THE HAIRY GIRAFFE… IN RAJASTHAN
Are you hesitating to go to India? Are you hearing conflicting information about the most populous country on the planet? To help you see things more clearly, we answer 7 questions about India, without taboo or beating around the bush!
 We are François and Benjamin, Canadian and French giraffe hairstylists and travel enthusiasts. On this blog, discover our travels, tips, moods, and everything you need to become a giraffe hairstylist and embark on travelling the world. An honest blog with photos guaranteed 100% unfiltered and untouched. |
- Is it possible to travel independently in Rajasthan, or is it better to opt for an organized tour?
India can be explored independently. Regarding transportation, the railway network connects major tourist cities. Trains are inexpensive and relatively comfortable, but delays due to fog can significantly extend travel time. Non-Indians may find it challenging to obtain tickets, especially online, as it requires an Indian phone number. Purchasing directly at the station is an option, but language barriers may arise. Some hotels can assist in ticket reservations, but be cautious to avoid overcharging. Alternatively, websites like 12go.asia facilitate ticket purchases for various modes of transportation.
For short distances, numerous tuk-tuks are available, but negotiating prices is advisable. Uber operates in several cities, and some cities like Delhi and Jaipur have a clean and safe metro system.
Concerning accommodation, there’s a wide range of options in India, from budget to mid-range. Budget options may cost less than 10 euros per night, offering basic amenities. Even at higher prices (20 to 30 euros), mid-range hotels may lack certain comforts and cleanliness standards. Booking platforms like Booking.com can help secure accommodation, but be cautious of biased ratings and reviews. The insulation is often very precarious, and you will easily hear external noises (honks, shouts, barks) and your neighboring room occupants talking, coughing, partying, or going to the toilet. If you’re adventurous, you can easily find accommodation by walking the streets and responding to the many invitations from locals.
For sightseeing, official guides are often available at tourist sites, and bargaining is common for their services. Alternatively, travel guides or Wikipedia can provide information for self-guided exploration.
While independent travel is feasible, opting for an organized tour offers undeniable convenience. Organized tours handle reservations, transportation, guides, and may provide a more sheltered experience from the extreme poverty visible in Indian cities. However, it may detach you from the authentic daily life of Indian cities. The choice between an authentic yet challenging experience and a comfortable but somewhat detached one depends on personal preferences and budget considerations.
- Do the streets abound with the smell of spices?
Contrary to expectations, the streets are not saturated with the fragrance of spices. Instead, daily experiences are marked by the smells of petrol, exhaust fumes, and cow dung. Incense is prevalent near temples and certain hotels, providing some relief from the otherwise overpowering odors.
- Is India dirty?
Yes, definitely. It’s probably the first thing that strikes a traveler arriving at New Delhi’s train station. We thought we were prepared and expected dirty streets, but we didn’t anticipate cities being as dirty as they are. Entire streets strewn with litter, cow dung everywhere in some cities, dead rats on the sidewalks, malodorous open drains… You better have a strong stomach if you want to stroll through the streets of a city.
If you’re a staunch environmentalist who diligently sorts your waste, you’ll face many challenges seeing that littering everywhere (on the train or in the street, from the bus window, from the balcony…) is a widely practiced norm in India. The only exception during our trip to Rajasthan was Udaipur. Hygiene in mid-range hotels is often quite basic.
However, tourist sites, even if not always well-preserved, are impeccably clean. A tourist walking from an international hotel to a palace would hardly notice this dirt. This impression of lack of hygiene was reinforced by pollution covering the entire region in a thick white veil, with disastrous consequences for public health.
- Is India expensive?
In general, India is not an expensive country. You can eat, stay, and move around for a handful of euros. However, as mentioned earlier, while budget hotels are very affordable, prices can quickly rise, often reaching European levels for a bit of comfort.
While you can find inexpensive souvenirs like magnets, be prepared to spend a significant amount if you want to bring back artisanal products such as jewelry, textiles, or leather goods. Bargaining for your purchases is common. We recommend visiting shops recommended by travel guides, where prices are usually fixed, and sellers are less pushy.
Although daily costs remain low, entrance fees to tourist sites are generally high, especially when compared to the cost of living. For instance, you might pay 300 rupees to visit a mosque, while a complete meal could cost you half of that. Additionally, most tourist sites have different prices for Indians and significantly higher ones (up to ten times more) for foreigners. This distinction in pricing extends to many expenses, including tuk-tuks and souvenirs. However, be aware that the price of food products is indicated on the packaging.
- Is India safe?
Yes, India is a safe country. At no point did we feel insecure. We had no problem leaving our shoes in the street at the entrance of a temple or walking around with a camera or phone in hand, as was sometimes the case in South America or Africa.
- Why are opinions on India so polarized?
India doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. Reading blogs or talking to our loved ones, we quickly realized that with India, it’s either love or hate. It’s rarely a gray area. At the same time, it’s impossible to remain indifferent to all the stimuli that assail us upon arrival and accompany us throughout our journey. Some will say that it’s part of the Indian experience, while others will feel that these stimuli spoil everything and interfere with the discovery of the country. For us, the stay in India was experienced differently by Benjamin and François. We’ll let you read our assessments to find out which categories of tourists we belong to as mentioned earlier.
Opinions are also divided because India is a world apart, with a culture as rich as it is challenging for a Westerner to grasp. Many things are very different from what we take for granted at home, and one can either love or dislike such a contrast.
- Is the Taj Mahal worth its reputation?
Absolutely, without a doubt. The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly India’s gem, majestic, radiant, and intricately crafted. It rightfully holds its place among the wonders of the modern world. The site is well-maintained, providing a peaceful escape from the surrounding chaos. Its size accommodates a large number of tourists without feeling overcrowded. Furthermore, its proximity to Delhi and accessible railway connections make it a must-visit during a trip to India.
Find all our other articles on Rajasthan :
