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India
A true assault on the senses! The colours, spices, smells, foods, beauty, noise, energy flying everywhere! This amazing country has it all, Mountains, Endless beaches, Tropical islands, Deserts, immense culture, history and a wealth of amazing food to grow large on! A one stop shop for the Adventurous! and not so adventurous!!
Getting AroundBy far the best and most comfortable way to get around long distance is by train. failing that, there will always be a bus going to where you want, it will be hot, squashy, and an interesting trip. you will always meet other travelers and inquisitive locals to ease the long distance, and take your mind off your numb legs.
Book your train tickets online at cleartrip. just print out your ticket and away you go! Delhi Lotus Temple. Delhi
The capital city,
Delhi's Metro system makes it easy to get around this huge city and its various sights. There is a lot to see, do, and experience here. The air scented with spices and incense, streets buzzing with traffic, people and hawkers Many famous sights, and delectable street food, do try the samosas!!
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Love It!
They say you will either love it or hate it, Personally i loved it and so did my girlfriend; Although that's not to say we weren't pushed to the limits of our sanity, and or sanitation at times!
The Indian people are warm and friendly and are steeped in culture and tradition. You will regularly find yourself with absolutely no idea what is going on, as piles of people come out of no where, dancing and shouting, banging drums, throwing flowers, celebrating something , then disappear around a corner. There is a constant stream of national holidays and celebrations crammed into the calender, and then more regional festivities crammed in. Not a place you will ever get bored in, EVER! |
Varanasi
Varanasi, sitting on the banks of the mighty Ganges, One of the holiest cities in all of India, and one of the longest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
It really is one of the must see destinations of Northern India. There is so much going on, and can sometimes be a little overwhelming for some. Even when describing the place to some people, i see their face squash up in a confused / disgusted' why would you go there look' . Yes it is crowded, dirty, noisy, a river not entirely clean etc etc, but none of this takes away from the sheer energy and almost magical feel of Varanasi. The local deeply religious people practicing there rituals along the Ghats are extremely absorbing, A vast array of Temples line the Ganges as well as throughout the ancient city. |
Agra
You will be of course be coming here for the incredible, Taj Mahal.
There isn't much point in staying much around much longer than your intended visit to the Taj. DO get there early for the sunrise. preferably with time to spare Q's build quickly, and as the morning goes on you will see the sheer amount of people arriving by the bus load. During the full moon The Taj sells limited amounts of tickets for the eager photographer to enter during the night, book ahead as tickets sell fast. inside you will be offered by helpful "staff" on the best photo spots, extra info etc, for a little tip. |
Jodhpur, The Blue City
Rajasthan
The land of Kings.
The most frequently traveled state in India. There are some amazing things to see here, whether you have 2 weeks or two months you will have a crammed schedule. From ancient forts, palaces, temples, deserts, buzzing markets, camel fairs, simply amazing food. By far the best way to get around is by train. If you cant get your hand on a train ticket there is always a bus going where you want.
Sample Train Route 5/6 weeks Delhi-Agra- Jaipur-Pushkar-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer- Udaipur- Delhi/Mumbai
The most frequently traveled state in India. There are some amazing things to see here, whether you have 2 weeks or two months you will have a crammed schedule. From ancient forts, palaces, temples, deserts, buzzing markets, camel fairs, simply amazing food. By far the best way to get around is by train. If you cant get your hand on a train ticket there is always a bus going where you want.
Sample Train Route 5/6 weeks Delhi-Agra- Jaipur-Pushkar-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer- Udaipur- Delhi/Mumbai
- Cities in Rajasthan
Jaipur The pink city
It can be a good idea to hire a tuk tuk for the day and take in a few sights, price will include them waiting outside of the sights for you, expect around 500rs for the day, although you can haggle or do a few favours for them to lower the price, popping into spice shops and tailors with them so they get some commission :^)
- Jal Mahal Also Known as the Floating Palace or water palace
- Amber Fort impressive big fort upon a hill over looking the surounding hills and town, can combine this with a view of the water palace along the way,watch for the monkeys!
- Hawa Mahal Iconic pink facade in Old Jaipur, definitely worth a stroll through the fantastic markets and lively streets to have a look
It can be a good idea to hire a tuk tuk for the day and take in a few sights, price will include them waiting outside of the sights for you, expect around 500rs for the day, although you can haggle or do a few favours for them to lower the price, popping into spice shops and tailors with them so they get some commission :^)
Floating Palace
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Amber Fort
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Hawa Mahal
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Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort
The blue City
Small old winding alleyways, bustling markets, wafting of spices,
royal palaces and a giant fortress. Jodhpur is a great Indian town steeped in history and culture, offering a lot to do and see
Small old winding alleyways, bustling markets, wafting of spices,
royal palaces and a giant fortress. Jodhpur is a great Indian town steeped in history and culture, offering a lot to do and see
- Mehrangarh Fort - Overlooking the City, on top of a hill, Mehrangarh Fort is a huge royal mansion giving great views over the Blue City.
- Umaid Bhawan A Royal Palace, and one of the largest private residencies in the world, part museum, part hotel also. located near an airforce base out side the town, with an impressive old car collection
Jaisalmer
- Camel Safari, the Western reaches of India, out in the Thar desert. a big to do in this area, is doing an overnight Camel Safari, spending a night on the dunes underneath a blanket of starts. Eating freshly made dal and chapatis over a fire, under a tree. Definitely worth the sore bum, I recommend the trips offered through the guesthouse Roop Mahal just outside the fort, also stay here, good place, nice food too:D
- The Desert landscape
Experience the desert and the wonderful marwar people, visit small villages, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the desert, apart from the Military Jet fly bys every now and again! last stop before pakistan! - Jaisalmer Fort - This Large fort is the oldest inhabited fort in the world, an amazing site
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Pushkar
Once a year in November 100s of thousands of Camels with their Traders descend on this small holy town near Ajmer. Camels and horses are traded alongside various traditional shows, entertainment and competitions held. The week long celebrations are attended by millions, coinciding with holy bathing processions in the holy lake in the town center. If you are visiting during the camel fair definitely book ahead. Also take no notice of some fake priests asking for donations or giving 'free' flowers to put on the lake. another scam is people telling you that you need some wrist band to visit the lake, this is also not true!
