My First Moments in India

Savvy7 · Nov 30th, 2004, 09:19

Hi all,

I'm a solo female traveller going to India for the first time in January/February. I'm a little nervous about those first few hours/days--generally I like to be independent and take the less traveled path, but am considering options for having someone greet me, and also looking for a homey, friendly place to stay the first nights in New Delhi.

Any suggestions to make the arrival smoother? Thanks!
S

jezterbabe · Nov 30th, 2004, 09:43

I, too, am going to India for the first time in mid January. I have a few butterflies in my tummy to say the least. I will be working as a consultant in Gurgaon for about six months. I have no words of wisdom for you but am waiting to see what kind of advice you get in the next few days from others. I wonder about the safety factor for single american women mostly.

Baldy · Nov 30th, 2004, 10:41

Relax ladies, India is a very traditional, courteous and respectful place on the whole. There is very little violent crime. Respect customs and dress modestly and you will be welcomed and looked after.

usha · Nov 30th, 2004, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldy

Relax ladies, India is a very traditional, courteous and respectful place on the whole. There is very little violent crime. Respect customs and dress modestly and you will be welcomed and looked after.

Welcome to India

mahmud · Nov 30th, 2004, 17:38

Welcome to India.

Savvy7 · Nov 30th, 2004, 22:58

Thanks for the kind responses. I'm sure everything will work out!

Jezterbabe-Good luck!

Merchant · Nov 30th, 2004, 23:33

The foolproof way to avoid running the cabbie/tout gantlet is to go to the hotel bookings desk. The guys there will arrange your hotel (you choose by price and location from their listings) and transportation (either a chit for the pre-paid taxi booth or a van from the hotel itself). It's really easy and hassle free. You get exactly what you want, and you don't pay for the hotel until you get there and inspect the place first (always a good idea in India).

jezterbabe · Dec 1st, 2004, 01:20

Although I will have an employer who will pick me up from the airport, your advice makes a lot of sense for other arrivals in the future.

MEJ · Dec 1st, 2004, 03:10

I've been here in India working for the last month and a half. And I've had a great time.

But it was a big culture shock when I first landed in Bombay. I know that crime here is low, etc, etc, etc... but it still was weird looking out my 4 star hotel window and seeing a hundred homeless people living under an elevated highway.

I tend to disagree with most of the advice here to people who have concerns about coming to India, especially the "It is great here, a little crowded, but you will like it" advice.

You will like it, but probably not on your first day after a 11 hour or more flight. My advice would be to get straight to your hotel, get a lot of sleep, and watch some TV. It's a lot to take in, and there is no hurry.

jezterbabe · Dec 1st, 2004, 03:22

Thanks so much for the advice. I have lived in guatemala for a year and have seen great poverty as well so I may be a little more prepared than the average person, however,I am sure I will experience many things in INdia that can only be experienced in India, if you know what I mean. The crime rate in Guatemala is quite high actually. I keep hearing that it is relatively low in India though. You seem to think so anyway.

daveyboy · Dec 1st, 2004, 06:27

Yep - arrange a pick up from the airport is the best best advice. I got picked up by Hotel Annop and it made a big difference (do a search on IM or THorn Tree for their email). Arriving there, and going up onto the roof for my first look out over Dehli was one of my most exhilirating experiences ever!

Next advice, if your going by train the scams are very very clever and someone WILL try to stop you going to the legit ticket offices. The only legit places are on the first floor of the station and another down the main road towards New Dehli. Do not go over the road!!!

