1st Trip to India...Feeling Nervous

TracyB

HI..it will be our first trip to India...We are going on a 15 day tour from Delhi to Varanasi..See below for the itinerary: This is a small group (max 15 people) with a company called Imaginative Traveller whom we have used before:

Day 1, DELHI Afternoon tour of Delhi.
Day 2, SHEKHAVATI Drive to the Shekhavati area of Rajasthan, renowned for its painted frescoes and ornate havelis (merchant's houses). We spend the night in a heritage hotel. (B)
Day 3, SHEKHAVATI Walking tour of one of Shekhavati's small towns followed by a camel ride to surrounding villages. Overnight in the desert resort, in beautiful and luxurious mud huts! (B)
Day 4, JAIPUR Drive to Jaipur. Afternoon elephant ride to the splendid Amber Fort. (B)
Day 5, JAIPUR Morning Jaipur city tour. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 6, RANTHAMBORE Drive to Ranthambore National Park where we take an afternoon game ride. (BD)
Days 7-8, KARAULI Visit Ranthambore Fort then drive to Karauli where we stay in a Maharaja's residence. There is the chance to visit the ramshackle Karauli city palace and the local bazaar. (B)
Day 9, BHARATPUR - AGRA Drive via the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur to the abandoned Moghul capital at Fatehpur Sikri. (B)
Day 10, AGRA Visit the awe inspiring Taj Mahal. Overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. (B)
Day 11, VARANASI Afternoon excursion to Sarnath.
Day 12, VARANASI Early morning boat trip on the Ganges followed by a city tour. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 13, VARANASI A free day to explore Varanasi, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Overnight sleeper train to Delhi. (B)
Day 14, DELHI Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. Free day.
Day 15, DELHI

So anyhow, have wanted to go to India for a long time...We are leaving in about a month and suddenly I am feeling nervous..We have travelled alot in SE Asia, Europe, Egypt, Morocco, the Caribbean, etc..

What advice can you give a first time India Traveller to get over the hee bee gee bees??????

wonderwomanusa

Relax. Breathe. Sit in a tea shop and for an hour, do nothing but watch India pass you by. Talk to whoever talks to you -- they will mostly want to know where you're from. Show them photos of your family, postcards of your home town.

Do this any time you have that's not being used for sightseeing.

Oh, wash your hands often (especially before eating), carry at least one bottle of water with you along with your camera and the above-mentioned photos and postcards. Keep a diary. Do not try to make friends with strange men. Wear long shirts and loose pants -- for both comfort and modesty.

And have a good time!

Bonita

Hi TRacy..
THERE IS nothing to feel nervous about!. don't worry one ioata...! You have chosen to go on this trip, and you are very lucky to do so..the itinerary looks very good and i am sure you will be in good company, as you know IMAGINATIVE is a very reputable operator as you have even used them before... .Great days lie ahead!... Perhaps your nervous energy is only exicitement and your eagerness for the unknown....iT is an increible journey you have in front of YOU, and i am sure your nerves will turn to optimism and excitement once you touch the great land!!! India IS One of the most incredible countries on earth, if not the most fascintating(biased opinion but truthful feelings), so what you have in front of you is an experience of a lifetime! As PER your posts you seem well-traveled and IMAGINATIVE is a very reputable company, so you will be in good hands and also with a group of other travlelers to share your Journey or concerns along the way...YES, take the normal traveling precautions you would anywhere in the world!....The folks at your tour company know what they are doing and will take care of all your needs, and really, that trip looks very intersting, covering a bit of Rajasthan and UTTAR pradesh....U will be fine!..I am sure you will have a superb trip, once you get into the mode of it, and the magic, the beauty, the madness which is INDIA will take over!! ... .IT MAY be a great leap of faith, but i am telling you, no where in the world like India..The country will welcome you with open arms, if ya let it......i AM A aMERICAN woman who lives/travels/works on and off in INDIA FOR many years, so if ya have any specific questions or concerns, feel free to drop me a line...oh, a bit of advice for the first time trip; be open, KIND, HUMBLE, smile, laugh, keep your wits abOut you, BARGAIN HARD, be cautious with uncooked veggies, ENJOY the delicious local food and delicacies, and don't drink the tap water.. take it easy...have a fanstastic journey...bonita..

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indianprincess

hey, recently got back from my first trip to india. id say the most useful thing i took was my soap which doesnt need water to wash your hands. it was really useful. followed by wetwipes. these i think are a must have. firstly, to me it was a huge cultrue shock and it'll take you the first day to get used to the people, smells, sights etc. but you have to give it a chance. secondly, have an open mind, thirdly enjoy yourself! i am soooooo jealous!

TracyB

Thanks for the input!! I am really excited, we will be leaving in exactly 1 month..

cyberhippie

Tracy if you've been to Egypt then India will be a breeze. My first exotic destination was Egypt to break myself in so to speak, I thought if I can cope with Egypt then I'm ready to try India.
I loved Egypt and I love India even more but back then I thought travel in India was just a little bit easier than in Egypt. So relax you'll be fine and we're all here to help in anyway we can, even if it's just for a chat!!

Ikuru

Take a Deep Breath.... Now india is verry diferent than anything, but it is like Eating a really good Ice cream. So that is to say Not to Worry.
Be happy.
You are gonne Love it, Love it Love it.

And feel free to read THIS !
Njoy!

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