How I Prepared My Trip to India - Visa, Passport, Etc

Are you preparing for a trip to India soon? Are you looking for all the travel details to make your trip smooth and hassle-free? If you are, you are in the right place as we will let you know how to prepare for your trip flawlessly.

From the official details to how you should prepare to visit India, here is everything you need to know.

How To Obtain An India E-Visa

To make traveling easier for everyone, India provides e-visa to people looking to enter the country. You don’t have to go through the conventional method of going to the Indian consulate or embassy in your country. If you want to travel to India for business, tourism, or medical reasons, you can apply for an e-visa.

Here are the top three steps you need to take:

1. Fill The Online Application

The first step you need to take is to fill the online application and form. Here are some important things you will need while filling the form:

• Access the India visa at natvisa.com
• Passport size photo
• Valid passport for at least six months from your date of arrival
• Travel itinerary details
• Valid payment method, i.e., a credit card
• Picture of a personal data page

Once you have everything next to you, it will take less than five minutes to fill the online application. After that, you need to pay the visa application fee and submit the form online.

2. Receive Your Approved Visa

Your online application will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and they will review everything. If your visa is approved, you will receive the document in a maximum of three business days after submission. You will then receive your approved visa document via email.

3. Print And Show To Immigration Officials

Don’t forget to print your Indian e-visa because you will need to show it to the immigration officials once you arrive at the Indian airport. Keep a few copies with you in case you lose one. After that, your arrival will be smooth.

Indian E-Visa Details

There are three types of E-Visa that India offers: Tourist E-Visa, Business E-Visa, and Medical E-Visa. The Tourist E-Visa offers three types, which include:

• Two entries (valid for thirty days) with a maximum of thirty-day stay
• Multiple entries (valid for one year) with a maximum of sixty-day stay
• Multiple entries (valid for five years) with a maximum of sixty-day stay

On the other hand, there is one Business E-Visa offered that lasts for a year. You are allowed multiple entries on it with a maximum stay of 180 days at a time. Finally, we have the Medical E-Visa.

The visa allows for three entries and is valid for a year. You can only stay for sixty days on this E-Visa. You can decide the E-Visa you want and fill the application form to receive your visa in no time.

Top Tips To Prepare For An India Trip

Here are the top tips you need to know to be prepared when traveling to India:

1. Don’t Try To Do Too Much

Many people try to cram as much as possible in their trip by visiting every tourist destination. You should not make this mistake and spend more time in each place you visit. Doing this will allow you to slow down and take in the diversity and beauty of each place you visit.

If you try to do too much, you will feel exhausted in no time. India is a vast country, and there is a lot to explore. Make an itinerary beforehand and try to include fewer places with more time in each place.

2. Go Beyond The Major Cities

Cities make up a small portion of India as the rest of it is filled with smaller villages. If you want to make the most of your time and immerse yourself in Indian culture, you need to visit the smaller villages. The pace of life will be slow there, the air will be clean, and you will get to learn a lot about the country.

The most exciting part about these villages is that the people are incredibly welcoming. You will surely get an offer to drink tea or share a meal with a family as people are hospitable. Go with the flow during this experience and immerse yourself in it.

3. Dress Appropriately

If you are planning to go beyond the cities and hit the villages, you need to dress appropriately for it. These places are conservative, and you will not see anyone roaming around in low-cut tops or miniskirts there. So, be sure to pack some conservative clothing before you embark on an adventure to India.

That is because if you are visiting religious sites, you will need to cover yourself adequately. It is disrespectful to wear revealing clothes in temples and other religious sites in India. Keep them in your backpack and be ready to change when visiting such sites.

4. Invest In A SIM Card

If you have the internet with you during your travel, everything will become much easier. You can look at directions, find the best restaurants, and look for new and hip things to do in India. India is vast, and Google Maps can be s savior, especially if you are finding your way back to your hotel.

So, your first priority should be to get a SIM Card. You will not find a local one, which is why you can get an International SIM. It will offer affordable data plans, and you can use them anytime and anywhere on your trip.

