FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: India

  • Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – India’s Historic Affordable Train

    When traveling large distances in any country, it can be tempting to simply hop on a plane. However air travel can burn a hole in your wallet, and force you to miss much of the landscape. So resist the urge to take to the skies while you’re traveling in India and take a journey on the country’s famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

    This old-fashioned train, also known as the Toy Train, travels the passage from Siliguri to picturesque Darjeeling. This is just a short trip of 53 miles, but it climbs almost 7000 feet so the journey is quite spectacular. Along the way you’ll see the area’s famous tea plantations, its historic bridges, and the rolling green hills of the Himalayas.

    The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was built way back in the 1800s, but its significance was only recognized in recent times. In 1999 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guaranteeing its future preservation. It’s one of only two railways in the world to enjoy this honor; Austria’s Semmering Railway also has this accreditation.

    The Darjeeling Himalayan Train
    The Darjeeling Himalayan Train
    Despite its fame, you can travel on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for far less rupees than you’d expect. You can splurge on a first-class ticket for around 145 rupees, or $3.50 US, or take a seat on one of the simple second-class benches for a mere 20 rupees. That’s equivalent to just 50 cents!

    A ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway makes a great day trip, or way to reach your next Indian destination.

    [Image Source: Abhishek Kumar/Flickr]

  • Remember Mahatma Gandhi at India’s Free Museums

    While vacationing in India, it’s worth paying tribute to the “Father of the Nation,” the country’s peace-loving leader Mahatma Gandhi.

    Stop for a moment in Delhi to pay your respects at Gandhi Smriti, the site of Gandhi’s assassination. Gandhi lived here from September 1947 until his untimely death in January 1948. It’s free to step inside and view his few personal effects, the prayer ground where he led a congregation every evening, and the statues and paintings created to honor his memory.

    Nearby Raj Ghat is Gandhi’s final resting place. A headstone with his last words, “Hey Ram,” or “Oh God” marks Gandhi’s cremated remains, along with a flame which burns eternally. Major ceremonies to remember Gandhi take place here on his birthday, October 2, and January 30, the day of his death and Martyr’s Day. If you can’t time your visit for one of these dates, you can attend the one of the ceremonies held every Friday.

    Across the road from the memorial you’ll find The Gandhi Memorial Museum. This free museum houses many key artifacts, including the gun and bullets used during Gandhi’s assassination, the shawl and dhoti he wore during his last moments, and one of his walking sticks. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, it also showcases traveling exhibitions concerning India’s history and peace movements.

    Mani Bhavan in Mumbai is another fantastic free museum for Gandhi enthusiasts. Gandhi stayed in this historic building whenever he visited Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. See the room where he slept, and the terrace where he was arrested for sedition in 1932.

    Mahatma Gandhi may be gone, but so long as tourists continue to visit these important Indian museums and sites he’ll never be forgotten.

  • Celebrate the Holi Festival in India

    India is gearing up for the Holi Festival, a carefree two-day event which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and looks forward to a successful springtime harvest ahead. It is celebrated on the day following March’s full moon. In 2011 the event will be held on Sunday, March 20 in most parts of India, although East Indian towns including West Bengal celebrate a day early.

    The Holi festival was first conceived when the demoness Holika was burned to death. This allowed the Indian people to devote themselves to the holy Hindu god, Lord Vishnu. The ritual is remembered at modern celebrations with large bonfires.

    It’s not hard to see why the Holi Festival is often called the Festival of Colors. Colored powder and water is thrown about, leaving Indian cities and their people looking like a rainbow. This practice pays homage to Lord Krishna, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu who would mischievously throw water and colors at local girls. It’s great fun if you don’t mind being messy and soaked through! Just remember to wear old clothes, as the colors often refuse to budge. Rubbing coconut oil onto your hair and skin can also prevent the dyes absorbing.

