We were there in 1986.
Our Indian trip 2019 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Mousy
- Start date
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Mousy
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Time to go back then.
R
Robert Clark
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Us in Jodhpur
Mrs C in a sari
Me with a turban
Mrs C in a sari
Me with a turban
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Mousy
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Pushkar with its religious lake at the center has a really nice vibe. Part Hippie part tourist and lots of camels. This is another place people come to ride them in the desert.
It also is small enough to make wandering around fun and interesting but not challenging!
Lots of lovely shops and I finally persuaded Martin that bringing back some souvenirs was a good thing...cheap Indian craft items for everyone this Christmas!!
We also had some lovely meals on roof top restaurants overlooking the lake.
These toilets on the road side were lacking something and it wasn’t just toilet paper..
We kindly waited until they were vacant before taking a pic!
Special temple one of only one in India..but we have heard that before.
This family busy making metal utensils by the road.
Little palace.
I always want to explore these courtyards.
A sunset trip on camels called Michael and Jeffery was really memorable and excellent value at £3 per hour!
It also is small enough to make wandering around fun and interesting but not challenging!
Lots of lovely shops and I finally persuaded Martin that bringing back some souvenirs was a good thing...cheap Indian craft items for everyone this Christmas!!
We also had some lovely meals on roof top restaurants overlooking the lake.
These toilets on the road side were lacking something and it wasn’t just toilet paper..
We kindly waited until they were vacant before taking a pic!
Special temple one of only one in India..but we have heard that before.
This family busy making metal utensils by the road.
Little palace.
I always want to explore these courtyards.
A sunset trip on camels called Michael and Jeffery was really memorable and excellent value at £3 per hour!
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Mousy
LIFE MEMBER
From pushkar to Udiapur was our final train journey (11 in total). This one was in daylight so we had a chance of watching the world go by.
We had 4 days in Udiapur a place we really enjoyed.
Wonderful views from our Haveli over one of the lakes and The City Palace.
We had 4 days in Udiapur a place we really enjoyed.
Wonderful views from our Haveli over one of the lakes and The City Palace.
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Mousy
LIFE MEMBER
Udiapur city palace was fantastic. We took our time wandering around with the great audio guide (we think it’s the same guy as all the other audio guides) he has a wonderful voice, deep and rich like melting chocolate, an Indian Omar Sharif..I thoroughly enjoyed him whispering into my ear and not like the “Indian call centre” voice we were expecting!
I regret not using audio for all our fort, palace temple visits.
This lovely Marj got into a pickle...he had a very beautiful popular daughter, in an administration mix up her hand in marriage was offered to Prince’s from both Jaipur and Jodphur.
Both of the Prince and their households arrived and set up camp in the grounds. This put the Udiapur king in a massive predicament, to chose either would put his kingdom at war with the other..what to do?
He decided his only option was to kill his daughter (rather extreme I thought!). No man of his would strike her with a dagger as she was beautiful and beloved by all. So the king asked the women of his household to poison her. 3 times she was given a cup to drink from and each time she survived. She willingly asked for more each time. In the end they gave her a drink laced with an opioid and she finally fell into a deep sleep and never woke up.
Honour had been restored and the kingdoms of Jodphur and Jaipur accepting the kings decision went back home.
The king built a courtyard and rooms in memorial of the sacrifice his beautiful favourite daughter had made...no mention from Omar about whom was responsible for the mix up...wonder if they had an inquiry and said “lessons have been learnt”?!
A clever Maharajah fitted these fake elephant trunks to his cavalry, when they went into battle against an opposing stronger force using elephants it tricked them into thinking they were baby elephants and adult elephants won’t attack their young so the battle was won by the weaker Udiapur side.
India’s history is as rich and varied as it’s palaces treasures.
I regret not using audio for all our fort, palace temple visits.
This lovely Marj got into a pickle...he had a very beautiful popular daughter, in an administration mix up her hand in marriage was offered to Prince’s from both Jaipur and Jodphur.
Both of the Prince and their households arrived and set up camp in the grounds. This put the Udiapur king in a massive predicament, to chose either would put his kingdom at war with the other..what to do?
He decided his only option was to kill his daughter (rather extreme I thought!). No man of his would strike her with a dagger as she was beautiful and beloved by all. So the king asked the women of his household to poison her. 3 times she was given a cup to drink from and each time she survived. She willingly asked for more each time. In the end they gave her a drink laced with an opioid and she finally fell into a deep sleep and never woke up.
Honour had been restored and the kingdoms of Jodphur and Jaipur accepting the kings decision went back home.
