1. What kind of shots or pills did your doctor recommend? 2. How was the food and did anyone in your group get ill? 3. Anything in particular worth shopping for? 4. How did you enjoy the country overall?

In answer to your question about immunizations and anti-malarials, take a look at www.cdc.gov/travel before you visit your doctor.

The food was delicious - but we did get sick because we let our guard down and ate some greek food (hummus and tzaziki) from a place on the beach in Goa. You will be dizzy from the options of things to buy - all so cheap. I loved India. From my experience, you either love it or hate it. Those that hate it can't get past the dirt and garbage. Those that love it are not as bothered by those things - the people we met were wonderful and all the archeticural sites were unbeleivable - Taj Mahal etc.

Thanks. Anymore feedback?

Avoid water, fruits without peels, salads, buffets in general, seafood except at the coast (e.g. eat in Mum or Goa, not in Del). Shopping - textiles, silks, handicrafts, silver items, gold jewelry, carpets, dhurries, home decor items, ENDLESS! You need to think about what u may want and will suggest.

I agree wholeheartedly with Kathie about checking with the CDC or a travel clinic. DON'T GO UNPREPARED! As for getting ill I seem to do that every time though it is travelers stomach usually. Be very careful about where you eat. The aromas from the street vendors are enticing but avoid them. Eat only at better restaurants, eat what you can peel, drink bottled water and use common sense. As for shopping it depends on what you like. For me getting a suit tailor made is very inexpensive in India so I get one or two and some other tailor made clothes. I have also heard the rugs are a pretty good deal. Also, if you are in Delhi go to Connaught place. There you will find Nike, Reebok, and other designer shops where the prices are way below what you find here. (USA). You can get tons of souvenirs for a song too. How do I like the country? Well lets put it this way. India is not for everybody. In addition to the vast amount of history and culture are madddening, aggravating experiences such as aggressive sales people, terrible drivers, beggers, crowds like you would not believe, abject poverty, hassles for things we take for granted, foul smells and filth. Not to mention poor air quality, at least in Delhi. Its not Tahiti. Be prepared. Also be prepared to see fascinating sights. My wife is Indian and we go every 6-7 yrs. I am excited when it is nearing time to go but usually anxious to leave after a few weeks there. And I love my inlaws. Its the place that gets to us. Hope this doesn't deter you but you did ask.

I concur with jacketwatch that Indian cities have today become huge public bathrooms. However, India is a very large country and many of the annoyances that jacketwatch cites are peculiar to the urban tracts, especially urban touristy areas.

Suffice it to say that I do not share in jacketwatch's evaluation, which is essentially one of the fly-by tourist. I am neither given to overly romanticising life and living in India nor in regarding it as a trashcan. I find India - the people and the land - far more interesting than the US, lack of physical comforts notwithstanding.

To the above poster. Sir, I am not a fly by tourist. My wife is Indian and I have been there 4 times and to areas far off the beaten path as well as the large urban areas. You are entitled to your views as I am to mine but please do not stereotype me as you did. We have never metso you know nothing about me nor I you. Thats why I will not comment on you. I have expressed an opinion based on several trips there which shows positive and negative elements. Please refrain in the future from such characterisations. Thank you. Larry

I did become ill while travelling in India. The doctor who treated me did not know if it was because of food poisoning, bad water, or the extreme heat (117F in some places). Also, in India you have to walk out onto the runway for many flights. When I was in Agra, the temperature on the tarmac was around (125F). This could make anyone ill.

Many of my fellow travellers DID use hotel ice (5-star hotels) and they NEVER became ill. I never use ice in my drinks, yet I became ill. I doubt ice will make you sick in the good hotels.

I was fascinated by India, but it is not for everyone. The beggars and touts can grate your nerves, but you have to ignore them.

Well TG I know what you mean. At least you are OK. I got typhoid once. India is a helluva place. And agtoau do have the courtesy this time to restrain yourself. You opinion has been noted w/o attack. Be so kind to let others speak their opinions as well. Thanks, Larry

Top this message for more feedback. Plus, we are interested in items for the home to bring back. Not clothing. Any good tips? We will be all in N. India.

We found some really nice bed spreads in Agra, cotton on one side and silk on the other. You will finds tons of home decorations as well and at good prices. Don't forget to bargain and have a good trip. PS if you will be in Delhi there is a good restaurant in CP (Connaught Place) called Nirulas. The food is good, there is a nice ice cream shop there and you can get travelers checks cashed easily. There is also a money exchange across the street. Nearby is an underground shopping bazaar called Palika Bazaar where you can shop till you drop.

I have been to India several times and no matter how careful I am I get travellers stomach. Just bring some immodium and enjoy the spectacular food. If in Delhi, you should really splurge and try the Bukhara restaurant in the Maurya Sheraton- traditional northern frontier food, with glass-walled kitchens where you can watch the cooks insert great spears of marinated meats and fish into the tandoors... Definitely try the dal and if you are in a group, have the big nan bread with it. I think it is probably the best restaurant in India.

If you are shopping for local handicrafts, try the state-run Cottage Emporium (or something like that) in Delhi. Almost a strip mall of shops selling handicrafts form all over the country for very interesting prices, and less busy than CP.

I forget the Cottage Emporium but it is also a good place to shop as well. I got a really nice lambs leather jacket there. It is a good recommendation. There are also several shops in the Red Fort as well that are good for souvenirs and handicrafts.

jdiduch,

Yes, Bukhara at the Maurya Sheraton is an exceptional restaurant. But to call it the best restaurant in India is a bit over the top. India is a huge country, with a bewildering (even to 'insiders') diversity of cuisines. The Bukhara specialises in the northwest frontier cuisine only. In my opinion, the Kandahar at The Oberoi in Mumbai is better than Bukhara, especially when one considers the sea views.

Can you mention 5 top restaurants in Delhi? perhaps some in Jaipur too? I will be there in april staying in the Grand Interncontinental and Rambagh palace and would love to go to some great restaurants. Thanks

There are many choices. We have had wonderful meals in Delhi at:
1. The Taj Mahal hotel-an incredible buffet
2. Same at the Oberoi
3. The Ashoka hotel
4. The aforementioned Sheraton.
We go to the Rambagh palace when in Jaipur. Very good food.
I wonder if you could get restaurants reviews from online Delhi newspapers? Perhaps do a google search.

http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/10a472/2/ Try this from virtual tourist.com. There are 22 Delhi restaurants reviewed.

Message: Top this message for more feedback. Plus, we are interested in items for the home to bring back. Not clothing. Any good tips? We will be all in N. India.

Kashmiri silk carpets - go to Sage, CIE - Cottage Industries Exposition at Hauz Khas main road. PL note diff from Cottage Industries at Janpath. Dhurries - Indian floor coverings - go to Shyam Ahuja. Their website www.shyamhujahome has addresses incl their factory outlet. A great place to browse for home stuff is Santushti Complex opposite the Ashoka Hotel. Tulsi there has good home stuff. Also, Anokhi is always worth a dekko. Another all purpose shopping area is Mehrauli - go to Ambawatta Complex. If u are seeing the Qutub Minar it is near. All above are in Delhi.