Any traveling tips for someone going to india?

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helpaneed

I have read all the messages before me and a have a few things to say:

I suggest you to move around in you city of landing whether Delhi or Mumbai etc. and plan your visit to the places of tourist interest in that region only. Don't make a hectic tour. Visit country side and places of your interest in the region as your time and budget permits. Whole of India is a beauty and a kind of experience in itself.

Don't look for cheap places to stay/eat but you may look for economic avenues if not very comfortable and luxurious. Avoid areas of Paharganj in Delhi to stay as you may be getting recommendations by certain set people in their stereotype messages. India is a very beautiful country to explore, far beyond congested and crowded streets of Paharganj in Delhi, an old city area burdened on the available infrastructure, just for savings of petty amounts.

For your trip to Agra - Taj Mahal etc; I suggest that you take a conducted guided tour by Air conditioned Coach, arranged by your budgeted/decent hotel itself. They will take care of A to Z of your requirements during the tour and cover many places as you won't be able to cover otherwise. Though Shatabdi Express is a prestigious train, I suggest you to forget it until you become conversant with the local situations. Take care of your comfort, enjoyment and overall stay.

Stay for a couple of less days but make a quality trip and enjoyable too. Once you are able to plan your trip properly, you will find India so compelling to visit time and again. Follow the popular phrase: In Rome do as the Romans do; and you get abundant enjoyment.

madpretzel

the taj mahal is great.
i loved it.
it's a lot bigger than i'd imagined.

i can tell you that when you're going to agra to see the taj mahal, you're gonna a pass a couple of toll booths--like the ones in front of the bay bridge and stuff. when they figure out you're from america, england, etc., they tend to charge you more than normal. watch out for that.
also, right when you reach the toll booth closest to the taj mahal, you're going to find a bunch of people harassing you and asking you to let them be your tourguides.
that was the most hectic part of our journey.
they freaking try to sell you stupid stuff and they won't stop following you around.
plus, there are a bunch of pick pocketers in agra and new delhi. new delhi's crowded so i'd watch out.
and there are many, many rabies-infested dogs in both agra and delhi.

Brownskin

Have you gotten your shots yet? Malaria and other diseases not common in the U.S. are rampant there.

Otherwise, just be aware that the locals will see you as a way to make easy money, so use common sense. Also, money talks, so if you want something done, you're gonna have to slip somebody the equivalent of a "Mr. Jackson."

sarapatey

Everything takes 3 times as long as you are probably used to, but that is the fun of it. Life there is the opposite of rushed. Take your time, drink only bottled water, and just go with the flow.

Cowgirl

food if ur not used to spicy.

Master Quark

This guy must think westerners are complet wooses
HIS ADVISE:
(Though Shatabdi Express is a prestigious train, I suggest you to forget it until you become conversant with the local situations. Take care of your comfort, enjoyment and overall stay.)

For heavens sake it's a 2 hour train trip (you could do it standing on your head..
'Be a traveler not a tourist' Anthony Bourdine

AVOID TOURS LIKE THE PLAGUE
I cant' tell you what fools wealthy tourists that take tours look like. Sometimes I have to controll myself when watching them unload a bus.. The outfits they wear and the 10,000mm lenses hanging around their necks. (I want to role on the floor with laughter!
Boy think about getting stuck with a bunch like that for a week.....
I'd have to shoot myself...or better yet them..he..he
Then they drag them from one Shopping Emporium to another. And they go home and proclaim they have seen India...what a joke..

HERE IS MY ANSWER TO SOMEONE CONTEMPLATING TAKING A HIRED CAR TO AGRA FROM DELHI

You might be planning to take the train (just though I'd throw this in)

About 2 hours by train. Not need to answer your question about driving you would have to be out of you mind to drive or be driven on the Grand Trunk Road when you can take a nice comfortable train.

One you would not dare drive on Indian roads yourself and second you going to pay thought the nose to get a driver or taxi just to be frightened out of your wits..what's the rate now per Km. (since I never take them if forget) is it about 10-15 RP per Kilometer (and you have to pay round trip).

Listen I spend 3 months in India every year and I would not take those roads. Please do yourself a favor and get a nice train....

The best train to take is the Shatadbi Express leaving New Delhi at 6:00 am and arriving Agra around 8:00 (this train gives you the most time in Agra it Departs Agra around 20:00 (get used to military time its all they use in India (8pm) check when you buy your ticket schedules change. If you are a budget traveler try not to stay in Agra it is not a nice place and many westerners get sick there. There is no reason to hang around Agra!

