travel india Archives - India Someday Travels

Tips To Obtain Vegan Food in India

Posted on October 1, 2018May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Despite being an extremely uncommon diet in India, many parts of the country are a vegan haven. From the coconut curries of Kerala to the delicious dals in all their various forms, many dishes are naturally vegan. With some preparation, it’s not hard to obtain vegan food in India.

The choice of vegetable curries is huge and vegetarian restaurants are everywhere. Meals, in general, are prepared daily and contain fresh ingredients sourced from local markets. It’s common to see people snacking on fresh seasonal fruits purchased from road stalls. The varieties of nut and pulse-based snacks are endless.

There are a number of considerations you need to make in order to ensure your food is free of any animal products. India produces and consumes an awful lot of dairy and it can crop up unexpectedly. The key to success comes down to having some understanding of the Indian diet and how it changes in different regions. Therefore, with a little pre-planning, it is usually possible to follow a plant-based diet in India without too much hassle.

Punjabi Chana (chickpeas) Masala or Chole is a vegan dish

Common Hurdles In Obtaining Vegan Food In India

When following a vegan diet in India, the main hurdle comes with an ingredient known as ghee. Ghee is clarified butter and is an integral cooking ingredient in many parts of Northern India. In regions like Rajasthan for example, where water is at a premium, food is generally cooked in ghee (and is often quite rich).

Ghee is widely accepted as containing many health benefits and is the base ingredient for many sweets, cakes, and biscuits too. It’s frequently brushed onto different kinds of bread as a garnish. For this reason, it is very easy to accidentally consume dairy in certain parts of the country.

Despite meat and fish consumption is higher than in the North (except Punjab where meat consumption is high), South Indian cuisine tends to contain less dairy as people use coconut oil rather than ghee or any other oil. Therefore, most vegetarian dishes will also be vegan. It’s unusual for dishes to contain any surprise dairy as it will usually be specified on the menu.

If a dish does contain dairy, it’s usually fairly straightforward to ask for it to be cooked without. Likewise, you are unlikely to come across much paneer in South India. This is soft cottage cheese made from cows’ milk and is typically found in North India.

‘Dosa’, a South Indian crepe, is often prepared with Butter or Ghee. However, you can make it made in oil too

Nuances of Vegetarian Food In India

Due to religious reasons, India is home to the largest number of vegetarians in the world. In fact, 40% of Indians are vegetarian, which is around 506,960,000 people. From this, 31% are known as “pure vegetarians”, meaning they do not consume eggs. Across India, you will see restaurants which advertise themselves as “vegetarian” (no meat or fish), “pure vegetarian” (no meat, fish or eggs), or “non-vegetarian”.

These labels can be very helpful, but of course “pure vegetarian” still only refers to Lacto-vegetarianism, which doesn’t exclude dairy. Pre-packaged foods are also required to carry a label. A green dot indicates that it is vegetarian (not pure vegetarian in most cases) and a brown or red dot indicates otherwise.

Green Dot indicates Vegetarian, Red Dot indicates Non-Vegetarian

Milk and Dairy-Based Foods In India

Milk is India’s leading agricultural commodity and India is the leading milk producer in the world. Interestingly, however, there are entire regions, particularly in Eastern India, where people are lactose intolerant. However, once it is transformed into ghee, milk tends to be digestible. Accordingly, these areas are by no means dairy-free. Where people aren’t able to digest milk, protein is obtained through eating meat, eggs, and fish.

Due to the popularity of vegetarian food in India, it shouldn’t be a problem finding vegan options. Sometimes modifications will be necessary, but if you just ask, people will tend to oblige. Despite your best efforts, however, you may find that an explanation of your diet gets lost in translation.

Cows are sacred in India

When communicating your dietary needs, it’s often best to mention that you are pure vegetarian and you don’t eat dairy. It helps to list common dairy products such as milk, ghee, butter, curd, paneer and cream and to gesture that you do not want them.

Even still, this information can sometimes get lost between your waiter and whoever is in the kitchen, so if in doubt, double-check and hope for the best.

Tips for finding vegan food in India when eating out

Eating out, whether it be in a restaurant or from a food stall, is usually the most cost-effective way of eating in India and certainly the most fun. Whether you’re out for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a snack, street food stalls offer a variety of delicious treats. These are prepared right in front of you so it’s often easy to spot if any undesirable ingredients are used.

If you’re heading out, websites like HappyCow can be really useful if you want to pre-plan where you eat and if you fancy take-out. Zomato can help you locate vegan-friendly outlets. In smaller towns and cities, such websites don’t tend to be of much use and you will have to put your trust in local cooks.

If you’re renting an apartment, preparing your own food at home is always an option. However, sourcing all the condiments necessary for preparing a tasty meal is often an inefficient use of both ingredients and money. If you’re on the move a lot, you’re unlikely to want to put opened foods and oils in your bag. Thus, be frugal with your purchases.

