Messages: 189,498 - Threads: 32,033
posted
23-Jul-2008 17:49
by:
Irene_Adler »
last reply
08-Jan-2009 11:30
by:
Irene_Adler »
0
replies
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7,270
views
Welcome to the Indian Subcontinent branch!
Welcome to the Thorn Tree's branch for the Indian Subcontinent.
This branch covers: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh and Bhutan.
We hope you find plenty of useful information here. It is highly recommended that new users check out the Indian Subcontinent FAQ thread before posting a new thread as you may find many of the answers you seek there. It also contains helpful information about how to search the forum, advice for how to post your questions, and obsolete information was deleted as recently as July 2008! If you are a returning user or a subcontinent guru, please help us keep the FAQ thread up-to-date by adding important information which is absent, or pointing out information which is no longer being represented accurately.
Choosing a country to post to:
When you make a po...
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posted
10-Feb-2004 04:39
by:
Apollo »
last reply
06-Sep-2009 03:01
by:
chitralguy »
136
replies
,
191,053
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location: India
Welcome to the Indian Subcontinent branch, please read this thread first!
If you have any links or tips about travelling in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh or Bhutan, feel free to post them in here
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Guidebook Updates
To get the lat...
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posted
24-Nov-2009 23:05
by:
kilbar »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 23:05
by:
kilbar »
0
replies
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3
views
location: Sri Lanka
Hi,
Am in a way reluctant to post this, as had found somewhat of an oasis amongst the expensive accommodation in Unawatuna.
Blue Swan Inn is located on Yaddehimulla Road as you head toward Unawatuna Beach. Is on the right, with a high white gate, about four minutes walk toward the beach from the highway.
We - 2 adults with four children - found the accommodation amongst the best and most affordable of our month in Sri Lanka. The owner (Sam) and staff were seriously pleasant, and the food was great. A big white stone two-story building with airconditioned rooms (with fans too) and fridges. Views of palm plantation. Lots of woodwork throughout, though the place is only a decade old. 5-10 minutes from the beach and rooms at guest houses and hotels that cost more than 5 times as much but offer less in terms of comfort. 4 minutes to the bus stop for Galle on the highway. S...
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posted
24-Nov-2009 22:30
by:
hermesalfa »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 22:30
by:
hermesalfa »
0
replies
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8
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location: India
How do I go from the train station in Mumbai to the airport? I will arrive from Trivandrum in Kerala in south India to Mumbai train station. I think it is Victoria station in Mumbai, but I'm not sure. And I think the journey takes 3 days. Need to catch a flight that departs from Mumbai at 10pm in the evening on Monday 30th November, so I would need to depart from Trivandrum in the morning on Friday 27th November.
How much is a one-way ticket from Trivandrum to Mumbai?
When I arrive in Mumbai, how do I know which taxi to take? I mean, there are 'taxis' and taxis, 'taxis' referring to those who charge double or more. Isn't a one-way ride from Mumbai to the airport around INR 500 or something? It's the first time I go to Mumbai, so I am not too sure about this.
And how long does it take to go to the airport?
posted
24-Nov-2009 22:01
by:
b_sliya »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 23:10
by:
SoulCurry »
2
replies
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22
views
location: India
Hi everyone I'd like to tell you about this great little Pub cum restaurant cum lounge bar that I came across in New Delhi called @Live. Its on K-12 block, Connaught Place and its got one of the best live bands I've heard in a long time. With plenty of variety in the drinks department, decent food and air conditioned, the place is great for an evening with friends especially if you're from out of town. Being centrally located in the main shopping area also helps a lot. However what sets this place apart from others is the quality of the house band. Four members from diverse places like Mizoram, Darjeeling, Malaysia and Thailand, the band plays great acoustic jazz. Be sure to request for jazz numbers as their normal repertoire seems to be rock and pop. Where food is concerned the starters are good though the main dishes are so so. But then when the beer is flowing and the music's good ... more »
posted
24-Nov-2009 19:43
by:
dtbain »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 22:47
by:
kilbar »
2
replies
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24
views
location: Sri Lanka
Can anyone advise on the best way to get from Ella to Sri Lanka's south coast (preferably Mirissa or Unwatuna).
