we are two final year architecture students from lil' old New Zealand (wellington), and after we finish our course in November, are heading over to India for 6 weeks of travel.
our plan at the moment is to.. fly into calcutta, up to varanasi, to delhi ,chandigarh, then down to agra, jaipur, jodpuhr, jaisalmer, udaipur, then to ahmedabad, mumbai and goa.
but we are quite keen to pop over to dhaka when we are in calcutta to see Kahn's general assembly, and were wondering if anyone has been there and knows the logistics of getting entry to it, and how safe it would be for two 23 year old women to be travelling around there?
also, if there are any great places in india that people have been to, that are on our trail, we'd love to know about them.
Flying into Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and then driving from the high mountain desert into the lush greenery of Kashmir with its capital, Srinagar, sitting in the bosom of the mountains on a half-dozen lakes with scattered collections of exquisitely carved houseboats, islands with decaying Raj/colonial palaces and gardens. Awesome.
However, the trip you have planned sounds incredible too.
Add KHAJURAHO (group of early medieval temples), ORCHHA( medieval palace complex), PUNE( Osho Commune) in your itinerary. I do not see any of the places in South India in your plan. If time permits do visit to the south, you may be in time to visit tea estates and beautiful temples.
mdler, forgot to mention that the last comment was directed towards you.
oh, but then i guess you have never traveled to those parts of the world, so i can understand your narrow mindedness. And yes, by the way, we (india) just got a woman president (and we've had a woman prime minister long long back)..while the rednecks in the US are still debating whether to even consider a black guy or a woman to be president.
katya...
gr8 time of the year to come to india...nov-december...weather's the best....
try to club sri lanka rather than b'desh in your trip...truly worth it...
another must see in the itinerary is the caves at ajanta and ellora near aurangabad...if you are going to be in the mumbai area..definitely arrange a day trip...should not miss it at any cost.
don't worry about safety et al...rule is the same all over the world..PEPPER SPRAY
i know you're students, but you must splurge to stay at the house of mg in ahmedabad (3600 rs/night). it's in a beautiful old industrialists mansion right downtown. our bathroom had 20 ft ceilings. the tali on the roof is completely memorable. it was the best thing we did in india. then go see corb, kahn, doshi, everyone else during the day. absolutely wonderful.
sanya, im sorry about your experience with the indian guy. Trust me not all of us are like that!
What ticked me off was the comment "i have heard some horrible stories about the way foreign women are treated in India", compare it to something like
"be careful of hanging out alone in america, most people there are gun-toting rednecks".
A generalization is always wrong.
Years ago I had an English Bloke Friend who lived in India, he had lived in Thialand prior to that. Said it was bloody hot, like he didn't know what hot was like living in Thialand. He had a great house, but he didn't own it, because at that time it was not allowed. Anyhow even with a rental he sprung for an in ground swimming pool. It was also difficult for him to deal with all the servant help, because it was not a life he came from. So he lived and learned while he was there.
I'm sure he is back in London by this point in time, but from what he had to say, I was ready to go in a moments notice.
India is an amazing place. Despite the clichees, it will change your life for the better...and your stomach for the worse (but that´s ok).
The only place I would be slightly cautious about travelling is perhaps some parts of Bihar...at least do some research first. It´s not unsafe, just know what you´re heading into. Travel 2nd on trains - they´re cheap and will take you anywhere and you will meet friendly people. Keralan food is GREAT! But I could go on and on...
My wife worked there for 2 months last summer and loved it but couldn't stand the chauvanistic and disrepectful way women were treated and the fact that as a tourist you are treated as a GIANT walking dollar.
My wife's and I (I visited for a few weeks) found the people of India to be very helpful and some of the kindest we've ever found. That being the case don't be afraid of being a bitch if not you will get scammed, overcharged and intimitated.
Couple of suggestions
1. Every few days if you can spare it stay somewhere real nice. Where you can let your guard down and not have to constantly worry about someone stealing any of your belongings. I recommend the Taj chain of hotels. Lots of security and incredible service.
2. Rent a car and driver. We rented an (AC'd) car and driver for 4 days and 3 nights which took us around the golden triangle (Agra, Jaipur, Delhi) for about $250. This way you don't have to constantly find your way around a new city.
3. In Jaipur stay at the smaller inns. I wish I could remember the one we stayed in but it had NO TV, just a big courtyard travlers sat around and watched the monkeys come down from the trees.
4. Between Jaipur and Delhi stay at Nenanamara (spelling??) just one night. It's a 500 year old palace thats been converted into a hotel. The whole hotel is this ancient patchwork of stairwells, hidden rooms and courtyards. I recommend grabbing a couple of beers climbing up one of the tower balconies and watching the sunset over the Indian countryside. It was probably one of the most beautiful moments of my life.
