are also problems with transport and the Internet. Holidays in the Andamans will surely appeal to lovers of silence and solitude. Don't expect service and amenities from the islands. In essence, this is the same India, only wilder and more island.
Laccadive Islands
These islands are located in the Arabian Sea, 400 km from the state. The best time to visit is from December to May. The group consists of 36 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited, and tourists are allowed on only 3 - Agatti, Kadmat and Bangaram. To visit the islands you also need a permit, which can only be obtained in advance when issuing an Indian visa, having entered the islands into it.
You can get there by air and by water. In both cases, you will have to travel to Kochi, a city in Kerala. From here planes fly and ships go to Agatti Island. Plane tickets cost less than $100 one way. You can get there by sea in about 20 hours, although the flight schedule changes all the time depending on weather conditions. Information is presented at
The main entertainment is water sports, diving, snorkeling, fishing. Eco-tourism reigns on the islands; order and cleanliness are carefully monitored. There is no need to talk about the service, since apart from a few hotels and a couple of diving centers, there is nothing here. It is better to bring everything that a tourist might need (cosmetics, cigarettes, inexpensive alcohol, clothes).
Top attractions
It is simply impossible to choose 5-10-100 attractions in India. Even in my personal rating there are many more of them. This country is so generous with vivid impressions that it is very difficult to limit the circle to the most chosen ones. But I'll try.
- . A tiny village in Karnataka state is famous for the ruins of the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. On an area of 26 sq. km. palaces, temples, stables of the once great empire have been preserved. There are also several very revered active Hindu temples. One of them, the Monkey Temple, is located on a high mountain, almost 600 steps lead to it. In the center of the village itself, on the square, stands the Virupaksha Temple, its huge gopura (the main tower of the temple, also known as the gate), 48 meters high, can be seen from anywhere in Hampi.
- Jaisalmer Fort. This city is located near the border with Pakistan in the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is nicknamed the golden city; it looks especially picturesque at dawn and sunset, when the huge fort standing on the hill is illuminated by the rays of the sun. It was built in the 12th century and people still live in it! All tourists also have this opportunity, because most guesthouses are concentrated there. Don't miss the chance to live in a real fort!
- Chand Baori. There are real architectural wonders scattered all over India - step wells. Many of them are several hundred years old. Chand Baori is one of the oldest and largest; this structure, reminiscent of an inverted pyramid, has 3,500 steps. It is located in the city of Abaneri in the state of Rajasthan. Previously, such wells supplied people with water in arid climates, and today they are a favorite place for travel photographers.
- Golden Temple. Harmandir Sahib is located in Amritsar and is the main temple for Sikhs. Thousands of pilgrims visit it every day. The temple stands in the center of a large reservoir and can be reached via a long bridge. Sikhism is a very interesting religion; their temples are unlike any other. Once you enter the territory of Harmandir Sahib, you feel peace and bliss, despite the large crowd of people around. The energy of this place is very strong.
- Meenakshi Temple The temple is located in the city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the brightest examples of Tamil temple architecture. Meenakshi Temple is surrounded by 14 gopuras - huge towers 40-50 m high, each of which is covered with thousands of colorful sculptures. Tamil temples are the most vibrant and colorful in India.
- Galta G. The Galta Ji pilgrimage center is located 3 km from Jaipur, on the territory of which stands the Monkey Temple. A small Sun Temple is built on top of Galta Peak, which can be seen from almost anywhere in Jaipur. Be sure to visit these attractions at sunset, great views are guaranteed.
- Mysore Palace. Mysore is a city of palaces, but the most impressive of them all is Amba Vilas, the former residence of the royal family. The building with huge domes amazes with its size and internal richness. On weekends and holidays, the illumination of 96 thousand light bulbs is switched on in the evening.
- Temples of Khajuraho. The famous Kama Sutra temples are located in a small village in Madhya Pradesh. About 20 monuments have survived to this day. The walls of these majestic structures are decorated not only with sculptures depicting lovers in intricate poses. The artists talked about the lives of gods, rulers, mythical animals and much more. But Khajuraho became famous precisely thanks to the images of love pleasures.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station. The huge working station (previously named after Queen Victoria) is located in. From the outside, the building is striking in its scale - the station is designed in an ornate Victorian style with neo-Gothic elements. And inside it is an ordinary Indian train station with a crowd of thousands.