Lonely Planet says there are buses to Matara and Galle, and also further connections from Wellawaya, but (i) can't find timetable and (ii) don't know how long journey would take.
Any suggestions? As well as buses, would a taxi take us? For roughly how much?
We're not in Sri Lanka long, alas, so want to do that trip with the minimum of fuss.
Many thanks in advance for any help you can supply.
David
posted
24-Nov-2009 19:35
by:
dtbain »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 20:19
by:
Rod_B »
1
replies
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23
views
location: Sri Lanka
On 22 December, I need to get from Sri Lanka's south coast (Unawatuna or Galle or Mirissa) to Bandaranaike airport near Colombo to check in at 0945, preferably a bit earlier.
Is this possible? If so, any advice on how? I know there are trains and buses, but (i) can't find timetables, (ii) suspect they don't leave early enough, and (iii) wonder if they are reliable enough given we've got to make a plane.
Might one just take a taxi? Any idea how much? Are the roads reliable enough to make the journey that morning, or should we really go the night before (which we'd ideally prefer not to).
I know the Peacock Hotel in Unawatuna has an airport service, but I am finding it hard to get details and anyway it's not 100% certain we'll be staying there.
Sorry for all the questions!
Any advice VERY much appreciated.
David
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posted
24-Nov-2009 19:18
by:
35victor »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 19:18
by:
35victor »
0
replies
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10
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location: India
Hello Again!
It's only three more sleeps till touch down! OMG
Just getting organised and thinking about what to pack. Can someone tell me are there 7-11 / convenience type stores in the major cities?
Just like say for example, Khoa San Road in Thailand, they have them everywhere and you can pick up just about everything you need when you arrive!
Thanks in advance :)
posted
24-Nov-2009 18:25
by:
wereldburgerstv »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 18:25
by:
wereldburgerstv »
0
replies
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18
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location: Nepal
Hi travellers,
Anyone in Bariyapur in southern Nepal to see the Gadhimai festival?
We urgently need a video report (or photography) from the festival. Who can send us an eye witness report for our Dutch news blog ?
No, sorry. Can't pay you for the gory jobs we ask you to do. We're independent and therefore not funded (read: penniless, but committed).
Info on the festival:
English: BBC
For the Dutch speaking: Wereldburgers.TV
Thanks a bunch if you're willing to oblige! Much appreciated!
(and it's all for a good cause too!).
Happy travels and hope to hear from you! Take care.
Paul.
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posted
24-Nov-2009 18:25
by:
rdb2004 »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 19:42
by:
toth007 »
3
replies
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65
views
location: India
Hello. I’d appreciate comments/advice regarding appropriate clothing for a man (older) to wear in India. I’d planned on light-weight cotton short sleeved buttoned shirts but just read that my arms should be covered when visiting some religious sites. As well, I was wondering about wearing somewhat baggy pants of the same material that are mid-to-lower calf in length. They’ll expose about six inches of leg. Is this appropriate? I’m there for three months of independent travel, carrying a modest-sized backpack, so space is an issue. Planned on taking one pair of jeans. I’ll be traveling in the west: Mumbai, Goa, then a little to the east zig-zagging my way up to Delhi, and then west into Rajasthan and Punjab. Should I take one long-sleeved shirt for some visits as well as for warmth? I’ll be there January through March. Thanks for any comments.
posted
24-Nov-2009 12:38
by:
bradros1987 »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 12:38
by:
bradros1987 »
0
replies
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20
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Hello, without wishing to flood the forum with my own personal questions, i was just wondering if any travellers out there would reccomend pokhara as a good place for a reasonably long stay.
