India: where to begin???
- Thread starter Mrs Miggins
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souljacker
innit
Another vote here for Pushkar. From there, we kept going further into the desert to Jaisalmer. Also really liked Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan.
Maggot
The Cake of Liberty
i've only been to Delhi and Varanasi and would definitely recommend Varanasi. I didn't really enjoy Delhi, but you might well have to go there for connections.
I would recommend going to Nepal for a bit, but it sounds like you have enough choice in India without other recommendations.
I would recommend going to Nepal for a bit, but it sounds like you have enough choice in India without other recommendations.
moonsi til
worked it out now!
I have been India 4 times so far (will go back for that I'm sure), how about fly into Delhi, see the sights there and then onto Rathambore National Park for chance to spot tigers and plenty of beautiful birds, then Agra for Fort & Taj Mahal (go at sunrise) & then to the abadoned city of Fatepur Sikri begore being made breathless by Udaipur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodphur, Ajmer & Pushkar...all worth visiting (I have been to parts of Rajasthan twice), of course so many other wonderful places to visit but India is big & hopefully you will visit again.
Thimble Queen
Called away to another place
I loved Varanasi. Visit Meghu Cafe if you can. The best hot ginger lemon in the whole of india. Its run by a lovely indian and Japanese couple. Their veggie sushi and rice dishes are beautiful.
Gerry1time
Did a wee in Dirac's toilet
I got to India for the first time on Monday, and am here now, flying back Friday. Basically I'm working out here onboarding some Indian software development teams for the company I'm now working for. I came with few expectations, and this place is fucking phenomenal. The people are so friendly and hospitable, the whole way of life is just this amazing explosion of humanity, and I've literally just got back from the most amazing Indian food I've ever eaten, with flavours I never knew existed. I'm sure at some point I'll contract dysentery and end up hating on India for a while, but right now I'm completely loving it. 
ETA: FWIW I'm in Pune, something like 100 miles east of Mumbai. Not sure I'd recommend it as a tourist place as such, but if it's indicative of India generally then this is a fab country.
ETA: FWIW I'm in Pune, something like 100 miles east of Mumbai. Not sure I'd recommend it as a tourist place as such, but if it's indicative of India generally then this is a fab country.
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Gerry1time
Did a wee in Dirac's toilet
Just to update on my post above. I got back end of last week, and didn't get dysentery even once whilst out there. I'd contact Norris McWhirter and see if it's a new record, but he's dead. Still, like passing my driving test first time, I feel I've achieved something relatively rare and important.
Maharani
Just like Heaven
I'm going to Udaipur in Feb for my cousin's wedding. Was thinking of going for 12 days. Is that too long in Udaipur? Is it easy enough to go on day trips from there? Will be going with my 10 year old daughter and meeeting various family members out there on day 10 or so...
souljacker
innit
Probably not 12 days of sight seeing in the city. Once you've seen the lake and the palace, you've pretty much done it. I'm not sure about attractions in the area but you could get to pushkar or Jaipur by train for a couple of days I expect.
Maharani
Just like Heaven
Oooh. I want this framed for my kitchen. Where's it from?
Maharani
Just like Heaven
Are trains relatively easy to get around on?
Purdie
there are no stars, only suns
that particular one here Indian food map… which state is famous for which food!!!!
Another good one here Indian Cuisine Map, Indian Food
Maharani
Just like Heaven
Please help! There must be an urb somewhere that's travelled India by train. It sounds hard to pre book them. I've booked a night in Delh near the station so was going to ask the hotel to help me book tickets to Agra. I just want to know if it's ok and easy to buy tickets on the day of travel...
Johnny Canuck3
Well-Known Member
I've done trains in India, although it was a long time ago. I travelled by train from Mumbai through Gujarat, then Rajastan, ending up in Delhi. Always just bought tickets on the day of travel.
Be clear about what you want, though: the first time I bought a ticket, I ended up in 3rd Class - which was an experience in itself, but the sleeping accomodations weren't very comfortable.
Be clear about what you want, though: the first time I bought a ticket, I ended up in 3rd Class - which was an experience in itself, but the sleeping accomodations weren't very comfortable.
Bahnhof Strasse
Met up with Hannah Courtoy a week next Tuesday
The world's largest turban is on display in Udaipur, there's a thing to see.
We're off tomorrow night, a client of mine has just arrived in Mumbai and she can't get any cash. The ATM's are all closed, the currency exchange in the airport runs out by 10 in the morning...
State Bank of India branches seem to be the place to get cash, but 2500R's per day max.
We're off tomorrow night, a client of mine has just arrived in Mumbai and she can't get any cash. The ATM's are all closed, the currency exchange in the airport runs out by 10 in the morning...
State Bank of India branches seem to be the place to get cash, but 2500R's per day max.
Boudicca
Seaside Queen
Yes they withdrew 500 rupee notes apparently, to stop people hoarding them. It has caused chaos.
Bahnhof Strasse
Met up with Hannah Courtoy a week next Tuesday
Withdrew the 500 and 1000 note (£5 & £10) - they were the highest value notes. They are introducing a 2000R note, but it's really not in proper circulation yet. Not entirely sure what we'll do, but I guess there are a billion other people in the same boat, so just chill and go with the flow.
Reason behind this move is the beat money laundering and fraud, so in the long term should be good for the average Indian, but fucked up in the meantime!
souljacker
innit
Yes, but the queues can sometimes be big. Better to go the day before especially if it's an early train.
Trains in India were very good when I went but that was 20 years ago! I've heard they've got better though so go for it. Like jc3 said, make sure you get the right class of ticket. We used aircon coaches with nice seats mainly and they were fine.
Sir Belchalot
arenicola marina
Ain't travelled in India since the 90s but looks like they still have a tourist quota on many trains, plenty of info on the excellent Seat 61 site:
Train travel in India - a beginner's guide | How to buy tickets online
Maharani
Just like Heaven
I have a contact who might be helping us...but yes, it's a nightmare.
Bahnhof Strasse
Met up with Hannah Courtoy a week next Tuesday
I'll let you know how we get on. My client who arrived in Mumbai airport this morning is a fuck-head and was pissed out of skull. We're arrivinging Mumbai on Thursday morning before heading to Goa, as we have kids with us we'll be in a less fucked state. Will see what's what!
Bahnhof Strasse
Met up with Hannah Courtoy a week next Tuesday
Anyway, Udaipur, world's largest turban, huh!
Maharani
Just like Heaven
I've booked a hotel in Delhi and managed to get the tour guy there to book my tickets to Agra. I think I'll be using this thread a fair bit in the coming 2 months. Thank you in advance for your help. I'm very excited but a bit nervous about travelling alone with my little girl, although i know it'll be an adventure!
Maharani
Just like Heaven
Is that you?Anyway, Udaipur, world's largest turban, huh!
Bahnhof Strasse
Met up with Hannah Courtoy a week next Tuesday
No, but will be next week!
Thimble Queen
Called away to another place
Maharani
Just like Heaven
I know. We're very lucky. But after the year I've had I think we deserve it!
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