Tourists visiting India are often shocked by the number of beggars in the major tourist centers.
Category: India
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Tourist Tips for Dealing with Beggars in India
Their presence is somewhat confronting, especially if you hail from an affluent part of the world, but by following a few simple tips they need not detract from your vacation experience. Beggars are most prevalent in tourist areas, as these people look to take advantage of unknowing visitors. Many congregate around tourist attractions, shopping districts, and railway stations. You might also see them near major traffic intersections, where they approach stationary cars at traffic lights. While beggars in Western countries are generally homeless people, this is not always the case in India. Beggars often make more money than they would in paid employment, and so opt to walk the streets. As a rule, you should ignore any beggar who seems healthy and able bodied to avoid being exploited. Of course, it can be more difficult to disregard a beggar if they are handicapped, elderly, or very young. In these instances it's often better to give food rather than money which may be spent on alcohol, or end up in the pockets of parents. Do not be suckered in too easily though. Beggars often go out with children and babies that aren’t there own to play on Western sympathies. If you would like to give money, always make sure it is a small amount. Between two and 10 Indian rupees is an appropriate sum. Otherwise you may attract more beggars who hope to share in your wealth. It's also wise to hand over money as you are leaving an area rather than arriving; loitering will also attract more beggars. Remember that while you may have a generous spirit, there are many beggars in India. It would be impossible to help them all, so you should not attempt to try. While it may seem cruel, it is often best to ignore India's beggars and focus on all of the wonderful sites this country has to offer. -
Dining in India – More Than Curries in Spicy Asian Nation
On arriving for your India vacation, you quickly learn that there’s more to this Asian nation’s cuisine than curry.
Not that the Indians don’t do a mean curry. Traditionally it includes a combination of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables, various seasonings and spices, and stir-fried Masala. Masala is a traditional Indian blend of onion, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes.
Traditional Indian curry spices But the food of India is much more diverse than this fiery dish. Each region offers its own traditional cuisine and time-honored methods of preparation. The Mughlai cuisine found in the north of the country is markedly different to the dishes you’ll see in the south. In Kashmir the Wazwan style multi-course meals are luxurious, as is the fish dish Macher Jhol found in Bengal and the soupy Dal Bati in Rajasthan.
The strong flavors Indian cuisine is renowned for come from the country’s use of spices, seasonings, grains, fruits, leafy vegetables, and legumes. Indian recipes have been passed through the generations, and many of their ingredients were originally chosen for their medicinal properties.
Traditional ingredients turmeric, cloves, and cardamom pods have strong antiseptic qualities, while ginger and carminative aid digestion. Indian cuisine has a reputation for being spicy, but that's just the start of the story. In actual fact, Indian food can also be categorized as sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and astringent. A well-balanced Indian meal strives to incorporate all six tastes so as not to overwhelm the palate. It does this with traditional side dishes and condiments, including chutneys, daals, and Indian pickles. Indian cuisine may seem daunting to foreign tourists, but it is an adventure to be embraced on your journey to the Asian nation. -
Sail Down The Ganges River – Indian Tour to Holy City of Varanasi
At 2507 kilometers long The Ganges, which stretches from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, is nowhere near as long as the Nile, the Amazon, or the Mississippi. But its might comes from a much deeper place. The river is regarded as the lifeblood of India, a water source which gives the Asian nation its economic freedom, its spirituality, and its cultural identity.
Sunrise on the Ganges River near the holy city of Varanasi One of the greatest ways to experience the splendor of The Ganges is to get on it. Several touring companies, including Adventure Expedition Travel and Shikhar Travels, offer sailing journeys down the river. These sailboats are not like those familiar to Western travelers. The rustic vessels are propelled by the sail if weather permits, or bamboo poles when conditions are still. A canvas awning offers crude shelter from the elements, and there is room for just a small number of passengers and their luggage.
The sailing expeditions travel to the holy city of Varanasi.
The sacred city is home to ghats, a row of stone steps along the Indian coast. Tourists can see many Hindus here bathing, practicing meditation and yoga, making offerings to the gods, and cremating the dead. It's thought that anyone who dies in Varanasi will travel straight to heaven. To truly experience Varanasi, tourists should take a walk around the Old Town, or Vishwanatha Khanda. This area's shrines and temples, stalls and shops, are a hive of activity all year round. For their own comfort, tourists are advised against traveling to The Ganges in the middle of the year. In June temperatures soar as high as 39 ºC, while July is the area's wettest month. -
Managing Money in India – The Rupee and What It Buys You
A visit to another country often means adjusting to another currency. In India, that currency is the rupee.
