India in 3 days - DPChallenge Forums

11/15/2004 04:46:16 PM · #1

Ok, this is last minute.. as is many of the things I do, BUT! I'm going to India for 3 weeks for my cousin's wedding. For a week I'll be in my family's village in punjab, but then I'm free to tour, and I want to visit Shimla (mountainous region), Rajastan (where many palaces are) and Goa (the beaches). Anyone been there recently and have some tips? I wasn't rich enough to get a new camera, but I did get an external drive to store photos! Thanks everyone.

PS: I am also spending 2 days in Singapore if anyone has any thoughts about that. :)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

11/15/2004 05:04:07 PM · #2

Seriously, cutey, how long have you got?

Unless you're flying it takes AGES travelling across India, even on the train, let alone in a car. We usually get a private car with driver for as many days as needed - I'm always blown away by how inexpensive this is. Of course I can't give details as my uncle in Delhi always arranges it but I'm sure your relatives will know too.

I'd suggest concentrating on one area or perhaps a couple of areas that are nearer to each other, personally.

One of my favourite places to visit is Haridwar. Totally fascinating. Have you been? And I love Jaipur too.

I'm thinking in terms of photgraphic potential and tourism interest.

hsteg

Fujifilm X-T20

11/15/2004 05:07:09 PM · #3

Harrisons Plan for traveling:

First off, Id bring a camera. Probably digital.
Second, Id bring lots of memory, a lotta batteries, and whatever else you have for it.
Third, Id take lotsa pictures.

You cant go wrong with my plan.

11/15/2004 05:11:01 PM · #4

Well the nitty gritty is as follows:

I have enough memory/storage for 20G. I think I'm ok. (thanks for the checklist, harrison!)

I am travelling with my extremely energetic mother and not as energetic brothers.

I am going to be in india for slightly less than 3 weeks.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

11/15/2004 05:17:31 PM · #5

So two weeks to travel...
What method of transport are you planning on?
I loved the entire experience of Indian sleeper trains as a kid - from the frequent stops at stations where we could buy Richie Rich comics and sweet, strong chai from the station vendors to the hordes of people clinging to the roof to the green leather bunk beds that folded up against the walls during the day to the stacked tins in which the train meal was transported.
Of course, that's because it was so exotic to a kid bought up in Luton and London!
Is Haridwar anywhere near those mountainous areas you want to visit?
It really is fascinating.

akshayvh

Canon EOS-7D

11/15/2004 05:18:01 PM · #6

I had the chance to visit Goa in Feb 2003; wasn't much into photography then. Make sure you visit Baagha beach, you find most of the tourists there. Also try to spend an evening at the nightclubs around that place; most of them are free and should make good photography venues.

arpita

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

11/15/2004 05:19:16 PM · #7

it's been a while since i've been travelling in india.. but the forts and palaces in rajasthan are simply amazing for photography. Goa i'm not that sure.. there are some beautiful churches too i think. shimla i've never been to (sigh :D). you could try the taj again, maybe early in the morning.. and the agra fort has some great framing shots (i was really wishing i could be there during the framing challenge!)

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

11/15/2004 06:29:48 PM · #8

Yeah the forts of that area are definitely photogenic. Especially if you can find some that are less visited, I'm sure you'll be able to.

Delhi too has it's share of amazing photo (and shopping) opportunities.

Canon EOS-20D

11/15/2004 06:38:37 PM · #9

Bring handiwipes. They are always useful when traveling. :)

kosmikkreeper

Nikon D300s

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

11/15/2004 07:20:03 PM · #10

For Singapore, take lots of photos of strange signs like the "no urinating" sign in elevators. and the "no chewing gum or else we throw you in prison" sign or the "no durian fruit" sign in the metro. :-)

As for India... can I come along???? :-P I've been to Nepal and I dream of going to India!

11/16/2004 05:07:06 PM · #11

ooh... I hope we have a street sign challenge while I'm gone then! ;)

And you are welcome to fit yourself next to my camera in my carry on luggage and come along for the ride if I can borrow your camera. ;)

Shellzoo

Sony DSC-S30

11/16/2004 05:12:18 PM · #12

I went to Goa about three weeks ago. Great Place to take loads of photographs, it's really green there. There are fantastic people and places there. Hope you have a great time!

11/16/2004 05:33:34 PM · #13

Do you get the Sunday Times Travel Magazine there? The one I bought today has a long feature on India - not bad at all.

sfalice

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

11/16/2004 07:31:26 PM · #14

As Kavey has said, "get a car and driver." It is remarkably inexpensive, and with your connections in India you can undoubtedly find the best transportation available. Your driver will, if he's topnotch, act as your guide as well.

Mind you, driving requires nerves of steel, as competition for space on the unmaintained main roads is fierce and can run from camel carts and oxen to lorries sans brakes. However,this makes for super photographs.

Good luck!

Edited to show scanned pics:

camelcart and

lorry

Message edited by author 2004-11-16 19:48:25.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/16/2004 07:31:51 PM · #15

no, I have never even heard of this magazine. have a link?

johnnydpc

Canon PowerShot S30

11/17/2004 03:25:33 AM · #16

Check this out: //outlooktraveller.com/

Their print editions like Heritage Holidays in North & Central India, 52 WEEKEND BREAKS FROM DELHI, WEEKEND BREAKS FROM MUMBAI, .. are quite handy.

akulkarni

Olympus E-330 EVOLT

11/17/2004 03:38:51 AM · #17

I have just been from hampi in karnataka ... unique place in the world. Its declared as world heritage. It is a 700 yr old city built in granite.
Will take arnd 4-5 hrs from goa .. spend atleast 2 days if u like ruins, architecture and stuff.

In goa dont miss palolem beach down south .. calm blue water beach.
Some of my Goa Pics
Mandrem & Arambol beach norh are also the peaceful types

3 weeks is a short time for india.
Would be gr8 if u ask this question @ indiamike.com or lonleyplanet.com

happy journey

Message edited by author 2004-11-17 04:11:09.

yashman

Sony DSC-W1

11/17/2004 04:14:29 AM · #18

You have a very nice itinary planned - Shimla - mountains/hill stations,Rajasthan - deserts ,Goa - beaches.So why leave out a heritage place like Taj Mahal! Check out the photographers there who shoot some 'trick' photography there. It's just a few hours drive from anywhere in Punjab.Also since you will be in rural Punjab,the ready to harvest paddy/wheat/sugarcane fields will be an awesome photo op.As for Rajasthan,Udaipur is the best.

dpdave

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

11/17/2004 05:33:56 AM · #19

//www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/indian_subcontinent/india/india.htm

Lonely planet has always given me a good, and fairly accurate synopsis of what is available. If you can find the guidebook, it's even more in depth.

I agree with Harrison's checklist, take piles of pictures, and have fun.