Here's where I went - what I thought...

Shiver me Timbers · Apr 6th, 2006, 21:45

Following on from Vasko's great 'All good things come to an end' thread, here's the details of my 5-month trip which has just ended. Ratings out of 10.

Amritsar - Amazing, peaceful place to spend my first night in India, my favourite thing about it was that despite the amount of tourists, it hasn't been spoiled by money 10

Delhi - not too bad for me, more irritating than anything, enjoyed Humayun's tomb and the IM meetup very much, Old Delhi really reminded me of Pakistan, so I loved that as well. 6

Agra - Hated it, didn't even go and see the Taj cause I turned up on a Friday, thinking it was Thursday. Spent most of my time arguing with people. 3

Bharatpur - A nice break from the cities, did some bird-watching without actually knowing anything about the birds I was watching. Lots of mozzies. 6

Jaipur - Not as bad as everyone makes out, I thought it was quite a classy city. Some good ice-cream as well. 6

Jodhpur - this was when I started to enjoy myself. Amazing fort, great audio tour. 7

Pushkar - beautiful lake, but pushy 'priests' meant more arguments. I would have liked to have gone 30 years ago. 6

Bundi - brilliant, I stayed a week. Unspoiled in many ways, I really liked the deserted fort with all the monkeys, great moped trips out to the surrounding countryside, including a secret waterfall (not the one in the LP). Went to a wedding where I was the star attraction - signing autographs, posing for photos, and generally over-shadowing the happy couple. 9

Chittor - one day, saw fort, it was cool. 7

Upaidur - The lake was nice, but I rented a bike and cycled around the old bazaars, didn't see a single tourist, that was great. 8

Palitana - Amazing day climbing the steps, again, I didn't see another tourist, posing for photos. Really felt the presence of spiritual India here. 9

Diu - stayed a week, mainly because I was dreading the journey out of there, and kept putting it off. For such a popular place, there was really not much to do, and I got bored. Nice waves on the beach past Nagoa though, and again, some good ice cream. 6

Mandu - Ah yes, a really cool place, great ruins, and beautful scenery, just nothing to do when the sun goes down, and lots of power cuts. But I think everyone likes Mandu. 8

Bhopal - my favourite big city in India, buzzing old bazaars, and charming old mosques. Didn't see another tourist in 5 days there. I spent most of my time hanging out at the main mosque. Loved it. 8

Omkareshwar - the new Pushkar. There's a bit of a scene growing here, and again, I got hustled for money at the main temple. Interesting little place though. 6

Mumbai - I got really lazy here waiting to meet my girlfriend, and didn't actually see or do much. 4

Tarkarli - Charming fishing village with secret beach near Malvin where I went with the girlfriend for New Years. Beautifully untouristed, only met one Austrian guy living there. Friendliest place I visited in all of India. 8

Arambol - I really liked Arambol, a nice scene with a nice crowd, and plenty of relaxation. Met -m2- .8

Palolem - not a huge fan of Palolem, too crowded when I was there, didn't like the huts, neon lights and all-night music at Cafe Del Mar. Beautiful beach though. Met Cyberhippie. 6

Hampi - Ohhhh, what a place, could have stayed for a long time. Highlights? Rock-jumping at the resevoir, the Monkey Temple, dancing for no reason with about 50 Indians at the side of the road, a couple of great moped trips into the surrounding countryside.....10

Mysore - we came, we saw the palace, on a Sunday luckily enough when it was lit up, and then we left. 5

Ooty - weird place, it was freezing at night. We had a good drive around the area though, which was nice, and the train was good fun. 6

Munnar - Also cold, better than Ooty, more beautiful. Top station was great!!! 7

Kochi - Really liked it, we did some moped trips to the islands, where you're back in the Indian village. Friendly people, another very nice big Indian city. 7

Backwaters from Allepey - got a houseboat, got bored quickly. 6

Varkala - another nice scene, great body-surfing on that beach, where it got a little dangerous sometimes. Didn't like the way Indian weren't allowed on the beach - thier beach!!! 7

Kanyakumari - weirdest place in India, arrived expecting something approaching a big deal, nope, just a crappy little seaside town, where people sell crappy souveniers. Bizaare! 4

Madurai - cool temple, horrible city. 5

Mamallapuram - cool little place, especially if you're into sculpture (I'm not). Killed a few days here waiting for a fery to Port Blair. 6

Tirumula - Well, we went, and tried to pay for the VIP thing, before finding out this required almost as much queueing as the regular queue. So we didn't make our wish. Still had a good day chatting to the pilgrims. 6

Andaman Islands - Very special place. Spent 2 weeks on Havelock Island (10), before going to some of the northern islands to camp (10). Get there quick if you're thinking about it, next year is gonna be the busiest yet, with cheap flight having started. Favourite things? Snorkelling, having beautiful beaches to myself, travelling everywhere by boat, sunrises/sunsets....I could go on. 10

Varanasi - What to say, it's just an amazing place, where again, I really felt spiritual India. I spent most of my time walking the ghats, eyes wide open, jaw almost touching the ground. Brilliant!!! 9

Having said all that, I'd like to say to people 'planning' their first India trip, that travelling in India really isn't about the places you go, or the monuments/beaches etc. you see. It's just being there that is special, so while I may have graded a place 6, you can be sure there were moments when I was there that were 10. And then there are all the bus/train journeys that make the trip. So, like Vasko, I'm giving India as a whole 10/10!!! Can't wait for the next trip!