The king built a courtyard and rooms in memorial of the sacrifice his beautiful favourite daughter had made...no mention from Omar about whom was responsible for the mix up...wonder if they had an inquiry and said “lessons have been learnt”?!
A clever Maharajah fitted these fake elephant trunks to his cavalry, when they went into battle against an opposing stronger force using elephants it tricked them into thinking they were baby elephants and adult elephants won’t attack their young so the battle was won by the weaker Udiapur side.
India’s history is as rich and varied as it’s palaces treasures.
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Mousy
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Some pictures to give you a flavour of India..
There is no denying it’s filthy, air pollution is a problem to be aware of. We luckily avoided Delhi worst smog by a few days.
Rubbish is left roadside for cows, dogs, pigs and humans to pick through. They actually don’t have as much packaging as we do so it’s not horrendous. It does take some getting used to as they just throw rubbish on the floor.
You will get overcharged by everyone especially tuk tuk drivers. Haggling is the norm.
You will see men openly peeing everywhere and if you are lucky like us you will also see them having a poo!. Open defecation is a problem all over India. Despite a huge government program 30% of homes still don’t have access to a toilet.
It became such a common sight from the train in the morning we stopped looking out for the view..
The food is amazing, varied vegetarian everywhere and “non Veg”, meat quality might be sketchy. We had the most amazing curries and it was interesting as we traveled to the different regions noticing how the dishes changed.
We were perhaps incredibly lucky as we mostly ate street food or local restaurants but we didn’t get sick once..not bad for a 2 month trip. We did however, frequently wash our hands. Sinks are everywhere although it’s wise to carry soap.
Water is easily available with reverse osmosis filters at temples, railway stations and some restaurants. We took a portable water filter because we try and avoid single use plastic bottles and it worked very well.
Mineral water is available and very cheap at 20p litre.
Unless you are splashing the cash and staying in 4 star hotels, Indian beds are firm!
Transportation is easy...Uber or Ola in cities. Tuk tuk everywhere.
Ideally trains should be booked well in advance as the nicer ones get booked. We mostly had 3 A/C which is 6 beds with aircon (a ceiling fan). If your journey starts on the first train station then clean sheets and a blanket are provided, if you get on halfway through the trains journey then you will be hot bedding with randoms..I always carried a clean sarong to use.
We felt comfortable and completely safe everywhere but were frequently told single females would have problems.
As tourists you stand out, you are seen as a walking wallet but the flip side is a level of respect because you are bringing income to the country. We also noticed an element of white privilege.
You will be asked for selfies everywhere or you may notice people trying to take a cheeky snap. It’s weird, we don’t understand it and no doubt we are all over random Indian Facebook pages but it takes seconds, makes people happy and it was always polite. Harry had this the most possibly because he’s 6’5”.
You may get people touching you briefly for a blessing thing. I had this a lot or people would want me to touch their babies. Again it was always with a smile and gently done.
In summary India is a fantastic place and we’ve had a wonderful time, if you visit with an open mind and take it as it comes you will fall in love with it just like we have.
There is no denying it’s filthy, air pollution is a problem to be aware of. We luckily avoided Delhi worst smog by a few days.
Rubbish is left roadside for cows, dogs, pigs and humans to pick through. They actually don’t have as much packaging as we do so it’s not horrendous. It does take some getting used to as they just throw rubbish on the floor.
You will get overcharged by everyone especially tuk tuk drivers. Haggling is the norm.
You will see men openly peeing everywhere and if you are lucky like us you will also see them having a poo!. Open defecation is a problem all over India. Despite a huge government program 30% of homes still don’t have access to a toilet.
It became such a common sight from the train in the morning we stopped looking out for the view..
The food is amazing, varied vegetarian everywhere and “non Veg”, meat quality might be sketchy. We had the most amazing curries and it was interesting as we traveled to the different regions noticing how the dishes changed.
We were perhaps incredibly lucky as we mostly ate street food or local restaurants but we didn’t get sick once..not bad for a 2 month trip. We did however, frequently wash our hands. Sinks are everywhere although it’s wise to carry soap.
Water is easily available with reverse osmosis filters at temples, railway stations and some restaurants. We took a portable water filter because we try and avoid single use plastic bottles and it worked very well.
Mineral water is available and very cheap at 20p litre.
Unless you are splashing the cash and staying in 4 star hotels, Indian beds are firm!
Transportation is easy...Uber or Ola in cities. Tuk tuk everywhere.
