Overview
** NEW DELHI, INDIA **
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Ran across the reel on IG about the African traveller who was denied accommodations due to him being African. This hotel is called the Satya International in India. His IG is: @abdixplorer and he has been traveling all over the world. He even states that this was the first time this has happened to him. I am outraged and disgusted. Please put this hotel on blast as this is unacceptable! Instagram Link
This is my 2nd trip to India. My first was in 2004 and I was there for 6 months. The people were friendly however it was overwhelming when I went shopping. A lot of stares and people asking to touch my hair. I loved the shopping though and visited the Taj Mahal which is breathtaking. My second trip was this year (2023) not as many stares, not as many questions but the people were very friendly. I stayed at the Raddison and most hotels have drivers. I was lucky that one gave me his what’s app number so he pretty much became my personal driver since I was traveling alone this time. I was there for work and let my class see the hotel menu so they picked my dinner every day, I loved everything I tried. I recommend going and trying to live as a local.
Firstly, I will start by saying India is a great tourist destination, from the food, to culture, history, diversities, and adventures.
I will leave more reviews about the adventures but let me first talk about the food.
My first trip to India was in 2020, which I lived in New Delhi for more than three years and I’ve been to multiple cities such as Agra, Uttarakand, New Delhi, Pune, Himalaya and Chennai.
The food tastes different from cities to cities, most Indians are vegetarians, everyone of them eats Chipati (the flat bread also called Roti) everyday, they also like chawal (means rice), some of the exposed Indians eats Mutton and Chicken. Most of them prefer Veg/Chicken/Mutton Biryani (Most popular indian foo) and then all of them take Chai (called the Indian tea).
There are still many things to talk about India food but I have given the most important tips to know when you find yourself in India.
I explored Delhi on my own after a group trip to Jaipur. There’s a lot to see in this sprawling city, so I recommend spending at least 2 days here. I used a private driver to get around, which was super convenient and not very expensive, but there is also a Metro system.
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Start in Old Delhi and take a rickshaw ride through the crowded markets. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid (mosque), and Sikh temple Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib are all in this area. Other must sees in this area are Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial) and India Gate. Start your second day at Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest stone tower, then visit the Lotus Temple and the Hindu Temple Swaminarayan Akshardham. Humayun’s Tomb is gorgeous at sunset and another must visit.
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For a bit of new Delhi, visit Lodhi Street Art District and Hauz Khas Village, a hip pedestrian area with shops and bars.
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I stayed at the Holiday Inn near the airport. The room was spacious and service was good. There are 3 restaurants to choose from; the food is tasty, but pricey. There is an open air mall across the street with a lot of restaurants and bars to choose from as well.
New Delhi is one of my favorite city in India.
It’s full of history, people, really modern as there are subways there.
I stayed in “Go Stops Delhi” ( https://www.gostops.com/) it’s a really cheap backbacker down town, I recommend this place to get some cheap place and meet people all around the world.
Go to “Gate of India” the main place where Indians spend time with family, friends, lovers and so on..
Things to see: Red fort, Raj Ghat, Akshardham temple, Lotus temple, Jasma Masjid..
Cost life is really cheap for European people.
I got there from Paris, around 7h hours of flight.
As a Black man I didn’t get any trouble, but I recommend to keep your passport in your pocket in case of any control.
To move from one point to another of the city, you can take the subway, bus or “tuk tuk” who is really cheap!
I didn’t stay too long in New Delhi, and I somewhat regret it. The first thing I feel I should say is don’t let Delhi ruin India for you! I think I wouldn’t love India as much as I do if I had spent my entire trip here. That being said, I am a nature person. I am sure Delhi has lots of things to do for people who like cities and are comfortable navigating them. For me, the highlight of India, no matter which city, is 100% the people. They are by far the kindest souls I have ever encountered and I could spend a whole day sharing stories. (But I’ll spare you.) About Delhi, choose your hotel wisely so you don’t end up in a not-so-fun area. I was never particularly scared as a solo black female, but always of course keep your wits about you. I recommend leaving Delhi and getting out into the mountains if you want a more natural, slow-paced, clean experience. Delhi isn’t the cleanest city––and I can’t see why of all the beautiful places in India, one would choose to stay here. Either way, India has something for everyone and is worth a visit before judgment. I recommend you to go and see for yourself. Keep your heart open and make the trip your own. Also, you can’t EVER go wrong with Indian food. Best food in the world.
