Korean Job Discussion Forums

[eIn07912]

I'll be backpacking India this winter break for about 5-6 weeks.

I've gotten all my shots (Hep A, Hep B, MMR, Polio, Tetnus, Typhoid... still need Meningitus and Jap. Encyphilidus)

I've got my route planned. Going to book the first half or maybe all trains and busses online this week or the next (nearly two months ahead of time)

I'm worried about money though. I'm thinking 2500 - 3000 USD in various forms (local cash, trav. checks, and credit card.) I've read India can be incredibly cheap, but people say that about Thailand and it's not what I'd consider "cheap" anymore.

Anyone been? Any advice? Recommended sites are welcome, but I'm more worried about just staying alive and getting back here in one piece.

[MrMr]

www.indiamike.com is a good site for travel in India

[b0101]

I've been to India.

You didn't mention malaria medication - be sure to get that. You need to start taking it before you go. Also I would get a prescription for antibiotics for food poisoning and take it with you (Cipro or something like that) - you probably will get it and this will save you the stress of finding a doctor there and getting some. Not to sound totally negative, but just trying to be honest...

Money...not sure how much to suggest, but I would suggest being extremely careful with it and your belongings. Also, don't keep anything valuable in a backpack carried on your back - someone could easily unzip it and take it.

I was there in 1999, and things were quite cheap. I'm sure prices have gone up some but money still goes a long way there. Be prepared to bargain for everything.

Visit the Taj Mahal - it's incredible. Probably already on your list.

I spent a few weeks volunteering at one of Mother Theresa's homes (Missionaries of Charity) for the dying, handicapped, orphans, and so on. I don't know if that appeals to you, but many people visiting spend a few days doing that. It's a chance to contribute and also become more aware of people living in a state of desperation. Mother Theresa had a huge impact on India, so it's also interesting from a historical perspective.

Just some suggestions...have a great time!

[Kurtz]

Spent 4 months in the country, but unless you can say what you want to experience, can't offer any advice.

Be warned, it's scam central, take a money belt or money pouch worn under your pants, there are some master pickpockets.

When you arrive, have a hotel already booked, get a taxi from the pre-paid booth, and say this is your second time in India to the driver or he'll sniff blood and give you the run around.

If traveling by train, best to organize your journey a few days ahead as some routes can get busy like Delhi-Varanasi. If in a small city, try plan ahead two or three train journeys as doing this in a big city is a real hassle.

The cheapest sleeper class is a little nasty, so I'd choose second lowest sleeper class than lowest.

Bring your own lock for your hotel door, and a chain for your backpack.

RE money- I only take my cash card and credit card, and some emergency US dollars. Western Unions are good over there.

You can live very well on US $50 per day which is flashpacker budget, while true backpacker is maybe 20-30 per day.

Lastly, WHEN IN A TOURIST SITE, ANY INDIAN THAT APPROACHES YOU AND STARTS EXPLAINING THINGS ABOUT ITS HISTORY IS A TOUT AND WILL ASK FOR SOME MONEY FOR HIS "TOUR", DON'T LISTEN TO THESES PEOPLE AND JUST WALK AWAY.

Be prepared for the hassle and experience of your life.

[Fishead soup]

I spent most of my time in Goa. Kho Sarn road on two wheels
Goa is basically taking all the kinds of hippy backpacker freaks and putting them on motorcycles. A scarry concept most likely most of them have never drven a bike. They don't check that you have a drivers licence. At least they didn't in 1996

Hampi is really nice. It's an ancient hindu village, Some people opt to sleep on the roof of the hotel it's cheaper. So they can stay stoned longer.

[davesucksnfl]

yeah, kurts know what he's talking about.

it is scam central. no one is honest with you. don't trust anyone or anything. definitely have a prebooked destination. And remember that the low end rooms in india are shitholes. you do not want to stay there. every extra dollar you spend will mean so much more comfort and peace of mind that the value will never be surpassed.

money belt is key. bring everything in US. traveler's cheques are ok, but not ideal. and be careful when you use your credit cards.

[samd]

Also planning to be in India over the break with a couple of friends, only for about 10 days though.

Are the shots and malaria treatments really necessary? If so, what's the best way to go about getting them done here?

[chris_J2]

I've been to Darjeeling in West Bengal to see Kanchenjunga. Caught the toytrain up, & a jeep down to Siliguri Junction.

Heard a true story from another backpacker that his expensive shoes were stolen from outside the Taj. (You have to remove your shoes to go inside, much like Korea). There's a 2nd hand shoe shop across the road from the Taj too. No prizes for guessing where his shoes ended up!

Also I'd be wary of trains. There seems to be a major train crash or bombing every year.

[aishiii]

[chris_J2]