Fast facts
Capital : Delhi
Largest city : Mumbai
Area : 3,287,590 sq. km.
Government : Federal Parliamentary Constitutional Republic
Hindi : Hindi (Official Language)
Currency : INR (Indian Rupee)
Population : 1,276,267,000 (2015)
Calling code : +91
Time Zone : IST (UTC+05:35)
Overview
The land of India extends from the sea to the Himalayas. People of different cultures, religions and ethnicities can be found in different parts of India. After independence from British rule in 1947, the country has developed rapidly. In fact, India is the largest democratic nation in the world. The economic revolution has changed the lifestyle of people and it has established India as the fastest emerging superpower of the world. There is a huge gap between the rich and the poor. Slums can be seen in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta.
India Climate
India is a tropical country. Three major seasons can be experienced in India. Summer season begins from April and lasts till June. During April, the temperature can go as high as 40 degrees Celsius. The land begins to cool down with monsoon rain. Monsoon can be experienced from July to October. This is the best time to visit northern mountains. Winter begins from November and lasts till March. November to March is the best season to visit India when the temperature is pleasant in central and southern India. This is the best time to sun bask in Goa or walk around the deserts of Gujarat. September to October and March to April are the best season to visit India. November and March are an ideal time to visit Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are best to visit in between January and March.
where to go
It is almost impossible to explore all of India in a single holiday adventure. It would be wise to focus on a number of holiday packages instead. Golden Triangle is the popular Tour package in India which covers the exploration of Agra- the home of Taj Mahal, Delhi and Jaipur in Rajasthan. The desert, forts, palaces and the rich culture of Rajasthan have been magnetically attracting visitors from different corners of the world. If you wish for spiritual upliftment, then Varanasi is the city of your choice which is home to the holiest Hindu river of Ganges. (for trekking or all activities). Ladakh, Sikkim and Darjeeling are also another popular holiday destinations.
How to reach Leh, Ladakh?
Ladakh is one of the most scenic places to visit in India and ranks very high, probably on top, on the list of motor bikers across the country. Its absolutely stunning landscapes make the drive from Manali or Srinagar to Leh in Ladakh one of the most memorable journeys you can ever embark upon. But: The beautiful barren land of Ladakh is not very easily accessible throughout the year. In fact. highways leading to Leh are open only between May and October and covered in snow for the remaining months. However, it is still visited by a large number of travelers every year.
By Air
The nearest airport is at Leh, which is well connected to Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh and several other cities in India. From the Leh airport, you can hire a cab to visit your places of interest. Leh city has several accommodation with options to visit.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawie (700 km from Ladakh) which is well connected with Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. You can hire a cab or board a JKSRTC bus to reach Ladakh from there.
By Road
Ladakh is located 434 km from Srinagar and 494 km from Manali. You can hire a cab or a jeep or board a JKSRTC bus to reach Ladakh. Alternatively, you can embark on a bike trip to Leh from Srinagar, Manali or Chandigarh depending upon the time you have. The highways are shut due to heavy snowfalls during the winter months. So, you can only travel to Ladakh by road between May to September.