Experiences in India

JuneBow

I posted a month or so ago about travelling in India and got some good replies.
I have researched it a bit more and it seems some of the wildlife parks will be closed during July/August.
Unfortunately, I do not have any other option but to travel in July or August and am looking for views on whether it is worth going then.
I have a rough itinery planned, travelling by train. Basically, Mumbai, Goa, Varansi, Delhi.
I would like to go on some sort of wildlife trip.
However, I am wondering if
a. It is worth going then. I have no option. If it is not July/August it is never.
b. Will there be any parks open during those months.
Appreciate any help.

Bob_the_Saver

I'm not saying it can't be done but if it's your first trip to India just forget it.

PS. In India now as I have been in the winter over the last couple of decades for up to 6 months at a time and I have been to most areas of India.

PPS. your route (especially in that order) by train during the monsoon would be the thing nightmares are made of.

PPPS. I love India but that is not the way to do it.

mandyc

I agree. It will be so uncomfortable and that is why the parks are closed.

markandkate

You should certainly look at internal airlines as the distances are vast. There are a number of budget airlines that fly all over Indai., Spice jet, Kinfisher, Indain Airlines and Jet Airways are the most well known.

Different parks are known for different species of animal and there is a wide variance in weather depending on where in the country you are. You really should try and do some research on the different parks

kochi1

I was in South India in July - we travelled by train and bus and getting stuck in Chennai (Madras) traffic for 2 hours because of the rain was memorable! But we had plenty of dry days there too. Enjoyed travelling on the overnight trains - felt safe and was great for people watching. Wildlife parks as markandkate says do vary on opening periods so worth checking out. I liked Periyar in Kerala. Wherever you go hope you enjoy it - its a beautiful country!

Ponkle22

Are you going on your own? Only I know someone who had to be strategic about getting on the trains behind his female partner (not sure which areas) else lots of arms made a grab where they shouldnt, as she climbed up into the carriage. Obviously this is heresay but thought it worth mentioning.

However, I am a big fan of train travel abroad so dont let this put you off.

Bob_the_Saver

Ponkle22 wrote: »

Are you going on your own? Only I know someone who had to be strategic about getting on the trains behind his female partner (not sure which areas) else lots of arms made a grab where they shouldnt, as she climbed up into the carriage. Obviously this is heresay but thought it worth mentioning.

However, I am a big fan of train travel abroad so dont let this put you off.

That would be quite normal especially in 'Second class sitting' which
would be better called 4th class standing. Sometimes they are so full
it's hard to find somewhere to stand and you have to actually fight to get onboard, don't forget some passangers might be onboard for 3 days
so a space to sit would be a real bonus. You can book especially better classes but they're often booked 2-3 months in advance. Internet booking from the UK is possible though. See Indiamike.com for all you'd need to know.