One rupee is equivalent to around two US cents. A rupee is divided into 100 paise, although paise coins are becoming scarce. Most Indian tourist towns and cities have automatic teller machines linked to international networks. Cards are also accepted at many Indian stores, upmarket restaurants, hotels, and train stations. However, as power outages are frequent and machines are often out of order, visitors should always carry a back-up such as cash or travelers' checks. This is also important if traveling off the beaten track, as small towns are unlikely to have ATMs or currency trading facilities. Indian banks including Citibank, ICICI, HSBC, HDFC, the Punjab National Bank, and the State Bank of India also accept foreign cards and major currencies such as US dollars, UK pounds, and euros. Charges for international transactions can be high, but often the favorable bank exchange rate cancels this out.
Making larger transactions less frequently can help to keep the price down.
Tourists should carry their passport at all times, as they will need to present it to change currency or travelers' checks. Unlike many countries, it's uncommon to pay a fee for exchanging currency. When changing money, tourists should check each note carefully. Dirty, ripped, or disintegrating notes are common, and may not be accepted as legal tender. If tourists do get saddled with these defective notes they should exchange them for new ones at Reserve Bank of India branches.
Many shopkeepers and service workers do not have a lot of change, so it's worth carrying a supply of small currency. Rs 10, 20, and 50 notes are useful, so take some of these smaller notes when changing currency.
India is a country which caters for all budgets. While luxury accommodation and fine dining restaurants will please rich travelers, those on a budget won't feel like they're missing out too much.
Prepare to pay more for services in India's largest cities, including Mumbai and Delhi. Entry to local attractions can cost more for international tourists, who may also pay a surcharge to use their still and video cameras. Dining is very affordable, with a meal at a basic restaurant costing as little as Rs40. Street vendors charge even less than that for their hearty cuisine. A splurge at a gourmet eatery might cost between Rs150 and Rs350, which is still significantly less than it would in Europe or the United States. Transport is also cheap, from hiring a car and a driver to get about the city to catching a plane from one end of the country to the other. Tourists are not permitted to take rupees out of India, although this is rarely enforced. To be on the safe side, travelers can convert their rupees to another foreign currency at the airport before leaving India. -
Eco-Friendly Treehouse Rooms at India’s Vythiri Resort
The treehouses of Vythiri Resort in North Kerala, India, capture the magic of childhood for the environmentally conscious world.
The resort has two treehouses in 500 acres of private forest. The rustic elevated dwellings have two stories, with each floor housing a double room. Each has a bedroom, a bathroom, and a terrace which allows you to appreciate the view. At 90 feet above the ground, this vista is pretty incredible.
You access your treehouse using a primitive elevator fitted with a sack of water for a counterweight. It takes around 15 minutes for the water to fill, but in rural India no one is in a hurry. The basic facilities mean there is no electricity either, but the kerosene lamps cast a romantic glow over the rooms. Contemporary luxuries aren’t completely forgotten though. The hot water showers and flushing toilet should please those who appreciate mod cons.
The buildings are designed with green practices in mind. The integrity of the trees is preserved, with no nails actually penetrating the bark.
The eco-friendly resort’s grounds are so large you could easily spend a few days exploring. If you want to rest your feet, the resort’s friendly elephant Ammu will give you a ride. He only asks for bananas as payment! If you’d rather relax you can take a dip in the swimming pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or feast in the resort’s traditional restaurant.
The resort is isolated, but staff are happy to collect guests from the city of Vythiri in their all-terrain jeep. It’s pricier than many accommodation options in India, but that added cost buys you a unique accommodation experience and all the luxurious solitude of the great outdoors.
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Transport Tips for Traveling Around India
A vast number of transport options make getting around India easy.
Few tourists take self-driving vacations in India. While India’s largest cities have international car rental companies like Budget and Hertz, the challenging urban driving conditions are a deterrent.
//It’s more common for visitors to hire a car which comes with its own driver.
While inner-city driving is not recommended, India is ideal for long motorcycle journeys. Motorcycles handle the country’s pitted roads better than four-wheeled vehicles do, and there’s the freedom to stop when something catches your eye. Many people begin their motorcycle journey in Delhi and travel to Rajasthan, South India, or Ladakh. Providing you have the correct paperwork, you may also like to ride to Nepal, Bangladesh, or Bhutan. When hiring a motorcycle, look for bikes covered by third-party insurance. It’s not unusual to leave your passport, airline tickets, or a large cash sum as a security deposit. While solo touring holds a certain appeal, many tourists prefer to join an organized group. Companies including Wheel of India, Classic Bike Adventures, and Himalayan Roadrunners all offer tours including support vehicles, mechanics, guides, and bike hire.
Buses are India’s most inexpensive transport option. While services are fast and regular, the country’s perilous roads and the risk-taking nature of many drivers can make bus travel a harrowing experience. Government buses are the safest options, but seats can be booked months in advance. Private buses are less expensive, but they are often overcrowded and their drivers regularly exceed recommended speeds. Luggage may be stored underneath the bus or on the roof. If your bags are on the roof, make sure they are closed tightly and secured to the metal baggage racks as the bumpy roads may send suitcases flying.
