Have you heard? I’m going to flippin India.
I’m two parts excited and one part nervous.
However, I feel like I’ve been travel-training for this my whole life.
The tickets are booked. Greg and I fly to New Delhi on March 3 and back on the 18th.
Things I’m really looking forward to:
But I’m not going to lie, I’m totally anxious about…
So, folks who have travelled to India, I could use any advice or wisdom you want to impart on me.
Here’s my itinerary: New Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Pushkar – Jaisalmer – Varanasi – New Delhi*
*Correction: As of 1/23 we’ve decided to go to Jophur and Udaipur instead of Pushkar and Jaisalmer. It just works better for our itinerary.
Don’t give me tips for Goa or Mumbai or that awesome little mountain town the Dalai Lama calls home. I ain’t got time for that.
Drop a comment below and tell me what I should NOT miss or paste a link you think I’ll find helpful.
You MUST try Dosas. They’re a south-Indian food but some northern restaurants will have them so definitely keep an eye out. Make sure you cover up your shoulders and thighs if you’re anywhere less touristy or you’re liable to get a significant amount of unwanted harassment. The sweetest little couple in the world run a cooking class out of their home in Jaipur which was a delightful experience. Also two very outgoing brothers who like to party own a hotel we stayed at there. If you’re interested in either of those, I can look up the information for you. Varanasi? Don’t be skeptical of salesman trying to get you out on a boat during the nighttime rituals. It is well worth the money for that perspective. That’s what I have off the top of my head. I’ll post more after I take a closer look at your itinerary. <3
You’re such a delight! Thanks for the words. I feel like I’m about to pop my travel cherry; there’s ‘before India’ and ‘after India’ travel.
Also, we’ve changed out Pushkar (no meant, no beer) and Jaisalmer (too far out of the way) in lieu of Jodphur and Udaipur. Did you two mostly travel by train?
Stay away from the Brahman priests in Pushkar they will rob you blind
Change of plans! Heading to Jodphur and Udaipur instead of Pushkar and Jaisalmer.
Alex – can you expand a bit though on the Brahmin priests? I’m intrigued…
Funny story, Steve just reminded me I was thinking of Udaipur not Jaipur! Yes, everywhere by train!
Funny I should find your comment to me, days before you go to India. I used to give courses on travel to India, Nepal and southeast Asia in Vancouver between 25 and 30 years ago. I think I do have many answers but it is a place you find it all out when you are there. Spent between 12/13 years in India and Nepal. I now live on Bowen Island.
No kidding! How ‘fate’ is that?
I’m definitely getting a lot of good information from travellers, but yes, it seems like a place that one must jump into, feet-first while keeping a patient and open heart and mind.
Hope to chat more with you Kami! Of course I just hit send on an email and then saw your comment. Glad to hear you’re in my neck of the woods/world.
J