A few thoughts on India - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Twizted · 10-08-2004, 01:44 PM

After spending 3 weeks in Hyderabad, I took a few things away from there (other then souveniers

)

- We have it damn good in the US. Even the 'poor' here are far richer.
- Traffic laws, while they suck at times, they are a good thing.
- India has some of the nicest people. I talked with more strangers there in 3 weeks then here in the last 6 months, all were very nice.
- Having clean water readily available is a really good thing.
- 1 Billion people (or "100 crore people"in Indian terms) is a lot of freakin people!
- Money or material items do not make a (wo) man.
- We are some greedy, egotistical folks in the US.

I loved the trip, I loved the people, I loved the sites.
I hated the poverty, the pollution, and the traffic.

It never was a place on my 'list of places to see before I die' but I would suggest others add it to their list.

I got to stay in a 5 star hotel, have a driver and car at my disposal 24x7, always had AC, etc... So I didn't get to experience the typical Indian lifestyle. However I got to witness it just enough to have a wakeup call.

Anyway, just thought I would share.

Jason

dy156 · 10-11-2004, 06:52 AM

I've been thinking about travelling to India after reading this series of articles about it.

http://slate.msn.com/id/2107063/entry/2107071/

in addition, there's a small bit on tips for India, would you say these are accurate?

Quote:

Things To Know Before You Go to Southern India

Things To Know Before You Go to Southern India
Getting There
Since our travels were all in South India, we flew into Bangalore and then out of Mumbai (connecting in Frankfurt both ways). Flight times to/from Washington, D.C., totaled about 15-16 hours each way.

Where To Stay
In Kerala, I cannot recommend the Casino Group Marari Beach resort highly enough. It was a perfect spot and surprisingly affordable. Moving north to Cochin, the Taj Malabar is luxurious, if a tad pricey. The Park Hyatt Goa was certainly nice (the largest swimming pool in India, they claim), and on a lovely beach, but for more than $100 per night, you might find better. In Mumbai, we stayed at Gordon House, a well-appointed and centrally located boutique hotel.

Eating and Drinking
Mumbai is a massive city, so dining and nightlife options are limitless. We were somewhat partial to Tendulkar's, the restaurant owned by legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. The Taj Hotel offers a range of good eating, including Wasabi, a new Japanese restaurant from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

Books and Movies
Goa is the setting for the opening of the film The Bourne Supremacy. Kerala is the setting for Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things. I found some insights, some entertainment, and even some (unintentional) comedic value in V.S. Naipaul's India: A Wounded Civilization and W. Somerset Maugham's The Razor's Edge. The excellent film Monsoon Wedding takes place in Delhi, but it is nonetheless a must-see for its glimpse into modern Indian life.

Tips
Haggling is a skill, and you can get better with practice. At the beginning of your trip, make sure the stakes are low, and see what happens. By the end, you'll be pretty confident in your negotiations. You can often get a merchant (or auto-rickshaw driver) down to 25 percent of his original asking price. Or, as I sometimes did, you can also decide it's not worth the stress of arguing … and just let yourself get ripped off. Getting ripped off for the equivalent of $2 is not the end of the world.

Twizted · 10-11-2004, 01:49 PM

Since I was in central and northern India, I can't comment on those cities specifically. The Slate article is a bit exaggerated, but a lot of it ring true. The haggling is true, everything is negotiable. I am not a 'haggler' per se, but occasionally asked to get discounts and pretty easily got 10% - 30% off. I kind of saw it as, this guy needs the extra $2 more then I do. Pretty small price to make the guys day (or week).

Mumbai is huge though, and if you go there, watch for theft. Petty crime is high there. It's also a very humid city, being right on the Arabian Sea. The lush city in India is Bangalore (so I've been told). It's higher in elevation, thus a little cooler. Plus, it's more developed as it's been a tech center for quite a while. I'd love to go there.

I say go! If you have the means, its definitely worth the time.

Jason

SirSeymour · 10-15-2004, 02:51 PM

I did 5 days in Kolkata, 4 days in Dehli and 4 days in Bangalore back in Jan/Feb and Bangalore was definitely the nicest of them all. I was there on business and got to do very little sight seeing (with the exception of a Sunday trip out to Agra to see the Taj Mahal). I think Twisted has it pretty correct. Things I would add are:

- Try the local food as much as you can.
- Get used to car horns as it seems to be impossible to drive there without them.
- Be prepared for poverty like most Americans have only seen on the pages of National Geographic.
- To second Twisted, the people are really wonderful.
- Remember that the cast system is still very much alive and well over there. Those that are serving you are likely more happy serving you.
- That funny head bob thing they do when talking to you is actually a sign they are listening and paying attention to you.