5. Just once. Take the 3rd class section of the train. No ticket required. Occupancy on the train cart read 90. We probably had 90 in the 1st 2 sections of the 6 section cart. There you'll see, smell, hear and touch true poverty. It'll make you appreciate all you have.
6. Things to be careful about. ONLY drink bottled water and make sure you're the one who opens it, hear the click of the plastic, even at the nicest restuarants. Beware off icecubes.
7. Pickpockets EVERYWHERE. Markets are crazy packed and everyone will be calling you friend and try to sell you something. Trust me unless you look Indian you're going to get bombarded.
8. nahi pronounced na hee means no. Trust me you'll use that word a lot.
9. While in rome be like the romans. Northern India tends to be more muslim and following some dress ettiquette will make your experience better. If you dress in short skirts, shorts and tanktops you're going to be ogled, and not from a far but right in front of you.
10. Carefull where you exchange money. Guys stand near the legit place and con you into going into other places where they rip you off.
Okay I could go on forever so I'll stop. RoedGroed said it best. India is an amazing place and will most likely change your lilfe. Have fun and be safe.
"but couldn't stand the chauvanistic and disrepectful way women were treated"
really? maybe im a bit biased (well, i am), but my sister, my wife, my mom are all working women, and there has been no disrespect towards them whatsoever. In fact, I'd argue that in workplaces, educated women probably command more respect than men.
I'd not suggest 3rd class in the train. Even I dont do that anymore, though ive gone 3rd class many times as a poor student. And, you NEED tickets, you dont need a RESERVATION. Anyways, I'd avoid it, just like I'd avoid greyhound in the US.
alfrejas is right about not wearing short skirts and tank tops in the non-touristy parts of cities. In tourist places (like goa) its alright - talking of goa they also have full nude beaches.
The problem, in many cases is that most tourists still expect India to be the country that, say the Beatles used to visit, full of spiritual experiences and elephants, but in reality thats not the case anymore. Of course, there is a layer of spirituality beneath daily life, but dont expect to be surrounded by a layer of tranquility and serenity when you get there. In any case, highly recommended trip.
SOD hows the view from the ivory tower? No really. Everywhere we went (except the TAJ) directed all questions and comments to me and not my wife. Even though reservations were in her name or she's the one who asked the question. When we had problems at our resort in Kerela the manager dimissed my wife and basically told her that he and I would take care of any problems even though she was the one who approached her with the concerns. Comparerd to the US it is still a very sexist country. It's getting better but I would still compare it to US 60's standards.
In regards to the 3rd class train I'll stand my ground. It wasn't the most exciting part of my trip but it was definetly a part of my trip I hope I never forget. The majority of us live a very pampered life with the only real problems we have are our credit card bills being to high, having to wait in line or someone won't listen to our so called creative ideas. Even now when things aren't going our way my wife and I say to each other "India". And we remember that our lives aren't tough just a little inconvenient at times.
FYI the TT guys do not check tickets on the 3rd class trains, it's pretty much impossible.
Regardless Katya let us know how your trip went when you get back. Have fun and be safe.
thanks for all the great tips guys, its so helpful knowing all the travellers secrets. we will definitely keep our wits about us, and the make the most of every moment, maybe not the nude beaches though...!
If you're trying to get to the Capital Complex, it's very easy. It's a public place and very touristy so essentially every part of it is accessible. You can talk to anyone around too and everyone is happy to tell you what they know. To experience it in person is incredible.
one more quick bit of advice, the government buildings in chandigarh were very difficult to get into. they are guarded by men with guns who don't speak a lot of english. (in fact, there is a strong military presence in chandigarh; we didn't find it to be a very hospitable place.) i believe there is a le corbusier foundation in chandigarh that will help you make arrangements.
we found chandigarh to be a difficult place - none of our drivers spoke english; there weren't many good places to stay; maybe it was just a bad experience, but it was the one place in india i would probably not return to.
Aug 7, 07 10:50 am ·
·
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.
travelling to dhaka...(and india)
Hi!
we are two final year architecture students from lil' old New Zealand (wellington), and after we finish our course in November, are heading over to India for 6 weeks of travel.
our plan at the moment is to.. fly into calcutta, up to varanasi, to delhi ,chandigarh, then down to agra, jaipur, jodpuhr, jaisalmer, udaipur, then to ahmedabad, mumbai and goa.
but we are quite keen to pop over to dhaka when we are in calcutta to see Kahn's general assembly, and were wondering if anyone has been there and knows the logistics of getting entry to it, and how safe it would be for two 23 year old women to be travelling around there?
also, if there are any great places in india that people have been to, that are on our trail, we'd love to know about them.
thanks!
i have heard some horrible stories about the way foreign women are treated in India
swing by detroit and i'll get you geared up...... vests weigh about 30 pounds...night vision goggles..... nun-chucks.....blow gun.....
