INDIA TRAVEL GUIDE
India is by far the craziest country I have been to. There’s so much going on in the big cities– cars, tuk tuks, moto’s, people shouting, traffic beeping, smells of food, market sellers rushing about. There’s so much culture, with different rules and just about everything else.
There’s a lot of diversity too- from the snowy mountain regions up north, to the tropical backwaters down south- and everything in between like rural villages, forests, rivers and wildlife safaris. Most people who visit India want to see the Taj Mahal and I can tell you it doesn’t disappoint! It is one of those big attractions that is really worth seeing.
There are many temples to explore to understand more of the cultures such as Hinduism and Islam. India is a very spiritual country and you will even find certain towns that are holy and forbid the consumption of meat and alcohol.
India is a challenging place to travel but if you delve into exploring this wonderful and colourful country, you will have the experience of a lifetime. If you’re looking to nose dive head first into a complete culture shock then India is the place for you!
SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL IN INDIA
Travelling alone as a woman in India can be a challenge. I was with a tour group for the most part but had a couple of days alone. I would say it is definitely possible, but I would recommend it for a more experienced traveller.
Men will stare at you and want your photo. Actually, girls and families will also ask for your photo too, but I just feel slightly more uneasy about a guy on his own requesting a picture of me. Just say no if this happens and they will back off. They might just start taking pictures of you, you can tell them to stop but really I would just ignore it and get on with sightseeing.
Men will also stare at you, sometimes quite intensely, but for the most part they are just curious. Groping can be an issue in crowded places, so I would recommend sitting at the front of buses where the other women sit and paying a bit more on the sleeper trains for a first-class seat. Booking with a reputable taxi might be better if you’re nervous about public transport.
Covering up goes without saying and making sure you are staying in a safe place in town. Do your research and be prepared for what to expect.
BEST TIME TO VISIT INDIA
Dry season: October to February is cool and dry and a great time to visit India. March to May will be dry and very hot but cooler in the Himalayas.
Wet season: Starting down south in Kerala, the monsoon rains come from May to September, making the country very humid.
POSTS FROM INDIA
Incredible 3 Week India Itinerary
India is such a vibrant place, full of life, colours, smells, noise, and incredible scenery. This India itinerary is based on a tour which I took with GAdventures a few years ago. I think it gave a great all-round insight into the best places, from the busy cities in the Northern end of the country,
India’s Golden Triangle: Let’s Explore!
The three most popular cities in the North of India- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, form the golden triangle (on the map it’s roughly shaped as a triangle). This is the home of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Amber Fort, all seriously impressive buildings, it’s no wonder there are so many tours exploring the
Pushkar: Sunsets, Camels and Magicians
Arriving in Pushkar is really special. It’s one of the oldest and holiest places in India, with hundreds of temples in the surrounding area. Right next to the Thar desert, this sacred town forbids the consumption of alcohol, meat and eggs. It’s also famous for it’s annual camel fair, taking place over several days in
Celebrating Diwali in India
When is Diwali in India? Diwali, usually falling in Autumn (Northern hemisphere), is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Known as ‘the festival of lights’ Diwali celebrates good over evil with colourful celebrations lasting for 5 days. Many lanterns and decorations are put up in homes and on the streets with big firework
How To Survive Indian Train Journeys
(A little section from my diary I found quite amusing, whilst I was on a tour group with GAdventures) “…Because Liz, Jen and I didn’t have time for lunch before our train journey and we didn’t want to get in trouble with Raja (our guide), we asked the hotel to put our lunch in a
Puja Ceremony: Pushkar Holy Lake, India
The Puja ceremony was a truly cultural experience in the heart of India… Situated in the state of Rajasthan, Pushkar is one of the oldest and holiest places in India and has become a pilgrimage location for Hindus and Sikhs. The lake and entire town is considered sacred and it is forbidden to smoke, drink alcohol or to eat
Discover Kerala’s Stunning Backwaters
Kerala, a state in the South of India is known for it’s gorgeous backwaters, canals, tea and spice plantations and palm tree lined beaches. Alleppey in particular was by far the most relaxed place I visited in India, with a much more tranquil feel to the North. A million miles from home in Alleppey Arriving in
Meeting the Villagers of Tordi Sagar, India
The small and tranquil village of… Tordi Sagar is a reasonably short drive out of the city of Jaipur and a haven away from the craziness of the crowds. After exploring the cities in the North it’s a welcome break to come across a quiet village, away from busy city life. As part of my
Strolling Around India’s Most Romantic City
‘The Venice of the East’… Udaipur is considered the most romantic city in India. It’s also a city of artists, with many small galleries and hand panted crafts around the city, along with numerous souvenir shops. It’s famous for the Lake Palace, situated in the lake of course! And it’s also the setting of Bond