While it is regarded as risky in many Western countries, hitch-hiking is an established part of Indian culture. Truck drivers stand in for bus services in remote areas including Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti. They charge a small fee for this service, which can be negotiated. But this can often prove difficult as few drivers speak English. While hitch-hiking is common, women are cautioned against doing it alone.
Train travel offers a more luxurious experience for tourists. The network is extensive and prices are affordable. Major cities also have suburban networks, although these trains can become overcrowded in peak times. While the ticket buying process can seem confusing, most stations have English speaking staff to assist foreign travelers. The Indian Railways site offers timetables of all major train lines.
A variety of water transport options help travelers make their way across and down India’s waterways. Wooden canoes and primitive coracles are inexpensive passenger options, while larger ferries can transport guests and their cars. Most boats will accept an extra fee to transport bikes and motorcycles.
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Travel to the Taj Mahal in India, One of the World’s Greatest Wonders
The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the world’s great architectural achievements. You’ll find this stunning mausoleum in Agra, 200 kilometers south of the Indian capital, New Delhi.The fifth Muslim emperor Shah Jehan ordered the Taj Mahal’s construction in memory of his second and most adored wife, Arjumand Banu. The couple was married in 1612, and had fourteen children before she died during labor in 1630. Building began in the year she died and was completed 22 years later, thanks to the combined power of 20, 000 people and 1000 elephants.
The Taj Mahal showcases a variety of architectural styles thanks to its Hindi, Mogul, Islamic, and Persian influences.
Craftsman and material also came from the far flung nations of China and Italy to assist in its completion. The building appears especially beautiful at dawn and sunset, and its iconic white walls appear to glow in the moonlight. Its impressive exterior is matched by a breathtaking interior. The walls are decorated with dainty floral patterns and calligraphy embedded with semi-precious stones. The Taj Mahal’s two main chambers are built one on top of the other. Both octagonal rooms contain two jewel-covered sarcophagi; one intended for the king and the other, his queen. The crypts in the upper room are just for show, however, as their actual remains are hidden in the lower room.
The Taj Mahal is open to tourists every day but Fridays. Adults must pay to enter, but children under 12 receive free admission. The months from March to April and October to December are the best times to visit. From July to September India experiences monsoonal rains, while temperatures soar from April to June. The days surrounding the full moons are the busiest, so if you want to miss the crowds it’s also best to avoid these times.
Travelers hoping to enjoy the Taj Mahal’s beauty for a little longer can stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas, which sits just 600 meters away. The resort claims that all 102 luxury rooms have uninterrupted views of the monument. The facilities are first class, including two fine dining restaurants, a gymnasium, spa, and heated pool for year-round swimming.
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How To Stay Safe When Visiting India
A trip to India can be a rewarding experience for foreign travelers, providing they follow some simple precautions to stay safe.Like any country, India has its share of thieves. To ensure the security of your travel documents, keep a copy of your passport, travel tickets, visas, traveler’s checks, and any other vital information. These copies should be kept in a safe place, away from the originals. They can be referred to if any of your important documents go missing, and can speed up their replacement.
Wallets and handbags are targets for pickpockets, so consider carrying your cash and cards in a concealed purse.
These purses, available from most travel stores, are hidden underneath your clothing. They may be worn around your neck, fastened around your calf or ankle with Velcro, or hung from the loop of a belt.
You can also ensure the safety of your possessions by looking out for phony porters or guides. All official service staff will be uniformed and carrying identification. Never leave your luggage or other belongings with anyone who cannot produce this identification, and of course, never leave goods unattended.
The quality of water is a concern in many areas of India, so never drink water from an unknown source. If you are unsure, ask for some of the popular mineral waters sold in the country, such as Bisleri, Himalaya, Kinley, and Aqua Fina. These waters should always be sold in sealed bottles, and should not be consumed if the seals are broken. It’s also worth packing some water purifying tablets as an extra precaution.
Foods are generally safe, but travelers should avoid dishes which have been sitting out in the open for any period of time, such as those at the markets. Any fruits and vegetables should be carefully washed before consumption.
Depending on the area you visit, malaria may be a concern. Visitors can stave off the risk of infection by obtaining anti-malarial tablets from their doctor prior to travel. As mosquitoes are prevalent in many Indian centers, you should always carry an insect repellent and mosquito coils.
If you require medical treatment in India, do not be worried. Most hotels have doctors on call, and can organize treatment from a respected medical practitioner. It is also very inexpensive to see a doctor, with consultations generally costing less than a dollar. Most towns and villages also have pharmacies and chemists for minor ailments.
Stop and think before taking out your camera. Photography is prohibited in many areas of interest, including places of military importance, airports, railway stations, and bridges. When in doubt, it’s safer not to snap.
Remember if you are ever in trouble while visiting India, contact your local embassy or speak to the senior inspector in charge at the closest police station.