If you are travelling for a short amount of time, you may want to consider throwing a few vegan home comforts in your bag for when you can’t get your hands on a snack. Raw food bars travel well, as do sachets of protein shakes and the odd (plastic) jar of nut butter.

Indian curry being the easiest & tastiest vegan option

Some Hindi Phrases That Will Help You Convey Your Dietary Needs

In order to help you to keep your food animal-free, we have put together a free printable “vegan lingo” pack. This contains some useful phrases in Hindi for you to say to whoever is serving you food.

We have also written a short explanation of the vegan diet, including what cannot be consumed in four different languages. The idea is that you can show the explanation in the relevant language to whoever is serving your food.

Useful links

http://www.happycow.net/asia/india/ – vegetarian restaurant guide

https://sharan-india.org/try-vegan/ – for useful vegan city directories

http://www.petaindia.com/blog/mumbais-restaurant-scene-gets-vegan/ – vegan-friendly restaurants in Mumbai

http://www.carrots-india.com – 100% vegan restaurant in Bangalore

Weather in India in July

Posted on June 9, 2017May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

If you are planning a trip to this subcontinent in July, you need to understand the weather in India in July. Known as the wettest month in India, the rain is in full swing in most parts of the country. Read on to find out more about the weather in different regions of India in this month.

India weather in July

The Indian climate is intense and ever-changing and offers you all kinds of climate, from snow to heavy rain, from dry heat to humidity, and from blistering cold to unbearably hot temperatures.

By the end of June, monsoon season covers most of the country with a thick and wet blanket of clouds. The weather in India in July is wet. The rain starts in full swing during this month. It is followed by warmer weather in absence of rainfall.

From Kerala in the South to the Himalayas in the North, and from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Bay of Bengal in the east, it rains throughout the country, although the intensity of the rain greatly varies in every region, as does the average temperature. Compared to the previous months, the temperatures in July are comparatively cooler, and you can enjoy a great India trip.

Besides the negative effects of the monsoon season – floods, landslides and an outdated infrastructure to cope with this, certain regions of India are breathtakingly beautiful at this time of the year. The vast stretches of lush green landscapes in the South and the beautiful weather in the state of Rajasthan, make for the best regions to visit during this time of the year. It is also a great time for trekking and nature enthusiasts.

Here’s a guide to help you plan the ideal trip despite the weather conditions in India during the monsoon season.

Wondering when is the best time to visit India, you can read this! Here is a detailed overview on what the weather conditions would be like each month in India, in different regions of the country. Feel free to explore.

July is the wettest month in India.

Best places to visit in India in July

At India Someday, we would recommend visiting the far north amidst the mountains, the Western Ghats, and some parts of Tamil Nadu.

If you want to escape the heat and the heat all together and enjoy stunning landscapes, then the mountains are where you should go. Ladakh might be the best destination to visit in India in July. In the midst of the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, it offers breathtaking views and great opportunities for hikes. Ladakh is also called the cold desert for a reason as the precipitation is very low up there. In July, the temperatures are at their maximum but the average highs rarely exceed 30°C. It is also the prime tourist season for this part of India so be prepared as it won’t be as tourist-free as the rest of India! Check out our blogs on travelling to Leh and Ladakh, and some potential travel routes that we’ve drafted for you!

You can also explore Rajasthan and towns like Varanasi and Khajuraho. If you still want to experience the gorgeous monsoon season in all its glory, you can visit Goa and Kerala. While you explore this region, stay at some exquisite boutique hotels at much cheaper rates and enjoy South India devoid of tourists.

We’d also recommend exploring the Western Ghats. The region is covered with national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and some charming hill stations. You’ll find a variety of rare species of flora and fauna in the hills with endless fruit, tea and coffee plantations. In July, the temperatures are cool and the air is a lot cleaner. Other regions which you could definitely explore during the monsoons in India are Wayanad, Munnar and Thekkady. Further, the Dudhsagar Waterfall Hike in Goa is an excellent experience this time of year. Ooty in Tamil Nadu is very popular among domestic tourists, to flee the constantly changing climatic conditions of the cities in the monsoon season.

Experience Luxury: Hotels in India

Dudhsagar Waterfall

North India in July

The far north regions of India such as Leh, Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti are excellent destinations for a trip in July. These regions are not as affected by the rains, but the weather is pleasant and precipitation is low. The average temperatures range from 11 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, and sightseeing.

However, the regions along the Himalayan foothills, including Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, can experience heavy rains in this month. Landslides are also a common occurrence, which is why this region is not recommended for a trip in July.

By the end of June and beginning of July, the monsoon season hits Rajasthan and other Central and Northern regions with moderate downpours. All the popular cities of the North like Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Varanasi, Rishikesh and Amritsar experience a respite from the sweltering summer heat in the months between July and August.

