Asia - Indian Subcontinent
Messages: 84,526 - Threads: 12,124
Jan 20, 2013 9:32 PM
chilipepper21
last reply
Jan 21, 2013 2:02 PM
paulputt
5 replies
498 views
location:
Sri Lanka
ETA - Do I need to produce anything on Arrival?
Hello.
Apologies for yet another ETA Question....but the search function is not up and working eh!
OK, I have applied for, paid for and been accepted for an ETA. On arrival in SL, do I need to produce any paperwork? or am I in "the system"
Cheers.
Jan 20, 2013 9:26 PM
raphamatics
last reply
Jan 23, 2013 6:16 AM
wmst1234
4 replies
793 views
location:
Sri Lanka
Colombo-Dambulla & the Hill Country
Hi all
I've booked a 2-week trip to Sri Lanka starting in late March. I have planned a rough itinerary that takes in Colombo, Ancient Cities (Dambulla-Sigiriya), the Hill Country (Kandy-Ella), Uda Walawe and then a week down south (Galle-Una-Mirissa).
I’m keen to know whether train travel through the Hill country is a hassle as I’ve read that booking and arranging tickets can be difficult. As we don’t have a lot of time, I want to gauge whether it’s easier to book a driver or whether it's possible to do this leg by train travel. Also, what is the best (quickest) way to get to Dambulla from Colombo? Not sure whether it might be better to travel to Kandy first and then go up to Dambulla.
I do want to do some travel by train – I’ve read the Ella-Haputale trip is particularly special and my 2yo girl is mad about trains at the moment. Appreciate any advice you can give bearing i...
more »
Jan 20, 2013 9:03 PM
jacaus91
last reply
Jan 20, 2013 11:23 PM
mahmud1971
3 replies
273 views
location:
Bangladesh
Australian in Nepal seeking Visa
I am currently in Nepal for three weeks with a flight booked into Dhaka on Feb 10th. I have a flight booked out of the country on the 16th, accommodation booked for the first night, and invitations both from World Vision and a friend who lives in Bangladesh.
I was wondering if anybody knows if it is possible for me to obtain a Visa on Arrival at Dhaka airport, as it is virtually impossible for me to find out (Bangladesh immigration website is BLOCKED here) and I am staying 7 hours away from Kathmandu whilst in Nepal, so travelling back and forth from the embassy to walk in and even ask if I can get a Visa is almost impossible. No information is provided online about whether I can get a Visa either here or on arrival so if anybody has any insider information that would be fantastic so I can cancel my flights accordingly.
Thanks so much!
Jan 20, 2013 8:43 PM
ajanta80
last reply
Jan 23, 2013 5:09 AM
mayeendu
2 replies
361 views
location:
Nepal
Travel tips for October 2013
My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Nepal for a month in October this year (2013)
We are coinciding it with Jazzmandu that happens between 23rd - 31st October, as he is a muso and has the chance to play with some acts there.
I am looking for some other places for us to visit during that time... With what I have read so far I was thinking Bandipur, Bhaktapur, and Pokhara... but any other recommendations are appreciated!
We are an adventurous couple but not overly fit for massive hikes ;)
I was also hoping to get accomodation on the lake at Pokhara, or at least with views... any recommendations?!
Looking forward to hearing some thoughts :)
Jan 20, 2013 7:44 PM
travellingslim
last reply
Jan 27, 2013 4:37 PM
mandja
15 replies
857 views
location:
India
Is India worth it if I only have two weeks?
Hi All,
I'm just curious the thoughts of fellow travelers on the thought of going to India from New York for a mere two weeks, maybe two week and two days.
I have the chance to go with an aging uncle who is from India and has been back several times. He knows his way around and has somewhat of a support and contact network there. For his age, he is quite hale and hearty, but I'm thinking that this is his last chance to go and I think he knows that, too.
Prior to having kids 12 years ago I was a fairly active international traveller, having made several trips to South and Central America, and various trips to Africa, Europe, and Malaysia.
Of course, two weeks is never enough, but I see this as a unique oportunity and its all the time I can spare and I figure I should go for it. Better to make the trip than to not make the trip, I say. I think with that last sentence I answ...
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Back from Banaras
And so.......I have been to Varanasi a few times the last trip 10 years ago until I visited once again over the Xmas period.
I am very pleased to report that the beating heart of the city is still exactly the same as it was. There have been a few aesthetic changes. The traveller scene has changed a bit with lots of Korean tourists in particular now visiting. There are also a lot of high-end tourists who wander about sporting the lastest North Face and Begrhaus travel gear with long lense camera's and sneers on their faces as they purvey the sights and sounds. Also you now see larger boats ploughing Ganga Ma with dirty 2-stroke engines carrying 20-30 toursits at a time but it is not so confronting. Oh and everyone is connected and smart phones are everywhere.
But, the feel of the place is the same. The devout throng to the Ghats for their chance to absolve themselves in the holy...
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Jan 20, 2013 6:27 PM
poperock
last reply
Jan 27, 2013 9:37 PM
poperock
3 replies
223 views
location:
India
Royal Enfield
Has anyone rented a Royal Enfield long term? I am in Panjim, Goa at the moment and am looking to do the rest of our Northwards journey on one. It will be between two and three months and the bike will have to come back on the train. Thanks.