Bangalore is the lush city. It is cleaner than anywhere else I went while I was there. They people cleaning the streets, which I did not see anywhere else. It is the Silicon Valley of India and the place a lot of our outsourced American jobs are going. It is also friendlier than a lot of the northern cities (amazing since even those were friendlier than most Americans). The locals claim this is due to the north suffering from centuries of invasion while the south was safe.

All in all a good trip and a place I think most should visit once.

splck · 10-16-2004, 08:34 PM

You're a luck bunch, I’ve always wanted to go there. There are quite a lot of Sikh's around here, so at least I can get their fantastic food easily.
If you ever want a delicious free meal, just go in a Sikh temple...they'll give you all you can eat.

Twizted · 10-17-2004, 11:31 AM

On our travels, we came across a Sikh gentleman while waiting for 6 hours in the airport. He was very educated and very well traveled. It was great conversation, we got to discuss the backlash his people felt post 9/11 (for some reason, most people associate a turban with the muslim extremists). It was interesting to hear his side of things, to learn a bit about the Sikh's religion, and a bit about Indian culture from a native.

I guess that's another benefit of having taken the trip, I learned a LOT about other religions and cultures that I had no idea about before hand.

Yes... I feel lucky!

Jason

StephenSa · 10-20-2004, 12:40 PM

I've got a question for any of you India travelers. My wife is dying to go to India. She is really all hepped up to go. She loves Indian food and Indian design, culture, all that jazz. Me, I can't stand Indian food. I've tried it several times at several different restaurants and I just don't like it. I think its the cardomon. I have no particular fascination with Indian culture and I have no desire whatsoever to visit the country. Not "dissing" India, just isn't my cup of tea. I'm more of a Scotland, England, Ireland, Germany kind of traveler. I like Europe and comfort. I'm sure my adventurous spirit leaves something to be desired. Anyhoo to get to the gist of this, since my wife knows I have no desire to go to India she asked if I would mind if she went on her own sometime. I told her I wouldn't mind but I wondered what you experienced India travelors thought. Would a thirty something aged woman traveling alone be safe in India?

Twizted · 10-20-2004, 02:54 PM

While I never felt 'threatened' in India, I have read warnings about women traveling in India. particularly in the north east.

In Hyderabad, I don't think there is much risk. The beggars were usually women and children. If she hires a driver while she's there (2000 rupees per day, around $40 US) you get a guide that will take her places and keep her out of trouble (and provides translation). Most hotels have drivers available for a bit more.

I am sure there are better guides to answer the safety question... I'd dig around the web for details.

Jason

Twizted · 10-20-2004, 02:59 PM

Here's a pretty good guide, which addresses the women in India thing

http://www.makemytrip.com/destinatio...tips/india.htm

The more I think about it, the more it may be beneficial if she went with someone, even another woman would be better then alone. I am a pretty big guy, and I don't know if I would have felt comfortable by myself.

Just my 2 cents.

Jason

SirSeymour · 10-22-2004, 07:17 PM

I was there with my boss and his wife. She routinely went off every day by herself to sightsee while he and I were in the office working. Never had any trouble at all. Now understand that she is a Chinese national and very used to wondering around 3rd world countries on her own. Take that into consideration when you read this.

I would second what Twisted says about hiring a driver. I would never try to drive in India on my own nor would I be thrilled about using taxis. I would want a driver I trusted and use the same one everyday.

In most places, women are very safe. I read stories while there about a couple of women who were being given a hard time a local guy. Several other local guys interceded and beat the living crap out of the offender. Most places they take ill manners toward women as a serious social offense, or so it seemed to me.

acostello · 10-24-2004, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StephenSa

....... Anyhoo to get to the gist of this, since my wife knows I have no desire to go to India she asked if I would mind if she went on her own sometime. I told her I wouldn't mind but I wondered what you experienced India travelors thought. Would a thirty something aged woman traveling alone be safe in India?

why don't you have her go with a tour group ? Or, simply put a message at the local university during winter break - So she could travel with someone who may be travelling during vacation.