- Adam's Bridge. Aka Rama Bridge, located in Rameswaram, its origin is shrouded in legends. It is a string of shoals and coral islands between India and Sri Lanka with a length of 48 km. Until the 15th century, the bridge was a pedestrian bridge, but then it was destroyed by a storm. The Indian epic Ramayana tells the beautiful story of how God Rama ordered the construction of a bridge from India to Sri Lanka to save his beloved Sita. In person, this is simply an incredibly beautiful place, a real “end of the earth.”
Weather
The climate of India is extremely diverse. Thanks to this, you can visit the country at any time of the year - the main thing is to choose the right state. There are three main climatic seasons, which manifest themselves in one way or another throughout the country:
- November-February – dry season with cool weather, sunny.
- March-June is the hottest period of time, without precipitation.
- July – October – rainy season.
India is almost entirely located in the subequatorial zone; the weather depends on the tropical monsoons. The climate can vary greatly from state to state. Since India has a huge area, the varying distances of the terrain from the ocean and the differences in altitude, temperature and rainfall are very contrasting.
The monsoon climate is most pronounced on the coast of the Arabian Sea - in the area of the main resorts: and Kerala. The coldest and driest period here lasts from December to February. The temperature during the day averages 25-27 degrees, and at night drops to 18-20. This time is considered the peak tourist season. Cool nights, warm days, relatively calm seas. From March, the heat begins to increase and reaches its peak in May, the temperature rises to 33 degrees, it becomes stuffy both day and night. The wind gets stronger, high waves rise on the sea, and it starts to rain. In June, the monsoon arrives, the sky becomes cloudy, the rains come more often, and they will last until September.
On the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the east of the country, the monsoons are not so pronounced. The contrast between day and night temperatures is much greater. So, from December to February the temperature can fluctuate from 12 (minimum) to 29 degrees (maximum). This is the most comfortable time for tourism. Rain is unlikely. In May, the heat increases to 35 degrees and is much more difficult to bear than on the west coast, as the humidity rises to 80%. July is the rainiest month.
In northern India the climate is more temperate. The coldest period is December-February. Temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees. At night and in some areas during the day it can drop below zero. If you are planning to fly to or further north at this time, be sure to take warm clothes with you. From April to June the heat lasts, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees (in Rajasthan and some other regions it can be up to 50 degrees). Humidity on average is only about 45%. The rains begin in July and continue until September.
Officially, the season in tourist places in India begins in October, at which time it is comfortable to travel within the country or relax on the beach. The peak season lasts from December to February. Starting in March, tourists smoothly move from the south of the country to the north, where real spring begins. You can stay comfortably in mountainous regions all summer and early autumn, and then move south again. This is the cycle of tourists in India.
Money
In India, only the national currency is accepted - rupees. You will not be able to pay in dollars, euros or rubles. The exception is large tourist areas (for example), where foreign currency is accepted, but this is completely unprofitable for tourists. A rupee is divided into 100 paise, but there is no money smaller than one rupee. Coins are in short supply in India, so be prepared for the price to be rounded up in shops, especially for the “white” tourist. For 1 rupee they can offer you candy, and for 5 - a piece of chewing gum. In this case, the seller himself will always ask for change.
Rupee exchange rate at the beginning of summer 2016 (the rupee is one of the most stable currencies, the rate rarely changes by more than 5%):
- 1 dollar – 66,770 rupees.
- 1 euro – 75,891 rupees.
- 1 ruble – 1.04 rupees.
There are many exchangers in the country; there will definitely not be any problems in tourist areas. The first currency exchange office that a traveler comes across is at the airport of any city. Never change money there! The most unfavorable exchange rate plus some mythical commissions for exchanging money can only be found there. This is especially true for the airport - employees often scam inexperienced package tourists. Hotels also offer unfavorable rates. Where can you get money for a taxi if you have just arrived in India? The best option is to ask the taxi driver to stop at the nearest exchange office in the city. The driver can tell you a place with a favorable rate. Count your money at any currency exchange office. If you arrived at night or used the services of a pre-paid taxi (where you need to pay in advance), look for an ATM in the airport building.
