India Report
Apr 25th, 2008 | 12:11 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
India Report
I traveled to India for two weeks last month with one of my best friends to visit her family in Delhi. It was a fanstatic trip and I thought (since I use this website so much for planning) - that I would give a bit of a report.
We used Delhi as our base camp and stayed w/ her family. We didn't do much there except for shop, which was a bit of a disappointment, but I really didn't have much say in the matter.
Our first trip was to Kerala - we flew from Delhi to Kochi and stayed there overnight in one of the Taj hotels. We took a local ferry over to Fort Cochin and walked around and looked at the Chinese fishing nets. I liked Kochi but I think one or two nights would probably be enough. Also, I would recommend going on the local ferry (2.50 INR) rather than the tourist boats that overcharge.
We then went to the Taj resort in Kumarakom. My friend's uncle has some deal w/ the Taj chain - it was a beautiful resort but probably way out of my price range normally. The following day we went to Alleppey to pick up our houseboat. This may have been the highlight of the trip (along with the Taj Mahal). I loved the houseboat - I would recommend AC if you go when it's warmer. It was hot in March during the day, but cooled off nicely at night. I would also recommend picking out a houseboat with an upper deck to lounge about and see the sights. I think one night on the houseboat is probably plenty for most folks - there's not a ton to do, but it is extraordinarily beautiful and like nothing I've ever done. Bring a deck of cards for entertainment at night. Also, in retrospect, I would have rather spent a night in Alleppey rather than Kumarakom. Kumarakom is more of romantic getaway spot. Great for couples - not for singles girls with their family!
Our next trip from Dehli was to Haridwar and Rishikesh by car/driver. The road to Haridwar was extremely slow. I believe it took us over 7 hours, but I'm not convinced our driver took the best route. Rishikesh looked pretty cool especially for yoga lovers, but we didn't get much of chance to explore it. In Haridwar, we visited the temples and the ganges. This was probably the least favorite part of the trip b/c we rushed around a lot and I didn't understand much that was going on in the temples because I'm not Hindu. Still, I appreciated the experience and it's probably a must-see for anyone interested in religion.
Our final trip from Dehli by car/driver was to Jaipur and then Agra. The road from Dehli to Jaipur is great. I believe it only took 4 hours or so. The Amber Fort was the highlight. I was less impressed with the city palace ... Jantar Mantar Observatory was very interesting, but make sure to get a guide so that you can understand everything.
On the way from jaipur to agra, we stopped at Fatehpur Sikri. I highly recommend it. Unfortunately, I couldn't understand much of what the guide was saying, but it's a very interesting blend of religions - Islam, Hindu and Christianity. The Tomb of Sheik Salim Chrishti is amazing. Tie some string to the lattice work and make three wishes. Just don't tell anyone what they are!
Finally the Taj Mahal. Amazing. Expect to take a gigantous amount of pictures. Beware of the photographers. My friend's mother hired one - they try to charge you by each picture they take - so even the ones that you don't want (where your eyes are closed and you're making a funny face). There was a major argument at the end - in Hindi so I only caught the gyst.
Some general thoughts ... I was really worried about getting sick. I got really sick in Peru a few years back and expected the same thing to happen in India. I was surprised that I didn't get sick at all. And I ate some pretty weird things -- paan from a stall in Delhi. That being said, ask the hotels whether they use filtered water. Drink bottled water. I also recommend being a vegetarian, which is easy to do in India. The food is amazing - so don't be scared. Go to Haldirams in Dehli. YUM. My friend's mother got sick - possibly from a coconut? I think it's really a matter of luck - so take precautions, but not so many that you miss out on some amazing food.
I've traveled a bit - to Peru, South Africa - most of Europe. I think India would have been a bit overwhelming if I tried to do it on my own. I hate guided tours, but I think it would be a pretty good idea for India. Or at least I wouldn't feel ashamed for using one.
The touts. Lord have mercy. If you've been to Africa, you know what to expect. It may seem rude, but ignoring is the best strategy. As far as bargaining, usually half the amount they offer is a good starting point - although sometimes less. I always find that walking away is the best way to find out whether you underbid. They will chase you down if you didn't.
If you are white, expect to be stared at. A lot. You might even have your picture taken. On occasion, children will laugh. I don't consider myself that funny looking, but apparently I am. I don't think the staring was at all malevolent, but don't be surprised by it.
We used a car/driver instead of the train. We had 5 people in the car, so it worked out cheaper somehow. If you use a train, make sure to make reservations well in advance.
India is amazing amazing amazing. I loved every second of it.
We used Delhi as our base camp and stayed w/ her family. We didn't do much there except for shop, which was a bit of a disappointment, but I really didn't have much say in the matter.
Our first trip was to Kerala - we flew from Delhi to Kochi and stayed there overnight in one of the Taj hotels. We took a local ferry over to Fort Cochin and walked around and looked at the Chinese fishing nets. I liked Kochi but I think one or two nights would probably be enough. Also, I would recommend going on the local ferry (2.50 INR) rather than the tourist boats that overcharge.