Once a year in November 100s of thousands of Camels with their Traders descend on this small holy town near Ajmer. Camels and horses are traded alongside various traditional shows, entertainment and competitions held. The week long celebrations are attended by millions, coinciding with holy bathing processions in the holy lake in the town center. If you are visiting during the camel fair definitely book ahead. Also take no notice of some fake priests asking for donations or giving 'free' flowers to put on the lake. another scam is people telling you that you need some wrist band to visit the lake, this is also not true!
Udaipur
The City of Lakes, a charming little city surrounded by lakes and hills also the setting of the famous James Bond movie Octopussy. You will find this movie playing nonstop in most rooftop bars and restaurants every night See and do
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Diwali Designs
Zooming around in a Tuk Tuk is awesome
The Taj Mahal at Dawn, Agra
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Great views from the monsoon Palace in Udaipur, India
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Lake Pichola, Udaipur
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The Andaman Islands
Beach 7
The Andaman Islands. These remote islands far from the Indian coast, Closer to Myanmar, are a real tropical paradise. To get here you will have to fly from Delhi, Calcutta or Chennai, you can get a ferry from either Calcutta or Chennai, but Times are unpredictable.
Port Blair, once the home of an old colonial prison, is worth a day or so visit, to check out the prison museum, and other historical sights. to get an insight into the history and a back ground into the locals life on the surrounding Islands.
Havelock Island
Is the most visited Island and has wonderful beaches , soft white sand, clear blue sea, and never will it be crowded.
if you are coming you have a choice of staying near beach 7 or beach 5, or a few places along the little road connecting both sides of the Island. Beach 7 has a couple of places to stay but are much more expensive, as beach 7 is definitely the best beach, for swimming and sunsets and so on, but it is far away from the shop/ little restaurants, and so on
Beach 5 area is fine to stay on, plenty of cheap places to stay, and expensive ones. and plenty of places to eat
I would recommend renting a scooter while you are here, cheaper than getting a tuk tuk around. There is one road crossing the island, with a turn off to some small villages, the roads are quiet, with the odd bus or jeep driving along or a tuk tuk here and there.
There are places in the Andamans you are not allowed visit. This is to minimize risk to the natives health and way of life
there are even some islands like North Sentinel Island, Where the native tribes have never communicated with the outside world. A magical place off the beaten track.
Port Blair, once the home of an old colonial prison, is worth a day or so visit, to check out the prison museum, and other historical sights. to get an insight into the history and a back ground into the locals life on the surrounding Islands.
Havelock Island
Is the most visited Island and has wonderful beaches , soft white sand, clear blue sea, and never will it be crowded.
if you are coming you have a choice of staying near beach 7 or beach 5, or a few places along the little road connecting both sides of the Island. Beach 7 has a couple of places to stay but are much more expensive, as beach 7 is definitely the best beach, for swimming and sunsets and so on, but it is far away from the shop/ little restaurants, and so on
Beach 5 area is fine to stay on, plenty of cheap places to stay, and expensive ones. and plenty of places to eat
I would recommend renting a scooter while you are here, cheaper than getting a tuk tuk around. There is one road crossing the island, with a turn off to some small villages, the roads are quiet, with the odd bus or jeep driving along or a tuk tuk here and there.
There are places in the Andamans you are not allowed visit. This is to minimize risk to the natives health and way of life
there are even some islands like North Sentinel Island, Where the native tribes have never communicated with the outside world. A magical place off the beaten track.
Goa & Southern India
Some cows on holiday in Goa
Goa miles and miles of sandy beach awesomeness, Goa
Why go? Tropical beaches, warm people, mouth watering food, old colonial towns, forts, spice markets and so much history and culture.
Generally down south is much more relaxed than Rajasthan.. Catch a train down to Goa or Kochi, so come on down, relax, and enjoy a fresh fish curry. A big night life scene has build up around northern Goa, so if its some peace and relaxation you want you are probably better of heading to Southern Goa, somewhere like Benaulim Beach  Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
Panaji also known as Panjim. The small state capital is ultimately a small slice of Portugal built along the banks of the Mandovi river. A charming city, distinct in its old colonial architecture, its center lined with trees, old catholic churches, and red tiled roofs, India, but not as you know it! A true meeting point of cultures.
Panaji is definitely well worth a visit, and only 9kms away is Old Goa, which was the former capital of Goa when the Portuguese where knocking about. Now a UNESCO listed World Heritage site, Old Goa is home to many impressive old Churches and Basilicas. An easy day trip from Panaji, either by bus or Tuk Tuk. An interesting place and completely unique. |
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Kochi Old Chinese fishing nets, brought by old settlers, and still in use today
Kochi or Cochin is an old colonial port town in the beautiful state of Kerala. The Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have all been here dabbling with spice trading and leaving there mark on the coastline. Theres plenty to see and do check outsome historical sites in Mattancherry/Fort Kochi St. Francis church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Vasco House, Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi beach, Chinese fishing nets and watch the sunset.
There is a beautiful sandy coastline about 20kms from Kochi, with Cherai Beach being one of the more well known, lined with palm trees and little bars and cafes, a favorite with locals also. You can also do trips on live aboard boats up and down the back waters in the area, didnt get a chance to do this, but a lot of people seem too! |