    A paste made from cannabis called bhang is also traditionally enjoyed during the Holi festival. The drug is mixed in drinks and used as an ingredient in pakoras and vadas. Just be careful, as bhang is very intoxicating!

    You’ll find Holi Festival events in most tourist cities in India, although some locations celebrate more enthusiastically than others. Celebrations are traditional and quite subdued in Mathura and Vrindavan, but loud and proud in Delhi. Culturally rich revelry in the towns of Shantiniketan and Purulia in West Bengal are a real spectacle, and in Jaipur the event is run alongside an elephant festival!

    Painted girls at India's Holi Festival
    Painted girls at India's Holi Festival

    Most events during Holi are free, so celebrating along with the locals is a great way for frugal travelers to spend their time. Just remember to be on your guard if you’re a single woman. While most Indians are friendly and relaxed during festival time, the combination of alcohol and bhang can make some men dangerous. Traveling with a group of friends, ideally including some men, can help women stay safe in India during Holi Festival time.

    [Image Source: Chris Willis/Flickr]

  • Party on Ladies Nights in India – Free Drinks for Female Travelers

    No matter where you go in the world it’s refreshing to know that there are some universal similarities.

    You'll probably be able to find a Big Mac, the capitals will be crowded and overpriced, and young people love to party. So while tourists flock to India to see the Ganges River and eat authentic Indian cuisine, they also head to nightclubs once the sun goes down. A few nights out can be expensive for male travelers, but females are in luck! Many bars and nightspots in India's tourist centers have ladies nights. Admission and drinks are usually complimentary, so make sure you go easy to avoid a nasty hangover. These midweek events encourage more women to frequent the establishments, which in turn increases male patronage! Women can enjoy free drinks and girl power music on Tuesday nights at New Delhi's Café Morrison. The nightspot even offers cab-drops for patrons who've indulged in a few too many cocktails. The mojitos and vodkatinis flow freely for women at nearby Turquoise Cottage each Monday.cool cocktail photo Plenty of Mumbai establishments also join in the fun. They blast retro tunes and keep the free drinks flowing at Firangi Paani on Mondays, Zenzi, and Zenzi Mills do the same thing on Tuesdays, and if you're up for more you can do it again at the Wink Bar or Vie Deck and Lounge on Wednesdays. Local entertainment guides including Time Out Worldwide have details of all these events, so grab one when you're in town and prepare to party!

  • Tipping in Asia – Money Customs in Eastern Tourist Spots

    Tipping is a way of life for anyone living in North America or Europe. But in Asia the practice is less common, and the etiquette surrounding it can cause confusion.

    This guide will tell you what gratuities are expected in Asia's major tourist centers. Tipping is most common in Thailand, where it is expected in all establishments that don't apply a service charge to the bill. It's typical to tip 10% of your restaurant bill, but you may give 15% for outstanding service. There is no need to tip Bangkok street vendors, or staff at food halls and noodle huts. Massage therapists and salon employees are also generally given 10% of your treatment cost as a tip. Thais tend to round up their taxi fare, offering the odd amount of baht as a tip, although you may be more generous if the driver helps you with your bags. Porters should also be tipped; while there are no rules for this 20 baht per bag is a good guide. The Japanese consider the practice of tipping rude, so do not leave extra yen under any circumstances. Instead, reward good service by saying the appreciative phrase "gochisou sama deshita" with a smile. Tipping is also restricted in Singapore, so keep your change in your pocket. Most large hotels and restaurants will add a 10% service charge to your bill, but workers in other establishments and taxi drivers will refuse any extra payment.Keyboard with three money keys Tipping is not expected in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and The Philippines, but workers in these countries will not be offended if you leave a gratuity. Employees of hotels and restaurants in large cities are used to international tourists leaving tips, but the practice may confuse workers in smaller establishments. Don't be surprised if they chase you to return your change! While the Western concept of tipping is not practiced in India, the country has a similar custom called baksheesh. This idea encourages wealthy people to give to those less fortunate. Hotel porters will expect some rupees for their service. Restaurant staff won't anticipate these kinds of kickbacks, but they'll certainly appreciate a gift of 5-10% of the total bill.

