staystrangesam

Hello friendly FODOR'S world-travelers! Heading to India in early November. I'll be visiting the state of Rajasthan. HELP! Need tips on weather and what to pack. I'm getting conflicting stories on the weather. Don't want to pack the wrong attire and get stuck sweating to the oldies or freezing my berries off. I am going to attempt to pack as light as possible as I'll be on a tour and there will be lots of traveling. Got my shots, malaria medication, inspect repellent, and antibiotics. But now need to address the most important thing; what to wear?? - Thanks!

rhkkmk

we were there for the entire month of nov, 2011...

the weather was beautiful. we never needed even a cover-up or jacket the whole time... it was warm during the day and i wore chinos and a sport or polo shirt and my wife wore shortsleeved tops and capris... i wore sandals the whole time and she did too 80% of the time..

we travelled by a/c SUV which made it very comfortable... we had the a/c on in our rooms all the time, even when we were out...

be careful what and where you eat..

click on my name and you will find my trip report--"ehy india part II"

rhkkmk

that s/b "why"

staystrangesam

Thanks for the information and for sharing your trip report. It looks like you guys had a great time. What do you recommend as far as eating? My other main concern was not getting sick.

Jaya

Getting sick while traveling is the fear most of us have. In India, there is no guarantee, just precautions and keeping your fingers crossed.

- NO food from street vendors or roadside places, even if it's cooked in front of you
- no ice cream, cut fresh fruit, ice cubes, frozen drinks, yogurt, milk, salads, tap water (you get the idea)
- usually higher end, popular restaurants will be safer. I've eaten at India McDonald's and Pizza Hut without getting sick
- always check your bottled water that the cap is factory sealed (refilling water bottles and selling them to tourists is a gimmick used by some). Soda from a sealed bottle is usually safe.

IF you come down with diarrhea, don't take an anti-diarrheal. Google traveler's diarrhea and you'll find out why.

November is a beautiful time of year in India, like late summer in northern US.

shwets

you cant possibly freeze your berries unless you are headed to the himalayas! keep a light jacket or half sleeve sweater handy though. that said, if spending a night in open desert is part of your itinerary, your might want to pack a heavier jacket / sweater and warm socks as well.
you wouldnt face insect problem, as november is cool.

rhkkmk

we love the food and food in general. on our first trip we ate only at 5* hotels with one or two exceptions.

we loosened up a bit this time and my wife got very sick one night from some unknown source.

we ate food prepared for us only at lunch and dinner and usually for breakfast too. no buffets, except an occasional breakfast one.

we ate meats (beef (limited), chicken mostly and maybe a shrimp or two. we ate lots of fresh veggies (well cooked), limited fruits, rice, nuts, fresh indian cheese. we did not drink smoothies. we never ate anything off the street or from stands on the street.

i had stomach problems for the whole month, K had less problems. we brought meds with us and K used them the night she was sick, i did not use any i don't think.

i did eat ice cream kulfi in hotels.

i ate cakes and pastry (carefully).

staystrangesam

Thanks Jaya - We'll be on a tour. Not sure exactly what and how we are going to eat. Thanks for the tip on bottled water. I've heard that trick regarding refilling bottled water. What about beer!! OMG! I'm so going to need a beer when I get there. Any thoughts on that?? So we picked a good month to visit? AWESOME!!

staystrangesam

Hi Schwets! Thanks for the info. Will keep a light jacket handy. We've got a night where we camp in tents. I'll bring a hoodie too!

rhkkmk

beer is no problem at all.. i prefer to drink from the bottle..

Marija

Here's a recent article on food safety in India:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/0...go-bites-back/

udaipurmagic

Members has been given information about what to wear ..November ladt week can be liitle bit cold
You are packed well with all safty . You should not be worried.

It is country with culture hence in country side we expect covered clothes: means no shorts . Also when you visit temple , mosque keep your self covered it is good against mosquitoes.
use cream or spray when you are sitting outside in Gardens or in Boat.

Cheers

jacketwatch

It can be warm as well. Two yrs. ago we were in Ajmer, Raj. In mid Nov. and it was in the 90's. However that is a bit unusual.
Do be careful about what you eat. We have been in India six times and the last time I avoided meat pretty much and I was the healthiest I've ever been there. I don't think meat handling standards are up to par there.

Beer is fine. . Try Indian brands. Quite good.