FACT BOX
Full Name Area Population Capital City People Religion
Republic of India 3,287,590 sq. km 1,045,845,227 (2002 Census) New Delhi Indian Secular state. Hindu 80%, Muslim 14% Christian 2.4%, Sikh 2%, Buddhist 0.7%, Jain 0.5%, Zoroastrian and others 0.4% 18 Official languages, 1652 dialects. English is widely spoken Federal Republic
Language
Government
Head of State President A.P.J. Abdul Kalaam
CLIMATE
In a country where topography varies widely, climatic conditions are only bound to vary widely too. Classified as a hot tropical country by many, that is a definition that holds true for most but not all of India. Exceptions include the northern states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir in the north and Sikkim in the north-eastern hills. In most of India summer is hot. It begins in April and continues till the beginning of October. The heat peaks in June with temperatures in the northern plains and the west soaring above 46 degree Celsius. The monsoons hit the country during this period too, beginning 1st of June when they are supposed to find the coast of Kerala. Moisture laden trade winds sweep the country bringing relief to a parched northern India but devastation to the east where the rivers Brahmaputra and Ganga flood annually. Tamil Nadu in the south receives rainfall between October and December, beneficiary of the monsoons. India‟s extensive coastline lies almost entirely below the tropic of cancer. The coast is usually warm and moist, prone to heavy rainfall in the monsoon season and high temperatures during the summers. The eastern coast is vulnerable to cyclones. Winters here are mild and pleasantly sunny. Hill Stations are the happy peculiarity that came up here when British wives and officers needed to flee the oppressive heat and malaria of the plains. Quaint towns that buzz along “mall roads”, tucked away in hills all over India, they are now weekend getaways at the height of summer for families and couples from the Indian cities. The plains in the north and even the barren countryside of Rajasthan reel under a cold wave every year in DecemberJanuary. Minimum temperatures could dip below 4 degree
Celsius but maximum temperatures usually do not fall lower than 12 degree Celsius. In the northern high altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, it snows through the winter and even summer months are only mildly warm. The east receives rainfall from April to August. September to November is relatively dry and the region only has sporadic showers. There are winter rains in December and January. This abates for two months and then it‟s time for the monsoon season yet again. The central plateau has similar climate to the north but the mercury does not dip as low in winter. It rains from midJune to September.
LIFESTYLE
Language The national language of India is Hindi, which in one form or another is spoken all over the northern part of the country. In the Deccan i.e. South India, the languages are completely different. The states were formed on the basis of language that each one has its own. On the whole though, dialects, accents, idioms and linguistic flourishes change every few miles. There are 18 official languages but over a thousand recognised dialects. English is also widely spoken language in the country and in becoming a more official language industrially. Food From DC to Dakota, Warwick to what-have-you, Indian spices are letting off steam everywhere in the whole world. And when you come to India and realise…hey, there‟s nothing authentic about it! Every kitchen, every man, woman, cook, chef does it different. A mean in north would typically constitute chapattis or rice with dal (lentil curry) and a dish of vegetable or meat. Pappads (wafer fried or toasted to crisp), yogurt and pickle are usual accompaniments. The chapatti is a round flat unleavened bread of which you teat bits to scoop the curry. Variations of the chapatti are paratha, poorie, bhatoora, and Tandoori naans. Idli, dosa, vada, sambar, uppama! In the south, too, a meal centres on a base of rise, or as in the south-Indian case, semolina preparation. The Idli is a steamed rice cake and the crisp salty pancake often stuffed with potatoes is the dosa. Eaten alongside is the south-Indian dal which is more popularly known as “sambhar”, sour, hot, souped-up with vegetables. The Brahmins are vegetarian, but the rest consume sour-hot fish, mutton, and chicken with gusto. In Kerala, being a coastal area, seafood is
simmered in coconut milk and delicately flavoured with curry leaves. Most Indians eat three means, each one full-fledged. All along the coast and extensively in the northeast fish is consumed almost as a staple. Both fresh water and sea fish are popular. Indians love their sweets. There is great regional variety and among the most popular types is the Bengali “mishti”. There‟s also a huge variety in drinks. Besides „chai‟ (tea) and coffee, sweetened/salty churned yoghurt called lassi, the ubiquitous „neemboo-pani‟ or lemon-water, fruit juice in tetra packs and aerated drinks are readily available in India. IMFL expands into Indian made foreign liquor and spans the entire range from beer to whiskey. Some examples of local brews are „chaang‟ in Arunachal, toddy in the south India and Goa‟s quite famous one known as „feni‟. Education 59.5% of India is literate: 70.25 males and 48.3% females. Kerala is the model state as far as education levels are concerned boasting figures of almost 99% literacy. Higher education in India has a formidable reputation. The upcoming generation as well as their parents admire the benefits that higher education has to offer. The ones who are already literate want their younger to gain even more of it and in more professional eras. Whether in engineering or medicine, business management or social science education, Indian universities are at par with the best in the world.