Sama · Apr 6th, 2006, 22:11

oh my god, do I agree with you about Madurai! Loved the temple and the Gandhi Museum, but as for the city...I could not wait to get outta there!

If there ever was a city where I was treated like a walking $$$$ sign, Madurai was it. the treatment did not even stop inside the temple.

cyberhippie · Apr 6th, 2006, 22:36

Nice one Conor I myself only give Palolem a 4 these days the hey day has gone the lovely memories linger on!!
Nice to have met you and the Mrs!!

seventies'hippy · Apr 6th, 2006, 23:05

Good one Conor, you certainly know your way around India now, I guess your last 6 words were the most moving.

As an aside: For me you are the person who has really done all this perfectly,,,,,,,,,, You arrived at IM months & months before your trip, having never been to India before, Joined in with whatever was discussed on the site, asked questions, gleaned knowledge, planned where you were going to go in India, planned your overland route through turkey, iran & pakistan, survived all the adventures (and earthquakes ) along the way. Did your India thing and basically fulfilled your dream,,,,,,,

A Big Well Done,,,,,,,,

cyberhippie · Apr 6th, 2006, 23:16

Quote:

As an aside: For me you are the person who has really done all this perfectly,,,,,,,,,, You arrived at IM months & months before your trip, having never been to India before, Joined in with whatever was discussed on the site, asked questions, gleaned knowledge, planned where you were going to go in India, planned your overland route through turkey, iran & pakistan, survived all the adventures (and earthquakes ) along the way. Did your India thing and basically fulfilled your dream,,,,,,,

Totally agree, now where's that IM badge for Conor???

Judi · Apr 7th, 2006, 00:09

Thanks for posting that, Conor .... it all sounds fascinating.

I'm so glad you managed to make it all happen!

Sama · Apr 7th, 2006, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conor M

Having said all that, I'd like to say to people 'planning' their first India trip, that travelling in India really isn't about the places you go, or the monuments/beaches etc. you see. It's just being there that is special, so while I may have graded a place 6, you can be sure there were moments when I was there that were 10. And then there are all the bus/train journeys that make the trip. So, like Vasko, I'm giving India as a whole 10/10!!! Can't wait for the next trip!

I also am already planning my third trip, and I haven't even been back one week.

I must say that this time I had more "bad" experiences than 6 months ago, but the word "bad" is a relative term. I am only comparing my experiences to the ones I had 6 months ago. It's not like anything "bad" happened to me, I just had experiences I could have done without (like Madurai and some people in Kodai.)

So I also rate my trip a 10 and can't wait to get back, within a year I hope! For some reason, I am missing India a lot more this time -- despite my "bad" experiences -- than last time. Hmmmmm........

torryquine · Apr 7th, 2006, 00:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventies'hippy

You arrived at IM months & months before your trip, having never been to India before, Joined in with whatever was discussed on the site, asked questions, gleaned knowledge, planned where you were going to go in India, planned your overland route through turkey, iran & pakistan,

It hardly seems like yesterday, it was brilliant to watch your excitment grow over the months

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventies'hippy

A Big Well Done,,,,,,,,

Couldn't put it better. Glad you're home safe and well. Cherish your memories and photographs and share them with as many people as you can. (Especially us). I'm sure the plans for your next trip are already well formed.

TQ

Jorge Reverter · Apr 7th, 2006, 01:05

Congratulations Conor. Very good post, in general I agree with almost all your opinions. 10/10

Jorge

Serena · Apr 7th, 2006, 02:07

Never been to the Andamans and I really envy you Conor....
Great job! :-D

-m2- · Apr 7th, 2006, 05:22

Nice report, Conor! And, like the others, let me add a big 'well done' too. It was interesting to follow your progress and great to meet you in Arambol!

Now to check out your photos!

sudheer poppa · Apr 7th, 2006, 08:21

Excellant summary after months of adventure.. Good that you are still sane

I am still cross with you for not making it to Bangalore.. Hmm lets see if someother place someother time we manage to catch up..

And then we shall continue the long outstanding training

amyl · Apr 7th, 2006, 11:21

wow!!! that is one great post covering your 5 months of fun!!!

andaman sounds great!

