I’ll be in India in June for 17 days, and I’ll be staying with friends in Tirupathi (South Andhra) and Nainital (Uttarakhand). I will also explore Delhi (where I’m flying to/from) and Agra on my own. I also have a offer to visit some people in Pune.
Now I have studied my Lonely Planet, and I’m staying with locals in Nainital and Tirupathi, but I am seeking suggestions for sights or precautions from dopers. I’m especially looking for precautions from fellow Westerners for stuff my Indian friends might not think to warn me of. Also, if any Indian dopers would like to meet up…
Incidentally, I’ll be in Sydney for 11 days before going to India, but I trust my friends there to show me the best stuff. However, if you have any unusual recommendations (again, I’ve read Lonely Planet), or if any Sydney dopers would like to meet up…
Nothing on India, but see if your friends can get you a ticket to the State of Origin football (rugby league, in this case) match if you’re in town on 13 June. It’s an all-star match, but unlike in American sports this one’s played at about 25% above normal competitive intensity. Book tickets now. You might also want to check out a Swans (Aussie rules) match, or there’s a rugby union test - the Wallabies against Wales on the 23rd.
It’s Winter in Sydney, so there’s not much typically on, but the Vivid Festival (designed to be the natural enemy of Earth Hour) is on until the 11th, and there’s a burlesque festival on that month, too.
In general, you will find more English speakers in Tirupathi than in Nainital.
Precautions for foreigners:
When you land in India, do not accept rides or taxi service from anyone who approaches you. Look for the pre-paid taxi stand.
Good Knight is the best mosquito repellant that I’ve used. It comes in a liquid, as well as small blue pads about 1 inch long. For places without electricity (villages, camping, outdoors), the most effective option is to light up the pad with a lighter/match, fan/blow off the flame like you would for a candle, and then let it smoke until it burns all the way.
Most vendors will try to charge you more. Know the average price before you pay for things.
People are very warm and friendly. Do not be alarmed if random strangers come up to you.
If you have specific questions, I’ll be happy to answer.
Haven’t had time to post on the SD in ages, but felt it necessary to add a minor caution to what Xash says. An american friend got scammed in Delhi last week by someone very friendly and reasonably urbane. He was standing at a traffic light near connaught place, when this guy next to him struck up a conversation, and since my friend wanted to shop, suggested a `government’ shop that stocked everything at low prices. Once said friend got to the shop, it turned out they only sold carpets and the good samaritan must have been in charge of increasing footfall. Only put him out a dollar or so that the auto rickshaw cost, but he felt pretty stupid to have gotten conned [noparse]
Even after this incident one of his big positives about India was how friendly the people were, so[/noparse] Xash [noparse] is probably not wrong.
Also, I probably wouldn’t go to Nainital on holiday myself (too many tourists [/noparse] , but since I’m from India my priorities are probably a little different. I’m in Andhra Pradesh as it happens. If you’re coming to Hyderabad I’d be happy to have a mini Dopefest!