Final Words

That was your complete guide to preparing a trip for India, from applying for the e-visa to preparing everything else for a smooth trip. Once you follow these guidelines, you will receive your e-visa in no time, and your trip will be a breeze.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply for an Indian Tourist E-Visa now and explore everything it has to offer.

Is Tourist Visa To India Open?

The landscape of traveling will never be the same again because of COVID-19. There are travel restrictions, bans, and the rules keep on changing faster than ever. India was one of the first countries to ban all commercial flights, and this still stays true.

That is because India has an incredibly high number of cases, and the deaths are not slowing down. If you plan on travel to India soon, it may not be the best time right now. Here is everything you need to know about Tourist Visa in India.

Can Tourists Visit India?

India is not allowing any tourists to enter the country right now. The virus cases are at an all-time high, and the delta variant is only making things worse in the country. There is a complete ban on commercial till at least 30^th August 2010, but this will likely increase even further due to the delta variant.

If you plan on visiting India as a tourist right now, there is no chance that you can enter the country. It is best that you wait it out and see how the situation plays out before you decide to visit. India is issuing visas on a limited scale to diplomats, Indian citizens, and business travelers.

The Business eVisa

While you can’t visit India as a tourist, you can visit if you have important business in the country. The process of eVisa has made obtaining the visa incredibly straightforward. The validity of an Indian business eVisa is one year, and you can stay for 180 days with multiple entries.

Keep in mind that you have to fill a health declaration form before you visit the country. A negative RT-PCR test will need to be uploaded on the online health declaration form. If you have any symptoms when you arrive in India, the authorities will take you to a medical facility for isolation.

On the other hand, if you are fine and healthy, you can enter the country without any issues. You will also have to prove what business you are on with relevant documents. Cases are at an all-time high, and there are strict checks everywhere.

The Medical eVisa

Apart from business travelers, people seeking medical treatment can also travel to India on the Medical eVisa. It is valid for one year, and you can stay for sixty days with triple entry allowed. You will also have to fill the health declaration form and upload the negative RT-PCR test before entering the country.

You don’t have to visit the embassy for the visa as you can fill the forms and documents online. Once you do and have all your information in order, you can easily visit the country in no time. Keep in mind to print your eVisa and keep it with you while traveling.

It is best to print many copies in case you lose one while traveling. The backups will give you peace of mind as you enter India for medical purposes.

Evisa Process Steps

Thanks to technology, all you need to do is fill in all the details from your laptop to get the India eVisa. The process will not take more than five minutes. Here are the three steps you need to take when filling visa online application:

1. Fill The Form

The first thing you need to do is fill the visa form at natvisa.com. Be sure to keep all documents with you before starting, and it will not take you more than a few minutes to fill in all details. For example, you should have your passport, employment details (for business eVisa), health details (for medical eVisa), itinerary, and other important things next to you.

Once you have all your documents, you can fill the form. Keep in mind to follow the appropriate guidelines when uploading a picture on the form. If your picture is not right and doesn’t meet all requirements, you will have to fill the form again.

Double-check the details, pay the fee, and you can submit the form. The fee of each eVisa is different, which is why you will get to know what it is once you start filling the form.

2. Receive Approved Visa

After submission, your eVisa form will be forwarded to the relevant Indian authorities that will review your application. If all the details are correct and your application doesn’t have any issues, your visa will be approved in no time. Keep in mind that this will take two to three business days for the Indian officials to approve your visa.

Once the authorities approve, you will receive your visa via email. That is why you should always provide an email you are using, as that is how the authorities will contact you. If you don’t give the right email address, you will not receive your eVisa.

3. Print It Out

Once you have your approved eVisa in the email, you must print it out and keep it with you. When you enter India, the authorities will ask you to show your eVisa. Keep in mind to make multiple copies in case you lose one on the way.

Backup copies will save you time, effort, and hassle if you lose your eVisa. Once you arrive in India and present the document, it will be checked by the authorities. If everything is in order, you will be allowed to enter without any issues.