This month brings mixed weather in the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan regions. There is a good amount of rainfall in the Golden Triangle regions of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. The climate is cloudy on most days, which means the temperature is cooler and humidity is higher at this time. However, Rajasthan receives a low amount of rainfall even in July, making it a good destination for the wet month.

The drop in temperature makes it easy to go sightseeing the various forts, palaces, and temples, but the sporadic rains and heat spells can be exhausting if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

The Karsha Gustor Festival is a celebration of the Karsha Monastery in Zanskar, Ladakh. The festival includes masked dance performances by monks to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The festival of Guru Purnima often takes place in mid-July in Rishikesh. The festival, honoring spiritual teachers and mentors, is marked by prayers, discussions, and fasting.

The Delhi Tourism Mango Festival in July showcases more than 500 varieties of mangoes. The festival is attended by farmers and mango producers all around India and there are many mango products for sale as well!

Dive Deeper: Discovering North India’s Top Attractions

Our two week travel routes for North India can get you started with travel ideas. Most of these are fine in the month of July.

North India in the month of July – Photo Credit Faisal Fraz.

South India in July

In India, weather in July in South India is different on the east coast and the west coast. Compared to June, Kerala experiences lesser rainfall in July; however, the rainfall is more frequent and lasts for a longer time. It is a great time to visit the national parks in the region or go for some monsoon treks. However, if you want a dry holiday with sunshine, July is not the best time to visit Kerala.

In Goa, rain is in full swing and most restaurants, shacks, and beach activities are closed from June to September. However, you can get great discounts on luxury resorts and accommodations. Enjoy a luxurious staycation indoors with spa treatments or ayurvedic massages. If you love nature, Goa and Kerala offer lush green landscapes and breathtaking views.

Tamil Nadu, on the other hand experiences a lot less rainfall in July, ideal to explore this cultural region. The only flip side is the heat spells due to the lack of rainfall. Tamil Nadu doesn’t experience heavy rainfall until October, so July is a good time to explore some beautiful regions in this state such as Chennai and Pondicherry.

The festival of Njangattiri Aanayoottu takes place in Kerala in July. This festival celebrates elephants by lining them up in a row in the Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple and feeding them fruits and other foods. You may also have a chance to see a snake boat race in the town of Champakulam in July.

The Nishagandhi Monsoon Music Festival is organized by Kerala tourism in July, where people can enjoy traditional music and dance performances.

When to Go: Best Time for a Kerala Getaway

Munnar, Kerala

East India and Northeast India in July

The east stream of the monsoon winds hit the Northeast of India by the beginning of June. The eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Meghalaya experience heavy downpours in this month. In fact, Meghalaya sees the highest rainfall in the world during June and July. We would suggest planning a trip to the northeast after October.

Even east India experiences heavy rains during July in regions like Kolkata and foothills of the Himalayas. However, the temperatures can go high in regions like Odisha.

The Behdienkhlam Festival is celebrated in July by the Phar tribe in Meghalaya. After the process of sowing in agriculture is completed, this festival is celebrated to eradicate negativity.

The Drupka Teshi Festival is a Tibetan festival celebrated in Northeast India. You can experience a yak race during this festival in Deer Park.

The Puri Rath Yatra takes place in Orissa in July at Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Puri Rath Yatra

West India and Central India in July

July in Western India and Central India is extremely wet. The regions of Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and the west coast see the worst of monsoon season in this month. July is the peak monsoon month, with heavy downpours, cloudbursts, flooding, and landslides in many parts of the region. There is also a hindrance in the daily commute with traffic jams, potholes, and flooded streets.

The average temperature is much cooler in July, but there is little scope for sightseeing. The weather department and government often issue warnings during this month to stay indoors, which is probably not the best way to spend a vacation.

Monsoons in Mumbai have an impact so magical and irresistible. A cup of tea, Vada Pav and the waves crashing against the shore while people simply stand and stare in awe.

Islands in July

Both the south-west islands like Minicoy in Laccadive, and south-east islands like Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar, experience high, frequent rains in July. With the high tidal waves, heavy rains, and strong winds, the islands of India are not recommended in July.

Tips for visiting India in July

While packing for a trip to India in July, keep in mind that this is the wettest month in most states, so be prepared for rain and humidity. Pack light and breathable clothes. Keep some clothes extra in case you get wet, since clothes will not dry quickly. Also keep a waterproof jacket or raincoat and an umbrella with you. Wear comfortable sandals which won’t slip or get ruined on the wet roads.
No matter which season you are visiting India in, carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or a cap for sun-protection.
Monsoon season means a higher risk of getting sick. Keep an emergency medical kit handy with important medicines that you might need.
If you do visit India in July, keep your schedule flexible, since random rain showers can disrupt your plans.