Entertainment The Hindi movie industry is the most prolific in the world. Based in Bombay (now known as Mumbai), hence bollywood, this spool-spitting machine takes on the onerous responsibility of fuelling India‟s prime passion. There is sheer joy in the easy stereotypes of muscle-flexing machismo, leering villainy and leading ladies of the Hindi filmdom, but not all Hindi films are a simmering brew of action, romance, and song and dance. There is a parallel stream in the art domain, the “art” cinema though it‟s not nearly half as popular as the “commercial” stream. The contrast is deeper between the art cinema and the commercial cinema. The art cinema gives a better picture of the country and its culture. However, the commercial cinema is more biased towards the west and is more towards the younger section of the society. This cinema brings new advanced features to lure the young generation and is more into innovation. However, the art counter part boast of its glory of the past and tries more to present the real picture without involving any advanced techniques of artificiality. Giving competition to the bollywood masala films is the equally spicy south Indian fare. Regional cinema is fairly popular in its local context and with serious cinemagoers. Cricket! Oh for the love of sir-er! India grinds to a halt when the country‟s eleven don their colours. In the cricket-crazy Calcutta, old folk gather to trash the new fangled limited over format; in front of a million TV sets, four million pray for victory (often knowing they are praying for a miracle!) tirelessly. It‟s a madmad-mad world and in India cricket stars adorn the doors of innumerable cupboards. Hockey, football and now the ATP tour also have a decent following.
TOURISM IN INDIA India – the land to travel to, a haven of tourism delights, a civilization to tour through. Tourists come to India for its wealth of sights, cultural exuberance, diversity of terrain and in search of the something special, and an extra punch that only India promises and delivers. Teeming with over a billion who voice over a million concerns in fifteen hundred different languages, India is where people live with variety, thrive on diversity and are too familiar with largeness to let it boggle them. Mud huts and mansions face off across city streets. Lurid luxury and limp living are inhabitants of the same lane. From the smoky mangroves of the sunder bans to the steaming thar desert, sizzling cities like Mumbai and Delhi to the scintillating villages of khajuraho and hampi, from the heights of the Himalayas to the deep blue waters around the Andaman‟s, India is a travel haven – a tour package that frustrates and delights, as demanding as it is rewarding. It demands that the traveller be prepared for its own strange forms of tourism offerings – the crowds at pushkar, for pushy mendicants at Haridwar, for high commercialism at spiritual retreats. But equally, it means that he be prepared for an overwhelming warmth in the people, ease of conversation, and to be stunned into speechlessness by the beauty, sometimes manmade and often natural. There must be more because between truisms and half-truths, India has inspired more than any one place‟s air share of travel lore. And, perhaps that‟s what it is – the legends of India – that‟s what inspires people from far and near to travel here, to sort out for them what‟s true and what‟s just a whole lot of tourism pamphlet hype.