One note of caution since this train attracts allot of wealthy westerners it also attracts rip off artist and scam artists. You do not have to worry, just don't let anyone push or shove you (that's a pickpocket for sure) and be alert. Keep an eye on your belongings at the stations. I use the chain that I use on the train for overnights and actually lock my luggage together on the platform. Then I just forget about it. Nobody going to drag away 3 or 4 bags!
Another great trick is to get down at the station right before the main station..ask the Indians they know. This way you can avoid all the hawkers and rickshaw wallas that are going to mob you if you get off at the Agra Cantonment? station (it's literally the worst station anywhere in India. You will not believe the mob trying to sell you something..It can put you off India. ...If you do what I suggest just get off train and get a short Rickshaw ride into Agra (a few Kilometers).

PLACES TO VISIT AGRA
Thaj
Red Fort
Then get out....Agra is polluted beyond belief (the sky is yellow from the sulfur and breathing can be strained) and it's dirty and the animals can be aggressive. Who needs to get a rabies shot? I love India (I must, I've been going since 1986 but Agra is a bit of a anomaly. It's really too bad there most famous monument sits in this hell hole. There is a reason Agra is the way it is be I'll not get into this in a public forum. E-mail me if you are curious!

PLACES TO VISIT DELHI

Jama Misjid
Red Fort (some interesting shopping in Red Fort ;but a bit expensice jus haggle hard)
Chandi Chowk (old market in old Delhi. Largest bazaar in India, Just wander you will be awe struck), Jain and Shik Temples in Chandi Chowk
Quinta Minar
Parliament-India Gate
Qutb Minar
Iron Pillar
Gandhi Memorial

Shopping, eating & staying

Pharaganj (near New Delhi Train station..many young westerners stay in this market.(one, if not the best place for a westener to shop in all of India, styles are geared to western tastes-clothes, and practically anything that can be bought in India cn be found in this market. If you can take the grim (you get used to it) it is an exciting place to stay and very reasonable...I stay at The Moon Palace in allay off main market near vegitable market..not as nice as Si Janiwas but not bad for Delhi.
When I first went to India in 1986 I went with a friend who spent 7 years there in the 1960's, I refused to stay in Pharaganj. He stayed there and I spent a fortune in Connought place, now I won't stay anywhere else....It's a grimmy madhouse....It's India. But it's exciting and wonderful and the sights in the main bazaar and it imerses one into India. Like jumping into ice cold water!

Connought Place upscale shopping but worth seeing
Palika Bazaar (Underground Market at Connought Place) wild and crazy bargian hard
Outdooe Market on Janpath Road
Tibetian Market on Janpath
Gypsy ladies market Janpath Lane off Janpath Rd. (great stuff, fabrics bargain hard they will come way down)
Kevender's Milk (strange out of this world milkshakes been there since early 1960's an instatution ask anyone in Connought Place)
Eat at Kirams while in Chandi Chowd another instution great Tandori Chicken and Kababs (order Kir for desert Yummy..)
India Coffe House Connought Place, best coffe in Delhi

Take other writers advice and go to Jaipur (Pink City)..It's the jewel of Rajasthan (Rajasthan is just plain awesome) and you can stay at Si Jannewas (the the owners are friends of mine, tell him you know 'Gangamanta' and he said to give you a good rate (the place feels like home and the boys are just woderfull: anything you ask for they will go out and get for you (by now the new rooftop restaurent may be finished (eat up ther it's Heaven). Anything under 700 RP is a good rate...smart travelers stay in Bani Park in Jaipur (no really good hotels in walled city)

I can go on forever; but got to plant some bulbs today.

i'll go look up Si Jannewas in my address book, (never can spell that place).

FEEL FREE TO POST ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT INDIA
I've been going since 1986 and stay 3 months every year. I know India.
IT's THE SAJJAN NIWAS IN BANI PARK

Master Quark

chicago85thst

obviously go to the taj mahal. look around delhi, view the capital. but there not much else if your not willing to go around in a taxi. i highly suggest you do. one is rajastan which is maybe five hours west. there ar hundreds of things to view their, its probably one of the best places in india, its amazing. make sure u visit jaipur palace there, u can actually stay in old palaces. then from delhi theres a place up north called rishikesh. its at the foothills of the himilayas and its just amazing, its along the holy ganga river and if you have time you can be driven as far into the himilayas as you choose. i went from rishikesh all the way into china, and its so crazy (scary to) DELHI IS BORING SO GET AROUND

dreamgirls

i would say go to the Akshardham Swaminarayan Temple in New Delhi, another tip would be that to try a lot of indian dishes, the best restaurant would be amrit.

kunaldevchandra

1. Wear clothing according to Indian Customs.
2. DO NOT SHOW your wealth (like fancy clothing, jewelery, and anything expensive.)
3. Carry cash, one debit card OR credit card.
4. Food maybe spicy, I recommend YOU avoid STREET VENDOR food stalls.

lil_angel

if your goin to india now there it will be summers with top in 40's so take ur sunscream and summer clothes also never put ur walet in ur bak pocet or in a hanging bag

sillygoose1234

1) Akshardaam is beautiful. Plan to spend the better part of a day there. Also, their cafe is very cheap. You can't bring any food or beverages in or cameras/cell phones/etc.

