JWitt

I keep reading and hearing about what an intense country India is and I'm already feeling it as I begin to plan my 6 month trip! I am going mainly to study Yoga in its indigenous surroundings, along with Indian culture and philosophy. As a result, most of my destinations will be based on programs or schools that I want to study at. So far the schools that have caught my attention are in the cities of Mysore, Bangalore, Rishikesh, Mumbai, and Goa. That is not to say I will be visiting all of those places, I'm just in the "outline" phase of my planning.

These programs look to be quite intense and I am sure I will want/need retreat between each of them for a few days. I'm thinking a good idea might be to begin in the South where it will be hotter and more intense, then maybe see some beach on my way North, and end in Rishikesh which seems much more serene and contemplative. I am afraid that if I began with Rishikesh my senses might be even more overwhelmed by the South than they would be otherwise and I would not enjoy the cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Mysore. Does this sound correct?

I'm also hoping that time permits a stay in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Thailand on my way home where I hope to study Thai massage for a month or so. I will most likely fly from LAX and use BKK as a gateway going and coming since it seems that airfares are the same either using BKK or flying straight to India.

I am a 30 year old male, possibly traveling with one female friend or alone, on as tight a budget as they come, and not afraid to deal with some inconvenience. I am a bit concerned with safety, especially regarding the dilemma of whether or not to take certain immunizations for fear the medicine might be worse than the ailment. In fact, if one specific area meant avoiding something like malaria risk I might just skip it and focus on other places. There seem to be so many to choose from. I am definitely the type of person who would rather spend a month in one area rather than try to fit everything in at once. I'm also a little skittish about traveling close to the Pakistan border (well, not really that close I guess). Is this fear warranted?

I know this post is a little directionless but, as I have learned by experience, posting on this forum of even the most scattered ideas often brings quick elucidation. Are there any obvious ideas as to where I could grab some R&R between programs? I'm not huge on touristy sights but I'm sure I would enjoy a little tourism to mix things up here and there. Any ideas on how to save money through all of this? I plan on traveling mostly by rail. I do not require A/C, pools, fancy restaurants, etc. (although I do like to shop now and then).

Thanks so much for any and all advice and comments.

yakgirl

Dear travel-planner going to India,
Hey. I totally know what you mean. I am an American that actually lives in India for 8 months of the year right now, so i understand about planning travel here. You will definitely want to plan to travel on AC 1st Class trains whenever possible. At least when you're first starting out. Trains are stressful, so start out easy. You will also want to be sure to get out of the heat if you are traveling in India during April through September. I would say you're on the right track if you're planning travel to the North. The North East is wonderful-with cities like Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpur, and Gangktok... real nice, cooler, friendly, great food. But travel there can take a few days and is very curvy, as they are cities resting in the Himalayas. Take your time there once you're there. You can even do some adventure sports like hang-gliding and sky-diving. Daramsala- located in Himachal Pradesh state- where the Dalai lama lives is also great to visit. McCloud Gange- just below is a little hectic, but a great place to take a break from the busy hot Indian cities in summer. ..or anytime for that matter. Then, there's my favorite place: Ladakh. Ladakh is called the rooftop of the world- or 'little Tibet' and has a breath-taking Himalayan scenery like you've never seen before. It's a great place to trek and hike, to relax, eat good Tibetan and Kashmiri food, and meet a lot of travelers from around the world. YOu'll love it. You can reach it by road- through the Manali route if you come during June-September. But all other times, you must reach it by air. The little city of Leh is great. From there you can trek all through the Himalayas. It's the highest desert in the world- so the scenery is very different than any other place you'll see in India. If you want a great place to stay, many places are good, but my personal favorite is Alimjan Guest House. It's simple, fair priced, relaxing, and they give breakfast included in the price in the morning. Less hastle. Wonderful. They've got a website: www.alimjanladakh.com
Other cities are great, but since i live in the North here, I am a little biased. As for immunizations, when i host student groups, i always just have them get their regular childhood immunizations, all the Hepititus shots, may be gamma gobulin for an immune boost, and then i don't have them take Lariam for Malaria. Instead, there are other alternatives such as Doxycycline(?), you can take that don't have as many bad side effects as the Lariam. Definitely bring some vitamins with you- such as C, calcium, and acidophilus. Best if you can go to a health food store and get some super acidophilus- parasite killer to bring with you. Take some every day. You WILL get some sort of parasite or bug when here. There's really no way around it. sorry :0). But taking the vitamins helps. There are plenty of drug-stores/pharmacies here though- if you ever need anything, adn they Don't require a prescription.
Hope this helps a little. India will change your life. Peace to you,
Yak girl

