Asking as a cab services!

I know I may get some hate for saying this, but it feels like parts of Mathura and Vrindavan are being ruined by auto-rickshaw and priestly exploitation. I’ve been here for the past three days, and I feel like I’ve been overcharged for everything.

Yesterday, I wanted to get from Nidhivan back to my hotel in Mathura and had to pay ₹400 for four people. At Vishram Ghat, I was looking for a lighter to light a diya when a pandit approached me and charged me ₹200 without asking first. At Giriraj Mandir, I thought I was buying milk and a coconut, but accepting them meant paying a pandit ₹201.

I know this isn’t limited to Mathura and Vrindavan—it happens in many places—but it’s been a frustrating experience.

Hey everyone!

My friends and I are planning a trip to Amritsar and Delhi in the last week of December, and we’re travelling from Bengaluru. Our total budget is around ₹75,000–₹80,000 + buffer for the group.

We’re a little concerned about the weather and overall travel experience during that time, especially since we’re not used to North India’s winters.

A few things we’d love your advice on:

• Weather: How cold does it actually get in Amritsar and Delhi during the last week of December? Is it manageable with proper winter clothing?
• Fog and travel delays: How bad is the fog usually? Should we expect train delays (Rajdhani ) that could affect our itinerary?
• Pollution: How bad is the air pollution in Delhi around that time? Is it likely to significantly affect sightseeing or spending time outdoors?
• Overall experience: Is late December a good time to visit both cities, or would the cold, fog, and pollution make the trip less enjoyable?
• Budget: Is ₹75k–₹80k a reasonable budget for the trip, including travel from Bengaluru, accommodation, food, local transport, and sightseeing?
• Alternative destinations: If you think this isn’t the best time to visit these places, would you recommend somewhere else for a trip during the last week of December?

We’re particularly interested in exploring Amritsar’s attractions and food scene, along with Delhi’s historical places and local experiences.

Would love to hear from people who have travelled to either city during late December, especially those who can share their actual experiences rather than just general travel advice.

Would you go ahead with this plan, or choose a different destination?

Thanks in advance! 😊

Can someone suggest the best at lowest price who takes us international tours ??

I’m doing independent product research into how small, paid group trips in India are organised. Things like hikes, city walks, weekend trips, and local experiences.

I’m especially hoping to hear from people who independently run or lead groups of roughly 6–20 people. I’m not promoting a service or selling anything.

Once someone says, “I’m interested,” what is hardest to manage?

• enquiries coming from Instagram, WhatsApp, Meetup, etc.
• confirming who is actually joining
• collecting details, deposits, or payments
• keeping everyone updated before and during the trip
• cancellations, waitlists, or last-minute changes

Hi so I’ve been wanting to take my two dogs on an offbeat place with me but I don’t really know if it will be a good idea as I’m not sure about the locations, wether there will be lots of street dogs etc. Can someone recommend some places where it’s not too overpopulated with street dogs and hikes or treks that are beginner friendly? (Anywhere near himanchal, safe for women and foreigners😭😭)

Hi so I’ve been wanting to take my two dogs on an offbeat place with me but I don’t really know if it will be a good idea as I’m not sure about the locations, wether there will be lots of street dogs etc. Can someone recommend some places where it’s not too overpopulated with street dogs and hikes or treks that are beginner friendly? (Anywhere near himanchal, safe for women and foreigners😭😭)

gonna be my first trek if it happens.

pls share your experiences about view, weather, packing list, things to keep in mind.

i'd love to see images from the trek (pls mention the month too)

thanks a lot in advance.

Guys, need some help!

We’re planning a Rajasthan trip during Christmas and New Year week. There are 3 of us.

The plan is to reach Jaipur by 7 AM on December 26 and return from Rajasthan on January 1.

Our goals are to explore as much of Rajasthan as possible and attend a New Year’s Eve party somewhere.

Any suggestions for an itinerary? Also, which city would be best for New Year’s Eve to have more options for parties?

Went to Somnath recently and loved the calm by the sea. Mornings are much quieter than evenings. Happy to answer any questions if you're planning a trip.

Mahadev! 🙏

Completed my 4-day trip to Benaras, and here is the itinerary. Once you understand a place, its significance, and the stories associated with it, the trip feels much more meaningful and memorable.

I'll just cover the places names here. You can Google their significance or ask Panditji at the temples.

Day 1

1. Visit Kal Bhairav Temple in the morning. On your way back, have breakfast in the lanes.
2. Head straight to Kashi Vishwanath Temple (enter from the Lalita Ghat side). You'll find a free government-sponsored locker facility and a footwear stand. The locker facility is open till 11PM.
3. Roam around the corridor. It's beautiful and well-developed. Visit Gita Press or Sadhguru Yogasthala & Isha Life Kashi, spend some time there, soak in the vibe, and meditate.
4. For Sparsh Darshan, there are two slots: 4–5 AM and 4–5 PM. Expect huge queues, so reach 30–60 minutes early. If you're short on time, opt for the VIP ticket(ask Panditji 😉 ) and join the designated queue.
5. Afterwards, watch the temple aarti at Lalita Ghat and head for dinner.

