How to travel in India the first time

Did you ever wonder exactly where to go over your once in a life-time or meager scrape of a vacation? Ever consider going overseas? This guide is here to help you plan an excursion to one of the oldest and culture-diverse jewels found on the face of the Earth: India

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Willingness to read the article
• A cunning and curious imagination
• Optimism
• Cup of coffee
• Spare time

1. 
    
   Red Fort: You've arrived at Delhi

   Knowing how to choose your destination:
   This article is titled, GUIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME INDIA VISITOR, so that step has already been done. You're ready to leave for Delhi, India.

2. BOOKING A HOTEL IN ADVANCE:
   Booking a hotel online is easier than on-the-spot, although looks can be deceiving. In addition to perusing the online review's on the hotel website, it is also important to get reviews of the surrounding area from previous visitors and an ideal, mental picture of what the hotel is to look like. Photoshop is a keen tool in propaganda and is used for the hotel's sake, and sometimes not for the traveler. About five reviews are enough, and not all of them should be five-star. Note that it is also important to watch for scams: A lower priced hotel is not likely to have five-star reviews such as the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai/Bombay. Further references that are also helpful in choosing the hotel is reviews from friends or family that have visited India. Be open to their honest opinions and do not be let down if you realize your dream hotel isn't up to snuff.
   
   REMEMBER:
   *DO NOT give credit-card numbers to any hotel that isn't found on the search of AT LEAST two different hotel giant websites such as Orbits and Priceline.
   *DO NOT take any taxi that is offered to you w/out you having previously booked it.
   *DO take time to consider the surroundings; hotels can be re-booked.
   *DO NOT pay in advance. Pay when you get there. Scams exist everywhere.
   *DO report any damages/problems in your hotel room; if reported early, they--the hotel--have no way to charge you. TAKE THE TIME TO INSPECT YOUR LODGINGS.
   *DO know all rights you are entitled to. (i.e.: room damage, breakfast, civil, etc.)
   *DO NOT be attracted by cheap prices. You DON'T get a bang for your buck. Cheap = cheap.

3. AIRPORT ARRIVAL:
   When choosing an arrival place, it is important to consider the airport's location from monuments/attractions. There are many airports to choose from, but for this guide, we've chosen the Indra Gandhi Airport in New Delhi, India, scenically located from the capital's greatest sights. If you want to choose another airport, feel free to do so, but book a guide or a conveniently located friend to help you guide yourself out of the airport. A TRUSTED taxi driver can be a helpful guide.
   
   TIPS:
   *DO NOT let someone "help you with your luggage". They will 99.9% of the time, ask you for a tip...a BIG tip. The booked taxi-driver will help you.
   *DO NOT stray away from your luggage. India's population is VERY large, and leaving luggage "even in front of a nice airport worker" isn't going to guarantee safety. Keep that in mind for you entire visit: that means you and your purses, ladies!
   *Stay together. It's almost easy to get lost in India's airports. Stay together during the whole visit. Keep children close at hand.

4. TRAFFIC:
   The traffic in India is very unusual. It is almost considered self-governed. In order to learn how to cross traffic, it is important to watch how the locals do it. That DOES NOT include running midst car-rampage, like some do. It means following a close-knitted crowd and continuous walking without stopping.
   
   TIPS:
   *DO NOT attempt to drive in India. You can't.
   *DO NOT stop in the middle of the road, EVEN if there is no car, which is unlikely.
   *DO NOT be alarmed at the scatter and disorganization of the traffic. The locals are known for their keen eye and have been driving these roads for as long as who knows, and have good records.
   *DO NOT stop to shop UNTIL you're safely out of the road. About a few feet from the edge.
   *DO keep 'n' ear out at all times in case of any hooligan or oncoming traffic.
   
   TRAFFIC IN A BAZAAR:
   India is known for their allusive bazaars, and wonderful shopping areas. It is important to know that in India, some of the "streets" in front of the shops are also roads. ***If you hear a horn, walk forwards to the vendor's cart and DO NOT flail your arms backwards. If you happen to be standing facing the road, DO NOT move and let the scooter pass. (Note: It's mostly scooters and motorbikes that come through situations like this.)
   
   TIPS:
   *It is always important to be cautionary anywhere. When you shop, be careful.
   *DO keep all personal possessions--mostly money, away from any exposed places. Pickpocketing is more common than allowed to be known.
   *DO NOT LET ANYONE HAVE POSSESSION OF YOUR MONEY!
   *Most important tip is be careful!

5. 
    
   Qutab Minar: L.B. Studios ltd.

