Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[fourloves]

Hi Sharon,

Looks like you're the proud helper of a hot topic here - the south Indian destination. If you would, I would like to pose a few more questions...

I am coming to Goa after the monsoon season this year (late Octoberish), to take up learning the tabla and to try my voice at some hindi. I already have an instuctor in mind, and will be learning with him in Canacona.

Where would you recommend I look for apartments/accomodation for 2-4 months, or do you think it is a better option to simply stay in a hostel? Do you find learning the language difficult, and what is the best method of learning for yourself? (Instructed or self-taught?)

Lastly, why do you live in Goa, what keeps you there, and what are your loves/hates about the area?

Thanks for all your help!

Cheers,
MacK

[sharon1306]

Hi Mack,

Just saw your post:) Been recovering from the flu... Late October is an excellent time to be in Goa. If you already have an instructor who is based in Canacona, I'm assuming you would want to base yourself there as well? Canacona is in South Goa, close to the famous Palolem Beach (most recent claim to fame is that one of the Bourne movies was partially shot there). If you're looking for long term accomodations in that area, I would suggest looking for guest-houses.

About learning hindi... well, it depends on how good you are with languages... If you have a good instructor, I suppose it would be easier to learn the basics rather than trying to learn it yourself. Just curious, why learn Hindi in Goa?

The reason I live in Goa is very simple really. I love living here. I love the peace and quiet, the proximity to the beach, the people. Goa was a Portuguese colony for over 450 years, and you can feel that influence the minute you cross the borders into the state. Its very laid-back. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Sharon

[lauraexplorer]

I have heard so many things about travelling India. One thing that seems very common is that it is very difficult. It is one place that I haven't been to yet and to be honest, I am a little nervous. I do however see it in my cards so I figured I should get some advice.

I didn't want to pick just this quote out, but many people say that India is 'difficult' or an attack on senses. I don't understand?!?! maybe I'm just really adaptable but I didn't go to tourist complexes or hotels, I stayed with the locals being only 17years old I thought it was amazing.

I went to Bangalore, Mysore and other more remote villages which I am appaled to say I can't remember their names!

It is an amazing experience, just don't stay in a tourist complex, you need to see the REAL India. However, if your senses are rather delicate then I guess you may have too!!!


Any information needed on my visit to India then look at my blog!
Laura

[lighthouse]

Greetings Sharon:
I've been ask to come to Rajahmundry India to share my testimony & speak.
I've never been there. I know nothing. Can you help me out? Thanks
GOD-BLESS
Ray
This is the day that the LORD hath made!

rberto@comcast.net

[roseyben]

I have heard so many things about travelling India. One thing that seems very common is that it is very difficult. It is one place that I haven't been to yet and to be honest, I am a little nervous. I do however see it in my cards so I figured I should get some advice.

I didn't want to pick just this quote out, but many people say that India is 'difficult' or an attack on senses. I don't understand?!?! maybe I'm just really adaptable but I didn't go to tourist complexes or hotels, I stayed with the locals being only 17years old I thought it was amazing.

India is a place you will either love or hate; there is no in between! I loved it and plan to go back one day!!

I studied Indian Politics in my final year at uni which is when I vowed that one day I would check it out. I was so fascinated with the pictures and stories my tutor told me about after he spent a year on sabbatical out there and I just knew it would be just as amazing for me. My partner knew nothing about India and was awestruck for the first few days but once he got used to the craziness he loved it too.

The thing with India is you have to take it for what it is and it can be any number of things, from a progressive 21 century country to a backward third world country which is still struggling on many levels and can be hard to appreciate at times. We are so used to living extravagant lives even though you may not be rich you take for granted the TV in the living room, your washing machine, fridge freezer and designer trainers/clothes. You will still have lived a far more comfortable life than around 95% of those living in India and if you are anything like me this will make you appreciate your life more. If it doesn’t you don’t deserve the opportunity to travel across such an amazing diverse place.

The challenge is character building and i would recommend anyone to give it a go. If you have travel Thailand, Cambodia etc and loved it then India must surely be your next stop. I have so many stories to tell, most noteably being the bus journey from hell - on the worst journey forum - a long with a million other happy memories.

