OFWTK, India, who's been?

[Old frt]

My daughter is off to India in a few days doing some work with Global Vision so basically any advice regarding getting around, local customs, things to do etc would be most appreciated.
She has already pencilled in Goa, Kerala and Rajasthan.
I was there briefly thirty years ago but don't really remember much other than doing somersaults on the dunny, never knew which end was going to erupt next.
Lots of info on the web but personal experiences from a forum I trust would be nice.
Thanks in advance.

[DrShan]

Tell her not to go.. best advice possible.

Tell her to NEVER travel alone. EVER!! Always go with atleast one able bodied MALE who knows how to fight.
Make sure the cabs use the meter. Never take the train. you will get robbed.
Goa has alot of tourists and alot of gangs.
Kerala isnt too bad food is great
Rajasthan in beautiful but watch your back.

Rule of thumb.. if it looks dodge.. skip it. Don't drink the tap water EVER! Bring toilet paper. sanitize after touching everything.

Oh and um.. dont trust anyone.

I lived there for many many years and hated every minute of it.

[RB 2 11]

I'm with DrShan on this. Two of my daughters have been, but on the other side of the country (Kolkatta).

I go there once or twice every month and can't wait to leave.

But, given that she's definitely going, his advice is sound.

Trust nobody.

[pnork]

I loved it - no, it's not a nice place as such, dirty, smelly, crawling with beggars & thieves, but I enjoyed my time there. I spent 6 weeks in Mumbai (when it was still called Bombay) and my then girlfriend (who was Indian - met her in Australia though) showed me where was safe to eat & drink without getting ripped off or food poisoned. I wouldn't suggest "Don't Go" as Dr Shan says, some love the place, some hate it - but it's an experience she'll never forget. And I wouldn't say don't ride the trains either - that's also an experience.
Only drink bottled water, and be careful of ice in drinks as well, as some places use ice made from local water. She *will* get ripped of at some stage, specially at the markets & using the auto-rickshaws, but that's all part of the journey.
Don't wear jewellery - necklaces will get torn off and I've heard from a reliable source that some thieves will resort to cutting off your fingers to get to rings etc. Don't give money to the beggars & keep away from the lepers. Can't remember much more than that.

[RAO]

If your daughter is going there with Global Vision, I'm sure they'd have given her a list of "do"s and "don't"s, and briefed them about the customs and cultures of specific places they'll be visiting. There are 28 states in India, and you'll find that the customs and practices in every state is different. The whole,"don't trust anyone" goes without saying, when you are travelling to a foreign land, be it India, or else where. Unlike in Australia, we don't have a street directory there. You get maps with major roads and highways marked, but that's of no good if you plan on travelling across a town. So, if your daughter plans on travelling across town, she better know where she's going or have someone with her, who does.

I can tell you a million things from the point of view of someone born and brought up in India. But, if you want to hear from someone who's travelled to India, PM Xander on PSB. If I remember correctly, he's spent some time there, and also taught English at some school in North India. He said, he had a wonderful time, so you are better off contacting him and asking him how he managed to do so. One of my friends, originally from New Zealand travelled to India and Pakistan in 2009-10, all by herself, came back in one piece, and had a great time.

As far as food goes, if your daughter cannot handle spices and chillies, tell her to ask people to serve her something that lacks either of them. There are plenty of food items that are prepared without spices and chillies, but taste awesome at the same time. As for water, like a few have suggested, bottled water would be the best go.

I don't think train travel is as dangerous as mentioned above, unless you choose to travel on the roof top of an electric train. On the other hand, if its a diesel or steam locomotive, and your daughter is a bit of a risk taker, she might as well give it a try. Just be careful and not get caught in the act. It is illegal and always has been, to travel on roof tops of trains. I've done that just twice during my stay in India, and it was the best feeling. Even beats the feeling of riding without a helmet.

If travelling with Global Vision, I'm guessing, your daughter's getting posted in some rural part of India, and is volunteering at some school, hospital or something similar. Some rural parts still might have bullock carts. If she comes across one, tell her to take a ride on it. It's really fun. You don't need heaps of money to have a great time in India. It's small things like these that bring so much joy, and for some reason, they stick in your memory for ever.

Travelling involves a lot of risks, regardless of where you are travelling to. In some cases, the level of risk is high. Take appropriate measures to deal with the risks, and have fun. If your daughter and her group are headed to Bangalore by any chance, let me know. My parents would be glad to have guests over, and they might have some good travel advice as well.

[Desmo]

Be careful, it's full of Indians.

[Dragunov-21]

fivechars

[DrShan]

I can tell you a million things from the point of view of someone born and brought up in India

did you have the unfortunate experience Rad???

This being one of the RARE occasions I agree with Desmo... CAREFUL!! its full of Derkas!!

