Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hexagonsun]

Who's been? How was it? How much time did you spend there?

I'm heading there in March for a month (or so). I have a list of destinations, but I am limiting it to the North (East, Central, and West). I want to be able to soak in each destination and not move around too much. I've done my (extensive) research, but looking for more input. I rather not post my lengthy itinerary and travel plans. I am more than willing to share if asked.

What are some definite stop offs?

Definite DO's and DON'Ts?

Anything I should skip?

Places to stay?

Has anyone taken a meditation or Buddhist course?

Thanks

[Kurtz]

What's your plan then? I could list a bunch of random places but I won't. I'd say Rajasthan is a must for the first timer, you can't go wrong but expect heaps of hassle and other tourists. I will say Bikaner, Bundi are quieter places, while Jaisalmer and Udaipur shouldn't be missed.

Have patience;

Don't be a martyr, going really cheap is bad for your health;

If you can plan your trip a bit, buy train tickets in a small city, doing it in the big cities is a pain in the arse;

Be careful when you arrive, they can smell fresh meat a mile away, ONLY get a pre-paid taxi and if they ask you say this is your 3rd time in India;

NOTHING is for free!

[Caffeinated]

I spent a month in India with one week volunteer teaching English at an orphanage. I would love to go back for more.

Steel yourself for the experience. The poverty and pollution is ghastly in some areas, but the history and sights will give you unbelievable highs. Be prepared to be harassed endlessly by touts.

The extra cost of arranging tickets with a travel agent is worth it instead of doing it yourself.

Bring face masks. The pollution in the big cities is HORRID. After a few days in Calcutta and New Delhi I had a cough that I couldn't shake for three months.

Buy a portable water heater (those wands you can plug in and stick in a cup of water and whatnot) to boil water for yourself. You can buy them in India.

Bring anti-diarrhea medicine. Get your hepatitis shots.

Bring a roll of toilet paper everywhere. Buy locks for your baggage. Appear confident and secure.

I'd second Kurtz's recommendation for Rajastan and Jaisalmer. The tourist infrastructure in India isn't as developed as SE Asia, but that area has a bit more going for it than most of the country and would be a good area for a first-timer to get acquainted for India.

[zongal2012]

Lived in India 2 years and miss it each day.
I suggest using places like Mumbai and Delhi as stop overs mainly, the pollution and cost of living is much higher in these areas.
If you are looking for a lush tropical area Kerela is beautiful : Varkala beach has good food and great views. Kovolam is good for day trips to the beach.
Sivananda Yoga ashram in Kerela good place to learn Hatha Yoga

Tamil Nadu is less developed than Kerela as far as tourism goes: Auroville has organic farms you can work on and eat good French food. Pondicherry is the French area of Tamil Nadu.
As far as food goes the food of South India is less rich but very spicey, things to try Marsala Dosa, Idly, Sambar
The north is great for Thali meals, naan and potato curries.

Eat mangoes as often as you can, some have this amazing perfume to them that cant be described.

Goa is ok but much more touristy than Kerela- plus side its not too far from Delhi or Mumbai
In Rajasthan go for a Camel safari in the desert.

For the north I would say Dharamsala where the Dalai Lama of Tibet is residing is good. The Tibetian people and culture is very different and worth experiencing.
While in Dharamsala the Vippasana center in the area of Dharamkot offers 10 day meditation courses which are hard but worth it

Also in the north Rishikesh: great place to learn yoga, meditation ,stay in an ashram, swim in the Ganga, walk in the forests

If you want to see old India go to : Varanasi with its dirty water, night-time devotional services on the river banks and free Indian music concerts.

Other points
learn to like strong milk tea "Chai" is everywhere and a life saver- you will also have to accept that rinsing out a used glass is the norm with some chai vendors

Street food is cheap some more hygienic than others. I found things fried where less likely to cause gastro problems

Keep wet wipes with you and toilet paper.

The price that is quoted to you is often twice the value, from richshaw rides to trinkets and tshirts. When haggling over price start at less than half of what is offered.

Pack lightly because you will want to buy Indian clothes that are cool cotton and brightly coloured.

[hexagonsun]

This is all excellent advice. Thank you so much. Keep it coming!

[samd]

I have way less experience there than the people who have posted thus far, but I think as long as you do your research, you'll be fine. Exercise common sense, and take the precautions mentioned already.

There's no need to plan too much, I would just head over there and take it as it comes. Train travel is a great way to meet people and see the country.

[Kurtz]

!) I HIGHLY advise you to take the baby wipes and toilet paper, you're going to need them.

2) Take immodium to block up the passage if you're on a torturous bus journey.

