Turkey
Istanbul has remained the center of political importance for many years due to its critical position on the trade route from Asia to Europe. It lies on both sides of Bospherous a narrow strait connecting the Black Sea and Marmara sea. It is the only city which lies part in Europe and part in Asia. Rulers from Roman Catholic Europe and Muslim Middle east have ruled Instanbul and it is a great mixture of both civiliazations and cultures. During Roman rule the city was named Constantinople. Before sea route was opened to India and Asia from Europe Constantinople or Istanbul has remained very important center governing trade route.
Another recent Indian connection to Turkey is Gallipoli. During World War I many Indian soldiers have laid their lives here. The Helles Memorial near Sedd el Bahr is on the tip of the Gallipoli peninsula and should be visited by every Indian visiting Turkey.
Places of Interest
Istanbul
Capadocia
Antalya
Pamukkale
Tour Plan
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 9
Day 10
If you just want to take a glimpse of Turkey or Istanbul in particular. Istanbul can be combined with other itineraries of Europe / East Europe for 3 nights and 4 days.
October to May is the best time to visit. Temperatures from June to September will be hot. July being the hottest.
Visa
eVisa to be applied online if you have a valid visa or residence permit from any of the Shengen countries, USA, UK or Ireland. eVisa is valid for 180 days from the date of arrival. Stay can not exceed 30 days. Visa fee US$67. Need Return ticket, Hotel reservation, 50$ each day capability for covering stay.
Sticker visa fee 2019
Single Entry Rs. 4.270,00, Multiple entry Rs 14.220,00
Single Transit Rs. 4.270,00, Double Transit Rs. 8.540,00
Visa Application center fees Rs. 3560 plus taxes
Currency
Turkish Lira is the currency.
Timezone
Turkey time zone is GMT+3 with no DST. Indian standard time is 2 and a half hour ahead of Istanbul.