I spent 60 days in India from July 26-September 22, 2018. It is possible for an American to get a five or ten year visa to India, however, you need to be in The States in order to give your passport to Cox and Kings Company. As I was already in Europe, I was only able to get the two month visa.

I travel with limited funds and usually volunteer which means instead of trying to squeeze in all of India in a two month period, I instead saw two distinct regions quite thoroughly. I spent one month in Goa and the next month volunteering in the Dharamshala area. Some would argue that I never saw the real India. Goa has remnants of when it was a Portuguese colony, plus many Westerners flock there. McLeodganj near Dharamshala is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and holds the exiled Tibetan government. That makes this area feel more Tibetan than Indian at times.

Regardless, I enjoyed experiencing these two unique cultures but obviously need to one day return to India in order to explore the rest of this massive and diverse country. My discussions with other traveler and locals has made me very excited to one day explore Kerala, Rishikesh and Rajasthan. A trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal is also necessary for my next trip to India.

Goa

• Time machine
• Can I Take A Selfie?
• No Means No
• Goa During the Monsoon
• Goa Beach Guide-Monsoon Season

 

 

Dharamshala

• Thosamling Nunnery
• Free Tibet
• The Teachings of the Dalai Lama