| India travel tips anyone? 07:31 - Jul 27 with 1830 views | noggin |
As a retirement gift to myself, I've booked a 5 month trip to India. I fly into Kochi on 3rd November and have so far booked a few days in Varkala and a couple of days in Munroe Island, just to ease me in.. The only other plan is a couple of days in Fort Kochi.
So TWTD travelers, I'm looking for tips. I want to avoid the big cities and crowded tourist hotspots because I want to relax as much as possible.
So if anyone has tips for, off the beaten track, places, or other travel tips, they'll be gratefully received.
Uppa Towen. |  |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 08:01 - Jul 27 with 1430 views | Perublue |
Life allowing I’ll pm you within the next few days with a few bits and pieces and thoughts too.
I’m not sure how useful it’ll be but if it aid’s you by even 1% then my gratitude to that country in my life will have been repaid. |  |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 08:05 - Jul 27 with 1414 views | noggin |
| India travel tips anyone? on 08:01 - Jul 27 by Perublue |
Life allowing I’ll pm you within the next few days with a few bits and pieces and thoughts too.
I’m not sure how useful it’ll be but if it aid’s you by even 1% then my gratitude to that country in my life will have been repaid. |
Thank you, I would really appreciate that. | |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 09:07 - Jul 27 with 1276 views | Swansea_Blue |
Wow, 5 months you can do the whole lot at leisure. I strongly recommend heading north to the foothills in the spring (spring and autumn, pre- and post-monsoon best). The magnolias will all be out in the spring. It’s years since I was there, but somewhere like Manali as a base and then you can go over the watershed into Lahul & Spiti which shows you a very different landscape to the plains of the south. There’s also the more touristy places like Shimla of course. I wouldn’t be put off too much by touristy places in the north, as they’re quieter than the madness down south. Or Sikkim would be another option. If you are into that sort of thing, there’s a range of superb Himalayan treks in northern India that might be open towards the end of your trip (e.g. of the types of treks here - https://www.muchbetteradventur You could even pop over into Nepal in the spring if mountains are your thang, although India offers much.
Even though it’s busy, I’d wouldn’t miss some of the obvious tour spots like The Taj Mahal and Jaipur. It’s going to be pretty hectic wherever you go, and even in places like Jaipur you can find quieter spots like up the walls on the ridge overlooking the city.
If I was you I’d be doing a bit of everything from rural south to some of the honey pots. I think you appreciate the slightly less busy areas more after you’ve had your senses battered in the larger cities. I’ve not spent much time in the south, but you arrive at the best time of year to spend a couple of months exploring.
If you do a tiger safari, be warned I don’t think they have any tigers. I reckon someone goes around with a stick making marks, as I’ve never met anyone who’s seen one lol |  |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 09:15 - Jul 27 with 1251 views | Radlett_blue |
| India travel tips anyone? on 09:07 - Jul 27 by Swansea_Blue |
Wow, 5 months you can do the whole lot at leisure. I strongly recommend heading north to the foothills in the spring (spring and autumn, pre- and post-monsoon best). The magnolias will all be out in the spring. It’s years since I was there, but somewhere like Manali as a base and then you can go over the watershed into Lahul & Spiti which shows you a very different landscape to the plains of the south. There’s also the more touristy places like Shimla of course. I wouldn’t be put off too much by touristy places in the north, as they’re quieter than the madness down south. Or Sikkim would be another option. If you are into that sort of thing, there’s a range of superb Himalayan treks in northern India that might be open towards the end of your trip (e.g. of the types of treks here - https://www.muchbetteradventur You could even pop over into Nepal in the spring if mountains are your thang, although India offers much.
Even though it’s busy, I’d wouldn’t miss some of the obvious tour spots like The Taj Mahal and Jaipur. It’s going to be pretty hectic wherever you go, and even in places like Jaipur you can find quieter spots like up the walls on the ridge overlooking the city.
If I was you I’d be doing a bit of everything from rural south to some of the honey pots. I think you appreciate the slightly less busy areas more after you’ve had your senses battered in the larger cities. I’ve not spent much time in the south, but you arrive at the best time of year to spend a couple of months exploring.
If you do a tiger safari, be warned I don’t think they have any tigers. I reckon someone goes around with a stick making marks, as I’ve never met anyone who’s seen one lol |
I did a tiger "safari" in Ranthambore & did see a tiger, but for me, the experience was more akin to a large wildlife park than a genuine safari. Not worth the effort IMHO.