Beautiful Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa (Photo Credit – Bishnu Sarangi)

Was this blog helpful to find out the India weather in July? For more detailed information on the best places to visit in India in July, or for any help to plan your ideal holiday to India, simply get in touch with us or hit that Plan Your Trip button.

Getting from Rajasthan to Goa

Posted on December 26, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Often, while travelling in India, travellers look at stopping at a beach destination like Goa after exploring the cultural diversity of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan and Goa both lie on the western coast of India. However, travelling between these two states is not very easy and can take a considerable amount of time.

by train

Probably not the best way to get from Rajasthan to Goa or vice versa as the distances are considerably longer and the trains extremely slow and tend to run late. The trains start from Jodhpur and Jaipur in Rajasthan and go to Madgaon. But if you don’t mind long train rides and a few delays, you can pick some of the following trains.

Most of the trains that connect Goa to Rajasthan originate from further North, some originate from Delhi, and others from more northern cities in Rajasthan like Ajmer and Bikaner. What you could do is travel to Mumbai by flight/bus/train and try catching a train that starts from Mumbai as chances of it getting delayed is less than the other trains.
Some trains reach Goa in the middle of the night between 02:00-03:00 Hrs. While Goa is generally safe, it is better to avoid these trains as the railway stations can be deserted at that hour and check-in at hotels is of course not the easiest.
Goa has a number of railway stations. If you are staying in North Goa then either Pernem or Thivim should be your boarding station. For South Goa, Madgaon or Canacona should be your boarding station.
Similarly, Rajasthan has a number of railway stations as well. It really depends on which city is your last destination, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ajmer/Pushkar or Bikaner.
Udaipur and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan do not have direct train connections to Goa. You will have to change trains in Mumbai.
The train journey is between 25-30 hours, and it’s advisable to book your train tickets well in advance. Ideally, as soon as bookings for your travel date open up, i.e. 60 days prior to the date of travel.
The train journey from Rajasthan to Goa has extremely diverse views from deserts to lush green hills and waterfalls in the monsoons. It is also the cheapest way to travel.

Enjoying the view from Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

by bus

There are no buses that run between Goa and Rajasthan. It just takes too long and is too far and well, just not possible. Hiring a car and driver to drive you between Goa and Rajasthan will be extremely difficult to arrange, it would be a very long and expensive journey even if you found a driver that agreed to drive you.

Colourful beach hut accommodation in Goa

by flight

Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur are the three cities in Rajasthan, from where you’d have a flight options to Goa, but all of them have connecting flights via Delhi/Mumbai. The flights are slightly expensive and have layovers but are still the most efficient mode of travel.

This one-stop flight tends to be more expensive as compared to the other direct flights that you might take in India. It’s advisable to book in advance as the fares for one-stop flights can really soar closer to travel dates.

If you are in Udaipur you could drive up to Ahmedabad and then fly directly to Goa.

Note: Do take the same airline flight for both sectors, as then you are not liable to have any errors in case of delays in the first flight.

Our suggestion

We at India Someday would really recommend that you plan to break your stay in Rajasthan and Goa with a few days in Mumbai. This is a little biased as we are based on Mumbai, but it is a fun city to visit. So if you do have time then a stopover in Mumbai, else take a flight and save yourself the travel time by train.

Planning on visiting Kerala after Goa? Here’s how you can get between the two states.

Marine Drive Mumbai

Jaisalmer: The Golden City in the Desert

Posted on November 21, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Jaisalmer is a beautiful city near the Thar Desert and is 100 kilometres away from the Pakistan border. After our arrival at the train station, a car from the hotel picked us up and brought us to our accommodation. On the way, we saw Fort Jaisalmer for the first time and I felt like Aladdin in Disneyland.

The fort is amazing and gives you glimpses as a pretence of former times when kings ruled the country. The haveli built there, which is a traditional historic townhouse of Old India, is breathtaking. There are many wonderful things to do in Jaisalmer; that we were able to cover on our trip with the help of India Someday.

The Gadsisar Lake is definitely worth a visit, a beautiful oasis in the Thar Desert

Things we did in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort

If looking for things to do in Jaisalmer then I would suggest visiting the fort. In 1156, the fort was built by the Rajputana ruler called Jaisal. I would highly recommend visiting the Fort Palace.

There is an audio-guide included in the ticket that allows one to learn so much about the history of the city. The various rooms inside the palace are beautiful. You have amazing views when you walk into the gates, that reminded me of being in a fairytale.

Jain Temple

We saw two nice Jain temples inside the fort while we walked around (although it should be noted that the entry for this monument was quite expensive.) The relics made of sandstone were intricately detailed and interesting to see.

Camel Safari

One of the best things to do in Jaisalmer is the camel safari. This was one of the most exciting, romantic and a spectacular part of our trip to Jaisalmer. We started the trip at 15:00 hrs along with a Spanish couple and a man from Canada. To get to the tour, we drove for half an hour and made a pit stop at a nearby village; making it not very far to travel.

