Trip to India

[keefer]

I've been to India a number of times with work (Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai); each trip lasting a few weeks or months... each trip was different and often was down to how adventurous I was feeling (or how exhausted I was from work or jet lag)... two suggestions are that if you're concerned about water to request carbonated (fizzy) water instead of normal bottled; and before one of my first trips my pharmacist suggested that bananas are a better choice than imodium (more binding, potassium, etc)...

[Guest]

I got the worst case of Montezuma's revenge (or the Indian equivalent - Gandhi's revenge?) from eating one of those mini bananas. I knew as soon as I swallowed it I was in trouble. My stomach made the loudest and longest gurgle I ever heard and I spent the next 24 hours power vomiting and with explosive diarrhea! Do not eat anything unless thoroughly cooked!

 

You may have been allergic or sensitive to something in the banana, but obviously if you had symptoms the moment you swallowed the offending substance, we're not talking about an infection. Probably the fastest infection (and perhaps the most common cause of travelers' diarrhea) is Norovirus, and that takes at least 12 hours.

[Mocha]

You may have been allergic or sensitive to something in the banana, but obviously if you had symptoms the moment you swallowed the offending substance, we're not talking about an infection. Probably the fastest infection (and perhaps the most common cause of travelers' diarrhea) is Norovirus, and that takes at least 12 hours.

 

I’m actually intolerant to bananas myself. Haven’t ate one in years, though I can do banana flavored things and plantains. I think a pie I had earlier this week had banana. Thank goodness I wasn’t expecting a client that night. The Indian guy running the hotel front desk could hear my stomach rumbling and see how urgently I needed to check in lol.

 

After that I took my usual wormwood/black walnut that I use as a preventive bug remedy.

 

Way to generalize MY people.

 

Oh, I thought you didn't do that.

 

Out of respect for the OP, I’m just going to sit back and smile like a lady and say “Thankyou”.

Edited March 15, 2019 by Mocha

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Some great suggestions here already, so I'll just echo the 'don't spend too much time worrying' sentiment and recommend to just embrace/enjoy India day-by-day, experience to experience.

 

And eat the spicy food if you think you can handle it. It's incredible.

 

I highly suggest to anyone who's done Mumbai and ND to look into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Gokarna is also beautiful.

[mike carey]

Some great suggestions here already, so I'll just echo the 'don't spend too much time worrying' sentiment and recommend to just embrace/enjoy India day-by-day, experience to experience.

 

And eat the spicy food if you think you can handle it. It's incredible.

 

I highly suggest to anyone who's done Mumbai and ND to look into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Gokarna is also beautiful.

Just avoid the closed areas.

[+ oldNbusted]

Way to generalize MY people.

 

Oh, I thought you didn't do that.

 

It's still amazing how such an enormous story can be reduced to a stereotype. Even a 6 hour documentary barely scratches the surface.

 

 

 

[+ oldNbusted]

 

 

[+ Billsboy4]

It's a very informative series

[m4same]

I had no stomach issues. I was surprised that there is a market for older white gay men. I met lots of hot, interesting, sexy, fun guys. I'd love to return.

[m4same]

Some great suggestions here already, so I'll just echo the 'don't spend too much time worrying' sentiment and recommend to just embrace/enjoy India day-by-day, experience to experience.

 

And eat the spicy food if you think you can handle it. It's incredible.

 

I highly suggest to anyone who's done Mumbai and ND to look into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Gokarna is also beautiful.

I loved the food. There were no options for bland. You could get spicy to very spicy. I loved it.

[m4same]

It seems to be a limited itinerary and not sure how many days you have at hand - use your maximum time in traveling through smaller towns and villages as you circle through these cities. Indian metropolises are a crowded mess but small towns are the real gems giving you a glimpse of the beautiful culture.

 

In terms of food, don't be too afraid to try local food - As long as you take care of water (only bottled) and avoid street food, you will be fine.

 

In Jaipur, do visit Chokhi Dhani on an evening, it's like a theme park giving you a glimpse of Rajasthani village life, food and hospitality. The local cuisine makes use of shrubs and spices grown in extreme weather and is very unique.

 

In Delhi, try visiting local bazaars (Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place) for a crowded but captivating shopping experience. Delhi is great to buy garments in general. In terms of food, clay oven (tandoor) based dishes and lassi (yogurt drink) are a speciality.

 

In Goa, see if you can travel to coastal towns in the north or south, they are gorgeous. Food wise, don't miss the coastal Malwani cuisine and seafood. If you are a morning person, try a local beach yoga and meditation group to join, it's a lot of fun - not what Goa is known for but the energy of the place is super conducive.

 

Feel free to PM me if you have any additional questions while being on the trip. Being an Indian myself, happy to share any cultural tips you may need.

 

Have fun and share stories once you are back

 

I had an amazing time. I did go to a gay night at a bar in Delhi. I wanted to just be in the background and observe but that was not possible. Many people talked to me and tried to get me to dance. I wish I could do the Bollywood moves but, alas...People really let loose singing and dancing and drinking and being themselves. It was so much fun.

[+ Bullakaun]

I had an amazing time. I did go to a gay night at a bar in Delhi. I wanted to just be in the background and observe but that was not possible. Many people talked to me and tried to get me to dance. I wish I could do the Bollywood moves but, alas...People really let loose singing and dancing and drinking and being themselves. It was so much fun.

 

So glad you enjoyed your trip I had no idea of a gay night at a Bar in Delhi, will PM you to get the details

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

I had an amazing time. I did go to a gay night at a bar in Delhi. I wanted to just be in the background and observe but that was not possible. Many people talked to me and tried to get me to dance. I wish I could do the Bollywood moves but, alas...People really let loose singing and dancing and drinking and being themselves. It was so much fun.