That was your complete guide to understanding if India is open for tourists. Unfortunately, the pandemic is situation is not good, and no tourists can enter India right now. However, if you have some business in India or you need medical care, you can opt for the other eVisas.

Once you have followed all the guidelines, you can easily enter India without any issues. If you are a tourist, you need to wait and see what happens to the situation soon. Keeping a check will allow you to know when India opens its borders for tourists again.

INDIA eVISA TO BE ADDED TO INDORE AIRPORT

Introduction

Like most of the western world and developed countries, India has also planned and executed simple and easy travel means and formalities. To facilitate those who travel to India for tourism, business or for medical checkups etcetera, the Government of India has eased out the documentary process for obtaining the visa. Earlier, you were required to take along copies of your passport and multiple numbers of documents to the immigration office to apply for a visa, but now eVisa services have been introduced.

Indian eVisa Will be Accepted at Indore Airport

International travelers were required to plan their arrivals at only 28 x airports where eVisa is accepted. Those traveling to other airports were faced with a lot of complications and even deportation. Indore airport has also started international flights but the only issue being faced by the international travelers was that of Indian eVisa acceptance at this airport. Area MP, during his interaction with the media also accepted that the need for an eVisa facility was being seen since long after the start of international flights. In a recent development, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned principally to accept eVisa for Indore Airport. The airport authorities have also been tasked to speed up for installation of all technical changes for the launch of this facility. Assurance of provision of this facility at Indore Airport has been applauded at all local and national forums, however, the first arrival of eVisa travelers is awaited.

What is Indian eVisa Online?

The eVisa is an online document required to be produced at the Indian Airports for making an entry into the country. It is obtained through an online system where you just have to fill up few necessary details and you are ready to have the Indian eVisa. This document (the eVisa) will be approved and you will receive it electronically before departure to India. The Indian government has authorized 161 countries to be eligible for Indian eVisa, to travel for business, tourism, or medical purpose.

The Benefits of the Electronic Visa (eVisa). An Indian eVisa has far more advantages/benefits than the traditional Indian Visa. To count a few, some are mentioned below: –

• Easy to apply online and save a lot of time and effort.
• No need of making hard files and visiting the embassies and immigration offices.
• You can keep an electronic copy and show it to immigration authorities on arrival.
• Need not submit your passport and many other related original documents with anyone, and avoid chances of loss of documents.
• Under COVID – 19 pandemic, eVisa procedure has declined the exposure to crowded places as all the formalities are completed online and from a zone of your comfort.

How to Apply for the eVisa?

You must apply for an eVisa at least 4 days before the date of travel to India and not more than 120 x days in advance. Simply go to the natvisa.com and apply for a visa as per the requirement and download the Indian eVisa application form. To proceed with the filling, you must get your passport size photograph, immigration page of your valid passport, the PDF application, and medical documents scanned and saved on your electronic device. Place these documents in the desired places in the form and send the application to concerned online authorities for further procedures. On completion of necessary scrutiny, you will receive an email on the given ID, which you must get a printout and keep in a safe place. On arrival, you will be asked to produce the eVisa for a stamp before clearing the immigration procedures.

Eligibility

161 countries have been authorized to travel to India by only having an Indian eVisa at the arrivals. Travelers from other countries are required to have regular visas only if they, the spouse, or grandparents/parents were born in Pakistan, irrespective of their departure country.

Travel Limitations on eVisa

Travelers can only stay for 90 days in India after the date of arrival at any airport or land/sea port, however, travelers from some selected countries (Canada, Japan, United States of America & United Kingdom) can even stay for up to 180 days. The visa is, however, valid for 1 x year for travel, having the authorization to enter multiple times but the number of days in India will always be limited. eVisa issued for medical reasons will be valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India, however, you will be allowed triple entry into India on this type of visa.

