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49 Comments. Leave new
Oh. My. God! You entered a general compartment in train, and survived for more than a station? And you managed to get a window seat and hold your ground. Wow.. You are tougher than you realize.
I know you wrote this 2 years ago but thanks for this. π I’ve got a 3 week trip coming up for India and was unsure about what to do or even if I could do it alone. (It’s been about 4 years since I backpacked alone.) I do actually feel more comfortable now (even though that happened to you in Varanasi – so sorry about that!). I think hearing that a fellow female managed to do it solo really makes it feel like I can do it too. π
Hello Aleah!
I’ve been wanting to try couch surfing for a long time and I was thinking about finally trying it out on my planned trip to India.
My question is, seeing how u opted for couch surfing in India, weren’t you met with unnecessary interrogations from immigration officers regarding where you’ll stay during your trip?
I remember getting away with not preparing accommodations prior to my flight in Malaysia years back. But Im just asking as the case might be different here in India.
Thanks
@ Stefania: You should make time to go. π
Loving to read about your adventures in India: it’s a country I’ve always wanted to visit!!!
@ Joshua: Not all. I booked Agra to Jaipur via my hotel, and got the bus from Jaipur to Delhi.
@ Jyothis Joy: Kerala’s really highly recommended. Will make sure to go south next time.
@ Noelle: Yeah, would love to go back, too. India’s huge!
Hi Aleah! Lovely to read this post – stayed for six weeks in India back in 2011. Now I want to go back and visit Kolkata – didn’t make it there last time π
Hi,
If you are ever coming back to Inida. Just visit the south.
Be there in Kerala, – God’s own country, land of spices, there are lots of descriptions. Be there for two things, the mesmerizing beauty and food.
And dont forget to ping me.
Lahat ng bus at train rides mo booked in advance?
@ Julie: Yeah, I’d wanted to go to Jodhpur and Udaipur, too, but I didn’t have the time anymore. π Hopefully next time!
IΒ΄ve heard a lot about the Blue City, Jodhpur. Apparently, many travelers like it even more than Jaipur, because itΒ΄s somewhat more organized and peaceful and thereΒ΄s this beautiful fort overlooking the city and, naturally, the houses painted blue that gave name to it. IΒ΄ve seen the pictures and — oh my gosh!..I hope to check this off of my bucket list one day.
@ Christine: You would love my hosts! They recently had a baby so not sure if they’re hosting anytime soon. They’re quite active in CS.
Kolkata is a city I still want to visit. I keep thinking it’ll be the grittiest and grimiest of all India. lol. Not sure why I think that~ must have to do with the agedness of the city. If I ever get there I’m going to hit you up for your couchsurfing hosts. They sound like they were amazing and made a wonderful stay for you!
@ Larissa: Yes, it is!
@ Melo: I’m sure you will be on that fam tour soon π
I want to go to India soon:) kakainggit:(
An assault on all five senses, Wow!
@ Bino: 8 days is def not enough! I’m going to Kathmandu soon, early next year π
@ Calogero Mira: Agree, Indian food is delicious.
@ Marisol: It will π Not too sure when I’m going back though.
Hi Aleah, if you ask for adventure, India is it! You covered a lot of ground and mix experiences in 3 weeks. It’s good that despite your negative experiences you let the positive ones prevail. I hope your next visit will be a much better experience,
I like India in these photos. And I am hungry.
thats a whole lot of ground covered in 3 weeks! I did india in 8 days only hahaha.
where do you intend to go next time?
@ Vhincent: Yeah, it’s a country that comes highly recommended for people who love traveling and learning about other cultures. It’s not the same if you just see Indians in other countries. π
@ Mary: India has a very negative rep now for female travelers, but it still is worth it to go. The fact that it happened to me and others doesn’t mean it will happen to all, right? π Thanks for the concern!
I’m glad you had a wonderful trip in India. I admit I was a bit worried about you backpacking and couchsurfing after all the news of harassment. I remember a post you did on being treated there as woman with the groping. Despite all that, what an adventure and so glad you made your dream come true. India hasn’t been portrayed well in the media and this is just inspiring.
Its one great adventure and fun! Though India is not in our list to travel to, I guess this is still a place worth visiting. Anyway we still manage to experience India’s culture since Malaysia’s 3rd race are Indians.
@ DJ: Thanks! Do go there!
