Potential trip to northeastern India

[The.Dark.One]

I'm considering a trip next year to a few states in norteastern India. Anyone with any experience of doing this that can give me any tips/advice?

Thanks

[CoryWally]

Sounds exciting!

When are you thinking about going? Looking forward to reading the advice from experienced travellers.

Cheers,
Mark.

[Silurus]

Jools was there in 2004.

[Jools]

Indeed, as were you HH, anyway I'm sure Steve has heard me drone on about the trip especially as I did a I did a talk on it to the CSG a few years back.

Jools

[The.Dark.One]

Probably 2011, if it comes off. No Jools I haven't heard that talk unfortunately.

[Jools]

I think the best tip I can give you is add 25% extra time into your trip as you are very likely to become ill and lose between 1 -3 days at some point. Not sure what other advice, specific to the region, you're looking for, but feel free to ask. The original question was a bit broad!

Jools

[Silurus]

...and bring plenty of Pepto-Bismol (and Smecta).

[The.Dark.One]

Thanks guys. Is it food or water causing the illnesses? Did you have any problems with locals being anti-foreigner? According to the Home Office some areas should be avoided in that region.

[MatsP]

[I have never been to India!]

From what I understand, bacteria are "in anything you eat or drink" - you are probably safe with bottled water in tins (not bottles, as some unscrupulous people "rebottle" not so pure water with fake/new seals - much harder to do with tins). I think technically, food is less likely to make you ill, but there is still a risk there.

To some extent, it's probably also the fact that the local common "gut flora" is different - this probably the same as going to ANYWHERE other than your home country for any length of time.

--
Mats

[Silurus]

I wasn't hit by any bug when I was in India in 2004 (can't say the same thing for my traveling companions, though). It's just that spicy food (that is also too greasy) three times a day really gives you a massive heartburn.

You'd have to check regarding travel restrictions in the northeast. Some areas require travel permits for foreigners (e.g. you need an Inner Line Permit to travel to and within Sikkim).

[The.Dark.One]

Thanks guys

[Jools]

The border with Assam is also a bit sticky. But, for these kinds of things you should not the the advice from folks that were there six years ago. Check locally.

Foodwise, drink water, while Mats is partially correct in that you have to be careful its not rebottled, I've never seen tinned water for sale ever. Light beer is also your friend. Vegetable curries always the best bet. I only got sick eating a very local meal which I think was lamb in someones house with my hand. I had to eat it, as not to would have meant I would have refused the best meal the family had for months - however I knew it would be risky.

Smile more than you normally would.

Jools

[The.Dark.One]

Thanks. Fingers crossed I can get away and have the guts to do it!

[lalramliana]

If your plan include Mizoram, prepare to climb (eh! it is a hilly area) as less chances of finding good diversity of fish where vehicles can reach. You'll be needing special permit to enter too. Even the Indians (other than Mizos) need Inner Line Permit to enter Mizoram.

[The.Dark.One]

If your plan include Mizoram, prepare to climb (eh! it is a hilly area) as less chances of finding good diversity of fish where vehicles can reach. You'll be needing special permit to enter too. Even the Indians (other than Mizos) need Inner Line Permit to enter Mizoram.

Thanks for the advice. How do you obtain these permits?

[Silurus]

I think Inner Line Permits are only for Indian nationals. Non-Indian visitors would need a Protected Area Permit.

Wikipedia Foreigners protected area

The easier thing to do might be to avoid visiting areas that require a permit.

[Mod edit: Fix link that isn't compatible with phpBB auto-URL separation --Mats]

[The.Dark.One]

Thanks