3) The cheapest sleeper train is a bit rough, I'd take the next level up

4) Keep your small change if you can, no one ever has any change (as they hope you'll just round up but if you decline and walk away from the purchase, they'll magically produce some change)

5) Don't give to beggars, it's up to you but it's a scam

6) When you buy water, make sure it hasn't been opened already and they are just filling it up with local water

7) If an Indian is being friendly and shows you something, that's his "tour" and you'll be expected to pay for it

8 ) Drink lassis, they have local bacteria and it helps your immune system

9) Never hand over money and then expect it back, it just won't happen

10) The mountains are shanti shanti, a completely different experience to the madness of the flats

11) The cops are corrupt, I have been searched for drugs on trains in the hope of a bribe/baksheesh

12) If you can't get a train ticket, paying some baksheesh opens up a lot of doors

13) Read up on the scams, there are many. Be very careful in the major cities, they operate in gangs. Gangs might be a kid on a bike, a well dressed man, and another guy who steals your stuff while you're distracted by the kid and talking to the suit wearing guy.

14) Varanasi is one of the most headachy parts of the country, it's a must but it's crawling with touts and people out to fleece you after arriving with little or no sleep, they get you when you're down

15) Plenty of ATM's, but take some US dollars and even some travelers cheques, but they take a lot of paperwork

16) Book ahead for accommodation in Mumbai, it's sometimes hard to find cheapies there

17) Don't be too paranoid, but be careful

[D.D.]

India has been shooting themselves in the foot lately by making it very difficult to get visas. Make sure you can get a visa before buying plane tickets you cant refund. Go for a 6 month visa and dont apply for yoga study visas as they are turning down lots of people for them. Almost all my friends who have lived in India are being hassled by having to leave the country for 2 months to get 6 month visas now.

India is a great place to travel but women should always bring a male friend. Even two women together will get hassled. If going for spiritual practice find out where you are going and get a car straight there with driver to the ashram. Staying in the ashrams is so much nicer than the noise of India.

I never stay in Delhi and Mumbai unless I have no choice and then I just sleep for one night and get out of there as quick as possible the next day.

India is fun but the touts and scammers get tiresome.

[espo]

I will be heading to India for 2 months in Jan, but I will be spending the first 2 weeks by myself, and then meeting up with my male friend (I'm a women).

I haven't sorted out my itineary yet, but does anyone have any suggestions as to where to start or which route to take? Should I go straight to an ashram and wait until I meet up with my friend to start exploring? I want to experience as much as I can without traveling every day, and would prefer to spend the bulk of the trip some place warm.

Thanks!

[Caffeinated]

I'll pass on a cautionary tale I heard while travelling by train: bring your own drinks and avoid the chai vendors on the train. The train makes stops for you to hop off and buy supplies at a station if needed. Supposedly a couple of female travelers drank chai laced with drugs. The curtains were closed and they wound up being raped and robbed while travelling on a sleeping car.

[zongal2012]

Espo
Head to Goa or Kerela/ Tamil Nadu/ Karnataka
These places will be warm
this is the ashram I staying in. Its more expensive than some places but a safe place to stay and still learn about Indian culture.
http://www.sivananda.org/ndam/

If you do stay in an ashram be aware that you many have you following the schedule , so once in you cant just leave for the day and pop back in later.

http://www.indiamike.com/ this is a great site with plenty of info

[zongal2012]

Espo
Head to Goa or Kerela/ Tamil Nadu/ Karnataka
These places will be warm
this is the ashram I stayed in. Its more expensive than some places but a safe place to stay and still learn about Indian culture.
http://www.sivananda.org/ndam/

If you do stay in an ashram be aware that you many have you following the schedule , so once in you cant just leave for the day and pop back in later.

http://www.indiamike.com/ this is a great site with plenty of info

[D.D.]

[quote="espo"]I will be heading to India for 2 months in Jan, but I will be spending the first 2 weeks by myself, and then meeting up with my male friend (I'm a women).

I haven't sorted out my itineary yet, but does anyone have any suggestions as to where to start or which route to take? Should I go straight to an ashram and wait until I meet up with my friend to start exploring? I want to experience as much as I can without traveling every day, and would prefer to spend the bulk of the trip some place warm.

Thanks![/quot

Straight to ashram until you make some friends to zoom around with. My favourite ashrams are Osho in Poona, and Ramana Maharshi in Tamil nadu, Sai Baba in Putta parti. All have plently of westerners to look after you while you get adjusted. Goa is also a good starting place for the non ashram party type people.

[bucheon bum]

[samd]