@ Traveling Morion: Someday you’ll be able to pose in front of the Taj Mahal π
Wish I have the courage, time and travel fund now to explore one of the most interesting and diverse countries π Wahhhh pangarap ko rin mag posing dyan sa harap ng Taj Mahal π
I have yet to make my way to India. Bookmarked!
@ Franca: Agree about the food!
@ Mary: I guess it’s time to make new memories? π
I loved India the first time I went as a senior in college and I’ve been trying to find a way to go back ever since. Thanks for bringing back great memories!
I haven’t been to India yet and I’d love to, it looks so beautiful, so different and the food so delicious.
@ Micki: India’s beautiful. It would be too bad if its reputation will keep you away. Just be careful, be aware of the things around you always, and you’ll be fine. π
Oh, that veggie dish at the start of the post looks so good! I have to say, though, as @Dana said earlier, that I’m much less inclined to want to visit India after hearing so many stories of sexual assault from other women who’ve visited. It’s such a sad thing, as I’ve also hear such wonderful things about the country as well.
@ Dana: Jaipur *is* amazing. Don’t let other women’s experiences let you from visiting India!
@ Elle: Thanks for dropping by π
Wow! that looks amazing. India isn’t on my bucket list… but you’re really sold the place. Great pics too – thanks for sharing.
Elle x
It seems like more and more women are coming forward with incidents of sexual assault in India. It’s kind of scary. India used to be super high on my list of places to visit, but lately, it’s been losing its rank. But I’m glad that you were able to enjoy your time there. And Jaipur looks amazing!
@ Jessie: Yeah, it is!
@ Val: India’s beautiful π
I still haven’t been to India. This makes me want to go!!
Epic journey, indeed! WOW!
@ Disha: It’s tough to choose one. I loved Jaipur, but I also liked Kolkata because of my hosts and Delhi because of my friends there. π
@ Cat: That’s so true. India can be overwhelming at first.
I have to admit that India isn’t a high place on my travel musts lists, but it seems that most travelers have a similar experience: after the initial shock, they really enjoy themselves. And I do love Indian food, so that could always entice me…
Hi Aleah,
It looks a great experience of you with India, Aleah, you had been in India & you were in great cities of India like Kolkata, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur As well as New Delhi. Aleah, you had been in 5 top & greatest cities of India so which one was best & unforgettable for you ?
@ Mike: Thanks for visiting! I was sad to have only 3 weeks to visit then, but I think it is better for me to visit weeks at a time instead of months. Because I didn’t have enough of it, I’m raring to go back π
@ Avnish: Thanks, I will share my link there when your site is up π
classic one aleah
we r working on a travelling venture called road trippin’. u can also share ur blog there. in few day we ll be ready with our website n ll luv to feature ur blog der.
regards,
avnish
Good for you to get out there and explore on your own, Aleah! I’ve found more and more women are doing this and I admire it. What a fantastic journey this was. My close buddy at work is from India. Wow, nice that you got a window seat on the train I’m just glad you didn’t get stampeded over! I doubt I would have any desire to see the burning of the bodies – just a very unpleasant life experience many years ago. I don’t practice Buddhism but it is by far the religion I admire the most. I’m very spiritual and have a deep belief in my high power. I even read Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East. It was amazing. This was a fantastic post and thank you for sharing! π
@ Photo Cache: I saw the dirt and grime in Jaipur but it didn’t matter. I loved how it welcome me and made me feel safe after Varanasi. Re Couchsurfing, it’s the host’s responsibility to provide a place to stay, but other than that, everything else is a bonus. π
In the Philippines, we usually take guests around, introduce them to friends, etc. In Europe, some of my hosts just gave me the key to the house and that was it. You never really know the kind of hosts you will get.
@ Lillie: Yes, it was. π
An epic journey!
It is exhilirating to explore other countries, imbibe local culture and take in all the sounds and sights and smells of something foreign to us. I’m sure that you wouldn’t find the experience more rewarding had you traveled with people. Just as I wouldn’t have enjoyed India had I traveled alone.
I loved Jaipur as well, although I must have romanticized it so much that seeing it dirty and grimy and bustling was a bit of a letdown; but of course seeing the main sights restored my fascination with this romantic city.
I have a question about couchsurfing…. is it the hosts’ duty/job to show the guests around town?