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The best things to look at would be the forums on Fodors and the Thorn Tree forums on Lonely Planet.
Where are you thinking of going? Who are you going to go with? It is a culture shock. Nothing can prepare you for the poverty, beggars, filth, traffic, noise, etc. But, while I would never go back, it was definitely probably possibly worth it.
Here are some tips from those who have been there. These will save you money, hassles, and stomach problems.
Don't travel alone, and 2 girls on there own is almost as bad.
Foreigners are seen as walking banks, and everybody wants to make a withdrawal. Everybody. Literally.
People will stare at you. Ignore them. They find you novel.
When in a crowd or a queue, people will be pushing up against you. They never leave gaps. It a cultural thing.
It may be over 400 degrees, but don't wear anything too skimpy. Being arrested might be the best thing that could happen.
Don't let the driver take you anywhere other than where you want to go. If he does, pay him then walk away.
Don't complain about the tuk-tuk drivers driving. There is nothing wrong with doing 50kph down a footpath to get past a traffic jam.
At Deli airport, arrange a taxi at the government taxi desk. The ones waiting outside will probably not take you where you want to go, and you may never be seen again.
If someone starts talking to one of you, another of your party should walk off a little and take photos of them (puts them right off)
Do not let anyone become your guide. Just say no and turn your back.
Do not drink the tap water. It is lethal.
Only drink bottled water, and check the seal before opening it.
Never have ice in your drinks. It will be made from tap water.
Don't eat salads. They will have been washed in tap water.
Don't give money to beggars. Give to one and you will be swamped by others.
Only take photos of people very furtively. If they notice they will probably want money.
If a guy drops a small basket on the ground, whips the lid off, and starts playing a flute, ignore him and walk off. The snake is drugged, and if you take a photo he will demand more money than you can imagine.
Outside of hotels, all toilets will be squat toilets. Builds up those thigh muscles!
Buy train tickets from the international kiosk or normal booth IN the station. Not across the road where that helpful guy says to go.
The toilets on trains are just a hole in the floor. Janet managed to go 8 hours without a trip to the loo after I described the mess in there.
We never had a bad meal, but then we never went to the places with the goats sleeping on the tables. Be sensible. Big hotels will have the cleanest kitchens.
and
Even though he has a book of references from people, don't let the guy with the dirty cotton-bud clean your ears.
Things to carry everywhere you go:
Alcohol based hand cleaner.
Your own toilet paper (rather than paying 20 rupee a sheet at the loo entrance)
We also took some instant water purifying tablets, but I don't think we ever used them.
Places we saw that will blow your mind if you can get there:
The Taj Mahal, and it's even better at sunset.
The Ganges at Varanasi
The Golden Temple at Amritsar
Have a look through our India pictures and our diary emails.
Love,
Uncle Ian
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