Annapurna Circuit & Everest Base Camp
Hello
We have booked to fly into Kathmandu mid March and out 14 days later. Initially we were planning to do EBC however a number of people have recommended AC instead. I am interested in anyone's recommendations of the following:
1.
Jan 20, 2013 5:07 PM
graby
last reply
Apr 24, 2013 12:40 PM
scoodly
18 replies
1,351 views
location:
Nepal
Manaslu trek or Annapurna trek
Hey everybody.
Myself and my boyfriend are planning on doing a trek while in Nepal. We were going to do an Annapurna trek but recently started researching the Manaslu trek and have now changed our minds. I guess I'm just wondering what peoples thoughts are on both treks, if anyone has been on both and preferred one to the other I would love to hear from you.
This is a once in a lifetime (maybe!) chance and we want to make sure that we are doing the best trek for us.
Thanks!
Jan 20, 2013 4:35 PM
Lionheartwolf
last reply
Jan 25, 2013 12:18 AM
katjusa007
3 replies
224 views
location:
Nepal
Nar Phu / Tilicho Trek Partner wanted for March
I know this forum is slowly getting back on its feet since the overhaul that started before the holidays but I'm just looking to cover all my bases. I posted the same thing on trekkingpartners.com but I would like to ask around here as well since there are more people familiar with the region, and also if anybody can offer advice since almost all the threads on Narphu have been lost this would be a good start for anybody else who is interested.
(Original post from trekkingparters:)
I’m planning a trek for Naar Pho Valley (23-27 days depending on itinerary ) starting around the 5th of March and I’m looking for at least one (or 2) more person(s) in order to get a permit, and to share a guide with. We would pay the guide for about 20 days, at $25/day that comes to $500 + tip and bus tickets = $600. Permits are $75/week. I would not be getting a porter so anybody who would like to u...
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Jan 20, 2013 1:04 PM
MarcoITA
last reply
Jan 20, 2013 11:38 PM
rasitha_raw
1 replies
255 views
location:
Sri Lanka
Colombo airport to Hatton / Dalhosie
Hi everybody,
My girlfriend and m aregetting to Colombo on the 3rd of february, 5.30 am and would prefer to go striaght to Hatton / Dalhosie.
How can we get there by public transport? do you recommend going by train or bus? How long does it take?
anybody knows the schedule of buses leaving from Colombo / or near the airport and heading to Hatton.
Thanks a lot!
Marco
Jan 20, 2013 12:50 PM
GeorgiaJ
last reply
May 30, 2013 12:14 PM
Joshbygosh
8 replies
764 views
Tips for Mumbai and Goa for a solo female traveller - first time in India
Hi there,
I'm seriously considering travelling to India for 2/3 weeks anywhere between October-January. I'd be travelling alone, and know that I might get some unwelcome attention.
I'm planning on flying into Mumbai, staying there for a couple of days, then heading down to Goa for the rest of my trip, before returning to Mumbai to fly home.
I'd be backpacking, and would love to meet other travellers while I'm there. I'm not particularly into partying, though some nightlife would be nice. I'm more into sightseeing and activities.
Any advice for an itinerary (I'm flexible) and any tips for travelling alone as a woman in India? I know Goa is largely Christian and has a different flavour from most of the other Indian states, but advice would still be greatly appreciated.
If anyone else is heading over to India anytime between October-January, let me know :)
Thanks!
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Jan 20, 2013 12:06 PM
laurad12
last reply
Jan 25, 2013 7:58 AM
risani8787
6 replies
437 views
location:
Sri Lanka
Getting around
We are heading to Sri Lanka in March with a rough itinerary of Colombo - Nuwara Eliya - Uda Walawe - Southern beaches then make our way along the coast back to Colombo.
Can anyone give any tips on the best ways to get between these places? Train to Nuwara Eliya looks easy enough but from there to Uda Walawe and then onto the South coast?
Also any tips on organising safari / where to stay in Uda Walawe would be much appreciated. We have been quoted £400 for two of us for a one night safari camp which seems a bit steep but can't quite work out how else we would organise the trips and where we should base ourselves.
Thanks!
Jan 20, 2013 11:45 AM
paulabo
last reply
Jan 24, 2013 8:59 PM
MTL
11 replies
616 views
location:
India
Bringing gifts
Hi Everyone!
I just bought a ticket to spend February and March in south India! I was thinking it would be nice to bring some gifts to give away in Mumbai when I land. I'll have plenty of room in my pack. I know this is a contentious topic, but I am looking for thoughts on things I could bring and an organization to give them to. I was thinking children's books (in English) could be a nice gift for a school or other non-profit, maybe pencils and paper? I also like the idea of giving things to kids on the street. (Yes, I know many don't agree with that, but I love the idea of throwing down a blanket and handing out books or other useful things to street kids.)
So, here are my questions:
Ideas for useful gifts for an organization or for individual kids (other than money)?
*An organization in Mumbai that works with kids and/or teenagers that would take donations of items....
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Jan 20, 2013 10:27 AM
rajput
last reply
Mar 19, 2013 9:13 AM
rajput
6 replies
624 views
location:
India
Kumbh Mela, Allahabad, February 2013
Does anyone have any advice to one attempting to see the Kumbh Mela next month? Am planning to get to Varanasi first. The tours booked from the US or over the web seem exorbitant. Going in blind.
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