The cleanest resorts in India. Beach holidays in India: the best resorts. All resorts in India - location on the map

Resorts in India are scattered literally throughout the country, especially on the coasts.

In the southwest of India is Kerala, the capital of spices and coconut palms, the land of rice, tea and coffee plantations. Since ancient times, this land has attracted travelers and traders from all over the world not only with rare goods, but also with its picturesque nature and the hospitality of the local residents.

Delhi, the capital of India and the administrative center of the Union Territory of Delhi, is located in the northern part of the country, on the high right bank of the Jumna River at the foot of the hilly Aravali range. Delhi has several world-famous luxury hotels whose sophisticated style and comfort will ensure a good stay for the traveler.

Bombay, the capital of Maharashtra, is called the Western Gate of India. This chain of seven islands is an important commercial, industrial and financial center, as well as largest port India. Traditionally, Bombay is considered the center of the Indian film industry.

Goa - a pearl Indian coast, worldwide famous resort. It is located on the Indian Ocean, about 400 kilometers south of Bombay. Goa gained its fame thanks to its endless sandy beaches, clear ocean and cloudless skies, which attract the Indian and world elite.

The schematic map of India presents you with all the most amazing cities and resorts of this mysterious and attractive country, which will not leave any connoisseur of beauty indifferent!

Varanasi

Varanasi, located on the banks of the Ganges, is a sacred city for Hindus. Its ancient name "Kashi" is translated as "city of light". Supposedly it is one of the oldest cities in the world. It stands on an ancient trade route; Hindus believe that this is one of the few holy places - a kind of gateway to another world. It is believed that if a person dies in Varanasi, his soul will no longer be reincarnated, he will be freed from earthly captivity and will emerge from the wheel of Samsara. The ornate and intricate streets of Varanasi seem to be saturated with prayers; a powerful and all-consuming religious life has become the center and meaning of the city.

Jaipur

Jodhpur

All this is becoming a reality for tourists coming to Indian Ocean resorts.

The Indian Ocean Islands are an all-season luxury holiday destination. All you have to do is decide what you like best: relaxation and contemplation, active sports, the opportunity to touch antiquities or watch the most unusual creatures on Earth.

Mauritius

Tropical Mauritius was once a favorite haven of pirates, and now the island attracts thousands of tourists every year with its luxurious hotels and snow-white beaches, surrounded by mountains of volcanic origin. This place is suitable not only for heat-loving couch potatoes, but also for curious travelers who want to get acquainted with the amazing colonial architecture of the region, Indian temples and botanical gardens. Here you can also spot rare birds, walk through the park with lions or swim with dolphins, or even test your strength by doing extreme species Sports - wind and kite surfing are very popular on the island.

Mauritius is located just 20 degrees south of the equator, so the temperature here does not drop below +25 ° C. Most tourists go here on vacation when the cold weather sets in in the Northern Hemisphere, so peak tourist season on the island the period is considered to be from October to April. However, at this time of year it is quite hot and humid and sometimes rainy. The best time to holiday in Mauritius is the local winter, which begins in the Southern Hemisphere in May.

Mauritius is very small, only 45x65 square meters. km, however, due to the unique landscape, the weather here is very changeable. You are unlikely to be able to quickly drive around this small island, and all because it is riddled with narrow and winding roads on which it is simply impossible to accelerate. In addition, when planning excursions, it is worth remembering that left-hand traffic has remained on the island since the British colonial era. Therefore, it is better for tourists to use taxi services or organized transfers.

The tourist center of Mauritius is resort town Grand Bay is in the northeast of the island, where most hotels and entertainment venues are concentrated. The West Coast is the most expensive and prestigious: those who come here are accustomed to relaxing in the most luxurious hotels and want to sunbathe on the most beautiful white sand beaches. The south is considered the greenest, wildest and most interesting part of the island.

Where to stay

The pearl of Mauritius is Paradis & Golf Club on the Le Morne Peninsula. This hotel is considered one of the best in the south west coast. It is especially memorable for guests due to the breathtaking views from the rooms of the picturesque beach and lagoon.

The Paradis resort is suitable for both lovers of a relaxing holiday (there are several restaurants, a spa center of a famous cosmetic brand, the largest fitness center in Mauritius, its own international golf course and golf academy), and for those who prefer an active holiday and is engaged aquatic species sports On the beach, hotel guests can use any equipment for free, including snorkel masks and windsurfing equipment. A separate fee will be asked only for the services of a personal instructor. By the way, this very hotel hosts the Kite Jam Festival, which every year brings together professionals and amateurs of wind and kitesurfing from all over the world. The festival includes amateur competitions, master classes from world champions and the best athletes on the planet, as well as surfing and kiteboarding schools.

