Do any Indians have advice for a first time tourist to India?

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dipta_j

Dolores,Welcome to India, welcome to Taj, to Bahai temple and to Kolkata.

Truley India is a big country and it has got many many places to visit.
I will try to help you out to choose the places you might like to visit.

There are two basic cultures running in India, one is Pro-Aryan culture, the entire North India is under this culture and Hindi is the language that is accepted with this culture.
States like Delhi, Rajasthan, Utter Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujrat, Maharasthra, Bihar, Bengal are the states where little bit of Hindi will serve your perpose.

The other is the Dravidian Culture, that is running in the Southern Part of the country. Tamilnadu (Chennai), Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala are teh states. Languages are very different here, no common language for all the states. Better you choose English ( pronounce very flat, without any accent) while visiting any of these states.

To choose soem more spots, decide what you like, if it's Nature, then Himalayan region could be your choice. Kerala is another choice that will provide a Tropical green environment.

If you are interested in Temples, then you should cover both North and South, the temples are different by architechture in these two region.

If the colorful rural Indians facinate you, Rajasthan is a must to visit.

I hope these will help

TaZ

Language: India is the country with the largest number of English Speakers! But you have to be slow in pronouncing. Even cab drivers generally speak at least some broken Hindi.

Places: Kerala, called God's own Country, is beautiful stretch of land. You can spend at least a few days at Kovalam - beach resort or Kumarakam (or Kumarakom) and have some tranquil days.

Jaipur is another great place to be. You have palaces and lot of ancient structures there.

Precautions: Touts & Thiefs are second only to God in being omnipresent.

Revealing dress style, in a land many wont reveal much, will not be an ideal thing to do.

Take care that you always consume packaged water.

Finally, if you happen to come to Hyderabad, drop in at our house, you are welcome here!

Steven V

I'm an American and I moved to India for a year.

The Taj Mahal and the Baha'i Temple are great places to go.

Timing is everything when traveling to places. If you want to experience real Indian culture, go to places around the festival times. For instance, Dasara in Mysore (southern India) is a very extravagant affair, but you have to plan months in advance to get your hotels and travel done right.

For traveling in India, I suggest going to Thomas Cook. This a is a travel company from the UK, but they are throughout India.

Read the Lonely Plant book on India for places to see.

Tirupati/Tirumala really sticks out. Traveling the backwaters of Kerala by boat. Going to the forts, temples, and deserts in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Going to Elephanta Island off the cost of Mumbai. And you can't go wrong with visiting the temples like Belur/Halebid/Somanthpur (Karnataka), Sun Temple(Orissa), or the Golden Temple.

As for learning the language, learn to read the Hindi alphabet. The Pimsleur Hindi CDs helps with basic phrases. Learning Hindi phrases works best because many of the words are shared in other languages. The Lonely Planet books are phrases in the back of the book in each of the local languages. If you really want to learn the language, you can high local people to teach you the language. There are schools that will have people come to your house/apartment and teach you.

You'll be able to get around in English unless you are in smaller villages.

Also, no one calls autorickshaws rickshaws...they always call them autos.

Get your shots before you go. Look at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for exactly which shots to get. You'll need to get them a few months before you go. It's best to start them 6 months before.

If you're an American and look American, Indians will idolize you. Don't be surprised when people come up to you and ask for your picture. They will be just very excited to meet you.

Also, bring a back pack with you where ever you go. It should have water, toilet paper, liquid soap, and umbrella (during the rainy season only). You can also use it for short trips.

When you stay in a hotel, you'll want to make sure it has a western bathroom. Indian toilets are entertaining sometimes, but you'll get sick of it really fast.

When eating food, remember you can take the peppers (aka capsicum) out of the food and it'll generally be a lot less spicy.

Eating onions when it's hot, actually helps to cool you down.

I don't really think you need a money belt. I used it for the first few days, but I think it's paranoia to have it.

As for mosquitoes, remember have air conditioning to kill mosquitoes.

Getting clothes washed is a full days process. They don't really use driers, so it takes a long time to dry.

In the winter, the north can get cold, so have coat and gloves. Sweaters are good to have.