I have to say so far India has been the least of my favourite country to visit. We were only there for two days and it felt longer as I couldn’t wait to leave. My experience was not the best, starting from the airport the immigration officer was so rude. He had my passport and my visa with him and was asking me questions in Hindi. I told him I speak English and not Hindi or Urdu, he made a statement in his language to his colleagues and they were both laughing. Eventually he handed my passport back to me. We stayed at the Shangri la hotel in New Delhi, It was in a descent area with other hotels nearby. In the evening time around 6pm, we decided to go for a walk. We were followed by several men on the streets trying to give us a ride, One particular guy kept following us and making calls after we told him to leave us alone. it was the most unsafe I’ve ever felt while traveling. Immediately we changed our mind and went back to the hotel. We were later informed by the driver that women get raped a lot around the area and it was unsafe to walk after 4pm. Visiting the Taj Mahal was not a pleasant experience, It was overcrowded and we were constantly starred at, every attempt to take a picture you have a audience of people just watching you. I was so glad to get on the plane on the last day and leave.
First, India is my most visited and favorite country . There is so much to do in the Capital of Delhi. ALL are a must see. India gate (not to be mistaken for the Gateway of India in Mumbai) is the most notable Landmark for the Capital. It is a simple arch and free to visit. The Parliament of India is right up the road and worth a stop too. Khan market is just south and cool place to shop and walk around. SodaBottleOpenerWala is a nice Parsi food spot in khan Market. Lodhi gardens is walking distance and a good place to walk around and see some cool tombs. Humayan’s Tomb is close by and is a MUST! AKSHARDHAM IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST!!!!!! You cannot bring anything in but your wallet. You have to check all items in or leave them in your hotel if you do not feel comfortable. Delhi is a very busy place but I am comfortable with India and checked my bag with gopro and iphone. Get there before 6:00pm to catch the water and laser show-A MUST!!!!! Red Fort and old delhi (spice market). Get on the roof to oversee the market. Very cool experience. Stop by Haveli Dharampura for cool drink and rooftop views leaving the spice market in Delhi. Next stop by Jama Masjid Mosque. Sundery nursery and earth collective market is another good walk and shop experience. Connaught Place is a must for shopping and give the unique fire betle leaf a try. I have a vid on my instagram-elcidjaread. Lodi Colony for street art is a must. Stroll through the streets and take some cool photos. Suruchi restaurant is a must for local food. Masala Dosa!!! The lotus temple is a unique shape of the lotus flower.
I Travelled to India in May of 2018 with my sister and a group of friends using a Tour company. This was my sisters dream trip, since she has a love for the culture and growing up watching Bollywood movies.
It was her birthday week, so it was only right we celebrated at her must see on her bucket list.
The night life in New Delhi was amazing, the music and the people were very welcoming. We even had a dance off at one point.
Even knowing this I always keep in the back of my mind how dangerous a place like India can be for females, good thing there were also guys in our group. I let my sister and friends have a good time, but always kept a watchful eye since I didn’t drink.
we had our private bus pick us up after any night out. The streets of New Delhi is not one to walk around at night regardless of your gender. Always keep a watchful eye and stay safe. But we had lots of fun.
While in India, I stayed at the Courtyard Marriott in Gurgaon just SW of Delhi. It was a business trip, actually my first assignment I took on after starting up my firm. The irony, I traveled there to coach employees of an org & teach American Culture. Needless to say years of studying India culture I knew what to expect. As a black woman, I knew the men would need to warm up to eye contact, taking instruction and conversation. I overcame it through discussions of education, transparency of my family, patience and expressed interest in their culture. Those were my keys to success traveling while black. As a single female, rape in Dehli is up by 300% so be alert, travel via the pink taxis (women owned taxis) or do as I did and hire a private driver. I did however have one incident when a different driver picked me up at 3am from work and thought he could take me for a ride….he didn’t see the black women instinct and hostility coming. It worked, I’m alive. Moving on…
The temples and houses of worship are absolutely stunning. I walked the streets and randomly walked into mosques, I was openly welcomed. There is a God for everyday of the week in India so embrace learning about them.
Food was great but I was selective of where to eat. I took hotel and locals recommendations on where they go for a fancy or special meal. Dehli Belly is a real thing there so be prepared and see the travel doctor prior to departure.
I visited villages by asking one of my students to take me. Critical, I’m an explorer but I’m not dumb. Had he not been with me, I would have been screwed.