If you are going to some of the popular sights, get there as early as possible. It will be cooler & less crowded. The Taj Mahal was way better in terms of overall experience than I expected so don't be deterred. The Red Fort in Delhi was actually quiet & peaceful but we did see it early.
The roads & especially the traffic are pretty awful in & around the cities.
I found the Indians very pleasant to deal with, they always wanted to help & they all seemed to speak good English |  |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 09:36 - Jul 27 with 1198 views | Swansea_Blue |
| India travel tips anyone? on 09:15 - Jul 27 by Radlett_blue |
I did a tiger "safari" in Ranthambore & did see a tiger, but for me, the experience was more akin to a large wildlife park than a genuine safari. Not worth the effort IMHO.
If you are going to some of the popular sights, get there as early as possible. It will be cooler & less crowded. The Taj Mahal was way better in terms of overall experience than I expected so don't be deterred. The Red Fort in Delhi was actually quiet & peaceful but we did see it early.
The roads & especially the traffic are pretty awful in & around the cities.
I found the Indians very pleasant to deal with, they always wanted to help & they all seemed to speak good English |
You’re the exception that proves the rule lol. Yes, I’d agree on the overall experience. I mostly enjoyed the environment being in the forest (not that it was pristine by any means) and it being a lot quieter than where I’d been before. I wouldn’t recommend someone goes out of their way to try a tiger safari.
Agree on the Taj. It’s well worth the hassle. I went at the opposite end of the day as the sun was dropping and it was spectacular and not too busy inside (absolutely nuts outside of course!).
I love the country. It’s intense and hard work but worth the noise, dirt, crowds, etc. | |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 09:57 - Jul 27 with 1092 views | noggin |
| India travel tips anyone? on 09:07 - Jul 27 by Swansea_Blue |
Wow, 5 months you can do the whole lot at leisure. I strongly recommend heading north to the foothills in the spring (spring and autumn, pre- and post-monsoon best). The magnolias will all be out in the spring. It’s years since I was there, but somewhere like Manali as a base and then you can go over the watershed into Lahul & Spiti which shows you a very different landscape to the plains of the south. There’s also the more touristy places like Shimla of course. I wouldn’t be put off too much by touristy places in the north, as they’re quieter than the madness down south. Or Sikkim would be another option. If you are into that sort of thing, there’s a range of superb Himalayan treks in northern India that might be open towards the end of your trip (e.g. of the types of treks here - https://www.muchbetteradventur You could even pop over into Nepal in the spring if mountains are your thang, although India offers much.
Even though it’s busy, I’d wouldn’t miss some of the obvious tour spots like The Taj Mahal and Jaipur. It’s going to be pretty hectic wherever you go, and even in places like Jaipur you can find quieter spots like up the walls on the ridge overlooking the city.
If I was you I’d be doing a bit of everything from rural south to some of the honey pots. I think you appreciate the slightly less busy areas more after you’ve had your senses battered in the larger cities. I’ve not spent much time in the south, but you arrive at the best time of year to spend a couple of months exploring.
If you do a tiger safari, be warned I don’t think they have any tigers. I reckon someone goes around with a stick making marks, as I’ve never met anyone who’s seen one lol |
Thank you, that's very helpful. | |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 10:06 - Jul 27 with 1063 views | ParisBlue |
Funnily enough I spent yesterday evening playing around with the Indian railways website, got there in the end.
As I'm still a "Slave to the Wage" I'm planning a 10 day trip in October - Mumbai for a couple of days, then Goa. |  |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 10:10 - Jul 27 with 1048 views | shady |
India is very simple; you either love it or hate it and you’ll know within the first minute. (and Yes, can even love and hate at the same time!)
I arrived 50 years back and basically never left (sometimes body did)
…even missed the Cup Final.
People arrive for various reasons and have their perceptions changed.
Cochin(Ernakulum)even has metro trains and water metro.
Varkala another excellent choices and maybe that’ll do.
Few foreigners stay long in the big cities, we just use them for business transactions like boarding flights and trains. Cities are polluted but can be fun and have excellent facilities... that work.
However small places like Varkala that have large foreign populations soon develop good facilities and restaurants.
Kerala is warm and humid during the (English) winter. You may also enjoy Kumily and Munar and Trivandrum(Tiruvananthapuram.) Hampi.
However probably the best place in the whole of India is …Pondicherry. Lots of heritage French architecture, top restaurants, cheaper hotels, population about 750k and many westerners…in the hilariously named ‘White Town.’ Yes, venture north about February when it warms up. Stay south till then.