  • Calculate Cab Fares with World Taxi Meter | Great Travel Website for Tourists

    You needn’t get stung by high cab fees when you’re traveling around the world, thanks to the nifty World Taxi Meter website.

    Simply enter your departure point, your destination, and the time you’re traveling and the website will do the rest.

    It will estimate the fare you can expect to pay (in any currency), how long you'll wait in traffic, and much more. Of course the website doesn't have details for every destination in the world, but many tourist centers are covered. It's ideal for navigating the traffic chaos of New Delhi, the busy Australian streets of Sydney and Melbourne, and downtown Singapore. The handy tips for taxi travel are also very useful for tourists. The site offers advice specific to each city, such as information about public holiday and late night surcharges, tipping, and local taxi ranks. This website should ensure you're not caught short during your travels, or ripped off by cunning cab drivers out to make a quick buck. Hopefully we'll see it expanded to include more destinations, particularly in Asia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, soon.

  • Explore India on a Jeep Safari

    India is a vast country with many places begging to be explored, but few tourists ever reach some of the nation’s most breathtaking spots.

    The country's deserts and mountains are not easily accessible by traditional Indian transport, but don't let that stop you discovering them. A jeep safari is up to the challenge! The rugged jeeps are made for dealing with the varied terrain you'll encounter in the Indian wilds. One can take on the sandy ground of the Thar Desert, and then switch gears to tackle the rocky Manali Leh route across the Himalayan Mountains. The majestic Himalayan Mountains are the most popular place for a jeep safari. You'll travel through rugged valleys untouched by the commercialism of India's major centers. A highlight of your journey is Pangong Tso Lake, a high-altitude basin which serves as a summer home for many migrating birds. This serene wilderness is breathtaking, so make sure your camera is fully charged. [caption id="attachment_4769" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Himalayan Mountains"]The Himalayan Mountains[/caption] If you'd like to connect with the locals, consider traveling through Uttarakhand's Kumaon and Garhwal regions are worth a visit. The area has small hill towns with marketplaces where you can by textiles and woolen items carefully crafted by neighborhood women, as well as homemade pickles and chutney. If locals of a different kind pique your interest, you'll find them at India's remote parks. Some of the best include the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and Sariska and Jim Corbett National Parks. Many travelers join a camel safari tour to explore these inaccessible areas, but a jeep is much quicker, and more comfortable. Of course you'll pay for those advantages, and the experience isn’t quite as unique, but if you have the cash to spare this is the better option for an extended journey. The Indian landscape is unforgiving, so it's not advisable to go it alone. You could join an organized convoy if you enjoy traveling in a group, or hire a guide if you prefer a more intimate travel experience. You may be a confident driver, but the guides know the safest traveling routes and essential travel items. Hiring a guide allows you to linger a little longer at places of interest and skip through the boring bits without feeling tied to the schedule of a group, but you'll lose out on the social aspect. Whatever style of jeep safari takes your fancy, a local tour company such as Peak Adventures or Ibex Expeditions can organize it. ?

  • Explore New Delhi On Foot Or Bike – Traffic-Free Havens in India

    Traveling around India can be a scary prospect for foreigners, with unpredictable drivers all zooming about at high speeds.


