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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2012 23:20:15 GMT
I don't think you have a rat's chance in hell of seeing "all" of India on this trip. Just choose one area (probably wherever your family is located) and concentrate on that and maybe one or two other places. And if this goes will, you will certainly be back to see more at some time in the future.
I myself have only seen Chennai and Pondicherry -- which were both amazing in different ways.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2012 1:12:48 GMT
Mark, thanks for the link. I've never heard of that before. I created that route myself, after trying to figure out what I want to see exactly and where I want to go. Quite surprised how similar it is to the one you put up. To me 6,000 K does not seem that long, remember I live in Canada and have done many long road trips before. Kerouac, you think so? The way I have worked it out is that we get to spend at least 2 days in each place and then I've worked out a day or two in-between as traveling time. I think all in all it should all work out. But...it's not set in stone, if one place holds out interest more we may spend more time there and less elsewhere.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2012 1:15:15 GMT
I'm actually quite flabbergasted at just how much there is to see and do in India. I could easily spend a whole year (or more) there and not see it all properly. I guess this trip will just be a taste for now....
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Post by onlymark on Dec 21, 2012 7:13:52 GMT
I'm sure though that you understand 6000km in India is completely different to the same in Canada. But anyway, enjoy yourself.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2012 15:29:43 GMT
Good point there, Mark. I can just imagine the obstacles in the way... oh well, it's all part of the experience. Thanks, but I'm not going until the beginning of February. You have a good time too. You will probably find it easier to adapt to India than I do, having been there so many times before. Since we're going to be there at the same time, maybe we can meet up and go for a nice cup of char or something.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2012 15:36:11 GMT
I've been reading up on India and am truly captivated in all that I am learning about the country. It really is a fascinating place, with an incredible history. Especially the area (The North) that I and my ancestors come from. Looks like over the centuries we've had all kind of people passing through, invading or settling there. And it was interesting for me to learn that *my* people were not the original Indians, we also came from elsewhere and made India our home centuries ago.
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Post by onlymark on Dec 21, 2012 17:32:59 GMT
There are a lot of people in India deyana. I tend to think that finding just one person is beyond me.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2012 17:30:22 GMT
I remember when I took the bus from Madras to Pondy, which is a trip (I seem to recall) of something like 3 hours. Just to show how stereotypes can affect one's mind, my main worry was "What if I am hit by a diarrhea attack before we get there? Will the bus stop for an 'emergency'?" However, I am pleased to say that I never had a gastric problem of any kind in India, in spite of what I had heard beforehand. Although I didn't eat street food like in Southeast Asia, I didn't take any particular precautions for the rest -- I am always happy to eat raw vegetables and get ice in my drinks.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2012 19:20:30 GMT
Mark, there's a neat little gadget called a cell phone.. I hear they have them in India as well. So it takes three hours on the bus from Chennai to Pondicherry? That's not as long as I thought it would take. No washrooms on the buses then, Kerouac? From what I can remember of buses in India they were very uncomfortable. My chosen mode of transport would be a train probably. It's good that you were not sick and were able to enjoy the different kinds of foods while you were there. Last time I was there (which was years ago), I eat everything presented to me and didn't even bother with getting bottled water and I was just fine. I reckon it must have been becasue I must surely have some natural immunity to certain things over there. Mind you this time I will take the precaution of buying bottled water at least, as I'm venturing further afield. I found this map on the net. It's of the Train System in India. I'm so happy that it can take me just about anywhere. I would really like to see Kashmir as well, but it being a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, there's no guarantee of anyone's safety if going there. Mind you, life's a risk, there are no guarantees of anything anyway...
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Post by mossie on Dec 22, 2012 20:15:07 GMT
You go for it Deyana, don't rush but try and cross off all your objectives. And have a great time.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2012 14:53:07 GMT
Thank you, mossie I'm getting excited about it now. Can't wait until we are actually on the 'plane. I know this is a trip my sons will remember forever. They've been to and seen many places, but this will be different and I'm hoping a learning experience for them (and for me as well).
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2012 15:00:43 GMT
Kerouac, I will return to India again for sure. But I may be be flying out of the UK next time around, as I'll be living there for some time in the near future.... That'll be a good opportunity and time for me to make my other wish come true as well - Explore Europe.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2012 17:32:58 GMT
The more I read up on India, the more I realize how little I know! Too.Much.Information. ! *Phew* Thank heavens I gave myself a bit of time before leaving, still so much to sort out. I think it sucks that I can't get at least some Indian currency before I leave. Just like Cuba, we are only allowed to purchase it once in the country.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2012 18:39:30 GMT
That is not really a problem. I have arrived in lots of countries where the currency was not available beforehand. The main thing to do is to have US dollars or euros on hand when you arrive and change a small amount at the airport upon arrival (because the exchange rates are generally horrible) if there is no ATM. Once you are in the city, you can go to an ATM (generally the best solution) or else shop around for banks or exchange offices that offer the best rates. I have always found major variations, so don't just walk into the first place and change money.
(Your Indian family can probably tell you if there are ATMs readily available, but I can't imagine that there wouldn't be because I have arrived in cities like Hanoi and used the airport ATM.)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2012 21:18:59 GMT
Those were my thoughts too, Kerouac. In that changing a small amount of Canadian dollars at the airport once we arrive in India, until I can get to a proper bank. One question though - do you think taking US dollars, rather than Canadian would be a better idea? I've heard that they are more recognized? Or doesn't it really matter nowadays? I've found the best bank here regarding fees charged for transactions abroad. I'm quite happy with what they have in place. However no idea what kind of fees the banks would charge over in India. I'll be using the ATM machine, but am wondering if it wouldn't be better to go into the bank itself? Just been looking up all the different kinds of trains and seating available. So much to choose from... it takes some getting your mind around it all.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2012 17:21:50 GMT
I'm finding that the site 'India Mike' is fantastic when it comes to all things to do with India. Full of the most useful information. Next time I go to India, I'll feel like I'm quite the international traveler!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2013 18:22:45 GMT
Have re-done the itinerary a little bit. Have added Sikkim. Hope we get to do the camel ride tour when in Rajesthan. Tiger safari? Safe or not?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2013 0:09:39 GMT
I hope that you will re-register to tell us more.