Geography
Sights that enthral and appal. When foster wrote his passage to India in the 1920‟s he reached the stunning conclusion that there are an “a hundred indias”. And if you go out to discover each of these you can count on spending at least a year in this stupendous country with its phenomenal repertoire of surprises and delights. Blessed with probably the widest array of topographical and cultural diversity that was never packed into a single time zone, there‟s an India for everyone. India‟s jungles, rivers and streams are simply bursting with wildlife; much of it protected in her 80 national parks and 441 sanctuaries. Popular ones are Corbett, rajaji and dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh), kanha, pench (Madhya Pradesh) and sasan Gir (Gujarat). Sariska and ranthambor (Rajasthan), kaziranga, manas (Assam), mudumalai, bandipore and waynad (nilgiri biosphere reserve-Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala) are the other well known game sanctuaries. Find yourself as you lose the cares of life in the city; explore the same along turquoise blue and breezy beaches along the coast. Windswept or sunny, India‟s beaches are peculiarly Indian. Crowded and cheery, sometimes dirty, always delightful, you‟ll find them in kerala‟s kovalam, in the Andaman‟s and the Lakshadweep, in goa, quite gokarna, and „temples caped‟ puri, kanyakumari and mahabalipuram. The world‟s highest mountains form a tall 2500 km wall along India‟s northeast frontier and are prime climbing territory for the outdoor and adventurous types. The most famous mountainous regions are Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and leh are high altitude trekking options.
The “blue mountains” of the nilgiri hills in the Deccan and the lower reaches of the Himalayas in garhwal, kumaon and around Darjeeling is simpler and ideal leisurely hike. From stark White Mountains framed against sheer clear blue to forested hills that enclose rushing streams, there is endless variety for the hiker. In the hills, in tiny towns with winding mall roads survive the British legacy.
TOURISM
The United Nations Manila Conference on World Tourism noted that “Tourism is considered to the life of nations because of its direct effects on social, economic, educational & cultural sectors of the national societies and their international relationships as well” The world tourism is related to “tour” derived from “tornos” meaning tool for describing a circle or turners wheel. This is a world of compass or rather a pin at the end of a stretched string used to describe a circle. It is from this world “Tornos” that the notion of a “round tour” or a “package tour” has come which is very much the essence ofo tourism. Tour is derived from Hebrew word “Torah” which means learning, studying and search. The word “Tourism” consists of all those trades, which together satisfy the varied needs of the travellers. Travel may be considered tourism if it satisfies the following basic criteria‟s: traveller must be temporary travel must be voluntary travel should not be remunerative
India – “A country for all Seasons & Reasons” India is set apart and different from the rest of the Asia by the himalyas, the highest, youngest and still evolving mountain chain on the planet. The subcontinent as it is rightly called, touches three large water bodies and is immediately recognizable on any world map. This thick, roughly triangular peninsula defines the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south. India holds virtually every kind of landscape imaginable. An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking, and its sheer size promises something for everyone. From north to south india extends a good 2000 miles (3200 km), where the island nation Sri Lanka seems to be sqeezed out of india like a great tear, the synapse forming the Gulf of Mannar. So much to do, so much to see…so little time ! that holds completely true for the Indian experience. Don‟t push yourself to do it all because that‟s well impossible but choose well and plan little, open your mind and be gathered up by the experience that the whole world calls “India”.
VALUABLE TOURIST ADVICE Bargaining When buying a product in bulk always ask for a discount. We were very successful in getting large discounts as most of the girls bought same things together. Phones There were STD/ISD booths at every crossing out of every multiplex. ATM‟s Although credit card accepting facility was available at every good showroom, yet for small purchases and for eating out we needed valid cash. For that purpose we had automatic telling machines set up outside every shopping complex, so we did not take trouble to carry ready cash. Health We did not face any problem due to change in water, as we were lucky to have sweet & nutritious Coconut water every time we felt thirsty. Some girls with delicate digestive system drank mineral water or aerated drinks, which were readily available. We also enjoyed the flavoured tea & coffee of the Neelgiris, and a special Kava made of green tea leaves & almonds that possessed medicinal qualities. Tipping
In the restraints & hotels tips are pooled & shared by all working staff. The standard rate is 10 to 15 % of the total bill to be paid.
ARTS & CRAFTS Art The earliest specimens of Indian painting are the ones on the walls of the Ajanta Caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. The typical figures in profile art of india came to be when the jain manuscripts were being illustrated. The mughals had a huge impact on the Indian art. The miniature, which had been only on palm leaves in the northeast, came into prominence. The influence of Persian art brought placid garden scenes, illustrations from the myths, legends and history into Indian art. Later schools include the Bengal school of tagore and the company school of European influence. More recently the opulent paintings of raja ravi varma, the paintings of M.F. Hussain, jamini Roy and Ganesh Pyne among others rule the art scene. Crafts Word craft, handicrafts, architecture and sculpture al contribute to this rich and varied domain. Indian literature, both in English and in the vernacular, is ever more popular around the world. Handicrafts are as varied as the country itself. The mughal and colonial structures and the temple architecture across the length and breadth of the country are testaments to the lands exciting past.