StephenSa · 10-25-2004, 12:00 PM

Thanks everyone for your suggestions,(didn't mean to hijack the thread here). After visiting some of the websites, reading reviews and travelogs and your opininions I think I'd be a bit wary of her going alone. A tour group is a good idea. She'd probably be fine but I'd be a nervous wreck worrying about her. I'd just bite the bullet and go with her but even with the best of intentions when I'm someplace I don't want to be I can be......difficult. She's not going anytime soon so its a bridge we'll cross when we come to it.

splck · 10-25-2004, 01:53 PM

While a tour group might be "safer" it will also be somewhat sheltered and offer a limited touch with the diverse culture of India IMO. Traveling around on an airconditioned bus talking to a bunch of people from your own country sounds kinda boring to me.
It's strange how some people get all afraid for thier safty when english isn't being spoken.
Meh...just my thoughts...

acostello · 10-27-2004, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by splck

While a tour group might be "safer" it will also be somewhat sheltered and offer a limited touch with the diverse culture of India IMO. Traveling around on an airconditioned bus talking to a bunch of people from your own country sounds kinda boring to me.
It's strange how some people get all afraid for thier safty when english isn't being spoken.
Meh...just my thoughts...

True, but it is his fear of his wife's well being that one has to take into consideration. Once he decides (to accompany her or tour group) everything else should fall in place.

10-08-2004, 01:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
Twizted Insane Location: Washington State	A few thoughts on India After spending 3 weeks in Hyderabad, I took a few things away from there (other then souveniers ) - We have it damn good in the US. Even the 'poor' here are far richer. - Traffic laws, while they suck at times, they are a good thing. - India has some of the nicest people. I talked with more strangers there in 3 weeks then here in the last 6 months, all were very nice. - Having clean water readily available is a really good thing. - 1 Billion people (or "100 crore people"in Indian terms) is a lot of freakin people! - Money or material items do not make a (wo) man. - We are some greedy, egotistical folks in the US. I loved the trip, I loved the people, I loved the sites. I hated the poverty, the pollution, and the traffic. It never was a place on my 'list of places to see before I die' but I would suggest others add it to their list. I got to stay in a 5 star hotel, have a driver and car at my disposal 24x7, always had AC, etc... So I didn't get to experience the typical Indian lifestyle. However I got to witness it just enough to have a wakeup call. Anyway, just thought I would share. Jason __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. -- Emo Philips

10-11-2004, 01:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Twizted Insane Location: Washington State	Since I was in central and northern India, I can't comment on those cities specifically. The Slate article is a bit exaggerated, but a lot of it ring true. The haggling is true, everything is negotiable. I am not a 'haggler' per se, but occasionally asked to get discounts and pretty easily got 10% - 30% off. I kind of saw it as, this guy needs the extra $2 more then I do. Pretty small price to make the guys day (or week). Mumbai is huge though, and if you go there, watch for theft. Petty crime is high there. It's also a very humid city, being right on the Arabian Sea. The lush city in India is Bangalore (so I've been told). It's higher in elevation, thus a little cooler. Plus, it's more developed as it's been a tech center for quite a while. I'd love to go there. I say go! If you have the means, its definitely worth the time. Jason __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. -- Emo Philips

10-15-2004, 02:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
SirSeymour Ambling Toward the Light Location: The Early 16th Century	I did 5 days in Kolkata, 4 days in Dehli and 4 days in Bangalore back in Jan/Feb and Bangalore was definitely the nicest of them all. I was there on business and got to do very little sight seeing (with the exception of a Sunday trip out to Agra to see the Taj Mahal). I think Twisted has it pretty correct. Things I would add are: - Try the local food as much as you can. - Get used to car horns as it seems to be impossible to drive there without them. - Be prepared for poverty like most Americans have only seen on the pages of National Geographic. - To second Twisted, the people are really wonderful. - Remember that the cast system is still very much alive and well over there. Those that are serving you are likely more happy serving you. - That funny head bob thing they do when talking to you is actually a sign they are listening and paying attention to you. Bangalore is the lush city. It is cleaner than anywhere else I went while I was there. They people cleaning the streets, which I did not see anywhere else. It is the Silicon Valley of India and the place a lot of our outsourced American jobs are going. It is also friendlier than a lot of the northern cities (amazing since even those were friendlier than most Americans). The locals claim this is due to the north suffering from centuries of invasion while the south was safe. All in all a good trip and a place I think most should visit once. __________________ SQL query SELECT * FROM users WHERE clue > 0 Zero rows returned....