Generally Indians are very friendly and helpful. Try to avoid any dealings with ‘authorities’(banks, immigration, hospitals, police) or you’ll get lost in a morass. Although generally medicine here is excellent; some ruthless types see us as ATM machines, so get a second opinion.
Yes, there can be the odd scams and some rip-offs. Just accept that it’s the price to pay. As in rickshaws being tricky negotiating a fare, but you’ll soon discover the correct rate and they can also be friendly and helpful.
Money: use your foreign bank ATM card which will get you 10,000 rupees cash and of course you can use it twice. Maybe look for a bank card that doesn’t charge for foreign withdrawals. Currency cards possibly.
The rupee is on a downward spiral even steeper than sterling so don’t lock in to a rate. Now it’s about £1=128Rp and cannot be bought or used overseas.
Unsure latest information about arranging an Indian simcard, can be very bureaucratic and difficult; so ask foreigners and locals.
Basically Jio and Airtel and very cheap even for net usage. Vodaphone OK in some areas. Lots of free wi-fi everywhere.
Everything can be cheaper but for some items/services it’s worth paying extra for. Conversely no need to always look for the best in class.
As for language. Well, we are blessed, English is the link and its everywhere. Malayalam is the local language in Kerala and can easily pick up a little from rickshaw drivers and restaurants.
Bring your driving license if you want to buy/rent an Enfield motor-bike.
See indiamike site. which has lots of useful travellers information.
All opinions deeply subjective.
Wishing you a great trip and retirement. |  | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 10:33 - Jul 27 with 989 views | tivo |
As someone who has lived there for a number of years and goes back too regularly for work, I have one question: 'why?'
Break down what you want to do in India in to 'experiences', then go to any other country and do that experience there and not be treated like dirt throughout.
I have been very, very fortunate in life to have lived, worked remotely, done projects in or holidayed in almost 50 countries and India is number 50 on that list. |  | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 10:43 - Jul 27 with 949 views | KrakenBlue |
| India travel tips anyone? on 10:10 - Jul 27 by shady |
India is very simple; you either love it or hate it and you’ll know within the first minute. (and Yes, can even love and hate at the same time!)
I arrived 50 years back and basically never left (sometimes body did)
…even missed the Cup Final.
People arrive for various reasons and have their perceptions changed.
Cochin(Ernakulum)even has metro trains and water metro.
Varkala another excellent choices and maybe that’ll do.
Few foreigners stay long in the big cities, we just use them for business transactions like boarding flights and trains. Cities are polluted but can be fun and have excellent facilities... that work.
However small places like Varkala that have large foreign populations soon develop good facilities and restaurants.
Kerala is warm and humid during the (English) winter. You may also enjoy Kumily and Munar and Trivandrum(Tiruvananthapuram.) Hampi.
However probably the best place in the whole of India is …Pondicherry. Lots of heritage French architecture, top restaurants, cheaper hotels, population about 750k and many westerners…in the hilariously named ‘White Town.’ Yes, venture north about February when it warms up. Stay south till then.
Generally Indians are very friendly and helpful. Try to avoid any dealings with ‘authorities’(banks, immigration, hospitals, police) or you’ll get lost in a morass. Although generally medicine here is excellent; some ruthless types see us as ATM machines, so get a second opinion.
Yes, there can be the odd scams and some rip-offs. Just accept that it’s the price to pay. As in rickshaws being tricky negotiating a fare, but you’ll soon discover the correct rate and they can also be friendly and helpful.
Money: use your foreign bank ATM card which will get you 10,000 rupees cash and of course you can use it twice. Maybe look for a bank card that doesn’t charge for foreign withdrawals. Currency cards possibly.
The rupee is on a downward spiral even steeper than sterling so don’t lock in to a rate. Now it’s about £1=128Rp and cannot be bought or used overseas.
Unsure latest information about arranging an Indian simcard, can be very bureaucratic and difficult; so ask foreigners and locals.
Basically Jio and Airtel and very cheap even for net usage. Vodaphone OK in some areas. Lots of free wi-fi everywhere.
Everything can be cheaper but for some items/services it’s worth paying extra for. Conversely no need to always look for the best in class.
As for language. Well, we are blessed, English is the link and its everywhere. Malayalam is the local language in Kerala and can easily pick up a little from rickshaw drivers and restaurants.