Visa On Arrival

It remains a common query amongst travelers if the eVisa can be applied on arrival or not. Firstly, no airline would let travelers board a plane without a valid India regular or eVisa, however, in case of transit also, eVisa will not be provided at the destination airport.

Traveling By Cruise & Land

If traveling through designated 5 seaports including Mumbai, Mangalore, Goa. Cochin or Chennai, Indian eVisa will be provided on arrival. In case you are entering through a non-designated sea or airport (or land route), you must own a traditional Indian Visa.

Natvisa.com

Natvisa.com is a unique platform that has been established to ease out those people who are frequent travelers as well as new ones. Since most of the western world has introduced an online visa system for travel, tourists and businessmen have started adopting this method of getting eVisa. Despite the ease of the procedure, a huge number of users still acquire agents and companies to do the job for them. This platform of Natvisa.com allows you to bypass the buggy sites and blogs for applying for an online visa. Not only that we provide you with easy access to the online forms and visa procedures but also, we provide details of the travel policies introduced by different countries to which you intend to go. We have attempted to provide guidance/information on visa policies for almost all countries of the world.

10 Hindi words to know before you travel to India

Are you travelling to India? Are you planning a trip to India? If yes then here are the top 10 Hindi words to know before you travel to India. These are very basic Hindi words which you can get started straight away. If you want you can learn more travel Hindi here. Don’t forget to listen to the pronunciation in the audio below.

Hello – Namaste

Thank you – Dhanyavaad

Mine – Mera

Yours – Tumhara or Aapka

Yes – Haa

No – Nahi

Okay – Thik hai

Stop – Ruko

Let’s go – Chalo

Excuse me – Maaf kijiye

These are 10 basic words which you can start using from the moment you land at the airport. For example, if you get to the customs/immigration counter, you can greet the immigration officer by saying Namaste (learn about the meaning of Namaste here) and when you leave you can say Dhanyavaad. Hope this helps. If you want to know more Hindi words and phrases click here.

Feel free to dive into

Hindi food words and phrases with audio

Hindi numbers 100 to 1000

Greeting Hindi words and phrases for those travelling to India

Hindi help words and phrases

Essential Hindi for foreign travellers

Six of the Best Places to Visit in Kashmir in Winter

Kashmir, located in northern India’s most beautiful region, is one of the top choices. This valley is known as the Switzerland of India and offers many beautiful spots. Despite the political turmoil in Kashmir, you can still enjoy the culture and history of Kashmir.

You will be able to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and wilderness. You can also interact with locals and take part in cultural and festival events in Kashmir.

You can enjoy trekking adventures in Kashmir and local cuisine after you have taken one of the Jammu and Kashmir. You can visit many places here like pilgrimage sites and religious shrines. Later, you can shop at the local markets for souvenirs that you can take home.

These are the top places to visit in Kashmir for a winter vacation.

Srinagar

A visit to Kashmir’s capital is an absolute must when visiting Kashmir. There are many interesting landmarks and places to visit in Srinagar, especially during winter. Jama Masjid and Mughal Gardens are just a few of the places to visit.

It is worth taking the time to see Srinagar’s traditional architecture and its natural surroundings. For a complete Srinagar experience, you must visit the Shalimar Gardens. You can also stay in boathouses.

When you get to Dal Lake, don’t forget to take a Shakira ride or to visit places like the Pari Mahal or Char Minar.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is another top-rated destination for a Kashmir tour package. You can also visit many landmarks, in addition to the numerous adventurous activities available. Winter is a time when the real draw of the region is the thrilling activities in the Gulmarg mountain region.

The snow is thick and beautiful because the temperature drops below zero. You can take a ski trip through the winter landscape or choose to heli-ski or skate. You can also take a trip by cable car to this spot.

You can fly if you want to. Take a hot air balloon ride with your friends and enjoy the breathtaking Gulmarg scenery from above.

Pahalgam

You will find many things to do after reaching Kashmir.

The winter snowfall is magnified by the lush forests and high mountains surrounding it. The white landscape is especially beautiful in the morning, and the cold temperature is very comfortable.