    It's enough to deter anyone from a casual stroll or cycle. But there are a few places around New Delhi worth exploring on foot, or two wheels. Dwarka, near India's international airport, has the capacity to house more than a million people. Yet this large residential center is one of the few places in India that’s not overcrowded. It’s only around 40% occupied, so the roads are delightfully underutilized and of great quality. If you'd prefer a longer journey you can hire a bike from the Delhi Metro Station for 30 rupees, the equivalent of one American dollar. Once you’ve got two wheels, head towards Gurgaon. Even during peak time, the ride is pleasant and peaceful. If you want to learn more about India's history head to Sansar Marg in South-Central Delhi. The track from Sansar Marg to India Gate, via Connaught Place, takes in many historic sites. Look out for the Old Fort and Raj Ghat, a memorial to peaceful leader Mahatma Gandhi. Given the tourist attractions around these parts it can get busy during peak times, but it's very tranquil in the early morning. Delhi University is like a green oasis in the middle of the capital city. It's easy to spend a day exploring the campus' leafy grounds and the off-road cycling trails of the DU Ridge. Cars are prohibited here, so you can look about without fear of a motor vehicle encounter. Once you've worked up an appetite, visit the nearby shopping district of Kamla Nagar for a bite to eat.

  • India’s Sulabh International Museum of Toilets Traces Lavatory History

    Museums typically pay tribute to the best parts of our history, like the majestic carved Chinese warriors of the Terracotta Army Museum or the proud Maori traditions celebrated at many New Zealand institutions.


    But you won't find any such reverence at the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi. You'll find the museum inside Sulabh International, a social organization which works to improve human rights, sanitation, waste management, and other social and environmental concerns through education. Perhaps unsurprisingly the museum is the only one of its kind in the world. This Indian landmark traces the evolution of the lavatory, from humble chamber pots to more high-tech loos. Looking at some of the most primitive designs from ancient Egypt, Babylonia, and Greece is enough to make you very grateful that you live in modern times, with modern conveniences! On the other hand, the throne made to look like a bookshelf would be a welcome addition in any bathroom. The attention to detail is impressive, and perhaps a little bit disturbing. Museum curator Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak searched the world over to learn of the minutest changes in toilet design around the globe throughout history. Apparently the museum was designed as a vehicle for social change to improve sanitation conditions, but I think most visitors will enjoy it as a bit of an oddity. The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets is open from Mondays to Sundays from 10 am until 5 pm.

  • Discover Darjeeling – Much More Than Tea in Indian Mountain Town

    You’ve heard of the tea, but have you considered Darjeeling for your next vacation?


    The Indian locale nestled in the Himalayan Mountains in West Bengal offers a different side of India to tourists willing to make the trek. The region is known as the Queen of the Hills, so you'd be remiss not to experience the locale's rugged landscape first hand. There are a variety of trails to suit leisurely walkers and advanced trekkers, and challenging river rafting runs for those looking to get their blood pumping. The Himalayas are home to many beautiful and unique animals, and you'll find them all at Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. It has some of the world's most successful breeding programs for the endangered snow leopards, Himalayan wolves, Siberian tigers, and red pandas.[caption id="attachment_4493" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Tea plantation in Darjeeling"]Tea plantation in Darjeeling[/caption] The Theravada monks may wake you when they beat their drums walking the streets of Darjeeling between 4 and 5 am each morning. If you'd prefer to see them at a more civilized hour you can visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda at Charlimont on the city’s outskirts. Darjeeling's oldest site is Observatory Hill. The historic Bhutia Busty monastery was sadly destroyed in the 19th century, but now the temple of Mahkala stands in its place. The hill is a wonderful look-out point offering views of the surrounding mountains. All that sightseeing will help you work up an appetite for Indian food. Darjeeling's cuisine is an intriguing mix of North Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan fare. Make sure you try the steamed Tibetan momos and hearty soups. Just remember to set out early for dinner, as the city goes to sleep around 9 pm each night. Darjeeling has many hotels and lodges, but you'd be advised to spend a bit more on your dwellings. Budget accommodation is poor value compared to the rooms in the rest of India, and there are few backpackers' hostels. The forest guest houses are a lovely option if you want to get back to nature, but you'll need to obtain a permit from the West Bengal Forest Department first. No matter where you bunker down, you'll find Darjeeling brings a refreshing change of pace to your Indian vacation.

    [Image Source: Partha Sarathi Sahana /Flickr]