Bring your driving license if you want to buy/rent an Enfield motor-bike.
See indiamike site. which has lots of useful travellers information.
All opinions deeply subjective.
Wishing you a great trip and retirement. |
I was planning to make Pondicherry or Kochi my first visit to India. Glad to see you rate the former so highly.
I love South Indian food and being vegetarian it is food heaven, can't wait to go. | | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 11:54 - Jul 27 with 820 views | noggin |
| India travel tips anyone? on 10:06 - Jul 27 by ParisBlue |
Funnily enough I spent yesterday evening playing around with the Indian railways website, got there in the end.
As I'm still a "Slave to the Wage" I'm planning a 10 day trip in October - Mumbai for a couple of days, then Goa. |
Did you get the SMS OTP?
I've been trying for a couple of days and no luck. | |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 12:00 - Jul 27 with 794 views | noggin |
| India travel tips anyone? on 10:10 - Jul 27 by shady |
India is very simple; you either love it or hate it and you’ll know within the first minute. (and Yes, can even love and hate at the same time!)
I arrived 50 years back and basically never left (sometimes body did)
…even missed the Cup Final.
People arrive for various reasons and have their perceptions changed.
Cochin(Ernakulum)even has metro trains and water metro.
Varkala another excellent choices and maybe that’ll do.
Few foreigners stay long in the big cities, we just use them for business transactions like boarding flights and trains. Cities are polluted but can be fun and have excellent facilities... that work.
However small places like Varkala that have large foreign populations soon develop good facilities and restaurants.
Kerala is warm and humid during the (English) winter. You may also enjoy Kumily and Munar and Trivandrum(Tiruvananthapuram.) Hampi.
However probably the best place in the whole of India is …Pondicherry. Lots of heritage French architecture, top restaurants, cheaper hotels, population about 750k and many westerners…in the hilariously named ‘White Town.’ Yes, venture north about February when it warms up. Stay south till then.
Generally Indians are very friendly and helpful. Try to avoid any dealings with ‘authorities’(banks, immigration, hospitals, police) or you’ll get lost in a morass. Although generally medicine here is excellent; some ruthless types see us as ATM machines, so get a second opinion.
Yes, there can be the odd scams and some rip-offs. Just accept that it’s the price to pay. As in rickshaws being tricky negotiating a fare, but you’ll soon discover the correct rate and they can also be friendly and helpful.
Money: use your foreign bank ATM card which will get you 10,000 rupees cash and of course you can use it twice. Maybe look for a bank card that doesn’t charge for foreign withdrawals. Currency cards possibly.
The rupee is on a downward spiral even steeper than sterling so don’t lock in to a rate. Now it’s about £1=128Rp and cannot be bought or used overseas.
Unsure latest information about arranging an Indian simcard, can be very bureaucratic and difficult; so ask foreigners and locals.
Basically Jio and Airtel and very cheap even for net usage. Vodaphone OK in some areas. Lots of free wi-fi everywhere.
Everything can be cheaper but for some items/services it’s worth paying extra for. Conversely no need to always look for the best in class.
As for language. Well, we are blessed, English is the link and its everywhere. Malayalam is the local language in Kerala and can easily pick up a little from rickshaw drivers and restaurants.
Bring your driving license if you want to buy/rent an Enfield motor-bike.
See indiamike site. which has lots of useful travellers information.
All opinions deeply subjective.
Wishing you a great trip and retirement. |
Wow, thank you. That has given me plenty to look at tonight. | |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 12:30 - Jul 27 with 731 views | RayleighBlue |
Go to Nepal. Found it a lot more enjoyable there than I did in India.
I did a tourist G Adventures tour. Did Delhi, Jaipur and Agra by coach and then train to Varanasi, train to the Nepal border and then coach to Pokhara and then Kathmandu.
Only place in India I'd rush back to would be Orchha which was a little town we stayed at between Agra and Varanasi. I'd go back to Pokhara or Kathmandu in a heartbeat. | | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 12:33 - Jul 27 with 716 views | ParisBlue |
| India travel tips anyone? on 11:54 - Jul 27 by noggin |
Did you get the SMS OTP?
I've been trying for a couple of days and no luck. |
Yep, after I paid the ~£1 (I chose the middle option of the 3 ways to pay) | |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 12:37 - Jul 27 with 704 views | noggin |
| India travel tips anyone? on 12:30 - Jul 27 by RayleighBlue |
Go to Nepal. Found it a lot more enjoyable there than I did in India.