So where do you start?
I would honestly start with some research so you don’t get the shock of your life when you arrive. I would love to be able to suggest a good guide book but alas I can’t. We bought the Lonely Planet and the most frequent thing it was used for was toilet paper. Believe me when I say that after just reading the first few pages you will be half scared to death at the thought of being in India; it seriously is not for the faint hearted acording to them. The hotels, B&Bs and guest houses which are recommended in The Lonely Planet will have probably doubled in price by the time you arrive as they live of the reputation. So we often went to ones close to them. Though it does recommend some great off the beaten track places which made our adventures truly amazing. Once you are in India you will meet other travelers who will recommend places to go. There are 3 levels of price in India; local price, Asian price and tourist price. Please don't think i am being racist. You will get ripped off in some places there is no doubt its up to you to barter to the death especially with rickshaw drivers!!

Plan a basic route. Seriously no matter how long you decide you want to spend in India you need to have some idea as to which parts you wanna see, a rough idea of how long you are gonna stay in one place and what there is to do there. You will find that you love some places more than others and that’s the beauty of having a basic route; you can then decide to spend a few more days in the places that you like and quickly escape the ones you don’t like. Booking buses and trains can be a nightmare in some places so you always need to think ahead.

The obvious place to start is of course Delhi simply because every airline flys in and out. I would recommend you start in Delhi because if you can’t hack the pace of life and sights in Delhi then you will not hack the rest of India. And when I say sights I’m not just talking about the lush temples which were once owned by rich Rajah’s and the many historic tourist attractions. I’m talking about the dirty sweet smelling streets full of rubbish, with big black rats running around, which have urinals just there on the corner with no privacy, the man you walk past stood whistling while he is taking a leek against a tree. The disfigured creatures that walk the streets expecting you to hand over your rupees with out battering an eye lid. The kids that play bare foot in the streets dressed in rags playing in front of their tent shaped tarpaulin houses. Its heart rendering at times and depressing too and the only thing you will do if you give your rupees is feed a culture that needs to be starved. I cried many times especially in Mysore i think maybe by then it had all kinda got to me. Its is hard to say no to the lady sat on the side of a road with a baby in her arms begging me to 'take child to England to give a good life' or the man with no arms sat cross legged hoping I will pop some notes in his shirt pocket. Or the man that sends his young boy to follow us the full length of the street begging all the way for 'just a few rupees so i don't get beat.'

You will feel every emotion possible and nothing will prepare you. Just remeber to keep your whits about you as you would in any country, if you don't feel safe move on. There is good and bad where ever you travel. Take the good with you and leave the bad behind.

So if i haven't put you off (hey i'm just being honest) go travel, enjoy and savour every memory. There are 30 entries on our blog - roseyben - and an ode to India about our time there. Hampi (over night bus ride from Goa) is the place to be make sure you have time to go especailly for the colour festival.

If any one is deciding to travel the triangle - Delhi, Jaipour, Agra, etc i can give you the email address for the driver we used to see if you can book him as we still keep in touch. We had a blast, paid a fair price and even saw the tiger in Ranthambore which is a rare site when you realise how many people visit.

Stay safe & Happy travels x x x

Rosey & Ben
www.travelpod.com/members/roseyben

[lauraexplorer]

I have heard so many things about travelling India. One thing that seems very common is that it is very difficult. It is one place that I haven't been to yet and to be honest, I am a little nervous. I do however see it in my cards so I figured I should get some advice.

I didn't want to pick just this quote out, but many people say that India is 'difficult' or an attack on senses. I don't understand?!?! maybe I'm just really adaptable but I didn't go to tourist complexes or hotels, I stayed with the locals being only 17years old I thought it was amazing.

India is a place you will either love or hate; there is no in between! I loved it and plan to go back one day!!

We are so used to living extravagant lives even though you may not be rich you take for granted the TV in the living room, your washing machine, fridge freezer and designer trainers/clothes. You will still have lived a far more comfortable life than around 95% of those living in India and if you are anything like me this will make you appreciate your life more. If it doesn’t you don’t deserve the opportunity to travel across such an amazing diverse place.

What do you mean by you don't deserve the opportunity?!?!

I was just expressing my feelings of confusion about people not liking the country. You can't NOT like a country?!? maybe I'm set in my ways but I would say I had a very 'rough' experience over there.
I was in hospital on the drip I was malestered whilst sleeping in hospital I had orphans scratching me and I'm now under investigation for tropical diseases. So i wouldn't say I had the best of luck over there, but it was bloody brilliant. I loved every minute of it and I did it all for the children in the orphanage particualry Girasha.

So I am confused as to why people who go to the tourist areas which are 10x 'nicer' than other areas are finding themselves in shock?!?