Major takeaways….when you first arrive the audibles and smell will be a huge barrier. If you turn on the news or BBC it will slightly set you back. Do yourself a favor as I did…meditate at the next sunrise, ask for an open mind, strength and centering. Once grounded, know that the stares are because they are intrigued and trying to place you, food smells are strong as its the spices which give flavor, body smells are because of their pores and climate, finally be humbled that you don’t live in a place where 60% of homes do not have plumbing.
Taj Mahal was a 4 hour drive…go explore it for the history & pictures. Honestly I was not as impressed as I was all the local temples and mosques. But it’s a world treasure so…
So I just got back from Delhi India and from what I was told it’s best not to come in the winter because of the air quality. I can’t stress that enough, it was so horrible its like imagine u had burned some food and u need to open your windows and doors to get it out yet u have this lingering smoke in your home that’s the best way I could describe it. Aside that it’s fefi a third world country so don’t have high expectations on cleanliness. You’ll see cows roaming the streets more then dogs, but it’s a great cultural experience still in my opinion.
Now affordability, outside paging for my flight and hotel. I lived off $350 and that was considered excessive for local shopping and exploring. I would say you need a max of $30 for Uber’s and if u wanted to you could take a Uber from Delhi to Agra and see the Taj Mahal for a one way of $50. The highest I paid for a ride was $4.50 and that’s even sitting in traffic for an hour plus and going to the other side of the city. Airport rides tend to be $3-$5 just because it’s to and from the airport, but outside of the airport you’ll be good! Local foods can range anywhere from $2-$20. Alcoholic beverages are a little but more pricey ranging from $4-$15 depending on where you go. If you want to purchase alcohol it’s cheaper to get it at the duty free in the airport upon arrival. Prices almost double when buying at the liquor stores in the city.
When visiting the Taj Mahal we paid about $17 for basically a vip entry which you don’t have to wait in the super long line that wraps around the Taj Mahal to Enter and see the tomb stones. Also keep in mind you can NOT take in food products drones chewing gum baby toys genie lamps (I bought a alladin carpet and a genie lamp for a specific photo don’t judge me lol) or any props they will take it and unless you find someone to bargain with to hold your item(s) you won’t be able to get it back. Also for food in Agra, right outside the entry walk to the Taj Mahal there is this restaurant called Mughal darvar – it’s right next door to the place where they create the marble stones (the family of the original Taj Mahal builders) I promise u this food is amazing and you can get a full 3 course meal for under $15 some of the best Indian food I had while in the country period!
Now back to Delhi
Visit the Indian Gate and the parliament which is along the street to each other. You can take a Tuk tuk but bargain the price as they cost more than a Uber but still less than $8 most cases. The temples there are 3 major one you just have to see just keep in mind all the tempes are closed on Monday. They are Humayuns tomb, Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, and Akshardham Temple. Must visits entry is about $5 if I’m correct. Beware of the guys with the cameras some may actually have high quality cameras and there prices are definitely negotiable but some are just con artist- great photo skills but quality just isn’t worth it- same goes for photos at the Taj Mahal.
This should answer a lot of key questions to start you off. Good luck and have fun and watch out for the Delhi belly
Now, I love India. It is truly an interesting country with lots to offer the curious traveler, from food to temples to Bollywood! However, traveling while black can be exhausting. If you’ve been to Asia before, you know the locals will want to take pictures with you. India took it to a whole different level. Usually, I don’t mind taking pictures if I am asked politely. Not only was I not asked, but people would sit/stand next to me without my consent as their friend took a picture! I felt violated and the stares were even worse. I was there for 3 months, so of course it became tiring. However, I wouldn’t let this stop me from visiting again for a few weeks at a time.
I’ll start by saying I love India. I lived there for 3 months and really got used to the scene. One thing I did not expect was for the nightlife to be as enjoyable as it was. There were actually options. I probably hit up “Ladies’ Night” in Hauz Khas Village almost every Tuesday, since that’s the night that the streets were packed, the clubs were all playing good music, and the drinks for ladies were free.99. One thing to note is that the drinking age was 25, so there were a few bars that would not budge on letting you in if you hadn’t hit that age yet. Another area I liked to go out was in Greater Kailash 1 or GK1. It was a little farther from my place but always worth the rickshaw ride over. • On another note, the food in New Delhi definitely exceeded my expectations. I was scared to try the street food at first, but one bite of anything on the menu from Hot’n’Hot and I was sold. I also can’t forget to mention my favorite restaurants there: Mamagoto (Asian), Summer House (American & Lebanese) and Wok in the Clouds (Indian & Asian). • The biggest thing I recommend to someone visiting India is to venture out. It’s easy to go see the major sites in Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, maybe a beach in Mumbai and then say you’ve seen enough of India. But the real gems, the real culture, is in the cities people don’t talk about. If you have time, try to visit some of the less touristy cities. My favorites? Jaipur, Varanasi and Amritsar.
