India

Situated in South Asia and bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, India covers approximately 3.29 million km² and holds the world's largest population. New Delhi serves as the capital, though Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai function as major economic and cultural poles. Hindi and English are the principal official languages, the rupee (INR) is the currency, and the country operates as a federal parliamentary republic with a constitutional democracy stretching across 28 states.

Many nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online before travel, covering tourism, business, and medical categories. The official system is the Indian e-Visa portal operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Some nationalities require a traditional visa through an Indian embassy or consulate. Requirements vary considerably by passport; travellers should consult the official portal well in advance of departure.

The Taj Mahal in Agra, a 17th-century Mughal mausoleum in white marble, remains the country's most recognised monument. Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, lines the western bank of the Ganges. Rajasthan's Amber Fort rises above Jaipur on a rocky ridge. Kerala's backwaters form a 900-kilometre network of canals and lagoons. The rock-cut caves of Ajanta in Maharashtra contain Buddhist paintings dating to the 2nd century BCE. In the south, the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur is a UNESCO-listed Chola masterpiece.

India's climate ranges from alpine in the Himalayas to tropical along the southern coasts. Northern plains experience temperatures from around 5°C in winter to above 45°C in peak summer. The monsoon season, June through September, brings heavy rainfall across most of the country. October to March is generally the most comfortable period for travel, particularly in the north and centre. Packing layers for evenings and light, breathable fabrics for daytime is practical throughout most regions.

• Chess was invented in India around the 6th century.
• India has the world's largest film industry by output.
• The number zero was formalised by Indian mathematician Brahmagupta.
• India operates the world's largest railway network by employees.
• Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful human gathering on Earth.

• incredibleindia.org — official national tourism portal by the Ministry of Tourism
• indianvisaonline.gov.in — official Indian e-Visa application system
• indianrailways.gov.in — national railways information and services
• imd.gov.in — India Meteorological Department for weather and climate data