Recent content by daniel john

Bollywood is starting to make inroads into the culture here in the UK, so I wouldn't be surprised if there were specific tours aimed especially at a western market. I remember that the Pussy Cat dolls did a song when Slum Dog Millionaire came out, which both popularized Indian culture to those...

Ah, yes, I see what you're saying. I've heard that car drivers in India are kinda blind to bikes and motorcycles, so it might be wise to stay off the roads, or only go on them if a local with experience is driving the vehicle I'm in.

It's difficult to know if you'll be compatible travelling partners until you're a few days into your journey, which by that time is probably too late. Best just to stick to someone you've already been travelling with than risk it with an unknown quantity.

I'm planning on hiring a motorbike when I get over there, which I reason will at least allow me to zip in and out of traffic. I must admit though, I don't think I'd be brave enough to risk my life on one of those rickshaw carriages!

I've heard that the level of craftsmanship among Indian jewelers is second to none! My friend imports products from Delhi, and he has a waiting list months long, such is the demand for the items they produce. If you're going to India I'd definitely recommend you check their wares out for...

Thanks, that clears a lot of things up. Being able to use my own licence is convenient. Re: tax - here in the UK we have road tax and a few other things that need to be paid, but I assume these aren't needed in India, then. That should save some money too. Brilliant!

Would it be advisable to journey round India on a motorcycle? I have an old Honda motorbike which I could take with me, but I was wondering about 3 things: 1. Safety 2. Fuel costs 3. Licence and tax issues Would this be feasible?

I'd like to be able to get out into the countryside and see the side of India that is away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Does anyone have any advice for which region is the best to visit for this kind of thing? I'll be spending a few months over there soon, and I hope to travel about...

I was wondering what languages are used in some Indian universities, and whether or not there are some courses taught in English? I'd be interested in studying in India, but it'd have to be at an institution that mainly taught in English because I don't think my Indian dialect is up to scratch...

Is it possible to buy a train ticket on the actual train in India, in the same way as you can in the UK, or do you have to pre-purchase them either at the train station or elsewhere?

Here in the UK we often use the term "cha" as slang for tea! Obviously, we like to keep our tea simple (not always!) so our main brew uses just tea leaves, but with the important addition of a little milk. I was surprised to find that few cultures use milk in their chai, but I suppose our...

The higher castes within Indian culture that converted to Christianity traditionally claim that it was St. Thomas that brought the faith to India. I understand that the area within and around Kerala have some connection to this tradition, so if you are seeking out further information, then a...

If you're fairly certain that you'll be travelling somewhere that you are unfamiliar with, then it is definitely a wise idea to go on a tour package. That said, the drawback is that you won't have the freedom to explore the place you're going to with as much freedom as you would if you weren't...