I figured i would throw some good things in there for her!!
She has got to try a "MASALA DOSA" they are deliscious..
Also PAV BAJI!! and DHAI WHADA .. I think is how it would be spelt.

Lassi is nice.. might flush her guts but it tastes alright. And there is another thing that i really REALLY Loved when i was there but cant remember what its called..

On RARE occasions I miss certain things about that place..

Oh and the trains.. unless she WANTS to be surrounded by people who are stinky sweaty and dont know how to use a deodorant ... Its an experience alright.

[RAO]

did you have the unfortunate experience Rad???

This being one of the RARE occasions I agree with Desmo... CAREFUL!! its full of Derkas!!

.

What the fuck are you on about you fucking little cunt?! If you hated the country so much you should have left it much earlier, rather than putting up with it. Piss off and spread your hatred elsewhere.

[DrShan]

What the fuck are you on about you fucking little cunt?! If you hated the country so much you should have left it much earlier, rather than putting up with it. Piss off and spread your hatred elsewhere.

OH really.. i left when i was 18 shit head.. the earliest I COULD! -.-

[RAO]

I bet you quit your education as well, after 18.

[Old frt]

What have I started? It was a simple enough question.
Thanks for the tips anyway guys, she flys out monday morning

K, RAO & Dr Shan seconds out round 2

[DrShan]

What have I started? It was a simple enough question.
Thanks for the tips anyway guys, she flys out monday morning

K, RAO & Dr Shan seconds out round 2

ha ha!! Its alright. There isnt going to be a round 2. he has his opinion. i have mine.. Good luck.. She'll be fine. and i bet she will have a GREAT time.
just in case.. give her a GPS chipped belt buckle or something.

[RAO]

he has his opinion. i have mine..

I never had any issues with your opinions dude. It's when you started talking shit, referring to Indians as "Derkas", or in other terms, terrorists, is when I got upset. No matter how heated an argument I'm having, I wouldn't call somebody a terrorist. I'm sure Desmo didn't mean to say the same shit that you did. I don't think any person who's lived in India, or otherwise, would say something like that. I think you've just got a bug up your bottom against Indians and hence the comments. Have you actually lived in India, or are you making this whole story up?

[Desmo]

I was merely having a joke with RAO about India being full of Indians because I know he's, we'll, Indian.
Kinda like him saying don't go to England because it's full of Indians. I mean poms.

[RAO]

Kinda like him saying don't go to England because it's full of Indians. I mean poms.

[DrShan]

I never had any issues with your opinions dude. It's when you started talking shit, referring to Indians as "Derkas", or in other terms, terrorists, is when I got upset. No matter how heated an argument I'm having, I wouldn't call somebody a terrorist. I'm sure Desmo didn't mean to say the same shit that you did. I don't think any person who's lived in India, or otherwise, would say something like that. I think you've just got a bug up your bottom against Indians and hence the comments. Have you actually lived in India, or are you making this whole story up?

Well Ok.. I was't calling them terrorists.. thats a bit extreme.. They can be dodgy at times but hey u get there here too so..

I grew up there.. studied there.. lost my virginity there.!! my parents still live there.

and im supposed to be going back for a week in Dec..

[Trashed]

I went to Kerala 2 years ago and loved it. Can't wait to go back.

I was travelling in a group of 4 women and one 2 year old, and honestly, we didn't have any problems. We travelled on the train from Fort Cochin to Varkala. It was fine. We just bought our tickets on the day, no problems.

You do need to go there expecting a certain amount of begging, hygiene problems and people trying to rip you off. But, we also met some truly wonderful people who went out of their way to be hospitible, and ate some glorious food. If your daughter goes to Fort Cochin when she's in Kerala I would recommend staying at "The Delight" homestay Delight Resorts: A traveler's home away from home, in Cochin. It's not a resort as we would think of it, it's more like bed and breakfast. And cheap. Run by a lovely couple.

One piece of advice I could give is that I'm not someone who tolerates the heat well, so I took some powerade powder to mix in water. I drank at least a glass of it everyday and I definitely felt better for it. You do sweat a lot there!

Good luck to her Paul. PM me if you want any more info. I think she'll have a great time

[Old frt]

Hi Tash,I'm Paul's daughter - thanks for the advice! I have to say I like your positive outlook! That is the consensus I have heard from friends who have travelled there, we are a sensible couple of friends so shouldn't run in to too much trouble.

We are volunteering in Kerala in a place just outside of fort cochin so its good to hear thats its a nice place to be. We are spending a bit of time in Goa, but most of the touring around Rajasthan by a combination of first class air conditioned trains or planes

I am really looking forward to going and will have to update everyone here as to my opinion when I get back

Thanks again

Laura

[Desmo]

Hi Tash,I'm Paul's daughter

Pics.