Reply to: India

[Fishface]

yes, I went there in my early 20's. I went to Manali, Kulu and Shimla also.

It is a big schlep in a knakkered plane or a funky(stinky) bus with whiny music screeching out - for not very much.

A better trip and more leisurely is taking the 'Toy Train' from Chandigarh to Shimla - spectacular views all the way from the flat to the foothills of the Himalyas on a very narrow gauge wooden train across revines and steep, steep mountain sides - highly recommended. And Shimla is quite nice if a bit boring - when I was there Sam Fox was appearing a 'racy' bollywood movie - there was a queue a mile long to see her.

Tonnes of monkeys knockin' one out all over the streets - careful.

Indian Railwaymens Club was a nice stop for 'tiffin'

[wurzel]

Why Srinagar ?

Just always wanted to stay on one of those houseboats there. It is, by all accounts, a very beautiful setting & the climate's pleasant too.

[scooterscot]

Haven't been myself, but Lonely planet is always good for info

I used to think so until I ended up half way round the world stuck in some unlikely rare attraction with no one here except westerners expecting challenge anneka to appear any minute...

[fullyautomatix]

Why India for that matter, when Nepal's so close by?

What has Nepal got to do with it ?

[Menelaus]

Why Srinagar ? Indians themselves do not venture out there. The muslim militants like to kidnap foreigners for ransom purposes. The situation is so bad the militants even open fire on harmless piligrams visiting a holy hindu shrine ( despite military presence providing security).

Having said that, India is a darn big country. It will take a lifetime to explore it.
Plenty of things to see and do in South India or you could do the touristy thing and visit Taj Mahal etc.

Why India for that matter, when Nepal's so close by?

[fullyautomatix]

was thinking of going to Srinagar in March for a couple of weeks. Have always wanted to stay in one of those houseboats they have there. Anyone had any recent experience of the area? I seem to recall there have been some security issues in the past.

Why Srinagar ? Indians themselves do not venture out there. The muslim militants like to kidnap foreigners for ransom purposes. The situation is so bad the militants even open fire on harmless piligrams visiting a holy hindu shrine ( despite military presence providing security).

Having said that, India is a darn big country. It will take a lifetime to explore it.
Plenty of things to see and do in South India or you could do the touristy thing and visit Taj Mahal etc.

[norrahe]

was thinking of going to Srinagar in March for a couple of weeks. Have always wanted to stay in one of those houseboats they have there. Anyone had any recent experience of the area? I seem to recall there have been some security issues in the past.

Haven't been myself, but Lonely planet is always good for info

[scooterscot]

Went to Kerala a few years back, we spent a few days on a house boat cruising through the back waters 'the venice of the east' they call it - Me the wife, a captain and a chef, what more do you want?

We were picked up from the waterfront our hotel room looked over... all very surreal now that I think about it.

PM if you need details...

[sasguru]

Maybe he spilt some curry

spag bol

[cailin maith]

Maybe ask Alreadypacked, she spends a lot of time in India.

[wurzel]

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-...-oceania/india

HTH

Hmm, I think that's a no then

[Menelaus]

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-...-oceania/india

HTH

[ChimpMaster]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8546735.stm

Try not to use the Indian Navy.

"....the building developed cracks."

No sh*t sherlock.

[Spacecadet]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8546735.stm

Try not to use the Indian Navy.

Maybe he spilt some curry

[Mich the Tester]

Well as it's a quiet day I might have another go with this one. Anyone ever been?

Yep, went when I was 21. Set off as a 14 stone 7 lb first class rugby player and county u-21 shotputter, came back 6 weeks later 10 stone and barely able to lift a can of beer, never mind my rucksack. It was the lambburger in the Shivnivas Palace Hotel what done it.

Took me about 2 years to get fit again.