If anyone has some good ones that I've missed email me and I'll add them.
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Choose your time and place according to weather conditions.
Don't try and cover too much ground at once. The distances are long and travelling very slow.
Don't miss some of the 'must see's' like the Taj Majal, but also add some places a little off the beaten tourist track. Those are the places where you see more of the real India.
Come with a very open mind and expect the unexpected.
Go with the flow. Don't make too many rigid plans or tight schedules.
Don't expect the bathroom facilities you may have at home. A pair of jandals are useful for the wet floors. The most likely medicine you are liable to need is an anti fungal cream for your toes! Most hotels don't provide toilet paper, face clothes or hair driers.
Bring tissues and ziplock plastic bags to put used ones in.
Be prepared to take lots and lots of photos.
Be prepared to eat the local food and don't get paranoid about getting sick... Just avoid water and anything uncooked that may have been washed in it. More expensive restaurants don't necessarily mean better food... The local restaurants are great and cost next to nothing.
Bring mosquito repellent ... Deet based ones seem to be the only ones that work.
A travel clothesline is useful. The bathrooms often don't have hooks and the floor gets very wet.
Bring Whittakers Lemon & Paeroa chocolate..... For Tarun!
Do a bit of reading about the history of India. This country has a very colourful history and the relics of it hit you every time you turn a corner.
Also read up about the culture. It's very complex and will help you understand more.
Cut down your coffee intake before you come if you think you can't go cold turkey. You won't want to drink coffee here but the chai is great as long as you have a sweet tooth.
Make sure you tell your bank that you are travelling to India. They will block cards if you don't.
A sarong has many many uses.
A knife for cutting fruit is very useful.
Don't get tempted to give to the kids on the streets...they could be in school. If you want to help do so through a charity or school, spend money, give bigger tips.
Keep your clothing simple. Unless you plan to eat in very top class hotels every night there is no need for anything but very casual clothing.
Bring comfortable shoes. Covered ones are best for city streets.
Don't expect to use a credit card too often. Only bigger places accept them and there is often a pretty hefty % added.
ATM 's are everywhere but there is a limit to how much you can take out each day... 10,000 rupees from each account.
Expect to love it. India is a country like no other and most people who come love it. I believe the key is to travel with an Indian. The company you travel with can make or break your trip.
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I asked Tarun for his ideas too. This is what he came up with.....all good ideas actually:-)
Contact Tarun.
Travel with Tarun.
Go to the Himalayas.
Go to Tarun's village.
MORE COMING!
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