Pahalgam offers pony rides through the green fields and sightseeing in deep valleys. This area’s beauty is evident in the beautiful blue river water that runs through it.

You should visit Sheshnag Lake and Baisaran Hills as well as Betab Valley Lolab Valley, Lolab Valley, Tullian Lake, and Betab Valley. You should also visit landmarks such as the Avantipur Temple and Mamal Temple.

Sonmarg

Sonmarg is a top choice for Kashmir tour packages. It is located an hour from the capital. This land is not easily accessible during the winter months. This time is prone to heavy snowfall and avalanches.

You can also hire local tour guides to help you navigate the trails.

Zero Point and Thajiwas Glacier are two of the most popular destinations tourists want to visit during their trip. There are many activities you can do, such as camping and nature walks. You can also visit places like Shutkari Bridge and Nilagrid River, Vishansar lake, Baltal Valley, Zoji La Pass, Baltal Valley, or Vishansar lake.

Kargil

Kargil is a notable name in the context of Kashmir travels. This area has been relatively calmer since the 1999 Kargil War. You can either go with your friends or on your own to see the beautiful landscapes.

You can have the most memorable experience by travelling between November and April. Join a trekking tour through the mountainous area. This area is ideal for trekking.

Visit Kargil’s Tiger Hill, Karste Valley and River, Suru Valley and Drass War Memorial, as well as the Sani Monastery.

Poonch

Pooch, a quiet place in the middle of winter Kashmir, is another destination worth considering. This town boasts stunning views of the natural mountains and lush flora. Tourists love the peaceful atmosphere of this place.

Horse-riding on the green plains is possible. You can also interact with locals to learn more about their culture. You can also learn more about the rich native history, including the foreign rulers who visited the area. For a more traditional view of Poonch, you can also read and review the accounts by Hiuen Tsang, a 6th-century Chinese traveller.

These places include the Gurudwara Nangali Sahib and Baksh Sahib, as well as seven lakes in Girgan Dhok.

Conclusion

There are many interesting places in Kashmir that are particularly attractive in the winter months. Enjoy thrilling adventures and beautiful views of snowy surroundings in winter. You should take safety precautions and only travel to the more dangerous parts when it is safe.

Kullu - Valley of Gods

Kullu, one of the 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located at approximately 1200m above sea level. The stunning scenery surrounding the area is breathtaking. There are several mighty rivers that run alongside the mountains. This inspires you to continue moving forward despite all obstacles. It is also the confluence point of the two rivers, i.e. Beas and Parvati. This Place is surrounded by mountains, Deodar Forests and lush green valleys. It is surrounded by burble and roads making it an ideal spot to relax in Himachal Pradesh.

Kullu, Valley of Gods, is often overlooked as a tourist destination. The market offers a variety of himachal pradesh tour packages. Kullu is the district headquarters and gateway to Manali, one of India’s Best Hill Stations. Kullu is a small town that you will come across on your way to Manali. Kerala is known as God’s Own Country. This Place is also significant because the Valley of Gods constantly replaces Kullu. This Place is often overlooked. We will be discussing everything you need about Kullu in this article. You can find things to do in Kullu and places to visit in Kullu.

The Ancient and Cultural Presence

The alternative name, “Valley of Gods”, reflects that the area has a cultural significance. Residents love Kullu’s multiple pilgrimage sites, making it their go-to spot. Kullu is home to many pilgrimage places:

The majority of visitors are drawn to this area because it is oriented towards the Hindu community. This Place is a Valley of Gods because it has many temples and shrines of Hindu Deities. Kullu is most famous for its Dussehra festival.

Kullu was able to make it through this Week-long celebration. Guinee’s World Record For Largest Folk Dance was set by 9892 performers during the Dussehra Festival 2015. This festive event attracts people from all over the globe. This includes both the display of local handcrafts and performances on local cultural activities. The Place is also famous for Kullu Shawls, which are prepared/manufactured locally. 