Nate D

I'd definitely include Kerala in the list, amazing place, very peaceful.
jaipur is also nice like the other responder suggested. If you want something off the beaten pat, you could go to Leh/Ladakh, nice landscape and very different than rest of India.
You should be able to get by with English in most places but it wouldn't hurt to learn a bit of Hindi.
Also take a look at short videos on India, they should be helpful.
http://www.geobeats.com/videoclips/alldestinations/india

JJ SHROFF

Wel come to India!
Being an indian and an extensive traveller within the country, it would be my pleasure to tell u a few words. You already have a couple of tips, excuse me if I may repeat any.
1. PLACES TO VISIT:- India is awide country, even a year may seem short to visit it, so, best way is to catch a theme. I would suggest just a few-History( pre historic, mughal, Indian, British)
2. RELIGIOUS:- Hindu( varanasi, Vaishnodevi, dwarka, Allahabad, Shrinathji); Buddha(gaya, Ajanta, Khajuraho) Jain(Palitana, Sumet shikhar) etc..
3. HILL STN:-Himalayan(Kashmir, Darjiling, Nainital), others(Ooty, Mahabaeshar)
4. SEA SHORES:-Goa, Kovalam
5:-WILD LIFE(Lion, tiger, others)
Now coming to second question i.e. language tips-hindi is ok in entire country, well almost. English is fine in a guided tour or places of major attraction. However a few hindi tips...
ATM-Yahan ATM kidhar hai?(Where is ATM nearby?)
FARE-Kitna bhada lagega?(How much is the fare?)
PLEASE & thank you is ok
Khane mein kya hai? (What is in eating?)
Madame, I suggest u one thing-just make an elaborate phrases in english & e mail them to me. I would translate all for you in Hindi or Gujarati if u r coming to Gujarat state. My address is on the Yahoo.
GENERAL TIPS-
1. Drinking wate-pl. use only bottled water
2. Since u r alone, better take an arranged tour package.
3. Avoid street food. Keep some common medicines with u.
4. Dont pay any tips to casual askers.
5. Before paying, confirm with some one else with you.
6. do not buy from stranger. Shop only at shops.
7. Take care of camera, handycam, mobile etc..
8. Start ur tour from a metro like Mumbai(Bombay) to develop self-confidence.
9. I don't know where r u but I think, indians are now spread all over the world, u should be able contact one in ur own country.
10. For extreme emegency, keep ur consulate's address, phone no. handy.

Zorro

I wonder what you mean by "Real" cultures of India ? It's a big country with various flavours, colours, climates and places to be in. I'm sure you would've got a few ideas by reading all the answers posted here. Most of the advice given is pretty good.

Hindi is the language you need to try and pick up, although I don't think it is that necessary. "Please" and "Thank you" are well understood and used even by people who don't speak English here. Besides, all Indians use a lot of English words in their speech so almost everyone would understand if you say ATM, bus, Taxi, rickshaw, market, railway station, etc.

As a single woman, you will have to be slightly on your and avoid late nights and desolate places. I guess that holds true for most places in the world. Try to dress conservatively by which I mean non-revealing. Most big cities are modern in lifestyle and trendy clothes are popular.

I stay near the Delhi airport, so you could always get in touch if you need any assistance. I suggest you first decide on what you want to experience and then decide where you want to go. India has temples, historical monuments, deserts, mountains, beaches, enchanting festivals and food and a lot more.

robisurf

You seem to have some good advice already so won't add much to confuse you.
English is understood by almost everyone here though try to speak slowly and clearly.
Do be careful specially as you will be alone but then again that would be the same the world over.
Traveller's cheques and ATM cards are safer to carry though some hard cash is good to have on hand. Consider carrying Euros as this currency is going strong while the USD is dropping.
If you need any info on Goa or are planning on going to Goa, you can contact me as I am from Goa.

â™£MÇfiÇ Girlâ™£

Have fun in India and be friendly to all....

Mungalla Rama Krishna

India is a country which is good in its Natural Resources - Its good to watch Indias Historical Structures - Monuments & Nature - But, Beware from theifs etc.,

sajeednand

when ever you come to india first come to bombay then plan where ever you want to go thanks

arnie

Sorry. I'm a Filipino much better ask a question in the India directory.

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