And you'll bloody love it all! Good luck!

nomadelmundo · Dec 1st, 2004, 09:08

it all boils down to how much previous travelling you have done... travelling alone has its rewards and tumoils...
(1) get a good guide book
(2) have money (cash, ATM card, travlers check)
(3) have phone # of hotels ready to call
(4) know the local bus, train commute system... worse thing to have is get stuck somewhere by yourself and don't have another way of getting out
(5) i lived in guatemala (antigua) for 10+ weeks too, but keep in mind, guatemala is a lot smaller as a country and has less people than india... but you are right, i have heard that guate itself have high crime rate, and just like all huge cities... don't be at the wrong place at wrong time and you'll be fine...
(6) have fun, relax, meet people and travel in packs... save cost on transportation, added security and company during meals... priceless.

will

gypsygal · Dec 1st, 2004, 12:14

let me just say that I LOVE INDIA!!!!! i wrote a similar post befor i left and every one was telling me this and that and over all putting a negative feel on it but the truth is that the first day will be the only day that you will have to get blown away by the amount of people and poverty even though i felt a little scared at first being alone and at night of all times i realised after meeting a fellow australian who i will just say made me feel verry uncomfortable and unsafe so i walked away from him and into the middle of about 2 thousand indians and they had seen this ozzy and know he is a bit of a crazy freak in pune and with out speeking any words the indian people all around me made me feel so safe and calm and with that came an understanding of just how beautifull the indian people are yes there are still the rude and angry but there are those people every where but overall i would rather spend time with the indian people than my own and i have only been in india just over two weeks and have already made life long friends in more than one place in india the hard part for me will be when i have to leave !! if you keep your eyes open then you will see not the amount of people but the quality of those people!!!

jezterbabe · Dec 1st, 2004, 18:50

I continue to hear great stories of the generous hospitality and warmth of the Indian people.

jezterbabe · Dec 1st, 2004, 18:54

I was in antigua too, nomad. Although I loved it, it is well known that there remains a high proliferation of guns throughout the country because of the 30 year internal war. My understanding of India is of less violent crime overall. And yes, the same precautions that I would take in a large city even in the United states such as Los Angeles is overall wise behavor for all large cities worldwide.

Nov 30th, 2004, 09:19	#1
Savvy7 Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 6	My First Moments in India Hi all, I'm a solo female traveller going to India for the first time in January/February. I'm a little nervous about those first few hours/days--generally I like to be independent and take the less traveled path, but am considering options for having someone greet me, and also looking for a homey, friendly place to stay the first nights in New Delhi. Any suggestions to make the arrival smoother? Thanks! S

Nov 30th, 2004, 09:43	#2
jezterbabe Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 29	you are not alone!!!!! I, too, am going to India for the first time in mid January. I have a few butterflies in my tummy to say the least. I will be working as a consultant in Gurgaon for about six months. I have no words of wisdom for you but am waiting to see what kind of advice you get in the next few days from others. I wonder about the safety factor for single american women mostly.

Dec 1st, 2004, 01:20	#8
jezterbabe Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 29	sound advice Although I will have an employer who will pick me up from the airport, your advice makes a lot of sense for other arrivals in the future.

Dec 1st, 2004, 09:08	#12
nomadelmundo a.k.a Sanyasin - the Wandering Aesthetic Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 149	it all boils down to how much previous travelling you have done... travelling alone has its rewards and tumoils... (1) get a good guide book (2) have money (cash, ATM card, travlers check) (3) have phone # of hotels ready to call (4) know the local bus, train commute system... worse thing to have is get stuck somewhere by yourself and don't have another way of getting out (5) i lived in guatemala (antigua) for 10+ weeks too, but keep in mind, guatemala is a lot smaller as a country and has less people than india... but you are right, i have heard that guate itself have high crime rate, and just like all huge cities... don't be at the wrong place at wrong time and you'll be fine... (6) have fun, relax, meet people and travel in packs... save cost on transportation, added security and company during meals... priceless. will __________________ Visit my forum for backpackers, trekkers & hikers where you can share stories, discuss trails, and upload unlimited amount of travel photos for FREE... @ PlanetNomads.com

Dec 1st, 2004, 18:50	#14
jezterbabe Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 29	thanks I continue to hear great stories of the generous hospitality and warmth of the Indian people.