At 17:00 hrs, we began our camel safari in the Thar Desert from the Khuri Sand Dunes Resort. It was a little scary when the camel stood up as it was difficult to find my balance, but I soon was able to get a grip over it. To sit on a camel is not too comfortable and it is also very high. But once we headed off, the view was amazing.

An Unexpected Event

However, after 10 minutes a small herd of sheep crossed our way and two of the small sheep “attacked” two of the camels. One of the sheep was under my camel which made the animal really nervous and aggressive, because of which it became really difficult to stay put in the saddle. In the end, I had to jump off the camel before it escalated and could become a dangerous situation for me and the other rider.

I had to calm down and get my nerves together before I could jump back on. Marlene was also a little in shock. After a while, everyone was better and we continued our journey through the desert. We arrived at our camp in the sand dunes after an hour of riding.

It was an amazing view, as we enjoyed the sunset together in a secluded area, managing to take some great pictures in the meantime. After a delicious dinner, the cameleers sang us some folk-songs. We had a lot of fun together.

Our “beds” were also very comfortable, and we were given blankets to sleep with. It was amazing to sleep outside under the clear skies with the moon shining and the twinkling stars.

In the morning we enjoyed the beautiful sunrise and a delicious breakfast. After this, we rode the camels back through the sand dunes to the main street where a car picked us up.

Camel safari in Jaisalmer, India

Our Accommodation

In Jaisalmer, we stayed in a comfortable hotel called The Mystic Jaisalmer. This is a beautiful hotel with an amazing roof-top terrace view of the Golden Fort. Our room was clean, the beds were comfortable, and the room itself had nice furniture. The staff, especially the boss, were really friendly and gave us lots of good information about the camel safari in great detail.

Mystic Jaisalmer Rooftop (Picture Credit: Tripadvisor)

Restaurants

1. Mystic Jaisalmer

On the roof-top terrace, I enjoyed delicious Rajasthani food with naan and vegetables grown in the desert. The staff is very friendly and the service is quick. It had a nice ambience with an impressive view of the fort.

2. Sunset

This restaurant is located inside the fort. Here you can enjoy very good Indian food on a roof-top terrace, and everything is about the view of Jaisalmer Fort.

3. Jaisal Italy

This restaurant offers very good Italian pasta on par with international standards. I also ordered an orange juice. This one was unfit for consumption but there was no problem sending it back and ordering another drink. Marlene’s ice tea was of very good quality.

4. The Bhang Shop

Well, this one was very interesting! We were able to order crushed seeds and leaves of the cannabis plant (only legalised in certain regions of the country) mixed with milk, served as a traditional drink in India. The effects left us craving lots of food and parts of the day we cannot remember.

Explore More: The Pinnacle of Rajasthan’s Travel Destinations

The royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Jaisalmer (Picture Credit: Conde Nast Traveller India)

A day of travel, food and spirituality in Amritsar (India)

Posted on November 3, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

This weekend I went to Amritsar to do some research for our India Someday clients. The religious city in Punjab is famous for three things – The Golden Temple, delicious Amritsar food, and the Wagah Border. After a lot of exploring (and a lot of eating!), we’ve concluded that this is definitely one city you do not want to miss!

Golden Temple lit up in the evening

Amritsar Food

Amritsar is a food lover’s paradise. From the moment you wake up, the amount of Amritsar food you will manage to eat is a revelation. Choose between aloo puris (potato curry served with deep fried Indian bread stuffed with cottage cheese), or chole puri (the same bread served with spicy lentils) for breakfast. Kanha Sweets or Munim di Hatti at Lawrence Road are the best places to try these.

For lunch I suggest you pay a visit to the Golden Temple Langar. Or try visiting Kulcha Land where for just INR 50 -100 they serve great stuffed kulchas and lassi. If you have room left for dinner head to Bharwan ka Dhaba or Kesar ka Dhaba, for some rajma (red beans) and rice, or tandoori roti and veggies. If you have not noticed yes there is a slight bias, I am vegetarian.

North Indian food in general is a little heavy on the stomach, but eating Amritsar food is so much fun you cannot stop. Every corner you go to or every street you visit you will always find something being cooked. From aloo tikkis to fresh fruit juice, it’s all so tasty and delicious that I cannot stop raving about it.

There is lots of butter, lots of fatty foods and loads of proteins and lentils. The few days you’re there, I would suggest throwing any diet out of the window.

Excluding the taste, the best part of eating in Punjab is the people. Punjabis are a jolly bunch of people who love only one other thing more than eating – feeding someone else. So enjoy your meals hot and served with lots of love and smiles.

You can view some of our two week travel routes across North India, we can include a trip to Amritsar in your trip.

