What are some ways to experience India like a local.?

Question

If I were to visit India, which I would love to do, what can I do to make my experience authentic. Where should I go?

Answer 1

Well.......first of all, don't listen to any of those people who talk about cheats and things like that. Of course, like any tourist spots, you will likely encounter these kinds of people...but that does not mean u will be cheated, etc... These are some of my tips to enjoy your trip:

1) Go on a train journey. The best way to see India in all its diversity is to take a train. Try a long journey like the Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani from Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram. You may like to keep a couple of days apart for this journey. Since the journey is long...u will invariably get acquainted with some nice people.

2) Have a meal at some typically India chain restaurant like Saravana Bhawan,Haldiram's or Nirula's. The advantage is that you can get them to temper down the spices,etc because the variety of their clientele allows them to.

3) Visit a village and see some artisans at work.. The Rural Tourism programme of India Tourism has some good options. You can try the website www.exploreruralindia.org

4) After you have been in India for a couple of weeks.....try to have some authentic Indian street food like chaat at places like Dilli Haat in Delhi. You don't essentially have to go to the street to have street food.

5) Indulge yourselves at least for one night by staying in a palace. If you look around......u can see that this is not as expensive as u may think.

Enjoy the trip and take everything with an open mind. You will see many striking contrasts.....slums and skyscrapers, Maybachs and cyclerikshaws; temples, churches and mosques in the same square; billionaires and paupers, desert and forest, snow clad mountains and coral beaches all in one country.......that is why there is no better way to describe India than the official tourism tagline Incredible!!

Answer 2

If you look like an Indian you will have no problem passing off as one.

Once you pass this test try putting up an Indian desi accent.

Then travel by local transport.

Do things the way the Indians do. For example and Indian would have no problem drinking non bottled water.

Try having a friend along so that you may not seem lost at times due to the topology of the place.

Do not visit the obvious tourist spots but take an un beaten path.

Try not to make a lot of fuss while eating Indian foods. I know it may not suit ur taste buds or ur digestive system but try not to make a big deal about it.

If you plan to visit Bombay then….

Best Things to Do in Bombay:

Take a walk at marine drive
Walk in the hanging gardens
Eat bhel puri n pani puri
Ride on the top front seat in a Double Decker Bus
Eat Vada Pav
Go for a Boat Ride at Gate Way of India
Go for a movie
Shopping
Eat Kebabs at Bade Miyas
Go to a disco


Worst thing to do in Bombay
Hang on the door of a Virar Fast at 6.24…. (just for the kicks of a near death experience …. Not recommended for outsiders)
Argue with a bus conductor
Bargain at Chor bazaar
Drink and get caught by the cops

Answer 3

India is an extremely vast country with great diversity of cultures,cuisines,festivals, historical and archaeological sites, tourist places,seasons etc etc. India is not a country but a civilization.

You have to first read and read and read about these diversitites and then decide which portion /aspect of India interests you the most.

Once in India, it is advised to hire local guides (not very expensive) in different cities because they know not only about the cities and the monuments but also the 'peoples' around each city and can arrange for your visits to these villages and families living in their original habitat.

Answer 4

One way is have an Indian friend who will guide u on all the aspects of life over there.Another way is to plan your visit through a well recognised tour operator who will take u to all the places with least discomfort.There r quite a good tour operators like Sita Travels. U can also take the help from India tourism dept who have published detailed guides of various cities.They have offices in all major cities.There is nothing to fear and you will be able to see India in its glory

Answer 5

My answer is same as most of the folks here..
best way to experience India is to go with a good friend who knows his/her away around and who is well travelled.

Answer 6

i dont know why people here in their answers focus mainly on negative things like cheats , traitors .... etc

well.... take a dictionary hindi/english and also arrange a travel guide for u r trip ...there are many good people and human . so .u need not worry a lot ..and well try to taste all spicy dishes in good hotels ...and indian people love good listeners , so make u r self comfortable with the local .

And well try to bargain in local markets ;)

Answer 7

My parents would travel all over . They would get a cab driver (seemingly trusting)and offer them some $ to explore some local areas.
They have been to Madrid , Moracco , Italy , Germany , Switzerland , Ireland , Australia , Vietnam , India and more ...........
It was always worth it .

Answer 8

come to india live with an indian family . spend some time with indians . taste indian food cooked at home .

Answer 9

Get hold of an Indian residing in (preferably) cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore.......AND who has travelled within India reasonably well to guide you.

In case you wish to know from me, email me I will try to help you to the best of my abilities.

Answer 10

i visited India in jan this year email me and i shall tellu my story [ps ] you cannot fool them i am an Indian born in S.A and the can spot a foreigner a mile away