2) CP is a great place to go. Lots of shops and their is a great market on the outer circle. I can't think of its name. Also, the emporium shops are very nice. They don't haggle much in those shops but at the market they do. Never accept the first price and don't be afraid to walk away. You will find the same thing at another booth.

3) Be careful of what food you eat. Don't eat any fresh veggies or fruits that you can't peel. You don't know how they may have been prepared or what they are washed in. Also be careful of water. Not only the plain water but any drink that may have been prepared w/ unboiled water. As well what the mint sauce served on most tables. This is almost never made w/ bottled water.

4) Don't give money to beggers. They will only ask for more and follow you more and more beggars will come to you.

5) It is very hot right now in Delhi. Be prepared not to be able to do much because of the heat. It is also monsoon season. Keep you body covered for protection from mosquittos and the sun.

6) Visit the Taj. Take your time. It is one of the most beautiful sites ever. It is also in a very dirty city. Watch for pick pockets.

7) Always carry bottled water w/ you everywhere. Don't risk drinking anything if you aren't sure of it.

8) Use the metro in Delhi. It is very clean and much easier than cabs or buses. It is also air conditioned.

9) Dilly Haat is a great place in Delhi for handicrafts from all the Indian states.

10) Don't touch or feed the dogs or stray animals. You will see all kinds - dogs, monkeys, cows, pigs.

11) Have fun! Delhi is a great city w/ great people.

taurean_funnyguy

When buyin handicrafts ot sth from small shop or street vendors, remeber that u would be paying 4-5 times more than an Indian. SO bargain bargain !!

Only drink botelled water and no ice cubes!!! (westerners have weak immune system)
Anytime you miss pizzas and burgers or wuteva we have good chains selling western junk food n non junk food.

Delhi.... yah! try and avoid it. There isn`t much to see. Try going to Jaipur instead.But Delhi has it`s own charm. The seat of power is here. ;) (i`m from delhi)

Always remember to get a pre paid taxi ( i know this system exists in delhi)!! It would be safe & also note down the Taxi number by which you are travelling. why take risk?

Contact ur embassy 1st, if you ever have a problem. Your embassy is your most imprtant contact point anywhere in the world outside your country.

Have anice stay here in India and I hope you carry pleasant memories with yourself of India.

gaurav_231288

Take a Cab, early in the morning from Delhi, Go to
1 Agra - See the Taj Mahal
2 Mathura - See Lord Krishnas birthplace
3 Brindavan - There are a few world heritage sites (Lord Krishna Temples)
4 Fatehpur Sikri - See the Buland Darwaza

Then probably next day, you could catch a cab from delhi and go to JAIPUR which is 100 - 150 kms away. There are a lot of things to see there !

I just came back from a tour of all these places last week. Thats why i was so fired up.

Just keep a look out for ppl who will act as guides, beggars, and do anything to get some money. Some shops will try to sell you cheap goods of bad quality. Avooid them too.

Have a Happy tour !

mail me about your trip
gaurav_231288@yahoo.com

Guru

I enjoy noticing Master Quark's "overflowing frustration" if someone is having his/her own perspective of things and those thought going against this "self styled supreme expert". This has been happening quite number of times now and this Master is taking time out to edit his messages to vent his frustration even though someone is posting much after him.

Mr Master doesn't realize that each individual has has own brain, whether one applies or not for various reasons. At Yahoo! Answers, each of us only forward our suggestions to the best of our knowledge and rest it is the wisdom of the Asker to make his/her own judgment. Why he is in pains when some one differ from him. He boasts spending 3 months in India every year but this does not give him a license to practice his 'half cooked maturity' by imposing his opinions on others - if someone disagree with him.

I am an American citizen and have traveled quite a lot including India. Personally speaking, I find Master Quark suggestions not up to the mark on so many times about India, at times misleading. Yet it is the judgment of the Asker and others interested to take a wise decision applying own mind as well.

Let us keep this avenue trouble free and allow each of us to express freely and responsibly and leave to the prudence of the stakeholders.

Lupin IV

I went to Chennai. So I can't really tell you what to see. But otherwise umm if your going to hand someone something give it with right hand. Muslims care about this the most. No one will beat you up or anything theyll just think you have no tact. Don't give money to beggars or you will be bugged by them your whole time. And they will find where you are staying.

Most restaurants and such you can go ahead and eat at. If you aren't in the city I'd be careful and take some Immodium tablets. Food poisoning isn't fun (i got it).

For the most part you don't have to worry about anything. Streets are safe, people are friendly for the most part. Just don't treat the people or things with disgust and don't tell people how such and such is much better at home.

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