A PASSAGE THROUGH INDIA
- shoediva9
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
January, 2025
There was a lot going on after we finished our tour to India. We left Japan a month later. I definitely needed time to digest the experience and decide if it was something I would recommend, and to who.
India is both disgusting and extraordinary, ugly and beautiful. There are a lot of things I would avoid if you do go to India, but it is truly a breathtaking country, and worth the trip.
Having said that,
Here is what NOT TO DO
DRIVE. If you want to survive - don’t drive in India. We had a private driver with our tour. India is a huge country and you will have to travel by car. Even if you don’t book a tour - book a personal driver for the duration of your trip.
And what you MUST DO
USE A TOUR COMPANY
I would expect most people reading this blog are not going to be backpacking through India.
Therefore - use a tour company. You will be safer and less confused. I (we) detest group tours. Our tour was private and perfect for us.
Tour Radar is a great place to find a viable tour company. And if you want to do most of the planning by yourself, then it is simply a great site to get ideas for building your own itinerary.
UPGRADE YOUR HOTELS - FULL STOP.
This is a must if you are looking for good AC and/or internet. Yes the sites are beautiful but today, most of us need to check in via the internet. We did not upgrade on our hotels.
Carry Toilet Tissue at ALL times (and wet wipes) (and hand sanitizer)
However, whether you take a chance on 3 STARS or upgrade to 4, it is worth staying in these two historic forts. Yes, the WIFI is not great but the history and the grounds are incredible.
In Jodhpur
In Rohetgarh
SPEND AS LITTLE TIME AS POSSIBLE IN NEW DELHI
The poverty is heartbreaking and the pollution is insane! There are a couple of beautiful monuments and perhaps everyone should see what life is like in a big, crowded, polluted city? If it’s not for you, these are the sites we did enjoy.
BE PREPARED FOR:
BLACK OUT/POWER OUTAGES
It happened more than once in Delhi and doesn't usually last long. Just be aware.
TERRIBLE WIFI
Again, upgrade your hotels to 4 STAR to ensure decent WIFI and AC.
PRESSURE TO SHOP
Everywhere. You will get used to it. If your guide adds stops at jewelry, art or textile places, feel free to tell him you don’t want to go inside. If you are interested, gemstones are much cheaper in India and you will definitely find something. Although the guides obviously get a kickback for taking you to their “spots”, you are much more likely to get something authentic than somewhere on the street.
TIPPING
Everyone wants one. It is expected. But for a middle class North American, it is not prohibitive.
LESS THAN STELLAR BATHROOMS
Honestly, it is true, India is not the cleanest country I have ever visited but you can keep clean with a few essentials like toilet tissue, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
While you are on the road, your driver will stop at appropriate places with decent toilets. If you have to make an unplanned pitstop - be prepared for a hole in the ground!
TRAFFIC
HONKING
POVERTY
POLLUTION
HIGHLIGHTS:
COWS
Some people might not see this as a highlight but I loved the cows wandering everywhere.
AND MONKEYS!!!
HISTORY: MONUMENTS AND RUINS
India is an exquisite country and worth visiting. We toured the Golden Triangle in the province of Ranthambore. And again, once you are outside of New Delhi everything gets better.
Our FAVOURITES INCLUDE:
TAJ MAHAL
There are tour packages with everyone! If you don’t choose to do a full tour when in India, you can check the usual suspects from TripAdvisor to Expedia.com and beyond! Number one suggestion from us? GO IN THE MORNING!
MARKETS
In my opinion, there is nothing better than wandering through markets. Yes, they are crowded, but you can stop and have a beverage and people watch for ages. I highly recommend it!
SHOPPING
With this trip, we thought, will we ever come back to India? No.
Such beauty in the country, and that includes art and textiles. We purchased many pashminas when we were in Nepal. We knew a family that lived in Kathmandu so we used their recommendation. But - we also purchased some exquisite cashmere in India.
Maharani Textiles & Handicrafts
This place was incredible! We bought a cashmere throw, a beaded wall hanging and a magnificent cashmere king-size blanket. We purchased it at a famous “pawn shop” in India. If you go to India, you MUST stop here!
Northern India is also known for the technique of miniature painting on rice paper from the Mughal School. We did purchase a small painting. We chose to purchase from the student vendor.
FOOD
One of the most common thing we heard from people we told about our trip was, “Oh! But the smells!” And really, this was not an issue at all! Again, outside of New Delhi the pollution was less of an issue and the food provided aromas that we will never forget! So many authentic Indian dishes…
...and so many options for the vegetarians out there! AND - I had the best samosa that I have ever had on the streets of Jodhpur.
We are so glad to have had the opportunity to travel to India. Although it doesn’t rank as any of our favourite destinations, we are so grateful for the experience!
OF NOTE
We also spent 3 days in Kathmandu and absolutely loved the experience, the vibe, the food and the people - fabulous! Highly recommend a visit to Nepal!
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