I did a tourist G Adventures tour. Did Delhi, Jaipur and Agra by coach and then train to Varanasi, train to the Nepal border and then coach to Pokhara and then Kathmandu.
Only place in India I'd rush back to would be Orchha which was a little town we stayed at between Agra and Varanasi. I'd go back to Pokhara or Kathmandu in a heartbeat. |
Thank you. My sister is going to join me for a couple of weeks in the new year and, as she's been to India, we're considering Nepal or Sri Lanka.
I've been following this chap and he has given me a lot of inspiration.
https://youtube.com/playlist?l | |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 12:57 - Jul 27 with 650 views | ParisBlue |
| India travel tips anyone? on 12:37 - Jul 27 by noggin |
Thank you. My sister is going to join me for a couple of weeks in the new year and, as she's been to India, we're considering Nepal or Sri Lanka.
I've been following this chap and he has given me a lot of inspiration.
https://youtube.com/playlist?l |
That chap is the guy who persuaded me to wander around Goa. And not to go to Agra. He's a good watch.
To be honest I'm trying India as an experiment. I've been to Kerala before, but going on an exploratory operation to see how it compares to Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia which I'm more familiar with and comfortable being in. I'm speculating that India is a bit more harder work. Let's see.... | |
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| India travel tips anyone? on 12:59 - Jul 27 with 642 views | J2BLUE |
Five months, bloody hell. Hope you have a great time. |  | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 14:15 - Jul 27 with 559 views | sohamblue74 |
Kerala is a must.
My Dad went there and he absolutely loved it.
As others have said. Tiger safaris are an acquired taste.
Hot, uncomfortable, and low probability of seeing any actual tigers.
My pal Sumit is originally from Delhi and runs a great little independent travel business. Should be some good ideas on their website.
https://instepadventures.com/ | | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 14:32 - Jul 27 with 524 views | KBsSocks |
I have been a couple of times, and always try to get any of the World Heritage Sites https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
There are Janta Mantars, one in Delhi is the focus for the present Cockroach Party protests, and the JM is badly grafittied; the one in Jaipur is pristine.
The Bihar buddhist sites are interesting and quiet in the off-season; I imagine absolutely heaving in the busy season, but could also be very interesting to see a different class of tourists.
Sikkim is great, but between visits ten years apart it had become very touristified, and also you need to choose to go when it's not monsoon season - it's quiet when cloudy, and rainy, but you only get to see glimpses of the peaks. And you need rain gear and warm gear in the off-season !
But getting into the hills is pretty important when it's hot.
Last time I went I just trundled around on the extremely slow trains, and got off in random towns and cities also, well off the regular touristy areas. Was cool. (Actually, no, was very sweaty, hot and humid).
The thing that spoiled things a lot for me was the charging of visitors 1000x the price for locals - "you charge a lot in the UK" being a justification. Actually, no we don't for many museums: you can "buy a ticket", but you can also go in many for free and simply make a donation if you wish.
Delhi was the worst for this 1000x phenomenon, the Taj Mahal was also bad, but had a "camera charge" when I was there, which seemed more a voluntary payment, if you see what I mean.
Finally, be prepared for people poohing everywhere - train tracks, the beach. And lots of scams if you are not slightly street-wise: check seals on bottled water; "you have pooh on your shoe, can I clean it ?" - no, your mate put it there. And begging, and people just sleeping on the streets. And the incessant horn-honking.
I'd like to go to Nagaland and AP, but will unlikely go for a fourth visit.
Edit: get a mosquito net (per person in the group) there - cheap, and won't stop the mosquitos' whines in the night, but an important piece of gear outside the mountainous areas.
Also Jain restaurants are potentially ultra-vegan, but also ultra good on the water supply for meals from my experience. Street food - eat fried and you should be okay. Peel fruit. [Post edited 27 Jul 14:44]
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| India travel tips anyone? on 14:45 - Jul 27 with 497 views | RayleighBlue |
| India travel tips anyone? on 14:32 - Jul 27 by KBsSocks |
I have been a couple of times, and always try to get any of the World Heritage Sites https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
There are Janta Mantars, one in Delhi is the focus for the present Cockroach Party protests, and the JM is badly grafittied; the one in Jaipur is pristine.
The Bihar buddhist sites are interesting and quiet in the off-season; I imagine absolutely heaving in the busy season, but could also be very interesting to see a different class of tourists.
