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First trip as a Lone traveller in India

Replies: 13 - Last Post: Oct 29, 2012 12:05 PM Last Post By: kitkat39

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kitkat39

kitkat39 avatar

Oct 27, 2012 3:42 AM
Posts:  3

First trip as a Lone traveller in India

Hi All

I do consider myself well traveled and definitively not wet behind the ears however i have decided to take a four week journey to India starting the week before Christmas. I will just outline what my plans are but i wouldn't mind any advice in regards to my concerns.

I am starting in Delhi and then making my way to Mumbai for the cricket :-0 yes i know a female cricket fan. I am then off to northern goa and working my way down to Cochin for the last couple of days of my trip.

My Questions:

1. From reading certain article, as a lone female traveler am i biting off more than i can chew in India, which might dampen the enjoyment of my trip?
2. Do i have time to complete what i am planning so that i will see what i need and enjoy my time there or am i going to spend most of my time travelling?
3. Any tips of what is a definite must to see within the areas i am going?
4. Any handy hints to get the most out of my holiday?

This is the first trip i have completed alone since i went backpacking years ago so would really appreciate any assistance to make my trip as great as it could be :-)

Thanks

Steph

laketraveller

laketraveller avatar

Oct 27, 2012 3:50 AM
Posts:  5,467

1

Welcome, Unfortunately you haven't really provided enough enough information for us to be very helpful, but here goes.

1) Not at all. Be aware of unwanted attention, but with normal, common sense precautions you'll be fine.

2) That's like asking how long should a piece of string be. Is a month long enough to make your journey, yes. Whether you have enough time to enjoy yourself depends upon how many stops you want to make and how you enjoy yourself. Some people like to travel on a fast track; others like to explore every little nook and cranny.

3) There is nothing that you definitely must see. Anything you should see is based on your interests, travel objectives and travel priorities, which we do not know.

4) That's a busy travel period. Try to book as much as you feel comfortable ahead of time and be very flexible with the rest.

Have a great trip.

mumbaiguy166

mumbaiguy166 avatar

Oct 27, 2012 4:06 AM
Posts:  4

2

hey Kitkat!

i am planning vaccations on the same time. I am from Mumbai and am planning to travel to goa for xmas and new year.

I am travlling alone, if you are intrested we can plan something together. I can travel from 17th of december.

Do write back.

Cheers!

uselessbaba

uselessbaba avatar

Oct 27, 2012 4:09 AM
Posts:  802

3

I hope you have allready got tickets for the cricket, they will not be easy to come by in Mumbai, also you really should try to get as much of your transport booked ASAP, as this is peak time and trains/planes will be filling up allready !
UB.

mumbaiguy166

mumbaiguy166 avatar

Oct 27, 2012 4:40 AM
Posts:  4

4

her Pirate,

I would just give you a suggestion, i respect you have a opinion, but before being vocal about it you should have some background to be public about it.

It was a genuine post. So better mind it next time dude.

Take Care!

monscon

monscon avatar

Oct 27, 2012 5:19 AM
Posts:  35

5

1. This kind of depends how old you are. When I was there last as a 19 year old I traveled alone, with female friends, family and my boyfriend at different times. As a white person you attract a lot of attention, as a white female you attract more, as a young female you attract lots of young guys who often won't take no for an answer. It is really hard because you want to talk to the local people you meet, most of whom are lovely, but some young guys can get bothersome very quickly. Obviously don't tell them your details such as where you are staying because they may turn up at your hotel! But strangely enough the only sexual harassment I encountered was when I was with my boyfriend... I never really felt unsafe, except maybe in some really busy train stations.

2. It seems you have enough time, but I'm not sure where you are stopping in between Kochin, Mumbai etc and what you want to do....

