North vs South

wandering_kat

Hiya!
I've spent time in South India, loved it, can't wait to get back. But also wanna do the North, and was just wondering, for those of you veterans of both North and South - what are the largest differences with regard to practical travel issues? I know they're poles apart in many ways, but what i'm wondering is whether the North is particularly more expensive/crime-ridden/stuff like that. And for any females who've done it solo - is it any more risky than doing the South? (I've never felt safer in any country than i did alone in south india!)
thanks,
kat

Merchant

The most obvious difference is that the North generally is decidedly poorer and more crowded. This may or may not make a practical difference to you, and it doesn't mean that the North is less safe than the South.

If you're a veteran traveler of South India, you shouldn't find the North to be any more of a challenge. It does depend, obviously, where you are going. Gujarati people are as sweet and welcoming as the Tamils. I assume you are not going to Bihar. Delhi is a monster of a city, with pockets of people from all over India. Rajasthan is as dry as Kerala is lush. The mountain states of the north and northeast seem like their own countries. In short, the North is as varied and diverse as the South, and you'll quickly see and enjoy these distinctions.

wandering_kat

Thanks so much, Merchant - that was helpful.
BTW, love yr website!

Merchant

Thanks! Hope you have a great trip.

bijapuri

be prepared for a bit of a shock . It's like a poor relation to the South, but IMers in the north are super!!!
suiggestion: Stay off the beaten path and you'll find it much less of a hassle.

but then, I'm infamously biased

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SHIMLA

People in the North are more aggressive and rough, those in the South are milder and cultured.

The exception to this are the people in the North Indian hills, particularly in Himachal Pradesh - you may perhaps not find better people in the rest of India!

From the point of view of tourist attractions, the South is mostly temples and beaches, while the North is more of snow clad mountains, forts and monuments.

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bijapuri

most likely you'll be treated with respect and courtesy

Sonomama

Thanks a lot, Shimla and Bijapuri! Your words are just what I wanted to hear!

Sonomama

ddevadatta

Wandering Kat

It is usually true that more people travel in Northern India without even setting foot in the South. So it is a real pleasant surprise to hear the reverse. Each area has its own charm, I suppose. But the North can be more aggressive than the south. This is just a generalization, but something that if you are aware of can take the necessary precautions.

The food is definately better in the south than in the north, unless you are on a high carb, high sugar diet. He! he! Move over Atkins...

North can be more expensive, depending where you travel of course. After you travel up North you will always want to get back South as soon as possible. Spoken as a true southerner. Happy travels...