Flying into Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and then driving from the high mountain desert into the lush greenery of Kashmir with its capital, Srinagar, sitting in the bosom of the mountains on a half-dozen lakes with scattered collections of exquisitely carved houseboats, islands with decaying Raj/colonial palaces and gardens. Awesome.
However, the trip you have planned sounds incredible too.
Add KHAJURAHO (group of early medieval temples), ORCHHA( medieval palace complex), PUNE( Osho Commune) in your itinerary. I do not see any of the places in South India in your plan. If time permits do visit to the south, you may be in time to visit tea estates and beautiful temples.
and yes, tread with caution!
yeah we've only really planned to travel around the north/central areas because we've only got 6 weeks, but would love to go much further south.
the travel warnings we've read had been a bit fuzzy, especially whether we should leave bangladesh out of the trip...?
we'll definitely tread with caution! and no doubt will bump into hoards of other travellers as we're not really swaying too much off the beaten track.
"i have heard some horrible stories about the way foreign women are treated in India"
You want to elaborate on that conjecture, asshole?
mdler, forgot to mention that the last comment was directed towards you.
oh, but then i guess you have never traveled to those parts of the world, so i can understand your narrow mindedness. And yes, by the way, we (india) just got a woman president (and we've had a woman prime minister long long back)..while the rednecks in the US are still debating whether to even consider a black guy or a woman to be president.
katya...
gr8 time of the year to come to india...nov-december...weather's the best....
try to club sri lanka rather than b'desh in your trip...truly worth it...
another must see in the itinerary is the caves at ajanta and ellora near aurangabad...if you are going to be in the mumbai area..definitely arrange a day trip...should not miss it at any cost.
don't worry about safety et al...rule is the same all over the world..PEPPER SPRAY
Ah,
didn't realise that you are going Nov-Dec, the roads in the mountains will be closed. Still, have a great time...
i know you're students, but you must splurge to stay at the house of mg in ahmedabad (3600 rs/night). it's in a beautiful old industrialists mansion right downtown. our bathroom had 20 ft ceilings. the tali on the roof is completely memorable. it was the best thing we did in india. then go see corb, kahn, doshi, everyone else during the day. absolutely wonderful.
Look into checking out Rajasthan, I quite enjoyed it.
sanya, im sorry about your experience with the indian guy. Trust me not all of us are like that!
What ticked me off was the comment "i have heard some horrible stories about the way foreign women are treated in India", compare it to something like
"be careful of hanging out alone in america, most people there are gun-toting rednecks".
A generalization is always wrong.
Years ago I had an English Bloke Friend who lived in India, he had lived in Thialand prior to that. Said it was bloody hot, like he didn't know what hot was like living in Thialand. He had a great house, but he didn't own it, because at that time it was not allowed. Anyhow even with a rental he sprung for an in ground swimming pool. It was also difficult for him to deal with all the servant help, because it was not a life he came from. So he lived and learned while he was there.
I'm sure he is back in London by this point in time, but from what he had to say, I was ready to go in a moments notice.
India is an amazing place. Despite the clichees, it will change your life for the better...and your stomach for the worse (but that´s ok).
The only place I would be slightly cautious about travelling is perhaps some parts of Bihar...at least do some research first. It´s not unsafe, just know what you´re heading into. Travel 2nd on trains - they´re cheap and will take you anywhere and you will meet friendly people. Keralan food is GREAT! But I could go on and on...
My wife worked there for 2 months last summer and loved it but couldn't stand the chauvanistic and disrepectful way women were treated and the fact that as a tourist you are treated as a GIANT walking dollar.
My wife's and I (I visited for a few weeks) found the people of India to be very helpful and some of the kindest we've ever found. That being the case don't be afraid of being a bitch if not you will get scammed, overcharged and intimitated.
Couple of suggestions
1. Every few days if you can spare it stay somewhere real nice. Where you can let your guard down and not have to constantly worry about someone stealing any of your belongings. I recommend the Taj chain of hotels. Lots of security and incredible service.
2. Rent a car and driver. We rented an (AC'd) car and driver for 4 days and 3 nights which took us around the golden triangle (Agra, Jaipur, Delhi) for about $250. This way you don't have to constantly find your way around a new city.
3. In Jaipur stay at the smaller inns. I wish I could remember the one we stayed in but it had NO TV, just a big courtyard travlers sat around and watched the monkeys come down from the trees.
