ABOUT INDIA
Explore India through its history, culture, heritage, traditions, architecture, and vibrant spirit, with practical India Travel Information for visitors from around the world.
INDIA IN NUMBERS
THE CHRONOLOGICAL SAGA
Follow the history of India across millennia—from ancient civilizations and classical kingdoms to the modern nation.
Ancient Wisdom & The Indus Valley
The cradle of urban grid planning at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, the composition of the philosophical Vedas and Upanishads, and the birth of Yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism, and Jainism along the fertile riverbanks of Northern India.
The Classical Golden Age
An era of scientific breakthroughs under the Gupta Empire—where zero and decimal mathematics were developed by Aryabhata—and monumental rock-cut architectural marvels like the Ajanta and Ellora caves and grand Chola temples in South India were carved.
Medieval Grandeur & Imperial Fortresses
The golden age of Indo-Islamic and Rajput architecture. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the immortal Taj Mahal, while formidable hill citadels in Rajasthan and the prosperous trading metropolis of the Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi rose to international prominence.
Colonial Transition & The Freedom Movement
Two centuries of British presence left behind Victorian Gothic architecture like Mumbai's CST Terminus and mountain railway toy trains. India won its independence through the historic non-violent Satyagraha movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
Modern Vibrant India
The world's largest vibrant democracy, a global technology powerhouse, lunar space explorer with Chandrayaan, and a cultural capital celebrated globally for cinema, design, sustainable living, and hospitality.
THE PILLARS OF INDIAN CULTURE
Indian Architecture
From stepped stepwells (Baolis) designed for cooling desert breezes to soaring Dravidian temple gopurams and symmetrical Mughal Charbagh gardens, Indian architecture merges profound sacred geometry with engineering brilliance.
Indian Festivals and Traditions
Every month brings a vibrant celebration: Diwali's glow of million clay oil lamps, Holi's explosion of joyful colors, Durga Puja's grand artistic pavilions, and the serene holy dips of the Kumbh Mela.
Indian Traditions & Hospitality
Indian Culture is deeply shaped by the ancient Sanskrit verse "Atithi Devo Bhava", which guides the spirit of hospitality and everyday encounters. Travelers to India are met with genuine warmth, spontaneous cups of masala chai, and a welcoming spirit that makes strangers feel instantly at home.
TRAVEL TO INDIA: ESSENTIALS
Practical India Travel Tips covering e-Visa, currency, languages, connectivity, and the best time to travel to India.
India e-Visa
Citizens of over 160 countries can apply online for a 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year Tourist e-Visa at the official government portal with approvals typically processed in 72 hours.
Currency in India
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency. Major international Visa and Mastercards are universally accepted. India's UPI digital QR payment system is also available for foreign tourists at airports.
Languages in India
English is widely and fluently spoken across all hospitality, transit, airports, and major destinations. High-speed 5G connectivity is available across all major cities and tourist corridors.
Best Time to Travel to India
October through March provides ideal, sunny, and crisp weather across Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, Varanasi, and Southern India. May through September is perfect for high-altitude Ladakh and Kashmir.