CULTURAL HERITAGE Performing arts Music Much of india‟s classical music is devotional and a lot of that, devoted to the flute playing god, Krishna. The north Indian Hindustani and south Indian carnatic streams are distinct and both have a complex „raga‟ framework. Gazals in urdu reflect on life and are light on ear. Every religion has a distinctive folk tradition too. Instruments that would typically accompany Indian music are the stringed veena, sitar, and the Indian drum: tabla or mridangam in the south. Classical music in india is elevated to a science and this can be gauged from the description of it as shastriya sangeet, or scientific music. The major gharanas are those of Kirana, Gwalior, Agra, Lucknow, jaipur and patiala. Dance The legacy of dance in india is tremendous. On temple walls, on an urban stage, in impromptu bursts by a mellow evening fire, men , woman twinkle their toes in expression of joy. The classical dances of india are numerous. Characterized by stylised movements and elaborate costumes, these dances communicate age-old tales of love, longing and rage. Kathakali of Kerala, bharatnatyam of tamil nadu, kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh, Manipuri and odissi from Orissa are the prominent dance forms in this country that sways to an altogether novel beat. The robust bhangra of Punjabi men, the graceful whirling of rajasthani women , the gentle sway of the northeast dancers, every corner has developed it‟s own unique form.
TEMPLES IN INDIA The temple trail in india just trails on and on…winding past the monuments of man‟s love for the divine. The gilded gurudwara in Amritsar, ancient weather-beaten cathedrals in Goa, dargahs (mausoleums) of muslim saints and grand temples to the innumerable hindu gods and goddesses; these houses of worship are as precious as works of art. The trail runs through Ajmer, delhi, fatehpur sikri, varanasi, madurai, sarnath, gaya, orchcha, tanjore, trichy, tirupati, mathura, ayodhya, jammu, badrinath, Haridwar and rishikesh. The legacy of spiritual succour lives on in the land of exotica. Temples were raised to the house the gods and became the focal point for the community. They also became centres of learning and contributed greately to the advacements of arts as sculpture, painting, music and dance. Mostly built by kings, who were also the patrons of arts, encouraging a continuity and enriching rituals of workship, the earliest basis of the classical performing arts.
A TOUR PACKAGE A tour package is that in which uncoordinated people work to achieve coordinated results. The raised need of an intermediary agency to combine, to offer a basket of tourist goods and services in the form of series of mixed products is called as „Tour Package‟. The business of tour package is ought to be a business of tour worked out and handled by an agency or an individual having a vast knowledge and experience in the domain of tourism called as a tour Operator. These tour operators buy or contract to by in bulk the – aircraft seats, hostel rooms, services including transportation, accommodation, entertainment, sightseeing, etc. The valid combination of all these services is collectively known as tour package and is sold under a common brand name. The other services linked in a tour package may range from a traditional welcome, entertainment facilities, cultural shows, fairs and festivals, and even shopping etc. There are diverse types and ranges of tour packages depending upon the needs and preference of the customers. A diverse range of tours are available for such groups as sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, students, educators & outdoor photographers. Examples of such are hiking, bird watching safaris, scuba diving, fishing, bungee jumping, Para-gliding, river rafting, bicycle, etc. Multi-component tours may be classified into two groups: Package Tours: it has been pre arranged by a tour wholesaler & offered for sale through a retail travel agency.
Custom Tours: it is one that has been designed, by either a travel agent or a tour wholesaler to meet the needs of a specified client. Basic components of a package tour are: Travel to & from generating area to destination area Travel within the destination Accommodation with or without wheels Transportation at the destination or resort, which includes arrival, departure, sightseeing, guiding, excursions, etc.
PRICING TOUR PACKAGE The pricing of a tour package can be done by the combination of various pricing techniques depending upon the target of the travel agency. The various techniques are as following: Intuitive Method: this method requires no real knowledge of business like that of cost, profits, pricing of the competitors & even the market. Here the operator establishes that the price fixed by him are the right ones.