 

And that is having an authentic experience versus just following a tour or a guidebook. Well done sir!

 

Never. Stop. Exploring.

[+ Billsboy4]

Adding to the food tips: Only use Immodium if you need it, not as a prophylaxis.....when eating at a buffet, take food from the bottom, closest to the heat source....only eat fruit that can be peeled and vegetables that are cooked.

[Guest Grey Bear]

India is the most magical country and the filthiest country in the world. The rich have it all .The poor (which is about 95% of the country )have nothing. It's glorious and heartbreaking at the same time. keep your money and passport in a courier pouch around your neck and under your shirt. Buses and trains are packed with people. Prepare to be groped relentlessly.On a crowded train I had someone pull down my zipper and fondle the family jewels. You never know who it is because you are packed like sardines. The smells are awful. As all have mentioned be careful what you eat and drink. Best to bring your own food and water if at all possible.The Taj Mahal is packed like Disneyland on Thanksgiving. The grounds are filthy. Be aware of everything and everyone around you. Pick-pockets are everywhere. Be ready to be followed by gangs of street kids begging for money.Your senses will be overwhelmed in good ways and bad ways. Visit most local Auyervedic spas for a hot oil enema and a penis /testicle massage given by middle aged women.Hundreds of people will see you naked. Ground zero for exhibitionists.None of the travel guides will tell you any of this. I would return again in a heartbeat....equal parts magic and repulsion.Not for the faint of heart for sure. Fantastic for adventurous travelers,

[bendable2019]

Off topic but I don't often have a lot of Indian clients, but had one recently and then another a few years back who was a regular regular. I'm quite surprised at their "endowments", and many I've met didn't mind being bottoms.

 

I'm convinced India has the largest bananas in Asia. I just don't think they get proper "press" here in America, despite their large presence...though usually Indians are usually the hotel owners/doctors/convenience store owners versus other taboos.

 

Some are secretly gay and being one is generally shunned by society.

[+ Pensant]

India is the most magical country and the filthiest country in the world. The rich have it all .The poor (which is about 95% of the country )have nothing. It's glorious and heartbreaking at the same time. keep your money and passport in a courier pouch around your neck and under your shirt. Buses and trains are packed with people. Prepare to be groped relentlessly.On a crowded train I had someone pull down my zipper and fondle the family jewels. You never know who it is because you are packed like sardines. The smells are awful. As all have mentioned be careful what you eat and drink. Best to bring your own food and water if at all possible.The Taj Mahal is packed like Disneyland on Thanksgiving. The grounds are filthy. Be aware of everything and everyone around you. Pick-pockets are everywhere. Be ready to be followed by gangs of street kids begging for money.Your senses will be overwhelmed in good ways and bad ways. Visit most local Auyervedic spas for a hot oil enema and a penis /testicle massage given by middle aged women.Hundreds of people will see you naked. Ground zero for exhibitionists.None of the travel guides will tell you any of this. I would return again in a heartbeat....equal parts magic and repulsion.Not for the faint of heart for sure. Fantastic for adventurous travelers,

That’s what I’ve heard. I travel widely, but some places hold little interest for me. India is one. I’m mildly claustrophobic and immense crushes of humanity freak me out.

[+ Charlie]

That’s what I’ve heard. I travel widely, but some places hold little interest for me. India is one. I’m mildly claustrophobic and immense crushes of humanity freak me out.

I loved my trips to India, but your concern is legitimate. At times I felt very uncomfortable in the crowds, and it was the only time in my life that I have been pawed by begging lepers.

[Niles]

I had an amazing time. I did go to a gay night at a bar in Delhi. I wanted to just be in the background and observe but that was not possible. Many people talked to me and tried to get me to dance. I wish I could do the Bollywood moves but, alas...People really let loose singing and dancing and drinking and being themselves. It was so much fun.

I’m going next month. Please PM me too the name of the bar. Thanks for posting.

[+ DERRIK]

I went to Delhi in June. I did not get out and about but when i opened Grindr - i got lots of messages and there were plenty of guys.

[+ SundayZip]

A friend is suggesting that we join a small group tour of India. I'm ambivalent. I'm not sure I want to join crowds of tourists at the must-see sites or be another relatively well off Westerner gawking and tsk tsk'ing at the "unfortunate conditions of the poor, but oh-so-colorful natives". On the other hand, it is India and, well... people must travel there for a reason. Maybe my preconceived notions are inaccurate.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

A friend is suggesting that we join a small group tour of India. I'm ambivalent. I'm not sure I want to join crowds of tourists at the must-see sites or be another relatively well off Westerner gawking and tsk tsk'ing at the "unfortunate conditions of the poor, but oh-so-colorful natives". On the other hand, it is India and, well... people must travel there for a reason. Maybe my preconceived notions are inaccurate.

 

It honestly all depends on the tour group: You've got Abercrombie & Kent, Apple Vacations and everything in-between.

 

Small, under-the-radar group travel is a fine way to go. Just do your research, read reviews and figure out what suits you best.

 

Successful vacationing is a lot like choosing the right escort

[m4same]

A friend is suggesting that we join a small group tour of India. I'm ambivalent. I'm not sure I want to join crowds of tourists at the must-see sites or be another relatively well off Westerner gawking and tsk tsk'ing at the "unfortunate conditions of the poor, but oh-so-colorful natives". On the other hand, it is India and, well... people must travel there for a reason. Maybe my preconceived notions are inaccurate.

If you send me a PM, I can give you a link to a local guide who is gay and can give you guys a custom tour if you like.