For those who are only used to developed countries first impression could be a bit of a shock. Even if you have some travel experience around the world you might be impressed the first time you step into an Indian city. Those who were here 20 years ago told me that things have changed a lot, that things look much better, so wowww....
These were my impressions:
- Chaotic towns and villages, driving follows the hardest law of the jungle "only the strongest survive". Do not get scared if in the middle of a curve you come with a truck speeding on your way... You'll get used to that, Indians know how to get away with that. I just wonder how they manage to drive like this. I absolutely wouldn't recommend to rent a car here...They horn every 5-10 seconds, so people and drivers are immunized for strident horn noise. Will you be able to stand it? Take it easy pal. Auto rickshaws are the easiest and cheapest way to move around cities. But you'll have to bargain the price if they don't want to put the taximeter on. However reliable and I found them charm. At least a trip by train is a must, to see how Indians travels, what trains means for them. But I wouldn't take the cheapest ticket for trains or you might regret it. Trips by road are at least twice as slower as it'd be in your home European country.
- Do not expect great cities with a sense of planned intelligent built streets. I had the impression that they are very slowly coming out of extremely poverty, so little by little, please do not complain if you don't meet your European standards, because otherwise this is not the right place for you where to go. Roads half constructed, huge potholes everywhere, no indications, no pavements in streets, etc.
- Sometimes it can be hard, you might see scenes which you won't like to see, so just get ready for that. Many Indians wait for tourists at front of the top touristic places. Although they can be quite annoying, relax, keep cool, if you are not interested for what they offer or want to sell you, just say no and the third time they'll go away. No need to be rude, really, you wouldn't like to be at their position, so please respect and treat them well.
- You'll find people almost everywhere, little places where you can find some relax, better bring your earplugs for sleeping. Most of Indians are Hindus and is easy to get into their temples. You may find someone who'd like to guide you through, better if you check that is an official guide, otherwise they'll rip you off, but we are talking of just 2-3 euros maximum, so don't really worry.
- People stare at you, but is not that bad as in countries as China.
- The best of Bengalure is the Sultan Palace, but overall India needs a couple of days before you feel acclimated. Madurai has a superb temple, amazing, the rest of the city is hard to see sometimes. Cochi has a great colonial part, but again shoppers will try to drag you in their shop. It is also very worth to pop into the Chinese fishing nets. Just great spot and you can even buy the fish you like and they'll cook for you in a restaurant. Even with very small budgets, you can afford most of things in India. For European is really really cheap. Ooty is in the mountains. It has a great places to see, but nothing you have never seen if you have travel a little bit around. Mountains are very crowded over here, but still worth to have a look if you have the time. Mysore is probably the best city I found of all of this circuit. Maybe because I felt better in India, maybe not, but they have a great Maharaja Palace and a few other amazing temples in "closer" town (about 150 km away).
For me it was such an experience. India is vast, if you connect with it you may spend a great time, but if you are looking for comfort no way to come over.
These were my impressions:
- Chaotic towns and villages, driving follows the hardest law of the jungle "only the strongest survive". Do not get scared if in the middle of a curve you come with a truck speeding on your way... You'll get used to that, Indians know how to get away with that. I just wonder how they manage to drive like this. I absolutely wouldn't recommend to rent a car here...They horn every 5-10 seconds, so people and drivers are immunized for strident horn noise. Will you be able to stand it? Take it easy pal. Auto rickshaws are the easiest and cheapest way to move around cities. But you'll have to bargain the price if they don't want to put the taximeter on. However reliable and I found them charm. At least a trip by train is a must, to see how Indians travels, what trains means for them. But I wouldn't take the cheapest ticket for trains or you might regret it. Trips by road are at least twice as slower as it'd be in your home European country.
- Do not expect great cities with a sense of planned intelligent built streets. I had the impression that they are very slowly coming out of extremely poverty, so little by little, please do not complain if you don't meet your European standards, because otherwise this is not the right place for you where to go. Roads half constructed, huge potholes everywhere, no indications, no pavements in streets, etc.
- Sometimes it can be hard, you might see scenes which you won't like to see, so just get ready for that. Many Indians wait for tourists at front of the top touristic places. Although they can be quite annoying, relax, keep cool, if you are not interested for what they offer or want to sell you, just say no and the third time they'll go away. No need to be rude, really, you wouldn't like to be at their position, so please respect and treat them well.
- You'll find people almost everywhere, little places where you can find some relax, better bring your earplugs for sleeping. Most of Indians are Hindus and is easy to get into their temples. You may find someone who'd like to guide you through, better if you check that is an official guide, otherwise they'll rip you off, but we are talking of just 2-3 euros maximum, so don't really worry.
- People stare at you, but is not that bad as in countries as China.
- The best of Bengalure is the Sultan Palace, but overall India needs a couple of days before you feel acclimated. Madurai has a superb temple, amazing, the rest of the city is hard to see sometimes. Cochi has a great colonial part, but again shoppers will try to drag you in their shop. It is also very worth to pop into the Chinese fishing nets. Just great spot and you can even buy the fish you like and they'll cook for you in a restaurant. Even with very small budgets, you can afford most of things in India. For European is really really cheap. Ooty is in the mountains. It has a great places to see, but nothing you have never seen if you have travel a little bit around. Mountains are very crowded over here, but still worth to have a look if you have the time. Mysore is probably the best city I found of all of this circuit. Maybe because I felt better in India, maybe not, but they have a great Maharaja Palace and a few other amazing temples in "closer" town (about 150 km away).
For me it was such an experience. India is vast, if you connect with it you may spend a great time, but if you are looking for comfort no way to come over.
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