	Time zone: there is no time difference between Mauritius and Moscow. So it doesn’t matter how long your vacation is - you won’t remember what jet lag is after returning home.
	Visa: Visa for up to 60 days is issued upon arrival. To do this, at customs you must provide a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of your stay in the country, a return ticket, a hotel reservation, a completed entry form and pay a fee of $17.
	How to get there: the best option is to fly with Air France to Paris with a connecting flight airlines Air Mauritius. Travel time including connections is about 16 hours. The price of a round-trip ticket is from 49 thousand rubles.

Madagascar

Madagascar - largest island Indian Ocean, one of the poorest countries in the world, but at the same time one of the most safe countries Africa. Such nature as in Madagascar cannot be found anywhere else. The flora and fauna of the island are rich in absolutely endemic plants and animals that cannot be found in other parts of the planet.

Baobab trees grow everywhere in Madagascar. In some areas, impressive rows of giant trees line up, in the crowns of which the African sun pancake beautifully “gets stuck” during sunset, giving tourists the opportunity to take photographs of amazing beauty.

Here you can see 70 species of lemurs and chameleons and even watch humpback whales. The best time to see whale migration is from June to September, but they appear year-round in east coast waters.

There is also a unique stone forest, covering an area of more than 150 thousand hectares and representing sharp karst spiers, the approximate age of which is a million years. Stone Forest consists of intricate labyrinths through which excursions are organized for tourists.

As a rule, travelers go to Madagascar to see the jungle, wild animals, take part in safari or walk along adapted and safe tourist routes, which are complemented by several days of relaxation on the coast. Most popular recreation areas foreign tourists- these are the resorts of the Anakao Peninsula and the beaches of a tiny island near Madagascar - Nosy Be.

The north of the country is very fond of divers all over the world, including those from Russia. Extended coastline with unique underwater plants and animals gives them a completely new diving experience.

The climate of Madagascar is very diverse: on the coast it is tropical, in the interior it is closer to subtropical, and in the south it is dry (arid), with high air temperatures experiencing large daily fluctuations and with negligible amounts of precipitation. The island has two seasons. The hot and humid season - the Madagascan summer - lasts from November to April, the air temperature in these months is +25 + 27 ° C, the cooler dry season is established from May to October (+20 + 24 ° C).

Where to stay

One of the best hotels in the popular resort island of Nosy Be - Ravintsara Wellness Hotel. “Fantastic vacation”, “royal vacation”, “heaven on earth” - these are the reviews from tourists that Ravintsara received for its beautiful and spacious bungalows on the beach, green gardens around, excellent service and exquisite cuisine. The hotel also offers entertainment for every taste: boat trips, ATV rides. The cost of accommodation is from 300 dollars per day.

	Time zone: Madagascar time is one hour behind Moscow.
	Visa: a tourist visa for up to 90 days can be issued upon arrival. To do this, you must provide a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return air ticket.
	How to get there: get to largest airport Madagascar Antananarivo from Moscow can be reached via Paris (Air France). Flight time is 14 hours excluding connections. Ticket price - from 50 thousand rubles.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago of magical beauty, 115 islands, many of which are uninhabited, scattered in the waters of the Indian Ocean off the coast East Africa. Breathtaking secluded beaches, unique nature and climate have made the islands perhaps the most idyllic tourist destination in the world.

Seychelles is one of the few resort areas, where you can simply pick up and fly away at any time of the year without worrying about seasonal weather changes. The climate here is quite stable throughout the year, average temperature air temperature on the islands is +26+30º C. During the peak season (December-January), precipitation becomes more frequent on the islands, which subsides only by mid-March, but it cannot be called abundant and, in fact, it does not interfere with tourists’ recreation.

The warmest and calmest weather occurs in April-May and October-November. During this period, the islands have ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and diving: the water temperature reaches +29º C, and visibility often exceeds 30 meters.

Period from October to April - best time for fishing enthusiasts, and from April to October is the season for observing exotic birds. It is during these months that they reproduce, nurse their offspring and migrate to other regions. From May to September, fans of surfing and windsurfing flock to the Seychelles.