I recently had a friend reccomend pokhara amongst a couple of other places within nepal, but this place really caught my eye, so i guess just to give me that final push to include pokhara as a big part of my travels, are there any pokhara lovers out there who can tell me if this place is worth a good old inspection.
I am pretty much looking for time to escape from it all, beautiful scenery, good walk/trekking spots, friendly people etc, hopefully pokhara fits the bill.
Thanks.
posted
24-Nov-2009 11:30
by:
skyscubadiver »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 18:48
by:
misspetal »
1
replies
,
64
views
location: Nepal
Just returned from Nepal after doing the Annapurna Circuit. We originally planned to do the trek in 16 days but finished in 15 days. I just have to say it was awesome. Every day you were treated to spectacular scenery. I know everyone has something to say about "progress" being made in the building of the road along the route but it is amazing to look across the valley and see them basically carving the road out of shere rockface. I don't think it will be finished anytime soon. The guest houses were crowded. we had trouble obtaining lodging in a couple of locations. We stayed in Upper Pisang and were going to take the "high" route to Manang but decided against it and took the "lower" route which was shorter. Glad we did as many who took the upper route got to Manang later in the afternoon and could not obtain lodging. We almost did not get lodging at Yak Kharka so the next d... more »
posted
24-Nov-2009 11:26
by:
starseed »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 20:14
by:
susiestaustell »
1
replies
,
36
views
location: Sri Lanka
I'm wondering if anybody has come across any snake chamers on their travels through Sri Lanka. I know there are still some practicing in India, but I'm not sure if the same can be found in Sri Lanka. If anybody has any experiences or tips, please send them my way. Many thanks!
posted
24-Nov-2009 11:00
by:
Amogasiddhi »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 11:00
by:
Amogasiddhi »
0
replies
,
17
views
Hello,
We're planning to stop at a couple of places while travelling through Chhattisgarh next year and i'm having some difficulty finding out anything specific about Naxal/ Maoist activities in the region/area. I am aware of their 'movement' and don't need information about that but I do need some more specific local information which may concern us.
Can anyone point me towards a local news source which covers Naxal activities? Perhaps one I could make direct contact with to enquire personally?
How might their activity affect tourism or us (western tourists) travelling in the area?
What steps do we need to take when travelling in Naxal areas? ie registering with local authorities etc?
Many thanks.
posted
24-Nov-2009 10:33
by:
Hemis »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 23:07
by:
b_sliya »
1
replies
,
40
views
location: India
Hi friends
This is the question. I have heard it from a fellow traveller who has read about it but can't remember exactly where it was. I am a seasoned traveller around the world and have been in India for around 8 times but only once in Assam and Meghalaya which was great. I would be very interested in Nagaland (and also in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh).
Thanks, Hemis
posted
24-Nov-2009 10:17
by:
akempe1988 »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 21:11
by:
swiftdesire »
3
replies
,
52
views
location: India
Hi TT
I was jus twondering if anyone had been on a tiger safari in Ranthmbor... Is it worth going on two drives, one in the morning and one at night?
Andrew
posted
24-Nov-2009 10:06
by:
worthyquest »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 10:06
by:
worthyquest »
0
replies
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34
views
location: India
right before i left for my fourth trip to india this past october, i came upon a mention of the salaam baalak walking tours in the LP. i had three days in delhi before going to stay with friends in bhopal, and since i've been to delhi many times, the tour sounded intriguing.
salaam baalak was founded my mira nair after she made "salaam bombay!" i contacted them via email to reserve a place and met up with my young guide and 2 british tourists near the new delhi railway station. it was overall a good and moving experience --- our guide was not as riveting as he might have been, but he was very diligent and motivated and sweet. we visited some "drop-in" centers where street children and children who live in the slums around the railways can get some attention, education and care, and then went on a little tour of the backstreets of paharganj... places that i've only tiptoed to the ed...
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India: Destination information
India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - but if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload, then it is one of the most intricate and rewarding ...more »
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