   PICKING AND CHOOSING ATTRACTIONS:
   If I had any say, I'd say, see it all! Sometimes, we can't see it all. Bummer. BUT, there are places you can visit so you CAN say that you've "seen it all". In New Delhi, there are many tourist attractions that have little or moderate price.
   HERE IS A LIST OF MONUMENTS THAT I'VE PERSONALLY VISITED IN DELHI:
   
   *Baha'i Temple of Worship/Lotus temple: This temple is a magnificent artifact that is a mere 100 years old. From aerial view [Google Earth] it looks like a marvelous white lotus-shaped-kaleidoscope, hence its name. Created for worship, it is now an attraction and place of peace. Any faith of any religion is allowed to enter, although speaking inside is prohibited. The walk through the lush ornamental grass/gardens takes you up tiers in the land and in the summer, through a field of dragonflies. Prices vary and have to be checked, as well as days of admittance. ASK TAXI DRIVER/HOTEL.
   
   *JANTAR MANTAR: The name sounds weird, but it means "instrument and formula". This building, located around Patel Road, Delhi, is a sight to see. This structure is a huge spherical sundial, that was used in the 1700's to predict the movement of stars and planets and the sun. The observatory is open to everyone for a small fee, and can be perused by walking down stairs that lead to nowhere and stairs that lead to open air. Watch your step and be sure you aren't afraid of heights. There're no handrails, so step at own risk.
   
   *Quatab Minar: Diehard fan for history? Love to reap in the past of great kings? Or just like to look at pretty buildings? Quatab Minar is the place for you! Located in Delhi, this monument is the world's most tallest minaret. Surrounding it are statues with priceless carvings all done by hand and are symmetrically uncompromisable in all their brilliance. It's a great place for sight-seeing and basking in all that is tall and ancient. Prices vary. See hotel/guide for details.

6. 
    
   Lotus Temple: L.B.

   ATTRACTIONS CONT.
   
   *Gandhi Memorial Museum: Delhi's packed! This memorial is a very special place to see. Here, for a small fee, you can see the house where Gandhi lived and where the peacemaker once walked. Along side its lush gardens, is a museum commemorating all that is Mahatma Gandhi, and now, in the latest of technology! Enjoy a delightful walk up marble stairs and through rooms and corridors that house original relics from the peacemaker, as well as books and plenty of cool, electronic slideshows. Also, have the luxury of having a tour guide who's fluent in about five languages take you around and let you have a first-hand experience of what it's like to meet the maker of peace! Keep flash off, or you'll damage the wax replicas of Gandhi and his wife! Fee varies/consult hotel--guide.
   
   Delhi is a melting-pot of culture. I've yet to see all if it, so I'm encouraging you to witness it all!! Break beyond the boundaries and ask around---it'll amaze you, what you'll find!

7. 
    
   This is as far as you can go to see the Taj Mahal; L.B. Studios ltd.

   ONTO THE TAJ:
   The allusive Taj Mahal. The symbol of love...the idyll place for finding the innermost essence of passion. The Taj Mahal is a sight to behold, and just seeing it takes all breath away. Unfortunately, do to lack of perseverance, the relic is no longer open to visitors. Instead, it is closed and no longer can anyone step on it. It is visible from a far, but as of this year, the Taj Mahal is closed to visitors. Re-opening of the Mahal is not announced.
   
   REMEMBER:
   
   **THIS IS NOT TO DIS-ENCOURAGE YOU! The Taj Mahal is a great attraction, but India has many more that are as equally fabulous!
   *If you choose to go, don't be fooled by the "mini-mahal" The mini mahal is a house someone built as a look-alike to the real building, which stood a few miles further.
   *Enjoy. A sight and the souvenirs is a great-make-up for actually touching the place. It preserves it longer...trust me.

8. FAREWELL:
   And we stop there! I know you're thinking, "Hey! I heard and want to know more! What about Shimla? Sri Lanka? Red Fort? Celebrations?"
   
   Well my answer is: To know more about India, see my other articles---which will be available in the future! Pack your bags and bring a lap top; the key to India will be here soon!
   
   Articles to look for in the future:
   
   *GOING FURTHER INTO INDIA
   *HOW TO SOCIALIZE IN INDIA
   *BECOMING SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE IN INDIA
   *SHOPPING IN INDIA
   *PUNJAB: A PLACE TO SEE
   *MISC. LIVING IN INDIA
   __________________________________________________________
   ***ALL INFORMATION IS COPYRIGHTED BY LB STUDIOS LTD. THIS IS FOR REFERENCE. :)

Tips & Warnings

• Tips are given in the steps, but here are a few more general ones:
• Don't act lost. India's big, but don't act lost, or you'll make a laughing stock out of yourself. Ask a trusted person for help. Almost anyone can help you.
• Enjoy yourself.
• Be careful.
• Travel Safe.
• AVOID BEGGARS.