The main island of the archipelago, on which the international airport is located, is about. Mahe. Those who fly to the Seychelles in search of peace and secluded relaxation are unlikely to appreciate the bustle of Mahe, but it’s worth staying here if only to study the colonial architecture of the capital of the Seychelles - the city of Victoria, or to visit botanical garden, which contains dozens of species of tropical plants. The surrounding area of Mahe Island has great opportunities for deep-sea diving: here you can not only swim with magnificent tropical fish, but also walk through the habitats of reef and big-nosed sharks, stingrays, sea urchins, sea turtles.

Each island of the archipelago has its own atmosphere, and if you don’t want the noise of Mahe at all, then you can go to the small islands, where complete peace and quiet reigns.

Where to stay

One of the best hotels in Mahe is Banyan Tree Seychelles, located on the picturesque southwestern coast of the island. Banyan Tree has 60 villas, each with its own swimming pool.

This resort is located in quiet place, away from anything that might disturb you during your vacation. This sometimes makes guests think that they are on desert island, where someone invisible provides round-the-clock comfort. There are no entertainment venues or significant places nearby tourist places, so it is chosen by those who are going to enjoy a vacation away from civilization. The cost of renting a villa is from $1,200 per day.

	Time zone: in the Seychelles, the time coincides with Moscow.
	Visa: Russian citizens arriving in the Seychelles for a period not exceeding 30 days do not require a visa. It is placed at the border when entering the country.
	How to get there: you can fly from Moscow to the Seychelles by plane Emirates airlines with a transfer at your home airport (Dubai). Travel time including connections is 12.5 hours. Ticket price - from 30 thousand rubles.

Maldives

The Maldives is made up of about 20 groups of atolls, but only half of the islands that make up them are open to tourists. If you are planning to visit Republic of Maldives first time and are looking for some general recommendations on choosing a resort, then you need to remember the main thing: each of the Maldivian resorts is located on its own island, the sizes of the islands vary from 2.5 km to 150 m (from coast to coast). This means that all resort facilities (restaurants, bars, sports facilities, etc.) will be the only entertainment during your stay in the Maldives. Therefore, their infrastructure needs to be carefully studied in advance so as not to fall into deep despondency on your long-awaited vacation. In general, there are offers for tourists for every taste: from affordable bungalows adjacent to diving equipment rental points, to secluded luxury villas on stilts in the sea, from the terrace of which you can hang your feet and admire the colorful fish swimming in the water.

The Maldives archipelago is located almost on the equator, the climate here is tropical, the temperature is stable all year round (about +28+30º C). The hottest season on the islands occurs in our winter: from December to April the islands are dry, and the air temperature reaches its highest levels.

Most of the activities in the Maldives are centered around water activities. Snorkeling and diving are very popular - vacationers have the opportunity to see the most beautiful coral reefs and get acquainted with 700 species of exotic fish that live in Indian Ocean. Surfers (both advanced and beginners) also enjoy coming here to spend an invigorating holiday cutting through the waves on a board. Those who like a more relaxing holiday may be interested in fishing in open water.

Where to stay

One of the most famous Maldivian resorts, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, is located on the large and very picturesque Addu Atoll, on Villingili Island. Shangri-La offers accommodation in fully equipped traditional style villas. Guests can choose a house in the garden, on the shore or on stilts directly over the water. Several restaurants are available to guests, outdoor pool, gym, kids club, a beauty salon and spa center that offers various face and body care programs, scrubs, wraps, as well as massage and stone therapy. The territory has tennis and badminton courts, a small golf course, as well as everything you need for snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and fishing.

To the resort from international airport Tourists are transported to Male by plane or speedboat.

Time zone: time on Maldives ahead of Moscow by an hour.

Visa: Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance if the tourist arrives in the country for a period of no more than 30 days. It is placed at the border upon entry into the country, for which you will need a valid passport and a dated return ticket.

How to get there: international flights arrive at Hulule Airport, which is located next to the capital island of Male. Flights to the Maldives are regularly carried out by Emirates airlines (via Dubai), Singapore Airlines(via Singapore), Qatar (via Doha). Travel time depends on the length of the connection at the carrier's home airport.

In the winter season, Aeroflot opens a direct flight to Male. Travel time is about 9 hours. The cost of the flight is from 49 thousand rubles.