3. Can't recommend because I haven't been to these places..

4. I enjoyed going to places where you can get around on foot, so to minimise having to negotiate taxi/rickshaw prices for a destination you have never been and thus don't know what the proper fare should be.
I also prefer to stay in an area that has much to explore or where you can make short day trips rather than jetsetting everywhere.
Otherwise hiring a taxi to do 'tours' is a great way, if you can afford it. I did this in Rajasthan and it meant I got see more secluded spots that are off the tourist trail and thus a hassle to rely on public transport. Taxi drivers can also be very nice and sometimes introduce you to their family home before you leave! They usually have connections for hotels and can offer advice on where to go. Probably best to book through a travel agent or your hotel.

philhilton

philhilton avatar

Oct 27, 2012 6:56 AM
Posts:  4

6

I presume you're going to the T20 on the 22nd dec.If possible go to the Wankhede stadium a day or two before and get a ticket then.You can also keep an eye on the Kyazoonga website,here you buy them online and then pick them up the day before.I'm off to India tomorrow for the test tour.

philhilton

philhilton avatar

Oct 27, 2012 6:59 AM
Posts:  4

7

By the way,i agree with pirate.Mumbaiguy seems very creepy,just look at the posts he has replied to.

Pirate_at_50

Pirate_at_50 avatar

Oct 27, 2012 7:03 AM
Posts:  3,908

8

Funny, he`s he only one that doesn`t think he`s creepy. Bet he wonders why Indian guys have such a bad reputation, too.

danbushell

danbushell avatar

Oct 27, 2012 4:14 PM
Posts:  495

9

might be worth having a look on the Barmy Army website for an indication on where in the ground they will be for the cricket-be much more fun being amongst them.
this is the link
http://www.barmyarmy.com/forum_new/index.php?v=topic&f=34&t=7381

kitkat39

kitkat39 avatar

Oct 28, 2012 1:52 AM
Posts:  3

10

Hi All

Thank you very much for the information as it is much appreciated. In regards to the transport, i for the love of god cant book the over night train from Delhi to Mumbai on the web as you need indian telephone number. I have tried tavel agents but they arent interested so i can only assume its not worth it for them so any ideas where i can purchase one would be great as i dont want to leave to the last minute.
I have most of my accommodation already sorted and am going to Anjuna, Panaji, Majorda and then Palolem before finishing my trip in Cochin. To be honest i am a little un prepared and was going to use train and bus to get around these places and buy tickets when i arrived.
I have tried to buy the cricket tickets on the website but again have struggled there so not sure if it is just me and my understanding but i am finding this part pretty difficult.

I went to Thailand for six weeks travelling and had no problems at all jumping on the transport systems no matter what it was so i am just assuming it will be as easy ......am i wrong?

I am celebrating my 40th birthday so like i said i am not wet behind the ears and don't need a travel buddy but thanks :-).

Again i really appreciate your help as i want to have the best time possible. I have the lonely planet book so i have an idea of what i want to see and do its just the practical stuff of getting around and ideas of what is worth seeing in the areas i am going to.

Cheers all

Pirate_at_50

Pirate_at_50 avatar

Oct 28, 2012 2:12 AM
Posts:  3,908

11

i for the love of god cant book the over night train from Delhi to Mumbai on the web as you need indian telephone number.

Well, not exactly, but I`d find it too much trouble to get it all set up. Many here have succeeded, some have failed miserably. http://www.seat61.com/ will give you the procedures. There`s always an airplane. And so many of the trains get booked to ridiculousness.

i am not wet behind the ears and don't need a travel buddy

mumbaiguy will be crushed. Where`s Dora when we need her?

uselessbaba

uselessbaba avatar

Oct 28, 2012 6:22 AM
Posts:  802

12

You should be able to get Delhi-Mumbai train tickets on 'tourist quota' @ delhi train station when you land, if you go straight there and book them a few days in advance, you could also enquire about your Mumbai-Goa ticket at the same time, Only major cities have a tourist booking counter, so make the most of it while in Delhi !
UB.

kitkat39

kitkat39 avatar

Oct 29, 2012 12:05 PM
Posts:  3

13

cheers all and i have made some progress with the train tickets but will look at flights but i did want to see a little rather than fly. Sure Mumbaiguy will get over it and i take it i shouldn't feel flattered ha .

Anyhow thanks again and getting my bits in order now

SB
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