JanieM
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 302
Loc: Oxfordshire
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Hi everyone,
My partner and I have always wanted to visit India, but are not sure how best to go about it. We think we might actually do it next year so I am looking for some advice or experiences that might help us at this stage. I have always been torn between the tourist and the poverty bit and also which areas are the most rewarding to visit.
My partner knew some people who spent their honeymoon on a houseboat in Kerala, which sounded magical, but we are open to any ideas, companies etc at this stage.
I know you won't let me down!
Thanks in advance,
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Jane X
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MrsSmith
member
Reged: 26/06/2009
Posts: 1436
Loc: Land of milk and honey
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We went with Travelshphere and did the Golden Triangle which was fantastic for a first visit: you see a bit of everything including the Taj Mahal and stay in 4* hotels. The people are lovely and we had a wonderful time, plus we had a tour manager with us all the time.
Then we went to Goa on a package and that was great too, not as luxurious but very cheap once you get there.
An added bonus: if you want to lose weight you will probably get Delhi Belly and lose a few pounds. Hygeine just isn't the same
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scottishmags
member
Reged: 24/04/2009
Posts: 1317
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Hi Jane
We were going to go this summer as a special trip to celebrate my 50th birthday, but a house move and other family stuff got in the way. Still hoping to go in the near future though, so I will watch the answers with interest...
I've read many books set in the Indian sub-continent .. A Fine Balance, The God of Small Things, A Suitable Boy among others, and that has made me really keen to go. What about you?
Mags
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JanieM
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 302
Loc: Oxfordshire
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Thanks MrsS and scottishmags,
I've already put Travelsphere into my favourites - many thanks.
As for why, it's the beauty and the culture that intrigues me; I have always enjoyed Indian clothes, furnishings etc and of course food. I have worked with a number of families from India and they have often brought me back beautiful gifts.
It is so vast, of course, and totally different from top to bottom, like comparing Finland with Turkey. Michael Palin once asked on his travels: 'what makes you Indian?' and I think the only answer is 'we were joined together under the Raj'.
Like you mags I have read many novels; in fact I bought A suitable boy only last year as I wanted to re-read it having lost my original copy of 30 years ago. But I still need to embark on it - perhaps a holiday to India will be the ideal time!
Thanks for your help,
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Jane X
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scottishmags
member
Reged: 24/04/2009
Posts: 1317
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HI Jane
I agree with you about the lovely furnishings .. my sister lived in Bangladesh for several years and has brought back beautiful wall-hangings, inlaid trunks, writing-desk etc
I've just moved into a new flat and went out to look for furniture last week - meant to find a kitchen table and chairs, got a bit distracted by a shop called Lombok and returned with a tub-shaped Indian stool in beaten silver. Not so sensible but I love it!
Mags
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AliJ
member
Reged: 24/07/2009
Posts: 3
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Hi, I often visit India with work so get to see a bit more of the "real" India. The people are lovely and so welcoming. Like you I was worried about the poverty bit and you have to be honest and say that there are lots of unpleasant sights but rest assured the diversity of the culture the friendliness and hospitality of the people outweighs the not so pleasant side. I love going but be prepared for sensory overload - colour culture, smells (good and bad), noise atmosphere. Hope if you go you have a great time. Must admit it would never have been somewhere I would have selected to go myself so consider myself really really fortunate to have been given the opportunity through work. Hope you have a great time if your go.
Ali
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Cia
member
Reged: 16/09/2008
Posts: 139
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Hi, We went to Kerala last year and stayed at Estuary Island.The hotel is lovely and peaceful and the staff are very friendly. I found the food too spicy and hot but the chef cooked chicken and fish dishes just for me. We went on a houseboat for a weekend.We had an airconditioned bedroom even though it was a traditional houseboat. We had our own cook who spoiled us.We were able to see village life at close hand. It was very tranquil.Pm me if you want to know about the boat race.Hope you get to go.
Cia
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