Currently (Jun’20), it is not possible to travel to India, as no international flights are operating, nor tourist visas are being issued. Though hotels have started opening up gradually and restrictions are being removed in phased manner, but we still have new cases coming, so its not permitted to travel currently. Shall inform you once things are in order.

India is a big country - almost a sub continent and one part or the other is always worth visiting due to the favourable weather. In general, most of the places in plains are best visited from October - March and the ones at the higher reaches in summer (April - September). Of course the monsoon rains are a big attraction these days for coastal areas. Check out for current temperature and weather details: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/india

Yes, actually it is a must. You can not get it upon arrival.

You can easily do it online by going on the website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

`Bharat' in Hindi or Republic of India in English.

It is Rupee, being equal to 100 paise. The denominations in which it is available are: Rs 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 & 5. Coins are available in Rs. 10, 5, 2, 1 & Paise 50

New Delhi, also referred to as the National Capital Territory (NCT).

According to the 2011 Census, it is 1,210,193,422. India is said to have crossed the billion mark in the year 1997.

Yes, it is very much a part of India, though it was a Portuguese territory for about 451 years until 1961. It has a coastline of 103 km and is situated on the western coast. It is not an island rather a part of mainland.

In general Indian people like to be photographed with foreign tourists. Normally you could take photos of public, market, streets, building, etc without any hesitation (unless its specified as prohibited). However, while shooting ladies, close-up of people, it is advised to seek permission. At the monuments and wildlife sanctuaries, it is usually allowed by paying a prescribed camera fee. In case you wish to make a documentary or movie, special permission is required which has to be obtained from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or another relevant authority in advance. At the airports and railway stations, usually photography is not permitted (very specially if run by navy and air force).

During summer months, light woolens and during winters, warm clothing is a must. As India is a warm and humid (coastal region) country, light colour lose fitting cotton garments would do well. While visiting churches, temples and mosques, one should have preferably shoulders and head covered with a scarf or handkerchief as well as legs fully covered, specially in case of ladies. One is usually expected to enter without footwear inside a temple. At places, non-Hindus may not be permitted at the sanctum sanctorum of temples. Of course one can even try Indian outfits (like Qurta - Pyjama, Salwar Qurta, etc) which are made of cotton, being very comfortable wears. While visiting wildlife sanctuaries, one should wear only beige, khaki or camouflaging clothes (not the bright coloured ones as that reflects light and annoys animals). At beach destination like Goa, easily you could use beachwear, shorts, etc.

Now all public places in India are declared non smoking zones, hence you must look for proper place which is meant for smoking. If found smoking just about anywhere, one could be fined for that. Even spitting & littering is a punishable offence.

Here we have 220 - 250 V electricity supply. In India there are different plug-in pins than in Europe or other countries. Of course now all starred hotels do provide these as per requirement), however, if travelling to remote places on a long India trip, hence it is a good idea to bring in the multi-plug.

India is not really known for the night life, but yes, there are plenty of discos, night clubs, bars, shopping areas that are open till late, mostly in bigger cities and 5 star hotels. Though Mumbai and Goa are better known for it.

India's coastline extends to 7600 km.

At starred hotels, it is safe where they provide you filtered or packaged drinking water. Do not try drinking from taps. As you are in a different country and your stomach is not used to this water, it is best to only use bottled or filtered water, even for brushing (to start with). Recommend to eat at clean and recommended restaurants following hygiene. Try to avoid eating at roadside joints and at uncovered places. Insist on freshly cooked meals.

Animal - Tiger; Bird - Peacock; Fruit - Mango; Tree - Banyan; Game - Hockey; Four headed lion is the official government emblem. Also see the Link http://indiainvites.com/dev/?p=197

Yes, it is well accepted. Usual is 5-10% at the restaurants. Also the porters at airports (except metro cities in India, where you pay prefixed charge), hotel bell boys, private driver, etc would be happy to have it at the end of their good and dedicated service.

Well, you can start by ignoring them completely and if they get too persistent, give them a stern look. We don’t encourage people to pay them money.

Indian destinations are well connected by flights, vast network of trains and of course by road. If you have sufficient time, you should usually travel with a combination of road and rail too so as you can get to experience more of real India. Of course after the recent aviation boom, now there are so many flights possibilities for the modern jet set tourists.

Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.

India's literacy rate stands at 74% (Source Wikipedia).