Get it INDIA

[Jacques Vert]

Are vegetables in the huge white sacks that you saw being transported?

Those large sacks were transporting animal feed.

Dangerous to assume, but since you omitted any mention, did you not get sick at all? Did you totally avoid street food and even non-canned drinks?

Not one of party of 4 got sick at any stage. As we had our own driver with us, and local guides in the various cities, they pointed out which restaurants, street food operators, etc. were best avoided. When we were on our own in Kolkata, we had breakfast and lounge access included at our hotel, so we didn't need to eat during the day. We also took "TravelBug", one pill per day to help ward off the nasties: you can buy it over the counter at your local chemist.

At any stage did you feel unsafe?

Did you feel the need to carry your cash in a moneybelt?

Quite the opposite, I have traveled to quite a few places now and I felt safer in India than I have anywhere else. Even walking in the narrow street in the old part of Kolkata (when we were doing our own thing without driver or guide), I never felt uneasy. My wallet lived in either my pocket or my backpack. Although I admit we didn't do much wandering around at night.

Where did you find the best rates (in which kind of establishments?)

Are you talking about exchanging money? If so, I used CitiBank Plus account; good exchange rate, no fees.

While I can't believe that anyone would go to India without travelling by mainline train, I know a couple who like you did just that. There's even now an airport metro line in Delhi. (Makes Melbourne envious).

I originally considered travelling by train but followed advice from other members and booked a private car and driver; relatively inexpensive and it allowed us to see so much more in the time we had.

I couldn't find one of the hotels at which you stayed but of those I located a tariff for, the Marriott in Kolkata was about double the cost of others, and yet it didn't look the most impressive. Big city prices.

Which hotel could you not find? I may have a link I can post.

I got 20% off the best available rate at the JW Marriott as a Club Marriott member; at the time I booked, the rates were quite competitive. The hotel is not in the main part of town but Uber works well and is cheap. Worked for us

 

[Melburnian1]

If I may chime in.

India is, prior to going, probably a confronting idea...There are a million and one organised tours to help you do it easily.

Like many who travel, I vastly prefer independent travel as I have only ever done one brief group tour. Rail network is so extensive, and trains frequent that I'll use these, but prebooking is required on many trains as sleepers and seats sell out, probably even a little more so now with the sudden demise of Jet Airways.

Rest of advice is great. One needs to experience the largest democracy on earth. India will soon be the world's most populous nation, despite the common misconception (among non AFFers) that mainland communist China will forever hold that title. The almost complete lack of nonstop air links between Oz and India continues to astound but it may be a commentary on low yields.

 

[RooFlyer]

Agree completely with JohnM. I delayed going to India because I was worried about seeing 'horrible things' and/or bring engulfed in humanity. Both those can happen if you choose, but not my experience. I'm now planning my third trip there and contemplating a fourth.

Haven't been ill at all, but I do avoid street food ( everywhere).

I've wandered around Delhi and Mumbai by myself at night and not felt worried. Not used money belt.

Last time I stayed at a small, non chain hotel in Mumbai - spotlessly clean and very helpful staff. But hotel prices in general cheap for what you get.

Put it on the list.

 

[RooFlyer]

Like many who travel, I vastly prefer independent travel as I have only ever done one brief group tour.

Private tour recommended, for logistical reasons if nothing else. Getting tickets, avoiding the crush at many of the tourist sites, good historical information. Also driving. It is a skilled job in India. Trains good point to point but not for getting to the sites to see.

Several of us have used the same one or two private tour organisers, all very happy.

 

[amaroo]

Very enticing report - thanks for taking the time to post.

India is definitely on our must see list.

 

[RB]

Thanks for the report Jacques Vert! Quite a few similarities to the trip we did with Magan in in 2007 and then 2013. I certainly think Rajasthan and the areas north of Dehli are best covered by road. Magan's company continues to get glowing reviews (accompanied by valid justifications) and a common theme is the care his drivers take. I think experience also lets them give great advice on where to eat. We thought many of the Heritage hotels were good options but also took advice from the people in the know