O. Ceylon

Ceylon Island (Sri Lanka) - a real corner eternal holiday. The number of significant events celebrated here is more than 160 per year! Add to this colorful beaches, misty mountains, tea plantations and luxury hotels - and you get truly unforgettable vacation in the kingdom of nature on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Developed tourism infrastructure in Sri Lanka provides vacationers with excellent opportunities for recreation for every taste: from “doing nothing” on the beaches and self-care in local spas to wildlife watching, extreme sports and pilgrimages to ancient cities.

The climate in Sri Lanka is equatorial. It is warm and humid all year round, with the rainy season occurring in summer. Average annual temperature The air temperature on the island is +28º C, the water temperature in the Indian Ocean reaches +26º C.

Largest city island state- noisy, crazy Columbo. Tourists come here to get acquainted with the main attractions: admire the colonial buildings, mosques, churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, see the presidential residence (or the Queen's House), visit National Museum And art gallery. There is also a wonderful zoo in Colombo, where tourists try to go to the elephant show.

The beaches of the island are very popular among tourists. Moreover, Sri Lanka is gaining more and more popularity among those who love active species water sports. Surfers managed to fall in love with Arugam Bay, a place 314 km from Colombo, in the south- east coast Ceylon, which was included in the honorary list of the ten best surf beaches in the world. Arugam Bay is popular among beginners, and for experienced athletes, the point of attraction has become the west coast, where you can catch impressive waves. The town of Negombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka has become a hangout for kitesurfers who come here for the winds from May to the end of September.

Thanks to the varied topography of the island, Ceylon has excellent conditions for rafting, the now fashionable hiking and mountain biking.

Wildlife lovers come to Sri Lanka to watch the whales and dolphins that appear in the waters near the town of Mirissa. At certain times of the year, sea turtles can also be seen coming ashore to lay eggs.

Where to stay

The most famous beach resort in Sri Lanka is the town of Bentota and its surroundings. This is where the largest number of hotels are located, offering accommodation for every taste. However, the hotels are located at a considerable distance from each other, so tourists can enjoy a relaxing holiday.

A beautiful secluded hotel in Benote - Saman Villas, which is located on a small rocky hill, right on the ocean. It is quiet and cozy here, the number of rooms (and especially the bathroom... open air) pleases travelers who do not skimp on positive reviews. Tourists also note the excellent cuisine in the hotel restaurant and praise the treatments at the local spa. The cost of living is about 300 dollars per day.

The small village of Hikkaduwa is popular among divers and surfers, who are known to be not too fussy, so it is mainly located inexpensive hotels and apartments.

You can snorkel and swim in the calm waters, which are protected from the waves by a coral ridge, at the Trincomalee resort, located on the east coast of the country.

	Time zone: time in Sri Lanka is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow.
	Visa: Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance. It is placed at the airport upon arrival.
	How to get there: flights to Colombo are carried out by Etihad (with a transfer in Abu Dhabi), Emirates (with a transfer in Dubai), as well as Aeroflot. Travel time is about 10 hours. The cost of a round-trip ticket is from 25 thousand rubles.

Irina Lavery

Those who have long dreamed of vacationing in India have probably already wondered where is the best place to do it. But little knows that the place to relax very much depends on the time of year in which your vacation falls.
India – big country, and at the same time in one part of it there can be a sultry summer, and in another winter with snowfalls.

These include Goa, Kerala, Mumbai and Karnataka. And the first 2 are some of the most popular among many tourists.

Climate.

It has a humid subtropical climate, which makes it possible to come here at any time of the year. The only exception is the period when tropical rains pour here.

When is the best time to visit in 2020?

The ideal time for tourists starts in November and ends in March. During the day during these months it is quite hot, but with the onset of night comes pleasant coolness. The water temperature does not drop below + 27 degrees, as at any other time of the year.
After mid-March, the air temperature here rises. You can also relax. But it’s best to stay in hotels where the air conditioning works, and don’t go out in the sun for long and only with protective cream. You should also not choose long excursions, especially if they occur during the daytime.
During the period when summer comes to Russia, you should not go to India. The rainy season is just beginning there. Most establishments are closing, leaving only those that serve the local population.
Around the end of October, the monsoons end and tourists slowly begin to return. This time is great for those who want to buy a home in Goa. There are not many people interested this month, which means the prices are not so high. During this period, you can fly to Arambol, Morjim, Baga, Karangut and other states.

Middle part of India.

These states of the country are designed for tourists who do not just want to relax on the beach, but want to see the real India. This is where you can take the Golden Triangle excursion, which includes visits to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Climate.