Quote:

It's just being there that is special,

indeed!!

vinayverma · Apr 7th, 2006, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conor M

Having said all that, I'd like to say to people 'planning' their first India trip, that travelling in India really isn't about the places you go, or the monuments/beaches etc. you see. It's just being there that is special, so while I may have graded a place 6, you can be sure there were moments when I was there that were 10. And then there are all the bus/train journeys that make the trip. So, like Vasko, I'm giving India as a whole 10/10!!! Can't wait for the next trip!

Brilliant stuff,
It was great to meet you in Delhi at the IM meetup.
Come back soon. Cheers

somnath · Apr 7th, 2006, 12:39

Hi Conor,
Hampi - “dancing for no reason with about 50 Indians at the side of the road,”. I think the story behind this will be interesting.

Enjoying your photographs as well.

Comeback soon and it should be the Eastern / North-Eastern part of India next time.

Cheers,
Somnath

Apr 6th, 2006, 21:45	#1
Shiver me Timbers Dreaming of Palm Trees Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dublin Posts: 1,406	Here's where I went - what I thought... Following on from Vasko's great 'All good things come to an end' thread, here's the details of my 5-month trip which has just ended. Ratings out of 10. Amritsar - Amazing, peaceful place to spend my first night in India, my favourite thing about it was that despite the amount of tourists, it hasn't been spoiled by money 10 Delhi - not too bad for me, more irritating than anything, enjoyed Humayun's tomb and the IM meetup very much, Old Delhi really reminded me of Pakistan, so I loved that as well. 6 Agra - Hated it, didn't even go and see the Taj cause I turned up on a Friday, thinking it was Thursday. Spent most of my time arguing with people. 3 Bharatpur - A nice break from the cities, did some bird-watching without actually knowing anything about the birds I was watching. Lots of mozzies. 6 Jaipur - Not as bad as everyone makes out, I thought it was quite a classy city. Some good ice-cream as well. 6 Jodhpur - this was when I started to enjoy myself. Amazing fort, great audio tour. 7 Pushkar - beautiful lake, but pushy 'priests' meant more arguments. I would have liked to have gone 30 years ago. 6 Bundi - brilliant, I stayed a week. Unspoiled in many ways, I really liked the deserted fort with all the monkeys, great moped trips out to the surrounding countryside, including a secret waterfall (not the one in the LP). Went to a wedding where I was the star attraction - signing autographs, posing for photos, and generally over-shadowing the happy couple. 9 Chittor - one day, saw fort, it was cool. 7 Upaidur - The lake was nice, but I rented a bike and cycled around the old bazaars, didn't see a single tourist, that was great. 8 Palitana - Amazing day climbing the steps, again, I didn't see another tourist, posing for photos. Really felt the presence of spiritual India here. 9 Diu - stayed a week, mainly because I was dreading the journey out of there, and kept putting it off. For such a popular place, there was really not much to do, and I got bored. Nice waves on the beach past Nagoa though, and again, some good ice cream. 6 Mandu - Ah yes, a really cool place, great ruins, and beautful scenery, just nothing to do when the sun goes down, and lots of power cuts. But I think everyone likes Mandu. 8 Bhopal - my favourite big city in India, buzzing old bazaars, and charming old mosques. Didn't see another tourist in 5 days there. I spent most of my time hanging out at the main mosque. Loved it. 8 Omkareshwar - the new Pushkar. There's a bit of a scene growing here, and again, I got hustled for money at the main temple. Interesting little place though. 6 Mumbai - I got really lazy here waiting to meet my girlfriend, and didn't actually see or do much. 4 Tarkarli - Charming fishing village with secret beach near Malvin where I went with the girlfriend for New Years. Beautifully untouristed, only met one Austrian guy living there. Friendliest place I visited in all of India. 8 Arambol - I really liked Arambol, a nice scene with a nice crowd, and plenty of relaxation. Met -m2- .8 Palolem - not a huge fan of Palolem, too crowded when I was there, didn't like the huts, neon lights and all-night music at Cafe Del Mar. Beautiful beach though. Met Cyberhippie. 6 Hampi - Ohhhh, what a place, could have stayed for a long time. Highlights? Rock-jumping at the resevoir, the Monkey Temple, dancing for no reason with about 50 Indians at the side of the road, a couple of great moped trips into the surrounding countryside.....10 Mysore - we came, we saw the palace, on a Sunday luckily enough when it was lit up, and then we left. 5 Ooty - weird place, it was freezing at night. We had a good drive around the area though, which was nice, and the train was good fun. 6 Munnar - Also cold, better than Ooty, more beautiful. Top station was great!!! 7 Kochi - Really liked it, we did some moped trips to the islands, where you're back in the Indian village. Friendly people, another very nice big Indian city. 7 Backwaters from Allepey - got a houseboat, got bored quickly. 6 Varkala - another nice scene, great body-surfing on that beach, where it got a little dangerous sometimes. Didn't like the way Indian weren't allowed on the beach - thier beach!!! 7 Kanyakumari - weirdest place in India, arrived expecting something approaching a big deal, nope, just a crappy little seaside town, where people sell crappy souveniers. Bizaare! 4 Madurai - cool temple, horrible city. 5 Mamallapuram - cool little place, especially if you're into sculpture (I'm not). Killed a few days here waiting for a fery to Port Blair. 6 Tirumula - Well, we went, and tried to pay for the VIP thing, before finding out this required almost as much queueing as the regular queue. So we didn't make our wish. Still had a good day chatting to the pilgrims. 6 Andaman Islands - Very special place. Spent 2 weeks on Havelock Island (10), before going to some of the northern islands to camp (10). Get there quick if you're thinking about it, next year is gonna be the busiest yet, with cheap flight having started. Favourite things? Snorkelling, having beautiful beaches to myself, travelling everywhere by boat, sunrises/sunsets....I could go on. 10 Varanasi - What to say, it's just an amazing place, where again, I really felt spiritual India. I spent most of my time walking the ghats, eyes wide open, jaw almost touching the ground. Brilliant!!! 9 Having said all that, I'd like to say to people 'planning' their first India trip, that travelling in India really isn't about the places you go, or the monuments/beaches etc. you see. It's just being there that is special, so while I may have graded a place 6, you can be sure there were moments when I was there that were 10. And then there are all the bus/train journeys that make the trip. So, like Vasko, I'm giving India as a whole 10/10!!! Can't wait for the next trip! __________________ Europe to India Overland Andaman's Tips Pakistan Tips