Amritsar food will always leave you craving for more

The Golden Temple

The serenity and the beauty of the Golden Temple is mesmerising. People often compare visiting this temple to visiting the Taj Mahal. I can guarantee that it is equally as spectacular, probably even more so. Experience continuous spiritual chanting, the stillness of the water, and the thousands of people providing service for nothing in return.

The ornate beauty of the Golden Temple itself makes your visit here truly special. I would recommend also signing up and helping to cook in the Langar. The temple itself has a long line upon entry no matter what time of the day you visit.

A Langar is found in every single Gurudwara or Sikh Temple and has an element of religious belief. It is a 24 hour open kitchen. The food is free to all guests without any discrimination. You can donate a small sum of course and you should!

The entire kitchen is run by volunteers who work in shifts. Anyone can volunteer and be a part of this team. The food is healthy and nutritious and filled with love.

You should visit the Golden Temple in the morning or at night when the religious book is taken back into safe keeping. It happens around 2200 hrs.

The beautiful Golden Temple at a distance

Wagah Border: India’s patriotic pilgrimage

Palpable in the air of Amritsar is the feeling of patriotism invoked when you visit Jallianwala Bagh or the Wagah Border.

As sad and haunting as the tragedy of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre is, the Wagah Border is on the other end of the spectrum. Yet both are connected by a heavy sense of history and Indian strength. The border is the only entry point between India and Pakistan.

Every evening you can witness a fun and competitive beating retreat, or the ‘raising/ lowering of flags’, ceremony. The passion with which the soldiers fulfil this duty is incredible. Shouting, singing, the thumping of the feet, drums, dancing and trying to outshine the other side makes for a surreal experience.

Displays of patriotism at the Wagah Border

Accommodation

The stay in this city is not very expensive. Lower range budget hotels like Akaal Residency are clean and good value for money. And you even have a few unique options like Virasat Haveli.

But here we would recommend staying at a higher end property. Reason being, as you do want to go back to an empty shell after the hustle and bustle of the narrow streets. My pick would be a stay at the Hyatt in Amritsar – they have nice cosy rooms and the service is impeccable.

Overall, Amritsar is a destination you should visit if travelling to India. The Golden Temple, Amritsar food, and the patriotism and general spirituality of the area make for a warm and welcome stay. If you need help in seeing how you can fit Amritsar into your itinerary, let us know and we at India Someday can help you plan your trip.

Travel to North East India

Posted on September 17, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Northeast India is one of the most remote regions in India. It’s untouched by the overbearing tourism industry, which makes it an incredible place to visit. It consists of seven states; Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. If you planning to travel to North East India expect to find one of the largest and irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots in the world, with more than 60% of the area under forest cover. Although the cultures are often dismissively grouped together, they’re incredibly diverse and worth discovering.

If you’d like to plan a trip in one of these states or in any other place in India, let us know and we can help you out.

In many paths of these states, you’ll find root bridges like this one in Meghalaya, making trekking so much fun

How to get around in North East India?

A remote and hilly area, the infrastructure is not well developed. With the exception of Assam, where they have 4 lane cement highways, roads can be pretty bad. In Arunachal and Nagaland, roads are winding and poorly maintained, with a top speed of 30 km/h. This makes journeys between places long and arduous. Nevertheless, the views are spectacular and will keep you spellbound for the entirety of your trip.

Magnificent view en route to Zero Point, Sikkim (Photo Credit: Tripoto)

How’s Accommodation in North East India?

Accommodation is fairly basic in the majority of the region. Hotels often do not have geysers or showers so buckets with hot water could be provided. Also, some places won’t have Western-style toilets so prepare yourself to squat. Assam, Sikkim and Gangtok do have some extremely comfortable housing for travellers. A growing interest in visiting these endangered and beautiful areas will only bring newer options for tourists venturing there.

Checkout our Guide on India’s Most Luxurious Hotels!

The beautiful green grass and mountain in Sangti Valley at Arunachal Pradesh (Photo Credit: SetMyTrip)

Who is it for?

The northeast has a very raw and rugged beauty, bearing a closer affinity to Southeast Asia than to the general perception of India. If you like to travel rough and truly experience the lives of other cultures then it’s the place for you. Expect the complete unexpected when voyaging through the region.

Despite the idea and perception that the northeast is incredibly primitive and backwards, they have the most widespread rock music scene in all of India. Look up college festivals, local concerts and competitions to get a chance to experience something terrific. They also host quite a few music festivals that draw crowds and bands in from across the country.

There are very few luxury hotels in the northeast India and those that exist are found in selected places like Kaziranga, Shillong, Jorhat and Dibrugarh. So, if you’re a luxury traveller, you might want to look elsewhere in terms of luxurious experiences.

On an elephant safari at Kaziranga National Park (Photo Credit – Travel News)

Cost of travel in North East India

Because of its remoteness, the cost of trips in northeast India is nearly 20% higher than any similar trip elsewhere in India. This is due to the transportation cost which is quite high because of the roads steepness and poor condition. We’d say travelling in groups of 4 or more is the most economical way of doing it. Hotels are also more expensive. A big bonus is that the cost of living is low, and there’s very little chance you’ll meet someone trying to scam you.