How to reach Kullu

Kullu can be found approximately 10 km from Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu Manali Airport. You can also reach Kullu by road from Chandigarh. You can hire a cab Himalayan Journeys LLP, or Himalayan Musafir to get Kullu comfortably and without hassles.

Things to do in Kullu

Kullu is a paradise for tourists as it offers a platform that allows everyone to pursue their interests. You can find all kinds of activities here, including adventure, nature and pilgrimage. Find out more information through reviews.

Solang Valley: This beautiful valley is located between Solang Village and Soas Kund. It is a popular tourist destination. The Snow Point, also known as Solang Valley, is a well-known place. It is known for its snow-clad mountains and glaciers. But it’s also famous for the adventure opportunities one can have here.

Rohtang Pass: The section is connecting Manali and Himachal. Rohtang Pass is more idyllic and remote than the main road. It is an area that is unique in its own right. It is worth visiting even if you are on a Himachal Tour Package.

Hadimba Temple: Located in a peaceful area far from the bustle of the city, Hadimba Temple offers a relaxing environment. The temple, which is surrounded by tall deodar trees and is dedicated to Hidimba (the wife of Bhima), can be found in the middle of the city. The temple is flanked by devotees from all walks of the globe during the Hidimba Devi Festival.

Chandratal Baralacha, a perfect trekking destination, is one of the most high-altitude lakes in the Himalayan Region. It is a stunning sight to see the sunset over the turquoise waters, beautiful landscapes, and green meadows.

Manikaran Sahib is a small town between the rivers Parvati and Beas. Manikaran’s hot springs and stunning landscapes are well-known. This village’s most prominent attraction was the Manikaran Sahib religious Gurudwara, often visited by Sikh devotees across the country.

The top things to do at Manali

Manali is truly a paradise and never disappoints its guests. It is also a popular tourist spot, so the unique experience it provides can make your trip even more memorable. These are some of the top things to do in Manali that should be on your 2020 bucket list. Let’s have a look at the list.

• Enjoy the sounds of waterfalls as you relax.
• Visit the temples of the Almighty to make a mark.
• Rohtang Pass: Be a bike rider
• Tibetan Monastery offers peace and tranquillity
• Stroll among the cedar trees
• This list will continue to grow…

Kullu-Manali Holidays

Kullu, a sister town to Manali, is blessed with beautiful landscapes and sceneries that can be walked together. Kullu Manali Tour Package will allow you to explore the beautiful sights of both destinations while being assisted by a driver and car. This makes it easier to make the most of your holiday. You have the option to rent a car in Jaipur with an experienced driver, whether you’re travelling solo or in a group. Tempo Traveller Rental Jaipur makes it easy to travel on a group trip to Kullu Manali.

A Complete Guide to Visit Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and it is the seat of the country’s economy and culture. It is an ancient city now declared as a European Capital of Culture. It is now a famous tourist destination as it houses many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tourists need to know all about this city before visiting here on a pleasure trip.

Is Istanbul safe?

Istanbul is known to be a safe city, as there is the least record of crimes. Though it has often been a target of terrorist attacks recently, tourists are considered safe from such violence. However, they should be careful about their belongings, due to the stray incidents of snatching or mugging on the streets.

What to pack 

Tourists are expected to dress in a conservative way, keeping in line with the general nature of local people in Istanbul. So they should pack comfortable dresses that cover shoulders and legs. Thus, long-sleeved shirts, tops, trousers, and long skirts can be packed for touring this city. Tourists should also carry scarves to cover their heads while visiting mosques.

Best time to visit Istanbul

The peak tourist season in Istanbul is from March to May and again from September to November. At these times, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, with a minimum amount of rainfall. Thus, tourists can move around comfortably, escaping the summer heat and winter snow.

How to travel to Istanbul

Plenty of flights are available for reaching Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines is the national carrier of this country that connects Istanbul to all cities in the world. Apart from this airline, Air India, Oman Air, and Etihad Airways run most of the flights from different cities of the world to Istanbul airport.

