Welcome to India TRAVEL INFORMATION India has three major seasons; winter, summer and monsoon. The winter months (November-March) are pleasant throughout India with bright sunny days. In the northern plains, the minimum temperature drops steeply and there is snowfall in the hill regions. In Maharashtra, the south and east India, however, December and January are pleasantly cool, never very cold. The summer months (April-June) are hot in most parts of India. During this period hill resort such as Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital and the Kashmir Valley, Darjeeling, Shillong, Ootacamund, Kodaikanal, Pachmarhi and Mount Abu provide cool retreats. The south-west monsoon usually breaks about the beginning of June on the west coast and reaches northwards later. Except for the south-eastern region, India receives its major share of rain between June-September. The south-eastern areas receive most rain from the north-east monsoon between mid-October and December-end. Traditionally, India has been a popular destination in the winter months. However, with easy availability of air-conditioned hotels, transport and leisure facilities (such as dining and shopping), the summer months have become popular, turning India into a year-round tourist destination. ACCOMMODATION Tariff is generally charged on the European system of room rent only. In any 3 to 5-star hotel expect to find any or all of the following facilities: choice of restaurants, open round-the-clock, conference services, business centre, health club, swimming pool, beauty salon, shopping complex, travel counter, babysitter, safe deposit, currency exchange, rooms with attached baths, channel music, cable TV, telephones with direct dial facilities etc. Centralised reservations may be obtained through travel agents. Tourism Bungalows / Traveler's Lodge: Offer comfortable lodging and meals. Tourists may have choice between dormitory and self-sufficient room with attached bath. A restaurant or a dining hall with a bar is possible feature. Room reservations in advance is strongly recommended. Heritage and Palace Hotels: Many palaces and have-lis have been converted into hotels offering a fine Indian experience, especially as some former royal or noble families are still in residence. Rest Houses / Dak Bungalows: Introduced during the British days, they are meant for government officials, though tourists may stay in them under certain conditions. Located near national highways, they are convenient for those travelling by road. For reservations, contact district / local authorities well in advance. Railway Retiring Rooms:Due to their location, these are convenient for tourists planning an early morning train departure. Possession of rail ticket or Indrail Pass required to avail of this facility. Others: For information on staying with an Indian family as a paying guest, contact government of India Tourist Offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai. Indian Youth Hostels offer accommodation to members and non-members. For information, contact Youth Hostels Association of India Nyaya Marg Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021. Tel: 301 6285, 301 6250. Salvation Army Hostels, camping sites, Sikh temples and dharamsalas at pilgrim sites also offer variety in accommodation. AIRPORT International airports in metro cities offer a range of services ensuring that the traveller on business can continue working while waiting to board an international connection, or when transferring between international flights. These include restaurants, business centre, restrooms and phone booths. Business centres are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including word processors and telefax. New Delhi Real Estate - Goa Real Estate - Bombay Real Estate - Agra Real Estate - Uttar Pradesh Real Estate - Jaipur Real Estate - Pune Real Estate - Kerala Real Estate - Madras Real Estate - Mumbai Real Estate - Port Blair Real Estate - Ahmedabad Real Estate - Chennai Real Estate - Bangalore Real Estate - Amritsar Real Estate - Lucknow Real Estate - Bhopal Real Estate - Udaipur Real Estate - Cochin Real Estate - Calcutta Real Estate