Sikkim is great, but between visits ten years apart it had become very touristified, and also you need to choose to go when it's not monsoon season - it's quiet when cloudy, and rainy, but you only get to see glimpses of the peaks. And you need rain gear and warm gear in the off-season !
But getting into the hills is pretty important when it's hot.
Last time I went I just trundled around on the extremely slow trains, and got off in random towns and cities also, well off the regular touristy areas. Was cool. (Actually, no, was very sweaty, hot and humid).
The thing that spoiled things a lot for me was the charging of visitors 1000x the price for locals - "you charge a lot in the UK" being a justification. Actually, no we don't for many museums: you can "buy a ticket", but you can also go in many for free and simply make a donation if you wish.
Delhi was the worst for this 1000x phenomenon, the Taj Mahal was also bad, but had a "camera charge" when I was there, which seemed more a voluntary payment, if you see what I mean.
Finally, be prepared for people poohing everywhere - train tracks, the beach. And lots of scams if you are not slightly street-wise: check seals on bottled water; "you have pooh on your shoe, can I clean it ?" - no, your mate put it there. And begging, and people just sleeping on the streets. And the incessant horn-honking.
I'd like to go to Nagaland and AP, but will unlikely go for a fourth visit.
Edit: get a mosquito net (per person in the group) there - cheap, and won't stop the mosquitos' whines in the night, but an important piece of gear outside the mountainous areas.
Also Jain restaurants are potentially ultra-vegan, but also ultra good on the water supply for meals from my experience. Street food - eat fried and you should be okay. Peel fruit. [Post edited 27 Jul 14:44]
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The exact reason I preferred Nepal to India to be honest. The same chaos you want to experience but just seemed a lot cleaner and everyone a lot more pleasant.
Pokhara was absolutely stunning, lie a European ski village in the foothills of the Annapurna range and Kathmandu was beautiful, albeit still in a lot of ruins. I went 6 months after the earthquake in 2015 and everyone was delighted that we still went to visit as they were desperate for the tourism. | | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 14:48 - Jul 27 with 488 views | ArnoldMoorhen |
To gain a sense of the forces that shaped India in the Independence era, read "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth before you go.
As you are going in November, you just about have time to read it before you get there.
It's a brilliant book, but very long. Probably the most "evocative of place" novel I have read. | | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 14:52 - Jul 27 with 477 views | vinceg |
Enjoy, only been to Mumbai a few times for work, but loved it. You could probably spend a week there, and a bit of air-con is nice to have now and again whilst you get used to the heat. Don't worry too much about getting sick, if it happens it happens. Most nasties are water-borne, so brush your teeth with bottled water, keep your gob shut in the shower, don't get ice in your drinks, and don't bite your nails. Avoid salad as you don't know what it's been washed in. Peel all fruit. Whenever people I've been with have got sick it's because they wanted something western, like a KFC or a pizza, so eat whatever hot food the locals eat and you'll be fine. (In all truth though, who wants pizza when you have all the flavours of India to sample??) |  | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 15:38 - Jul 27 with 421 views | bluester |
if you find yourself up north ...
Udaipur is stunning, Jaisalmer while you're in Rajasthan and if you like a fort then I'm afraid Jaipur has to be done as well. Go into the mountains above Rishikesh (I'd avoid Rishikesh though, if you're not a fan of crowds). Maybe stay in a tea plantation.
My one tip would be to get a driver if you can afford it. Unless you're the very adventurous type. And remember, going off the beaten track in India usually means going on a track which will beat you.
Oh, avoid street food. It's a one way ticket to shitsville. | | | |
| India travel tips anyone? on 15:50 - Jul 27 with 380 views | bluester |
| India travel tips anyone? on 09:15 - Jul 27 by Radlett_blue |
I did a tiger "safari" in Ranthambore & did see a tiger, but for me, the experience was more akin to a large wildlife park than a genuine safari. Not worth the effort IMHO.
If you are going to some of the popular sights, get there as early as possible. It will be cooler & less crowded. The Taj Mahal was way better in terms of overall experience than I expected so don't be deterred. The Red Fort in Delhi was actually quiet & peaceful but we did see it early.
The roads & especially the traffic are pretty awful in & around the cities.
I found the Indians very pleasant to deal with, they always wanted to help & they all seemed to speak good English |
Agree re Taj Mahal, I went in fairly skeptical having heard various stories from friends but was blown away by it. The view from the gardens behind it is also well worth the trip.
Delhi actually has some stunning old forts and palaces. Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and Purana Quila... | | | |
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