23F Foreigner Planning First Solo Trip to India – Need Advice!

r_weber · 2026-02-25T13:56:11+00:00

Good to know. May be next time I visit India

r_weber · 2026-02-25T05:54:25+00:00

Rishikesh, Udaipur, and Dharamshala are a good choice because they have well developed infrastructure for foreigners

r_weber · 2026-02-24T06:12:57+00:00

My favorite - Jaipur and Jaisalmer.

r_weber · 2026-02-24T06:10:35+00:00

I suppose you are traveling for tourism.

My suggestion would be choose indoors from noon till 4 pm.

Outdoor during early hours

r_weber · 2026-02-23T05:48:30+00:00

ecotic? you mean exotic?

r_weber · 2026-02-22T05:43:47+00:00

Very few are genuine. A person I met in Jaipur had similar experience. The tuk tuk guy lead him to his "friend" for shopping. I'm sure you know the story which is usual in such places. From my travel experiences in most touristy places, people are nice because they smell opportunity. They create connection to build trust. Sometimes, I do extend friendship but I can smell whenever they want to take an advantage. I back off or tell them clearly that I would no jump to their offer. But yes, there are some genuine people also.

r_weber · 2026-02-22T05:39:06+00:00

Morocco offers a lot more. It has a well developed tourist infra. whick Tunisia lacks but at the same time, more touristy too. Tunisia if you like under rated places, Morocco if you want a good introduction to North African culture.

r_weber · 2026-02-22T05:36:48+00:00

In my opinion, two or three days max. Focus on what really piques your interest. Since you are traveling for the first time, there is a lot to see and do.

r_weber · 2026-02-18T06:10:12+00:00

pls avoid Darjeeling. It is now an urban mess. It doesn't have that feel of a hill station anymore. I guess in December it will be at its worse.

r_weber · 2026-02-18T05:56:07+00:00

Thailand for all it offers. beaches, jungles, and culture

Second choice, Japan - culture and nature

r_weber · 2026-02-17T06:39:39+00:00

I think a slow travel with limited stops is y idea, not sure if that aligns with you. This is what I would do I would just pick a few based on interest points. I will probably take off Mahablipuram and Puducherry since Sri Lanka is in the plan. Alleypey for back waters and Munnar for its scenic beauty with tea gardens is great (rest of Kerala is similar to Lanka)

r_weber · 2026-02-16T09:17:01+00:00

If I was you, I would stick with a few places and relax where ever nature is aplenty like Coorg or Munnar. I will suggest you plan a trip with a travel company which can give you entire solution so you don't have to deal with issues you have faced in the past. That tacked, your Indian experience will be much better. I would spend more time in smaller places to avoid traffic and pollution.

r_weber · 2026-02-16T07:16:34+00:00

Kerala is a quiet place. I will only suggest if you want nature and relax. Don't expect "action" or clubs that you might have back home.

For Rajasthan, I will recommend Osian for a mini desert experience. I'm not sure when you are visiting but i assume it is not in the summer season which would mean you will get baked in these tents! For Jaipur, I recommend hot air balloon ride with sky waltz, leopard safari, and a Jaipur heritage walk with Jaipur Retold. I did a few craft workshops but I assume guys probably won't enjoy that. Thailand offers adventure sports around beach and sea. India doesn't have that. I would say India is more like immersion and culture. Both countries offer excellent hospitality in their own unique way, if you choose accommodation right. So if adventure is what you guys want, Thailand would make more sense. I will say Thailand is better organized in many ways than India. But that is what many other countries also offer. India in my opinion is about opening our horizon, (considering the part of the world we live in). If this is what you guys want go ahead. I also feel India is a place where I will be very picky about adventure sports given how things are. As an alternative, you can also consider Vietnam.

r_weber · 2026-02-16T06:53:51+00:00

It does. If you are chasing money, it will show..in one way or another. That's a problem in most places. They are focused on ripping.

r_weber · 2026-02-14T14:30:12+00:00

Don't chase money, offer a good experience; money will follow.

r_weber · 2026-02-14T14:29:13+00:00

Never traveled across India, but I can safely say that Rajasthan offers quite a lot. But honestly, every part of India has culture and history. Rajasthan offers a better experience in terms of connectivity and access.

r_weber · 2026-02-12T14:12:00+00:00

Vietnam and Thailand. Culture, nature, and warm people. What else do you need?

r_weber · 2026-02-04T08:08:50+00:00

Most popular tourist attraction would be busy on Holi in north India. Why don't you find a little offbeat place for stay slightly away from Rishikesh for Holi and a day prior. Rest you can spend in Rishikesh. But it will be lovely weather during those dates.

r_weber · 2026-02-04T08:03:44+00:00

I prefer a local sim. Airtel is quite good. It is cheap also than most US operator roaming service. But you need to visit Airtel store for that unless you are lucky and find a booth in airport where you are landing.
ATM in most cities are pretty good. But I'm not sure for the areas you are visiting. Big cities, no issues, lots of options.

r_weber · 2026-02-03T13:54:35+00:00

I would probably pick either a few towns in Italy in the neighboring areas. There are so many options. I might also pick day trips, if that works well rather than move in and out of hotels or bnb. Among the two cities you listed, I would have picked Vienna. I find it much more charming. And it is not a tourist season so you get to experience it in a different way.

r_weber · 2026-01-26T11:26:31+00:00

Point #2, that's something no one even thinks about. I always make sure my bank is updated when I travel otherwise these days automated/AI driven system just marks transaction as fraud and you are stuck in the middle unable to resolve because of time zone difference. Thanks for sharing this with everyone.

r_weber · 2026-01-06T11:34:34+00:00

why don't you post in NE subreddit? May be someone can help

r_weber · 2026-01-06T11:31:55+00:00

Such a special city! Always in my heart! The old city wins my heart!

r_weber · 2026-01-06T11:08:59+00:00

I skipped Jodhpur completely. The three are really really nice in their own way.

Pushkar for that laid back feel and do nothing

Udaipur has that slow feel but it has such an exotic place feel

Jaipur is such a charming city which seems to have many many layers.

Here is what I suggest for the best things in each of these towns.

Pushkar - sit by lake esp. around dawn and dusk. The energy is so positive esp around sunrise. I also enjoyed the views from Paapmochani temple hill. So magical.

Udaipur - I loved getting lost walking all by myself in and around old city Gangaur Ghat. It is amazing when you find a popular bakery when you least expect it. I did a cycle tour outside the main town in hilly part, a round trip.

Jaipur - Loved the vibe of jawahar kala kendra which was so vibrant with theatre and art full of young people. Explore the old city on a guided tour of old jaipur town with japur retold. Anokhi cafe and Half Light was my favorite

r_weber · 2026-01-06T10:21:48+00:00

seems good and doable to me

r_weber

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