SIM cards and Wi-Fi in Istanbul

Vodafone, Turk Telekom, and Turkcell are three GSM service providers from which tourists can buy new SIM cards. These SIM cards need to be registered by showing the valid passports of buyers. They can have limited amounts of Wi-Fi data from the chosen plans of these service providers.

Where to Exchange Currency

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the best place where tourists can exchange currencies of their home countries to get the Turkish Lira, the official currency of Turkey.  They can also visit Spice Bazaar or Egyptian Bazaar, Taksim, Sultanahmet, and Laleli, where plenty of money exchangers are operating in their kiosks.

Transportation In Istanbul

There are plenty of buses, subway trains, metro buses, suburban trains, and trams to move around the city of Istanbul. Tourists can take cruise ships, ferryboats, sea taxis, and sea buses from Sultanahmet port. People also take cable cars and funiculars to reach mountain tops near this city.

Sights and Activities in Istanbul

Tourists make it a point to visit Sultan Ahmad Mosque, which is also called Blue Mosque due to the blue tiles used for interior décor. Hagia Sophia is a museum with brilliant mosaic work on the walls, which was initially a Greek Orthodox Church and later turned into a mosque. People visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum, to have a look at the artworks made by famous artists of the world. Tokapi Palace is another destination for sightseeing, which was earlier the residence of Ottoman rulers and is now used as a museum. Tourists can have a view of the entire city from the observation deck at the top floor of Galata Tower, which has a height of 66 meters. They can also enjoy a picnic in Gulhane Park.

Learn basic Turkish phrases

Turkish is the official language of Turkey. Hence, tourists need to know a few basic Turkish phrases, which means “good morning”, “good afternoon”, “I am sorry”, “my name is _”, and “pleased to meet you”. However, most educated local people know English and thus, tourists do not face any problem communicating with them.

Travel guide book

Tourists may check a travel guide book before visiting Istanbul, where they can know all about the places of tourist attractions, what to do in this city, foods and drinks to be tasted here, and how to dress while touring this city. They can get such guide books online or from their travel agencies.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

There are many luxury and budget hotels in Istanbul, in different districts. Many tourists prefer to stay in Sultanahmet, as this oldest region contains many historic tourist attractions and it is also famous for its scenic beauty. Beyoglu is a lively district of Istanbul, where tourists can find hotels, rented apartments, and hostels to stay in during their vacations. Galata is famous for its vibrant nightlife while people vacationing with families find it more convenient to stay near Grand Bazaar.

Food and Drinks in Istanbul

Istanbul is known for many delicious foods and drinks that are available at cheap prices. Durum is a wrap stuffed with minced meat and vegetables, which is preferred for a quick meal. The fish sandwich called Balik Ekmek, a type of pizza with cheese toppings called Pide, meat-stuffed dumplings with yogurt sauce called Manti, and meat Kofte are the popular foods of Istanbul. Turkish Delight and Baklava are the favorite desserts of people living in this city. Turkish coffee and a cold yogurt drink called Ayran are served in various restaurants in Istanbul.

Shopping in Istanbul

Grand Bazaar is the best place for shopping in Istanbul, which houses more than 4000 shops selling all types of local artifacts. Spice Bazaar is another ancient market of this city, which is famous for all types of spices, dry fruits, different Turkish foods, and herbal tea sold in more than 80 shops. Arasta Bazaar, Kadikoy Market, Women’s Bazaar, Istiklal Caddesi, Bagdat Caddesi, and Beyazit Book Bazaar are other prominent shopping places of Istanbul.

Top Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

Aya Sofya, Suleymaniye Mosque, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Chora Church, and Basilica Cistern are some of the famous religious shrines in this city. Istanbul Archaeology Museum, Dolmabahce Palace, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Carpet Museum, Pera Museum, Istanbul Modern, and Yedikule Fortress are other tourist attractions located in and around Istanbul.

Hence, people love to choose Istanbul as the destination for spending vacations with their families and friends.