I’m not sure where to begin with this country, sub-continent.  It’s huge, it’s busy, it’s alive, a trip to India will leave you spinning in more ways than one. Having heard various reports “Oh, man, it’s soooo cool, the monk blessed my walking boots…” “It’s so poor and dirty and the beggars just won’t leave you alone”  “I’m trying to find myself” It was with a slight feeling of apprehension that I first went to India.  It blew me away and I loved it! It’s a very intense place. The huge population all seem to out at the same time. Yes, it’s poor, yes, there are beggars, yes, there are cows wandering around the streets, Yes, it’s not very clean – but it’s bright and colourful (especially noticeable after the drab greyness of China). There is always a festival or celebration happening. It can be very frustrating trying to get to places BUT as English is really the common language and many things are written in English you can figure it out and it means you can talk to the local people (much more so than in China). I will go back to explore more.

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Where: 2006: Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan:Jaipur, Shekhawati region (Apani Dhani Eco Lodge), Bikaner. 2007: Kerala (Kochi, park, Hyderabad), 2009 New Delhi

Who: 2006, 2007 with A. 2009 on my own for an art conference

How: Flew in and out. Got around by long distance bus, auto rickshaws, internal flight (Kochi – Hyderabad). Camel (camel safari in Rajasthan)

Weather: Varies from place to place as it’s a huge country. The south is tropical with monsoon seasons, the north gets cold in the winter. Chinese New year is a good time to visit the south.

Food: very good, breads, rice, curries.  I love the choices on menus of “Veg” or “non-veg” so being vegetarian is not a problem. You will not see beef on the menu in Hindu areas, or pork in Muslim ones. I seem to get a little bit sick each time, but it only lasts a day.

Sights & Activities: everything is a sight and just getting around is an activity. Highlights I’ve seen are the Taj Mahal (really just utterly beautiful), Agra fort, old mansions of the Shekhawati region, camel safari from Bikaner, boat cruise in Kerala, Kochi fort, Mausoleums in Hyderabad. Rat temple in northern Rajasthan.

Surprises:

Tips: It’s a modest country, unless on a beach resort both men and women should wear long trousers/skirts – Indians rarely show their legs. Women should wear loose clothing. Buying and wearing a salwar kamiz is a good idea. They are very comfortable and are appropriate. Be prepared to take off your shoes to go into temples. Be prepared to be taken to “my cousin’s shop” all the time. Be prepared to bargain and barter. Talk and smile to the locals. If you are a couple travelling and you are not married, say that you are. Indians don’t understand being a couple and not being married. Enjoy the ride (in all ways).