Have you ever been to India?

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krish

India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - but if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload, then it is one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas unfolding on earth, and you'll quickly develop an abiding passion for it.

Nothing in the country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected, which comes in many forms and will always want to sit next to you. India is a litmus test for many travellers - some are only too happy to leave, while others stay for a lifetime.

When To Go
Climate plays a key factor in deciding when to visit India. Keep in mind that climatic conditions in the far north are distinctly different to those of the extreme south.

Generally, India's climate is defined by three seasons - the hot, the wet (monsoon) and the cool, each of which can vary in duration from north to south. The most pleasant time to visit most places is during the cooler period: November to around mid-February.

The heat starts to build up on India's northern plains from around February, and by April or May it really hots up, peaking in June. In central India temperatures of 45Â°C and above are commonplace. South India also becomes uncomfortably hot during this time.

Late in May the first signs of the monsoon are visible in some areas - high humidity, electrical storms, short rainstorms and dust storms that turn day into night. The hot season is the time to abandon the plains and head for the cooler hills, and this is when hill stations are at their best (and busiest).

When the monsoon finally arrives the rain comes in steadily, generally starting around 1 June in the extreme south and sweeping north to cover the whole country by early July. The main monsoon comes from the southwest, but the southeast coast (and southern Kerala) is largely affected by the short and surprisingly wet northeast monsoon, which brings rain from around October to early December.

Things don't really cool down: at first hot, dry and dusty weather is simply replaced by hot, humid and muddy conditions. It doesn't rain all day, but it rains every day. Followed by the sun this creates a fatiguing steam bath-like environment.

Around October the monsoon ends for most of the country. This is when India sees most tourists - however, it's too late to visit Ladakh (May to October is the optimum period). During October and November it's generally not too hot and not too cool (October can still be humid in some regions). In the thick of winter (around mid-December to mid-January), Delhi and other northern cities can become astonishingly cold, especially at night - and it's bone-chilling in the far north. In the far south the temperatures become comfortably warm during this period.

It's worth checking the dates of particular festivals - you may be attracted or repelled by the chaos (and jacked-up prices) that attend them. There are virtually no festivals in May/June. The wedding season falls between November and March, when you're likely to see at least one lively procession through the streets.

For more info mail: krish4all@gmail.com

About Bombay:
Mumbai has much to see. Once a tiny island overrun by swaying palm trees, it used to belong to the native koli fisher-folk, who still live here in their little villages surrounded by soaring skyscrapers. In the seventeenth century came Portuguese colonists who dotted the island with several forts, which stand even today. In 1661, Mumbai was finally ceded to Charles II of England and eventually became one the largest ports in the British Empire.
In fact the city owes its origins essentially to the Raj. Most of its stately public buildings such as the Venetian Gothic University, the Gothic High Court and the Indo - Saracenic Prince Of Wales Museum were built during this time, and when the first railway line started functioning in 1857, thousands of Indians from all over the country poured in to work in the city's flourishing textile mills.
Now the mills have all but closed down, but much of the downtown area is still exactly as it was, full of graceful old colonial buildings that have obviously seen better days. Through them you can virtually trace the rise and fall of the British Empire in India.

Adam

Yes it is definately worh going. I went to Mumbai, New Delhi and saw the Taj. Best time is winter. The weather is always warm but you want to miss the monsoon season.

The culture is interesting and the people are kind, but it is difficult seeing all the poverty in the big cities.

christancat2000

Nope, I've never been there. Maybe you and some friends could check out Arizona for a stop off on your way to one of the Mexican Fiestas that are always happening down South. Don't forget to bring a lot of bottled water. :))

florence

No, I am looking forward to the answers you get!

Alicia

I've been 2 years back in Bangalore and mysore. There are nice stuffs to see like parks, zoos, sightseeing etc as long as you can stand the filth and real spicy food. The people are nice but you are bound to be really touched by the number of poor people there. I felt like crying all the way from the airport when i saw barefooted kids going to school or working, or begging. Be prepared to such scenes as soon as you disembark, the kids will come rushing to u, begging for money.

1c3_pr1nc3ss

no... but i'l like to go there for a visit as well... ;p

kaka90250

its a filthy place...people are every where...the places as nice...but too many humans ..and every where.

Kite man

i live in INDIA , my friends have said enough about my mother , i just want to add 1 point that there is a religion dimansion to this wonderful nation. if u want to know some thing in particular about any religion i will try to help as i can .

well i have read the responsess they are much is writen truth here.
about that song , i really mean it .

Pony Boy

nope

India is a big place but north south have different tastes and cultures but is definitely worth going. You need to be care full of imitations and people always hassling to sell something. One needs to see the other part of the world to appreciate the beauties. For fares you need to check the yahoo travel or the airlines themselves or with the airlines agents. There are so many beautiful places but look at the websites.

vivek_ray

well i am indian and live in Inida. India has been ranked as top 5 destination by lonely planet. The best time to visit is between october to February as these are the collest month. But if you want to visit the hill stations summers are the best. People are good and friedly. However, there are a few who may want to take advantage of the foreigners. Hence, take assistance from tourism department.

India is a huge country, that can give yuo a very diverse experience. It depends if you are interested in history, heritage and culture, or leisure, or advantrure. India offers all. It is imposible to expereince the entire India in just one visit.

By the way make your plans..its worth it. Get in toruch with good travel agent who knows about india. Once, your plans are ready you may get in tocuh with me, I shall be glad to give you my inputs to make the experience a memorable one.

Kath

Nope..

kittubal

yes

soniaâ™¥;

Yes, only twice. Once when I was around five and again when I was eleven I guess. It's been about three years since the last visit. I can only recall going to the Golden Temple. It is outrageously hot and this was during the summer. They have some carpet, but it doesn't help much. It's very cultural I would have to say, though I have only been to Punjab. I am looking forward to seeing the great Taj Mahal. I really like bazaars too, but make sure to take someone that knows their way or you will surely get lost.

therock_vicky2008

i staty in india if u have any questions then mail me at therock_vicky2008@yahoo.com

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