Travelling To India

Hi

Having just returned from 7 weeks in Central India (Tibet to Pakistan), there is so much to see and do....Tiger Reserves, National Parks; Forts; Palaces; Taj Mahal; Desert Kingdom of Rajasthan; The Camel Fair; the last Asiatic Lions; Chandi Chowk Market in Delhi (not to be missed); chai tea by the roadside with the locals...the list is endless and I didn't get to North or South India.

My only real advice to you is that you need to watch your budget very carefully. There is 2 different prices for just about everything including attractions...Indian Nationals and Foreigners.

You are distinguished by the fact you have to produce ID (Passport) when booking into accommodation, enter attractions, change money, buy goods, etc etc

Foreigners are charged anywhere between 400-700% more than a Indian National. Also beware that virtually every attraction/national park/temple now charges camera fees generally between $US5-10 per camera and between $US 25-$200 for video cameras.

Over 50% of my spending money was spent on added hidden costs...including Value Added Tax; Service Tax; Govt Tax; Goods Tax; Tourist Tax and now the dreaded Tipping Fee to just about everyone who helps you or does something for you.

Eventually I recommend you keep to the small towns where possible and always bargain for anything you need including transport...if its too expensive walk away and start somewhere else...someone will come down..just don't go too low so as to belittle yourself...be fair.

If you like a beer or spirits head to the local "English Wine & Beer Shop" to buy at local prices...eg Kingerfisher 500ml Premium Beer can is RS80-85 at the Wine Shop and about Rs260 at a hotel or restaurant.

Anyway have a good trip......

Cheers from Australia0811
Darwin Australia

Hi

Having just returned from 7 weeks in Central India (Tibet to Pakistan), there is so much to see and do....Tiger Reserves, National Parks; Forts; Palaces; Taj Mahal; Desert Kingdom of Rajasthan; The Camel Fair; the last Asiatic Lions; Chandi Chowk Market in Delhi (not to be missed); chai tea by the roadside with the locals...the list is endless and I didn't get to North or South India.

My only real advice to you is that you need to watch your budget very carefully. There is 2 different prices for just about everything including attractions...Indian Nationals and Foreigners.

You are distinguished by the fact you have to produce ID (Passport) when booking into accommodation, enter attractions, change money, buy goods, etc etc

Foreigners are charged anywhere between 400-700% more than a Indian National. Also beware that virtually every attraction/national park/temple now charges camera fees generally between $US5-10 per camera and between $US 25-$200 for video cameras.

Over 50% of my spending money was spent on added hidden costs...including Value Added Tax; Service Tax; Govt Tax; Goods Tax; Tourist Tax and now the dreaded Tipping Fee to just about everyone who helps you or does something for you.

Eventually I recommend you keep to the small towns where possible and always bargain for anything you need including transport...if its too expensive walk away and start somewhere else...someone will come down..just don't go too low so as to belittle yourself...be fair.

If you like a beer or spirits head to the local "English Wine & Beer Shop" to buy at local prices...eg Kingerfisher 500ml Premium Beer can is RS80-85 at the Wine Shop and about Rs260 at a hotel or restaurant.

Anyway have a good trip......

Cheers from Australia0811
Darwin Australia

Agra is a good place to be, and then head up north to see the breath-taking scenaries in Kashmir. But be ready for exceptional rates for tourists and hidden costs in everything.

3 things you should visit necessarily:

The Himalayas (Preferably the untouched Uttarakhand)
The beaches (Preferably Kerala)
The forts and desert of Rajasthan

Happy Traveling!!

It is very difficult to say if you will not explain detail about your tour nature. Anyway I will suggest come Rajasthan and enjoy your holiday with family.

India is always special for the tourist because Indian culture is very famous all over the world. India is a big country and there are lots of tourist destinations for visit. Best places in India I can’t describe because lot of place. And you can come any time in India.

If you want to go to north, right now it is the lasts WARM weathers in there.
Jammu & Kashmir is beatiful, but also I would recommend:

Dharamsala
Kasol
Manali
Shimla

If I remember correct all of those places are relatively close to each other and lot's of travellers go there becouse they are so beatiful places.

If you want to go to south,

Take train from Delhi to Mumbai, spend day or two there.
Then continue with train to Goa, Thivim / Margao is the stations you want to aim to.

If you want to go straight to Beaches, Thivim is closer to Baga beach, Calangute beach etc.
If you want to see local city, go to Panaji. Really nice place.

And if you are allready in south direction you should go down to Kerala, or Humpy.

Also if you are going towards Humpy you could continue your journey to Chennai...

Sooo many options.

Cheers.