There are not as many ATMs in India as we have. If you travel to large cities, there will be no problems with withdrawing cash. But keep in mind that most banks charge Rs 200 withdrawal fee. Today, the most profitable ATMs for Russian cards are: Bank of India, Axis Bank, J&K Bank, Canara Bank, State Bank of India, they do not charge a commission. Also in large cities you can pay with a card in shops, restaurants and hotels (not all). If you travel outside the metropolis, put the card away. In India, you must take cash with you everywhere. In my experience, it is more profitable to have several cards; I have 3 of them from one bank: 2 Visa and 1 MasterCard. Each card is linked to a ruble, dollar and euro account. You can transfer money from one currency to another, and in case of loss there is always a spare card. People who travel to India for the first time often ask: is it possible to bring cash in rubles or a card with a ruble account? No and no again! Take only dollars or euros with you. If the trip is short and has only 1 destination (for example, you are traveling on a package tour for 10 days), take cash dollars with you, store them in the hotel safe and exchange them at a favorable rate. If you are traveling for a long time, break the entire amount into several parts: a small amount of cash for the first time, the rest - by cards. Everything is in currency only.
Moving around the country
The transport system in India is quite well developed both between and within cities. The only thing that is required of the traveler is to forget the word “comfortable” and remember that he is in India!
Between cities
The main advantage of traveling in India is the budget. The choice of transport is quite large, and the prices are very low!
Here are the approximate prices for all three modes of transport on the Goa-Mumbai route:
- Train: sleeper class $6.2 (423 rupees), 11 hours travel time.
- Bus: $8.8 (600 rupees), 12 hours travel time.
- Airplane: $23.7 (1600 rupees), 1.5 hours travel time.
Inside the city
You can get around the city not only by taxi. We continue to immerse ourselves in Indian life.
Car for rent
Many travelers dream of renting a car in India and driving it around the country. This desire especially often arises among people who are afraid or do not know how to drive a scooter or motorcycle. It may seem that renting a car is an excellent solution, suitable for a large company, and will provide comfort and safety. Definitely yes. In any other country, but not in India. Here are a few reasons why renting a car is inconvenient and difficult:
- If you plan to travel by car from point A to point B, then you intend to pick up and drop off the vehicle in different places. Planning your route won't be easy. For example, the most common option is traveling from Delhi to: it’s easy to find a car at a large rental office in the capital, but most likely there won’t be a return point.
- Most companies providing car rentals are private and small. Don't expect good service from them. The car may be in poor technical condition. But the price here is lower than in international rental companies.
- Traffic on Indian roads is fundamentally different from Russia. There are fewer cars here than bikes. And this is understandable - the roads are narrow, crowded, and there are no parking spaces. On Indian roads, equal participants in traffic are not only cars and bikes, but also pedestrians, cows, rickshaws, carts... The larger the city, the crazier the traffic in it.
- When traveling across different states, problems with the police may arise. License plates from another state are immediately obvious - you will be stopped more often, and if you do not have an international license, then you will have to pay a fine at each checkpoint.
When renting a vehicle from a private office, you most likely will not be asked for any documents. Maximum passport and driver's license. You can leave a copy with the owner, but never give the original! You should also not leave money as collateral. If there is any damage to your car or motorcycle, it is better to take photographs in advance so that in the future the owner does not blame other people’s mistakes on you.
Most tourists prefer to rent two-wheelers. It is cheaper, more maneuverable and more practical. If you get into an accident on a bike, it will be much cheaper to repair than a car. On my own behalf, I can recommend taking a car for a trip around one state (maximum with a stop in neighboring ones). For example, take a car and go along the beaches, go to a waterfall or to. For daily rental, you can rent a car from $15 (1000 rupees) per day. You can view car rental offers here.
Connection
Language and communication
I never tire of repeating: India is an amazing country! Where else can you find a state where the language of each state is unique? Indians from the north may not understand Indians from the south. The official languages of India are Hindi and English. But believe me, not all Indians speak or understand at least one of them. There are 447 languages and 2 thousand dialects in the country. 22 languages are official and used by various state governments. Newspapers, radio, books - everything is published not only in Hindi or English, but also in the language of the state. However, tourists have nothing to fear. In large tourist places, restaurant menus, signs, and signs are in English. In big cities, many people speak English.
