Hi all, new member here

I've finally got my arse into gear and booked a month in India. And here's the rub, I'm ever so slightly worried about it. So far I've booked flights, got visa, arranged jabs and planned a rough route (fly into mumbai, south to goa, north to varanasi then fly out of delhi - 22 days start to finish).

I've booked into a hostel in Mumbai for the first few days when I arrive and plan to head towards Anjuna for new years eve. My problems with the Anjuna hostels, all of which seem to be massively expensive online - I wondered if anyone had any tips for places that might be a bit cheaper but still close to the party. Oh and of course any tips that'll make travelling alone more fun

The whole not booking thing is pretty worrying but I'm told it's the best way to go cause it'll let me really explore places and be free to change plans.

Is there a Jim out there to fix it, does anyone have any ideas?

thanks

Well just for tips about traveling through India, a major tip is that overland travel is sllloowwww...You seem to be pressed for time and so since you are going to India for 22 days basically unplanned just remember that overland is slow...just example the train from Mumbai to delhi NOT delayed takes roughly 16 hours, the flight is about 1 hour and thirty minutes...If you get stuck in a situation where there are riots in another state and the tracks get uprooted like what happened to me the train becomes 25 hours...so you will lose some days getting between places...I strongly consider flying between major cities and taking the train or bus between closer ones (or even a taxi). Taxis can be rented for long distance traveling. I took a van taxi with 5 other people all the way from Dharamsala to Amristar. On the map it does not look that far but took plenty of hours considering some of the trip were on smallish roads...

So consider that mode of transport as well. All in all you can book pretty cheap flights around India on several airlines:

Flykingfisher

tiger airways

spice jet

indi go

air deccan

air india express

I have traveled in India during that time. Accommodation is not that much of a problem. Especially if you are willing to upgrade by $5 (which I presume you are, considering it's only a short trip).

The trains be can pretty much booked out during that time. So booking a few days will might be a good idea. (Basically, once you arrive in Goa, book your ticket to Varanassi. Or even do it when you arrive in Mumbai.) However, you can always take the tourist bus from Mumbai to Goa. That'll be more or less a door-to-door service, air con, and there should be plenty of free seats, because it's not really affordable to the vast majority of Indians. (I hated those things. Took one and felt that I had just missed out on 12 hours of India. But they are definitely convenient when you are in a hurry.)

We travelled extensively by train in India this year and you need to book well in advance if you want to get decent seats. Book air conditioned anything other than this is not good. Also book at the stations you'll not get ripped off if you do. Ask for the manager and he'll sort you out without quewing in line. As far as accommodation is concerned we went to several travel agents as we went along, hotel accommodation is not that expensive if you book something clean but basic. You need somewhere away from the hectic life that is India after you have finished your days travel and site seeing. India as much to offer but the madness of it can be wearing at times and it's nice to get away into your own space if only for a few hours.
Take safe hands with you.
Best of luck and keep safe.

Book the overnight sleeper trains if you have any distance to travel, book well in advance for 2nd class airconditioned it's good. Clean sheets and good travel companions if you are lucky. This can make for a very enjoyable journey. Delhi station is a bit of a nightmare with passengers trying to get on the train as it pulls in and you are trying to get off. There are plenty of porters and it's worth paying the few rupees to have your luggage carried up the stairs.
Jean

Wonderful, thanks guys. I hadn't thought of booking that far in advance, I'll definitely be working out transport a few days before each journey is due.

I've managed to put together a sort of check list and you've given me extra ideas.

One other thing, is it worth taking a light sleeping bag sack thing? Do hostels provide sheets and whatnot?

Take a travel sheet/sleep sheet. Sleeping bag unecessary.

Quote"Ask for the manager and he'll sort you out without quewing in line"

To get a train ticket you really do not need to ask for the manager. Instructions are in English and you can follow them. Take a reservation form, one for each journey, fill in destinations and other info and hand to the agent at the window. If you do not know the train number..be polite and say that. They will be happy to help you figure that out.

Do queue in line ...that is a experience in its own. You will know what others go through without having a foreigner's priviledge. Either way you will get plenty of help in the queue as well.

Go early..stations open at 8am.Once you know how to get the ticket you will be set for journeys. Also check the status of the trains with your PNR number on the online site.

Indian railways has a online ticketing..check that out too. Google for Indian Railway Reservations and you will find the site.

In terms of type of seat...Sleeper class is without AC. Two Tier and 3 tier Sleeper with AC are very comfortable and you will meet a lot of middle class Indians in that section. First class AC you might as well take the plane.

If seats are hard to get, DO ask for the manager or go to the Foriengers line. Theres a queue there too. This way you may actually GET that ticket you get in line for. Do it a few days in advance, or if you budget tightly, when you get to the train station at the place you're staying now.

Save teh queue for small stations where there really are no foreigners reserved seats. Bombay... use the privilege. Wealthier Indians do an equivalent thing. They go to agents that seem expert at buying up 'hard to book' seats and pay an agents premium.

DO NOT listen to any Indian offering to stand in line for you, or someone that knows someone that can get you a good ticket, etc.

Also, and this may be in the book you have, there is a Government lodging office scam. No governmnent agency oversees lodging or arranges it for you. Period. No matter what anyone says.

Incase you dont manage to get train tickets , try taking the bus , you can get sleeper and seats for mumbai to goa . I think u can find bus ticket for the same at websites like ticketvala.com , also be sure to find out the pickup points closest to u to take the bus.

As far as hotels , yes, its best to get there and explore the options, I have been to goa and seen that once you get there , you always find what u were looking for.

But in order to get there, requires planning. Best of luck with ur trip . Have fun with the sun , sand and sunsets .

Cheers

S