Springbok747 From Australia, joined Nov 2004, 4387 posts, RR: 13 Posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 3 days ago) and read 1116 times:
I'm finally going to India in December (after 10 years...my last trip was in 1995, for 8 days to Bangalore and Delhi). 10 years is quite a long time, and I'm sure India has changed lots. I plan to visit New Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore and Goa.
I have a few questions though, and maybe our Indian a-netters can help me out.
1. Is it safe to travel to New Delhi now?
2. Can I hire a car and drive in New Delhi and Bangalore?
I've explored many websites and most of them say that traffic is really bad in India. I can remember the roads in Bombay being very crowded the last time I visited India, but with all these new 'fly-overs' being built, is the traffic situation better?
I also want to travel by train as I've heard that Indian train travel is an experience in itself! Is it possible to take a train from Bangalore to Goa?
And, I'll be flying SQ from ADL (on that beautiful 772 ). My preferred routing is ADL-SIN-BLR and back to ADL after 3 weeks. I haven't booked any domestic flights in India, so is it possible to get a ticket a few days before I fly (say Bangalore - New Delhi), or would it be wiser to book now?
Sorry for all the stupid questions guys, but I really want to plan this trip and enjoy my stay in India!
Mdsh00 From United States of America, joined May 2004, 4097 posts, RR: 9 Reply 1, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 3 days ago) and read 1112 times:
I'm sure the Indian A.netters can answer this better because I haven't been to India in 5 years. From what I hear, you will find it improved for the better. I hear the highways are getting better and there's more shopping around as well.
"Look Lois, the two symbols of the Republican Party: an elephant, and a big fat white guy who is threatened by change."
Vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8220 posts, RR: 28 Reply 2, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 1109 times:
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My advice would be to hire a car and driver in each city. That's what we've done multiple times. Trust me, you don't want to try driving there unless you're used to it.
In Bangalore, you can get around the central city in rikshaws and taxis. You'll find that Bangalore has expanded a lot.
You'd probably want to fly from Bangalore or Bombay to New Delhi. That would be a pretty long train ride. I'm not familiar with Goa, never having been there, but I believe it's closer to Bombay and Bangalore. I haven't actually taken the train between Bombay and Bangalore - I've only flown, but I'd guess it's in the vicinity of 6 or 7 hours ride.
It's an easy train ride from New Delhi to Agra, the location of the Taj Mahal (and I think you ride on the Deccan Queen). Also in Delhi, we took a bus tour to a few of the sites, which was good.
Also, if you get the opportunity, I recommend taking the train between Bombay and Pune. Spectacular ride through the mountains.
Hope this helps.
~Vik
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
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From Australia, joined Nov 2004, 4387 posts, 
). My preferred routing is ADL-SIN-BLR and back to ADL after 3 weeks. I haven't booked any domestic flights in India, so is it possible to get a ticket a few days before I fly (say Bangalore - New Delhi), or would it be wiser to book now?
From United States of America, joined May 2004, 4097 posts, 
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