Ideally trains should be booked well in advance as the nicer ones get booked. We mostly had 3 A/C which is 6 beds with aircon (a ceiling fan). If your journey starts on the first train station then clean sheets and a blanket are provided, if you get on halfway through the trains journey then you will be hot bedding with randoms..I always carried a clean sarong to use.
We felt comfortable and completely safe everywhere but were frequently told single females would have problems.
As tourists you stand out, you are seen as a walking wallet but the flip side is a level of respect because you are bringing income to the country. We also noticed an element of white privilege.
You will be asked for selfies everywhere or you may notice people trying to take a cheeky snap. It’s weird, we don’t understand it and no doubt we are all over random Indian Facebook pages but it takes seconds, makes people happy and it was always polite. Harry had this the most possibly because he’s 6’5”.
You may get people touching you briefly for a blessing thing. I had this a lot or people would want me to touch their babies. Again it was always with a smile and gently done.
In summary India is a fantastic place and we’ve had a wonderful time, if you visit with an open mind and take it as it comes you will fall in love with it just like we have.
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Mousy
LIFE MEMBER
Our last 3 nights were spent at The Royal Bombay Yacht club Mumbai.
Great fun, cheap food and drink, full of history and in a great area to explore old Mumbai.
Luckily Harry managed not to rip the blaze!
When we were checking in a rather portly elderly Indian gentleman was behind us.
Martin said good afternoon and he replied “how’s your mother?”
“Very well thank you, she’s 92!”
Clearly mistaking Martin for someone else he said “haven’t seen her for awhile, she used to stay here for 5 months at a time”
“Not quite that long” replied Martin, whose mother had rarely left Bournemouth and certainly never stepped foot in India!
“Well please send her my best wishes” and off he went! Harry had to walk away he was laughing so much!
The library
2 Bloody Mary and an old fashioned for £3.60! What’s not to like?
The bar where we accidentally moved the bell on the table and not one but three waiters rushed over. Martin refused to use it after that but I loved giving it a tinkle and ordering another drink...if I’d had a handbag it would’ve been coming home with me!
Great fun, cheap food and drink, full of history and in a great area to explore old Mumbai.
Luckily Harry managed not to rip the blaze!
When we were checking in a rather portly elderly Indian gentleman was behind us.
Martin said good afternoon and he replied “how’s your mother?”
“Very well thank you, she’s 92!”
Clearly mistaking Martin for someone else he said “haven’t seen her for awhile, she used to stay here for 5 months at a time”
“Not quite that long” replied Martin, whose mother had rarely left Bournemouth and certainly never stepped foot in India!
“Well please send her my best wishes” and off he went! Harry had to walk away he was laughing so much!
The library
2 Bloody Mary and an old fashioned for £3.60! What’s not to like?
The bar where we accidentally moved the bell on the table and not one but three waiters rushed over. Martin refused to use it after that but I loved giving it a tinkle and ordering another drink...if I’d had a handbag it would’ve been coming home with me!
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OP
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Mousy
LIFE MEMBER
The Maldives has always been on my bucket list, in a flash of inspiration when planning our Indian trip I looked at flights from Mumbai and found out we could get flights to there for around £100 .... well it would be rude not too.
12 nights in Maldives has kept me going through some of the more challenging aspects of our trip.
Our daughter honeymooned there and whilst her recommendation looked amazing at £1000 per night it was obviously out of Harrys budget...and ours!
I found a bargain on air bnb and it’s been fantastic. A completely different experience from staying in a resort. This is a real Maldives island with a local population of 2,470. 100% Muslim. There are currently 6 small guest houses and for the first 3 days we were the only tourists on the island.
Unfortunately we also had some rain...thankfully it didn’t take the road long to dry out!
We’ve experienced some fantastic snorkelling, night fishing and dolphin watching.
Martin finally broke his Jonah’s curse and had a catch.
No sun loungers, pool, bar, music, cocktails and other people but we feel incredibly lucky to be in such a beautiful place.
The locals are very friendly and although a working island it has a great vibe.
12 nights in Maldives has kept me going through some of the more challenging aspects of our trip.
Our daughter honeymooned there and whilst her recommendation looked amazing at £1000 per night it was obviously out of Harrys budget...and ours!
I found a bargain on air bnb and it’s been fantastic. A completely different experience from staying in a resort. This is a real Maldives island with a local population of 2,470. 100% Muslim. There are currently 6 small guest houses and for the first 3 days we were the only tourists on the island.
Unfortunately we also had some rain...thankfully it didn’t take the road long to dry out!
We’ve experienced some fantastic snorkelling, night fishing and dolphin watching.