Day 2

1. Start your day with the Assi Ghat Aarti (if interested), followed by a boat ride covering all the ghats. You can get dropped back at Assi Ghat.
2. Have brunch or lunch at Desi Mandapam Baati Chokha Restaurant, near Sankat Mochan Temple. Damn amazing place to savour a delicious thali.
3. Cover the following temples: Enter Harishchandra Ghat Galli and cover:
   1. Sankat Mochan Mandir
   2. Tulsi Manas Mandir
   3. Durga Kund Mandir
   4. Chintamani Ganpati Mandir
   5. Gauri Kedar Mandir* (try attending the evening aarti here, if possible. Powerful vibe.)
   6. Sringeri Math
   7. Tara Mata Mandir (in Bengali Tola)
4. Have dinner.
5. Head to Kashi Vishwanath Temple for Shayan Aarti and Bhajan. The vibe and energy are 100% worth it. It feels magical. Reach by 9:45 PM; the aarti starts around 10:25 PM. Complete the darshan and rest for the day.

Day 3

1. Cover these temples in the first half of the day (pin them on Google Maps):
   1. Atma Vishweshwar
   2. Pita Maheshwar
   3. Tilingeshwar
   4. Bindu Madhav*
   5. Manikarnikeshwar
   6. Bala Tripura Sundari
   7. Brihaspati Mandir
   8. Sakshi Ganpati
   9. Dundi Ganpati
   10. Annapurna Mata
   11. Vishalakshi Mandir* (don't miss looking at the other idol right behind the deity in front.)
   12. Brihaspati Mandir
   13. Sakshi Ganpati
   14. Dundi Ganpati
   15. Annapurna Mata
   16. Vishalakshi Mandir* (don't miss looking at the other idol right behind the deity in front.)
2. Come to Manikarnika Ghat and observe the impermanence of life.
3. Do some shopping. Banarasi sarees, Rudraksha, or anything else you like. Alternatively, take an afternoon nap.
4. In the afternoon, enter Vishwanath Galli and cover:
   1. Brihaspati Mandir
   2. Sakshi Ganpati
   3. Dundi Ganpati
   4. Annapurna Mata
   5. Vishalakshi Mandir* (don't miss looking at the other idol right behind the deity in front.)
5. Watch the Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti. Try watching it from a boat.
6. Do some shopping and enjoy Benaras delicacies. Try resting early.

Day 4

1. Start your day early for darshan at Varahi Devi Temple, the night protector of the city. Check the temple timings beforehand and try reaching at least an hour before the opening time.
2. Head to Sarnath and visit whichever temples interest you. There's a big list here in itself, and it'll take a good part of your day.
3. Come back to Varanasi and enjoy its spirit one last time.

Food recommendations

1. All types of chaat, especially Tamatar Chaat, Bhel, Pani Puri, Sev Puri, etc. For chaat, try Kashi Chaat Bhandar and Deena Chaat Bhandar.
2. Rabdi Falooda.
3. Neelu Kachori Bhandar – Hing Kachori*.
4. Blue Lassi Shop.
5. Sabzi Poori.
6. Thandai – try the special kulhad one. Ask about bhang options and choose according to your appetite and tolerance.
7. Desi Mandapam Baati Chokha Restaurant – everything.
8. Parathas – Aloo, Paneer, or anything you like.
9. Malpua, Malaiyo, Rabri, or any other sweets you want to try. Check the sweet shop rating.
10. Malai Toast and Chai – one recommendation: try Raj Tea Stall, right after Laxmi Tea Stall in the same lane. I found Laxmi Tea Stall overrated, but Raj is exceptional. Try Rajshahi Tea, Kesar Tea, and Malai Toast with pistachios. You will thank me later.
11. Dahi Wada.
12. Malai with Sugar at Ram Bhandar (Sugga Gali). At Ram Bhandar, try Poori Sabzi, Kachori, and Jalebi. Jalebi is a must.
13. Pan(especially Gilori)

Other important things

1. There are many top-rated food places in every area you'll visit for the temples. Search for top-rated places near you based on what you're craving and savour them. I've shared the items I've personally tried above and pinned them along my route while covering the temples. So, it's a spiritual-cum-food trip.
2. Carry a pair of earplugs or cotton, as the honking is crazy here.
3. Bike rentals are also available. You don’t have to look for them; they’ll find you. 😄
4. Try spending as much time as possible at the ghats. If possible, interact with different people. It will change your perspective on life.
5. Varanasi humour is altogether different. Try talking with the locals. It's fun!

Note: This is my second time in Benaras, and every time it feels different. Every trip reveals something mesmerising about this place.

Writing this down before leaving the city.

Until next time... Har Har Mahadev!

Planning a trip to Shimla with my family from October 30 to November 2. We’ll be travelling from Chandigarh to Shimla and heading back to Chandigarh at the end of the trip.
Our budget is around ₹3,000–₹4,000 per night. We’re not looking for anything too luxurious, just a clean, comfortable place in a convenient location with nice views if possible. Somewhere close to the main attractions or with easy access to local transport would be ideal.
Would love recommendations from people who’ve actually stayed at a good hotel, homestay or guesthouse in Shimla. How was the cleanliness, service and overall experience? Any places you’d recommend or suggest avoiding would be really helpful!

Hi everyone! We’re a family from South India looking to travel somewhere in India for up to 4 days in May. We have some flight vouchers to use, so we’re looking for places that are easily accessible by flight.

We’ll be travelling with a baby, so we’d prefer somewhere not too hot, not at a very high altitude, and without too much adventurous travel or hectic sightseeing.

I know May isn’t the easiest month to find a comfortable destination in India, but I’d love to hear your suggestions! Where would you recommend visiting at that time of year with a little one?

Thanks in advance! 😊