4. Between Jaipur and Delhi stay at Nenanamara (spelling??) just one night. It's a 500 year old palace thats been converted into a hotel. The whole hotel is this ancient patchwork of stairwells, hidden rooms and courtyards. I recommend grabbing a couple of beers climbing up one of the tower balconies and watching the sunset over the Indian countryside. It was probably one of the most beautiful moments of my life.
5. Just once. Take the 3rd class section of the train. No ticket required. Occupancy on the train cart read 90. We probably had 90 in the 1st 2 sections of the 6 section cart. There you'll see, smell, hear and touch true poverty. It'll make you appreciate all you have.
6. Things to be careful about. ONLY drink bottled water and make sure you're the one who opens it, hear the click of the plastic, even at the nicest restuarants. Beware off icecubes.
7. Pickpockets EVERYWHERE. Markets are crazy packed and everyone will be calling you friend and try to sell you something. Trust me unless you look Indian you're going to get bombarded.
8. nahi pronounced na hee means no. Trust me you'll use that word a lot.
9. While in rome be like the romans. Northern India tends to be more muslim and following some dress ettiquette will make your experience better. If you dress in short skirts, shorts and tanktops you're going to be ogled, and not from a far but right in front of you.
10. Carefull where you exchange money. Guys stand near the legit place and con you into going into other places where they rip you off.
Okay I could go on forever so I'll stop. RoedGroed said it best. India is an amazing place and will most likely change your lilfe. Have fun and be safe.
"but couldn't stand the chauvanistic and disrepectful way women were treated"
really? maybe im a bit biased (well, i am), but my sister, my wife, my mom are all working women, and there has been no disrespect towards them whatsoever. In fact, I'd argue that in workplaces, educated women probably command more respect than men.
I'd not suggest 3rd class in the train. Even I dont do that anymore, though ive gone 3rd class many times as a poor student. And, you NEED tickets, you dont need a RESERVATION. Anyways, I'd avoid it, just like I'd avoid greyhound in the US.
alfrejas is right about not wearing short skirts and tank tops in the non-touristy parts of cities. In tourist places (like goa) its alright - talking of goa they also have full nude beaches.
The problem, in many cases is that most tourists still expect India to be the country that, say the Beatles used to visit, full of spiritual experiences and elephants, but in reality thats not the case anymore. Of course, there is a layer of spirituality beneath daily life, but dont expect to be surrounded by a layer of tranquility and serenity when you get there. In any case, highly recommended trip.
SOD hows the view from the ivory tower? No really. Everywhere we went (except the TAJ) directed all questions and comments to me and not my wife. Even though reservations were in her name or she's the one who asked the question. When we had problems at our resort in Kerela the manager dimissed my wife and basically told her that he and I would take care of any problems even though she was the one who approached her with the concerns. Comparerd to the US it is still a very sexist country. It's getting better but I would still compare it to US 60's standards.
In regards to the 3rd class train I'll stand my ground. It wasn't the most exciting part of my trip but it was definetly a part of my trip I hope I never forget. The majority of us live a very pampered life with the only real problems we have are our credit card bills being to high, having to wait in line or someone won't listen to our so called creative ideas. Even now when things aren't going our way my wife and I say to each other "India". And we remember that our lives aren't tough just a little inconvenient at times.
FYI the TT guys do not check tickets on the 3rd class trains, it's pretty much impossible.
Regardless Katya let us know how your trip went when you get back. Have fun and be safe.
thanks for all the great tips guys, its so helpful knowing all the travellers secrets. we will definitely keep our wits about us, and the make the most of every moment, maybe not the nude beaches though...!
Hello katya, looking forward to our crit on monday?
Good luck planning your trip, sounds great however it plays out
u HAVe to go to the nude beaches!
wots Goa if u dont go to Anjuna and kalangut beach.?..its where all the axn is...:() a slice of the 70's...
Hola Katya,I think this will help you to a great extent in planning your trip.... www.indiamike.com
If you're trying to get to the Capital Complex, it's very easy. It's a public place and very touristy so essentially every part of it is accessible. You can talk to anyone around too and everyone is happy to tell you what they know. To experience it in person is incredible.
one more quick bit of advice, the government buildings in chandigarh were very difficult to get into. they are guarded by men with guns who don't speak a lot of english. (in fact, there is a strong military presence in chandigarh; we didn't find it to be a very hospitable place.) i believe there is a le corbusier foundation in chandigarh that will help you make arrangements.
we found chandigarh to be a difficult place - none of our drivers spoke english; there weren't many good places to stay; maybe it was just a bad experience, but it was the one place in india i would probably not return to.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.