I have always wanted to visit India, but the feeling is getting stronger. Any thoughts...advice...welcome.
2007-01-20 09:49:01 · 8 answers · asked by Suzita 6 in Travel ➔ India ➔ Other - India
I have been to India four times. It is a wonderful country like no other and you will never forget the sights and people you meet there.
Having been on my own the first time I nwould really recommend going in an organised tour the first time you go. Not on your own or with another female friend. I have not found India a violent or dangerous place at all but as a female on your own you will get lots of unwanted attention and be hasseled in a way you will not in be if you go with friends or in a tour. Also New Dehli the capital is the main hub you flu into and is a bewildering and a bit scary place like any big capital city is so. I got severly ripped off when I went on my own in the taxi from the airport and it really knocked my confidence for the whole trip. There are lots of scams in operation for the unaware tourist ( you can read about them inthe Rough Guide or Loney Planet) so the first time you go don't believe anything anyone tells you! Again unfortunately if you are in a group you won't be at risk of being scammed.
It will really make a big difference to your enjoyment if you go on an organised tour and most tours use local guides who add to the experience. I have been with the following small tour groups (10-16 per group so not like a big coach party!). They all stay in nice small guest houses and you don't feel like you are in a huge group. You can book your own flight then just meet the tour groups - Kuoni, The Adventure Company, Inspirational Traveller, Explore. Exodus. You can google them and book a tour from anywhere in the world.
Watch what time of year you go as I found from June to September it is best to go to the north (Rahjastan, Varanassi, Delhi) and Oct-Feb the south is nice. I really liked the south of Inidia too; more relaxed, beautiful beaches and lush; like a different country.
But go, go, go you won't regret it and it will enrich your life when you're back home.
2007-01-20 10:24:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's a great idea! india is colorful, amazing and uncomparable! i never found a more interesting country. you can sit on the side of the road and watch all day without getting bored. people are very friendly and its very easy to travel they have a good train system. you just have to fill a form and make a reservation in advanced (i found second class sleeper the best).
just make sure you have enough time (six weeks and more) so you can overcome the first culture shock and enjoy. india is very big and has many different faces so dont think you can see all in one time.
goa and kerala are very clean and easy to start with. rajasthan is nice but kind of crowed with package tour tourists.
since most of the time it is pretty hot there and you might not be used to the heat get indian dresses (salwar kameez). it's loose trousers and a long blouse with a scarf. its very comfortable to wear, looks beautiful and people will also like you for dressing "respectably".
before you get into any taxi always ask the price. many times there is a confusion about 15 or 50, ask them one-five or five-zero and make sure you got it right.
eat in the local restaurants where you see many people eating so you can be sure its freshly prepared. easiest its to have a thali, you get a big plate with rice and chapati (kind of bread) and around 4 different vegetables. so you dont have to know what to order, always have a choice if you dont like one thing. and the whole treat will only cost you about half a dollar.
i travelled in india for several times and for many weeks, as a women travelling allone i never had any problem and enjoyed it very much.
2007-01-22 13:42:33 · answer #2 · answered by dana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you hate Dehli, don't worry it gets better, drink bottled water, go north and see the himalayas, go south and see Mumbai, check out rajashtan, eat everything and anything, any snack sold on a street corner by a guy should cost no more that 5 rupees (most people dont eat them but I went to anyone with midlle class moms and kids eating at it and was fine), if you are a girl, keep your guard up and you will be fine but not too high up or you will miss alot, be prepared to get ripped off a few times until you learn to bargain and dont get mad about it, its not that big of a deal; if you want a cheap place to stay find out where the isralies are staying but dont follow their lead and be rude to locals; dress modestly; talk to locals ; learn a few key hindi phrases ; take the train though busses can be more interesting at times; enjoy yourself; go for at least a month ; know that at times you will hate it just as much as you love it but always always breath and give it a chance, finally if you are one of those people who truely hate it, accept it, dont complain the whole trip, grab a cheap flight to thailand were you can sit on a beach with ease, surrounded by numerous other western travellers and chock it up to experience - I loved it and never once considered that option but I know other who took it and weere much happier for it, India is not for everyone but it is amazing for some
2007-01-20 21:45:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
marvilous place india i tell you go to delhi the capital of India its very beautiful and then see the red fort there and then go to Agra and see Taj Mahal it is on of the 7 wonders of the world and there is a story about the king who built it
2007-01-20 17:57:56 · answer #4 · answered by abbas 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi do not forget to visit goa if you are looking for beach
if you are into history do not forget to visit ajonta ilora
train is better
careful about fraud people
and drink bottled water
and i do not have to tell you about tajmohol
try to go there full moon evening
taj under full moon is something you wont believe
2007-01-20 18:14:09 · answer #5 · answered by dus c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to India. It is no longer the land of cobra or that of mystical sanyasis. It is modern and up and coming economy. You will enjoy the exuberance and vitality of the people.
2007-01-25 02:46:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeahh...How I wish I could visit India one day....Good Luck to you gal....Dun forget to share your experience if you manage to go there.....
2007-01-28 04:05:49 · answer #7 · answered by VeNiE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out the portuguese presidency website...our president has just been there and there's lots of info on the subject....
http://www.presidencia.pt/india2007/
2007-01-20 17:52:28 · answer #8 · answered by xicofb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