10 phrases in Hindi
There is no need to specifically learn Hindi before traveling to India: it is used in the north of the country and is not at all useful in the south. Memorize a few phrases in Hindi. They will not only help you out in a difficult situation, but will help you earn respect in the eyes of the local population. Just a couple of expressions will show that you are not an indifferent tourist, but an interested traveler. This way you can get a good discount on your purchase.
- Hello! (Goodbye!) = Namaskar! (Namaste!)
- My name is... = Measure us... hai.
- What is your name? = Apka kya nam hai?
- Help me please. = Kripaya, mujhe madad dijiye.
- How to get to... = ... So kaise smelly ja sakta hai?
- How much does it cost? What about that? = Is (us) wale ka bhav kya hai?
- Very (too) expensive. = Bara mahaga hai.
- Give in on price.=- Bhav kuchh kam kijiye.
- Thank you very much for everything! = Sab kuchh ke liye dhanyavad!
- Sorry = Mafi magta hu.
Features of mentality
Many who have visited India agree on the local population - Indians are like children. Naive, kind, open, cheerful, noisy... it's all about them. What characteristics do Indians have that strikes foreigners the most?
Food and drink
Indian cuisine is mostly vegetarian and very spicy. Fish and seafood can be found in abundance only in large seaside resorts (Kerala). All restaurants are divided into vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In big cities you can find both. But even inveterate meat eaters do not suffer from vegetables and fruits in India. In this heat it is much easier to live without meat than in Russia. In addition, Indian vegetarian cuisine is so varied and rich that you won’t miss cutlets.
Spices play a huge role here. It is very difficult to find a non-spicy and non-spicy dish. You can repeat “no spice” to the waiter like a mantra, but the chances that they will bring you something completely without spices are extremely small. The solution is to study the main dishes in advance and choose the least spicy ones, eat in places designed for tourists. Finding European, so-called “continental” cuisine in India is not at all difficult. Pizza, burgers, pasta, steaks are present in any menu of a large restaurant (we are not talking about the Indian outback). In shopping centers in food courts you can easily find cafes familiar to our stomach. But for lovers of everything authentic, I strongly recommend eating in local restaurants and on the street. Yes Yes! People don't die from street food! It's very cheap and really tasty. In an unsightly cafe with dirty furniture, a crowd of grimy workers sits and greedily devours something? Get there immediately! The local population eats rice, flatbreads, vegetable and bean dips. All local fast food is deep fried. You can have a snack anywhere. From morning until late at night, small tea shops are open, serving the famous masala tea. You can also taste local dishes there. You can have a snack on the street for $0.3-0.4 (20-30 rupees), a hearty lunch in a local cafe will cost $1.5 (100 rupees), a meal in a tourist area - from $4.4 (300 rupees) and to infinity.
Indian cuisine varies depending on the region. In the north, non-vegetarian dishes predominate, with more bread products, in the west - fish and seafood, in the south - vegetarian dishes with rice and coconut. Indian sweets deserve special attention. They are served not only in restaurants, but also sold in abundance in markets. Be sure to try it! The main ingredients of Indian cuisine: rice, legumes, vegetables, dairy products.
Beverages
- Bottled water is sold everywhere and costs $0.3 (20 rupees) per liter. Local cafes will place a jug of filtered water in front of you for free. There is also soda water - Soda, which is drunk with lemon, sugar or salt. It costs a penny.
- The best milk drink is lassi. Served in any cafe and sold in bags in stores. It can be sweet, salty or with the addition of any fruit. A simple sweet lassi is most reminiscent of our snowball drink. Be sure to try it in all forms, I especially recommend it with mango.
- Masala tea. A national drink that we can talk about forever. Incredibly sweet tea (almost syrup) with milk and spices. The most delicious one is sold on the street and costs $0.2 (5-10 rupees).
- Fresh juices. In shekis on the seashore they can be very expensive (up to $3 (200 rupees). Look for specialized juice centers (there are in any major cities or tourist areas). Prices per glass start from $0.4 (30 rupees). You will get fresh thick juice from any exotic fruit. ) not worth it. The benefit depends only on the dollar exchange rate. If you want to purchase branded clothing or equipment in India, you can check the prices in the online store in advance. All major cities have shopping centers that stock popular European and Indian brands. Street markets sell locally produced goods at cheap prices.