Seasons in North East India

November to May is a good time to visit northeast India, but it truly depends on the kind of trip and places you’d like to visit. This is because certain months might be more favourable than others. The northeast is considered in the world as one of the places that receives the most rainfall in the world, so prepare for constant rainfall during many months of the year. The good thing about rain is that it gives it the green luscious touch that makes the region stunningly beautiful.

Learn More: Calculating the Travel Expenses in India

Double Decker Living Root Bridge constructed by weaving the roots of Banyan trees (Photo Credit – Tripzy Go)

The delicious food

While sticky rice is the staple diet of almost every tribe in the northeast of India, they compliment it with a dazzling array of meats, pickles, vegetables and beans cooked in various different ways. They love meat, pork being the favourite but also chicken, fish, snail and smaller game also vying for the top candidate. The residents are famous for cooking anything that moves, a topic you probably shouldn’t bring up directly with your host or residents there. Nevertheless, it’s definitely something to look forward to if you really want to dive into a new culture. Alcohol goes well with all the meat they eat. Rice and millet make the base for delicious local brews.

Small kids are fishing

Permits for Northeast India

Foreigners don’t require permits to enter any of the northeastern states besides Arunachal Pradesh. For this particular state you need a PAP (Protected Area Permit), which costs USD 100 for 2 people and is granted for the duration of 30 days. You have to apply for the permit through a tour operator recognised by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

In conclusion, we at India Someday recommend that you keep 10 days minimum for a trip to the northeast. 10 days is necessary as there’s so much to discover and the remoteness means there is very slow internal travel. Road journeys are long and tiresome, so take a couple more days to visit if you’re looking to relax. Most routes through Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh will require 15 to 20 days. This is to properly experience the varied culture and the beauty northeast India has to offer.

Additional Resource: India Travel Essentials for UK Visitors

Cool places, right? Let us know if you’d like more information or if you’d like to plan a trip with us, and we’d be more than happy to help.

Exchanging Money in India

Posted on August 27, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

The following is a guest article which talks about exchanging money in India is written by Joe, a hotelier and the director of Tripzuki, and first appeared on the Tripzuki Blog. Hailing from England and having lived in different corners of the world, he has a pretty good grip on the situation here, so we got him to write a short post on getting cash in India.

How to Exchange Money in India?

Our guests would often ask what to do about money while they’re here. Where can I get cash in India? Should I carry cash with me to India? What about travellers’ cheques? Those are probably the top 3 questions people ask.

Firstly, as somebody who travels back and forth to India regularly here’s what I do: just use an ATM and withdraw from my foreign account. However, like all the methods described here, there is no perfect way, and all methods come with some charges or complications.

About making card payments in India

Most modern hotels and restaurants in the big cities will take Visa and Mastercard debit and credit card payments, with charges likely to be between nil or 2 to 5%.

Credit cards are good because you may get some protection in case of fraud. Cards, in general, are bad because of the automated security they put in place. This means when a payment suddenly goes through in Delhi instead of your home country. The computer says ‘Woah, that’s weird! Block that card now!’. You then spend the next hour trying to call your bank, and if you’re really unlucky you’re also standing there with a waiter brandishing your unpaid bill.

In less modern establishments, markets, small family businesses, and so on, you’ll be using cash. In other words, you will need cash in India. Oh, it comes in handy for tipping as well.

‘Paisa’ in Hindi means ‘money’. It the lowest denomination of currency in India, but you won’t see them or be expected to pay them. So what’s the best way to get hold of Indian rupees (also interchangeably written as ‘INR’ and ‘Rs’)?

Additional Resource: India Travel Insights for UK Visitors

Using ATMs In India

In most major cities and tourist destinations you will be able to find an ATM. They have spread across the country. You wouldn’t believe how many different banks there are; I counted almost 200 once!

Indian ATMs are a bit quirky in that they’re often a separate, tiny shopfront with a locked door and a half-asleep guard outside. Approach and he’ll open the door for you if it’s not already occupied.

Chances are that you’ll have to put your card in and pull it out a second later – swiping it in effect – and in some machines, you even have to leave your card in. Anyway, to a foreigner it can be a bit confusing but you’ll get the hang of it. The guard will probably help you if you get stuck (as will most Indians).

There are 2 catches to using ATMs in India. Firstly, there is often a maximum withdrawal limit of 10,000 to 15000 rupees. So if you want more than that, head down the road to another ATM and repeat the process.

