I can’t put my finger on what it is that makes me love India, but there is something that makes you more conscientious.
Conscientious of the true depth of poverty, the daily battle without an education and your place in the world. Some people love it, some people hate it. You won’t know if you don’t visit yourself!
TIME FRAME?
The minimum you should spend in India is two weeks. Believe me when I say it will take you a full week to find your place in the inconspicuous ‘order’ amidst the whirlwind of colour, smells, pollution and people.
Three weeks will allow you to see most of Rajasthan.
Two months was an ideal amount of time for me.
If you volunteer and do a yoga or meditation course you will need three months at a minimum.
TRAVELLING INDIA?
India is a massive country and there are things to see on all sides.
After experiencing nine hour drives on roads made only of potholes, riding camels, holding on for dear life in a packed rickshaw and sleeping on overnight buses that have no toilet and haven’t been cleaned for 20 years—the only way to travel India in comfort is on trains!
1st and 2nd class on the immense train network will get you from A to B with a hard bed, starched sheets and chai sellers walking up and down the carriages. It will feel luxurious!
TRAVELLING INDIA?
India is a massive country and there are things to see on all sides.
After experiencing nine hour drives on roads made only of potholes, riding camels, holding on for dear life in a packed rickshaw and sleeping on overnight buses that have no toilet and haven’t been cleaned for 20 years—the only way to travel India in comfort is on trains!
1st and 2nd class on the immense train network will get you from A to B with a hard bed, starched sheets and chai sellers walking up and down the carriages. It will feel luxurious!
MY BEST ADVICE?
Be prepared to feel uncomfortable—India was my 52nd country and I was no more prepared for the culture shock than anyone else. I did however, fall in love with India, my name sake country!
Practice patience and understanding, nothing makes sense at all and you will soon learn you can’t fight it—learn to love it.
Bring toilet paper, bottled water, and hand sanitiser everywhere you go.
It is common for there to be a tourist and a local entry price to the sights and often an extra charge for photography.
My favourite area was Rajasthan, especially these cities; Varanasi, Jaisalmer and Udaipur.
DID YOU KNOW?
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN INDIA?
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN INDIA?
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