Being a black person traveling in India is certainly different. People stare. They stare long and hard. They whisper and point….. you would think in India they do not have darker skinned locals (which they do). The ladies had a field day with my braids.. asking to touch them… I didnt mind that much.. most were polite. But I just hated the staring. People just would not take their eyes off of us. Our driver told us it was because they do not see many black people travel to India (which I do not believe). Our driver even warned us about going out alone as a woman (I was with bae but he told him to be careful with me). He said he doesnt suggest women go out alone….
New Delhi:
First and foremost this place is full of smog. I have never seen anything like it. I was there Nov 2017 and there as so much smog they shut down schools and banned trucks from entering New Delhi for a week. It is a very dirty city. I would never wear sandals there not matter how hot. It is dusty, dirty slightly smelly and the ground is just mucky. I don’t even have words to describe it. Once you get over that, you can take in the actual city. This is on the whole just ok. I didn’t find much to do there; to me it was just a big city with absolutely insane driving. Taking those some tuck tuk taxi’s (cheapest way to get anywhere), literally left me breathless and holding on for dear life. There are no rules, people just drive. Everywhere…. it is darn right scary…. Don’t ever rent a car in India, drivers or taxi’s work (Cost is pretty reasonable – we got a driver to take us to all the areas for approx. $400 CAD ($350USD) which included transport to Agra, and Jaipur. We didn’t intend to spend a lot of time in New Delhi… we really were there to see the Golden Triangle (Agra, and Jaipur as well)
Nightlife is good here – was able to hit up a club at the Shangri-La hotel, that was really good. Drinks were pricey and they charge in USD (approx. $14/drink), but it was good time. It’s a def. tourist stop. We also went to a reggae bar which featured Jamaican food with an Indian twist called Rasta. I def. would say to take a venture out there. Food costs were a little on the pricey side, but all in all a good time to be had there.
Shopping was OK. I thought it would be much better. They def. try to overcharge you on sari’s or langa’s so be ready with your bargaining hat. You will need it.
Agra:
The highlight of the trip. The Taj Mahal…… the main reason I wanted to go to India. We hired a driver to take us from New Delhi to Agra (he also continued the trip with us to Jaipur and back to New Delhi). The driver was approx. 6 or 7 hrs. the traffic is insanity so be prepared to be patient. Agra is a smaller place, but very very touristy. The place is full of tourist and locals alike to take in the sight of The Taj Mahal. Our driver arranged a tour guide for us. We arrived at the location at 6am. My suggestion is to be early. The lines are very long. You cannot take much in there with you, they will make you either take your stuff back to the car or check it… so pack lightly this day – no food, drinks, computers, pens etc. can be taken in. Once you get it, the site is just a beauty. Be prepared for photographers to ask you to take photos (for a price of course) and they do follow you around, but they are polite. Also be prepared to wait to take pics in the best spots. The Tour guide explained in detail about the construction and grounds, about why it was made. You can go inside (you must take off your shoes – they give you slippers). Over all I love it. Got great photos and just generally marveled at one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Note the cost for the Guide was approx. $200 including the fee to get inside. After we left the Taj Mahal, we jumped in a horse drawn carriage back to our hotel. It was really nice.
We also attended a marble “factory” where they showed how the Taj Mahal was constructed and the way the marble is sanded. They bring you there to sell you stuff. If you don’t want to buy, just say no, but they are a bit aggressive. The people that owned the shop were descendants of the people who actually built the Taj Mahal. – NOTE: Taj Mahal is not open on Fridays unless you are there for warship.
We also went to the Agra Fort, which was the residence of the emperors, which date back to the 1600’s. The guide explained all about the location and history.
After Agra Fort, we went into the Red Fort (Moti Masjid), where we received a blessing from a shaman. (You do have to pay by purchasing cloth for a local family). There are a lot of locals selling items. They are a little pushy so be ready for that.
Jaipur
Last but not least, we got to Jaipur. This is approx. another 6-7 hrs due to traffic. LOL I was so tired I slept most of the way. So I don’t remember much of the drive. We arrived at night after our day in Agra. We checked into the Golden Tulip hotel and then took time to enjoy their roof top club and pool area where we danced and smoked shisha until the wee hrs of the morning. Prices were decent, but you did have to pay cover to get in.