JWitt

Thanks Yak Girl. Ladakh sounds like a great place for a break. I like the idea of acidopholous along with parasite killers. I am very curious to see how my digestion holds up - a true test I think! I've always been averse to vitamins. Do you have specific reasons for recommending C and calcium or do you mean them just as general immune boosters? Thanks also for the specific names and places. Its looking like a Southern start, then moving North will work out schedule-wise as well.

So no one else has anything to say on this? I am surprised. I read somewhere here that Bangalore is a young, hip, happenin' city that sounds like fun. I'm kind of torn at the moment regarding Mumbai and Delhi. On one hand, they sound like important destinations to experience but, on the other, they sound hectic and nothing of note has stood out to me yet in either of them. Are there specific reasons that any of you would list for including either of these cities? Maybe at least one of them to to experience a major Indian city?

I am a HUGE foodie so any regions that are musts for culinary experiences would be great. Does anyone here know of any cooking schools that might offer a week or two long course? I usually enjoy small, laid back cafes or simple restaurants that are fun to just relax in over fancy, expensive places. Is there any info I could offer that might make it easier to give me ideas? Thanks again for any insight.

Josh

John_Rambow

First, I'd suggest checking out the forums at http://www.indiamike.com if you haven't already, since they have lots of discussions about yoga, travel plans, etc. Also worth picking up is Lonely Planet's World Food India, a small guide to regional food and restaurants.

I'm not sure what time you're planning on coming, but much of the north is likely to be hotter than the south, at least at this time of year.

Bangalore has some of the best weather in India. The nightlife here is OK, but it's safe to say you won't suddenly think you're in London or NYC. Due to a crackdown last year, bar time is 11:30, for instance.

Since you'll be here a long time, I'd recommend visiting Hampi for some amazing architecture. One possible itinerary by train would be Mysore to Bangalore to Hampi to Goa to Mumbai.

I think it's important to get all the immunizations the CDC recommends, but you have a doctor to talk this over with, yes? Is there one kind of shot in particular you're worried about? For malaria, deoxycycline is a good choice. The other options are very expensive over a visit of several months, and I don't think that all of them are recommended for long-term use.

KimJapan

www.indiamike.com is now closed down.

John_Rambow

India Mike hasn't closed down.

JWitt

Thanks John. Indeed, Indiamike looks to be up and running to me. I will definitely check it out.

I am trying to avoid a touring blitz where I stay in each place only a few nights. More likely I'll try to find one or two stops where I can spend 5-10 days at each on my way North. Its looking like I'll be in the South during Feb and March and the North during April and May.

Thanks for the tips on Hampi annd Lonely Planet. I've been meaning to spend some quality time at the Border's cafe but haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm not leaving until January, which seems so far away to be planning, but already it looks like I've been locked out of one program I wanted to participate in.

RE: Immunizations. I guess my real question is regarding malaria. According to the few official websites I've seen (like the CDC) all of India is considered a Malaria risk. I've read a few posts here claiming that Malaria concerns are only necessary in certain parts of India and Thailand. I am wondering if any of the areas I've named so far are in that list. I'd really prefer to avoid even Doxycycline if possible.

JWitt

P.S. Just read a few posts on IndiaMike.com. That forum ROCKS!

John_Rambow

The drier areas of India have fewer mosquitoes, but I think there's a malarial risk throughout the whole country. Talk it over w/ a doctor. Whether or not you take meds, you should still avoid getting bites, since mosquitoes can also carry dengue fever. Here's a BBC story from yesterday about the increased rate of malaria fatalities among tourists: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4771773.stm

KimJapan

Indiamike.com is back after about a 2 week period of time during which it was closed. It now has a new owner and is up and running as of May 11...which is great news, because it is an excellent source of information.