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Post by htmb on Jan 4, 2013 2:19:52 GMT
This was very interesting, Deyana, and I was looking forward to hearing more about your trip.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2013 17:39:24 GMT
Had a brain fart. Bear with me. My life is just crazy busy right now. But don't worry, I will be here and letting you on on what's happening in India once I get there. Besides I'd miss you too much Kerouac, so I reckon you're stuck with me. Latest: Gave up on the note-book, bought a Android tablet yesterday. I just love it! (Looks like I can add extra Gigs to it, so all is good).
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2013 17:41:26 GMT
I recently updated the map - of the journey we will be taking (time permitting of course).
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2013 17:42:58 GMT
Itinerary for India trip: (Sorta) Beginning of Feb to Mid April. I've included the time needed for traveling from one City/State to another. Not sure if I'm being too optimistic about how long it will take to get from A to B. But we'll see... If it looks like we are rushing too much, might have to cut one or two places out. Day 1: Arrive in Delhi - drive to the Punjab to see family/rest/visit relatives. Feb 08th - 12th: Amritsar. See the Golden Temple. And then on to see the Pakinstan/India border crossing ceremony. Feb12th - 15th: Simila and back down through Chandigarh. Feb 15th - 20th: Delhi. Red Fort. India gate etc. and then on to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Feb 20th Feb - 24th: Rajasthan. Camel ride into the Thar desert. 24th Feb - 1st March: Mumbai (Bombay) 1st March: - 5th March: Goa 5th March - 10th: Bangalore 10th March - 15th: Kerala 15th March - 19th: Pondicherry 19th March - 22nd: Chennai (Madras) 22nd March - 26th: Hyderabad 26th March - 31st March: Kolkata (Calcutta) 31st March - 4th April: Sikkim (Himalayas) 4th April - 9th Varanasi 9th April ---> A few day to get back to Delhi.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2013 17:48:00 GMT
And so will your son be off in Kashmir while you do that?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2013 18:42:07 GMT
That's a point I still have to win, K. haha...
My sons will stay with me during this whole trip (they insist). What with what has been happening in the country lately, it's just as well.
Kashmir is a disputed territory between Pakistan and India and it also borders onto Afghanistan and China. An interesting area to see for sure. I dunno...I'll ask my family over in India what they think and their views on it and other locals, before attempting to venture out there. I've heard that only a small part of it is advisable for tourists to go to....
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2013 15:38:46 GMT
Frommers! Their guide book to India is so good, but very detailed. I'm hoping I get through it before I leave.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2013 20:58:53 GMT
I reckon Sikkim is out. Unless we happen to get a spare week or so somehow. It's kinda out of the way of the route I want to take and I'm thinking - well we've seen enough mountains and snow to last us a life time already!
I might make a separate trip of it and a few other places at another time.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 13:33:57 GMT
Frommers! Their guide book to India is so good, but very detailed. I'm hoping I get through it before I leave. I love paper guidebooks, but generally they are 2-3 years out of date by the time they make it to print. And the problem with a lot of the online guides is that they are just electronic copies of sections of the books.
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Post by anshjain97 on Jan 14, 2013 13:41:39 GMT
I don't like the LP India- some misinformation etc. For city guides, Time Out is hard to beat, and I used their Mumbai book. They also have a Time Out Shortlist Delhi book- which is fine too.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 13:48:59 GMT
K. this one is from the library. And it is actually 2 years old already! But it still has lots of good information (probably a bit out of date though). But I don't mind that I'm not really bothered about the nitty gritty little things, I just wanted an overall view of the country and basically what to expect. Before I started planning this trip, I kid you not, I knew next nothing about India.
I've made my own folder about India. In it I've included maps, some hotel addresses and prices of. Where I can find a good guest house. Planned my route (sorta), the main attractions and touristy (and non touristy) things to do and see, train information, as well as information about each city and state, and various telephone number and a bunch of other stuff.
Even if I never end up using any of the information I've been gathering, I feel that I've learned so much about India. I've opted not to take a net-book computer after all, instead I bought an Android tablet. It's easy to use and pack and carry. May not be able to download many photos on it though, although extra gigs can be added to it. (It's only 8 gigs right now). But my use of it all depends on if I get internet access or not. I know there are various options to add internet and have it so even a tablet can get access at all times, but it's kind of expensive and to be honest I'm not that bothered. I've found that most of the time it's best to just go with the flow and not pre-plan everything too much beforehand. Certainly more of an adventure and more fun that way anyway! And above all, as I have my sons with me, I want this to be a memorable, FUN, journey.
I'm still nervous heck about the trip! *bites nails*.
And I have some questions about safety while traveling. But I think I'll make a separate thread about that.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 13:52:15 GMT
ansh. I've never heard of 'Time out'. But I think I'm pretty much out of time now. I just want to get the one I started finished, I do find it really interesting and like the fact that it's so detailed, gives us background information, the low down, and history of each place too. Fascinating! I'm just in awe at how far and wide and thoroughly these people who write travel manuals books have traveled. Man, I'd like that job!
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