- Even if you are traveling in a package, take care of quality medical insurance for your child. Read the entire agreement.
- Prepare a first aid kit with you. Take medicines for emergencies and those that the child cannot do without. Everything else can be purchased locally.
- The sun in India is dangerous. Always apply a high protection cream to your child. The creams here are expensive, and the choice is not large. Take a good cream from a high-quality pharmacy brand from home. Do not let your child go out during the daytime without a hat.
- You don't have to worry about nutrition. It is easy to find fresh dairy products, fruits, and vegetables in stores and markets. If you eat in a cafe, there are always soups, cereals, and non-spicy foods for children. Don't take juices with ice! Children are often poisoned by them (the ice may be of poor quality) or catch a cold.
- It is better not to take small children on excursions; most often the journey takes a lot of energy and effort. Older children will love the waterfalls in.
- Come only during high season. After February it becomes very stuffy and hot.
- Sanali (India) - Belakhiya (Nepal)
- Raxaul (India) - Birganj ()
- Banbasa (India) - Mahendranagar ()
What you need to know about shopping in this country
The main rule of shopping in Indian style is bargaining, bargaining and bargaining again. You can bargain everywhere, except in places with fixed prices. Don't be afraid to offer your low price. If the seller does not agree to your offer, walk away and think a little about how much you need the product. In 90% of cases, the merchant will catch up with you and agree to give you the item cheaper.
Most often they sell cheap consumer goods on the street. Don't hesitate to offer a low price for it. Don’t take a lot of things on your trip; everything you need can be bought on the spot. It’s not a pity to leave such things for one season and safely throw them away, knowing that you spent a little money on the purchase. In any shop you will find T-shirts from $1.5 (100 rupees), harem pants from $1.5-2 (100-150 rupees), long skirts from $2 (150 rupees), shirts with long and short sleeves - from $3 (200 rupees). These clothes are great for hot climates. In the northern regions, warm woolen items are sold: sweaters, jackets, hats, socks. All this is also inexpensive.
If you want branded items, go to shopping centers. During the season, prices do not differ from Russian ones; you can have a blast at sales. Discounts take place at the same time as ours - at the end of December and in June-July.
Best cities for shopping
If you're looking for a traditional shopping experience with hours of walking around malls and stopping for lunch at McDonald's, you'll certainly enjoy cities like Delhi, Delhi. Well, if you are a hunter of rare goods, then study the map of India - in each of its regions you can find something special. In the state of Himachal Pradesh in the Kullu Valley, shawls and scarves of excellent quality are made in small weaving factories. Only natural, very warm materials are used. The design of the products is ethnic, but you can also find options for Russian everyday wear. The price of shawls starts from $50. There are also many Tibetan shops in the north (they are found throughout the country, but in the north the selection and prices are better). There you can find silver jewelry: massive necklaces, bracelets, rings with natural stones. Popular among tourists are singing bowls for meditation, incense, various antiques and Tibetan blankets made of yak wool.
Rajasthan (especially) is famous for its silver and natural stone products. Prices for jewelry here are some of the best in the country. Sarees are made by hand from silk and other natural fabrics. famous for its Ayurvedic medicines and herbal cosmetics. In the tourist market there are several colorful markets where you can buy all the souvenirs at once, at the same time look at the vibrant public, listen to music and eat delicious food. On Wednesdays there is a day market in the village of Anjuna, on Fridays in the district center in Mapsa, and on Saturdays there is a night market in Arpora. All elephants, spices, tea, magnets in one place.
What to bring from this country
I offer a list of necessary and high-quality goods that you should not be ashamed to bring from India.
All these goods can be exported from the country without any problems. The total baggage weight depends on your airline. As a rule, charters provide up to 20 kg and 7 kg hand luggage. Local airlines are not so generous - no more than 15 kg of luggage. Check the information before departure to avoid getting into an unpleasant situation with an advantage.