We then went to the Taj resort in Kumarakom. My friend's uncle has some deal w/ the Taj chain - it was a beautiful resort but probably way out of my price range normally. The following day we went to Alleppey to pick up our houseboat. This may have been the highlight of the trip (along with the Taj Mahal). I loved the houseboat - I would recommend AC if you go when it's warmer. It was hot in March during the day, but cooled off nicely at night. I would also recommend picking out a houseboat with an upper deck to lounge about and see the sights. I think one night on the houseboat is probably plenty for most folks - there's not a ton to do, but it is extraordinarily beautiful and like nothing I've ever done. Bring a deck of cards for entertainment at night. Also, in retrospect, I would have rather spent a night in Alleppey rather than Kumarakom. Kumarakom is more of romantic getaway spot. Great for couples - not for singles girls with their family!
Our next trip from Dehli was to Haridwar and Rishikesh by car/driver. The road to Haridwar was extremely slow. I believe it took us over 7 hours, but I'm not convinced our driver took the best route. Rishikesh looked pretty cool especially for yoga lovers, but we didn't get much of chance to explore it. In Haridwar, we visited the temples and the ganges. This was probably the least favorite part of the trip b/c we rushed around a lot and I didn't understand much that was going on in the temples because I'm not Hindu. Still, I appreciated the experience and it's probably a must-see for anyone interested in religion.
Our final trip from Dehli by car/driver was to Jaipur and then Agra. The road from Dehli to Jaipur is great. I believe it only took 4 hours or so. The Amber Fort was the highlight. I was less impressed with the city palace ... Jantar Mantar Observatory was very interesting, but make sure to get a guide so that you can understand everything.
On the way from jaipur to agra, we stopped at Fatehpur Sikri. I highly recommend it. Unfortunately, I couldn't understand much of what the guide was saying, but it's a very interesting blend of religions - Islam, Hindu and Christianity. The Tomb of Sheik Salim Chrishti is amazing. Tie some string to the lattice work and make three wishes. Just don't tell anyone what they are!
Finally the Taj Mahal. Amazing. Expect to take a gigantous amount of pictures. Beware of the photographers. My friend's mother hired one - they try to charge you by each picture they take - so even the ones that you don't want (where your eyes are closed and you're making a funny face). There was a major argument at the end - in Hindi so I only caught the gyst.
Some general thoughts ... I was really worried about getting sick. I got really sick in Peru a few years back and expected the same thing to happen in India. I was surprised that I didn't get sick at all. And I ate some pretty weird things -- paan from a stall in Delhi. That being said, ask the hotels whether they use filtered water. Drink bottled water. I also recommend being a vegetarian, which is easy to do in India. The food is amazing - so don't be scared. Go to Haldirams in Dehli. YUM. My friend's mother got sick - possibly from a coconut? I think it's really a matter of luck - so take precautions, but not so many that you miss out on some amazing food.
I've traveled a bit - to Peru, South Africa - most of Europe. I think India would have been a bit overwhelming if I tried to do it on my own. I hate guided tours, but I think it would be a pretty good idea for India. Or at least I wouldn't feel ashamed for using one.
The touts. Lord have mercy. If you've been to Africa, you know what to expect. It may seem rude, but ignoring is the best strategy. As far as bargaining, usually half the amount they offer is a good starting point - although sometimes less. I always find that walking away is the best way to find out whether you underbid. They will chase you down if you didn't.
If you are white, expect to be stared at. A lot. You might even have your picture taken. On occasion, children will laugh. I don't consider myself that funny looking, but apparently I am. I don't think the staring was at all malevolent, but don't be surprised by it.
We used a car/driver instead of the train. We had 5 people in the car, so it worked out cheaper somehow. If you use a train, make sure to make reservations well in advance.
India is amazing amazing amazing. I loved every second of it.
Apr 26th, 2008 | 02:27 AM
#3
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 71
Likes: 2
Hi Lcuy
Haldiram is an Indian restaurant chain. In the past they only used to make Indian traditional sweets - but over the years as Mcdonalds, Pizzahut etc started becoming more popular with yound Indians - they ventured into a sort of fast food chain - serving Indian Sweets, and meals - including Indian fast food like Masala Dosa, Channa Bhatura, Pav-Bhaji, Gol Gappas etc. They also serve Stuff like Pizza, burger etc (only vegetarian though).
They are located at various places in Delhi - but their biggest units are in Gurgaon and Faridabad road.
Haldiram is an Indian restaurant chain. In the past they only used to make Indian traditional sweets - but over the years as Mcdonalds, Pizzahut etc started becoming more popular with yound Indians - they ventured into a sort of fast food chain - serving Indian Sweets, and meals - including Indian fast food like Masala Dosa, Channa Bhatura, Pav-Bhaji, Gol Gappas etc. They also serve Stuff like Pizza, burger etc (only vegetarian though).
They are located at various places in Delhi - but their biggest units are in Gurgaon and Faridabad road.
May 10th, 2008 | 04:20 PM
#4
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
hi Sam, Only now seeing your TR. Thank you!! I'm going to So India, including Kerala, in December and was glad to read about your time there. Yes, I'd heard Cochi is a one or two night stop max.Glad to see you confirmed that.
There's not much on this board about the area, so a special thanks!!
There's not much on this board about the area, so a special thanks!!
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