India Travel Answers

1. Jan-Feb, 2013 is ideal weather for the South in India. In the North, it will be chilly but decidely better than the summers. 2. 4 days for Delhi, Agra and some temples is, imo, a little less. You may like to re-think on the duration. 3. I have nothing against the beaches of Kerala or of Tamil Nadu except that they are crowded, dirty and spoilt. 4. If you have the time, think of the Andamans & Nicobar Islands. Fantastic beaches with 'Time' magazine rating Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), as one of the best beaches in Asia. 5. We stayed at ‘The Wild Orchid’ at Vijaya Nagar, Havelock Island, South Andamans and The ‘Symphony Palms’ at Govind Nagar, Havelock Island, South Andamans. Good places. Both hotels mentioned above have beaches close by. 6. Good tips at this link here: Port Blair Travel Guide

If you're thinking about visiting Kerala, why not arrange the special permits to visit Lakshadweep, to the southwest? Really nice & tranquil, as it's quite expensive & remote for Indians!

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>>If you're thinking about visiting Kerala, why not arrange the special permits to visit Lakshadweep, to the southwest? Really nice & tranquil, as it's quite expensive & remote for Indians! With due respect, DB, these islands are *NOT* "expensive & remote for Indians". Rather, it is the accommodation there that is the problem. I have tried to visit these islands in the winter of 2010 as well as 2011. Some VVIP or the other, like the President of India, had similar ideas, so *ALL* hotels, Guest Houses, Circuit Houses were booked for her security guards. In the last decade or so, Indians have started packing their bags and going on vacations with a vengence, all thanks to the booming Indian economy.

Hey Anil, Take a chill pill, man ;-) I am well aware of the affluence in India. Maybe I should have clarified.. the 'loaded' Indians venture further afield rather than to such 'remote' access places like Lakshadweep. That's what my Indian contacts tell me. They rave about cheap Thailand, etc! And in comparison they find Lashadweep overpriced (better term than expensive - my apologies!) So, they seek bang for the buck! Coming to think of it, my banker friends annoyingly refer to Indian rupee as "bucks"!! Irritating! Stick with your heritage = Rupee, besides it can cause confusion as one could start thinking dollars!

If the Andamans are an option, and beaches are your main interest, I'd go there. If you've ever wanted to snorkel or scuba dive in a coral reef, even more so - amazing. Look at Haveland Island. Tamil Nadu beaches are not great - often dirty, as mentioned above, women in bathing suits are uncommon, and there are bad rip tides in many places that make swimming dangerous. Not everywhere, but generally. There are, however, fantastic temples up and down the coast (very different from the ones you'll see in the north), some excellent beachside resorts around Mahabilipuram, and a very good nature preserve (Point Calimere). Kerala is better know for its beaches. I haven't spent much time there, though, so someone else will have to advise. The nature preserve at Thekkady (a little inland) is very good, and has good accommodation within the preserve itself and hiking trails, although I think you have to go with a guide. The backwaters are lovely, if a bit crowded (too many boats), and there is good accommodation both on land and on houseboats.

@DB=Yes, that is true. We in India still love everything foreign and deem everything foreign as the last word! Many of my erstwhile colleagues haven't seen some of the wonderful heritage sights of India but have seen Bangkok, Pattaya, etc., umpteen times. Also true that in India, as far as hotels are concerned, largely it's either 5-stars or no-stars. The concept of comfortable hotels found in most European cities, is yet to catch on here.

@ Anil: the interesting & impressive thing about Lakshadweep is that foreigners are banned from some of the uninhabited islands, but Indian citizens are allowed! A spin on foreigners generally being offered all the perks & privileges, where money talks ;-)

@DB=You'll the ones to be blamed 'ol chap! You'll imposed the Inner Line Permits (ILPs) in the North-East and all the rules and regulations of the obdurate bureaucracy that we still abide by! Rule Britannica!!

Would it surprise you to learn I was born in Hindustan, before she gained independence?? !!! I was :-)

Would it surprise you to learn I was born in Hindustan, before she gained independence?? !!! I was :-)

You MIGHT also consider a short visit to Rajasthan. You will certainly get winter sun in this beautiful, historical state. Getting there? An overnight train trip from Delhi (train leaves from Nizamuddin Station at 6pm and arrives in Udaipur at 7am) 2nd Aircon is dirt cheap and very comfortable. No beaches in Rajasthan, but the magnificent lake in Udaipur makes up for lack of beach. Udaipur is in my opinion the most beautiful little city in India. If you care to read more abour Rajasthan , and Udaipur (and Delhi) click on my name. My HOMEPAGE will appear, and there are LINKS for many cities and towns in India. I visit there annually.

@DB=Sir, I salute you! I was born a little later, when Hindustan became a Republic!

Oy. "Look at Haveland Island" - that should have been "Havelock."

In India for trip at beaches i think Goa, Kerala are the best places and for national parks Madhya pradesh is is suitable for you.In national parks like ranthmbore national park, Pench national park and more.