Here, for the most part, there are only deserts. Islands with vegetation are quite rare. Therefore, the climate is quite dry. During the day it becomes very hot, and at night the temperature drops sharply.

— During the winter months, the temperature during the day is quite pleasant and comfortable. During the day it does not rise above +25, and at night it can drop to +3, and sometimes even lower. When traveling in this part of India, it is best to immediately bring warm clothes with you, as it will be extremely difficult to find them in this country.

— Towards the end of February and before the arrival of April, the temperature begins to rise and reaches its maximum. Therefore, after that a period begins when it is quite difficult to rest here. It gets very hot and dusty. The children of local residents go on vacation, and tourists come very rarely.

— With the onset of summer, rains come to the central part of India. But just not as long. Therefore, this is also a great time for tourists. Sometimes, of course, there are problems with the power supply, so you need to use your phone more economically.

— When summer ends, the rains practically stop pouring. Plants and trees bloom and the air becomes more humid. The temperature day and night is quite comfortable. This season can be called one of the most comfortable for visitors to this country.

Northern part of India.

These include Kashmir, Punjab, Sikkim, Himchal Pradesh and other states. This part of India is different from other states. Near the Himalayas, people live here who practice Buddhism, except in Kashmir.

Climate.

To navigate the climate here, it is enough to know everything about the weather outside your window. Here, as almost throughout Russia, there are hot summers, cold winters, and spring and autumn are moderately warm. The only difference between the climate of our countries is that they have their own mountain winds, which sometimes howl so loudly that they take your breath away.

When is the best time to visit in 2020?

— It’s cold in the Himalayas in winter. However, they have no heating. The houses are terribly cold and the humidity literally permeates everything. Residents sleep in warm clothes, sleeping bags and blankets. This is not the best time for a tourist. There is snow here during these months, and landslides can occur on the roads. Only extreme sports enthusiasts and climbers come here in winter, but not alone.

— Spring here is a bit slow. In March, the temperature does not rise above +15, but at night it is also cold, about 0 degrees. Plus the persistent winds. Sometimes winds from the mountain tops bring snow to small settlements. Only by the end of April it becomes a little warmer, but already in May spring becomes quite warm and all the fruit trees begin to bloom.

— Perhaps only these states do not have monsoon rains in the summer. They only get here in August. In general, summer is quite comfortable. But in the state of Kashmir, only July can be called best month for tourists. Due to the fact that there are many mountain rivers, vegetation and the absence of the usual benefits of civilization, only an avid traveler who wants to see absolutely the whole world can come here to relax.

— Starting from mid-October, for a month, tourists can come to the northern states of India to enjoy the beauty of this country, see its capital, ancient temples and culture. This is one of the favorable months for travel. It's warm and comfortable here at this time.

The coast of India stretches for almost 6000 kilometers. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Perhaps each of them is unique, has its own atmosphere, and offers vacationers something of its own. The most “developed” and popular beaches today are located in the state. Almost all beaches in Goa are equipped with everything necessary for a civilized holiday, but therefore they are noisier and more crowded. Top hotels and water sports centers are located in Goa. The noisiest and brightest beach parties are held here, lasting until dawn.

On the beaches Mumbai there is also a vibrant nightlife. Capital beaches They are famous for their crazy, incendiary discos, which attract not only the local “golden youth”, but also wealthy European heirs of famous families.

Beaches Andaman and Nicobar islands and islands Lakshadweep Ideal for diving, snorkeling and treasure exploration underwater world. In addition, they are the most sparsely populated beaches in India. It is quite difficult to get here, and true lovers of solitude, simple and natural life come to enjoy the beauty of wild nature.

On some beaches, majestic temples and ruins of ancient forts have been preserved, which adds additional charm to the life of vacationers. There are especially many forts located on the beaches Gujarat. The climate along almost the entire length of the coast is soft and pleasant for Europeans. The population is incredibly friendly; on all developed beaches you can meet sellers of handicrafts, souvenirs and local delicacies. In many places colorful bazaars are regularly held and various festivals are held.

The eastern states offer lovers of monumental spectacles rocky beaches that are stunning in their grandeur. In such places, the approaches to the water are quite difficult, even dangerous in some areas, and sharp reefs and sea urchins. There are even police officers in the most risky places, warning tourists about the problem.