I really don't know where this is going, but each to thier own

I'd have to say if your going to go out there and feel sorry for the kids the least you can do is help them by visiting an orphanage or a BOSCO centre there are loads especially in the cities. And a day with the children will cost you nothing but for them it is priceless love which you are showing them.

That's it for the confused me!!
Check out my (unfinished) blog on India sometime soon

Laura

[effie123]

Hi,

My name is Becki, I’m 25 and from London. I’m going to India at the end of this year for 3 months. I went to Goa November 07 and on a train Journey to Hampi, I fell in love with the place and people and I’m dying to get back!

i have got lots of questions so sorry to bother you with all this but you seem to have such a vast knowledge after reading your advise to other people.

I don’t really have a plan as such. Because I’m travelling on my own I was going to arrive in Delhi and start with a shoestring trip. Its 21 days and covers the main points in North Goa.

From there I want to work my way down the west coast through Mumbai, Goa and Kerala.
My questions are what are the best ways to travel? Is there a good route to take? Or any places not to miss? And how much money will I need with me. I’m told the internal flights in India are really cheap too and was wondering if its worth it or if it better getting a train.

I plan to be pretty basic and live on a fairly low budget. Some people have said £10 a day is about middle range.
Also can you recommend a website to find hotels and hostels across India?

The other thing is I would like to find people now who will be out there at the same time as me. Its pretty scary (more exciting) going alone but it would be good to know some other people who will be ion the same boat.

There are probably loads of other things I will need to ask before I go but I think the is more than enough to start with.

Hope I haven’t overloaded you with questions!

Kind regards,

Becks.

[cindib]

I am hoping you'll give me some elementary tips on the best type of clothing to take. We are coming in December for 10 days. We'll go to Kodai, Agra, Varnassi and possibly Goa. We'll be traveling mostly by train and will stay in local hotels with our small group. Everyone else in our group is a seasoned India traveler so I need help! ha. For a ten day trip, what would you recommend to take? I made a note of your tips so far.

I look forward to continuing to read your tips that you post...you should do a book.

Cindi

[starlagurl]

What do the other people in your group say?

[bloomer]

Goa is a great place to get acclimated to India, it's pretty tourist-friendly and easy to negotiate--sort of like India "lite." Most people speak English, and if you want to impress them, learn a couple of words of Konkanee, the native language. I found that most there don't really speak much Hindi, but in the north almost everyone understands. Some Tamil and Kannada will be helpful as well for tamil nadu and Karnataka, respectively. Once you get out into the villages, almost no-one has any English except "What your name," and "what your country." It's really fun to fire the same questions back at them in their own language, they really love it!
As far as the south, no trip there would be complete without seeing some things inland--Hampi is magnificent, and there are cool towns in the ghats, Munnar, Conoor, Ooty and others. Kerala is just great, lots of ashrams there for meditation and yoga that cost more like 10 dollars a night instead of 300. Also the southern ghats have a few wildlife preserves you can drive through and see elephants, spotted deer, and all kinds of other creatures. There are many tea plantations tucked away on the Tamil Nadu/Kerala border area as well.
Varkalla is breathtaking, a cluster of cool little restaurants and guesthouses clinging to the top of the cliffs, and a hundred stairs later, a beach at the bottom. Watch out for the riptide though.
Kaniyakumari has the distinction of being a place where in one day, you can see the sun rise and set over water from the same place.
Chennai is one of the cooler cities I visited there, lots of palm trees on the streets, and a beach that's about a mile wide, filled with little stalls you can buy all manner of things in.
Two of the most delicious dishes are also southern India specialties: Dosa and Puri Baji. Puri Baji is a great breakfast!
The south is a little less "uptight" than the rest of India, but it would serve you well to keep your shoulders covered (unless you're in Goa), wear light long trousers, and if you're a woman, stay away from large gatherings of men. They get a little fresh, as their impression of western women (thanks to hollywood) is that they're a little "loose." Unfortunately, this sexism makes it tough for women to travel solo, it's best to go with a group, or at least a pair (once again, it is much safer solo in Goa and Kerala).
I went to south India for 18 days, it turned into 5 months and 10 days of riding a motorcycle solo from Kerala to high in Himachal Pradesh. I don't recommend that though, unless you were born on a motorcycle like me. It is extremely challenging and dangerous in the backcountry on two wheels!
I would say, keep your plan VERY loose. India is the country where everything is possible, but just not right now. Let it flow, and you will love it. Expect things to be timely, or even extant, and you will just be frustrated. The way will open itself to you if you open yourself to the way. Take off your Western lenses, and you will see!
India will pull you in, and once Mother India touches your heart, you will be in love forever. I write this as I'm booking my ticket for another two month's time, leaving in two weeks.