Martin finally broke his Jonah’s curse and had a catch.
No sun loungers, pool, bar, music, cocktails and other people but we feel incredibly lucky to be in such a beautiful place.
The locals are very friendly and although a working island it has a great vibe.
bobandjanie
LIFE MEMBER
Thanks for posting all about your trip and photos Dawn, its always nice to see something different, and loved the humour along with the information and history lessons, we have friends staying at the campsite site here in Javea that are going to do the same after Christmas and just booked a flights and starting their trip from Kerala. ?
And seeing your in the Maldives brings a tear to my eye ? Yes expensive we went in the 90's and it was absolute heaven in our beach bungalow fully inclusive getting fatter by the day ? when we returned home we said loved it and expensive, but a once in a life time ? ...................... went again after a couple of years. ?
Fantastic and I hate flying, I have never left my seat on a plane, but both times had sea plane transfers and with the adrenaline flying over the atolls over come all that. ?
Janie has some great photos of a whale shark coming towards her with its mouth open, it was about 20' long it's a shame it was only a cheap underwater camera but not something that happens everyday. ?
Enjoy the rest of your trip, and its amazing sea life they have. ?
? Bob and Janie.
And seeing your in the Maldives brings a tear to my eye ? Yes expensive we went in the 90's and it was absolute heaven in our beach bungalow fully inclusive getting fatter by the day ? when we returned home we said loved it and expensive, but a once in a life time ? ...................... went again after a couple of years. ?
Fantastic and I hate flying, I have never left my seat on a plane, but both times had sea plane transfers and with the adrenaline flying over the atolls over come all that. ?
Janie has some great photos of a whale shark coming towards her with its mouth open, it was about 20' long it's a shame it was only a cheap underwater camera but not something that happens everyday. ?
Enjoy the rest of your trip, and its amazing sea life they have. ?
? Bob and Janie.
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Tanya_and_Mick
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ditto
R
Robert Clark
Deleted User
Looks lovely
We’re drinkies allowed?
bobandjanie
LIFE MEMBER
We only know about the resort islands, and yes plenty of alcohol, but you need to be on a all inclusive package because it's so expensive, ? even water we was drinking about 3 or 4 litres each a day. ? Bob.
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Mousy
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Its a dry island Robert, so plenty of lovely fresh fruit juices and teas but no alcohol. We haven’t missed it as we over did it in the yacht club! given us a chance to recover before Christmas!
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Mousy
LIFE MEMBER
We are home after our epic Indian adventure, 2 1/2 months away and many miles later the cold and wet of Wales is a shock to the system!
We hope you’ve enjoyed sharing our trip, nice to see it’s brought back memories for some and maybe given others an interest in visiting a wonderful country.
Until the next time Nameste fellow funsters xx
We hope you’ve enjoyed sharing our trip, nice to see it’s brought back memories for some and maybe given others an interest in visiting a wonderful country.
Until the next time Nameste fellow funsters xx
Thank you for taking the time to post Dawn ; I’ve loved visiting with you vicariously!?
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Lenny HB
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Great trip thanks for sharing.
bobandjanie
LIFE MEMBER
Loved it Dawn and Martin thanks for sharing, it was in the Maldives we realised I must have a magnetic field around me, ? because when I went in lagoon I had all these grey tip reef sharks coming at me and they would turn at the last minute, I said to Janie its lovely out there but lots of sharks, ? she goes in no sharks, ? I go in with her sharks. ?
Never took much notice previous to that, but whenever we have been out snorkelling in various countries if there are moray eels they find me. ? Bob.
Never took much notice previous to that, but whenever we have been out snorkelling in various countries if there are moray eels they find me. ? Bob.
scousebird
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Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Keep warm.
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We are returning to India in March. This time going north to Mumbai, Shimla, Amritsar and Rishikesh. Not necessarily in that order. It was fascinating to follow your travels. You took some wonderful photos. Hope you got back in time to vote! ??
Carol
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Thank you Dawn for sharing your trip with us I've enjoyed your discriptions and photos bringing your travels to life for us, loved it.
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Was in Pushkar in 2006, stopped the car to take a picture of a cute monkey sitting next to a well only to turn around and see 100 of it's cousins running towards me to get in on the selfie.
Slightly scary but they didn't attack ?
Did you see Jantra mantra on your travels? The word sundial hardly does it justice.
Can also recommend Kashmir's Dal lake, the house boats were amazing although the billboards telling you to lie on the ground and cover your head in the event of grenade attacks were a bit disconcerting.
Enjoyed your pics, took me back
India is an amazing place.
Graydo
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