Vacation with children
India is a country for active travelers. Temperature changes, long journeys between settlements on not the most comfortable transport, noise and dirt of local cities are not very suitable for traveling with children. Much more acceptable for small vacationers would be a vacation at one of the Indian resorts far from dusty cities. and are perfect for relaxing with children of all ages. Travelers go with their entire families on vacation or for a six-month winter stay in these states.
Choose beaches to stay with small waves. Mothers and babies live in the area of Mandrem and Ashvem, in Kerala on the Kovalam beach and. It is better to rent housing as close to the beach as possible. Russian-language kindergartens and schools opened by our compatriots have been operating in tourist places for a long time.
If you are planning a trip for a short period of time, here are some tips to help you not ruin your vacation:
5 things you must do in this country
Nearby countries
India borders Pakistan, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. It has maritime borders with Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Maldives. Apart from the islands, Nepal is of greatest interest to the traveler. This is where they most often go after a long exploration of hot India. Some people specifically make double entry visas to see Nepal and return back to India, while others use a trip to a neighboring country as an opportunity to open a new Indian visa.
You can get there by land and by air. The first option is more budget-friendly, but not complicated. There are several border crossings between the countries:
The first one is the most convenient for travelers. You can get to Sanali point as follows: take a train to the city of Gorakhpur, then change to a bus to Sanali. You can get a visa right at the border. To do this, you need to have a couple of photographs and 40 dollars, which will open your way to Nepal for 30 days. A 15-day visa costs $25, and a 90-day visa costs $100. The easiest way to get to Nepal by plane is through Delhi. In this case, it is better to fill out the form on the website. Attach a photo to it and send it. Immediately after this you will receive a receipt form with your number. Print it out and present it at the border. That's all!
.Anything to add?
87. Urban population and largest cities in India
India is a country of ancient urban culture. Its cities such as Varanasi, Allahabad, Patna, Delhi arose at the dawn of human civilization. But until the middle of the 20th century. The level of urbanization in India remained very low, which characterized it mainly as a country of rural inhabitants. Only in the second half of the 20th century. it began to increase faster (Table 47).
Table 47
GROWTH OF THE URBAN POPULATION OF INDIA IN THE XX CENTURY.
Despite this, India is a medium-urbanized country. Nevertheless, in terms of the total number of citizens, it is second only to China.
Another indirect indicator of urbanization is the growth of the number of cities. In 1901 there were a little more than 1900, in 1981 - 4000, and in 1991 - 4700. Including large cities in 1961 there were 108, in 1981 - 220, and in 1991 - more than 300. Approximately 2/3 of all city residents live in them. In 1901, only Calcutta had a population of more than 1 million; in 1911, this milestone was also surpassed by Bombay; in 1951, there were 5 such millionaire agglomerations; in 1981, their number increased to 12; in 1991, to 23 , and in 2001 - up to 34, 12 of which had more than 2 million inhabitants (Table 48).
The appearance of most Indian cities was formed during the colonial period. They are characterized by a combination of two parts - old and new. The old part usually represents a traditional eastern city with dense buildings and lively trading activity, concentrated in numerous bazaars, with weak functional differentiation of trade. The new part is formed by the so-called European city with a business and administrative center and clearly planned blocks of Western-style cottages intended for officials of the colonial administration.
Table 48
URBAN AGGLOMERATIONS IN INDIA WITH A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 2 MILLION PEOPLE IN 2001
Delhi city, located on the right bank of the river. Jamna, at the crossroads of trade routes, was the capital of different states for many centuries and even millennia: from the beginning of the 13th century. – Delhi Sultanate, from the beginning of the 16th century. - the Mughal Empire, from 1911 - British India, from 1947 - the Indian Dominion and from 1950 - the Republic of India. In 1911, the city's population was only 214 thousand people, in 1941 - 700 thousand, in 1951 - 1.4 million, in 1971 - 3.6 million, in 1981 - 5.7 million, in 1991 - almost 8.4 million, in 2001 - 11.3 million, and in 2005 - 15 million people. The main function of Delhi is political-administrative, metropolitan. In this sense, the city extends its influence throughout the country. But Delhi is also one of India's largest industrial centers, transport and trade hubs, and a center of science, culture, education, and art.
