India

When you think of India, you often think of overpopulation. Nevertheless - at least on the smaller roads - cycling in this country is very good and quiet, there is little traffic and still something to see everywhere.

There is an abundance of nature, beautiful beaches alternate with mountains overgrown by jungle. Not only in big cities, but also in all small towns you will find temples and you can see the culture and religion in the daily life of the people. The people in non-touristic places are very friendly and hospitable. It is also very easy to find food and accommodation.

The local people are nice, interested, curious, willing, helpful. You often receive invitations to use or spend the night in people's homes. Moreover, people are very interested in how the bicycle works!

The people in the south are hospitable, which often manifests itself in the provision of coffee, etc. Especially in smaller cities and the countryside you have a great sense of security, just as if stealing is not in their dictionary. Larger cities also feel safe, using common sense remains the message of course. I have more often than not put the bike in the room at night, many hotels have a porter, the bike is very safe here.

The people are very curious and like to get in touch. In the south, a little more English is spoken and signposts are also in English. The official language Hindi, which is spoken in the north, is hardly spoken in the south; each state has a different language with different dialects. Some cyclists have trouble with people's curiosity, especially the tinkering with the bike and the gears.

Religion is very visible in life in India; everywhere along the way you will find pilgrims, on their way to a place of pilgrimage. These are often very pleasant conversation partners.

Martin: "The population is nice but very curious. Waiting for the barriers, three rows of Indians will soon be around you. They are sitting on the (recumbent) bicycle, wanting to know everything about it (gear system sir? the bell rings). Stay relaxed. In India, people are everywhere. "

Marc: "Stone throwing boys are actually recognizable in advance by their attitude. During these six weeks, if I remember correctly, it happened four times. If I have the opportunity I try to talk to them about it (they rarely understand it and they usually take off immediately when you turn around), but I think this is a job for the adults of the region (they often do this too, if there is one nearby)."

Lukas: “Indians always seem to be after your money, they are unable to have a conversation, in English, which does not ultimately lead to a request to buy something. The people, especially in the countryside, are incredibly curious: people always cycle with you and as soon as you stop the whole village literally comes running and then starts staring at you alone. Hardly anything is said then. In India you are never alone, it is nowhere quiet and everyone always wants something from you, this will start to get you upset very quickly (but it seems that it will pass after a few months). The population (or India as a whole) is so different that in the beginning you are completely annoyed but want to go back afterwards. ”

All federal states have their own specialties. Almost in all states and restaurants they sell nan bread, chapati, lentils, raitha, curry dishes, egg dishes and especially rice! Of course you will find many vegetarian restaurants, but meat and fish is also readily available.

Stalls

• You can find stalls on the street very often, typical dishes are:
• Bread dishes: chapati, parotha, naan, roti, ... In the south you sometimes find fresh rolls or packaged rolls. I asked for [warapaw] or [paw] (pronounced like that). Nice for breakfast for those who have less easy Indian breakfast. Or you eat chapati with bananas.
• Typical dishes for the south: puri, dosa, idli (typical breakfast), "meals": rice with lentils, curry and papad (similar to dahl). You can sometimes ask for an omelette at the stalls that make puri or other things.
• You will find tea houses on many main roads. The "chai" is a specialty here, but coffee is also available (at least in the south). Some also have cold drinks and meals.
• In the south you will often find stalls with coconuts, more south also other fruits such as pineapple, ...

Markets and supermarkets

There is a good supply of both in cities of some significance.

Restaurants

In the cities there is often a large choice of restaurants, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In the tourist cities there is even more choice and more Western food available.

Drinkable water

In the villages there are wells or taps where you can refuel if you disinfect or filter the water.

Mosquitos are your worst enemy, as they also contain malaria. Using DEET might help, or use medicines if you don't want to end up in a hospital in India. Bringing a desinfection gel with you might also be useful, to regularly wash your hands.

Best time to cycle

January & February are fine, (10 to 20 degrees C). March quickly becomes uncomfortably warm and April and otherwise the rainy season is not suitable for cycling trips.

Spare parts

In India there are many bicycles that are used for short distances. However, there are hardly any bicycles with gears. So you cannot count on spare parts. Indian mountain bikes are sold, but are certainly an exception outside the big cities. If you have a problem with your modern Shimano assembled bike and you need to get spare parts, you will have to go to Delhi or Bombay.

Tips

Let India come over you and experience it. It helps if you take your time and are patient with the people. Try to talk to people as much as possible; a booklet with photos from your own life is a great means of communication. I sometimes gave a photo away to people with whom I had a good contact or who helped me.