In most cases, exit loads are applicable if you sell in <1 year.
The MF section does not cover all companies. There are few companies like Benchmark or Taurus which do not have a tie-up yet with HDFC. For gold ETF, you can purchase from the HDFCsec site.
Only reason to use HDFC or ICICI is seamless integration with savings account. With fundsindia you'll have to sign auto debit / ECS instruction for every SIP you start. HDFC & ICICI accounts do not require physical interaction or paperwork at all.