Based on its functions and appearance, the city is clearly divided into Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi, or Shahjahanabad, located in the bend of the Jamna (Fig. 133), is especially rich in historical and architectural attractions. This is, first of all, the famous Red Fort (Lal Qila) - a grandiose structure made of brown sandstone, erected during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the residence of the Great Mughals. It is also the country's largest mosque, Jama Masjid, built in the mid-17th century, where Muslim relics such as the chapter of the Koran, according to legend, written under the dictation of the Prophet Muhammad, are kept. This is the 70-meter Qutub Minar tower, erected by Muslim conquerors in the 12th–13th centuries. Here, on the banks of the Jumna, there is a memorial museum of the leader of the national liberation struggle in the country, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, nicknamed Mahatma (“great soul”). In January 1948, he died from the bullet of a fanatic killer, and his cremation took place at this place (Rajghat). The cremation grounds of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are also located nearby.
Rice. 133. Plan of Delhi (according to G. V. Sdasyuk)
Old Delhi today is a labyrinth of narrow and crooked streets with many shops, workshops, warehouses, which are also crowded with streams of cyclists, rickshaws, three-wheeled taxis (scooters), cars, and buses. “Bazaars, endless bazaars,” he wrote in the late 1950s. Ilya Ehrenburg visited Old Delhi. – Cars, carts, bicycles. Near the green and fruit stalls there are cows, they collect banana peels and papaya peels. Traders sit cross-legged on their counters. As everywhere else in the East, everything is together: the artisan’s workshop, his little shop and his home. What they don't sell! Glass bracelets and straw mats, silk shawls and turquoise necklaces, betel leaves, which are chewed after meals, and papaya - the fruit of the melon tree, pepper sweets and coconuts.
The main shopping street of Old Delhi is Chandi Chowk (“Silver Street”), which at one end faces the Red Fort. In general, Old Delhi is extremely overpopulated and the environmental situation here is very poor.
New Delhi, or New Delhi, began to be built by the British south of Shahjahanabad in 1911. It was designed by Edwin Lutyens and other English architects. It was at this time that the idea of creating garden cities, put forward by the famous urban planning theorist Ebenezer Howard, gained popularity in England. And New Delhi was also designed as a garden city. It has a clear radial-ring layout - with streets converging to the central shopping area of Cannaught Place. The government center is formed by the parliament building and the presidential palace (Rashtra-pati Bhavan), from where the main main thoroughfare, Raj Path (“State Avenue”), extends to the east. The “India Gate” memorial, a triumphal arch erected in memory of the Indian soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars, also fits into the architectural ensemble of the center of New Delhi. In addition, a new business center is being developed with modern buildings for banks, insurance agencies, various offices, and hotels.
The capital of India is one of the so-called supercities(Table 66 in Part I). And many of the problems it faces are typical for most cities of this rank. These are problems of urban pollution, reconstruction of old neighborhoods, improvement of infrastructure, etc. But perhaps the main problem has long been the housing problem. The city is already very overpopulated. And after the transformation of the Union Territory of Delhi into a state, the migration of rural residents from dozens of surrounding villages intensified even more, which has already led to the formation of entire slum areas. Therefore, the plan for the reconstruction of Delhi, designed until 2010, provides, first of all, for the reconstruction of Old Delhi, the creation of new industrial zones in the suburbs, and the construction of transport highways. In general, the city is growing mainly in the southern direction.
Mumbai city(the new name of Bombay) is the largest in terms of population in India and by this indicator in the whole world (Table 66 in Part I). Within the agglomeration, its population reaches almost 20 million people. Consequently, it is even more of a supercity than Delhi. Mumbai is also the country's largest industrial center, with a strong presence in both heavy and traditional light industries, especially cotton. This is also the main seaport of India, through which up to 60% of its foreign trade cargo passes. The headquarters of leading national and transnational corporations, the country's central bank, and the largest stock exchange are concentrated here. Mumbai is one of the most important scientific and cultural centers in India. It is also a major center for the film industry and is sometimes called India's Hollywood.
Rice. 134. Plan of Mumbai (Bombay)
Mumbai is very different from Delhi both in its geographical location and major historical milestones. First of all, it is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, on seven small islands. In 1534, after the start of Portuguese colonization, they were captured by Portugal, but already in 1661 they passed to England - as a dowry for a Portuguese princess who married an English prince, who later became King Charles II. Gradually the islands began to be built up. They were first connected with earthen bridges, turning them into virtually one island, and then with the shore. The city's faster growth began already in the second half of the 19th century, especially after the opening of the first Indian cotton factory here in 1851.