10-16-2004, 08:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
splck it's jam Location: Lowerainland BC	You're a luck bunch, I’ve always wanted to go there. There are quite a lot of Sikh's around here, so at least I can get their fantastic food easily. If you ever want a delicious free meal, just go in a Sikh temple...they'll give you all you can eat. __________________ nice line eh?

10-17-2004, 11:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
Twizted Insane Location: Washington State	On our travels, we came across a Sikh gentleman while waiting for 6 hours in the airport. He was very educated and very well traveled. It was great conversation, we got to discuss the backlash his people felt post 9/11 (for some reason, most people associate a turban with the muslim extremists). It was interesting to hear his side of things, to learn a bit about the Sikh's religion, and a bit about Indian culture from a native. I guess that's another benefit of having taken the trip, I learned a LOT about other religions and cultures that I had no idea about before hand. Yes... I feel lucky! Jason __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. -- Emo Philips

10-20-2004, 12:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
StephenSa Psycho Location: Dallas, Texas	I've got a question for any of you India travelers. My wife is dying to go to India. She is really all hepped up to go. She loves Indian food and Indian design, culture, all that jazz. Me, I can't stand Indian food. I've tried it several times at several different restaurants and I just don't like it. I think its the cardomon. I have no particular fascination with Indian culture and I have no desire whatsoever to visit the country. Not "dissing" India, just isn't my cup of tea. I'm more of a Scotland, England, Ireland, Germany kind of traveler. I like Europe and comfort. I'm sure my adventurous spirit leaves something to be desired. Anyhoo to get to the gist of this, since my wife knows I have no desire to go to India she asked if I would mind if she went on her own sometime. I told her I wouldn't mind but I wondered what you experienced India travelors thought. Would a thirty something aged woman traveling alone be safe in India?

10-20-2004, 02:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
Twizted Insane Location: Washington State	While I never felt 'threatened' in India, I have read warnings about women traveling in India. particularly in the north east. In Hyderabad, I don't think there is much risk. The beggars were usually women and children. If she hires a driver while she's there (2000 rupees per day, around $40 US) you get a guide that will take her places and keep her out of trouble (and provides translation). Most hotels have drivers available for a bit more. I am sure there are better guides to answer the safety question... I'd dig around the web for details. Jason __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. -- Emo Philips

10-20-2004, 02:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Twizted Insane Location: Washington State	Here's a pretty good guide, which addresses the women in India thing http://www.makemytrip.com/destinatio...tips/india.htm The more I think about it, the more it may be beneficial if she went with someone, even another woman would be better then alone. I am a pretty big guy, and I don't know if I would have felt comfortable by myself. Just my 2 cents. Jason __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. -- Emo Philips

10-22-2004, 07:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
SirSeymour Ambling Toward the Light Location: The Early 16th Century	I was there with my boss and his wife. She routinely went off every day by herself to sightsee while he and I were in the office working. Never had any trouble at all. Now understand that she is a Chinese national and very used to wondering around 3rd world countries on her own. Take that into consideration when you read this. I would second what Twisted says about hiring a driver. I would never try to drive in India on my own nor would I be thrilled about using taxis. I would want a driver I trusted and use the same one everyday. In most places, women are very safe. I read stories while there about a couple of women who were being given a hard time a local guy. Several other local guys interceded and beat the living crap out of the offender. Most places they take ill manners toward women as a serious social offense, or so it seemed to me. __________________ SQL query SELECT * FROM users WHERE clue > 0 Zero rows returned....

10-25-2004, 12:00 PM	#12 (permalink)
StephenSa Psycho Location: Dallas, Texas	Thanks everyone for your suggestions,(didn't mean to hijack the thread here). After visiting some of the websites, reading reviews and travelogs and your opininions I think I'd be a bit wary of her going alone. A tour group is a good idea. She'd probably be fine but I'd be a nervous wreck worrying about her. I'd just bite the bullet and go with her but even with the best of intentions when I'm someplace I don't want to be I can be......difficult. She's not going anytime soon so its a bridge we'll cross when we come to it.

10-25-2004, 01:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
splck it's jam Location: Lowerainland BC	While a tour group might be "safer" it will also be somewhat sheltered and offer a limited touch with the diverse culture of India IMO. Traveling around on an airconditioned bus talking to a bunch of people from your own country sounds kinda boring to me. It's strange how some people get all afraid for thier safty when english isn't being spoken. Meh...just my thoughts... __________________ nice line eh?