First time to India!
 

Hello, I am travelling for the first time to Southern India with a group of college students and our Indian professor. Any advice for someone who is not an experienced world traveller? I have not been out of the States. I really appreciate any suggestions, hints, etc. Thanks all!!

as a starter, don't drink the water and be very careful about what you eat....see a travel doctor before you go---travel clinic at a teaching hospital if there is one near you../.

Hi,

Southern India is a great place, so you shall have a great time...people are nice, friendly and hospitable...you shall love the experience.......

Travelling in India is safe...just take care of the following -

Stick to bottled Mineral water

I wonder when you are going to travel to India - which month and dates...if it is raining than please do carry some mosquito repellent with you...

Dress appropriately...South India is orthodox and very traditional - so do not wear skimpy outfits while travelling....

Food - South India - shall have a lot of rice and curries - these are safe since most of it is boiled.....avoid eating salads etc at roadside restaurants .....
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I see that you are hesitant since you have not been out of states at all...but really there is nothing to worry about at all.....trust me, you shall have the most memorable experience of your lifetime..

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What is your exact schedule - date of travel and places you are visiting - I shall be happy to give you more tips based on what you tell me....

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Have a nice day...

ASHAMS

Hi - you are travelling with others and with a professor you say is "Indian". So what is it you want to know? Hasn't your professor given you some indication of what to expect? Maybe some reading lists?

The best advice I can give is to educate yourself. Get hold of a travel guide for a simplified overview, and to get a handle on the geography.

Then, if you are interested, read up - there's loads of good literature on India written by Indians and others.

Why are you going? As it seems you are a student, do you have an interest in a particular field of study?

Your answers to these questions would be illuminating, and would help people respond to your question.

Speaking of literature, Cicerone recently started an excellent thread on books about India or by Indian authors. I have just searched it and brought it back to the top, so you will have

First of all, thank you to everyone for the suggestions and tips! I will be travelling on 7/26 and staying for one month. I have consulted with a doctor specializing in overseas travel, and have been vaccinated. My professor has been very helpful in preparing us, but I thought it would be nice to hear what others had to say. Sometimes if you are from the region you are accustomed to some things that others are not prepared for.
The tips on clothing and salads were very helpful. We will be going to stay mostly in Hyderbad, but will be going to Delhi to see the touristy sites but will be staying in the south predominantly.
Is the monsoon season really bad? Is there anything in particular I need to take to prepare for it? Thanks again, you guys!

Hi ,

I am glad that you found my suggestions helpful.......

I see that you are travelling from 26 July onwards for a month....not bad..since you would have missed the severe part of the monsoons (In south India rains come down heavily in June and early July)....by end of July and August - the rains are not much - it does rain though but not for the entire day......

You do not have to worry - since you are already vaccinated.....take Malaria dose...as a precaution , if you are still scared....(also an umbrella, mosquito repellent and light cotton cloths....which are the best for the humid weather..)..

Hyderabad...is a growing city with a very rich past...be sure to try the lovely cuisine of the area.....which is world famous....try the Hyderabadi Biryani (Rice and Meat preparation) & other dishes.........

Other major attractions here are the monuments and shopping - it is very famous for Pearl ornaments and also for colourful bangles......the old city area near Charminar monument is where you should go for all this shopping..

Delhi - well, I am happy that you are even visiting my city......it is a great place - great monuments and places to shop......where shall you be in Delhi.....?? Let me know and the dates....
Fab India, Delhi Haat, Lajpat Nagar, Chandi Chowk, Akshardam Temple, Bhai Lotus Temple, Humayun Tomb, Qutab Minar, etc are the places to go to...

What are the other places in South you shall be visiting ??

All the best...

ASHAMS