[effie123]

I am hoping you'll give me some elementary tips on the best type of clothing to take. We are coming in December for 10 days. We'll go to Kodai, Agra, Varnassi and possibly Goa. We'll be traveling mostly by train and will stay in local hotels with our small group. Everyone else in our group is a seasoned India traveler so I need help! ha. For a ten day trip, what would you recommend to take? I made a note of your tips so far.

I look forward to continuing to read your tips that you post...you should do a book.

Cindi

Dont know if it helps but i was in Goa in Nov/Dec and I took a couple of light cotton loose tops and linen trousers, it was great for travelling and exploring in. I brought some really cheap cotton tops in Goa too and they were great and at £3 a top i didnt mind if they got dirty or damaged.
Take as little as possible is my advise, i took way too much, i pretty much lived in cotton tops (one to wear, one to wash, and one spare) and a 3 pairs of linen trousers, and shorts.
Goa is pretty laid back but its still respectful to cover up a bit if travelling around or when using trains/buses.

Ohh and also go bright! everyone is in such vibrant colours, and im told the mozzies are attracted to dark colours so be bold! I stuck to bright colours and only got one small bite.

Hope it helps and have a fantastic time!

[sharon1306]

Hi,

My name is Becki, I’m 25 and from London. I’m going to India at the end of this year for 3 months. I went to Goa November 07 and on a train Journey to Hampi, I fell in love with the place and people and I’m dying to get back!

i have got lots of questions so sorry to bother you with all this but you seem to have such a vast knowledge after reading your advise to other people.

I don’t really have a plan as such. Because I’m travelling on my own I was going to arrive in Delhi and start with a shoestring trip. Its 21 days and covers the main points in North Goa.

From there I want to work my way down the west coast through Mumbai, Goa and Kerala.
My questions are what are the best ways to travel? Is there a good route to take? Or any places not to miss? And how much money will I need with me. I’m told the internal flights in India are really cheap too and was wondering if its worth it or if it better getting a train.

I plan to be pretty basic and live on a fairly low budget. Some people have said £10 a day is about middle range.
Also can you recommend a website to find hotels and hostels across India?

The other thing is I would like to find people now who will be out there at the same time as me. Its pretty scary (more exciting) going alone but it would be good to know some other people who will be ion the same boat.

There are probably loads of other things I will need to ask before I go but I think the is more than enough to start with.

Hope I haven’t overloaded you with questions!

Kind regards,

Becks.

Hi Becks,

I'm a little behind on the posts here...

Hmmm… ok. Sounds like you have a good plan, starting north and working your way down to Kerala. You have three months to explore, which is fantastic. Get a couple of guidebooks and read up on the areas you plan on visiting. I personally like the LP guide for India. Then you’d have a better idea on how much time to spend in each place. Now for your questions:

Best way to travel on a shoestring budget would definitely be the train. India is very well connected by railway. For longer distances, I would recommend flying. There are tons of budget airlines and more routes popping up by the minute. If you buy your tickets sufficiently in advance, you can get really good deals.

Money. Depends on how much on a budget you are, I guess. The great thing about India is you can eat/stay really cheap. I guess you could get by with £10 but I think you’d be more comfortable with a budget of maybe £20. I’m not very experienced with budget lodging, but I could look into it for you.

If you’re looking for likeminded travelers to India, you should check out the forums at indiamike and LP’s thorntree.

I would suggest looking through guidebooks, seeing the places that appeal, plotting a rough draft and route. I would also suggest booking your accommodation in certain popular places in advance, as Nov/Dec is peak season in most of the country.

Sharon

[sharon1306]

Hi Cindi,

Great to hear you are headed to India.

I am hoping you'll give me some elementary tips on the best type of clothing to take. We are coming in December for 10 days. We'll go to Kodai, Agra, Varnassi and possibly Goa. We'll be traveling mostly by train and will stay in local hotels with our small group. Everyone else in our group is a seasoned India traveler so I need help! ha. For a ten day trip, what would you recommend to take? I made a note of your tips so far.

I look forward to continuing to read your tips that you post...you should do a book.

Cindi

Hi Cindi,

Great to hear you are headed to India. The places you are visiting are far apart. Have you worked out the logistics of getting from one place to another? 10 days seems a little short to me, you have to remember that India is a large country. Is it 10 days on the ground? Like to get to Agra, even if you decide to fly, you’ll have to go to Delhi first.