The historical core of Mumbai is its southernmost cape, where the old fort and the famous India Gate, built in 1911 in the Hindu-Muslim style, are located (Fig. 134). From here to Malabar Hill, where the state governor's palace is located, along the horseshoe-shaped Beck Bay, administrative and business districts lined with European-style buildings stretch, including skyscrapers, numerous banks, agencies, publishing houses, expensive hotels, and entertainment venues. There is a seaport near the fort. The northern part of the city looks completely different, where industrial enterprises, old undeveloped residential areas, and clusters of slums are located. The mainland of Greater Mumbai contains its industrial suburbs, closely connected to the seaport. Here, in Trombay, the largest nuclear research center in Asia has been created.
The rapid growth of the city has led to a sharp aggravation of housing, transport, environmental and other problems in it. And the growth of agglomeration continues. Some researchers even believe that in the not too distant future it could turn into an even larger megalopolis. In this regard, many city reconstruction projects have been put forward.
Kolkata(the new name of Calcutta) is located in the Ganges delta, on the right bank of its western branch - Hooghly, 140 km from the Bay of Bengal. Even before the arrival of the British, trading posts of the Portuguese, Dutch, and Danes were located in this place, where important routes into the interior of India begin. Kolkata was founded in 1690 by Job Charnock, an agent of the British East India Company, on the site of three villages, one of which was called Calicata. The city's growth was particularly rapid between 1773 and 1911, when Kolkata was the capital of British India and became the largest city in the country. After the capital was moved to Delhi, its growth slowed down. When the country was divided in 1947 into two dominions and the formation of East Pakistan (then Bangladesh), its traditional ties with East Bengal were disrupted. Nevertheless, Kolkata today remains the second industrial and port city in India after Mumbai and its largest cultural center. With a population of 14.7 million people, it ranks 14th among the largest cities in the world.
Rice. 135. Plan of Kolkata (Calcutta)
Many areas of Kolkata are still reminiscent of the colonial past. This is Fort Williams, located in the center of the city, a fortified citadel erected at the end of the 18th century. (Fig. 135), a nearby white marble palace built in honor of Queen Victoria, which now houses a museum, rich mansions of British merchants and industrialists, and a huge square-park called Maidan. To the north of the central part of the city, the industrial areas of Greater Kolkata stretch for tens of kilometers along Hooghly with numerous jute, tea-packing factories, mechanical engineering, chemical and other industries. And to the south of it, at the mouth of the Hooghly, the Haldia outport was built, designed to relieve the country’s second Kolkata port, which is experiencing great difficulties due to the shallowing of the Hooghly.
Kolkata, until recently called Kolkata, is in many ways similar to other large Indian cities. “In the center of Calcutta,” writes Ilya Ehrenburg, “there is pandemonium on the streets and squares; there are a lot of cars, large white cows blocking their way; trams, lines of bicycles, carts, with the riders sitting on a bench with their backs to the horse, a stream of rickshaws that are drenched in sweat. Huge bank buildings, shacks nearby.” We can only add that Kolkata is a city of unusually sharp social contrasts, even for India. The population here is particularly crowded (there are 55 thousand inhabitants per 1 km2 - this is one of the highest figures in the world), and the proportion of slum dwellers is the largest. Half a million people live, sleep, and cook their food right on the street.
Chennai city(the new name of Madras) - the fourth largest in India and the largest in its southern part - was founded in 1639 by English merchants as a fort of the East India Company. It stretches for almost 20 km along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, which forms one of the best beaches in the world - Marina. Chennai is a more “Indian” city than other major cities in the country; the contrasts between local and European buildings are not so pronounced here. Chennai factories produce cars, carriages, and bicycles.
It can be added that all four of the largest cities in India serve as the administrative centers of the metropolitan area: Delhi - Delhi, Mumbai - the state of Maharashtra, Kolkata - the state of West Bengal and Chennai - the state of Tamil Nadu. However, 30–40% of their residents live in slums and are practically deprived of basic sanitary and hygienic conditions.
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