I'm visiting Delhi in October, but want to avoid touristy things - any advice?

Question

I want to go off the beaten track and really experince some things, but I will be a female travelling alone.
I also need to know how much money to take, so I don't have to bother with banks and things.

Answer 1

I'm from india
if u wanna just explore delhi on u r then u better take some help from the side of someone before hand
u choose which of the hotels to stay and write a program so that u dont get angry on tour knowing not wat to do
I suggest u to take some tourist guide which will be better coz u r single and female there r some people who take this as chance and may try to get closer to u through sexual acts

Answer 2

I am from Delhi. But now I am living in Egypt and studying in an american society. After living 1 year in Egypt I just forgot about my own city. When I landed in delhi, I saw some rude people at the airport. Just avoid them. There are many small children asking for money in the whole city. They will especially ask you as you are a tourist. Do not give them money as someone already mentioned that the whole crowd will come running. In the airport, ask for the 'Delhi Police Taxi' because that is the safest taxi a tourist could have. Book a safe hotel. And be with the other tourists or the guide so that you would be safe. I don't know how much money you need because I am only 13 year old. And I was travelling with my parents. Well, thats what I know. Visit all the great landmarks in New Delhi. Hope this helps.

Have a Greaaaat time in INDIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

First of all, forget about all the donts.

Dont do this and dont do that. Forget that.

What you have to decide is where you want to stay first. You can stay in economical hotels or you can even find private accommodation in homes which will be like living with friends or family. THere will be a kiosk at the airport if you do not plan ahead to book your hotel. Home accommodation is available on internet. Just do a search and you will find something.

People are nice in delhi. Keep an open mind. India is a wonderful experience. Just enjoy what ever you want to know or learn.

Of course due to poverty, there will be beggars but you cannot get rid of that so you have to learn to live with that.

If you live in a hotel, talk to the staff of the hotel. They will help you out as much as they can and most hotels have rates printed so no one can cheat you. Hotel staff does not expect much either but tipping is good. Ask them before you do anything.

Also taxi fares are according to distance. No negotiating.

They have meters and you have to tell them either to give you a flat rate or to go by meter and you will learn in a couple of days.

Drink bottled water because as an outsider you are not used to their water and can get sick. Bottled water is available everywhere.

Delhi is a very nice place to know. Just dont get into the wrong hands. I would suggest you try and befriend someone before you leave. If you cant, then please trust the hotel staff. They will not mislead you.

If you find home accommodation, I am sure the hosts will be more than kind to tell you how to travel or take care of yourself.

Enjoy India with an open mind and heart. No baggage of what you were told. Learn for your self.

Answer 4

u haven't mentioned whether you want to stay in luxurious hotels or cheaper ones.it will be good if you plan you vacation in advance so you wont be haggled by agents and wont have transport problem.are you an Indian?then you will have a decent idea of how to dress and talk to shopkeepers and auto drivers.if you are a foreigner then please talk as if you know they are charging more because they do charge more from foreigners.they can ask for upto 5 times the real price so beware.dont give money to the kids on the road coz then they all will surround you and follow you for more money.and there are older people also who beg for money.it would be best if you talk to a travel agent.they will take you to all the places worth a visit like the historical monuments and temples. there are some great markets where you can shop and are cheap too like janpath,sarojni nagar,lajpat nagar,khan market.just bargain as much as u can in these places.other than that go to the shops in cannaught place where you can get great handicrafts.even if you are looking for branded clothes they are cheaper here than abroad.have fun.money to carry would depend on the time you want to stay there,where do you want to stay and what all are you planning to do there(just visiting or shopping).hotels can be from 500-5000 rupees depending on your choice.packages are also available which include food and transport and sightseeing and will raise the cost of hotel obviously but overall it will be cheaper and more conveinient than managing these things on your own.browse the net and book your hotel in advance and they may provide an airport pickup service. have fun. delhi is a great place and really fun. and october is a good time to visit as it is not very hot and doesnt rain much.

Answer 5

Sincere advice...go to www.outlooktraveller.com. Look for Kabini River Lodges, Karnataka. U want something offbeat, u will find it there...U will be at peace with nature. You can also spend a few days in Cochin, Kerala. As regards money, dont carry too much when u r travelling. Lots of ATMs would give u the Indian currency, if u have a Visa Card. As u have said u r a lone female, please be careful. Try and finish ur journeys before sunset. Get in touch at [e-mail]. All the best. Hope u enjoyur stay here in October.

Answer 6

Don't fell trap to the agents at the Airport. Don't go to a lonely place. Always use a guide book. You haven't written for howe long you be in Delhi and what is budget. Otherwise you can get a room in a hotel from 500 to 5000 for a night. Autos (3 wheelers) are cheaper than the taxis. You also haven't mentioned what you really want to experience means what are your interests. In Delhi you can find old forts, India gate, President's House, parliament House, Museum. These are all buildings. for Shopping go to Cannaught Place, Sarojini Nagar Market, Lajpat Nagar Market, and now new Malls also are good to go. But again, don't go to any lonely place and don't fell pray to any agent.

Answer 7

Well, India will be friendly to you if you follow some rules.
If you don't want to be cheated right in the airport, don't accept first taxi offer, they will definitely ask you few times more the price.
Don't wear very short skirts or tops, or anything that is normal in America or Europe. Try to be more modest, even when it is 110F outside.
Try to be friendly but not smile too much to single guys.
Try to avoid being alone outside when it getting dark.
Don't drink any water , other that from sealed bottle.
Don't eat any food in small places in the street.
Always have medicine for digestion with you.
Always fight for the price you pay. You can bring it down at least 3 times.
If any strange situation occur, scream and call the police. Indians (most of them) afraid of their police very much.
Good luck

Answer 8

you could start with staying at a non-touristy location, some possible options are Oberoi Maidens close to the University or Youth hostel at Chanakya Puri.
Then depending on you interests you can chart out local itinerary, like if you want heritage, nature or gourmet or any other special interest. Good starting point may be to check out some local magazines like Aroundtown or first city. If you are interested in cultural activities you can check out the Habitat world (linked below) or the theatres around Mandi House.
Of course nothing beats having some local freinds to show you around.

Answer 9

No advisable to travel alone in Delhi especially you are a lady. Best get a companion.

Do not give to the kids asking for money. If you give one, the whole lot will rush out from behind and pester you.

Answer 10

the best thing to do is come to delhi then from here the very next day go to a nicer place like rajasthan, uttranchal, etc. Delhi is not for tourists . if u want to go hiking then i have many places that i can recommend near delhi. email for that.