Nov 30th, 2004, 10:41	#3
Baldy gotta pee ... Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Brisbane Posts: 187	Relax ladies, India is a very traditional, courteous and respectful place on the whole. There is very little violent crime. Respect customs and dress modestly and you will be welcomed and looked after.

Nov 30th, 2004, 17:38	#5
mahmud Account Closed Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh Posts: 445	Welcome to India.

Nov 30th, 2004, 22:58	#6
Savvy7 Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 6	Thanks for the kind responses. I'm sure everything will work out! Jezterbabe-Good luck!

Nov 30th, 2004, 23:33	#7
Merchant Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: New York Posts: 2,101	The foolproof way to avoid running the cabbie/tout gantlet is to go to the hotel bookings desk. The guys there will arrange your hotel (you choose by price and location from their listings) and transportation (either a chit for the pre-paid taxi booth or a van from the hotel itself). It's really easy and hassle free. You get exactly what you want, and you don't pay for the hotel until you get there and inspect the place first (always a good idea in India).

Dec 1st, 2004, 03:10	#9
MEJ Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: St Louis, MO, USA Posts: 23	I've been here in India working for the last month and a half. And I've had a great time. But it was a big culture shock when I first landed in Bombay. I know that crime here is low, etc, etc, etc... but it still was weird looking out my 4 star hotel window and seeing a hundred homeless people living under an elevated highway. I tend to disagree with most of the advice here to people who have concerns about coming to India, especially the "It is great here, a little crowded, but you will like it" advice. You will like it, but probably not on your first day after a 11 hour or more flight. My advice would be to get straight to your hotel, get a lot of sleep, and watch some TV. It's a lot to take in, and there is no hurry.

Dec 1st, 2004, 03:22	#10
jezterbabe Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 29	Thanks so much for the advice. I have lived in guatemala for a year and have seen great poverty as well so I may be a little more prepared than the average person, however,I am sure I will experience many things in INdia that can only be experienced in India, if you know what I mean. The crime rate in Guatemala is quite high actually. I keep hearing that it is relatively low in India though. You seem to think so anyway.

Dec 1st, 2004, 06:27	#11
daveyboy Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: London Posts: 41	Yep - arrange a pick up from the airport is the best best advice. I got picked up by Hotel Annop and it made a big difference (do a search on IM or THorn Tree for their email). Arriving there, and going up onto the roof for my first look out over Dehli was one of my most exhilirating experiences ever! Next advice, if your going by train the scams are very very clever and someone WILL try to stop you going to the legit ticket offices. The only legit places are on the first floor of the station and another down the main road towards New Dehli. Do not go over the road!!! And you'll bloody love it all! Good luck!

Dec 1st, 2004, 12:14	#13
gypsygal gypsygal Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: australia Posts: 39	let me just say that I LOVE INDIA!!!!! i wrote a similar post befor i left and every one was telling me this and that and over all putting a negative feel on it but the truth is that the first day will be the only day that you will have to get blown away by the amount of people and poverty even though i felt a little scared at first being alone and at night of all times i realised after meeting a fellow australian who i will just say made me feel verry uncomfortable and unsafe so i walked away from him and into the middle of about 2 thousand indians and they had seen this ozzy and know he is a bit of a crazy freak in pune and with out speeking any words the indian people all around me made me feel so safe and calm and with that came an understanding of just how beautifull the indian people are yes there are still the rude and angry but there are those people every where but overall i would rather spend time with the indian people than my own and i have only been in india just over two weeks and have already made life long friends in more than one place in india the hard part for me will be when i have to leave !! if you keep your eyes open then you will see not the amount of people but the quality of those people!!!

Dec 1st, 2004, 18:54	#15
jezterbabe Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 29	guatemala I was in antigua too, nomad. Although I loved it, it is well known that there remains a high proliferation of guns throughout the country because of the 30 year internal war. My understanding of India is of less violent crime overall. And yes, the same precautions that I would take in a large city even in the United states such as Los Angeles is overall wise behavor for all large cities worldwide.

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