Clothing. You would need warm clothes for the evenings and early mornings, especially in the north. Sometimes frosts occur overnight, so its good to be prepared. During the day, you will get by fine with just a t shirt maybe, but you could carry a light jacket/sweatshirt if needed. The south doesn’t really cold. Check weatherbase.com for detailed information on the weather. I hope that helps.

Sharon

[effie123]

Money. Depends on how much on a budget you are, I guess. The great thing about India is you can eat/stay really cheap. I guess you could get by with £10 but I think you’d be more comfortable with a budget of maybe £20. I’m not very experienced with budget lodging, but I could look into it for you.

If you’re looking for likeminded travelers to India, you should check out the forums at indiamike and LP’s thorntree.


Sharon
[/quote]

Thanks Sharon,

I will check out those forums. If you do find out anything about budget lodging that would be great.
Also thanks for the warning about the money, may have to save a little more than i though, but it will all be worth it!

Thanks again

[sharon1306]

Hi,

How much is your budget for accommodation per night? That would give me a better idea as to the kind of places you could stay.

Sharon

[effie123]

Hi,

How much is your budget for accommodation per night? That would give me a better idea as to the kind of places you could stay.

Sharon

Probably between £6-£10 i dont mind paying a bit more if necessary.

[bloomer]

You can definitely find lodging in Delhi for 3 pounds or even less--most places should be from 200 to 400 rupees throughout the country, and even cheaper if you look around and don't get taken for a ride.
I once had a room in Munnar (southern ghats) for 45 rupees!

Just now I'm in Delhi at the Hare Rama guest house in the main baazar, Paharganj. It is cleaner than most, rooftop cafe, attached bath. 250 rupees--about 8 dollars or 4 pounds. Pretty typical price.
Season can figure in as well in the price, but generally, if you drive a bargain you should be fine, especially if you pay in advance for a number of nights.

[jpiyush]

Good work sharon

[dsouza]

good advice thanks for that.

[dsouza]

Sharon Dias says:

Just want to quickly introduce myself to the forum… I live in Goa, India and I would be happy to answer any questions with regards to travel in India, especially the southern region. Please let me know if I can be of any help

Below are some tips for a first time traveler to India:

I’m going to try to keep it as brief as I can, but let me start by saying India is a difficult country to travel in, more so if you are coming to visit for the first time. No matter how much you prepare, India is an assault on the senses. The sights, smells and sounds are overwhelming. Having said that, I am also fairly certain this will be one of your most memorable trips, one that will stay with you always. I guess tips, as such, would vary depending to the region, because India is extremely diverse in many ways. It is a country that has so many different kinds of people, religions, languages, cultures and even landscapes. But generally. I guess I would say:

1.Come with an open mind. You will find dirt, filth and probably more poverty than you’re used to. You have to deal with that and not let it get to you. The touts are sometimes aggressive and so are the beggars. It is best to ignore them. Lots of traffic, lots of people, lots of noise. But that is also what makes India fascinating. It will take you a few days before you learn to cope. In one day your experiences can range from extremely frustrating to extremely magical…

2.The benefits of travel in India definitely outweigh the negatives. You will find India chaotic at the surface, but it really is organized chaos and it takes a while to get used to it. Getting the simplest things done might take more time and effort than you’re used to, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. Be careful about what you eat or drink. Drink only bottled water, eat hot foods, avoid ice, desserts and salads and wash your hands. Its good to carry a hand sanitizer for when you don't have access to soap and water, insect repellent, water purification tablets and toilet paper.

3.Just go with the flow. There’s a lot of craziness around but that’s what makes the country special. Make an effort to strike up conversations with people. Most people are very friendly and open and will be willing to help you in any way they can.

4.Be respectful of the culture and customs. Lots of religions are practiced in the country so some areas might be more sensitive than others. Take lots of pictures… It hard to take a bad picture in India, with all the faces, colours, scenes.

5.Don’t think about it, just go. India is a very culturally rich country, which engages you with its fascinating art, history and the sheer numbers of everything. There aren’t any ‘dangers’ as such you should be aware of, just petty annoyances.

This is one trip you will find hard to put behind you, because when you experience India, it seeps into your pores and it’s very difficult to just forget about it once you get back home. India is a challenging country to travel in, and you will be taxed mentally and probably physically, but it will also be one of your more memorable trips, if nothing more…

Sharon

nice post
thanks