The second catch is that the bank will give you a crappy exchange rate and your card-issuing bank will undoubtedly charge you a foreign withdrawal fee as well. I paid 5 UK pounds per transaction on my last trip. Banks, huh! (Few banks which you might see in all cities are HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India (SBI))

Indulgence Awaits: Luxury Hotels in India

Exchange Currency at an Airport

You can usually get rupees at the airport but the exchange rate will be really bad. Not only can it be hard to estimate your spending in advance, but who really wants to carry around a huge wad of notes when they’re on holiday?

Find Out More: What you need to know about US to India travel?

Carrying foreign currency while you travel

This can actually be a good option. You can go to an Indian bank that deals with foreign exchange (not all do), stand in line, and get not such a good rate. Alternatively, you can often exchange at your hotel or with a high-street money-changing office (or just a guy that somebody recommends).

The rates in this case vary but often don’t get much worse than the banks’ rates. It’s often the case that foreigners worry about being ripped off in India but with money exchange, I wouldn’t get paranoid about it. If you go to somebody that is recommended by your hotel then chances are they will have a reputation to maintain, and ripping off tourists makes everybody lose face. The best currencies are US dollars, UK pounds, EUR and AUD.

Here is a blog on how to avoid common tourist scams when in India.

Travellers’ cheques what are they?

Do people still use these? I guess they do but as mentioned above, not all Indian bank branches deal with foreign exchange. Despite being shockingly behind the times, even the ones that do might not change your cheques. My advice is not to bother with this option.

So, in conclusion, I’d say there are 2 ways to go about things: take a couple of cards and take some rupees or strong foreign currency. Personally, I’d say just with a couple of cards is the easiest way to travel. Yes, you pay ATM charges, but when you change money, you get hit on the exchange rate, which may seem less tangible but it’s still a charge.

Read Further: Understanding the Budget for India Travel

You can go to an Indian bank that deals with foreign exchange and get a good rate!

At India Someday, we create personalized itineraries for your trip to India. Contact us, and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!

Best Places to Street Shop in Mumbai

Posted on July 7, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

In Mumbai and looking to shop? Ditch the snazzy boutiques and comfort of air-conditioned malls and hit the road for some fun street shopping! The best street shopping places in Mumbai have a variety of clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery to choose from and all at affordable prices.

One golden rule though: you have to haggle. Haggling is an art and if you’re up for it, then you’re all set for an awesome shopping spree.

Here are some of the best Mumbai markets for shopping that are a must-see on our list!

When shopping in India don’t forget to bargain!

Colaba causeway

In the same area as the Gateway of India, and a definite stop for all tourists. One of the cheap shopping places in Mumbai for jewellery. Chunky jewellery, neckpieces, danglers, bangles, bracelets, they’ve got it all. They also sell some lovely scarves here and antique wares like clocks, lamps, bells etc. Walk around here just to get a feel of the city, as this is in the heart of the backpacker district in Mumbai

It is amazing what knick-knacks and antiques you can find on the market stalls (Picture Credit: The Leela Palace)

Fashion street

This shopping lane is near Churchgate railway station. Mainly for clothes and a few shoe stalls, it’s one of the few places that also caters to men. Don’t expect their clothes to last you a lifetime but at the prices they offer, you can change your wardrobe every three months. It is a shopaholic paradise with over 100 stalls that feels like it goes on for miles.

An array of colourful garments to buy! (Photo Credit: Adam Cohn)

Hill road

A hip shopping locale in the ‘Queen of the Mumbai Suburbs’, Bandra is our pick when shopping in Mumbai for clothes. Frequently visited by college girls looking for trendy stuff. Most people love this place particularly for shoes! Boots, Wedges, Kitten heels, Stilettos, the whole shebang! A good place to get western clothes, gowns or evening dresses stitched. Bandra is slightly north of Colaba but just hop on a train and you’ll be there within no time.

Bandra is hippy central of Mumbai so you can find a lot of chic items to buy. (Photo Credit: Jugyah)

Linking road

This is on the other side of Bandra. I guess of the places suggested, this is the longest shopping lane and it has lots to offer too. You’ll find a string of shoe stalls here but mostly daily wear. There are also quite a few boutiques here, some by budding designers and some export rejects. It is easy to get here from Bandra station, only about a 15 minute walk or a quick rickshaw ride away.

You can’t go wrong with such a wide variety at such bargain prices (Photo Credit – Gil Shindler)

Chor bazaar

Literally meaning ‘Thieves Market’, it’s one of the largest flea markets in India. You can find almost anything here and it isn’t limited to just clothes and accessories! The place is massive and has everything from brassware and ceramic to vintage collections. You can even get imported stuff at dirt cheap prices. Brands – think Puma, Nike, Hummel. A paradise for brand-conscious guys that is also light on the pocket!

You can find many vintage treasures at Chor Bazaar – furniture, clothes, accessories, and more (Picture Credit: Travelogy India)

Get in touch with us, and we will help you find some of the best places to visit in India. We can customize the perfect trip for you based on your preferences and budget, ensuring you go back with unforgettable memories.