In the southwest there are really paradises: beaches with golden sand, blue lagoons and palm groves. On most sandy beaches The sea near the shore is shallow; to get to deep water you need to walk quite a long time. The calmest waters are on the beaches Maharashtra. These places are ideal for family vacation. Beaches Karnataka They promise to seriously compete with the beaches of Goa in the near future - large funds are allocated for their development. The beaches of the state are very original Andhra Pradesh. There are many ancient port cities and various religious buildings here. Andhra Pradesh is called the Kohinoor of India. On its territory there are several of the most picturesque beaches countries.

State Kerala offers besides sea beaches amazing places for relaxation on inland canals, lakes and rivers. This fantastic tropical world attracts lovers of wildlife and long boat rides through shady green tunnels.

All beaches are municipal, but those sections of the beach that are assigned to specific hotels are protected. Use of beaches and equipment is free. Swimming and sunbathing in the nude is prohibited almost everywhere.

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Holidays in India

Recently, many tourists have been attracted to India, where holidays provide the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique flavor, get acquainted with ancient history, which gave us many of our favorite things - incense, spices, tea and much more. She has been making travelers fall in love with her for hundreds of years, and recent years is actively developing in tourist destination, offering its guests a varied holiday experience.

Pros and cons of India

Holidays in India, like in many other countries, have their advantages and disadvantages.

As a result, we can conclude that Goa is great place for a comfortable beach holiday, and India in general is suitable for those who want to enjoy the Indian flavor and plunge into eastern culture, accepting all its shortcomings.

Climate

The year in India is divided into three seasons - summer from March to June, the long rainy season from June to September and winter from November to February. It is generally characterized by high humidity in summer and dryness in winter, like any country in the monsoon climate zone. Since the country occupies a large area, the temperature in different regions varies greatly, and in mountainous areas there is generally a zone with a special high-mountain climate.

In the high mountainous regions of the Himalayas, of course, temperatures can drop lower and even reach sub-zero levels.

Goa

Where to relax in India if not in Goa? This is the most popular beach area Russian tourists. This state is divided into two zones. In the southern zone, recreation is calm and more expensive, in the northern zone it is inexpensive, noisy and youthful.

Beaches

Goa does not occupy a very large area, but the concentration of beaches here is simply enormous. The beaches of the southern and northern parts of the state are also worth considering.

The beaches of southern Goa are almost the same; they are located at hotels and are suitable for a relaxing holiday with children. We should also highlight Varca with its wonderful views, beloved by tourists, Cavelosim, Utorda with soft silky sand and Majorda, a secluded beach in nature with numerous entertainment, bars and restaurants. Nice beach Agonda is considered - here you can relax from the hustle and bustle among the dense tropics. Almost really south Goa is located Palolem - beach with developed infrastructure, but a complete lack of entertainment.

North Goa is more loved by young people who prefer to have an active and inexpensive holiday. In the very north is Arambol (Kharmal) - a favorite zone of freaks and informals. Calangute and Baga are considered one of the best Goa beaches- This is where many of our tourists relax. Anjuna is considered a picturesque place, for which nightlife young people come from all over the world - but the water and sand here are not so good. Morjim is also popular among Russian tourists - it’s not for nothing that locals unofficially call it “Moscow Beach”.

Attractions

People go to Goa mainly for a beach holiday, but there are also attractions here. For example, you can visit the state capital - the city of Panaji with interesting ancient architecture. The Kotegao Nature Reserve is also interesting - a place far from civilization and inhabited by rare wild animals. Tourists also love to visit the Dudhsagar Falls. And in North Goa a lot of temples and architectural monuments, which you can get to directly from the resorts.

Also very interesting in Goa are the tiger reserve, the elephant training center and other similar places where you can get closely acquainted with wildlife and animals. To entertain children, there is “Bhaqwan Mahaveer” - an amusement park that will also appeal to adults. Tourists also love the Splashdown water park.

Shopping

This is not to say that Goa is suitable for full-fledged shopping. For shopping here, it is better to choose small markets and shopping arcades, as well as large markets - the night market in Arpora, the day market in Anjuna and the market in Mapusa. They mainly display items made by local craftsmen and various authentic souvenirs.

In Anjuna you can do some shopping at the large Oxford Arcade supermarket - they mainly sell groceries, souvenirs, clothes and goods for children. And in the Benaulim beach area there is a Shop’N’Save supermarket, which sells everything from souvenirs to clothes.

Delhi

Delhi is the capital of India, beautiful and ancient city with a unique Indian flavor, ancient sights and Indian bazaars.

Attractions

The capital of India is interesting mainly for its sights and amazing combination of colonial chic, slums, majestic temples and the most modern buildings.