Apr 6th, 2006, 22:11	#2
Sama a pain in the asana Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: the India inside my heart Posts: 5,203	Madurai oh my god, do I agree with you about Madurai! Loved the temple and the Gandhi Museum, but as for the city...I could not wait to get outta there! If there ever was a city where I was treated like a walking $$$$ sign, Madurai was it. the treatment did not even stop inside the temple. __________________ *My India, 2005-2008*

Apr 6th, 2006, 23:05	#4
seventies'hippy Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: UK Posts: 2,127	Good one Conor, you certainly know your way around India now, I guess your last 6 words were the most moving. As an aside: For me you are the person who has really done all this perfectly,,,,,,,,,, You arrived at IM months & months before your trip, having never been to India before, Joined in with whatever was discussed on the site, asked questions, gleaned knowledge, planned where you were going to go in India, planned your overland route through turkey, iran & pakistan, survived all the adventures (and earthquakes ) along the way. Did your India thing and basically fulfilled your dream,,,,,,, A Big Well Done,,,,,,,, __________________ . . . My Photo Gallery

Apr 7th, 2006, 00:09	#6
Judi Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: England Posts: 458	Thanks for posting that, Conor .... it all sounds fascinating. I'm so glad you managed to make it all happen! __________________ It is better to light a candle than complain about the darkness.

Apr 7th, 2006, 02:07	#10
Serena Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Bologna, Italy Posts: 282	Never been to the Andamans and I really envy you Conor.... Great job! :-D __________________ http://namasteindia.blogspot.com/

Apr 6th, 2006, 22:36	#3
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,013	Nice one Conor I myself only give Palolem a 4 these days the hey day has gone the lovely memories linger on!! Nice to have met you and the Mrs!!

Apr 7th, 2006, 01:05	#9
Jorge Reverter Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Murcia - Spain Posts: 1,110	Congratulations Conor. Very good post, in general I agree with almost all your opinions. 10/10 Jorge

Apr 7th, 2006, 05:22	#11
-m2- . Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,578	Nice report, Conor! And, like the others, let me add a big 'well done' too. It was interesting to follow your progress and great to meet you in Arambol! Now to check out your photos!

Apr 7th, 2006, 08:21	#12
sudheer poppa Senior brick in the wall Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pole Posts: 1,475	Excellant summary after months of adventure.. Good that you are still sane I am still cross with you for not making it to Bangalore.. Hmm lets see if someother place someother time we manage to catch up.. And then we shall continue the long outstanding training __________________ We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools - MLK Pic Page 1 Pic Page 2 When my life changed over a week

Apr 7th, 2006, 12:39	#15
somnath Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Calcutta Posts: 2,358	Congratulations !!!! Hi Conor, Hampi - “dancing for no reason with about 50 Indians at the side of the road,”. I think the story behind this will be interesting. Enjoying your photographs as well. Comeback soon and it should be the Eastern / North-Eastern part of India next time. Cheers, Somnath __________________ Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. * My Travel Pix...

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