We went to Hawa Mahal at sunrise. It certainly was a site. We took some great photos there. The pink sand glistens in the sun. This is where we met our tour guide. We also went to the Amer Fort where we rode elephants to the top of the palace. There is a super long line to do this. We got there right before 3 buses of tourist got there. But the line is at least 1hr long (if you have a good tour guide like ours, he got us way ahead of the crowd). He explained the history of the fort.
All in all, the trip was amazing. Definitely not what I thought…… (Which clearly means I need to stop watching so much TV, has me thinking too many things that are not even close to what it was)
I thought there were a lot of historical places in France and the US but man just in Delhi alone, wow. So many temples and statues and landmarks. We had a different tour everyday. When I say everyday was an adventure that is an understatement.
Also wall to wall people. You couldn’t go anywhere without there being a hundred people just in arms reach. I’m an extrovert so you know I loved it. They treated us like royalty everywhere we went. It’s one of the most greenest places and one of the most polluted at the same time.
We loved it though because the animals and the kids roam freely. India was definitely a life changer for us. Amazing!
India changed my life forever and i am super grateful for that. If your looking to find yourself and understand yourself a little please visit India. While in Delhi I explore all around the city and overall I found old Delhi to be my favorite. The hustle and bustle of India is insane and something out of this world. But it’s apart of the culture and all they know.
Of all my journeys in 2017, one of my favorite trips would be India. This was a 7-day excursion, consisting of my family and friends exploring several locations throughout the country. Our tour started in the heavily populated streets and marketplaces of New Delhi.
Next, we toured the colorful city of Jaipur in traditional Indian attire. With their opulent castles, royal gardens and lavish textiled garments, my group and I felt as if we had stepped into the past, and were transformed into members of Indian royalty. Next, we explored the culturally and historically rich land of Agra; home to one of the Seven Wonders Of The World, the Taj Mahal. Constructed of white marble draped in lush gardens and surrounded by crystal blue water, this structure was definitely “beauty,” manifested.
Our tour ended in the desert lands of Mandawar. With its picturesque sunsets, lavish architecture and flavorful indian dishes, it was truly a relaxing destination to conclude our journey, before our return to the states. India, in and of itself is a land of living color. From food, to architecture to clothing, color is essential in expressing all aspects of Indian culture. This trip stands out the most for me because it was a remarkable adventure which allowed my travel companions and I to see wondrous sites, and partake of a rich and fascinating culture. Traveling with familiar faces also helped to make this journey more memorable for me, based on the experiences and laughs we shared, the memories we created and the bonds we strenghtened.
While the trip to India was an amazing experience, well worth the 17.5-hour flight it took to get there, being able to share in this adventure with other like-minded travelers made it that much more extraordinary.
India – It’s not for everyone, but I loved it! I did a solo trip to India in 2017 and while it was a trip of a lifetime – I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for everyone, and I’ll tell you why. India is one of the most populous places in the world, with close to 1.3 billion people. The people, the sights, the SMELLS – oh the smells…they will get you! The everyday life there is a hustle and bustle just to walk out of your door. The disparity of wealth is so ‘in your face’ that its hard to miss and to not think about. I started in Delhi, moved to Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Mumbai, and then Goa, each city different then the next. Delhi was mass confusion and chaos. Jaipur was beautiful, with its pink buildings and sharing the roads with cars, bikes, people, and elephants! Agra – home to the Taj Mahal (and that’s about it). The Taj is beautiful – but some advice – get there early, like sunrise early, and be prepared to be haggled, like seriously haggled! Varanasi was so rich in religion and tradition as it is one of the holiest cities for Indian people. Thousands of pilgrims travel here to pray and bathe in the Ganges River (I opted not to but took a boat ride from top to bottom). Daily Sunrise and Sunset ceremonies take place on the river and it was beautiful! Prepare your senses as this city is filled with burning incense, people, food, animals, and the religious burning of dead bodies at each end of the river. Switching to a more modern city, Mumbai – home of Bollywood was pretty awesome. Lots more bars, restaurants, and modern accommodations. After the hustle and bustle of all of those cities – Goa is the perfect escape. Located on the southwest coast – its stretches along miles of beaches with awesome and affordable accommodations like huts, tree houses, hotels, or hostels. Bars and restaurants line the beaches playing music 24/7 making it a popular party destination in some areas. Traveling around the country is pretty cheap using in country airlines or hiring a driver to go city-to-city.