Here you should definitely look at the Red Fort from the times of the Mongols - a real city within a city. Also be sure to check out the Jami Masjid, India's largest mosque, the Hare Krishna temple of Lakshmi Narayan and the Qutab Minar complex built by the Mongols. And in general, it’s just interesting to walk around the city, soaking in the Indian atmosphere.

Shopping

Delhi is a great place for shopping and buying souvenirs. There are a lot of trading platforms here, so we will look at the most popular ones:

Main bazaar area with fruit and vegetable stalls and counters with inexpensive Indian clothes, spices, incense, jewelry and musical instruments. They also sell Ayurvedic remedies and Tibetan blankets. But it’s better not to buy shoes here, since they are not of very high quality at Main bazaar;

Nehru Bazaar is next to Main bazaar, selling teas, sweets, fruits and incense. There are also a lot of jewelry shops and shops with cheap Indian consumer goods. However, quality products can also be found;
Palika bazaar is an ordinary Indian market. But in the summer, during the daytime it is very cool here, which makes shopping more comfortable;
Khadi is a store on Konnaut, a two-storey European building. The ground floor sells food and cosmetics, and the second floor sells quality clothing;
Chandi Chouk - big shopping complex from the streets near the Red Fort. Each street is responsible for its own goods - one sells wooden products, another sells silver, etc.;
South Extension - a shopping complex with the best clothes and shoes at quite reasonable prices;
Yashvant Place is a shopping center with inexpensive leather goods, medicines and jewelry. The sellers here speak Russian;
Sarojini Market - a shop for lovers hiking with affordable prices.

Kerala

Kerala is another one southern resort with gorgeous beaches and amazing tropical nature.

Beaches

The most famous beaches of this resort are Kappad, Kovalama and Alaluzha. Those who like a relaxing holiday prefer Marari and Varkala.

Kovalam as a whole is almost best beach all over India. It is divided into three more zones, of which young people prefer the northern Lighthouse, lovers wild holiday- Samamundra, and Khavakh offers something in between.

Another beach, Marina Beach, is a favorite local residents, so it's pretty dirty here.

Attractions

Kerala has many natural attractions - jungles, reserves, plantations, backwaters and lagoons will not leave anyone indifferent. If you are more interested in architecture, then you can look at Cochin - a city on a dozen islands, in which almost all the peoples of the world have left their mark. Tourists also like the Krishna Temple in the village of Guruvayur and national park Jawhar.

Shopping

Kovalam has a large shopping center where you can buy fabrics, jewelry, Ayurvedic medicines and souvenirs. The resorts sell wood products, coffee, tea, and jewelry with precious stones.

Agra

Attractions

Agra is an ancient city whose main attraction is the Taj Mahal. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to see it - the structure is truly majestic.

At a distance of two kilometers from the main attraction of India, there is the 16th century Agra Fort with palaces, mosques, terraces and amazing gardens.

Also in the vicinity of Agra is the city of Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Great Mongols. Tourists and pilgrims flock here to the tomb of Saint Chishti.

Shopping

There are small shops throughout Agra, but many tourists note that it is better to shop in shopping centers. The largest are Sadash, Oswal, Akbar International and Sadar Bazar. Also near the mosques there are large clothing markets where you can buy traditional clothing.

Mumbai

Mumbai is India's Hollywood, a city with numerous attractions. Although it is located by the sea, this place is not very suitable for a beach holiday.

Beaches

Although there are beaches here, it is not worth swimming here - the sand is dirty, the sea is also not very clean, and during the monsoons strong currents prevail. And the locals look askance at revealing swimsuits. If you still want to swim, then pay attention to the beaches in the Northwest Mumbai area or Girgaon Chowpaty beach in south Mumbai.

Attractions

In Mumbai, you should definitely visit Elephant Island and check out the galleries and museums of the Kala Ghoda area. The local fort with the station, the University and Supreme Court. Tourists also often climb the Malabar Hill with the Walkeshvara Temple, the Hanging Gardens, the Jogeshwari Caves, the Banganga Tank springs and the Zoroastrian “towers of silence.”

Shopping

The best place to buy clothes and shoes is on Fashion Street. Many retail outlets are located in the areas of Linking Road, Pherozeshah Mehta Road, Cuffe Parade and Colaba Causeway. Clothes are also sold at Chowk Fountain. And in the Oberoi and Taj hotels you can buy jewelry.

