Indian first timer...

RichZinner

Hi all,
I am travelling to India for the first time in Dec 2009. I am mainly travelling to do an IT course in Dehradun, but have an itinery that Covers Delhi, Duhradun, Agra and Jaipur. Just really wanted to say thank you for all the advice, and resources that you have made available on this site.

My head is buzzing with all the possibilites of travelling by air, train, autorickshaws and dealing with the sights sounds crowds and smells of India. I suspect the first 24 hours in Delhi, will be mind blowing for me. Seeing the video of crossing the road... does anyone know the fare for getting a rickshaw accross instead?

Rich

Hal

Welcome!

For you sir, only 200 Rupees.

capt_mahajan

195!!

A trip to Mussoorie (and especially beyond) from Dehradun will give you a nice introduction to the Himalaya.

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Outside the machine

PeakXV

I hope it is. And I hope you're scared shitless to cross the street initially . But I suspect you'll have a rather steep learning curve in conquering that obstacle course all the other curveballs India can hurl towards you .... and look back on it all very fondly in the years to come.

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What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

RichZinner

Thanks for the welcome folks! 200 or 195 huh? I guess that'll include a trip to the gem store on the way too!

Thanks for the tip on Mussoorie - that looks like a must do to me. Queen of the hill stations - sounds wonderful! Just not sure on the weather in Decemeber...

Any similar tips on stuff to see and do are most welcome, although having read up a bit I know I'll end up going off the script at some point, and have allowed myself time at each location to do that I hope. I'm really looking forward to this trip, and from reading the many accounts around here feel sure i will look forward to my next trip about 5 minutes after the plane lands at Heathrow...

take care
Rich

rtandon

Dehradun and surroundings and especially uphill (really depending on the weather) have a lot to offer you in terms of scenic places, Himalays, serene environment etc. So, you would have a good time there.

Coming to plains, Agra and around are also places to have a visit to monuments and historic places. If you have time, you can further explore from Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi, Orchha (depends on your schedule)

Sure, it will be a steep learning curve as the road crossing video, though true to some extent but over blown up if you are going to consider that all crossings at all times are like that. Hope you would quickly learn to overcome that too.

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Rajeev

RichZinner

rtandon,
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll certainly look them up.

I am just amazed at that video, but yes i realise its not all like that. My first day in Delhi i think will be most interesting nonetheless... thats the beauty of travelling!

Zinner

RichZinner

Just been onto the foreign and commonwealth office site where I found this nugget, just doesnt tell me how many folks were trying to cross the road with the hospitalisation figures ...

Over 796,000 British tourists visit India every year (source: Bureau of Immigration). Most of these visits are trouble-free. 288 British nationals required consular assistance in India in the period 1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (123 cases); hospitalisations (55 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (40 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (415 cases).

Rich

vikramkyy

hi Rich how are you.
welcome to dehradun,,, i am from from dehradun and this city is really cool ....
and dont wory about road crossing you will learn soon..

kullukid

Well, it's verreee reassuring to know that if I die in India I can get consular assistance........will they guide me through the Astral Planes to the Devachanic Realms?? KK