What is it really like inside Mumbai’s biggest slum?

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Similar to the idea of a township tour whilst I was in Cape Town last summer, a slum tour in Mumbai, an espionage into a poverty-stricken area, seemed like an uncouth thing to do. Taking part in Reality Tours’ Dhavari slum tour was far from that, however. What I saw was a tight-knit community which worked hard, earned their living honestly, operated with sustainability in mind, and quite possibly, some of the most enterprising groups of people I have encountered.

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A boat ride around the Ganges in Varanasi

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Varanasi is the epitome of India many people think of before they touch the soil: it is dirty, crowded, loud, noisy and crazy. When I arrived from an overnight train from Khajuraho, the tuktuk drivers proceeded to harass my friends and I; when we finally got a good deal on a pair of tuktuks (it took a lot of haggling), we passed through narrow streets littered with trash, which was also where skinny cows seemed to loiter around.

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A Solo Female Traveller’s Guide to Zostels in India

The hanging seat in the balcony (Jaipur)

It is long known that hostels are the best type of accommodation around to meet fellow travellers if you’re going solo. They’re inexpensive, located in the major backpacking spots in India, and you’re guaranteed a different experience in each location. Though not as cheap as guesthouses, the friendly atmosphere often created by social spaces and lounges, and probability of finding other solo travellers make it worth the extra rupee.

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Two Months in India: Solo Female Travels on a Budget

*My last stop: sunrise at the Taj Mahal, Agra*

India was at the top of my travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. I’m not sure why or how I became fascinated with this South Asian country, but the promise of a colourful adventure was very appealing. Rick Stein’s latest programme on India and its cuisine re-affirmed my desire to visit the country. I just had to go.

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Friends of Orchha: staying in a homestay in Madhya Pradesh

Situated over 1 km away from Orchha, the village of Ganj is home to the beautiful initiative created by Asha. Friends of Orchha is a unique homestay in Madhya Pradesh, showcasing the beauty of rural life in Central India, with particular emphasis on the socio-economic progress of the villagers and the sustainability applied to their day-to-day lives.

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Go, Goa, Gone

Being struck ill in Jaisalmer, I was suddenly stuck on my plans after a couple of weeks in Rajasthan. Do I head to Himachal Pradesh early, before the season begins, or do I follow suit and head to Goa for a while?

A flight from Delhi to Goa was booked on April 11 for just over 4000 rupees one-way, and I flew to the smallest state of India two days later.

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Jodhpur in less than 600 rupees/£6

For many Westerners, travelling around India is a fairly cheap ordeal. I managed to cut costs down dramatically by partnering up with Zostel, the first and largest branded hostel chain in the country. In addition, getting clued up on apps such as Ola Cabs and Jugnoo, and travelling groups have helped, too.

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