If markets are more your thing, be sure to pay attention to Chon Bazaar, where they sell works of local craftsmen, Zaveri with jewelry, the market on Dhaboo Street with leather goods, and Crawford, which sells vegetables and fruits .

Himalayas

In addition to the usual holidays, India offers active holidays in the Himalayas - extensive mountain system in the north of the country. Those who are interested in the ancient religious culture of India with its monasteries and shrines will like it here. The Himalayas also offer tourists ample opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. alpine skiing.

Alpine skiing

Every year lovers active recreation flock to the Himalayas for alpine skiing. Of all the resorts, Gulmarg is the most popular - it has existed since 1998. The resort is famous for its long, up to 15 kilometers, slopes, virgin trails and excellent forest freeride.

Another famous resort- this is Auli, with the best slopes, a four-kilometer cable car and 10 kilometers of pistes. It is mainly aimed at beginner skiers.

If you want to relax at an Indian-style resort, then you will like Solang - picturesque place with trails for skiers of different skill levels.

Attractions

The main attractions of the Himalayas are Tibetan monasteries and various temples. Tourists really like the temples in Badrinath and Kedarnath, the Golden Temple in Amritsar and, of course, Shambhala. Many people look into martial arts and meditation schools, not only for training, but also simply out of curiosity. Tourists also like to visit the sacred city of Haridwar, the city of ashrams Rishikesh and Ladakh. The routes to many attractions are difficult, so be mentally prepared for long hiking.

Souvenirs

To make your holiday in India memorable for a long time, you definitely need to bring something from there. Listing all the authentic Indian souvenirs is an impossible task, so we will focus on the most popular:

Products made of silk, cotton and other natural fabrics

An ideal souvenir for women. Of particular interest is the sari - a long piece of fabric in which Indian women traditionally wrap themselves. Silk scarves are best bought from Kashmir

Bijouterie

An excellent and fairly inexpensive souvenir. If you want to buy real gemstones, then go to Jaipur, and for silver you should go to Rajasthan - there is a large selection and low prices. Gold bazaars are open everywhere, but it’s very easy to find fakes

Indian figurines

A beautiful and authentic souvenir. Interesting, for example, are Indian matryoshka elephants or figurines of gods. It is best to buy them in Delhi - prices are lower there

Teas and spices

Inexpensive, but a very successful gift. Local teas are very different from what we drink, and mostly for the better. Such a gift will be remembered for a long time and will not lie as a dead weight. It is better to buy spices and teas at food markets

An interesting souvenir there will be local rum, which is sold in abundance everywhere, especially in Goa

Indian incense

Undoubtedly very nice souvenir, which can transport you to India again, at least for a while. They have high quality and truly fragrant, unlike the incense that we sell. Such a souvenir is quite inexpensive

Natural cosmetics

Scrubs, soaps, shampoos, etc. Their quality is excellent and their prices are very low.

Indian carpet

Expensive and luxurious souvenir. It won’t fit into every design, but it will delight you for many years

Indian traditional medicines

Trishun, Neem, Ashwagandha and Kailas Jevan are especially popular. Many people buy unusual toothpaste, for example, with pepper.

Visa and customs

A visa is required to travel to India. In general, obtaining a tourist visa, especially a single-entry visa, is not difficult. It is valid for 30-56 days. Multiple or triple entries are issued for three months.

To travel to Goa, a visa is issued directly at the airport, but you will not be able to travel outside the state with it.

Customs regulations standard - you cannot import alcohol, drugs and other illegal things; alcohol and cigarettes are subject to duty. It is impossible to export items of national heritage; there are usually no problems with the rest.

How to get there

When you choose where to holiday in India, the question inevitably arises: what is the best way to get there?

By plane

The easiest way to get to India is by plane - they fly to Delhi from Moscow and other cities regular flights. There are also quite a few flights direct to Goa. Turkish Airlines flies from Russia to India with transfers, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia, and these flights are often more convenient.

By train

You can also get there by railway with a transfer in Bangladesh or Pakistan, but this will take a long time.

By car

The journey by car will be long and difficult, through Pakistan and Iran.

Transport in India

Urban public transport in India it is represented mainly by buses. In large and resort towns they are modern, but private and commuter buses often dilapidated and not very comfortable. But this way of traveling around the country is very cheap.

There are three types of taxis in India - regular taxis, auto-rickshaws and pedicabs. Their services are inexpensive, but the price must be agreed upon in advance.

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