India Travel Help

[PassTheDutchie]

Well, shit. I just found out that my sister is getting married to an Indian guy. Fantastic! My sister is getting married! But the kicker: she is getting married in India in January. This not only puts the kybosh on the two-week skifari I had planned for next winter (I live in Chicago so my ski plans are like gold to me) but it also means I have to go to India for two weeks (really, no desire to go there at all). My biggest concern is my wife: starving, decrepit animals really disturb her and from what I understand the subcontinent is over run with emaciated critters (not to mention people—but this doesn't bother my wife so much).

So, I guess, what I am asking for is travel advice, comments and reassurance from any who might have been there—we'll be in Chennai/Madras for the wedding (!five days!), then we'll probably hit the road. Thinking of avoiding the big, festering cities and concentrating on Goa and/or Kerala….

[shamrockpow]

My biggest concern is my wife: starving, decrepit animals really disturb her and from what I understand the subcontinent is over run with emaciated critters (not to mention people—but this doesn't bother my wife so much).

Quite a catch you got there

[cj001f]

If you (or your wife) like things neatly packaged, orderly and quiet.... you'll probably have a less than enjoyable time. India's at turns dirty, noisy, smelly, beautiful, aweinspiring, amazing and incredible. Many people can't get past the first 3 to see the last 4. If you want to sit on the beach with a bunch of westerners, Goa's the place for you. Would be a shame to miss Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, the list goes on...

[bad_roo]

My biggest concern is my wife: starving, decrepit animals really disturb her

You need to get started NOW with some familiarisation techniques. Try pasting these pictures to the fridge door.

[PassTheDutchie]

Quite a catch you got there

Yeah, it sucks that she works at non-profit all day (the mission of which is devolping micro-loan programs for developing nations) then feels compelled to volunteer at a local cat shelter 10-20 hours a week. Too much compassion for one person. I tell her to fuck the world and live only for her self, but she doesn't listen.

[Tippster]

Gulmarg? 2 birds/one stone thingy?

[cj001f]

Gulmarg?

Kashmir: The Switzerland of India

an increasingly ironic book title....

[iceman]

Meh, the place isn't overrun by starving animals, although there are a lot of animals around. People feed the cows (and the cow's aren't homeless, they go back to their barn/stall at night), the monkeys take care of themselves, the dogs are skinny like everywhere in the third world but as elsewhere they seem to get by, and pigs, goats and chickens are valuable property.

There's a huge amount of human poverty of course, but it's not like everybody's lying in the street starving to death. Still, you will see some stark scenes pretty much anywhere. And perhaps an amazing palace or shrine just feet away.

You would do yourself a huge disservice to travel that far and remain in a Westernized bubble the whole time you are there. The world is what it is and the Indians know it as well as anyone. Go out and see some of what the country has to offer, which in my meager two-week experience is amazing and varied beyond belief.

Just don't give any money to beggars, especially at the bigger tourist destinations, or you will be overwhelmed. It may break your heart but resolve instead to give some money to an organization that can use the money to help the people.

[PassTheDutchie]

Thanks for the advice, all. We have done a fair amount of travel in the developing world and certainly aren't luxury "bubble" travel types (though its nice to splurge from time to time). I have a couple of cronies who have lived in India for extended periods and they tend to paint bleak pictures. Just trying to get some perspective--half of me loves the seething mass of humanity in places like Bangkok; half of me says "screw it; your on vaction, you live in a big, crowded city 90% of the year, life is stressful enough, find a place to escape, chill and relax."

[Flash]

My wife and I spent a month in India this year. It is one of the most amazing places on earth, and we both look forward to returning. India is totally overwhelming, and that can be both good and bad. It is by far the most vibrant place I have ever been. The colors, the sounds, the smells -- everything is so intense.

Animals are everywere, but generally speaking they are not in super-bad shape (you will see people worse off). My wife is the world's biggest animal lover, and she was fine.

You will HATE India at times, simply because you are being swarmed by people. On the other hand, you will see the most amazing things, meet the warmest people, and taste unbelievable kick-ass food. If you can get past the crush of humanity, you will LOVE India. Don't let the hard parts of India spoil the good. It is a crazy, awesome, wonderful place.

[BFD]

I arrived in Delhi the day Indira Gandhi was assassinated. Wild times. Like was said this place can drive you crazy but there is alot to see. I would recomend traveling the most comfortable way possible or by bicycle. Didn't make it to southern India but would definitely recomend Jaipur. visiting there made you feel like you were in a Kipling story. You will most likely be hasseled, often. My advice is don't back down and don't worry about getting in someone's face when you want to.

[addict]

in India in January. This not only puts the kybosh on the two-week skifari I had planned for next winter.

Funny, you're going to India this coming year worried about missing out on skiing. I'm going to India this coming year specifically to ski.

[PassTheDutchie]

Funny, you're going to India this coming year worried about missing out on skiing. I'm going to India this coming year specifically to ski.

Maybe I can ditch my wife and we can hook up. She isn''t much of a skier yet; she's improving, but it's slow going...

[Mulletizer]

I got back from India last week having gone there specifically to ski. Let's just say the trip was worth it.

[PassTheDutchie]

I got back from India last week having gone there specifically to ski. Let's just say the trip was worth it.

TR, please.