India

India is like no where else! We travelled the Golden Triangle of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur before heading south to Mumbai, Goa and finishing in Kerala. The journey was epic using only sleeper trains and buses it took us a whole 30 day visa to get around! We experienced a lot of challenges in India making us feel like flying home some days. There is no escaping the poverty and corruption. However it is as well rich in culture and religion and offered us some of the best days of our world trip. Regardless of the low times, I would certainly recommend India to anyone and everyone as no matter how you come away feeling, India is an experience like no other.

Transport:

Tuk-tuks are the way to go throughout India but are more expensive than taxis if you’re wanting transport for a full day tour. We made good use of the fabulous rail network and actually enjoyed our journeys even though some of them were ridiculously long! The easiest way to book a train is to just go to the station. It was a nightmare to be able to log onto the online booking version and then it wouldn’t accept UK bank cards so completely useless. Always book an air conditioned carriage. The only difference between 2nd tier and 3rd tier is that there are 3 bunk beds in the latter to a wall rather than 2 in the former. 1st tier are private cabins but way to expensive for us. Buses are much easier to book online and cheaper than the trains but felt way more risky.

Top travel Tips:

Its unfortunate but I need to say, keep your wits about you the whole time
Use the trains where ever possible its such an insight into India
Each region is completely different to the next so try and explore more than 1

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Currency and costs:

The currency in India is Rupees. Exchange rate is about 85R to £1.

Its ridiculously cheap in India, even big sight seeing days like the Taj Mahal won’t dent your budget too much.

As a couple spending our nights in private, double air conditioned rooms eating out 3 meals a day (admittedly mainly expensive KFC due to Delhi belly) daily cost including travel was £20-30.

Don’t forget to pack:

lots of scarves/ long sleeved tops and long skirts/trousers
camera
medicine for sickness and diarreah (ammodium, broad spectrum antibiotic, oral rehydration salts)

Food:

Curries, curries and more curries! They are different to what we get served up in the U.K. but you must try as many as you can from the different regions you visit. Being able to trust the food you see as a backpacker can be difficult in India but there will always be somewhere thats full all day long to trust. If in doubt, KFCs are every where and the best we have had throughout our world trip! Be very hygiene conscious as hardly anyone survives a trip to India without having some degree of Delhi belly. Wash your hands where you can, use alcohol gels and don’t have ice.

Visas:

Wow I found it very difficult to get my visa for India but I was already travelling as you have to apply for it within 30 days of travel. The easiest way to go is to apply for an e-visa. It now gives tourists 60days travel and allows double entry. Prices change frequently as do the requirements so check at the time you need to book for the most up to date information. At the time I travelled it was very expensive for the visa and only offered 30 days.